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lj-lephemstar · 2 days ago

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Progress Checkup! (Jan. 2025) | Scratchin' Melodii Devlog

Hey guys! Time for another progress checkup; This is actually the first one of the new year! I hope you were all able to enjoy the holidays. I took a bit of a break from working on most stuff last month and have been getting back on things this month. First, I wanna thank everyone who's wishlisted Scratchin' Melodii on Steam! So far, the game's gotten over 17,000 wishlists! Thanks so much for the support!

In the previous devlog, I mentioned some changes to the rhythm system. In the Dragon Funk preview, you can see the new rhythm system and character icons I mentioned in the previous devlog! Actually, let's unpack some of the new things you're seeing in action there:

Hold Notes This is the first song in the game to include hold-notes! They mostly work the same as they would in any other rhythm game. However, since this game has an emphasis on self expression, moving the control stick during these will let you tune the note's pitch-bend for extra expression points! I showed that off in a post here. As for Pow Notes, I've been working on a way to let the player get expression points from these too! I'd like for most of the special notes like these to be not just a gimmick, but a tool that the player can use to their advantage.

Quadruple Lines Yep! The first blue line in this one is extra long and has 4 rows! Fun fact actually, I had to implement this feature after I realized that part of the song was too long to fit in just two rows. It was pretty difficult to figure out both how to do it and how to execute it in a way that doesn't feel too jarring, but I'm pretty satisfied with the results! In fact, barely anyone's even noticed it; I guess that's just how natural it feels! Not sure how much more often I'll be having lines longer than two rows, but it's great that I have the option now.

AutoPlay You might also notice that the player inputs are perfectly timed... TOO perfect... that's because I've developed an autoplay feature for the game! At the moment, it's mostly for debugging and stuff, but if all goes according to plan, AutoPlay Mode and Replays should hopefully be available to players as well in some form when the game comes out!

"Next" Indicator & Other UI Related QoL Some of the top things players said they had trouble with in the demo were related to being prepared for the next line. So, if you look at the right-end of the rhythm bars, you'll see a little tab that shows the color and amount of rows the next line will have! Also, now each line's suggested notes can be seen before the rival performs them. This did take some thought, as I actually kinda still liked the idea of it appearing as if the characters were making it up on the spot, but to put game design first, it makes more sense to have it displayed as soon as possible so the player has more time to react and prepare. This also opens up more possibilities for future mechanics, so in the long run, I think I've made the best choice here.

Now, let's get into what I've been and/or will be working on that you haven't seen yet!

Act 2's Boss The music for the Act 2 Boss is nearly complete! I'll likely be starting to animate it pretty soon. This song is the longest one I've done so far, clocking at a duration of a little over 3 minutes long!

More Animation Updates for Stir & Mix At this point, I've done even more cleanups on the sequence you saw in the last devlog and I've finished animating the "I wanna" scene of the song, which will probably have the most changes out of any other scene in the song. When I first animated Stir & Mix, I didn't quite have the time or skills to do everything I really wanted to do with it. That scene in particular I felt was WAY too stiff and boring, especially compared to the more dynamic and fluid scenes that appear in some of the other the stages now. I'd say I'm about halfway done retouching all the animations for this one!

Refined Model Sheets I don't talk about these very often, but sometime around 2023 I started using model/reference sheets for the characters. (I might show them off someday, but for now they're staying private!) Before this point, the designs are pretty inconsistent from shot to shot, so this helped a lot with that. Recently, I've done some revisions I'm really pleased with. Their designs are finally becoming... well, final! I'll be reworking the affected characters' hub world sprites at some point to reflect these changes.

Slight Reworks for some Act 1 Songs On the sound side, Stir & Mix's vocals have been reworked again! As I've mentioned in the previous devlog, 2cada's tuning style and techniques have evolved a bit since we first started working together, so we thought it'd be fun to go back and incorporate some of that into it. We'll also probably be reworking the structure of Nami's song a little bit at some point just to make it a feel a bit more solid, which may require a new line or two from her voice actor, Meggie-Elise! So funnily enough, it seems some of the songs will have end up having TWO unused beta versions after this.

Also, a quick PSA: Please note that beta versions of content will NOT be included in the full game. I've heard people ask for them to be "brought back" or toggleable, but in my situation something like that is both easier said than done and I also just... don't want to LOL. With as many directions I can take this game, I know I can't satisfy everyone, but I can make a game that satisfies me, so I'm aiming for that! And hey, maybe other people will like it too.

I think that's all I wanna talk about for now! Thanks so much for reading. It can be a bit of a daunting task to write these at times, but I'm glad to keep you up to date on the project when I can.

-LJ

#scratchin melodii

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utterlyazriel · 23 hours ago

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whom the shadows sing for — (and the thief's echoing hymn)

a/n: getting to have them be not in constant danger or emotional turmoil for one chapter? crazy. how do these goobers even flirt <3 as always, thank u for your patience and please let me know what you think!

word count: 4.4k

synopsis: Finally accepting Cassian's invitation to breakfast, Rhys offers you a proposal. You take flight for the first time since that fateful night in Exordor.

CHAPTER TWELVE :: SHRIKE (TO YOUR SHY AND GLORIOUS THORN)

As dawn breaks the next morning, rain pours.

Weather has never been a deterrent for Illyrian warriors. Cassian, Azriel, and yourself rise and head to train all the while, welcoming the extra challenge. Blades and boots swing, slicing through a thousand raindrops, sending graceful arcs of water in their wake.

From a distance, the movements so controlled, you think you might almost get mistaken as Summer soldiers, so adept in the water.

Though, as training draws to a close and you all pack inside, wings shivering from the icy sheets of rain, you steal a long glance at the two towering figures.

Their wings, like your own, make a terrifying silhouette and your matching armour glitters in blackness and rain.

With a glimmer of pride, you rapidly reconsider—there's no mistaking you for anything but what you are: soldiers of the Night.

“Breakfast?” Cassian offers, as he’s done after every one of your training sessions. He's the first to break the tired silence post-training, pulling the bulkier, unneeded armour off his chest.

It appears, despite your constant declinations, Cassian is not one to be discouraged. He still asks and he never seems put out with your answer.

That fact stirs something in you, a warm glow — his easy attempts to always include you mean more to you than he'll likely ever truly know.

You glance at Azriel beside you, silent. He’s scrubbing at his wet hair with a towel, same as yourself, and when you meet his eyes, he tilts his head an inch. If you want to, I will too.

Between training and wandering the halls occasionally, you still haven’t actually spent much time outside your room.

It's a built-in habit you've yet to shake. Fruitless exploring was an expenditure you couldn't afford to waste energy on back in the mountains.

You steal another glance at Azriel.

Friends. That's what you are now. Friends go to breakfast with one another... at least, you think they do.

Besides, eyes darting to Cassian, you have two of them now. Maybe it’s time to start breaking out of your old routine and start forging a new one.

“Alright.” you say, trying to swallow the timidness in your voice.

“Really?” Cassian goads, brows raised high, even as his eyes gleam happily at the accepted invite. A wicked grin takes over his face.

“I’ve been trying to get you to come for weeks and now Az’s here, suddenly you’re in.”

Something in you flusters at his teasing, even if you know his words has no real heat.

You’re saved from having to sputter through an answer when Cassian, forgoing using a towel, shakes his wet hair out much like a dog would.

Cold rains splatters out and you hiss, flicking a drop off the edge of your wing with distaste.

Brows raised, you say, “I’ve wonder why.”

Cassian’s shit-eating grin is his only reply.

You cut a glance to Azriel to find he’s already looking your way, a weary but amused look in his eyes, his shadows lingering around his shoulders, languid and relaxed. He’s had far more years of Cassian's nonsense than you.

Breakfast, you find, is a lot of the food Azriel had brought with him to Exordor.

Ripe, fat berries, fruits of a multitude of colours, and still warm bread fill the ochre tabletop. Jugs and flagons of different juices and the like group in the middle. You're spoiled for choice.

Back home, it would be a feast. Once upon a time, you’d have probably sneered at the display, as you had once at Azriel.

Now, you think of Rhys' words.

You think about earning and deserving.

This change is one of the harder things for you to face… but you know it’s for the best.

The table is set for three. As you sit, you ponder if Cassian’s been setting a place for you each time, never knowing if you’d say yes—and wonder more if he found it aggravating, your constant closedoffness.

A glance at him only reveals his still friendly smile. There’s not a hint of annoyance.

Right. You’re friends.

Cassian takes the seat to your left, Azriel on your right, leaving you in the middle between them. Rhys had explained the uses and limits of the magic of the House to you already and as such, you had become familiar with it fetching meals to your room.

It’s been a plain affair. You’re used to at best, tasteless, and at worst, stomach-churning food. As long as it’s nutritional, it’s on the menu.

How are you supposed to know what else there is? Even the foods Azriel had brought with him weren’t as decadent as these before you.

You find yourself waiting, watching the plates on either side of you to see what they’ll choose. The rain continues outside, a gentle din on the sides of the House.

Cassian’s plate fills first.

You watch, wide-eyed, as several hot, flat brown discs flop onto his plate, still steaming. A drizzle of something thick and sweet follows, a soft caramel colour dolloping in the middle.

It smells heavenly.

“Have you ever had pancakes?” Azriel’s quiet voice from the other side of you speaks up.

You blink, tearing your eyes off Cassian’s breakfast to Azriel and gingerly shake your head.

Pancakes. You steal another glance at the plate and find the name to be aptly fitted.

Azriel’s plate has filled itself too but with something different. There’s some kind of grain, a pottle of something pink, with cubes of different fruit littered over the top.

“Would you like to try some?”

Your eyes dart up from Azriel’s plate to his face, realising he’s still nodding to the pancakes.

You’ll admit the pancakes look far better than whatever you’ve been asking of the House. While the bread supplied was fresher than anything you’d had before, you’d hardly had the imagination to conjure up something like pancakes.

Whatever your face looks like, Azriel can seem to read the answer in it.

“Cass,” He says, jutting his chin to his friend’s plate. “Give them a pancake, will you?”

Cassian, mouth currently full, turns to Azriel with a furrow between his brow. “But—” He starts, then stops. The furrow on his face softens as he glances down at you and, without swallowing, he says exaggeratedly, “Fine. Guess we can share.”

Then he spears two pancakes on his fork and slops them onto your waiting plate.

“You like syrup?” Cassian asks.

The question means nothing to you. From behind you, Azriel shakes his head no, answering for you. From what he recalls of your meal times together, you had screwed your nose up at the too-sweet fruits, too unused to it.

“Butter?” Cassian tries again.

“I suppose.” You answer, confused as to why he’s asking.

Cassian glances up and then a small bowl of softened butter materialises before you. He picks it up and tips it onto your two pancakes with a smile. Then he resumes his eating without another word.

Still hesitant, you shoot one more glance in Azriel’s direction.

You’ve been given food before, by Azriel himself, but not quite like this. Not sharing what’s already on someone’s plate. Some smaller, younger part of you almost wants to sniffle at the abject kindness.

Azriel’s already begun eating but the motion of your head draws his eyes. The small upturn of his lips is encouragement enough. Swallowing back the thickness in your throat, you dig in.

Pancakes… are pretty life-changing.

Azriel is right, you’re not such a fan of the sickly sweet brown fluid that coats the cakes, sweet enough to make your teeth ache. But the butter, melted and velvety with the fluffy pancake— gods.

You take one bite and then quickly stuff in two or three more, just in case Cassian suddenly decides he wants them back. Cassian guffaws at your rapid motions and follows suit, stuffing his mouth full.

He glances at you, catching your eye, both of you chewing through the delicious breakfast. Cassian raises his eyebrows with a pleased, smug smile as if to say I know, right?

You smile at him, without even thinking about it, shovelling the next bite in.

It melts on your tongue. Mother, you're kicking yourself a bit as you chew the mouthful slower this time, turning over every flavour. Turning down Cassian’s invite each morning has been turning down this.

You’re a moron. There’s no doubt you’ll be asking the House for this every morning—and night even, if you’re allowed.

It occurs to you then, as you’re on your fifth bite or so, that you could’ve easily summoned your own stack on pancakes. Or either male could’ve done it for you.

But no, instead Cassian had shared from his plate.

The pancakes suddenly taste sweeter than ever.

"Ah, y/n," Rhys' satiny voice tugs your attention up, to the Male himself, standing in the doorway of the kitchen. "Glad to find you here."

An age-old instinct of obeying commanding warriors sends your spine straightening, your chair scraping harshly against the stone floor.

Cassian snickers good-naturedly and you spot a shadow of Azriel's disappear into his ear—resulting a loud shriek from the warrior.

"You said you wouldn't do that anymore, you bastard!" He all but hisses, leaning forward on the table to glare past you.

Azriel gives a nonchalant shrug, his hazel eyes dancing to you playfully for a quick moment. Rhys and you both watch with varied levels of amusement and boredom.

"Yes, yes, that's enough now children." Rhys comments, a sly smile teasing at his mouth as he fiddles with the cuff of his sleeve.

Cassian, in his centuries old-age, sticks his tongue out in response—then pushes back on his chair so it’s balancing on its back legs, teetering.

Rhys regards him with one bored stare before his attention turns to you, his smile fading, expression turning more serious.

"I have a proposition for you."

Your mouth dries, nerves skittering under your skin. You swallow your mouthful. "A proposition? Like... bad?"

Rhys smiles, feeling your nervousness through your thinning mental wall. He gives it a soft tap to remind you and you inhale sharply, fortifying it instantly.

"Not at all." He assures you calmly. "It's to do with... Let's call it overdue earnings."

Instinctively, your gaze seeks out Azriel to your right.

Shadows swirling his shoulders, you're surprised yet again by how easily you seem to read him with just one quick glimpse of each other. How you can suddenly feel the tangible encouragement forming within you, just behind your ribs.

He smiles, like he knows more than he says, and casts his gaze back to his breakfast.

You glance at Cassian too, maybe your closest friend now, and he simply shrugs, none the wiser.

"What is it?"

Rhys wanders further forward, leaning to rest his forearms atop one of the empty chairs at the table. His violet gaze takes in two of his Inner Circle and decides if you don't mind them hearing, he doesn't either.

Besides, it's not as if it wasn't Azriel's own idea.

"As you know, due to the backward ways in many of Illyrian warcamps, females are not seen as warriors. While many allow them to train, Exordor..."

Rhys jaw clenches tightly over the name. "It had stricter rules that I could not interfere with. Please know, that is not without immense regret."

A glimmer of night ripples across the room as Rhys hard gaze burns into the table, lost in a haze of an angry memory.

Azriel clears his throat and then the night retracts rapidly, gone without a trace after a second. Rhys lifts his head, giving it a slight shake.

"My apologies. This proposition is not about that — this is about The Blood Rite."

Your brows jump, the words out his mouth the very last ones you were expecting to hear. The Blood Rite? The cutlery in your hands suddenly seems heavier. Your wings sink an inch.

As if the mention of it made them darker, the tattoos on the tan skin of each warrior around you seem to glow more prominently.

You swallow to try clear your dry mouth.

“What about it?” You croak.

“Given your circumstances, it’s understandable why partaking in it was not an option.” Rhys begins.

You expect his tone to take on a sympathetic lilt but it does no such thing.

“Given the level of skill that both Azriel and Cassian have seen from you,” He waves a casual hand between the two warriors. “I don’t believe it’s a question of if you’d survive.”

The knowledge that they’ve been discussing you, your skill, between them without you there—normally such a thing would make you prickly.

But with what Rhys says… knowing they’re vouching for you instead, the prickly feeling washes away to an embarrassed gratitude. They’re on your side, you have to remember.

“The proposition I have for you is to receive The Blood Rite ceremonial tattoos.”

The grip on your fork loosens, the utensil sliding an inch before you catch it again, but not before it hits the edge of the table with a loud bang. You jump at the noise, wings tucking closer on instinct.

“I—” Words die in your mouth, your eyes screwing shut a moment. When you speak, it’s with a bitter resignation. “I have not completed The Blood Rite. It’s— that- I would hardly be earning it.”

Azriel makes a quiet noise of disagreement beside you, eyes still on his plate, but says nothing more.

Rhys doesn’t look surprised at your rebuttal, merely rolling back his shoulders casually.

“Perhaps, that’s one way to view it. Perhaps there are others. Regardless, your Highlord is offering it, if it’s something you decide you want.”

Cassian scoffs a laugh at his casually thrown out title and you tense, not expecting such outright disrespect.

Rhys, however, simply rolls his eyes and with a flick of his hand sends Cassian’s still teetering chair backward.

Cassian barely saves himself, jolting forward to grip the edge of the table and delivering his brother a scathing glare. Rhys grins back, feline and taunting.

“Still sure you want to be friends with them?”

Azriel’s voice is just above a whisper, words soft and curling into your ear. You turn and find, with a jolt in your chest, that he’s much closer than you’re expecting, leaning over to be closer to you.

Mother.

It’s not as if you forget how beautiful Azriel is but this close, it's impossible to ignore.

His eyelashes are dark and long, his hazel eyes, soft and honey-like. The cupids bow of his lips looks plush. You can trace a scar that carries from his chin up his cheek.

You realise you’re staring after a long moment of silence — eyes darting away, you clear your throat.

“They’re better company than some, believe me.” You say, thinking back to Exordor with a glance back at Azriel.

He’s sat back in his seat and he gives a barely noticeable roll of his eyes. “Yeah, well, that competition is hardly fierce.”

A laugh titters out of you at that — and Azriel’s shadows spring up, as if in response.

Clearing his throat, Rhys calls your attention back to the conversation at hand (now that Cassian was done attempting to pelt him with bits of pancake, which he was subsequently misting, resulting in a fantastic aroma through the kitchen).

“It’s an offer.” Rhys reiterates kindly. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t wish to but… I implore you to think it over.”

He tilts his head toward the windows in the mountain side.

“Spend the day down in Velaris and consider it. And try to consider what we talked about too, about the things we feel we deserve.”

Straightening up, he taps the chair with his knuckles, preparing to leave you be.

“Whatever you choose, I hope you know that there is no wrong answer. Tattoos or not, amongst friends you are already considered a true warrior.”

And despite how the two males on either side of you nod, solemn and truthful, it didn’t purge the feeling that welled inside you—familiar and reminiscent of keeping a secret.

You wonder if you’ll ever stop feeling like a fraud.

—

Even with back to back training, only mere hours of slumber between each session, the gleam good sleep has given you is impossible to miss.

By now, Azriel has seen dozens of early mornings with you.

Back in Exordor, you had looked different in more than one way. Beyond the grime of the mountains and your justified, cold defensiveness, it was your eyes that betrayed you. Eyes that carried a tiredness that never left.

Azriel knew the feeling well.

In the Illyrian mountains, sleep is not rest.

Sleep is a sliver of refuge, letting your aching body recharge just enough to lurch back awake after a couple restless hours. Fuel to keep you going and nothing more.

But this morning, stopping at the threshold out to the balcony, you had peered up at the rain bucketing down and frowned.

Then with a silent huff, you had rubbed the sleep from your eyes and yawned into your hand.

Azriel, watching silently from across the courtyard, felt his shadows spin up in a tizzy at the sight — and he nearly blushed scarlet as they directly disobeyed his instructions to rein themselves in, a few shooting across the courtyard to greet you.

It was the first morning he’d seen you not tired, but sleepy. Azriel couldn’t even pretend it wasn’t adorable either.

He could only hide his smile and warm cheeks with a duck of his head, praying his shadows behaved himself.

But there was no disguising the tug on the mating bond, immeasurably proud and pleased for you.

Whether you noticed it or not, he didn’t know. You’d stepped down, onto the balcony and into rain, and promptly stalked towards the weapons rack, wings held high.

It had been one of the first things Azriel had admired about you—your drive, steely and unflinching.

Even now, thrown into a new place with unfamiliar faces, tossed into a whole new life, your determination doesn’t falter.

Fighting, training, honing yourself into a living weapon—seamlessly using blades as if they’re an extension of your very self—you commit yourself to training fiercely.

But… Azriel can tell that without direction, your ambition is beginning to make you listless.

You’re getting better—that there is no doubt about. Even the slight deafness in your left ear you’ve mastered well enough that if Azriel wasn’t paying attention, he might’ve missed it.

But in Exordor, there had been a goal.

Something to measure up to, to pour your determination towards — and without it in Velaris, Azriel worries about you.

There’s unfinished business waiting for you in Exordor. Your valiant mission is not yet abandoned and if you ever deigned to ask, Azriel knows he would take you there, without hesitation.

However, things have shifted whether you seem to realise it or not.

You’re no longer the only one in your corner. You haven’t been for some months.

True, there had been the matter of your… concealed identity wedged between you and Azriel and it had been reason enough to keep your plans small. You’d explained to him once before, the aid of being unnoticeable.

You’re not anymore. And with the terror of the events in Exordor still fresh enough in his mind, it’s impossible not to fear what might happen when you eventually return.

You aren’t used to living, just for yourself. Of that being enough of a reason to live, to thrive. Azriel fears your ambition will drive you to your death, no matter how honourable.

You would fight until you physically can’t anymore against the injustices of your home.

A threatening pain splices through his chest at the very thought — of just getting you back, gaining your forgiveness, getting the smallest glimpses of your happiness— just to have it ripped away from him again.

His mate, his heart warbles terribly.

His head settled resolutely, he trails behind you to the breakfast table, mission solidified. He needs to show you that your home isn’t among the mountains anymore.

Exordor may have been your birthplace but Velaris, here — with him, something quiet whispered —was where you belonged.

He just needed to show you.

—

“Have you flown since leaving Exordor?”

At the edge of a thousand steps, it’s certainly a warranted question.

The intensity of the early morning rain has waned with the day but it still falls softly. It adds a chill to the breeze — but it’s nothing comparable to the Mother’s Kiss.

You're all taking Rhys' plan and heading down into Velaris for the day. The staircase presents itself as one option but, given the knowledge of wards, there's a clearly more favourable one. Flying.

Azriel’s eyes drift up to the tips of your wings. The sight of the puckered, scarred spaces that once held stakes is enough to inspire a jolt of fierce anger. He swallows a shudder, well aware of the sensitivity of such wings.

Noticing his stare, you shift on your feet and tuck your wings in tighter. His gaze, while unjudging, is enough to make you fidget beneath the attention.

Azriel snaps his eyes back to your face.

“I haven’t. Madja told me I could, uh,” You answer with a wave of your hand, your gaze averted to the long, winding staircase ahead. “About a couple weeks ago but…”

Shrugging, you force yourself to meet Azriel’s gaze. “Well, where would I even go?”

Azriel’s heart wilts in his chest at your words. Nothing without purpose—it's the only way you know how to live.

You’ve had no prying and relentless brothers to push you into doing things as he had. No friends to remind you to live, as well as just survive.

No flying just for the fun of it. You’ve been starved of one of Azriel’s favourite things in the world.

Even him, your first friend, had only encouraged further training. A muscle feathers in Azriel’s jaw. A misgiving he’ll make sure to rectify.

Casting his mind back to a memory from some months ago, he recalls the fervent urge he felt upon returning to Velaris — the want to show you his home from the skies.

Focusing his mind back on the present, Azriel smiles down at you, his dark curls collecting drops of waters.

“Anywhere you like.”

Cassian takes his cue, launching himself up into the sky with ease.

Azriel watches him for a moment and then prepares to follow suit, bracing his thighs and shaking out his wings.

A glance at your face reveals the hint of hesitation.

He searches within him, gripping the bond tightly, to feel for your worry. In response, your anxieties skitter along to him, revealing your heartbreaking reservations and giving them to him — unknowingly soothing you in the process.

Still, Azriel pauses and then, heart in his throat, he lays a scarred hand on your shoulder in assurance. Prays you won’t shift away from him or his touch.

You don’t. In fact, a newer expression shutters across your face, eyelashes fluttering but you hold his stare.

“You won’t fall.”

You don’t question how he can name your fear so easily.

Instead, in a brave face of vulnerability, you ask, voice smaller than you intend, “How can you be sure?”

Azriel grips the bond tighter, letting his assurances pool in the form of unwavering confidence in you. He hopes you feel it — feel it, and believe it too.

“Because you’ve never fallen before. And because,” Azriel sighs softly, an ache creeping up his throat. His voice is low, his hazel eyes earnest. "You might've changed since Exordor but they don't get this. They don't get to take it from you. It's yours."

His hands slips from your shoulder and the bond tightens in his chest, as if urging him back. Azriel ignores it and turns back to face the rainy skies ahead.

Then his boots bear down against the stone as he takes flight, cutting through the drizzle of rain to climb up into the sky. The final step, he knows, has to be taken by you alone.

It doesn’t stop the uncertain waver in Azriel’s chest at leaving you one step behind.

But his faith in you is steadfast.

And a moment later, he’s proven right to do so as an unimaginable pulse of joy shoots down the bond, molten hot.

It’s raw, unfiltered relief.

It mingles with a joy so potent that Azriel’s shadows droop against his neck, as if snuggling up to the blazing warm feeling.

He falters, dipping in altitude momentarily, before he remembers to keep his wings moving.

Through the gloom of the day, Azriel feels you before he sees you coming — though the moment you’re in view, the familiar figure of an Illyrian warrior in flight, your radiancy is all he can see.

“You were right!” You call across the sky, unable to cage the glee in your voice.

There’s an unsteadiness to your motions, adjusting to the loss of drag due to your news scars, but it does nothing to tamp your happiness. You soar towards him through the rain, twirling in an elegant barrel roll that boasts your years of flight.

And it dawns on him, the underlying motive you had admitted to that underpinned the lie you had spun.

What heart-wrenching words had you uttered to him? I just wanted to keep my wings.

Azriel thanks the Mother, the Cauldron, and every star in the sky that you get to.

“I’m only sorry it’s not a better day for it.” Azriel says as you drift to his side, raising his voice so you can hear him. Flight is noisy, even if you’re travelling idly as the pair of your are.

You fly a few metres higher and then glide down with an easy precision, grinning, your face misted from the rain.

“I think it’s perfect.” You call back. Azriel can feel it, trickling along the bond like sweetened syrup, you really mean it.

Waiting leisurely further ahead, it’s evident that Cassian’s patience is waning.

Dipping back and joining the line up, he glides alongside you with a smile that promises mischief.

“Oh, so she can fly!” He drawls, arms tucking up behind his head lazily. “But can she race?”

His brows raise in clear competition and Azriel’s about to remind you that you don’t have to entertain all of Cassian’s antics — when his brother straightens out, shouting, “Go!” and jetting off forward.

You splutter for just one second. “I don’t even know where to go-!”

The end of your sentence blurs as you take off after Cassian, not a clue where you’re going but too competitive to not rise to the challenge. Azriel grins, watching for a moment as you tuck in your wings and dive to pick up speed, nearly disappearing in the fog of the rain.

Your fierce delight streaks along the bond and it’s what Azriel follows as he takes off after you, the invisible string leading his way, glowing like a shooting star.

tags below!

@strangerstilinski @janebirkln @itsswritten @mischiefmanagers @hnyclover

@waytoomanyteenagefeels @idkitsem @illyrianbitch @jeweline16 @fightmedraco

@iamjimintrash @maendering @spideytingley @aneekapaneeka @cassianswh0reeee

@viciane @astarlitsoul @mybestfriendmademe @archiveofcravings @reputaytionn-13

@bionic-donut @chessebookgirl @itseightbeats @littleblackcatinwonderland @twsssmlmaa

@fanworrior @skysayhi @vintageoldfashion @tequilya @fabulouslyflamboyant5

@rhysandorian @laughterafter @brieftriumphnightmare @hirah-yummar @some-person-somewhere

@scooobies @sfhsgrad-blog @cherry-cin @bookloverandalsocats @megscabinetofcurios

@doodlebugsblog @landofpetrichor @acourtofdreamsandshadows @florabelll @tanyaherondale

@aomi-recs @letmejustreadthanks @problemfinder @sevikas-whore @doodlebugg16-blog

@meandmysillywriting @justingnoreme @krowiathemythologynerd @hanatsuki-hime

i'm attempting copying n pasting tags so if you DID receive a notif about this posting please please let me know !

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earlycuntsets · 2 days ago

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those on tumblr that fwm in anyway!

I have not checked my notifications in a week. so sorry to anyone I haven't gotten back to.

EDIT: i'm not gonna be as active. I'm not leaving altogether just putting some space between me and tumblr. happy 1000 followers to me!!! lol but I might come back in some capacity but not rn. just until personal stuff has been handled. maybe once a week. i've got a lot of post ideas so i'll come on here if I find anything really good. but I have a bad history with social media consuming my brain.

this tumblr has been fully added to earlycuntsets.org and posts will continue from there, but I am not gonna be on here very much.

i've gone through some mental stuff interacting on here. I have a substance issue rn that i've been trying to get ahold on since september. I complain more on earlycuntsets.org

I felt so broken up really. this thing mcr that we all love so intensely.

I don't want to see that get ruined for me. the negative connotations with my account because I flipped out on mcr archive people. talking about that will get me nowhere because no one understands my side. about 4 people on here understand my side.

and for the first time yesterday, I considered apologizing. just to ease my own pain around this. you want to know the truth?

I wanted to work with them obviously. I wanted to do what they do is that clear enough?

it was hard for me not to be aggressive when people I don't know think they can scold me. from the start they just wouldn't respond to me. I would find cool stuff and send it to them. I just thought they'd be more accessible to fans.

and then the only time I have heard from them was for them to judge my website when I spend every extra moment i'm not at work on this one thing. this one thing that is my only expression of love to mcr.

having to go against them took a lot out of me but it was bound to happen. AND SO I gotta get out of the social aspect. it's making me overthink my every move.

I am going to be spending less time on here and more time on my website.

I have moved this whole blog to my website and just updated 840 posts to have links/tags/titles that function. I need to figure out a few things but I won't rest until it's easy to navigate. and perfect. lol there are dead pics and video on the blog section. there are pages of posts that don't have preview images. the site overall is undercuntstruction.

I was actually looking at hulus set up with the "carousel" things for each category. I am having fun and i'll probably make an mcr netflix idk. big grandiose bipolar dreams. that I hope to see through.

my website will be like this (2002 is the only one done rn) so the layout now is:

the google drive part

the 2002 blog part (everything from here)

the sources and links

#bye for now tumblr!#my chemical romance

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fuck-customers · 3 days ago

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So. Day after Christmas. I’m on register. And so many customers who don’t have a fucking gift receipt. There were some who were the purchaser themselves and just straight up returning, which was totally fine, but oh my god how are there so many people wanting to return without a proof of purchase 🙃 This is why gift receipts are a thing in the first place!!! And then we ask if they know the persons email/phone #, and they don’t know either, in which case we have to put it through as a no receipt return, but our policy is to only do an exchange for the current selling price, no store credit. And they don’t want to do that, so now we’re at an impasse. All because they don’t have a gift receipt. There were 2 separate instances of it being a secret Santa gift, and another lady who got mad when I figured out which of the 5 (FIVE) profiles she had had the purchase attached to it. So she’d have to pay more for the exchange since the price she paid was lower than the current selling price. Idk. This might be a small thing to be annoyed about, but I am and I wanted to get it out of my system

Posted by admin Rodney

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theyhavetakenovermylife · 1 day ago

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If you're looking for threesome requests, my personal favorite is Blood Orange (Raph and Mikey). I don't need anything too crazy (I'm honestly as vanilla as they come 😅) but maybe it's the two of them and the reader's first time together? They're still figuring things out a little, and Raph and Mikey need to come to an understanding on how to go about things, and it ends up being very sweet, passionate and ultimately a success. I hope this is okay. Let me know, and thank you so much!

Blood Orange (18+)

Fortnite!Raphael x reader x Fortnite!Michelangelo

A/N: I’m not that vanilla myself, but I’ve decided to cut back just a little, before any full on action is about to happen, keeping it very implied (and maybe because I got a little tired but still had an urge to get this posted today😂💚). It doesn’t go into detail about their first time together, but it does set the stage for how a threesome would come about, and I hope that’s okay❤️🧡

All characters are aged up.

Warnings: Fwb relations, implied smut, almost fingering, turtley anatomy, implied threesome.

You had tried plenty of things in your life. Many exciting things that some people could only dream of. Though you might not consider them exciting or as extreme as some people might see it, but you did enjoy it. You had enjoyed all of it. But there was still one thing that you really wanted to try. A thing you had only been able to dream of. A fantasy that had been making its way through your thoughts, over and over for quite some time now. And now, as you sat between Raphael and Michelangelo on the couch, watching a show that they had decided on, your little fantasy made its way back into focus, causing your heart to quicken a bit. And what was that little fantasy of yours? A threesome. Not just any threesome, but a threesome with you, and the two mutant turtles you sat between. And to be quite honest, that fantasy had been getting you in the mood like no other. Especially when you knew exactly what the two brothers were capable of.

For several weeks now, you had had a friends with benefits relationship with not just Raphael but Michelangelo as well. However, neither of them seemed to know about the other. None of them knew that just moments after you had been sucking Raph off in his bedroom, you would just skip across the hall to Mikey’s room, where he would eat you out in his own room. And in all brutal honesty. You loved it. It was probably one of the best things you had ever gotten yourself into. Some days it had gotten more freaky than others, with you having been fucked thuroly by one of the brothers, before you made your way to the other brother to experience the whole thing all over again.

You have had both Raph and Mikey, several times, even within hours of each other. So of course, the natural thing to be wanting next, was to have both of them at the same time. And of course, as you sat there, squished between the two men that have been pounding you to heaven and back, you couldn’t help but wonder if you should do something about it. That this was the day that you would cause your fantasy to become real.

With a lip bite you shifted your attention between the two mutants, wondering which one would be the first to make a move on you. Normally, it wouldn’t take long before one of them would cough, or do something before mumbling something about going to their room, as a sign for you to follow when the coast was clear, and all suspicion was off. So now you sat there, excitingly waiting for any of them to do something. Both Mikey and Raph sat with their eyes glued to the show, playing on the screen before you. They would only move once in a while, in an attempt to get more comfortable on the couch. At every move, you found yourself hoping, getting excited at the thought of what might happen next. So you could not help but feel a little disappointed when they were only scratching their chin, or just moving one leg over the other. It was almost getting to the point of infuriating. But then, something happened, sending shivers of joy through your body.

Raph had moved a hand to his chin, giving it a few scratches, before letting it fall back down. But instead of returning to a rest in Raph lap, just like it had done moments before, it now came to rest on your thigh, giving it a small squish, before letting his thumb rub against your clothes. It was impossible for you to not bite the inside of your lip.

Just as you started to focus on the feeling of Raph’s hand on your thigh, you felt Mikey’s hand carefully nudge yours onto his lap, with his hand slowly guiding it to where he wanted it, getting closer and closer to his cloaca. You sucked in a silent breath, noticing how both brothers were still staring at the television, not noticing what the other was doing. It was thrilling, as you felt your lower region beginning to puls with excitement. Raph’s hand moved closer to your pulsing center, as your little finger made contact with Mikey’s needy cloaca. You swallowed a moan, but you could not hide your heavy sigh. That caused Raph to chuckle, and Mikey to crack a small smile.

“And here I thought she would be a harder nut to crack”, he chuckled, finally looking your way, with his hand squishing your thigh once more. This time you could not hide your moan, too shocked to even try.

“Really?”, Mikey asked, slowly moving your hand over his cloaca, smirking as you saw your flustered and confused expression. “I honestly expected her to crack a lot sooner. You know how she gets when she has first put her mind to something”.

“What are you talking about?”, you asked, feeling your heart beating faster and your breath getting heavier.

“Did you seriously not expect us to know?”, Raph chuckled with a smug smile, leaning in closer to your face, his hand moving to cup your heat, while Mikey’s member slowly came out to let your fingers grace against it. “We’re mutant turtles babe, we can smell it on you”.

“What?”, you asked, suddenly feeling very mortified, freezing in your seat.

The two brothers started laughing, before moving closer against you.

“I don’t think she knows, Mikey”, Raph said, rubbing his hand over your center. “I don’t think she knows that we can smell when she gets aroused, or when she has been with any of us”.

“You can what?!”, you asked, turning from one to the other, your eyes wide, as the revelation of Raph’s words started sinking in. They knew, and they had always known.

“What Raph just told you”, Mikey smiled, using your hand to stimulate his cloaca, letting his head fall back against the headrest of the couch, looking at you with dreamy yet mischievous eyes. “I don’t think you realize how much fun we’ve had with it”.

“Fun?”, you asked, feeling Raph’s fingers sneak towards the hem of your bottoms.

“Yeah, fun”, Raph smirked, slowly moving below you underwear, as his fingers sneaked their way down. “It’s almost a game to see who can make you cum the quickest, or if we can beat your highest amount of orgasms in one day”.

“Why do you think we both want you on the same day, just right after each other? We know just how to overstimulate you”, Mikey said.

“But tonight”, Raph said, making his way past your mount, with one finger gracing your slick folds, causing you to shutter, wishing that he would press down, right where you needed him and Mikey the most. “We thought it would be best to see if we could do it all, together, right here, on the couch”.

“How does that sound?”, Mikey asked, his voice already sounding airy.

You did not hesitate, pressing your fingers against Mikey’s cloaca, causing his member to slowly slip out, his head peeking into the palm of your hand, while you lifted your hips just a little, chasing Raph’s fingers.

“I say, bring all you got”, you smiled, feeling delighted that your fantasy was finally becoming a reality.

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markantonys · 2 days ago

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so! the siuan pic is definitely from the opening sequence when she fights liandrin. the pic of the wondergirls in their fierce outfits being from 3x01 makes it almost definite that this is a vision in an accepted test, and thereby makes it almost definite that the accepted test(s) will happen right off the bat, as i've been speculating. and we also have lanfear creeping around, maybe in TAR based on her hairstyle unless she's also gotten a trim in the waking world.

both pics of the gang drinking together are also from 3x01. no surprise on the wonderboys pic, but there was some rumbling about the show maybe changing it so that aviendha goes to tanchico since elayne's outfit in the avilayne pic looks tanchico-y. but since that pic is from 3x01, i think it's safe to say elayne's outfit is simply something she wears out of the tower to hang out in tar valon and aviendha will still go to the waste as expected (further supported by ayoola reacting to/interacting with the new aiel actors on instagram more than she did for any of the other new cast announcements; it feels like she's worked with them personally. also! she just mentioned being excited to bring us the waste in s3 in her post, so definitely seems like she's involved in that storyline). phew! i love avilayne as much as the next person, but it really would not make any sense for aviendha's story to send her to tanchico this season, so i'm glad we can put that momentary speculation to rest.

as was the case last season too (iirc), the lion's share of the first stills are from the first episode, which makes sense! don't want to give away too much! it seems like our main focus this episode will be the big tower battle (stated to be the first 15mins), egwene's accepted test (maybe also elayne's, but i won't be surprised if that one's offscreen), and everybody taking a breather and spending time together and figuring out their next moves.

then, morgase and elaida at the tower is in 3x02. this tracks with our previous speculation that 3x02 would be a good time to introduce the caemlyn crew. there was also a leak of these two actresses filming on a location shoot that's believed to be the caemlyn palace, so perhaps the cold open of 3x02 shows them in caemlyn and then the episode proper picks up with them arriving in tar valon. (i'm curious how big of a role morgase and gaebril might have this season. will they return to caemlyn after 3x02 and have their own storyline for the rest of the season, or stay in the tower with elaida and the boys for a while? i'd imagine morgase will be back home before the coup, at the very latest.)

also, rand and lan training already in 3x02 is interesting! do they reach the waste that soon? or this could be taking place en route to the waste, or outside tar valon; the landscape looks soooomewhat arid to me (and mountainous), but not Full Sandy Desert the way it is in the rhuidean shots we've seen.

the gang looking out at rhuidean is in 3x04, and the other gang is in tanchico by 3x06. no surprises there!

moiraine and the orb in 3x08 is veeeeery interesting. it's clearly a different outfit and lighting than all the trailer shots of her with the orb, so i would guess the trailer shots are of her first finding it in rhuidean in 3x04, and then she takes it with her and uses it in the finale showdown in 3x08. my one question is how she got such a fantastic outfit in the middle of the desert djkfjg maybe some of her and lanfear's showdown takes place in TAR?

#wot #wot book spoilers #wot show spoilers #wot s3 speculation

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urautismdiagnosis · 1 day ago

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Barnacles Psyche and Trauma Post

@traumatizedartist

Listen y'all we all know the canon event where lil bro got stuck in a hole when he was a kid. Little polar bear scout cub, ice broke under him, got trapped in a deep little hole and was left all alone while waiting for the others to *maybe* figure out a way to rescue him.

Now the guys claustrophobic, HOWEVER-

bro coulda died

how long was he left all alone, possibly for the first time as a kid? he didn't even have his twin that's like, that's terrifying-

did he wonder if they'd even come back? If they'd even be able to find a way to get him out lest he freeze or starve to death in a hole? Rationally we'd assume hey they'd find an adult if they failed, but cmon, a panicked kid is not gonna assume that.

do you think he wouldn't have tried to escape on his own? only to fail and fail? helpless?

In the earlier seasons of The Octonauts, there was a certain incident that always stuck out to me, even when I watched it years ago-

OCTONAUTS AND THE MANATEES

During this episode, captain barnacles had been out driving the GUP-A when it was struck by lightening. Soon after, the octonauts realize there's a group of manatees that are close to the surface of the dangerous thunderstorm. Their plan is to transport the manatees to the octopod during the storm since manatees can't just dive down because they need to breathe air.

Barnacles has open communication and guides them all step by step for this entire operation, complications and all, through his octo compass.

Even though Barnacles tried to ignore the lightening strike by diving deeper into the water, the GUP still got struck, which caused to spin out of control and crash. Even the spread of electricity in the water is dangerous. As a result, he got his forearm crushed and stuck under a clam for the entire sequence of events I'm going to describe.

Sounds the octoalert realizing the danger the manatees are in by using a piece of seaweed and sticky limpet to grab onto his octo compass.

Barnacles claims he's "doing something else at the moment" when questioned where he is. He also gets actively stung by a jellyfish during the call and does not inform anyone.

There are BARRACUDAS who might attack the captain because of his shiny octo compass, and he has to struggle to hide behind the clam and some rocks while advising the octonauts about how to handle the manatees slow nature and needs. He does not inform anyone.

Barnacles escapes the BARRACUDAS that were far too close to shredding him alive by essentially jumping off an underwater cliff and ending up on the back of a whale, in which he is violently turned and rolling along the back of.

Barnacles is launched by the force of the whale's tail into an actual shipwreck. He continues to guide them through the difficulties of the mission due to the fact there is still one manatee left that may not be able to be transported to the octopod in time.

Barnacles air tank is on low and is actively running out before his eyes, he struggles with removing his arm from the heavy clam as he attempts to use a piece of wood to pry his arm out. He does not tell anyone.

Barnacles manages to escape at the last moment, and is forced to forfeit wearing his helmet as there is no oxygen left. Previously they had flipped the GUP D in order to make a safe airpocket in deeper waters for the manatee, which Peso and Kwazii witness the captain (while holding his own breath) swimming too.

He barely made it.

When questioned where he'd been anyways, he lightheartedly states, and I quote, "Oh, let's see... I was uh... struck by lightning, eaten by a giant clam, stung by a jellyfish, attacked by barracudas, escaped off the back of a blue whale, smashed into a shipwreck, freed myself, ran out of air and... eh... Oh yeah, found you."

What the actual FCK captain barnacles.

LIKE LISTEN MAN, I do not care if he "knew what he was doing" or whatever that is NOT a normal OR healthy response! "Oh but the captain always prioritizes protecting others and he understoo-

NO, he could have literally told his crew, and sure, they were in an "all hands on deck" situation, but he didn't even tell anyone! someone else could have adjusted the plan, someone else could have lessened the responsibility, someone else HAD THE POSSIBILITY OF HELPING

hell even if they had to get professor inkling out he probably would've if he knew BARNACLES MIGHTVE BEEN CLOSE TO DYING, the professor gets out just to protect some small fish that cant rely on a lionmaine jellyfish and he deals with literal predators?! why wouldn't he try to help the captain? and does he seriously think NO other member of theoctonauts would try to find a way to help him? Not the crafty tweak? Not the caring peso? not the daring kwazii? That shellington or dashi might not even have a word of advice?

I raise you all a little theory that is true in my heart and in my au, the subconscious question beneath our lovely captain's psyche:

"What if I am trapped and none of them can help me? Will I have to accept that I'm alone? Again?"

What if it was easier to pretend everything was fine and he had everything totally under control? You don't have to rely on others if you can rely on yourself. You don't have to worry if they'll just deem you a lost cause (like what peso asked about the last manatee... if it was even possible to save...) Forced to wait as you're trapped and in pain....

ᶠᵒʳᶜᵉᵈ ᵗᵒ ʷᵒⁿᵈᵉʳ ᶦᶠ ʸᵒᵘ ᵉᵛᵉⁿ ᵈᶦᵈ ᵉⁿᵒᵘᵍʰ ᵗᵒ ᵐᵃᵗᵗᵉʳ ᵉⁿᵒᵘᵍʰ ᵗᵒ ˢᵃᵛᵉ ᵉᵛᵉⁿ.

DO YALL SEE THE VISION OR AM I CRAZY? ʸᵉˢ ᴵ ᵃᵐ

PERSONAL AU ADDITIONS

This next bit is literally just extra trauma I gave him in my au because like <3 I'm just cute like that yk

global warming btch

Anyways in my au I made his dad die when he was like 3 lol, due to a certain natural incident caused by, oh my what's this-, GLOBAL WARMING AGAIN . I bet his mom had a hard time that surely wouldn't have effected him and given him a strict desire to help help help- that lead u to being the defacto guy to offer his help and thoughts as a polar bear cub scout which just made people look to you automatically.

"u cant really miss someone you don't know : ) besides I can always rely on my family and friends and natquick(the father that STEPPED UP, just to be clear not a step father but like to a father figure) and mentors to guide me"

like omg just SAY you had super angsty years in your 20s where you were like "OMG REALITY SUCKS AND GLOBAL WARMING IS BAD AND WHT THE FCK IS CAPATILISM" internally during his college years lol (bro will always smile lmso)

anyways I'm thinking he met prof inkling and yk they agreed that hey, we need to revolutionize how aid and scientific studies are done, and prof inkling was like! I got it! NASA BUT FOR THE OCEAN- Itll start smaller ofc,but NASA FOR THE OCEAN and then tweak was there and went hell yeah I sure hope we don't crash this highly experimental giant robot octopus ship submarine I've constructed with the grant we all managed to get.

Anyways then the octonauts were born and they were all very happy and suddenly barnacles (despite the trial and error when it was just those three) actually had a plan and could Make A Difference and have control

cuz idk if y'all realize but like, (for me I see them living like a blend of how us humans live, but just socially inspired from the wild thing irl. so maybe they got like Earth Sheltered Homes (think hobbit houses) but with snow and whatever) but basically global warming for Arctic Folk of all countries isn't just like "oh no we cant do our VERY IMPORTANT TRADITIONS WEVE CARRIED FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS" but its also like the loss of cultural jobs, literal homes becoming weaker, more natural disasters and idk about y'all but... doesn't it just feel like their entire culture is dying?

sure, they could just "move somewhere else" but that means giving up their land, not being able to uphold their traditions, being forced into communities that they don't have any social niches for. being forced to lose generational jobs and trades. physically struggling in warmer environments. (I headcanon barnacles has to not just cut and trim his fur, but also has to have a sort of cooling pack system under his clothes cuz bros got blubber yk?)

its literally the death of an ancient culture due to corporate greed, and he's watching it actively die out in real time. That's gut wrenching. I can only image.. how... Helpless he must've felt before he could help others who struggled from disasters too.

Anyways he has a "I have to help and adopt everyone" complex thanks for coming to my Ted talk.

ANGSTY STUFF THAT HAPPENED FOR LITERALLY NO REASON OTHER THAN THE FACT I WANTED TO GIVE HIM SCARS AND NOTICED URSA AND ORSON DONT SEEM TO HAVE A DAD

As for the scars, @traumatizedartist Im gonna be honest I don't know why younger me (during my first hyperfixation of octonauts) went "hm... suspicious that bianca doesn't have a husband..." but basically APPARENTLY bianca is just divorced and they ex tried to Idk take ursa and Orson's custody rights and was a *ahem* very bad douche bag about it and the like. Well cmon man I think barnacles deserves to have a side of himself he doesn't want to share!

Like I'm so sorry but if ur telling me I SHOULDNT have made the captain literally get into a real polar bear fight and get the scars (of victory) while trying to protect his own family-

listen I know he's the "lets talk it out even f ur trying to eat me" type, but people aren't animals (very funny to our perspective ik ik) and if someone can fully understand the situation and the threats their making, like animals act on instinct mostly, but people can CHOOSE to suck.

People can CHOOSE to be selfish and greedy, so if you're tired of always trying to talk things out over and over and the guy you FCKING HATE is right there acting threatening and crazy you're absolutely gonna remember the years your sister spent going rough on you in play fights (fond memories and very educational<3) you're absolutely gonna show her how good you are by beating her ex up.

bianca was not there at the time but I like to think despite her being smaller she would have probably been able to handle both of them lmso lets be real barnacles just knows how to fight but he doesn't have the spirit lol

anyways I just think it'd be so awesome, it'd be so cool, if he had polar bear angst fight scars that he hides under his clothes and sleeves <3

ok I'm done, or not really, but the future angst I have planned for my happy lil (very tall) fuzzy snow guy cant be spoiled yet cuz I got PLANS that I have not enacted yet <3

man I was really mean to him huh, wait till y'all see what I've done to kwazii lol

Bonus thoughts "Lord and savior of the manatees"

none of the other octonauts have uh, the same level of "Yo What The Actual Fck" as those two (they match eachothers freak in an aro ace aspecss with trauma way) but they all got a little something going on in their noggins.

other than professor inkling and the vegimals tho, I would NEVER harm any of the vegimals EVER (genuinely) and professor inkling just looks too happy to disturb so imma let him be content <3

he does have excellent communication skills and is generally happy though, he just has some repressed emotions and a weird complex or two that isn't that healthy

i like to think peso and the professor had a heart to heart with him about the manatee incident, and now whenever kwazii is "too reckless" he just says "well I'm sorry me lord and savior of the manatees" and the conversation is OVER

never let any of the octoagents know about that nickname he will die and melt on the spot because everyone, that was SUCH a long time ago- Besides it wasn't as bad as you make it sou-

*gets slappity flippered*

BAI LOL

#octonauts #my art #octonauts art #Wisty's Octonauts AU #gonna have to make that a tag lol #octonauts captain barnacles #octonauts barnacles #captain barnacles #the octonauts #octonauts above and beyond #octonauts fanart #idk #lore post #idk y'all I just think he's neat

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berryqueercc · 3 days ago

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Finished all the base game hairs! Figured I'd knock these out before completing the last of the EP hairs. Plus I'm actually proud of the ombres I made for the update hairs this time. They look so good!

Tutorial | All Hair Overlays

Hi! Please take a minute to read the tutorial at least before moving on and downloading the full set! You only need to read it once, and then you’ll never have to read it again. It’ll only take a second, otherwise you might end up confused when you can’t find these recolors! First is a list of each pack individually for download. The individual posts also links to CC Hairs my overlays work with. Below the cut is the download for the full set, no cc hairs included, just my overlays. This pack contains recolors of EVERY base game hair!

[ Adult Female ] [ Adult Male ] [ Child ]

[ Toddler ] [ Infant ] [ Update ]

[ Ombres ] [ Free Pack ]

[ Part 1 - GD ] [ Part 2 - GD ] [ Part 3 - GD ] [ Part 4 - GD ]

#TS4 #Sims 4 #TS4CC #S4CC #Sims 4 CC

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pixelatedraindrops · 1 day ago

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Baby Makoto AU Doodle Dump 🐣(2)

Some more doodles of the little guy to get it out of my system~ Feel free to peek but I’ll still hide it under a keep reading bc some people probably aren’t fans of this AU. Dw all of these arts are cute/wholesome.

(RainCode Spoilers too)

So, after giving it some thought I think this AU would make more sense in a modern setting. In this au Yuma is just a top detective, the NDA is the agency he works for and all the nda characters are his colleagues and friends. And Makoto is an orphan child that Yuma finds and adopts on one of his cases. No homunculi, no endless rainy city, no core mysteries. Just a modern setting with a short pro detective and his adopted son.

That's all the change I’ll make to this AU. As much as it would be cool to have that be the setting in RC, it would be too complicated and the world would be too different without Makoto as the CEO, and this is my first au. So I shouldn’t make it too difficult to manage. It's practically a modern adoption AU for Makoto and Yuma.

The same scenarios from this post still applies. Yuma is a serious no nonsense detective at first, and Makoto barely opens up to him until much later due to his pervious situation. But their growing bond helps them feel less lonely as a family and helps both of them develop further as their own people while having someone to rely on.

But yeah just some cute little doodles I made the past few days because I was in the mood. (And I’m back in school again so art updates MIGHT be slow so I figured I’d make a bunch to get it out of me before I'm too busy... ;w;)

I'll try to build on this au more, but for now have some more art :3 (if you want a lil’ hint, look at Makoto’s school uniform)

I just want them both to be happy ;w; And I think they can bring happiness out in each other as a family <3

#rain code #master detective archives: rain code #rain code spoilers #yuma kokohead #makoto kagutsuchi #3 year old ceo au #adoption au #pixeldoodles #my art #REPOST BECAUSE I DELETED THE OLD POST BY ACCIDENT x_x #Just drew the little guy in any cute scenario I could think for a child #going to school. eating dinner. taking a bath. going to bed etc.#and ofc I gotta go the nighmare scenario #its a classic for these two <3 #I tried connecting his enjoyment of ham melons and baths to these arts #also inspired by other things but I had to draw the little guy again #I hope you all enjoy if you do peek at it :3 #sorry again for the repost...I'm dumb ;-;#liking and sharing and replying is appreciated to get the notes back up again

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coffeeailee · 1 day ago

Note

HIII HEY HELLOOOO!!!!

Subspace x reader, sub is pinning on reader but he's terrible at it+ reader is oblivious. They're also neutral (but leaning more onto the negative side) to Subspace bc of his reputation n all.

Also unrelated but I love ur blog theme

———﹒♡﹒ Aim for the heart!

characters﹒ Subspace T. Mine

fandom﹒ PHIGHTING!

genre﹒ romantic, a lil comedy(?)

This post might contain incorrect grammar/spelling and out of character, it also might be a little bit too cringe, proceed at your own risk.

— ﹒﹒ Subspace ☆

— Subspace wasn't used to having his plans thrown off balance. He prided himself on his reputation...mysterious, formidable, someone people kept at arm's length. That suited him just fine. That is, until you showed up. There was just something about you that, from the instant you crossed paths, got under his skin, something that left him feeling off-kilter in ways he wasn't used to. Maybe it was because you never looked impressed with his bravado, or perhaps it was how you always challenged his ideas without batting an eyelash.

— He couldn't quite place his finger on when it happened, but before he knew it, you were all he could think about.

— Unfortunately for Subspace, his attempts to get closer to you were nothing short of disastrous. Subtlety wasn't exactly his strong suit, and every time he tried to approach you, it ended up either awkward or over-the-top. He couldn't figure out how to navigate the delicate balance between showing interest and not coming off as desperate, which, to his horror, he absolutely was.

— "[Name]! You!! let me do that! I have already calculated the best result!!!", he would tell you as you just return him your skepticism. You instantly refuse him and just brush right past him with no regard whatsoever.

— Subspace would just let himself get deflated by that. That happened many times; he just seemed to have never had enough of such occurrences.

— The problem was... you didn't trust him!! While you didn't overtly hate him, you couldn't help but keep your distance. He was unpredictable, erratic, and seemed like the kind of person who caused more problems than he solved.

— Still, he tried. Subspace wasn't the kind of person to go down without a fight, and as time went by, his feelings for you only grew stronger. He started looking for any excuse to be near you, whether it was volunteering for the same missions or conveniently...bumping into you in the hall.

— [Name], I made something for you!!!" he said one day, shoving some strange device into your hands with excitement as you examined it cautiously.

— "It's a personalized defense mechanism! I designed it specifically for your combat style! …Well, theoretically," he added, scratching the back of his neck. "I haven't tested it yet, but I'm ninety eight percent sure it'll work!!!"

— Your first instinct had been to give it back and walk away, but there was something about the expression on his face. Genuinely enthusiastic, he had seemed, and almost hopeful, as though, somehow, the outcome depended on your liking it.

— “Thanks, Subspace. I’ll… give it a try,” you said finally. The way his face lit up was almost endearing...almost.

— You blithely remained oblivious to the fact, even with the best, and rather clumsy, attempts at impressing you. To you, Subspace was just some other weird guy, no more, no less. Every time friends told you his crush was evident, you told them that was utter crap and ridiculous.

— Meanwhile, Subspace was only frustrated. In his head, he'd been clear: he'd dropped hints, gone out of his way to help you, even outright complimented you. And yet, you just didn't seem to get it.

— "Do you really not see it? " he muttered to himself one day, watching as you walked away after another casual dismissal.

— But when you were in danger, all of Subspace's awkwardness disappeared; on missions, he was the first to jump in and defend you, even if it put him in harm's way.

— Later, he'd make light of his actions, brushing off your gratitude with a wave of his hand. "Don't mention it at all!! I have already predicted the outcome!!"

— But it wasn't that at all, and you knew it. Finally, the dogged loyalty of Subspace began to chip its way into your guarded exterior, which had slowly worn you down. You still didn't quite trust him, but couldn't ignore how he always seemed to put your safety over his time and time again.

— One night, following the discharge of a particularly arduous mission, Subspace sat beside you, for once his bravado softened.

— "You know," he began, and his voice was softer than you'd ever heard it. "I might not always get things right, but… you mean a lot to me, [Name]. More than I probably let on."

— You turned to him, taken aback by the sudden softness in his voice. "What are you trying to say?"

— He cast a nervous laugh then hesitated. "Never mind! Forget I said anything! It's not even that important!!!"

— Even if you didn't quite grasp his emotions, Subspace was never waning in his resolve to be there with you, even over the frustration, rejection, and waiting that each minor instant of your time was worth to him. He knew that you would need some time before he's appeared in front of you with his real face, but he was not going to betray that, even at any amount of time. After all, when it came to matters concerning the heart.

Subspace wasn't about to give up without a fight.

— Author's note

﹒﹀﹒ TYSM!!!!! <333 I was thinking of doing stargazer rocket themed cuz he's so pretty but I ended up going with subspace.. also I am so sorry for the delay 😭.. I actually forgot how to write subspace, ALSO I AM SUPER SORRY IF THIS ISN'T WHAT YOU WANTED..

#phighting x reader #Subspace x reader #Phighting Subspace #tbh idk what to put help #Subspace x gn reader

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alacants · 21 hours ago

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The source of those rumors is a guy from Carlos's family's tennis club who is close to Kiko Navarro & knows some members of Carlos's team & is a regular collaborator with Punto de Break. According to him (he's said this before) Carlos & Juanki had a significant fight towards the end of 2023. But the claim that they nearly split up back then came from someone else who's less reliable.

As for 2025, the first guy says Carlos's dad has apparently not been happy with what Juanki is doing for a while... but it seems like Carlos doesn't agree. If things don't turn around after clay season his family might push for changes to the team.

From my perspective it's hard to understand the coaching strategy sometimes. Like you said Juanki's strength is not tactics but it seems like that's what Carlos really needs. This is just one example but I think it's crazy that he sat on court in silence for three sets without suggesting Carlos change his return position v Djokovic - Carlos eventually figured it out... in the last game of the match. And that was honestly the main factor in him losing. You could argue Juanki wanted him to figure it out himself but why on earth did they not discuss that beforehand when it also cost him massively at the Olympics (which Carlos said he didn't even think about before the match?)

I know Juanki's whole thing is treating team like family but there are a lot top coaches who say that after 5ish years a coach has nothing to give a player anymore & I wonder if their partnership has run its natural course. Carlos doesn't seem any more tactically equipped than he was two years ago & his technicals have mostly not improved either (return... backhand...).

thanks for this background - after replying to some earlier asks i dug around and saw some folks citing punto de break but not any specifics so this is appreciated. this does immediately increase the credibility to me bc i know pdb values their access and would not jeopardize it for nothing lmao. tho if it's like, a guy who sometimes writes for them and is mostly posting on his own time... i guess that's somewhere in the middle. (btw i still haven't seen anything other than reports of reports of reports? if you've got links i would very much appreciate them!)

as usual i think we're looking at two questions here: could carlos benefit from a different coach, and does carlos want a different coach.

i think we are all in agreement that for carlos to continue to develop as a player he needs something he's not getting at the moment, whether we're thinking in terms of incorporating a new addition to the team or making a wholesale switch. and i don't disagree with you at all about the natural lifespan of a coaching relationship. i've cited this before in discussions of juanki's own career (stuck with one guy; was it a mistake?) and of ferru's (split but waited too long; chalked the delay up to personal feelings).

but as long as it's presented to carlos as an all-or-nothing choice i don't think he's there yet and i would not be surprised to find out that his recent post-match declarations were a message. (tbc it very much MIGHT be an all-or-nothing choice, regulars here know i have plenty of thoughts about the academy lmao.)

the thing is that at this point the unknowns are still really, really risky. if you've had the same coach for most of your teen/adult years and you're ready to strike out and try something new, then that's exciting and stimulating and you're in a good place to make the best of it. but if you're dragging your feet? if you feel like you've been pushed? maybe someone else could give you more, but you have to be ready to receive it, you know? if you're an environment that you know enables you overall to perform at a high level (4 grand slams), where you feel overall confident and supported even if you're lacking direction in some big matches, where you get value from your coach's presence above and beyond the specifics of tennis--it is inherently going to be a risk to make a big change and if you're not all in on doing so the risks will be even more likely to find you.

that's why i keep saying is that i don't see it happening unless carlos' results gets much worse than this--or, potentially, unless a voice that holds as much weight with him as juanki's (so, his dad) gets strong enough that he listens to it. that might be where we're headed!

(incidentally i have feinted at this without saying so explicitly, but there is an unbelievable amount of money riding on carlos' success or lack thereof--i don't mean prize money, i mean his brand as a star--and it would be naive to pretend that's not a factor in decision-making. that's one of the reasons i've pointed to a sustained slump, rather than one or two disappointing slams. when the results start to affect the brand.)

just talked this over with friend who compared the ideal set-up to darren/simone for jannik--supervisory coach + tactical/court coach. if so, then the question is whether they come to that same conclusion and get the set-up in place before the decision is out of their hands, so to speak.

#and when ferru comes on board after his dc contract expires to beef up carlitos' positioning and problem-solving. WHAT THEN.#no no no keep him out of this that can only lead to disappointment #inside you are two dog-coded tennis players.#ask #juan carlos ferrero #carlos alcaraz #LATE-BREAKING ADDITION FROM CHAT: “andy murray coaches his favorite athlete. everyone is mad about it.”#anyway. it's funny that this is exactly the premise i laid out in figure skating au like 10 days ago. congrats to me ig??#wah sf in 30 minutes and i'm still here furiously typing away in the office TIME TO BOUNCE

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anxiousapplepie · 2 days ago

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Dude I super duper love your Rose knights stuff but I have questions :3

First, pls make a master post so I can find all of the comics and lore stuff without having to scroll five miles in the Rose Knights tag

Second, is this an au of something else or an original work?

Third, do u think Siffrin and Lapis would be friends

Fourth, what ISAT craft do u think ur Rose Knights OCs would gave

Fifth, does Lapis have ADHD/Autism

I think I already did this ask but forgot, anyway love both your ISAT and Rose Knights comics (Lapis is so silly to me :3)

*aggrieved noises* I know I should make some kind of Masterpost for all my RK stuff, but I'm too distracted making Art right now! I'm so sorry, forgive me and my creative sins! Spare me! Don't banish me to hell just yet!! (for real tho, I'll get round to it! eventually! thank you for being patient in the meantime <3) Rose Knights is 100% an original work of mine! :D I've been chipping away at this project for over a year, and I hope to turn it into a comic series one day! ... as soon as I get the endurance for that kind of commitment XD Imo Siffrin and Lapis would raise their weapons, share a few puns, then pass on like ships in the night. Friendly they would be! But friendship would only be gained after an epic adventure together methinks Depends? I think Tara and Bristly would be Rock. Barbara, George, and Jim would be Paper. Lapis and Morgan would be Scissor? Rodgeric might be Rock/Paper. Lapis is definitely on the neurospicy spectrum. :3 Don't ask me what flavor, you guys can figure it out XD Thank you for liking the ISAT shenanigans I got up to and now my lil rainbow weirdos matey!! <333

#Rose Knights #my brain is wired for chaos- not for sitting down to organize and make masterposts XD #honestly the best way to make sure you see all my RK art and comics is just to swim through my art tag #or I could create an RK art tag if that sounds better to you guys #eh! future me problems! not gonna think about it right now

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otterly-darling · 1 day ago

Text

First Birthday

'Surprise!'

Remus almost jumped out of his skin as he walked through the dormitory door.

'You scared me- wow!'

He looked around; the room was decorated from tip to top. Colourful streamers magically suspended in mid-air, fairy lights in all colours strung up along the walls and wrapped round the bed posts, balloons of all shapes and sizes - most of them animals, Remus noted - floated just out of reach.

'Wow,' he said again, because he didn't know what else to say.

'What do you think, Rem?' James bounded over, a silver party hat perched precariously on top of his head. 'Do you like it?'

Remus nodded vigorously as James tried to wrestle a hat onto his head too. 'It's wonderful.'

'There's cake and everything,' Peter chimed in from across the room; he was sitting by a small pile of wrapped presents and Remus' stomach flipped a little at the thought that they might be for him.

'Pete!' Sirius, who had appeared from inside his four poster carrying a neatly wrapped package, complete with bow, shot a stinging hex at him. 'You've ruined the surprise now!' He looked over at Remus, 'I made a cake.'

'All of this was Sirius' idea actually,' James started, 'The decorations and the cake, obviously Pete and I were well up for it and would have got you a present anyway and I thought we might have done it in the common room because then there would have been more people but then Sirius said-'

'James!' Sirius almost shouted and then clamped his mouth shut.

Sirius shrugged bashfully at Remus. 'I - I mean we, figured that maybe you would prefer something smaller. Just us. I dunno. We can move it all down to the common room if you want!' he rushed on.

'No!' Remus said, 'This- This is perfect. It's all I want. Thank you. I can't believe you've done this just for me.'

Sirius beamed at him. 'Of course I have. Happy Birthday, Remus.'

@wolfstarmicrofic

#remus lupin #sirius black #wolfstar #remus x sirius #wolfstar microfic #wolfstarmicrofic #marauders #james potter

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no-where-new-hero · 2 days ago

Text

as requested, here's my own maud story!

my mom got me the boxed anne set for my 8th birthday, and i know i liked the books a good deal, but they didn't really individuate themselves too much in my consciousness at first--they (and the sullivan adaptation) mostly just joined ranks with little women (and the 1994 movie) in my head as "inspirational classic books about bookish girls." quite honestly i think i was more a fan of louisa may alcott from ages 9-11.

and then! i think i must have reread the anne series at 11-12, because suddenly i got very interested in lm montgomery. i pored over the little page at the back that listed the other books she wrote, and most promising seemed to be her second-longest series, the emily trilogy.

now, i have a very very dim memory of the emily books sitting on my parents' bookshelves when i was like 6 years old. i want to say i specifically remember this cover of emily's quest because she looked pretty and interesting. but after we packed up and moved house, the emily books went back to my grandmother's place. so 12-year-old me wrote to my aunt (who was living with grandmother) and asked her to mail me the emily trilogy. she complied.

i tell you, my life changed. yes, i loved anne. but emily got inside my brain and my blood and never let go. the writing, the story, the characters. i read my family's copies of the books to pieces, went out to buy my own, and wore those out with rereading too (emily climbs is currently held together by tape). i yearned for a bestie like ilse. i hoped for a mentor like mr. carpenter. i gave up my half-baked childish dreams of being an olympic figure skater or a broadway performer and decided to climb the alpine path. i always liked writing, and i was inspired by jo march to "scribble," but maud, in these books, made writing as a career something i could aspire to.

from there, i started reading maud biographies and any blog posts i could scrounge up about her and her work. strangely enough, it took me a few years to read the rest of her canon--first blue castle, then tangled web, then magic for marigold, jane of lantern hill, and finally the pat books, which i think i read after the main fever had kind of left me because those always feel most tenuous in my mind. in the midst of all this, i kept rereading emily and anne. i picked my favorites (climbs for emily, house of dreams and rilla of ingleside for anne) and made them my personality.

my kind of obsessive desire to pattern my life on a maud heroine has not always gone well--my being totally innocent of what a dean priest might look like nowadays could have ended EXTREMELY badly in one situation i put myself into because i didn't know any better--but i also owe so much of the interior of my brain to her. i owe so much of how i write, how i look at the world, to her.

and i think part of it is the way she gives so much of herself through her books; not just the autobiographical moments, but the humor, the conflicting points of view, the moments of absurdity. she writes about life in a way that feels mostly real but also a little aspirational. even in books where the depression threatens to swamp her, she never forgets that there is spring.

i'd love to hear people's l.m. montgomery origin stories! how did you first find her work? what was the first book that really spoke to you? did she take time to grow on you? what do you think was the feature of said book that made you fall in love? please, fill the tags with your tales :)

#blake's last braincell #lmm lockdown

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zosan-secondchances · 1 day ago

Text

The Pirate King of the North: Part 14

Main Themes: V̷̨͈̘̻̂i̴̗̯̅͒l̸̳̾l̶̲̣͈̉̎͊ä̷̧̭̫̘ḯ̵̜̯̬̜͚̓̀̽n̶̛͚̦̯̈́̄̍͜ ̴͎̭͎̄͜Ś̶̲͆̈́̋ạ̵̢̉ń̵̨̘̲̫̮̎j̶̻̮̝̳̐̊͑͠͝ͅǐ̴̝̱, Alternate Universe, Zosan Ship

Warning: Long post ahead and some One Piece spoilers. Contains strong language and explicit content.

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

All eyes fell on Sanji as the trio are led inside and through the city, escorted by Wyper and a handful of the God's Guards. Normally, entering any form of settlement involves the occasional parade that his people would arrange for him in countries that allied to Germa. For those that aren't, he wears a hood to cover himself with for a discreet way in. This was different. It was the middle of the day and he was in chains with no way to protect his identity.

The frightened citizens whisper suspiciously among each other. Those who are along the stone path part way for them, while some hurriedly carry their young ones inside their houses and lock their doors and windows behind them. From an outsider's perspective, it looks like he'd been arrested and is sent on a humiliating march through the city. Sanji felt exposed and vulnerable. He considers turning around while the exit is closeby.

The weight and the cold temperature of the chains doesn't help. He feels the urge to tear the bloody things off his wrist, and hopes to get their business with Gan Fall out of the way so they can leave and take the restraints off him as soon as possible.

A wave of uneasy pain surges through his body as he sees a flash of Doflamingo's wide grin appear in front of him again. He resists the instinct to flee and focuses on the sensations of his feet, placing one foot forwards one step at a time. Not wanting to be alone, he steels his heart and commits. He tries to keep calm and stay emotionless, knowing that his every move is being watched behind the citizens’ judgemental eyes.

Wyper glances next to him and notices his discomfort. He clears his throat to get his attention.

Wyper

It's not a long walk to see God. I've sent word ahead to get a place ready for you lot to sleep in–if you're staying for the festival.

Sanji curiously blinks at him, feeling relieved and comforted at the hospitality being offered to them.

Sanji

Thanks, but that's not up to me. Run it through with Trafalgar Law.

Wyper

Aren't you in charge? Being Pirate King and all.

Sanji mildly chuckles.

Sanji

That title doesn't mean shit to me. I'm just trying to help out a friend.

Wyper raises a brow.

Wyper

Aren't you trying to recruit pirates under your rule to wage war against the Celestial Dragons and take over the world?

Sanji

Now that's an idea. But where the hell did you hear that from?

Wyper

The papers.

Sanji

The pa–?! Okay, first off, don't believe everything you read from that. I think Morgans hate me for not signing off the rights to use our image to make his silly comics.

Wyper

Morgans?

Sanji

Have you not heard his name? He's in charge of printing out that poor excuse of a newspaper.

Wyper shrugs, looking unbothered.

Wyper

Don't care about who runs it. We just need the information to know what's going on around the world.

Sanji

You should very much care! You said that I'm not bad in real life–your words, not mine! What does that tell you about the stuff you read?

Wyper

That you're a sneaky bastard, probably.

Sanji gasps sarcastically and throws his hands to cover his mouth.

Sanji

You might have just figured me out, Wyper of the God's Guards.

The warrior lets out a small lighthearted chuckle, feeling a bit proud of himself. After a brief pause, Wyper speaks.

Wyper

Hey uh…what’s a “comics”?

They proceed to discuss the topic of entertainment and other content in the WENP for the next five minutes of their walk. Zoro notices their banter from a short distance behind them, walking alongside the doctor who's quietly paying attention to their surroundings.

Then he sees it–that big stupid smile that Sanji brings out that he loves so much. The blonde laughs at something that Wyper had told him, making Zoro scowl. Watching the two of them get along should bring him some comfort that his friends are getting along, but for some reason, this interaction makes him want to hurl the warrior over the valley of the city so he can take his place.

Law

Interesting…

Zoro

Tch.

The swordsman grumpily crosses his arms and tears his gaze away from the two. Desperate for a distraction, he entertains Law.

Zoro

What's interesting?

Law

Wyper is relaxed around the Pirate King.

Zoro

So?

Law

So…look.

Law nods his head towards the crowd who are eyeing them. While the people still part to give way along the path, none of them are running back into their houses. Some have simply glanced towards them and paid them no mind, continuing on their day as usual.

Law

With our God's Guard friend at ease, people seem to be more tolerable of our presence now. At least they're not running away anymore.

The swordsman mumbles grumpily under his breath and glances back to Wyper and Sanji. The blonde looks over his shoulder and meets his eye. Zoro flinches and quickly looks away shyly. He feels the temperature around his face rise.

As they arrive at an open clearing with hundreds of Shandian teepees scattered through the field, one of Wyper’s men runs from behind them to stride alongside the warrior. He leans over and cups his hand to whisper something in his ear. They slow down their walk until they stop. Everyone follows.

Wyper

Ah…that’s a shame.

Wyper waves a hand to dismiss the guard who salutes and runs off. He turns his attention to Zoro.

Wyper

Zoro, I was hoping to have a surprise for you, but unfortunately it didn't quite work out.

Zoro

A… surprise…?

Wyper

One of the other Straw Hats–Nico Robin–was here to study ancient ruins and some of our relics.

Zoro

Robin's here? Why didn't you tell me sooner?!

Wyper

She was. I was too focused on the immediate threat–

Sanji raises an unimpressed brow towards him. Wyper clears his throat to correct himself.

Wyper

Immediate… situation.

Zoro

So where is she now? What did you mean when you said it didn't work out?

Wyper

Apparently she'd been gone for at least a week now. I thought she'd at least say goodbye so we didn’t know that she’d already left.

Zoro

Do you know why?

Wyper shrugs his shoulders.

Wyper

No. Sorry.

Zoro sighs in disappointment as he remembers Nami's advice to keep in touch more often. What he would do right now to be in the presence of someone familiar who he can truly trust. If he had spoken to Robin earlier, maybe she could have told him her current whereabouts and that she could have stayed a bit longer to see him.

Now of all times would be the perfect time to gather allies. He considers reaching out to Luffy to see if they can reunite the Straw Hats to take down Doflamingo for Sanji's sake.

Wyper

All I know is that she was here to learn more about our ancient civilization and the island's Poneglyph.

Zoro

I see. That does sound like her.

Wyper

I like your new ship by the way. The other one had charm but–

Zoro

THE SUNNY WAS HERE?!

Wyper

Do you not know where your crewmates are? I thought you knew from what you told me earlier.

Zoro

I guess I don't know as much as I thought I did.

Was anyone else with her?

Wyper

Err…some big metal guy with blue hair? Fran-something or other. They seem close.

Zoro groans out loud, beating himself up for missing out yet another friend he could have caught up with.

Zoro

Franky….

Wyper

That's the one.

Let's continue this conversation inside. We've arrived.

Wyper approaches one of the teepees–while it’s made of the same material and is decorated similarly compared to the other dwellings, it’s slightly bigger than the rest. He pulls back the piece of canvas to reveal an opening for them to enter through.

Sanji expected a temple or a palace of sorts–a place fitting for a “God” as they called their leader. He was surprised at how humble the home looked from the outside and the inside. Near the entrance, there is a dedicated sleeping area with a stack of pillows and blankets over a fur rug, and at the far side there are small wooden shelves and drying racks stocked with essential food ingredients.

Sitting in the middle of the small dwelling is an old man with a long beard wearing a well crafted full body metal armour. He has a large platter of various fresh fruits on a wide tree stump table in front of him. Next to him is a winged woman with blonde hair and two orbs sticking out of it which look like her antennas. She looks like she's in the middle of feeding the older man a piece of fruit from the platter using a small fork.

Wyper walks after Zoro, Sanji and Law, squeezing into the small cloth tent. He stands by the far side and takes a small bow.

Wyper

Old man…we talked about this. Why are you in full armour?

Old Man

Old habits die hard I'm afraid.

You've brought guests!

Wyper

Yes, I sent a message ahead. Didn't you get it?

Woman

We got it, but…

Oh my, is that you–Zoro?!

The woman hurriedly drops the utensil and scrambles up on her feet. She runs to the swordsman, giving him a big and tight hug.

Zoro pats her head and grins widely.

Zoro

Conis. It's been years.

The winged woman releases him and places her hands on her chest. She gives him a warm-hearted smile.

Conis

I never thought I'd see you again!

Zoro turns to the old man and gives him a courteous bow.

Zoro

Gan Fall. It's good to see you.

From what I hear though, should we be addressing you as something else?

Gan Fall stands on his feet, albeit unsteadily until the blonde woman catches him and holds him up by the arm.

Conis

Careful!

Gan Fall

Ah, the world's greatest swordsman–Roronoa Zoro!

Are these your friends? Please, join us!

Conis carefully guides the old man back to sit in front of the tree stump table and settles herself next to him. Zoro stands aside so Law and Sanji can take his place standing in front of Gan Fall.

Wyper

God, these are Zoro's companions, Trafalgar Law and the Pirate King of the North. They're both from the North Blue.

Law and Sanji take turns bowing to Gan Fall as their names are called.

Gan Fall

You've come a long way!

No need to be so formal, Wyper. Sit! Sit! Any friend of Zoro’s is a friend of ours.

Wyper gestures for the trio to follow. They sit on the pillows and rugs laid around the tree stump. The sounds of the restraints clinking from Sanji's wrists catch the old man's attention.

Gan Fall

Oi, why's this one in chains?!

Wyper

He's the one who destroyed the sacred site just outside Upper Yard.

Gan Fall

Aha! Oh, that old thing. Don't worry, the grass will grow back. And those old ruins aren't of much use. We need to expand the city anyway. It's getting awfully crowded in the valley. Also, they're a sight for sore eyes! Good riddance, I say!

Wyper

Gan Fall!

Sanji had felt nervous meeting their “God”, not wanting to become enemies so quickly with another country's leader. While he'd normally have more confidence introducing himself to new folks, the guilt of his earlier actions, among other things, have taken a significant impact on his morale. After hearing the old man's words, however, he felt a heavy weight off his shoulders. He returns his kindness with a bow.

Sanji

You're too forgiving, Your Highness.

Gan Fall

But your name is too long–Pirate North something or other–what can I call you?

Sanji chuckles in a deep low voice. He closes his eyes and opens them after a brief pause.

Sanji

I like you, Your Grace. Just call me S–

Gan Fall

Northy! That's easier to remember than...what–King North of the Pirates! And please, Just “Gan Fall” will do. Or Grandpa–like a lot of the other kids do! Haha!

Sanji

Sss…sure.

Zoro blinks at Sanji, then turns away with a grumpy pout, frustrated at missing out an opportunity to potentially learn the man's true name. He tells himself that at least he has another clue now.

Wyper sits himself next to Zoro. The warrior leans over and whispers to him.

Wyper

Err…Zoro, the Sky Knight that you remember may not be the same as before…. His memory hasn't been… reliable.

Zoro quietly nods in acknowledgement, feeling pity for the old man. When he looks up, Conis is plating various fruits from the platter and distributing them around the table.

Gan Fall

Eat! Eat! Don’t wait for my account. You must be weary from the journey.

…So to what honour do we owe the greatest swordsman and his friends?

Zoro rubs the back of his neck awkwardly.

Zoro

I'm not…the greatest swordsman. Not yet anyway.

Gan Fall

Nonsense! You are in our eyes, young man. You took part in saving the entire country from a tyrannical rule. What more can be greater than that? I wouldn't be here if it weren’t for your efforts. Don’t forget that.

Zoro stares at him blankly. He'd genuinely hoped to have returned to Skypiea with the title officiated but Gan Fall's statement left him flattered. Speechless, he smiles warmly at him and starts digging in on his food.

Sanji smirks at Zoro's reaction, feeling happy to see that someone else agrees with him that he’s already the greatest of all swordsmen. He pulls out a cigarette. As he was about to light it, the old man held his hand up.

Gan Fall

Ah-ah. We don't do that here, Northy.

Sanji

Oh–sorry. How rude of me…. I should have asked first. I'll–

Gan Fall

We do this here! Bwahaha!

Gan Fall shuffles around in his waistband and procures a small enclosed bag, tossing it onto the table in front of the blonde. It falls open, revealing buds with a distinct strong scent that Sanji is too familiar with. With his other hand, he leans over and grabs one of the long wooden pipes leaning on a nearby shelf and begins stuffing its chamber with the contents from the bag. Sanji grins widely and turns to Zoro.

Sanji

Oh, I definitely like him.

Conis

Gan Fall!

Gan Fall

What? It's time for my medication! And in my house, we share!

—

Gan Fall's home has a layer of cloudy smoke inside after a couple of hours catching up. The group had become more loose and relaxed under the exposure of Gan Fall's “smoking ceremony”. The swordsman had politely declined on taking a puff but he's happily sharing a large jug of sake with Wyper. Sanji had finally caught up on food that he's skipped for the entire day, and Law felt more energised having directly shared some of Gan Fall's “medication”. “For research,” the doctor insists.

Sanji

Old man, this hits different. Where do you get your stock?

Gan Fall

Hah! As if I'd tell you. If you want to take some home, forget it. You'd just have to visit me more often! Haha!

He leans over and whispers in Sanji's ear…loudly.

Gan Fall

Because you know…I grow them myself. I got a little garden behind some tall corn stalks so Conis can’t find–

Conis

I heard that!

Gan Fall

Let me have my fun, woman!

Conis and Zoro eventually fall into a conversation about the good old days and their recent doings. She proudly shared news of her position as a waitress in a local establishment called the Pumpkin Cafe. She welcomes the trio to come down any time for a treat, to which Zoro promises to drop by at some point.

After a while, Gan Fall finally turns to Law to continue their conversation about Corazon.

Gan Fall

The Marines, huh? We don't get a lot of those up here. They invite trouble.

Wyper nods on the side in agreement as he takes a swill from the jug of sake.

Law

So I've been told.

Corazon may have not dressed like one. He has shaggy blonde hair, wears distinct makeup–wide red lipstick, dark blue spiky shapes on one side of his face–does any of that ring a bell?

Gan Fall

A…bell? Oh! Wyper, is it time?!

Wyper

No, that's not what he meant…we don't ring the other bell until tonight. Trafalgar Law here is asking about a Marine, Corazon…remember?

Gan Fall runs a hand down his beard, thinking carefully.

Gan Fall

Hmm… Corazon… hmm….

Oh, is that one of our saviors, Roronoa Zoro?!

Conis takes a sharp breath in. Zoro blinks at him and sets his jug of sake down.

Conis

Alright, I think you're overdue for your afternoon nap, God. Please–

Gan Fall

Nonsense! We have to entertain our guests!

Conis

Oh…

Sanji takes a long puff from their shared pipe and sets it down on the table gently. He breathes out and eyes the old man up and down. With a gentle voice, he speaks.

Sanji

You were just saying you wanted a nap, Gan Fall.

Gan Fall stares at him.

Gan Fall

Oh, of course! Of course.

Law

But…

Wyper stands abruptly.

Wyper

I was afraid of this… Law, we can try asking more about your Marine friend again tomorrow.

Gan Fall

Wait!

Everyone stills and looks at the old man.

Gan Fall

I don't know about a “Corazon”, but there was a group of Marines that came down here a long time ago. Around thirty years ago, I think. Troublesome bunch. They’re not the first of the navy to visit, but that lot in particular stuck to me…. I think one of them was prone to fire.

Law

F–fire…?

Gan Fall

Yes. I saw the whole thing. This tall handsome man was just trying to light up his cigarette but he somehow spontaneously combusted into flames.

Law

That’s him!

Gan Fall

Hah! Your friend is quite clumsy isn’t he?

…Oh yes, I think it’s coming back to me now!

Gan Fall continues to run his hand over his long beard and closes his eyes, thinking deeply.

Gan Fall

Well, that man was kind enough from what I saw, but the others…they wanted to take and weaponise Nola! The poor girl. They drove her out of her own home to try to capture her. That or they just wanted to study the burrow where she was born. No one has ever stepped foot in there and come out alive, not to our knowledge…. It is said to be home to the “heart” of Sky Island.

Law

Nola… the giant snake?

Gan Fall

Don't worry, she's completely harmless! You're free to visit her old burrow if you wish.

Mind you…I don’t know what lurks in the old girl’s burrow anymore…. Tread carefully.

Sanji

Marimo, do you think your archeologist friend may have checked it out?

Zoro

I honestly wouldn’t know.

Wyper

I didn’t even know of its existence until just now….

Gan Fall

You wouldn’t know where it is unless you know what to look for.

At that, Gan Fall stands. He walks around weakly and kneels in front of Law who sheds a nervous sweatdrop on the side of his brow. The old man reaches out and points a finger onto his chest.

Gan Fall

Whatever you find in there, please, take good care of it.

Law

"It"? Do you have a clue what we'll find?

Gan Fall gives him a warm smile and stands. When his legs wobble, Conis runs and holds his arms stead just in time.

Gan Fall

Something…ancient. If it’s still there.

If you’re destined to find it, you will reach it. Follow the path of the rainbow serpent.

Oh and uh…

The old man turns his gaze to Sanji.

Gan Fall

I'll trust you to keep the bag. The effects should wear off in a couple of hours…unless you have another way of sobering up. Hah!

At that he winks at the blonde and turns away, walking towards the pile of beddings where Conis gently sets him down to rest. Wyper takes one last swill from the jug of sake before clearing his throat.

Wyper

What's it to be, Trafalgar Law? Are you staying?

Law turns his gaze to the swordsman who shrugs.

Zoro

The festival could be fun if you're up for it. Unless….

Zoro and Law both look at Sanji who is stuffing his pocket with the bag that Gan Fall had left him.

Sanji

What?

Zoro

The longer we stay here, the longer you have to put up with those…things.

He nods towards the chains between the blonde's wrists.

Sanji

Y'know, the smoking ceremony made me forget about the stuff. I feel lighter.

Zoro

You’re just…okay with them now?

Sanji

I didn’t say that…. It just makes it more…bearable, I suppose.

Law

So you don't mind if we stay longer?

Sanji

I didn't say that either… but…

He looks down worriedly, trying to think of where Niji may be. What he needs is time to gather his thoughts and somehow find a way to sneak out by himself to look for his brother.

Sanji

I…guess there’s no reason not to stay?

He forces a smile, trying to hide his ever increasing anxiousness.

The doctor sighs and turns to Wyper.

Law

We'll stay but leave at first light.

Wyper

Good. I'll show you to your hut.

—

Wyper escorts the trio towards an isolated side of the city within the perimeter of the valley. The area opens up to an untouched jungle with a small hut in the middle of a clearing. When they arrive inside, they find their belongings already transported and piled neatly in a corner of a cozy living area.

Wyper

It's a little off from town but I figured you'd want some quiet.

Zoro

Thanks Wyper. We appreciate it.

Wyper

I’m required to return to my duties but if you need me, I’ll be in the city.

Law

Thanks.

Zoro-ya, Mr. Prince-ya, I need to contact the Polar Tang to check on my crew. Don’t bother me or do anything dumb while I’m busy.

At that, Law grabs his pack and hurries into a room closest to the exit then locks the door behind him.

Zoro hoists his own bag over his shoulder and bends over to pick up Sanji's out of habit. Upon remembering that there’s no longer a reason to sleep together in the same room, he stops. He stands and takes the farthest room without a word, avoiding eye contact.

Wyper

Uh…Zoro, that's the bathroom.

Zoro

I KNEW THAT!

Zoro shyly shifts into the room next to it and slams the door behind him.

Sanji chuckles and walks over to his own bag. Wyper eyes him and rubs the back of his neck, hesitant to say something.

Sanji

I assume that I’m not allowed to take a break from these?

He holds up his wrists and shakes the shackles side to side, showing Wyper what he's referring to.

Wyper

Sorry, you’re still within the city boundaries. I know you like Gan Fall but if you noticed, he didn't tell me to remove them from you.

Sanji groans.

Sanji

I did notice, actually. I just…

His eyes glance towards the swordsman’s room.

Wyper

What?

Sanji

It’s kinda hard to change with it on.

Wyper

Oh… in that case…

Wyper takes a step forward, nearly closing the distance between them.

Sanji

Woah–wait, wait, wait. What are you doing?

Wyper

I’m taking them off for the moment so you can change your clothes.

Sanji

That’s…allowed?

Wyper

If it’s done quickly.

The warrior raises a hand and offers it to him.

Wyper

So?

Sanji hesitates. After a brief pause, he places a hand in Wyper’s.

Wyper smirks at him and gently pulls him closer. With his other hand, he fishes out the key from his pocket and begins unlocking the restraints from the blonde’s wrists slowly, never breaking eye contact.

Wyper

If you want, I can help you dress down too.

Sanji’s eyes dart to Zoro’s room.

Sanji

I…

A heavy thump catches his attention. When he looks down, his wrists feel a lot lighter and his binds have fallen onto the wooden floor. A wave of relief washes over him. He rubs and stretches his now free hands, appreciative to have a small moment without the cursed things.

Suddenly, he feels hands slide up to his elbows as his body gets pulled flush against the warrior’s.

Wyper

So what’s it going to be?

Sanji can’t help but smirk at him.

Sanji

You do this with all your prisoners?

Wyper

You’d be the first.

As Wyper angles his head and makes his move, Sanji quickly places a finger between their lips, blocking him.

Sanji

I’m going to need some privacy. And…space.

The warrior blinks at him and quickly takes a step back. He averts his gaze.

Wyper

S–sorry… I think I just had too much to drink.

Sanji eyes him up and down. He doesn’t detect any malice from the man so he takes a step forward, careful to maintain a short distance between them. He attempts to comfort him.

Sanji

Look, there’s just… a lot of things going on. I don’t want you to get all mixed up in all the mess. I’ve made a lot of those already.

I…actually thought you’re into the Marimo.

Wyper

Marimo…? You mean Zoro?

Well…yeah.

Sanji

Oh…

After a brief pause, the realisation dawns on him.

Sanji

OH!

Wyper shrugs his shoulders.

Wyper

If you two are up for it.

Sanji

Where have you been all my life?

You know, I would have taken you up on that offer earlier in the year but…

Wyper notices the blonde eye Zoro’s room once more.

Sanji

I think it’s best if I… don’t mess up his life any more than I already have.

The warrior gives him a warm smile and nods in understanding. He turns his heel and walks to the exit.

Sanji

Oh…Wyper, I–

Wyper

No need to explain. But…the offer’s there.

Wyper gives him one last wink before opening the door.

Wyper

Can I trust you to have those shackles back on before you leave the hut?

Sanji

You’d… let me leave it off?

Wyper

As long as you’re in here. I know that it must have been painful for you to keep it on. I’m not dumb enough to try and put them back on you either, especially after all that trouble that you and your swordsman went through. But…you didn’t hear any of this from me.

See you later at the festival?

Sanji

Uh…y–yes.

At that, Wyper leaves and closes the door behind him.

Feeling exasperated from the day, Sanji runs his hands over his face and turns away from the door. He finds himself smiling.

Sanji

What the hell just happened?

----------

Due to health issues, I'll probably be slowing down on writing and drawing stuff for my fics 🙏 Thanks for reading!

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