#Monster Woo scenario

[that-foul-legacy-lover]

sometimes you wake up and and just want to go back to sleep.

not particularly because you're still tired, but because you feel awful, limbs heavy and anxiety threading through every inch of your body- or is it hunger? no, it's too deep and crushing to be simple hunger. you have to get up. but you can't get up. you roll under the covers, wrapping your arms around your shoulders with a grimace, heart fluttering and squeezing erratically. it hurts, and you need to get up, but dread weighs you down and confines you to the mattress, sinking into your bones and burrowing into the marrow like tiny mites.

instinctively you freeze when a pair of arms snakes around your waist, claws resting against your skin- ah. it's just Foul Legacy.

he has a nest of blankets and pillows in his own room, but in all honesty most nights are spent happily curled up beside you, taking up all the extra space on your bed with his lovely, cozy Abyssal self. Legacy purrs quietly, kneading gently against your stomach with his talons and tugging your shoulders until you flip over to face him. he croons, languid, delighted, nudging his head against yours and licking your cheek before pulling back with dreamy adoration in his crystalline eye. you stare, exhale, and a matching smile spreads across your own lips, minus the fangs and the ridges of his mask. Legacy chitters in contentment, as the sight of your happiness warms him more than any burning ember or flame could dream.

the knot of dread in your stomach uncurls and dissipates into wisps, and you peacefully snuggle into your beloved moth's arms.

[clariannahoney]

Monster Woo's Chubby Subjugation

The city streets blurred past as you power-walked, trying to escape the swarm of fans and paparazzi that had suddenly descended upon you. Your heart pounded in your chest, not just from the exertion but from the unexpected encounter with Kim Young Woo, known to his followers as Monster Woo. The Korean krumper's intense gaze had locked onto you earlier, making your stomach flutter with a mix of fear and excitement.

As you turned a corner, gasping for breath, a strong hand yanked you into an alleyway. You stumbled, nearly falling, but strong arms caught you, pressing you against a cold brick wall. "Running away so soon?" Monster Woo's voice was low and seductive, his face inches from yours. His eyes gleamed with a predatory light, scanning your body with a mix of amusement and desire.

"I... I didn't expect..." you stammered, your mind racing.

"Expected or not, you're mine now," he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument. He leaned closer, his lips brushing against your ear as he whispered, "Feel that? That's my claim on you."

You shivered, feeling a surge of adrenaline mixed with something deeper, more primal. His hand slid down your arm, then gripped your wrist firmly, pulling you along as he led you towards a sleek black car parked nearby. The driver opened the door, and without hesitation, Monster Woo pushed you inside, following close behind.

The interior of the car was luxurious, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Monster Woo settled next to you, his presence dominating the space. "We're going to my place," he stated simply, watching you with those piercing eyes. "There, we'll start your training."

Your training? The words sent a shiver down your spine, both thrilling and terrifying you. You shifted uncomfortably, feeling his gaze linger on your body. "What kind of training?" you dared to ask, your voice barely above a whisper.

"To make you understand your place," he replied, his voice smooth as silk. "You're going to learn to worship me, to submit completely. And I'm going to enjoy every moment of it."

The car pulled smoothly into traffic, leaving the bustling city behind. You felt trapped, yet there was a strange sense of anticipation building within you. Monster Woo's hand moved slowly, tracing patterns on your thigh, sending sparks of electricity through your body.

"You like that, don't you?" he murmured, his fingers inching higher. "Admit it. You want this. You crave my attention."

You swallowed hard, unable to deny the truth in his words. Your body responded eagerly to his touch, betraying your nervousness. "Yes," you breathed out, your voice trembling.

"Good girl," he praised, leaning closer. His lips brushed against yours, a soft, teasing kiss that left you longing for more. "Now, let's see how well you can follow instructions."

His hand moved beneath your skirt, his fingers finding their target with shocking ease. You gasped, your body arching instinctively towards his touch. "That's it," he encouraged, his voice deepening with arousal. "Give me what I want."

Pressure built rapidly within you, a familiar yet intense sensation. You tried to control it, but it was too powerful. With a muffled cry, you felt yourself release, warm liquid soaking through your clothes. Monster Woo chuckled darkly, his fingers continuing their relentless exploration.

"Uncontrollable, aren't you?" he taunted, his tone laced with amusement. "Such a messy little thing. But that's part of your charm, isn't it?"

You bit your lip, humiliation mingling with the lingering pleasure. His words stung, yet they also fueled a perverse thrill within you. "Please," you managed to whisper, unsure of what exactly you were pleading for.

"Please what?" he pressed, his voice hardening. "Beg me properly if you want something."

You hesitated, torn between resistance and submission. His hand tightened slightly, a silent command. "Please, Master," you uttered, the word tasting strange yet right on your tongue.

Monster Woo smiled, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Very good. Now, let's continue this at my place. There's much to teach you."

The car slowed, turning into a private driveway. As the doors opened, Monster Woo stepped out, reaching back to help you. His grip was firm, guiding you towards a grand mansion. The door closed behind you, sealing you into his world.

Inside, the atmosphere was opulent yet intimidating. Monster Woo led you upstairs, each step echoing with purpose. He stopped before a large bedroom door, pushing it open with a dramatic flair. "Welcome to your new home," he announced, stepping aside for you to enter.

The room was dimly lit, shadows playing across various bondage equipment and erotic art. You hesitated, your heart pounding in your ears. Monster Woo watched you, his expression unreadable. "Don't be shy," he coaxed, his voice dripping with temptation. "Come in and embrace your destiny."

You took a deep breath, stepping forward into the room. The door clicked shut behind you, sealing your fate. Monster Woo approached, his presence overwhelming. "Time to begin your education," he murmured, his hands reaching for you once more.

[yourfatherlucifer]

The Villain (HJ)

villain!hongjoong x good girl!reader

Summary: Being the towns local good girl, you caught the eye of the towns big bad villain, and he NEEDS you. He WANTS you. So he takes what he wants.

Warnings: MDNI, EVIL JOONG IS A BIG RED FLAG, rough, getting caught, choking, pwp, mention of breeding, monster sized cock joong,

WC: 1,291

AU: hero/villain

Genre: SMUT

tags: @nebulousbrainsoup @jay-scenarios @wooyoungqueen @ad0rechuu @staytinyville @pyeonghongrie-main @yunho-mp3

nets: @cromernet @cultofdionysusnet @wonderlandnet @k-labels @kflixnet @pirateeznet

BRAIN GO BRRR, this could've been better but oh well.

Part two

With your flowy skirts and pretty attitude, you are the town's local good girl, everyone loved you. You always helped in any way you could, which meant the towns hero, Hwa, his alias, fell in love with you. However, you also caught the eye of another, Kim Hongjoong, the villain.

He used to be a happy man, but then things started not going his way, he became a brat. He started rebelling, setting things aflame. Destroying things across town, it started out as little things, then it started to progress when Hwa started getting in his way. The two used to be friends but then Hongjoong's ways became evil. Seonghwa always got what he wanted, never Hongjoong. So, they became enemies. Trying to take each other out at any chance they got.

Trying to off each other, even pining after the same girl.

That's where you come in.

Trudging yourself across town, books in hand, a man stepped in front of you, "Oh, Seonghwa! Hi!"

Red flashed across his face, 'Hey, Y/N, I was wondering, would you maybe wanna go on a date with me on Saturday?"

You switched your heavy books to one hand to scratch the back of your neck, "I can't, I have things I have to do, Seonghwa. I'm sorry. Maybe some other time?"

He was constantly trying to woo you, but never could accomplish such an easy task. Were you playing hard to get? No..you were too sweet for that. Right?

Of course, however, despite your sweet and happy persona. You liked bad things, you loved the bad prospects, you liked bad boys. Seonghwa was just far too good for you. You could never let anyone know that though, everyone would dismiss you as the good girl.

They would wonder, 'Who could corrupt such a nice thing?'

Kim Hongjoong. That is who.

With his mean acts, his evil smirk, his pretty eyes. You fell in love with him, but alas, why would he want you? You're too nice for your own good.

You had seen him around in school before he became the villain, he was the outcast, but you liked that about him. You wanted to befriend him. Your parents and friends alike wouldn't let you. They always thought something was wrong with him. They were right. He's evil incarnate, but that made you fall harder. You yearned for him, for his touch for him to tell you all the things he would do to you.

"I see, that's alright, Y/N. I'll see you around." Seonghwa smiled and left you alone in the street.

You rolled your eyes at his goody-two-shoes attitude, yes, you were the same, but you only behaved such a way as to not disappoint your family.

Little did you know though, Hongjoong DID want you, he saw you as the girl he wanted to corrupt, he didn't know your true thoughts of course.

He thought you only want Seonghwa, even more mad that Seonghwa got what he wanted.

But he saw you. Saw you just reject Seonghwa. It nearly brought tears to his eyes. He won. He finally won.

Hongjoong watched you walk into an alley, so he followed you. He was ready to finally confront you.

As you made your way down the cramped buildings, you could hear footsteps behind you, so you quickened your pace.

"Wait! Y/N." A voice you haven't heard in years called out to you.

You turned on your heel to face him, "Hongjoong?"

He didn't smile, just nodded, "Hey. It's good to see you."

You took this time to smile, "You as well."

He stepped up closer to you and you didn't move from your spot, "I'm surprised you aren't running."

"Why would I run?"

"Cuz' I'm the villain of the town?" He tilted his head in confusion.

"Okay, and?"

Hongjoong laughed deeply, it was so attractive to you. He gave you his signature smirk, before placing his hands on your waist, he could see in your eyes that you wanted him.

He wanted you too.

"So, shall we go back to what you could say, is my evil lair?"

You laughed and nodded, "Yes, Joong, I'd love to."

--

The second you stepped into his lavish mansion, he slammed you into the wall, his lips attacking your neck. Nipping and pulling at the skin to create the biggest marks anyone has seen. Hwa will know that you are taken. He will never have you. Hongjoong will make sure of it.

He tapped your thighs for you to jump up.

He carried you through many halls, many staircases, the strength on this man was so unforgivingly hot.

The second he reached a certain room, the cold air affected your nipples. They hardened within a second.

It was in fact, his lair.

Machines lined the walls, a few couches strung about, but in the middle of the room sat a large metal slabbed table.

"Strip." He sets you down, in a demanding voice.

"Leave the skirt on."

He watched as you were about to pull off your flowy skirt.

Once you stood bare in everything but your skirt, he approached you, "Mmm, mine to corrupt."

Grabbing your chin with one hand, he forced you to face him, "I'm going to have you ruined for anyone else, Seonghwa will never want you when I am done with you." He whispered in your ear.

He backed you up into the table, the cold metal hitting your lower back. He quickly spun you around, bending you over the table.

He flipped up the back of the skirt and stared at your wet and warm cunt, "Is all this for me, my good girl?" His finger dipped into the dripping slick.

You moaned into the table, "A-all for you!" You could feel his well-hung cock against the back of your thighs through his slacks.

When he was done playing with your slick, he removed his belt before grabbing your wrists and tying them behind your back, "Good girls don't get to touch when it comes to me."

"I'm going to fuck you into next week, and that is a promise."

He ran his monster-sized cock along your folds, "I don't know if I really should give you what you want." He grinned evilly, alas you couldn't see it.

You were about to beg but before you could, he pushed his large cock inside, "Fucking god, so tight." He growled almost inhumanly.

he rubbed your asscheeks before beginning his descent into pleasure.

The table rock with each thrust his pushed into you, his free hand pushed you down further into the table to prevent any back arches or movements, "Take what I give you. No more, no less."

His harsh thrusts turned slow and soft as he flipped you around. His hand made his way to your throat. Once he made contact, he squeezed your throat hard, only enough to slightly choke you.

His hard thrusts returned, leaving bruises behind. The skin slapping and moans filled the room.

When his lips found yours, there was no love behind them. It was all just need.

"Should I knock you up? Yeah? For the town to see you get bred by the villain? No, I shouldn't. I hate children." He groaned into your ear.

"I will mark you, and feed you my cum, so you'll be dripping."

You wanted to hold him so bad, but could only wrap your legs around him to pull him closer to you.

His thrusts were beginning to turn sloppy, "Gonna fucking fill you."

"Please, just fuck me, Joong!"

The second his warm cum spilled into you, the door to his lair burst open.

Seonghwa stood there,

"What the fuck, Y/N!"

And there was Hongjoong's signature evil smirk, he got what he wanted.

[innerfare]

Ace Relationship Headcanons - Part 1

Summary: A collection of headcanons about being in a relationship with Fire Fist Ace

Genre: Fluff

CW: None // SFW

———

A little scenario to start us off: you're Akainu's daughter- meek and mild at the start, with a burn scar or two (and a lot of trauma) from your temperamental father. You have an arranged marriage with a young marine officer, not a bad man but not necessarily a good one, either. And then there's Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, one of the most notorious criminals in the world. It's quite the scandal when the two of you run away together. Of course, you don’t run away because you’re star-crossed lovers. You run away because Ace finally sets you free. 

You fall first, drawn to him like he’s the sun and you just have to hold him in your hands, even if you’ll get burned. His easy way with people, his boyish laugh, the freckles on his cheeks, his muscular figure. 

Ace notices you’re attractive, sure, and sweet, but he puts you in the same box as everyone else, initially, trying to keep you at arm’s length. This only changes when you reach out to him and forge an emotional connection, approaching him when he’s down, offering him a piece of candy, and saying something along the lines of, “I'm happy you're alive,” or, “I think the world is a better place with you in it,” without even realizing the depths of Ace's low self esteem. 

From that point forward, he loses his voice when you're around because he's never felt such an intense need to wrap someone in his big arms and squeeze, to bury his face in someone’s hair, to inhale someone’s scent. You fell first, but he fell harder. 

His feelings slammed into him like a train and he wouldn’t have been able to peel himself off the tracks if not for Marco’s help (the older man didn’t do much, just told him to stop being so pathetic and shoot his shot). 

Marco intended for him to talk it out with you, but Ace is a man of action, not a man of words. It takes him a bit to gather the courage because he genuinely doesn’t think he deserves to have you, but eventually, the feelings become too intense. Once he decides he’s going to confess, he doesn’t confess so much as he gets you alone and places a heavy kiss on your lips. When you kiss him back, in his mind, the two of you are basically married. 

He works really hard not to be overprotective of you, but he watches you like a hawk. He has such intense anxiety about something horrible happening to you. He even has nightmares of him losing control and hurting you because he’s such a monster, or else of you finally realizing that he’s no good and leaving him. But when he wakes up, you’re always there, and he wraps you in his arms and pulls you into his side. 

Is very insecure about your relationship and has a deep-rooted fear that you will leave him if he isn’t actively doing things for you. Also has an insecurity about being ‘masculine’ enough for you and works really hard not to cry around you. It takes you a really long time to make him feel comfortable enough to open up. 

Isn’t really sure what to do in a relationship because he’s never had one and didn’t exactly have any to observe growing up, so he mostly mimics you. You sat beside him one night on the deck of the Moby Dick and offered him half of the candy you opened up? He starts buying candy to share with you. You offered him your scarf while on a winter island even though he didn’t need it? He always keeps an extra scarf in his bag lest you forget yours and need one. You tell him you love him? He hurries to say it back, not having realized that was something people could say out loud whenever they felt it. 

When Thatch tells him flowers are always a solid bet for wooing a woman, he takes it to heart. He gets so into it, always seeking out flower shops on the islands the two of you visit and asking the people who work there to make custom bouquets with a variety of flowers, though he leans toward sunflowers and orange lilies. If he encounters sunflowers in the wild, he'll most certainly pick some for you. 

He puts so much care into your relationship the guys tease him he’s not much of a pirate, but he doesn’t care. He wouldn’t give up on his dreams for anything, and yet, there’s a small part of him that thinks he would do the white picket thing if you wanted. He wants what you want, and the fact that you want nothing more than for him to achieve his dreams makes him feel like the luckiest guy in the world. The older guys, the ones who have been on the crew long enough to recall Pops in his prime, also tease him that he really is Whitebeard’s son because the Emperor also had a soft spot for a certain lady and was never very good at hiding it (Roger was the same way but don’t tell Ace that, eek).  

Goes a little crazy for words of affirmation. He has a pretty face? He has a nice laugh? He’s a kind person with a good soul? You’re lucky to have ever met him? You love him for who he is as a person and not the things he can do for you, not the flashy ways he can fight and fearsome reputation he’s made for himself? You’d better be prepared to have his children. He’s super awkward about receiving compliments, though, and often has no idea how to respond. “Erm, thanks, I guess.” Can’t bring himself to admit that your words make him feel like he’s drowning in his love for you. 

———

Hope you enjoyed it! If you want more, you can check out my masterlist here!

[brillantradiance]

Random Jin Woo Headcanons

Warning: slightly suggestive and unedited

Talking to the void again. I personally think on a subconscious level Jin Woo would have a thing for predator/prey dynamics.

It would kill him to admit it though but there’s definitely signs.

Like the thrill he gets when scaring his S/O by sneaking up behind them. He does this All. The. Time. It doesn’t help that he can hide his presence so there’s nothing that can be done. Tell him to stop and all you get in return is a mischievous smirk. He’s already plotting when he’s gonna scare them again. S/O can be at work, school you name a place and he’s probably done it there too. He also loves to shadow exchange his S/O randomly. (At the expense of their convenience)

He most likely watches his soulmate while they sleep. He can’t help but be enamored by how vulnerable they look. Something primal stirs within him. Something about wanting to ruin them right then and there but he holds himself back. S/O wakes up after feeling like they’re being watched just to be met with two glowing purple eyes staring into their soul and shrieks in fear. Jin Woo can’t help but laugh.

Oh good luck if his S/O is a hunter and asks the guy for a sparring match. In this scenario S/O is a strong s rank Jin Woo will obviously have mutual respect of his S/O abilities but will still hold back. The S/O knows this gets ticked off and lands a hard blow on Jin Woo pushing him back. Before they could even celebrate their fleeting victory Jin Woo already has them pinned on the ground with his pupils dilated. As if he wants to devour them. S/O rendered helpless could only look up in fear on what Jin Woo plans to do with them. Just for him to peck them on lips and say I win. Leaving his S/O breathless for multiple reasons.

Also S/O 100% will match his freak. While watching a horror movie seeing the monster chase the final girl in the woods his S/O casually states he should chase them just like the monster in the movie. And for once Jin Woo short circuits. And doesn’t agree to the chase until his S/O bets he won’t catch them and if he does he can do whatever he wants to his S/O afterwards. Suffice to say his S/O was not walking for the next two weeks.

Note: y’all yandere SJW with a primal/predator&prey kink where literally stalks his darling in their own house would go so hard please see my vision 🥺

[soapssuds]

Infinity

Yandere ! Gojo Satoru x Female ! Reader

Part 10 | what is yours, is mine

Warnings | blood, gore, death, yandere satoru, yandere sukuna, etc.

Notes | this fic will be using she/her pronouns for y/n. Also this is a reincarnation fic, so Gojo's name will not be "Satoru" in this part. And please let me know if you want to be in a taglist for this series !! ^-^

Summary | And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you and I'd choose you.

Infinity Masterlist

GOJO SAYAMI had a problem.

A problem that decided to pop up when he least expected it to.

And that problem was a grotesque monster named Ryomen Sukuna.

The first time he met Sukuna, he had married y/n, and apparently the damned man turned into a curse not long after her death. Then, as Sayu, he hadn't the chance to meet Sukuna as he had killed y/n rather quickly in that life and then was executed shortly after.

And now, as Sayami, he was wondering what he should do.

Despite being the next head in the clan, he wasn't gifted with the six eyes, in this life. Such a gift was so rare that not all of his lives were able to receive them. In other words, he wouldn't be able to fight the curse known as Ryomen Sukuna.

At least, not in this life.

Don't get Sayami wrong though, he wasn't going to kill himself or y/n to start over in hopes of getting the six eyes in the next life.

Now, even though he wasn't particularly gifted in this life, there were two things he did have. His intellect and y/n. It wasn't easy oursmarting and making the people as his stepping stones, and it definitely wasn't easy getting y/n either.

But, either way, he was finally in a good spot in his life, and he wasn't about to let the newly renowned King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna, ruin it.

Not now. Not ever.

"So what should I do ..."

[...]

"You're quite the fool."

"Am I now? Even after I came to meet you?"

"You took y/n away from me!"

"You're still mad about that? That was two reincarnations ago, you need to learn to let things go," Gojo taunted as he stood before Sukuna's throne.

In all of Sayami's thinking, he didn't once imagine a scenario where he would actually come and greet the King of Curses himself. He was in uncharted territory. If Sukuna wanted, he could kill Gojo right here, right now.

But Sukuna wasn't like that. (Ok, he was, but Sayami was sure he would be interested in what Sayami had to offer.)

"Mad? I'm fucking livid, you took the one person I ever cared about away from me. All because you're a selfish prick who couldn't go one life without her."

Sayami saw his opportunity and took it.

"Which brings me to this ... let's make a deal, Sukuna."

The curse paused, his towering figure standing from his throne and descending the marble steps, scattered bones being crushed underfoot as he walked.

"A deal?"

Gojo looked up as Sukuna looked down at him, his eyes calculating.

"Yes, a deal. It's as you said. I'm a selfish man who can't go a single life without y/n. You see, I don't understand why she and I keep reincarnating - who knows, I probably cursed the both of us at some point. In each life I knew her, she was never mine, so the deal I want to offer you is simple... let me have her in this life and then she's all yours in the next."

"All mine."

"Of course, though, you are a curse now, so I don't know how easy it'll be for you to woo her in that regard, but I guess that'll be for you to figure out."

[...]

"I do."

To say how overjoyed Gojo Sayami was as he said those two little words would be an understatement.

Sukuna accepted the deal.

Nothing could ruin this moment.

"And do you, Y/n L/n, take Sayami Gojo as your lawfully wedded husband."

Her eyes seemed to shine as she looked at him. Her hands grasped his own, her head tilted up.

"I-"

And in a moment that happiness seemed to shatter.

It all happened too fast for Sayami. His head seemed to be spinning as he fell to his knees. His hands immediately shaking as he looked down to look at the severed arms that he was holding.

"I decided to back out on our little deal, Gojo Sayami. I think I would much rather prefer killing you and taking y/n for myself in each life that you both live."

He looked to his right. The room was a bloody mess as curses went on a rampage on his and y/n's family. Their screams were loud and clear. Blood-curdling.

"So why did you kill her?"

He couldn't bring himself to look at her dead body, cut to ribbons.

"Why? Because you tainted her. I didn't want a woman that was in love with you. Much like how you didn't want a woman who was in love with me."

Sukuna came to stand before him. His four eyes always looking down at him, "I look forward to meeting you in the next life. Let's see who gets to y/n first, yeah?"

Sukuna didn't let him reply as he severed Gojo's head in one broad stroke of his sword. The metal slicing through easily.

It was time to start again.

Infinity Taglist | @whore-for-hawks @esthelily @huicitawrites @flaming-vulpix @zeniiis @rin1802 @mrowwww @kenstarsworld @bubera974 @littleplantofdeath @fangirl-332 @thaliadoesthings @hellsingalucard18 @tamaki-simp @obsessedwithfanfiction @babygivertyrant

[gerec]

any fics which charles has the same vibe as Our House, In The Middle Of Our Street or Paper Monsters, aka fics in which Charles embarrasses himself due to the big crush he has for Erik.

Guys I have one more ask to answer after this one and then I'm officially taking a short break on answering rec posts. But I plan to pin a master post on my blog of the stuff I get asked most frequently for easy reference. Stay tuned and happy reading!!!

-------

Hi Anon, I believe the hilarious/charming fics on this list mostly fit the bill :D

best-laid plans by ikeracity

Charles decides that the best way to confess his feelings to his best friend is to surprise Erik at his apartment, naked, wearing nothing but a bow. It's perhaps one of Charles's worst ideas--or his best.

Order Up by ikeracity

Charles has a terrible habit of multitasking, and that is probably why he absentmindedly tells the pizza man that he loves him when hanging up.

Then the pizza man says it back. And Charles is pretty much smitten from there.

Favorite Mistake by endingthemes

Charles Xavier doesn’t think anything of it when he sneaks out without even saying goodbye to his latest one-night stand. What he doesn’t expect is to walk into his new position in the Xavier Industries marketing department and find that his latest hook-up is now his new boss.

erikhotfacelehnsherr by ikeracity

Charles has an embarrassing wifi password. When the subject of said embarrassing wifi password comes over, things get a little awkward.

going up? by annejumps

Charles encounters a hot man in the elevator. Charles assumes he doesn't understand English. Charles might be wrong.

Never Assume (Remix of going up?) by Fullmetalcarer

Charles fixates on a devastingly attractive lizard person who shares his turbo-lift and makes certain assumptions about their linguistic skills . . .

come as you are by scarlettblush

Hospital AU. The one where Charles unknowingly woos a coma patient with Pride and Prejudice. Years later, they meet again.

What Doesn't Kill You (Tactics and Strategy Remix) by pearl_o (don't forget to read the original!)

Charles is a graduate student with a crush on the professor he's TA-ing for and a side job at a strip club. Thankfully, his little sister is always full of helpful advice.

Smoke and Mirrors by dreamweavers

When newly paralysed Charles meets Erik in a coffee shop, a fit of nerves prompts him to project himself standing without need of his wheelchair. It all backfires when Erik asks him out on a date, forcing Charles to deepen his lies and, ultimately, face his fears.

Warning: Emergency Pull Tab by ikeracity

Knocking a guy over with an inflatable pool and nearly giving him a concussion is probably not the best flirting technique in the world, but if there's anyone who can pull it off, it's Charles.

Is it Erik with a C or a K? by ikeracity, kageillusionz

When Charles sexts his boss instead of his latest squeeze during one late night of report writing, the first thing he expects is a sexual harassment law suit and the last thing is Mr. Lehnsherr actually fucking him hard into his desk.

Infamous Ink by ConsultingWriter 

Charles has an embarrassing tattoo and a date with the no-nonsense, always professional, and terribly handsome Erik Lehnsherr.

The Wurst Case Scenario by sareyen

If anyone asked why Charles, come rain, wind or shine, made the significant trek during his dismal lunch hour to dine at "Edie's Kosher Delicatessen", he would stubbornly say that it was because their pastrami on rye and potato knishes were absolutely to die for. He wasn't completely lying, because the deli's namesake, Edie Lehnsherr, made the best matzah ball soup Charles has ever had in his life. Still, Charles would rather shave his full head of hair off than admit that the real reason he would willingly walk through hail and fire to get to the corner deli was because of Erik, the insanely attractive man working the counter.

[chuuyrr]

Hello I hope your having a wonderful day/night I was wondering how do you think Chuuya would react to having an s/o as the scarlet witch. Again I hope you have a great day!

chuuya with a scarlet witch! s/o

bungo stray dogs x scarlet witch! reader

masterlist of the series

╰➤ CW(s): possible bungo stray dogs spoilers. headcanons + scenario. mentions of scarlet witch's powers and abilities. reference to multiverse of madness

╰➤ PAIRING(s): nakahara chuuya

headcanons !

chuuya can levitate and make things levitate, and so can you, which piques his interest given how similar your ability is to his gravity manipulation ability—except that's not all you could do.

chuuya's undoubtedly in awe that you have multiple abilities given how you possess chaos magic, which gives you the power to alter reality to a molecular level, control psionic energy, manipulate gravity, the list practically goes on.

chuuya adores everything you do and can do, even if you use your wiggly-woos to make him glow red and levitate in order to surprise him and fool him into thinking he has lost control of his ability. chuuya loves your surprises especially.

you and chuuya definitely use your abilities respectively to levitate around and mess up each other's gravity, but given that yours is stronger, he often fails to fight against it.

you two would be a power couple. people in the mafia are scared of you and chuuya. he's practically a god, while you're a witch who harnesses chaos magic, a tremendous power that is supposed to be a myth.

whether or not you're a part of the mafia as an executive, member, or just known as his beloved, they are scared regardless ����

however, he's a little upset with how you can easily win against him. but don't worry, chuuya does indeed love the fact that you could and would kick his ass, and how very much capable you are. he's very smitten!

chuuya accepts and understands you being the scarlet eitch wholeheartedly. take it from someone who has had a difficult childhood and does not feel human because he possesses arahabaki :(

chuuya comforts you whenever you don't feel human, but a monster because of your ability, err, abilities.

he always reassures you the same way you do whenever he feels like that too.

chuuya's love for you is often expressed through words, gifts, and lots of affection, from kisses to tight hugs. chuuya never ever fails to make you feel loved and always lavishes you with the things you like.

chuuya, on the other hand, constantly praises and boasts about you to his colleagues and subordinates. he always tells you how strong and powerful you are, even more than he is, and how proud he is of you.

even if you can be absolutely terrifying when fighting and using your chaos magic as the scarlet witch to the fullest, i doubt chuuya would be scared of you. in fact, he's more worried about you being scared of him using corruption when you're far scarier. ironic, isn't it?

it does worry him at times whenever you're in a bad mood at home though.

chuuya once came to you in the kitchen staring blankly at a wall in deep thought with red glowing eyes, lights flickering, and all of the kitchen knives in the air. yeah...

but, once again, this man is of loyalty. chuuya has complete trust in you. he knows you would never hurt him, even if your powerful chaos magic could turn a man into string cheese or erase someone from existence in an instant.

chuuya would undoubtedly be like dazai to you, in that he is there to stop you when you unintentionally let things out of your control and comforts you.

chuuya admires and respects you greatly. he is astounded by your ability to use chaos magic designed for long range combat in close range hand-to-hand combat. chuuya also definitely learns from you, and you learn from him too given his knowledge of martial arts.

chuuya sometimes wonders how someone as sweet, kind, and loving as you can be while also being breathtakingly dangerous and ruthless when necessary.

he does blush and become flustered when you read his mind, reading his thoughts about you.

scenario !

chuuya was finishing up paperwork in his office at the port mafia headquarters when the stacks of reports on his desk began to glow red and levitate. chuuya's eyes widened in surprise and he became a little concerned, but he soon realized who it was as the stacks of reports in the air formed a heart.

and that's because there was only one other person with an ability similar to his.

"oi, [name], i know it's you," chuuya exclaimed, placing down his pen as he folded his arms.

immediately, the stacks of reports floated back down on his desk, neatly piled up, and a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind, causing chuuya to jump a little in surprise. you couldn't stop giggling at your boyfriend's adorable yet funny reaction as you used your red psionics to make his hat float up to kiss his hairline before placing it back on top of his head.

"h-hey!" chuuya exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face as he looked up at you lovingly, but leaned and relaxed in your embrace.

"hi, chuuya," you said, giggling and smiling in return, "sorry, i couldn't help myself. i just wanted to check up on you."

"it's fine, love," chuuya said as he leaned forward, planting a kiss on your jaw before sitting back in his chair, holding onto your arms that were enveloping him in an embrace from behind him, "i needed a pick-me-up. these reports are killing me."

"i figured," you hummed, peering over him to look at the papers on his desk, "which is why i got you a little something."

"oh, and what's that?" chuuya raised a brow, chuckling softly.

you reached out your hand and interlocked your fingers, your fingertips glowing red. with that, a box of cookies promptly appeared on his desk, along with a cup of piping hot black coffee.

"tada! i had some free time earlier, so i baked red velvet cookies," you exclaimed, pulling away from him to stand in front of him and motion over the cookies, "now i know the coffee isn't your favorite wine, but to be fair, wine doesn't really go well with cookies. so yeah, no booze.."

"relax, [name], i would eat anything you cook and give me, love," chuuya said, taking your hand and kissing your fingertips all the way to your knuckles before gently squeezing it, "i really appreciate it. thank you for coming here."

"you're always welcome, chuuya," you chuckled softly, pulling your hand away to fondly boop at his nose while staring at him lovingly.

chuuya caught your gaze and returned it with a lovesick look of admiration.

you had the most gorgeous [color] eyes, and he adored your soothing touch and affection. in fact, seeing you up close as his gaze was drawn to your lips made him fall in love all over again. he wanted to kiss you so bad. you were truly a beauty in his eyes, alluring and powerful, but as he did so, his face flushed red as he realized what you were doing when you began smirking.

chuuya backed away from your touch, a blushing mess that contrasted sharply with his terrifying and profressional charisma as a port mafia executive, "s-stop reading my mind!"

as you clasped your hands together, you simply laughed at chuuya's adorable reaction, "oops~"

"my bad! i'll stop, okay?" you said immediately before folding your arms across your chest and tilting your head to the side, staring at him with a sweet yet slightly seductive smile and wink that sent chuuya mentally ascending.

"but you know, you can kiss me if you want to, chuuya. no need to be shy, yeah?"

"[NAME]!"

[ author's notes ! thank you so much for requesting dear anon and to the other anons who asked for said reader or s/o to make use of chaos magic similarly to chuuya's gravity manipulation ability :) happy reading and enjoy <3 ]

[scarletknightreterns]

Trophies

Spelunking the head-canon caves off to find diamonds~~

Amazing prompt @darkdemeter threw at me at Mach 5 and slapped me right in the face so hard I now have brainrot of the entire scenario ehehehhehehe No warnings I don't think? A dead monster, that's about it :)

——-

You could only wrap up the same gift in different packaging so far before the meaning behind it stared to rot and decay like soggy bones set out in the sun for too long. It dried out.

She felt like it was the same shit all over again, just presented in a different form that, honestly, she saw right through merely due to the amount of disinterest palpitating within the very walls of her heart, twisting and writhing with such sheer disgust she could taste it on the tip of her tongue when he tried to, again, swoon and woo her with his attempts at courtship; so foul that, they might as well have been a mockery of how angels appealed to their desired partners.

This entire thing was a joke.

“Absalom, this never was flattering to begin with, but now it’s getting to be way too much. You know I’m not interested in being your spouse, right?” She expected the answer to be more then disappointing, so much so to the point that seeing his expression both validated and proved her point exactly.

Instead of the rational, normal course of action expected of someone, that being to accept the losses and just move on, what she was met with was an inferno so hot and explosive, it could melt the stone bricks of hell’s finest manor off their foundations. And even for that, it was still a quiet reaction.

“What do you mean?” the growl of frustration was cut short only for the brief moment it took for him to nudge the weapon closer towards her. “Is it not fine enough for you? This is the best weapon the forge can make, it’s very nature and battle prowess is revered by my people! It’s matched by no rival when it comes to bloodshed and gore capabilities! Your foes will be left more then dead in your wake-“ he was grinning proudly in the way that managed to unnerve her. “Dismembered and spewed about in little pathetic pieces they will be, like seeds tossed on a plot of land!”

Reserved was she still, but had to take a step back. Being in the face of such love for bloodshed was equivalent to leeches crawling over her skin; the tingles, sheer discomfort, and ick of being covered in filth, visible or not, was very tangible to her senses right now. Or, maybe, it was more the fact that she felt as though such was being forced upon her, ideologies she refused to adopt.

The weapon was gorgeous fundamentally speaking, yes. The craftsmanship was on par with that of angels with the silver and steel, decorated with purposefully-tattered banners of purple and black, but the maliciousness and dark energies crackling and rolling off of the metal-hooked blades of the prongs screamed of it’s birthplace in Hell, some trench far beneath the infernal surface. It pulsed and writhed with an obscenity that tickled her flesh as though it had a conscious and was trying to worm it’s way into her mind.

Cinder knew what such an abhorrent thing was. It was an Abomination; Nephilim craftsmanship... forged with the resources from... once living... or legitimately living sources. People, animals, slaves and fodder used to craft weapons; quite literally crafted into, weapons.

She killed, yes. But never had that been done with disrespect, before or after the fact, and never did she use her fallen victims to..... further some sort of sick agenda. She slew an enemy to sometimes make a pact with it and hold as a summon- always achieved by the spirits free will and choice.

“I will say it only once more, no,” she shook her head, feeling like turning away was the only thing that could truly shield her from the worst of what rejection could have to throw at her in the moment, busying herself with picking back up the cloth she’d been using to polish her armour, intending to continue where she’d left off when interrupted.

Absalom simply stood there, fuming silently while staring at her. Back straight and like he faced a battle strategy that eluded his intelegence, he could not come to understand why she had rejected his every attempts at courtship. For months he had tried, and every time he heard that word, just the one, 'no'.

Nobody else had these issues from what he’d seen; and he’d seen how she fought. To have her by his side on the field of battle would truly be remarkable and a turning point for the Nephilim. They could storm Heaven, conquer Hell, and own REALMS. So then, why did she choose to sit there, polishing her gear and otherwise not do anything worthy of her life? Everywhere he looked, he gazed to seek some truth, some revelation, but each path turned back around to the one he’d been on before, with no closure, no understanding, and not a step forward.

Perpetually out of reach she was, but she was right there in his view! He could touch her, if he so wanted to! But... to ruin the potential of having her? The thought of finally touching that pale flesh with his fingertips, to hear her soothing voice in the middle of the night when his mind was restless, and to feel the raw power rolling off her during battle, her beside him tearing creatures apart... and so much more? It almost drove him mad.

She was his prize, his grand achievement waiting for him, Hell, she was even in the spotlight, so why then was everything blocking him??

And why the Hell was someone else stealing the show...?!

“I think it would be wise of you to back off before she emasculates you.” Oh that familiar voice of gravel, young but tall a mountain; steep were it's sides, and strong it's form. It was one to both love and hate, and respectively, it wasn't hard to understand who felt which aforementioned emotions. Cinder's head and attention snapped over to the sound of heavy footsteps all too eagerly, Absalom's simply being that of irritation to being interrupted which swiftly morphed into surprised anger at the sight of what the young Nephilim hailed over his shoulders. Death had been impressive before, but never had he stolen the breath right out of Cinder's lungs by merely being a sight to behold, let alone a clear force to be reckoned with. His gait was broad, but nothing was more so in size then the behemoth of a head slung over his shoulders, hefted by arms of muscle which rippled and flexed with the smallest of movements. It was massive compare to Death, yet he didn't appear to break a sweat at all. Almost giddily she abandoned her things to hurry over, a sight which left Absalom seething quietly, but also in disbelief. "Is this what you meant when you said you were going hunting for something worthy?" Those fiery eyes were both calm and gentle while also gleaming with pride of such recognition from her. Her merely impressed with a victory in and of itself to him, but still. He glanced silently to the side in a way of telling her to move out of the way a little, which he was thankful she was astute enough to notice, and moved out of his way enough for him to safely remove himself from under the hulking trophy. "Yes. I sought a worthy gift for you. Out of the multiple I slew, this one I deemed the best, he was also quite the foe." "You fought, decapitated and brought back a Leviathan for me??" Oh, her tone did not reveal anything in the way of displeasure or disbelief. In fact, she could believe it, but she did not believe he knew just how much this meant to her. The masked man simply puffed his chest out proudly, momentarily baffled by the bubbly noise that filled his ears, only to find out it was her giggles of what he might call being elated. And because of him. Oh it stirred something strong and warm in his chest, something that wrapped and pulled on heart, and ignited a fire in his gut. She stepped up closer to the frightening creature who made it's home between the plains of existence, The Abyss, and Void realms. Never had she seen it in such broad daylight, although many had she seen from a distance in her life save for one she long called friend. It's sharp and jagged scales glinted like emeralds tainted by the ink of a Kraken, running her fingers over them threatened to pierce skin. In it's skull were eyeballs that had long glossed over like milky frost, pearly and dead. It's fangs were sharp and foul with gunk and gingivitis, but if cleaned and polished, those serrated edges would make a fine sword or weapon of any sort. The hide was also of prime interest, ebbing with such energies of prime magical affiliation. There was much she could do with this. Not to mention the tethers of a soul she could still sense woven like threads through it's scales, the very essence could be pulled out and woven back into something more useful; like a summon.

And the skull? She knew the perfect place for it- the pond, home to all her fish and critters, would make a fine home for it when she was finally done. It would grow over with algae and moss, become one with nature again. She simply could not wait!

Cinder was more then amazed, she felt a certain way that she couldn't accurately put a name to, nor would anything justify how these feelings felt but... pleased, if that was one word to use. Death's eyes did not leave hers when they met, their attentions focused on one another, and the words that he heard her say both burned his ears and made his chest swell with so much pride he was convinced he might pop.

"I accept your gift, Death. It's spectacular in my eyes, and you've more then proven yourself as worthy." Absalom... could not believe that she was accepting Death as a spouse-- surely she knew that, right?! She knew what she was doing, but how could she accept something so useless? What could one do with a SKULL-- a trophy, yes, he understood, but something this large? And had it been that simple this entire TIME?? "Have you ever had Leviathan grilled meat before?" Cinder asked Death, forgetting the other man was even there to begin with.

Death had not forgotten, however, and felt proud to show the older one up by leaps and bounds. It reflected in his eyes, the fiery glint of knowing his victory without words. "I have not~" he turned back towards her. "Well, you are about to~!" She giggled and rubbed her hands together. "I'll be right back, time to skin this bad boy-" and she ran off inside her cabin to fetch several things for, presumably, the skinning and cooking.

That, understandably, left both men alone. One seething and the other proud of his accomplishments.

"How?" Absalom's voice was calm but visibly bubbling with rage. "You won her over so easily by a corpse, yet she despised the weapon I presented to her?" The older Nephilim's only eye bore deeply into Death's skull, almost as though he'd wished the other didn't exist at all, but also held a firm amount of respect. He had to give it to the young man; he'd pulled off the impossible. Death, unimpeded while waiting for his spouse's return, simply stared back for a few moments long enough Absalom was certain he wouldn't get a reply at all.

Then, "I did not win her over. I gave her what I knew she liked," Death said matter-a-fact. "Turns out, it actually pays to get to know someone."

"....You two have been courting already before this..." that explained a few things. The way she always seemed to glow like the sun whenever Death was around, how much they spent time together, and how close they acted already. Like best friends, but more. "And I made it official. And now that I have..." Death turned more fully towards Absalom, that pride and joy replaced by a fierce protectiveness accompanied by a chill that seeped into the air like growing frost. "Leave her be."

[specsthesecond]

Would you kidnap a monster?

If for some reason I couldn't woo them (unlikely) then I guess I would.

Honestly, I think I would just end up inconveniencing them and best case scenario they'd give in and pity date me anyway lmaooo.

Me setting up my fifth trap of the day that is bound to fail in a very cartoonish way: hehe I'll get em this time.

Monster, who is very tired of my shit:

[skyeslittlecorner]

My friend if you take requests may I ask for a scenario where it's mean girls except the plastics are Levi and his little guys and MC is well, the MC, and Satan and Sitri are (I can't remember names rn so I'm gonna use placeholders) Janice and the other guy

If you don't take requests it's no worries

But if you do… 👀

Hi dear anon!

I'm still new to Tumblr and figuring things out as I go, that's why I haven't mentioned much about requests. But of course, I take them! I'm happy to try to bring your lovely idea to life~

Let's tone it down a little just to avoid obvious hanging. A marriage between WHB and Mean Girls is something I never expected, but I bet it will be fun. You had such a big brain with this one.

So what would happen if we agreed to "join" the boys from Hades, but at the same time make a bit of a mess as punishment for kidnapping us.

꧁:･ ✡ ･:꧂

Satan is the one who would like to piss off Levi first (after you calmed down his anger, of course). Moreover, they know each other well. You can count on many tips and ideas about what a jealous king hates. How about training his monster to respond to your commands? The tentacles will be useful if you want to oppose Levi. Besides, he'll be furious. And that's what Satan loves the most.

Sitri is too calm to propose conspiracies himself. But let him see your sad face and he'll do anything for you. His knowledge will be very useful, after all, he was in Hades for some time. He will give you information on how to train a monster from another dimension and let you practice on his iron maiden so that everything will go according to plan. It's easy and quite quick if you know what you're doing. Although Sitri would prefer it if you weren't doing so well, then he could spend more time with you.

We move on to the first stage. You have to gain their trust. The best person to start with will be Glasyalabolas. You need an ally, if you come to Hades and say that you suddenly want to stay with them, they will be suspicious. But Glasya is the only one who thinks it's fun and let you do anything. Even if he sees that you want to make some trouble, he will only observe amused how his future queen causes chaos.

Step two. You've secured your position in the castle. Time to learn more about the coffins, and Barbatos will help with that. You already know a little bit from Sitri, but who knows, maybe each coffin has a different way of working? Now time to check what these creatures react to, what they don't, and whether they will accidentally eat you. Also, Barbatos have a whole beautiful rose garden in his coffin. "Could you show me?" He will be delighted. Besides, he will want to apologize for poisoning you and show that these roses are not dangerous at all, while revealing how their coffins works. His behavior is so sweet that for a moment you forgot about revenge… stay strong, a plan is a plan!

Step three and the reason why it was necessary to secure a warm place and support in the two previous devils. Foras. Of course, he's been watching you since the very beginning, but now it's time to call him out. This shy boy is no harm as long as Leviathan isn't around. Wooing him will be trivial, start telling him how much you would like to make peace with the king and do something nice for him. "What? Oh, it's a surprise, I can't tell you!" Stroke him a little on these beautiful horns and you will have access to wherever you want. Beautiful, iridescent horns… focus, focus, focus! You will hire him as your sweet little spy. He will show you where the king's room is, and every time Leviathan is near his room, you will know in advance.

And this is the finale. Leviathan's room is nicer than you thought, and his coffin is there whenever he's not using it. Taking the cover off was trivial. Summoning tentacles is even easier than you thought. After two or three days, they started to respond to your not-so-wise commands… Sitri and Barbatos must have been right, it's in your blood!

"What makes you so happy? Of course it is perfectly trained, it belongs to me."

The cold voice behind you made your blood run cold, you didn't notice when the door opened. You turned around only to see Leviathan holding Foras by the noose like a leash. He didn't hang him only because he needed silence.

"What were you going to do with it, turn it against me? I'm not an idiot."

Subconsciously you imagined the knot around your neck. Leviathan threw his subject out the door with a nod and the door closed as quietly as it opened. You were trapped.

"What will you do now?"

You did what came to your mind; just as Sitri and Barbatos showed, you waved your hand to the front. A signal for tentacles to attack. Would they listen when you tell them to attack their true master? Of course not. But they did not remain deaf to your request. They positioned themselves on either side of you, and you recognized the gesture. Just like they wanted to protect you.

You stood tall, ready… you didn't know for what, but definitely not for his barely visible, mocking smile. Leviathan cupped your chin between his index finger and thumb. Anger flared up inside you. He ruined everything. This wasn't supposed to be like this! Slender fingers moved to your neck. You wanted to strangle him, and he could see it in your eyes.

"Now that you've tamed my monster, use it."

You reached your hand out to his chest. As if on cue, one of the thick tentacles wrapped around the swan's neck. You didn't mean to punish him like this, but maybe a good strangling would also work… He fucked your plan, so now you had to fuck him.

Who are you trying to fool?

You had to fight evil, not join it. But who can blame you when the evil stand in front of you all sexy and just waiting to humiliate him.

[bombyxluna]

Some hcs on the marauders and D&D:

- Remus introduced them to it, and it became a regular occurrence in their dorm.

- They used their marauder aliases for character names, watch out for Palladin Prongs and his antler adorned helmet

- They tweak with the adventures so that any werewolf they meet is friendly and tags along with them for a while

- Remus collects die, Peter has one trusty set, James doesn’t have his own bc he keeps losing them so he uses Remus’ and Peter’s, Sirius has expensive-ass sets (only three, and they’re sacred, no one else can touch)

- Peter probably dms, sometimes Remus too. Both James and Sirius have tried before, but James was adamant on not letting any characters die even after they clearly did, and Sirius was an enemy/npc building mastermind and orchestrated foes that were too difficult to beat . he also got a little drunk on power

- They transfigure things into miniatures and pieces for scenarios and grids. Remus also handcrafts stuff on his spare time

- Remus owns the player’s handbook and the monster manual (gifts from his parents), he magicked it so the figures move on the pages. If one of the marauders gets under his skin he hides them

- Sirius tried to reach Regulus and his friends how to play (an olive branch) but Regulus’ friends kept making chaotic evil characters that fumbled missions on purpose so he dropped it (Regulus will sometimes play in random marauders one shots though)

- James tried to have Paladin Prongs woo Lily’s character the whole time for the one session she joined them. She eldritch blasted him (Remus let it happen)

[bump1nthen1ght]

Woo glad to see you back with the drabbles and one shots! I have a request for a pretty fun drabble or one shot scenario, this may also be pretty specific so sorry about that if you don’t like it :)

So what about a scenario between a very determined Shadow ghost/Sleep paralysis demon and a reader who just simply has zero reactions to anything scary? Like the reader just moved into this home that’s being secretly inhabited by the ghost/demon and said being wants to try and get the reader to leave so it begins to do everything in its power to scare them away however they quickly find out that no matter what scary tactic they try the reader just.. does not react, they sorta just shrug it off and continue with their day casually. And like it escalates into this one sided rivalry all the way up until the reader finally discovers the ghost/demon and instead of being scared away they simply begin to talk to it and try to get along with it and then whoops! the ghost/demons feelings of disdain and rivalry start growing into something a lot more affectionate and fond!

Again apologies if this is too specific I’ve had this idea rocking around in my brain for a little while- Have a nice day/night!

Sure thing anon! I do love some pining and some shadow demons 😈

Gender Neutral! Reader x Shadow Demon (they/them) under the cut!

For the first time in their very long life, Barbas has a rival.

Not that this rival knows who they are, or even seems to care about their many battles. That's probably what makes the rivalry so fierce, why it boils Barbas so much to even think about you.

They’ve built up a solid repertoire of scare tactics, forged over years with fairy tales, monster movies, and scary bedtime stories all acting as inspiration. It's why their house, their beautiful house, had never been sold up to this point. Barbas much enjoyed the system formerly in place; some dumb teenageres would come and try to prove their might, Barbas would pull out some creepy voices and moving shadows, and they’d run away screaming and warning others to stay away. The particularly bold ones, those egging others on to enter the haunted place, then received a proper night of nightmares and paralysis.

Until you showed up.

It was already a risky move, buying such a dilapidated house with a reputation; Barbas respected that about you. At first, anyway.

Such a reputation is why they started small with their spooks. Ominously opening doors, darting shapes in the shadows, and flickering lights. When you barely paid attention to those Barbas escalated to moving items, slamming the refrigerator shut, even whispering while you sleep. Once again, no response.

Barbas enjoyed a good scare, but they weren’t cruel. As much as your indifference irked them, they didn’t think a night of sleep paralysis was due. No, if anything you could explain that away with the stress of the move, so they needed to truly scare you. Throw dishes off the counter, knock over furniture, and maybe slip a bit of a paranoia in your dreams.

And still, nothing.

This is when they started getting frustrated. What, did you have no survival instinct? No sense of urgency? They were pulling out all the stops here and you didn’t even have the decency to pretend you were scared! You’d just re adjust your chairs, sweep up the broken plates, and make sure to not eat before bed to prevent the nightmares.

So they were reduced to more direct, tacky, methods. Barbas almost balked at how far they had fallen as they wrote an ominous “LEAVE” on your fogged up bathroom mirror. This was so below them.

They hide in the shadow of a corner as you step out of your shower, averting their gaze until they're sure you’ve put on your fluffy robe. The peak open one eye, noticing how you scrunch up your face at the message.

Not even a scream, what is going ON?!

But then you lean forward, drawing letters on the mirror.

Hello? Who is this?

Barbas is taken aback, seeing how you go back to putting on lotion, eyes only glancing to see if there is a response. Throwing up a shroud of invisibility, they write back.

I’m the rightful owner of this house.

Your eyebrows shoot up as you see them writing in the mirror, words appearing from nothing.

I’m sorry. I just bought this place, I didn’t realize someone still lived here.

An apology. That was new.

You go to write more, but think twice and then run to your room. You come back with a notepad and pen, sitting on the toilet and clicking the ballpoint.

Can you write here? What's your name?

Barbas shifts, leaning over your shoulder. Usually this is the part where they lay a ghostly hand on the back of your neck, and you jump up and scream.

Instead, Barbas grabs the pen and writes. Your eyes wide , seeing the pen move on its own.

My name is not important. Why are you still here?

They set the pen in your hand.

Like I said, I just bought this house. I can’t just leave. Am I bothering you?

Barbas stops at that, pen floating in the air as they think of a response.

You weren’t…really bothering them that much. You didn’t stay up too late and bring a bunch of people over, you kept things relatively clean, you listened to decent music. You even brought some interesting knick knacks with you which Barbas had taken a liking to look at. They’d been in one place for so long it was nice to see things from all over the world. You’d asked them their name and asked if you did something to upset them, when all this time it was Barbas who was inconveniencing you.

Not particularly. They settle on as response

Ok, then you don’t mind me staying? You won’t break any more of my dishes?

Barbas feels a flush of embarrassment, like they’re the petulant child and you’re the rational adult whose “not mad, just disappointed.”

No.

Ok.

You set the notepad down on the side of the bathroom sink, sitting up with a sigh. Your face is still tangled with thought, patting your cheek as you look down at the writing. Barbas peaks over, noticing how comically murdery their handwriting looks. But then you grab the pen and begin writing again.

If you need anything, just write it here. I’ll make sure to keep it where I can see it.

You hold up the page, showing it off in a circle to make sure they see it. Barabas nods, even though they know that means nothing at the moment.

I’m going to go watch a movie. You’re free to join me, if you want.

With a satisfactory nod, you grab the notebook and walk out of the bathroom, making a pit stop to put the notebook on the kitchen table before hesding into your room to change.

Things just keep getting weirder.

—--

Barbas doesn’t write to you that night, even when you leave the notebook on the coffee table while you watch your movie. Even though the movie is really good, even though the mystery ends on a cliffhanger and Barbas wants to hear your theories. They just linger, sitting in the chair opposing your sofa, and observe.

You go about your everyday life the same, a little more aware of their presence but keeping your habits regular. You clean, you work, exercise, then relax.

But now you keep Barbas in your mind, often leaving them small notes.

Do you want me to turn on a movie while I’m gone? I wasn’t sure if you know how to work the remote?

How’d you like my music? What's your favorite song?

I have too much lasagna leftover, do you want some? Can you eat that?

What books do you like?

Barbas tried to keep their distance with simple yes or no answers. But your pestering empathy and understanding is quickly wearing down their walls. No, they didn’t know how the remote works, thank you for teaching them. Yes, they would like some lasagna, because your cooking always smells amazing.

Their answers become longer, more frequent as time goes on. You’re so curious about this roommate you’ve never seen, it's too damn endearing. Maybe they could brush it off as human curiosity, but then you go and remember stuff about them.

There's some of that iced tea in the fridge. Feel free to drink some, you like it more than I do.

That movie you loved was in the dollar bin at the store. I got it so you can just rewatch in the DVR rather than logging into my Xbox.

I got this new peach candle, want me to burn it in the living room for you?

You’re just so damn nice and so funny and so damn cute-

Gods, how could Barbas not start liking you?

—

It came to head with the movie nights. While the both of you had left longer notes throughout the day it was during the evening when you would have full conversations. Barbas had left many pages full of reviews and opinions when you’d watch certain flicks (Especially horror), so much so that you had begun just talking out loud during the movie and letting Barbas respond on the notepad.

They still hadn’t revealed their true form, though they had begun sitting closer and closer to you on the couch. The cushion would dent and goosebumps would raise on your skin, your senses knowing that someone was there, though you couldn’t see them directly. If you had noticed, you hadn’t said anything, which was a relief for Barbas.

Because it was getting really hard not to hug you.

It was already difficult not staring at you, especially when they know you wouldn’t notice. But the way you talk with your hands, gesticulating here and there was just so charming. They’d get to see your eyes light up when you could tell them a piece of trivia, or a funny story about when you watched this movie with friends. Your eyes would crinkle up as you laugh, your smile subtle but cute.

Barbas wasn’t sure if they had even seen a human like this before, so up close and personal. It's probably for the best, because all those silly little things are driving Barbas a little wild.

And sometimes, sometimes your wandering gaze lands on where they are hidden, even though you don’t realize. In those moments Barbas feels like you’re talking, really talking to them, and its overwhelming.

You’re on the second movie of the might, something light and funny as you yawn more and more. The conversation has slowed down, you snuggled into the blankets with a halfway-sleep gaze. Barbas sits on the other edge of the couch, consciously aware of how you sink into the cushions, slowly leaning to their side as you contemplate laying down. You rub your eyes and gosh why do you have to be darn cute.

“This movie isn’t great.” You mutter, rolling your neck. “I like this director and the premise is good, but honestly I feel like it could’ve been funnier if they actually put effort in it. What do you think?” You say, right before looking Barbas directly in the eye.

Or, thats what it seems like. What's more likely is that your stretching out your neck and happened to glance to their side of thr couch, not knowing that they sit right beside you. You look down for the notepad a second later, waiting for their response. Barbas sits still, unmoving.

Is this what it felt like? To like being around someone? To chat with them, eye to eye, about the little things?

“I concur, It’s certainly lacking something.”

Barbas says, their warped voice sounding more monstrous than ever.

This time you actually do look at them, right into all six of their bright red eyes. Their legs hang over the couch, knees hitting the top of the coffee table. The movie plays on, unnoticed as you take in their void-like face, seams running up the side of their smile where they can unhinge it enough to swallow a watermelon. Their long, too long arms, laying over the arms of the couch.

They dig their claws into the fabric, trying to hide how their fingers shake. Gods, they bet their face is so flushed right now.

A comical explosion goes off on screen, the main character shouting a joke thats desperately trying to be relevant to pop culture.

“Like right there! Who even wrote that, a 14 year old taking their first improv class?” You point to the TV. “No hate to 14 year olds, but even they have more respect for comedic craft than this.”

“It’s true, the teenagers who used to come here for dares made me laugh all the time.” Barbas nods “Mostly because they had ridiuclous sounding screams, but that was unintentional. Some of them had real zingers.”

“Oooh tell me more. I think we need some genuine comedy.”

Barbas wracks their brain for something good, the need for a good first impression. “Well, one-time, this guy came with his girl as a dare. Big group of people and he was clearly trying to make this girl laugh, he was a real class clown type, and so he started with-” Barbas chuckles, remembering the desperation on the 15 year olds face to look cool, “ ‘Do we want to start with ghost-hunting or some drinks? Either way, I’m excited for some boos.’”

You guffaw, slapping their shoulder in disbelief as you giggle. “I thought you said these were zingers!”

“Oh no that was terrible, the look on his face when nobody laughed was the funny part.”

“ Oh my god, you’re terrible.”

Barbas shoots a finger guns, remembering how suave a TV character looked when he did it. “I’m a demon, it comes with the job description.”

“Oooh I’m so scared, this is coming from ‘ I can’t watch Titanic, it will make me cry.’”

“Those two only had each other! What monster doesn’t cry?”

“If you say so, dork.”

You pat their shoulder again, the same way all those teenagers did when their crush was acting a fool. Barbas feels their two hearts racing again.

You joke and poke fun at the movie and Barbas feels the weight of nerves slide off their shoulders. The exhausting fear of wondering how you would react to their true form, this monster made to instill fear and look wrong, when they had gotten so attached.

Its just like the notes, but now you see them, can touch them, can laugh with them.

The credits begin to roll and you let out another long yawn.

“Want to watch something actually funny before we go to bed? I think the lead voice is gonna haunt my dreams if not.”

Barbas doesn’t actually sleep, but doesn’t correct you and nods. You lean over the coffee table to grab the remote, your knee brushing against theirs. Their hearts thud in their chest

As the intro to the sitcoms plays you lay back down, resting your weight on their shoulder and snuggling in.

Barbas feels their chest constrict, nearly purring when you rub your eyes and looks so damn cute.

“I really like you.” You mumble, 10 minutes into the episode.

Barbas is lost for words, brain only catching up a minute later, but by then they hear you begin to snore. They look down at you, face all pressed up as you rest on their shoulder. The domesticity can’t help but make them smile.

“I like you too, ___”

Barbas whispers.

They wait for you to fall asleep, hearing your heart slightly slow and your breathing to even out. Not wanting to wake you up teleporting, they carried you to your room, tucking you in. You cuddle into the covers, not unlike how you did to their shoulder.

Gods, so cute.

Barbas spends time admiring you, trying to justify that as a Sleep Demon, its not that creepy.

Only then does it occur to them.

Shit, I never told them my name.

[reidslovely]

idk My maladaptive daydream scenarios have been thinking about Toxic! Peter and whatnot.

Like him being like that bc of Gwendy’s death (but before he was like that too- with there on and off relationship 😒). So him and reader have an on and off thing going on and reader is tired of his shit and finally breaks up w/ him . And at first he’s like “pssh yeah whatever” but a few months to a year go by and he realizes how bad he fucked up. Maybe he gets Spider-man to woo her over or maybe jus regular old peter.

Sorry this was so long, like I said it was a maladaptive day dream scenario so its been on reply in my mind. I really love your writing by the way and hope you’re back for our Spider-boy like you said in your post 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

hi friend!! i am back for our spider-boy and i'm so sooo happy to be back thank you guys for welcoming me back 🩶🩶🩶. and honestly...toxic peter has been on my mind too recently especially after rewatching tasm 2 because what the fuck peter???

he dumps gwen after graduation and he's so pathetically lonely and yeah he follows gwen around but it doesn't really do anything for him. so he wonders off and finds some fucked up solace in his next door neighbor who had always had a thing for him. he just shows up on her doorstep playing the role of kicked puppy so well, she can't help but to let him back in and let it be how it was before Gwen came in senior year and she got all of his attention. Peter takes her on romantic dates, sweet long kisses, fun jokes one week but the next it's like she doesn't exist to him (definitely slips up calling her gwen on occasion.) especially after he and Gwen start talking again, but Peter still has her on the side.

One night he's ready to sneak in her window, that she usually leave unlocked for him, ready to make up being gone for so many weeks. But it's locked. He knocks on the door, his eyebrows furrowed motioning to the lock pulling it, but not hard enough because he could easily break that lock if he really wanted. "baby open the window come on." he teases. "I said I was sorry, come on."

he's playing kicked puppy again, and she almost lets him in. "Come on she doesn't want me, you do." "that's the reason you want me. you don't love me peter, you don't even know me anymore." "you're being fucking ridiculous" he laughs waiting for a moment seeing her not even budging from her spot on the bed. "open the window (y/n)" he says his voice loosing its humor. "go home peter, im over it." she said closing the curtains on him. and he doesn't care. at least he convinces himself he doesn't care. it was her loss, he was a fucking catch. all he did this whole time was respect her and she was blowing this up. except till the one person he had outside of her dies right in front of him. he lost gwen completely this time, there is no comeback there is no way to redeem himself. and he actually starts to see the monster he's become. he hurt gwen multiple times and she was still willing to give him the benefit of the doubt every time. he even thinks of (y/n) time to time and how badly he treated her because he was wrapped up in himself and what was best for him. he watched her a lot in his six months of bedroom grieving, like how he would with gwen. he watched her sit out on her roof writing or doing work, he watched her leave for work and come home at night. they locked eyes one night when he was standing on his roof, about to change into the suit for the first time in months. he thought he even saw her smile at him like she used too. it definitely take a toll on him because though this alone time was needed to help him process, but he missed being cradled by her. missed the way her hands tangled in his hair, missed when she'd laugh to make him smile. he did miss her, but she'd never accept that. it takes three weeks to the day, till he is on her window again, sweat clung to his forehead, his mask torn and exposing crucial parts of his face. he didn't even get to knock on the window before she's helping him in, sitting him on the floor pulling the mask off his face. he's crying from pain and regret, apologies spewing out of his mouth. she gets the mask off his face, asking him what he needs. He shakes his head holding her hand that's on applying pressure to his bleeding ribs. "need you." "god even in times like this all you wan.." "-to forgive me. 'm sorry so sorry. I do..do care about you. you're the only person I wanted..wanted to see-" "you're gonna wind yourself peter, we can talk about this later. what do you need?" "like fifteen tylenol, my body will heal it's self." she, though argues him not needing to take that many tylenol, gets him what he asks for and helps him change while wrapping his ribs. they end the night with heartfelt conversations, and peter swearing he'll spend the rest of his life making this up to her, and showing her what he really deserves.

yeah..this has been brewing. so sorry if you were not asking me to write, I started and couldn't stop lmao thank you for sharing your daydream with me friend and trust me no worries about the length I'm also longwinded 🫶🏼

[ohnoitstbskyen]

Reflecting on my work in 2022

As this official Hell Of A Year™ draws to a close, I guess it is appropriate to both reflect on what I've been doing this year, as well as do a bit of plugging for work which I am proud of.

So here's a list of some of the videos I made this year, along with some thoughts on their creation and how I feel about them, some self-criticism, some behind-the-scenes, and a little self-congratulation where it is appropriate.

I struggle somewhat with memory and a clear sense of time - to me, time is more of a continuous stream than a series of delineated moments. This is often frustrating - I get lost in it, and when I look back on a list of my work and activities, it is less an experience of "oh yeah, ha ha, that happened" and more of a "wait what do you mean that happened then? And before that other thing? But after that one? What the hell?"

Worst case scenario, it can be kinda distressing, honestly. It feels out of control, anxiety inducing, like I don't have a handle on my life.

... which is an absolutely fantastic tone to strike for a New Year's list of my favourite videos. 2023, woo!

The Boss Designs of Bloodborne Finale (February)

It took me nearly three months after the penultimate episode of the series to finally put this video out. My The Boss Designs Of series is some of the best work I've ever created, at least I think so. It's certainly some of the most creatively fulfilling work I do, and some of the most challenging too.

I try to walk a line between providing a fresh perspective on the games I've played for the series, but not getting contrarian or off-the-wall just for the sake of it. With Bloodborne, I do think I managed some really good critical contributions to the readings of the game, like my reading of the Blood-starved Beast as a self-sacrificing martyr for the beast community of Old Yharnam, which was apparently quite novel, or my crackpot Parasite Theory of Bloodborne's madness.

And I do think I've gotten better and better at editing gameplay footage too, I think I've managed to learn a good balance between joke-edits and continuity and story editing. I always kinda fret on the one hand that the gameplay footage and my live commentary is too boring to stand on its own, and on the other hand that editing in too many jokes and gags would just be obnoxious and tedious to sit through.

The thing Bloodborne nails more than any other horror game I've seen is the sensation of the nightmare. And not just in its visuals or its monster designs or the surface storytelling, but in the push and pull between extremely specific imagery and story beats and complete ambiguity the moment you scratch at the surface. Bloodborne is on the one hand a fairly obvious story about the abuses of organized religion and unethical science, but then underneath that there's also this deep obsession with the violence done to women's bodies specifically, and how that violence spills out and caustically eats into the humanity of everyone who is complicit in it.

And then underneath that there's an exploration of birth trauma, where the Great Ones are parental figures as incomprehensible to the player as parents are to a newborn child, pushing you here and pulling you there and inflicting incomprehensible violations of your bodily autonomy out of apparent sympathy.

And underneath all of that... it's also about how cool it would be to transform into a werewolf, actually. The themes of self-creation and transformation and claiming monsterhood as self-empowerment are incredibly queer and especially apt for trans readings.

It all flows together in this soup of imagery and meaning that I cannot crystalize into a unifying Theory of Bloodborne, no definitive reading, no comprehensive hot take. Which is frustrating when you're trying to create a video essay, but infinitely compelling when trying to think about it.

I don't know that I managed to capture all of that in the The Boss Designs of Bloodborne finale, but I do know that I tried to, and I'm proud of that.

Melina, the Maiden - Boss Designs of Elden Ring #1 (March)

Staying with The Boss Designs of, here's a video about which my feelings have become decidedly mixed. Not because of anything that is in the episode, mind you, but out of a certain disempowered bitterness I've developed about Elden Ring over the course of the year.

I cannot overstate how excited I was for Elden Ring, and how desperately I enjoyed finally getting to play it back in March. It's a brilliant game, an incredibly immersive world, and one which I badly want to return to.

... and then I didn't get to play the game for nine months. It was partly my own mistake - I tried recording an absolute ton of footage for episodes early, playing as much of the game as I could while it was still fresh, hoping to put out a lot of episodes of the series early while the game was fresh and Relevant In The Algorithm™, and also just out of sheer excitement. In so doing, though, I ended up shooting myself in the foot, because as I began to edit episodes together I also found myself feeling more and more distant from the experience of playing.

The pile of footage in front of me, begging to be converted into episodes, became a roadblock of work looming over me, a source of guilt and stress and frustration, that put extra stress on my mind every time I tried to make any other video and which stood between me and getting to play more of the game I have anticipated more than any other for years.

In 2023, I will get back to Elden Ring, I swear to god I will, but in the meantime I am quite happy with how the three episodes I've made of this series so far have turned out.

Also, the new intro song I commissioned from @trewatsonmusic absolutely slaps.

What's the deal with Zeri and Neon (June)

My ambition for the What's the Deal videos has always been to expand them beyond League of Legends (and I have done videos on characters from other things), but being a YouTuber is also my job, and League of Legends is the moneymaking subject on my channel, at least for now.

Not that I resent that. For all that League deserves the criticism it gets, I still insist that it has one of the greatest casts of characters in modern gaming, underserved and ignored though most of them are by Riot Games. There's so much to talk about once you get even a little bit under the surface, and I do feel like I've been doing a better and better job at doing that in the What's the Deal videos over 2022. Zeri, for example, is a fantastic addition to the class warfare dynamics of Piltover and Zaun, especially in her conflict with Renata Glasc and the themes that could be explored through that conflict. And it's not lost of me the extent to which she was a direct response to the xenophobic attacks on Asian-Americans that have surged out of American politics in recent years, either. There is value to proclaiming that someone like Zeri belongs in the worlds of big pop culture institutions like League of Legends, even if (as always) it is the workers at Riot Games making that proclamation, and Riot Games Inc. allowing it because it serves their commercial goals.

I brought in Nickyboi for an assist on this one as well, which is something I want to do more. I want to do more collaboration. First of all because it's nice to offload work to someone else, but also because this job is fundamentally kind of lonely. I'm just a guy in his office making videos 99% of the time, and collaborating with a fellow creator feels like being part of a creative community in a way that solo work and shitposting at each other on Twitter simply doesn't.

And I am proud of the little fanfiction snippets I've started writing in the The Future segments. One of the points of the What's the Deal videos is to communicate to an audience why I'm excited about a character, why I feel like they're worth giving a shit about, and I think those fanfiction segments have done a better job at getting that across than almost all of my character design and animation chatter. Plus, it's nice to flex a bit of creative muscle in that way now and then.

Speaking of which, I still need to write that happier ending for Kai'sa and Taliyah, don't I? I have A Plan™ for that, it's just about finding the time to make it real...

The 15 Most Beautiful Splash Arts in League of Legends (September)

This one is easily the biggest surprise of the year for me. In the latter half of 2022, I took quite a lot of sponsorships - first of all because they were offered (good lord there was a rush of them in August!), but also because I really wanted to save up and pay down debts.

One of the consequences of that was the extreme delay of Elden Ring, but another was that all of a sudden I had to get content out on a very set schedule. Most of my work is done on the steam of Whatever Catches My Creative Attention At The Time, but with a deadline hanging over my head, suddenly I had to find video ideas whether they presented themselves naturally or not.

I feared that a list-video would be a turn-off for my audience, I feared that it would be seen as shallow and tacky, like a 2010s Buzzfeed listicle. I feared that people just wouldn't be interested in the kind of art analysis I like to do, or would find it pretentious to seek meaning in what is - let's be real - commercial artwork meant to promote game cosmetics.

The benefit of a sponsorship is that the video has already made a profit, whether it does well or not, and I thought that in making this video, I was being self-indulgent and "ignoring" the desires of my audience.

Instead, it's one of the best performing videos ever on my channel, and people have cited it as a favorite among my videos quite a number of times.

Which was really... encouraging, honestly. I didn't expect it, but this video really did give me a confidence boost that the things I care about and find interesting do have an audience, even extra-nerdy rambling about League of Legends cosmetics.

Building a Better Soraka (September)

Building a Better is a series title I sometimes regret a little bit, because no matter how much I try to explain in the videos themselves that there is no such thing as a perfect character design and that my revisions and ideas are not meant to be definitive in any way, I always get comments from people accusing me of declaring myself The God of Character Design and sitting in holy judgment over the work I'm critiquing.

To an extent, I guess that's unavoidable on the internet, but... maybe the series title was a bad gamble on that front.

I do stand by, though, that my designs have a reasonable argument that they are improvements over the originals. Arguments that can be interrogated and criticized, but valid, reasonaed arguments, not mere polemics.

Building a Better Soraka was an experiment in creating the series, as instead of working with a single artist to iterate on design improvements, I ended up commissioning more than a half dozen people for artwork and using different renditions to make my argument. It did hurt the coherency of the video a little, I feel, but it did open me up to a much more flexible way to produce videos like it in the future, which I'm happy with.

Plus, I really do like what I came up with here, and I adore the ways that @sabtherobot, @sinizade and @lekyrin executed my ideas and brought their own visions of the character. Soraka is a character who deserves a lot better than the basic design she's stuck with, and whose story can do so much more visually than Riot is willing to allow it to do.

"Not Without You" - the story of Nasus and Renekton (November)

Of all the writing I did this year, this is by far what I am most proud of.

The video itself did not perform very well, nor did I expect it to, but the reactions I saw from the audience on this piece... yeah. That filled a very hungry part of my heart, I'm not gonna lie.

Writing a novel is a life ambition for me, as it is for many people. Actually writing it is a lot more elusive, though, in part because I struggle to feel confidence that my writing would ever hold up to the scrutiny of an audience. I struggle to feel that I would ever be able to connect emotionally with people, that I would be able to make what I feel sensible through writing.

This story proved that I can. Not to a big audience, perhaps, and I certainly don't have any delusions of genius or grandeur. I do not ever expect to be a famous or fêted writer, nor an important one. But... I do feel like with this story, I proved that I can at least be a competent one, which is frankly all I want.

And Nasus and Renekton were grateful subjects, too. Their story is naturally deeply emotional, albeit strangled by Riot's chronic indifference towards their most compelling narratives, and a lot of what I ended up exploring in there did come from a very genuine place in myself. It was nice to touch that part of my soul, and make something out of it, even if it's only silly fanfiction for a silly video game.

I am cautiously optimistic about 2023

Looking back over the videos I made this year, while I have a lot of work that I am proud of, I also see a lot of videos that I think I made less out of a desire to make them and more out of a fear of not making them. Videos that I made because I felt like the audience expected it, because the algorithm demanded it, because rent is always coming due and I am petrified of ever being broke again.

This is normal and natural, it is to some extent just the nature of the creative process under a capitalist market system where your work must always have some sort of price tag. But... I don't want to keep doing it. If I have an ambition for 2023, it is to make more of the videos I want to make, more videos that I only I can make. To give myself a little bit of a break and ease up on the self-recrimination and stress.

I have so many projects I want to get to, and being in my 30s I am becoming more and more conscious that while I (hopefully) have something like twice my current lifetime left to create the things I want, time is a finite resource, and spending it trying to please a website algorithm probably won't do me that much good in the end.

Anyway, some other things I did which I am quite proud of:

Played through God of War: Ragnarök while telling stories about the mythology of my childhood.

Ran around the world of Eorzea, accompanied by some of the funniest, silliest and most generous FFXIV players a man could dream of.

Finished a Pokémon HeartGold Nuzlocke with possibly the most nerve-wracking finish I have ever had to a Pokémon game

Reviewed every single Gen 1 Pokémon

Finished Great Ace Attorney Chronicles 1, probably the let's play with the most voice acting I have ever done. Some of it is even good!

If you've read this far, thank you so much for your time, your attention, your interest and your indulgence. Your 2023 be a good year, and may the tides of history wash gently over us all.

[imagobin]

❄️Winter King Playing Hero HCs❄️

Had this silly scenario, that given Winter King's... questionable way of handling relationships, if he ever fell for someone he'd absolutely try to make them fall in love with him by playing hero and saving them by problems he himself created... only for things to backfire. So... here's some HCs about that!

Don't worry, I'll save you!

Falling for you:

It was... almost instant, like a lightning struck. You were a new citizen in his kingdom, and you definitely had a way of standing out from the penguins and the other creatures that inhabited the place. He couldn't quite put his finger on WHY you caught his eye so quickly, but you did.

It wasn't difficult for him to actually crossing your path, the city area of his 'Winter Wonderworld', actually wasn't that large, and his frequent strolls around town made it quite easy for you two to get acquainted.

You were... understandably surprised that the Winter King seemed to love chatting to you every chance he got, and you two quickly became friends. It wasn't a difficult process, the guy had a lot of charisma, and his positive attitude towards everything made him a fun company.

However, what started as simple curiosity to know what you were all about, quickly turned into the King crushing on you. Your laughter was contagious, and the attention he was getting from you felt... amazing! Especially after being on his own for so long.

He wanted you to notice him too. And what better way to ensure that, than make you realize how amazing he was? (He doesn't know you already think that)

And now you need rescuing on a weekly basis:

Of course, when he comes to actually make you fall for him, he's... an absolute idiot; he's probably forgot how to woo someone in a normal way after hundreds of years on his own.

So he comes to the completely sane conclusion that the best way to go about it is is to put you in troublesome situations so he can swoop in and save you. That will totally not backfire once you'll inevitably find out.

Luckily, you never get hurt, but they can still be stressful situations: roadblocks, a sudden monster attack... and he's always there to get you to safety just in time.

At first you were totally oblivious about what was truly going on, and you'd always cling to him and thank him for saving you, which... only made the man want to do it more. It felt really nice to be able to save someone like that.

However, soon you start catching on. All your troubles seem to be caused by ice, the monsters are made of ice, the roadblocks and obstacles are made or caused by snow... And WK always seems to conveniently be close-by.

You decide to confront him about it, and after some pushing he finally admits that yes, he was behind all of that. He SWEARS it was just because he wanted to impress you, but don't want to hear anything else from him, you feel betrayed and you walk out of his castle holding back tears.

Enter Candy Queen

Freaking out:

What you were both unaware of was that a certain bubblegum girl had been keeping an eye on you two, growing more and more jealous of your interactions with Winter King by the day.

And the day she decided to kidnap you to 'keep you out of her love life', was exactly the day in which you and WK had that confrontation. She waited for the right chance, and snatched you away as soon as you came out of the Winter Castle.

WK saw everything, and instantly freaked out, he knew Candy Queen too well to think for even a second that you'd be okay.

This immediate freak-out... shocks him. His heart is pounding with worry for someone other than himself. All this time he thought all he enjoyed about you was all the attention you'd give him, but... he actually cared about YOU.

He couldn't just let things play out, he had to save you, even if you were still mad at him, he was not going to let anyone harm you.

True feelings:

Rescuing you from Candy Queen's grasp wasn't going to be a challenge at all, as the crown's powers easily surpassed anything she could do. He just had to be quick, he knew CQ could be very unpredictable, he dreaded to think what she could be doing to you-

What he was most worried about, was how you'd react, he knew you were mad at him, what if you thought that getting kidnapped by CQ wasn't just another one of his plans to play hero? What if you refused to be saved??

WK manages to get to you just in time, before Candy Queen blends you up and bakes you into another one of her candy servants. freezing everything over, stopping the blades right in time and freeing you from the ropes.

You're still upset at him though, about to ask him why he's there, but then you feel Winter King hug you, not in the usual way though, with that odd air of superiority he always had, no... this time you can feel him shake, his hands are trembling.

"I'm so sorry..." there's a slight cracking in his voice, which hits you deeply. If there's one thing the King never did before was apologize. In this moment, he'd want nothing more than a kiss, but he knows it's too soon, that he'll have to regain your trust.

But... he's fine with that, he doesn't mind to wait, as long as you're willing to give him another chance. He wants to fix his mistakes, be honest from now on. You're the first person in centuries who's managed to warm his heart again, and he wants to prove that to you. ... Will you let him?

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