#OPs art style makes me so soft

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

@hayakawalove

senpai 🌸

[chocosnowflake0]

im sorry but is that narinder's cloak thing sown onto corrupted bishop! lamb's outfit?

i don't know if it's cause i have had an emotional morning but genuinely trying to hold back tears right now fuckkk, aAAaa the implicATioNsss, trying to piece the story through the design and every detail is just making me wanna cry moree why does lamb have so many cat skulls is it like an in memory/trying to keep nari's memory close or or i fhujfesihr

your art design is absolutely gorgeous op, wonderful work and as always your style is so pretty, dunno why i always love how you draw lamb's snout if that makes sense

it's very shapes/pos

hello anooon And yes! thats Nari's cream cloak, the upper part of it at least. Their cat's gone and now its time for the Lamb to keep going by themselves which... didnt go well btw. I mentioned somewhere in a post some weeks ago that the Lamb would be kinda lost without Narinder by their side and imma holdin' onto that idea. Fluffy soft thing rolling into madness once they noticed they (for some reason) are not able ot revive Nari 👀

THEYCRYHEREHEREANON /PATSPATSINTENSIFIES tysm, honey! <3 Here to gib y'all some furry floofy lamb to enjoy Also,,, sum au sketches ; )

The Fox here to give terrible advises -> corrupted Lamb starting a whole cat genocide campain thanks to him. the cats skulls are just victims trophies since skulls arent the type of bones needed for rituals -

/dissapears sorry if my english slipped somewhere, its rusty af

[wangxianficfinder]

In the mood for...

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1. Hi could you please suggest some

A) Omega Wei wuxian alpha lwj fanfics?

B) And fox wwx dragon lwj with good plot too @lostsoul234

1A)

A/B/O Comp

🧡 shoot your shot -- hot or knot by defractum (nyargles) (E, 51k, WangXian, Modern AU, A/B/O Dynamics, Reality Show, Hunger Games Setting, Canon-Typical Violence, Extremely Dubious Consent, Getting Together, Happy Ending, Humor, Additional Warnings In Author's Notes) (link in #6) would probably work?

B)

@archeaologies said: re your latest 'im in the mood for' post, 1b (foxxian and dragonji fics): ive been slowly putting together a massive rec list on my sideblog (@lansyuan) of exactly this au - its currently sat in my drafts but if op wants to pm me on my sideblog then i can link them all the fics ive collected so far! 🥰

Shape-shifter AU Comp

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2. I was wondering if yall wouldn't mind reccing any favorite Chengxian canon Era fics? @dragonfairies

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3. Itmf for wangxian post canon where WWX is threatened to sacrifice himself for LWJ. It can be any case fiction with an interesting villain making their life hard. @paraffin22

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4. Hello, thank you for all your wonderful recommendations! Itmf LXC takes care of WWX

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5. Itmf omega WWX presenting for lwj

#2 in this fic finder might have a few you would enjoy

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6. Itmf wangxian survival fics, like wilderness or cold, etc

and from our own/live to ourselves by betweentheheavesofstorm (M, 105k, wangxian, modern, fantasy, reality tv, angst w/ happy ending, survival, blood & gore, self-harm, animal death, slow burn) this might count?

🧡 shoot your shot -- hot or knot by defractum (nyargles) (E, 51k, WangXian, Modern AU, A/B/O Dynamics, Reality Show, Hunger Games Setting, Canon-Typical Violence, Extremely Dubious Consent, Getting Together, Happy Ending, Humor, Additional Warnings In Author's Notes) would probably work?

The Edge of Night by Hobbsy3 (M, 277k, WangXian, XuanLi, Modern AU, Zombie Apocalypse, Yúnmèng Siblings Dynamics, Accidental Baby Acquisition During a Zombie Apocalypse, Junior Quartet, (except they’re all babies), Angst with a Happy Ending, Minor Character Death, Hurt/Comfort, Blood and Gore, Ensemble Cast, Worst Zombie Fighting Team Ever, Found Family)

In The Dark Right Now by phnelt (T, 10k, wangxian, JC & LWJ, WWX & JC, graphic depictions of injuries, trapped in a cave, Near Death Experience, fatalistic thinking, established wangxian, Family Feels, mention of unnamed illness of an offscreen character, Nobody dies in this fic, Modern Setting, JC and WWX are caved in and LWJ talks to them through the radio, Hurt/Comfort)

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7. itmf (self indulgent) wwx appreciation fic. have a good day.

Simping over WWX is my fave hobby Series by brrrrrRawr (T, 10k, WangXian, WWX's original body, Fluff, Pet Name,s Blushing, No Smut, Genius WWX, yunmeng bros reconciliation, endgame lotus pier, big bro wwx rights, also dad wwx rights, BAMF WWX, Bad Writing, Body Dysphoria So OOC, world building, cliff diving, corpse wrestling, OOC, Canon Divergence, god WWX, god WN, god WQ, child JL, teenager MXY, xuanli get resurrected, rip nmj tho, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, BAMF WWX, BAMF WN, BAMF WQ)

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8. papa-zhan fics please! a-yuan/sizhui calling him dad, a-die, baba, whatever. canon world or modern anything, just some baba lan wangji softness.

🧡 Yiling Salon: Hair, Nails and Piercing by TriviasFolly (T, 22k, WangXian, Modern AU, hairstylist AU, WWX owns a salon, Hairstylist WWX, 5+1 Things, Fluff, Experimental Style)

🧡 paint smears on sunny days by SnowshadowAO3 (E, 53k, WangXian, Comfort, Fluff and Smut, Everyone Is Alive, Modern AU, Dadji, Mutual Pining, Happy Ending, Brief Alcohol Mention, Masturbation, Blow Jobs, Hand Jobs, Accidentally co-parenting with your son's art teacher, Fatherhood)

When You Wake, 怎能当梦一场 by acertainrogue (T, 39k, WangXian, WWX is in a coma, Angst with a Happy Ending, Modern AU, Single Dad LWJ, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, Parenthood, YZY's A+ Parenting, JFM's A+ parenting, wangxian family) mind the tags pls

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9. hello! it is me that animal-whisperer lwj fic anon! thank you for recommending that, it was such a good read..

would it be fine to ask more of that kind? i cannot seem to get enough of that trope.

🧡 A Study in Fluff by WeaverOfTheNight (T, 29k, WangXian, Modern AU, Ghost bunnies, Vet LWJ, Architect WWX, Kid LSZ, Domestic fluff, Modern with Magic)

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10. This is more of a recommendation ask, does anyone know of any good canon compliant post last chapter fics? basically just more of lwj and wwx and the juniors etc just living their lives like the iron hook extra in the novels? Basically just any very canon post story stories people made i can’t get over the last chapter it was so cute with the lotuses and tipped boat help Sorry if that doesn’t really make sense THABK YOU TUMBLR!!!!!! @kaleajakic

🔒do not go gentle by RoseThorne (G, 684, WN & WQ, WN & WWX, LSZ & WQ, Canonical Character Death, Spirits, Ghosts, LWJ Plays Inquiry, Song: Inquiry, Protectiveness, Grief/Mourning, Love, Acceptance, Family, Angst, Post-Canon, POV Third Person, POV WN)

A More Practical Approach by Elhana (T,9k, WangXian, Canon Compliant Teacher WWX, Humour, POV Multiple, Implied Sexual Content, WWX is resourceful, wuxia magic shenanigans, Based on a Tumblr Post, Post-Canon)

It takes courage to pet a dog. by nenufares (T, 10k, WangXian, Post-Canon, a bit of canon-typical violence, past animal abandonment, Dogs, Fluff and Humor, Mild Hurt/Comfort) I'm not sure if they really count but they are post canon and I enjoyed reading them!

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11. itmf fic where wwx is cultivating the ghostly path like in the novel. i'd like recs for a cultivation that's more a compassion/empathy-based collaboration that results in the liberation of the resentful dead not an antihero necromancer forcing the dead to do his will for the greater good. thanks ❤️🩵

🔒 the thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break by RoseThorne (E, 91k, WIP, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Soulmates, Self-Esteem Issues, Fix-It, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Nightmares, PTSD, Handfasting, Panic Attacks, Getting Together, First Time, Aftercare, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, /Referenced Torture, Scars, Chronic Pain, Golden Core Reveal, First Time, Switching, sex-related injury, LWJ Stays at the Burial Mounds, LSZ is a Wèi, Good Sibling JC, Dissociation, Burial Mounds Settlement Days)

A Life Without Regrets by naqaashi (M, 74k, wangxian, JFM & WWX, JC & WWX, WRH & WWX, LXC & LWJ, LQR & LWJ, LWJ & NHS, Canon Divergence, Time Travel Fix-It, Angst and Humor, Angst with a Happy Ending, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Crack Treated Seriously, musical cultivation, Slow Burn, Pining, Rogue Cultivator WWX, Murder Husbands, PTSD, BAMF WWX, Demonic Cultivation, POV WWX, Cultivation Sect Politics, Worldbuilding, No Yīn Iron, Genius WWX, Inventor WWX, Artist WWX, Musician WWX, Night Hunts, Fate & Destiny, Bad Parent JFM & YZY, Golden Core, Cultivation Theory, Sentient Burial Mounds, Father-Son Relationship, Dysfunctional Family, Grief/Mourning, Parent-Child Relationship, Angry WWX, Pining WWX, WWX is Not Okay, No Golden Core Transfer, BAMF LWJ, Pining LWJ, POV LWJ, Angry LWJ, One-Braincell Wangxian, Love Confessions, Idiots in Love, WIP)

Ad Oblivione by Baph, HikariNoHimeWriter (M, 70k, WangXian, Time Travel Fix-It, Temporary Character Death, Canon-Typical Violence, POV Multiple, Hurt/Comfort, Grief/Mourning, Identity Reveal, Golden Core Reveal, Cultivation World Critical, Not JC Friendly, Abusive YZY, Angst with a Happy Ending)  

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12. Hi! I was just wondering if you have any good, longer fluff pieces. They can have plot, but in general everyone is happy and no one gets hurt (unless it’s jgs). I know canon makes it a bit more difficult, but if you have any recs, that would be great! I’m just looking for fluff, humor, and plot

Thank you!

how to fall in love with a catfish: a guide by wei wuxian (disaster rat) by bwyn, Yuisaki (T, 54k, WangXian, Modern AU, College/University, Actors, Multimedia, Online Friendship, Drunken Shenanigans, Hijinks & Shenanigans, Underage Drinking, Drinking Games, Families of Choice, Ensemble Cast, Fluff and Angst, Slow Burn, Catfish AU) there's a bit of angst here

Meet Me Friday At Seven by craftyTrickster (luoxiaobai) (E, 128k, wangxian, modern, Fluff, Meet-Cute, Friends to Lovers, Blind Date, lots of texting, almost a chat fic, WC and WLJ aren’t evil but they are annoying, Kissing, Masturbation, Anal Sex, romantic sex, Bi WWX, bi nhs, Single Parent WWX, Slow Burn, Unreliable Narrator) just pure fluff

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13. Hi! I am looking for canon-divergent fics where people think WWX dies but he actually doesn’t? I then want a big reveal when people realize he is still alive/never actually died. Thank you so much!

ahhh I just sent in an itmf ask about WWX dying but not really? I meant to specify that I want him to be "dead" for a long period of time, not just a brief gimmick. Long enough that people mourn him or move on, and then he comes back years later like in canon. Thanks, and sorry for not putting this in the first ask!

🔒Brotherhood by LtLJ (G, 10k, JC & WWX, CQL canon, Canon Divergence, Yunmeng Brothers Reconciliation, Angst with a Happy Ending, Canon-Typical Violence, BAMF WWX, BAMF JC, breaks from canon during the time skip, YLLZ WWX)

WWX and JYL run away by shanastoryteller (WangXian, XuanLi, JYL and JZX lives, JYL and WWX raise JL and LSZ, Fake Character Death)

Something From Nothing by sami (E, 55k, WangXian, XianLi, Minor QingLi, XiCheng, Canonical Character Death, Canonical Character Resurrection, Canon-Typical Violence, Canon Divergence, Assassin's Creed Fusion, Kinda, Assassin's Creed Vibes, Wangxian is endgame, Slow Burn, specifically for wangxian, no infidelity, no partner betrayal, Angst with a Happy Ending) This has canon divergence and wwx being dead long enough for people to move on plus hey he's alive reveal but not exactly the way requester described

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14. hii! I'm sorry to bother you! i was hoping you could rec me some dark lwj, or dark gusu lan fics? them being more manipulative or possessive? thank you so much in advance<3

A Matter of Time by mrcformoso (M, 40k, wangxian, time travel fix-it, graphic depictions of violence, underage, LWJ pov, JC pov, dark LWJ, manipulation, grooming, teen body adult mind for LWJ, happy ending for wangxian, problematic consensual underage sex, blood & violence, insane LWJ, manic LWJ)

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15. hello!!! hehe would just like to ask if you have any fics where lsz is referenced as the lan heir? thank you! 💕

anyway, here's wuji by kakikaeru (T, 18k, ZhuiYi, WangXian, LingZhen, Post-Canon)

❤️ A Civil Combpaign by Ariaste (M, 12k, zhuiling, wangxian, arranged marriage, combs, courting, awkward teenagers, teenage drama, humor, feelings, fluff)

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16. Heyy ! I am in the mood for your favourite nightmares fic (Wangxian if possible). Thxx ! @sebyyw

#FreePalestine | hold me close by gentil-minou (Flyingsuits) (E, 13k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Established Relationship, Porn with Feelings, Emotional Sex, Grief, Mental Health Issues, Additional Warnings In Author's Note, tender husbands being tender, Character Study, Masturbation, Oral Sex ,Anal Sex, Working Through Grief With Sex, Grieving Your Husband While Fucking Him, Depressed LWJ) I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for but lwj has a nightmare in one scene in my fic here

hunters seeking solid ground by Attila (E, 23k, wangxian, Canon Compliant, discussion of canon character death, Hurt/Comfort, Nightmares, bed sharing, Getting Together, Yearning, Literal Sleeping Together, Really Excessive Amounts of Hurt/Comfort)

Feathers On My Breath by Sweetlittlevampire (T, 3k, wangxian, Cloud Recesses Study Arc, Teen Crush, Pre-Relationship, Panic Attacks, LWJ Has A Panic Attack, Nightmare, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Hurt/Comfort, Past Character Death, Mentions of Dying Linked To The Panic Attack, Sharing a Bed)

a needle, a whisper, an insidious dream by pale_and_tragic (M, 19k, wangxian, WWX & WQ & LWJ, post-canon, fix-it of sorts, case fic, horror elements, nightmares, hallucinations, pining, hurt LWJ, aroace WQ, platonic relationships, suicidal thoughts, angst w/ happy ending, hurt/comfort, sleeping beauty)

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17. Me again, back to pester you all w/ an ITMF ask! Thank you so much for all you do! I have read (and re-read) An Elegant Solution and also Things to Do with a Flute During Wartime, and they have put me in the mood for NMJ-centric stories where he is a fully robust, complex, interesting character. Any ship is okay, and modern AUs welcome, but pref. no MCD. &lt;;3 @kimboo-york

🔒 Audience of One by WinterDreams (T, 181k, XiCheng, WangXian, XuanLi, mentioned SongXiao, implied MingYao, Modern AU, Celebrities, Inspired by 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Singer LXC, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Everyone Needs A Hug, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, Swearing, Slow Burn, Family Feels, Family Bonding, childhood crushes, past emotional abuse, Post-Betrayal, Venerated Triad Feels, Yunmeng Duo Feels, Nightmares, Fluff and Angst, hand holding, Babysitter Ā-Qìng, Domestic Fluff, Soft XiCheng, Eventual Happy Ending)

🔒 shades of grey spill from my veins (bleeding ink all over the page) by Reverie (cl410) (M, 58k, LXC/NMJ, wangxian, NHS/WN, POV NMJ, Canon Divergence, WWX raised by the Nie Sec, Mentions of WWX's life on the streets, Hurt/Comfort, Accidental Sibling Acquisition, Single Dad NMJ, NHS & WWX Friendship, Fluff, Humor, Happy Ending, Everyone Lives AU, Protective NMJ, a plot showed up, Sunshot Campaign, Some angst, Blood and Injury, Kidnapping, Protective Siblings, Found Family) more canon

found in translation by sysrae (E, 12k, LXC/NMJ, wangxian, Modern Cultivation, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Panic Attacks, my extremely justified hatred of LQR, Meddling brothers, Coming Out, Loss of Virginity, Under-negotiated Kink, slight breathplay, Light Dom/sub, Aftercare, Angst with a Happy Ending) a modern AU

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If you didn’t get an answer to your ask here, don’t forget to make use of @mdzs-kinkmeme and MDZS KINK MEME on Dreamwidth. Authors actually do use them for ideas. You may get what you order!***Your prompt doesn’t have to be kink! Fluff, crack, whatever - it’s all good!***

[maetheartist]

MOUTHWASHING ROLEPLAY CALLOUT!

Howdy! I’m Sleepy Artist- Otherwise known as Mae or Blue! I recently got into Mouthwashing… and would absolutely love to find someone to rp with me and my ocs, as well as feed eachother’s delusions! >:D

I am currently looking for someone to rp as Curly and Daisuke for OC x Canon ships… I may use an AU for these guys, and if you could use both these guys, ACCURATELY TO THEIR CHARACTER… I would love you eternally and give you super duper yummy art of your request :3

Important note; My Birthday is on 04/17/2009, therefore I am still a minor! Please be at least 15-17 when requesting for an rp, I will be 16 in a handful of months!

Lets start off with requirements and rules!

Self-inserts are welcome!

Have a semiliterate writing style, proper grammar, and use quotations marks.

I roleplay on discord, I will not be role playing anywhere else.

Do not try and convince me to do anything that goes against what I have as my personal rules… if you are a decent human being, I humbly ask of you to please respect my boundaries, and I’ll respect yours!

If you want to have an rp… please send me a writing sample of yours so I can get an understanding of how you write, and see if I wanna work with it. It’s not required! But highly preferred and appreciated!

No…

No Mary Sues or Gary Sues, please, it is literally not any fun if your OC is too OP and has no weaknesses, just no, I will point it out in the RP if it Happens.

No Incest or Sexual Assault themes in role plays, a hard no.

No smut. If there is to be a smut scene in an rp, there will be a time skip to after the scene, no during it, no nada, only before and after scenes, I will NOT be writing two of our characters doing the nasty baby making ritual. 😭

No… but…

No Smut, definitely not… but suggestive and flirtatious dialogue is allowed! If there are to be any sexual scenes to happen, there will be time skips.

No controlling my OCs! but I can understand describing things like rain on their skin and certain pains they feel on their body.

No one sentence or very short replies… but I understand a small sentence or two, but don't do it the whole RP.

Do not keep the whole spotlight only to your character and their ship Partner, it is not Fair.

My writing style is Semi-literate, I prefer semi-literate writers over text talk writers unless it’s OCC.

Don’t what that is? Here!

Semi-Literate example:

The Moon goddess her lake from the bridge, sighing in contentment as she turned her attention to the moonlight reflecting the water’s surface with a soft gaze. "The best place to be for the silence is here..."

Text-talk example:

*Suijin looked at her confused* what do you mean? *She raised a brow*

Stuff I do and prefer!

I enjoy roleplaying fluff, romance, platonic relationships, action, and or comedic stuff!

I accept OC x Cannon, OC x OC and Cannon x Cannon ships! I also heavily encourage OCS!

AUs are welcome! Though when I say AUs, I mean the fairly common ones like Yandere AU, Enemies to lovers AU, etc, etc. BUT! I’ll always be open to hearing out whatever you bring to the table!

Paragraphs? WHERE?!? Paragraphs are something I am absolutely down for, and I love them in roleplays! Especially when they are very detailed! I do em too and I would love it if someone else did as well!

If you know what MOUTHWASHING is all about… then you already know, violence and gore is definitely allowed, lol. Dark elements too, as long as they fit under the MOUTHWASHING dark category.

Characters I’m able to play!

Jimmy

Anya

Swansea

Daisuke

Characters I’d like you to play, if possible!

Curly

Daisuke

Swansea

The roles can be negotiated before an rp, we can switch stuff up depending n what you’d like to rp, I am flexible with who I play as! Also, considering the small amount of Canon characters… OCS ARE HEAVILY ENCOURAGED!!!!

If you worry about getting responses back to me late- don’t get too worked up over it, we all have lives outside of the internet, and we just have to accept the fact that we can’t always be available! But do keep in mind that it’s good to let your friends online know that you may have to disappear for it bit, it also lets me know you’ll be busy for a bit! :D

Ships I shall not be doing… is Curly x Jimmy, that’s the only one I fear, oh, and Daisuke x Swansea too.

If you want to RP with me, that’s great! I rp in Discord as it helps to organize everything, and if you’re interested and would like more questions- shoot me a dm, and I’ll answer when I can, thank you, and a have a wonderful day!

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

@shotorus

Day 211

Megumi and Yuji done~ ♥

[atlaskrr]

webtoons I've read recently that i enjoy!

I finally read our walk home! its rlly sweet and i cant wait for it to come off hiatus. i instantly got hooked by the characters. i like how its a they get eo thing and not an actual rivals to lovers thing. idk it feels more special. and the characters mentalities being explored is sooo good man. im also curious on the lot abt the angel and devil + akis brother. on a side note if i were either of them id fold so quickly cause why they both so pretty. their interactions are so cute man. its soft, genuine. i like it.

peace restaurant. love it. was reading it and i was like damn fknally something that gives me what yohaji did (tho not the same obvi) it is only starting on en ver (7 free chaps iirc) and i was so hooked i ended up reading all the kr released chaps on aggregator sites. im so confused and sad bcs it stopped at chap 28 back in nov 2023. still its really good. i love the dynamic between sua, belial and nhedhuk. they are so found fam to me. like nhedhuk is obvi the younger sibling and belial is her older brother. sua is their unconventional mom. speaking of belial his development was really nice. the way his fear was all the ppl he cared abt dying (INCLUDING SUA AND NHEDHUK) im scared abt whats gonna happen with him with how 28 ended off tho 😅 i think i have a thing for op female mcs (ty bofuri) and also this is why for one of the very few times the mc is my fav chara followed closely by the 2 deuteragonists. comedy that grows plot gotta be my new fav thing. in the beginning tho i love how every time you think smth serious will happen its just another gag. anws the whole dimension ordeal is also cool.

ok this thing had me clicking from its artstyle. i think yohaji made me a comedy person cause this is a comedy as well. i continued reading the few short chaps cause it was silly and sweet. this ghost truly is just a kind and pathetic thing. the fact shes mute is also really nice as the creator actually competed twice and placed in silent manga competitions (which were really good btw. go check out volpee). when the managers were introduced i thought plot was coming but nope! but also i was even more hooked cause the design for mr. h??? love. the vibes and style is immaculate. the ghost of cloth is also really silly and has a nice design lol. there was no ep last month but its back on now! oh yeah the toy ghost is really cool as well. somehow they can still make it expressive despite its still face. the whole remote control car situation had me cackling tho lmao.

OH MY GOD PROJECT CAMELLIA HAS LIKE 6 EPS AND ONE IS A AUTHORS NOTE THING BUT DO I CARE??? NO. the pretty boy cover enticed me and im so glad it did bcs it seems so promising. the author note had stuff about their process and the future and the way they thought it through, how the 2 mcs change eo and it shows PHYSICALLY. in love. the way they plan to change the main mc throughout the story has me scared and excited. it seems like they can handle chara development well which is something i value highly as i read for charas most of the time. the art style is also really nice. if you check out the creators insta you can really see how skilled they are like the art there looks majestic (theyre a danmei fan). apparently therell also be a yuri side couple 👀 basically, the future seems bright for this webtoon.

i hust finished catching up to the tl ver of the students of illip arts high cause the en is new to webtoon just like peace restaurant. i was hooked by the unique style used for the vr game and how so yi and han sol bonded and allat. their relationship is so ough to me. dakyung is also a fun chara and for seiun idk she seems kinda pretentious. i dont like how they dealt with eppys chara either. still its early on so even though the charas besides mc seem to not have as much impact as they could it has much room to grow.

[wollfling]

🎀 lolita sales post 🎀

A little mix of styles, I'll post below the cut. I'm open to offers and whatever doesn't sell I'll probably list to lacemarket? Prices in usd, I will provide photos to anyone interested! I just didn't want to go through the hassle of photographing everything. I'll state the condition and notes I have on each piece~ everything has been purchased secondhand.

I've linked lolibrary entries for sizing and release info. Feel free to make offers!!! I based my prices from quick searches on other sites, but I'm flexible. Depending on the item and country I would estimate 20-40$ shipping (im in canada)

I dont really have formal feedback for selling clothes anymore since I haven't in forever, but I do have an online shop where I sell art prints, so I have experience selling things online and whatnot.

Metamorphose Sailor Short Sleeve OP in ivory (2011) - $100

Missing bow (left photo), but still has the tie (like right photo) this dress is so lightweight and perfect for summer, I just don't like how the sleeves fit on my arms. No noticeable damage. I washed it but i havent worn it out!

Btssb Tartan Check Jacket in green (2005) - $180

No damage, only tried on by me. Another wonderful piece but too tight in the arms for me. It's soft, but polyester. I'm honestly so sad about letting this piece go I adore it, but I need to stop holding onto things I won't wear!

Btssb Ribbon Sherbet Skirt in pink (2010) - $40

Really adorable skirt, it's shorter and perfect for casual wear. You can't tell in the stock photos, but the fabric is woven with glitter! Again, washed but I haven't worn it besides trying on.

Aatp Sylvester vest (2011 or 2013) - $80

I think its the women's size, as there is so spider tag. I had forgotten and then realized upon inspecting while writing this that one of the back panel buttons had come off and I must have stored it somewhere to keep safe. I'll look for it (I know I have it somewhere lol) on the offchance I can't find it though I will discount accordingly. Worn by me and washed, there is no other noticeable damage.

Aatp Justin pants in red (2018) - $100

Only tried on by me- I'm going to keep it real with you I'm just too bottom heavy. The waist is full of room but the leg measurement (in average clothing sizing proportion) is really small. I don't understand why they would add so much extra room in the waist and not make the thighs adjustable at all. The sizing doesn't match up with the lolibrary entry, the waist can stretch up to 90cm, and is about 76cm not stretched... the inside measurement of the leg cuff is maybe 46 cm (the fabric is thick so measures 50 on the outside if that makes sense) when wearing this, the top of the waistband was floating around but made a sharp ^ down the back, these shorts will not be flattering if you have wider hips. All of that said they are really beautiful, I adore the fabric, but the lolibrary entry is very misleading!

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I've run out room for photos in this post and need to locate the second blouse, but I have 2 white bodyline blouses and the strawberry gingham skirt I might bundle all together for idk 50$? I'll have to find them all first, but in case anyone is interested.

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Other pieces I've been going back and forth on selling are:

victorian maiden velveteen frill bustier in wine (2002)

Metamorphose velveteen high waist ribbon jsk in red (2004) (missing detachable bust panel)

But tbh I can't come up with a reasonable price I'd be willing to sell them at. On the off chance they are someone's #1 dream items and you'd like to make an offer I am open for it but I might turn it down. I would be open to trades for similar items too though! Such as another vm bustier or old meta velveteen op/jsk of the era.

[best-underrated-anime]

Best Underrated Anime Group E Round 4: The Morose Mononokean vs Radiant

#E7: The Morose Mononokean (Fukigen na Mononokean)

Teenage boys use empathy to solve problems for youkai

#E5: Radiant

Magic kid travels in a quest to end all “evil”

Details and poll under the cut!

#E7: The Morose Mononokean (Fukigen na Mononokean)

Summary:

Without realizing it, a high schooler named Ashiya Hanae shows kindness to a youkai and is subsequently possessed by it on the first day of class. The spirit clings to his shoulder, making him progressively sicker each day. After a week of collapsing on his way into school, Ashiya notices a “Help Wanted” flyer for an exorcism service in the nurse’s office. Desperate, he calls the service, only to find that it is run by his grumpy classmate.

Abeno Haruitsuki prefers youkai to humans, sleeps through class, and is the master of a sentient tea room called the Mononokean, where youkai come for help with their problems. It turns out that they’re mostly benign, and exorcising them to the Underworld is safer for them. Ashiya convinces Abeno to exorcise the spirit possessing him, but Abeno demands he work part-time for the Mononokean as repayment. Abeno’s intimate knowledge of the spirit world and Ashiya’s empathetic nature form a great contrast as they work together.

Propaganda:

The Morose Mononokean is a beautifully written and animated coming-of-age story— with youkai, which can only ever make a piece of media better. The characters, both human and youkai, are fully three-dimensional, and although there isn’t much of an overarching plot in the first season/early manga chapters, the episodic stories contribute to the growth of both Ashiya and Abeno; their juxtaposed methods of problem-solving, and the way they affect and learn from each other’s perspectives as they become closer, are very satisfying both to analyze and to experience on an emotional level. Beyond the writing, the art is outstanding as well. The designs for the youkai characters are frequently adorable, occasionally terrifying, and always quite original, brilliantly incorporating characteristics of existing creatures in novel ways. The occasional visits to the Underworld are always a visual treat, with vibrant colors and a unique animation style painting the backdrop. Both the art and the characters are delightful and moving, and the OP is a banger. As a connoisseur of urban fantasy, Fukigen na Mononokean’s focus on emotion over action has made it my all-time favorite anime in the genre.

Trigger Warnings: None.

#E5: Radiant

Summary:

Nemeses—powerful and mysterious demonic entities that fall from the sky and vaporize anything they touch. The only ones who can combat these creatures are Sorcerers, those who have survived an encounter with a Nemesis but were infected in the process.

Seth, a Sorcerer from Pompo Hills, sets out on an adventure to exterminate all these Nemeses. Accompanying him are Doc and Mélie, fellow Sorcerers who share his ideal. Their main objective is to bring about a world where Sorcerers are no longer persecuted for being infected, and to that end, desire to destroy the source of the Nemeses themselves: the mythical Radiant.

Propaganda:

Radiant is adorable: the main duo are a perfect combination of airheads with good intentions.

The story is a pretty clear stand against notions of prejudice / racism / xenophobia, and since the original comic is French, you know it’s not just fiction.

Aside from that, the series is a delight to watch: it’s colorful, soft, the designs are fantastical. Still surprised Tumblr didn’t find Grimm and turned him into a sexyman.

Trigger Warnings: Animal Cruelty or Death, Child Abuse, Racism.

Magicians suffer prejudice and sometimes are physically and verbally assaulted. Nemeses are animal-like creatures and are hunted.

When reblogging and adding your own propaganda, please tag me @best-underrated-anime so that I’ll be sure to see it.

If you want to criticize one of the shows above to give the one you’re rooting for an advantage, then do so constructively. I do not tolerate groundless hate or slander on this blog. If I catch you doing such a thing in the notes, be it in the tags or reblogs, I will block you.

Know one of the shows above and not satisfied with how it’s presented in this tournament? Just fill up this form with your revisions, and I’ll consider adapting those changes.

New: Starting round 5, screenshots will be included in the poll post. You can submit screenshots through the form linked above, or through here, via ask or dm.

Guidelines in submitting screenshots:

No NSFW or spoilery images.

Pick some good images please. Don’t send any blurry or pixelated ones.

You may send up to 9 screenshots, but not all may be used.

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

@catchuuu @staryukis @dollsuguru

each time you fall in love

it’s clearly not enough

it isn’t safe

[6okuto]

🍙 for @satorisoup from my fruits basket :3

Long Post. but i (Rlly) summarized the questions for viewing ease 🫡

1) life & school

i Am nervous about school hbdfhbg i’m a sociology major!! ^^ love soc but i switched to honours so i have to keep my gpa up, and most of my classes this year are really reading/writing/presentation heavy.. plus i'm trying a full course load for the first time so doing my thesis next yr will be easier, but i'm already easily stressed and burnt out.. lol.. ;; it's probably fine though

life’s getting busy.. and i’m not sure my cosplay will get here in time for my con but it’s ok tbh! the good outweighs the bad for those things. i wish i had money for the con outside my grants/loans but LOL that's life 

2) celebrating my birthday with keiji :3

tmi maybe. i haven’t had a great birthday since i was 15/16 to be honest FBHBDJ i'm so burnt out and depressed in dec that the past few years i haven’t done anything at all LOL but hearing this,, keiji makes it his mission to give me a good one ^^ ! 

he takes the day off and makes sure the day is just for us! practices making heart shaped pancakes and cooks breakfast.. i walk in on him in the kitchen super focused and accidentally scare him LOL he wanted it to be a surprise but it’s ok!! i watch and talk while i wait

it’s usually cold so i don't go anywhere ;; but we still have fun!! it’s nothing crazy,, we just talk, put on a show while we work on a puzzle or bake… play some co-op games.. order dinner.. yeagh

if it isn’t awful outside, we might make a little snowman or snow angels at the park nearby :]

he gets birthday gifts separate from his christmas ones.. since they're so close my birthday’s kinda overshadowed & i tell people to get one gift or none but keiji refuses!! he writes a long heartfelt letter, commissions art of us & our cat, and buys custom matching necklaces + little crochet accessories + ribbon 🙂‍↕️ (also macarons. i rock w macarons.)

3) favourite aki scene :3

his morning routine changed my life. they didn’t have to do that (not in the manga) but they did… my beautiful domestic soft morning dreams… it’s so Aki… and then i think about how he’d include u in his routine when ur together the way he does with denji and power… ouh..

4) art app + ur new stylus :0

looks down and kicks rocks. krita user over here. not that anything’s wrong with krita. i just feel lame when i see brushes i want because of course they’re never for krita. but it’s cool! how's ur new pen!! bro sometimes krita’s pressure sensitivity doesn’t work on start-up and i didn’t realize i could just restart the window settings . i kept reinstalling it. it’s fine but Wow i was miserable for so long (Months. like a stupid poopoo head)

5) Secret Art Opinions.

olivia wilde nodding gif. smoking duck gif. no one knows what i know no one’s seen what i’ve seen. BEAUTIFUL!! PERF!! i love his smile and jewelry (🤯) and hair and EVERYTHING!! your art style is SOO lovely cutieful lene!! and a 17 layer max seems nonsensical?! HELP.. how big is your canvas.. what app are you using bc isn't there ones made for what u want to try.. I believe in U!! no matter what i’m sure it will turn out awesome!!! he would be so flattered. his lips would wobble and he'd gasp/whine and hug and kiss u like WHAT!! FOR HIM..?..!!! yeah.

6) akaashi and i’s song :00

wanna say i will by mitski but that’s gonna be in every self-ship playlist of mine. maybe home by reese lansangan.. hesitate to say it’s Our Song but it’s a good one!!

My bones are safe / And my heart can rest / Knowing it belongs to you / My world is changed / And it's cradled by / The comfort that is you

7) monster lover post + ones i like

i wish i had good specific hear me out's but i don’t consume a lot of media with them so the ones i can think of are super basic and boring… i’d need a list in front of me so i could smash or pass. (if u have any in mind let me kneow.) but

the teacher from the girl from the other side. Like it’s my fault. doting adoptive self-sacrificial father figure DON’T TALK TO ME. also i must mention tokoyami. + shirou from BNA if he counts

tai lung from kung fu panda just once. the plague doctor (scp-049) obviously

probably some transformers. i like bumblebee 🩷 THE PACIFIC RIM JAEGERS . gipsy danger of course. striker eureka of course. gipsy avenger & november ajax & valor omega (Sorry.). azure defiant omgg PILIPPINS! 🇵🇭🇵🇭

i can usually get behind a “hear me out” if it isn’t like.. super slimey(?) or spikey. they could all hurt me but anything Very sharp/spikey i’m like nooo owwww ouchie nooo..

8) JJK since hell started on earth (+ lenoso!)

I Have been keeping up. unfortunate for my happiness. but Dear God. finding that out two hours after a comm and on FORTNITE is CRAZY? I’m so sorry. I get it. there’s like 3 vids and 6 pics of me crying. …did u at least win the fortnite match. i thank god every day my main thing is HQ because i just watch guys play volleyball. the manga.. a bit exciting.. hoping for an Ok outcome… maybe if gege has love and megan thee stallion in his heart

9) demon slayer opinions (+ genya specifically)

i watched the first season of kny but dropped it after hebfhsbjb nothing against it, just not rlly my cup of tea!! but i know quite a few deaths and the manga ending.. i don’t have a fave demon though.. i liked tanjiro + giyuu + sabito (predictable x3). also fond of rengoku (predictable) and mitsuri/obanai (predictable). Is akaza awesome and beautiful. i don't rlly know genya but i’ve seen him and his brother!! I will like him In Ur honour!!! ur friend reporting u for an edit is crazyehsbfjhb STAY STRONG… GENYA! i’m sure he’s fantastic!!

10) bnha + izuku thoughts!

Who’s calling izuku ugly. ☹️ i get u btw Like it’s my fault i’m always fond of the main characters and want the best for them. i don’t usually read stuff for him bUT i fr see the appeal, and he can be soo super interesting/fun to write and read about!! AND HE’S NOT UGLY!! ☹️ he’s very cutieful handsome. grown up deku… vivid and beautiful in my mind… 

11) favourite food, drink, etc. :3

rice . LOL i don’t think i have a favourite food but i love pinoy chicken dishes! my mom's adobo + caldereta + niligang manok. also been eating chorizo de cebu lately.. yummay..

sweet drinks.. frappes & taro boba… i need to expand my palette but y'know. and my fav soda is crush

i said this but i Love Macarons. you give me a plate of macarons i’m inhaling that shit like kirby. also sapin sapin and cheesecake! a great cake in general is so yummayyy

big hazelnut creme chocolate fan. I Love hazelnut chocolate. started when i was a child with kinder eggs and purdys chocolate hedgehogs and here i am

fav cereal is kellogg's krave. obvious chocolate fan here

SUSHI VIBES IS SO INTERESTING i’m pretty sure i’ve never had a piece. like ever. i do like fish… do u have any fave sushi.. i doubt i’ll be trying any soon but for future reference!!

12) anything and everything else ^_^ (mammon + mlp ment.)

Lene i have stuff to talk about at all times and will overshare every time

YAGH! mammon is the avatar of greed and 2nd eldest brother of 7 in Obey Me: One Master To Rule Them All. i actually didn’t like him at first (I’m sorry.) but he grew on me real bad. it’s serious. he's very tsundere which is Not my type but. something happened. He's a softie.. he cares about you and everyone So Much.. he's very empathetic and emotionally intelligent even if he struggles with being vulnerable.. he can generally control his emotions better /gets angry less than his brothers… he gets teased/mistreated a lot.. he loves money and hates working but he loves U even more So Of Course He’d do/give up Anything 4 U.. he's insecure and has called himself worthless on his own Which Devastated Me So Bad i love this guy so much Let’s All Just. oh man.

i Did like MLP. i stopped watching at some point but i want to go back and watch it all.. predictably obsessed with princess cadance and shining armor. I wanted to be her and I wanted him. Predictably. i cried over BBBFF when i was little btw /pos but hm.. my fav show was gravity falls maybe. so good.

we finally fixed what was wrong with the water in the one bathroom in the house that has a bath tub. exciting because i’ve never taken a bath… want to see what it’s like… perhaps use a bath bomb 🤔..

don’t think i’ve processed we’re going to have another person living with us. wow

been thinking about p5 akira a lot. my stupid beautiful loser sopping wet cat idiot handsome prince guy. Do u think 13 year old me would be surprised i still like him or that my bff likes goro or that i ship akeshu. i have 150 ss's from the p5 vn. and when i say he's written like my version of akaashi keiji.. hah......

might deactivate at some point tbh. saying this because i don't think people will read this far so it's like a little secret convo but i feel like i've overstayed my time / don't rlly fit anywhere bshdjsd i'll click delete account and just Stare for a while. like at some point u think about it so much it's like.. girl stop clinging on and just do it. but i don't want to lose my stuff so it won't happen until i put it all somewhere else. which won't be soon because i'm lazy as shit so. that's life i guess. 🤷🏻‍♀️ def won't until i finish my event.. will see if i can at least make it to my blog anni if not my birthday 🤔 would probably come back at some point anyway. also my users... can't lose 6okuto r u joking...

been rocking with pleasure delayer by between friends & rock-paper-scissors by katzenjammer lately.

broken 3 nails this week and may unfortunately break a 4th. my stupid baka life. might just cut the rest and restart... they were all Even. 1/2 cm long bro.. why does this happen to me...

excited to call and ask about my joke bear plate in a few days. i'm 100% sure i didn't do an even number of coats for everything and it'll look wonky in places, but i think that's part of the appeal. the nia 6okuto joke bear brand

thank u for joining and asking lene!! 🙆🏻‍♀️🩷🩷 i like 2 talk so do not worry. would u like some q's back.. a similar amount.. less.. more.. let me kneow. meow

[torturecave]

HEYy anon from last questions here!! I got SO excited when you replied oh gosh it made my day!!! I love your takes on this franchise and these two so much, thank you for the insightful answer and for taking the time to reply, that was so kind of you and I appreciate it <3

I really wanted to know as like I said, literally your art is SO SO pleasing and good!!!!! your style is like nothing I have ever seen in an amazing way and I love how soft, touchy and dynamic it feels, it just gives me a sense of warmth that I cant get enough of ! <3 warning I started typing too much accidentally ops sorry in advance, excuse me any typos too its like 5am and i'm going wild hahah ;w;;

I was very curious with how you thought of Branch and Poppy now as I noticed how fond you were of their intimate pranch take, honestly maybe both takes can still coexist, I feel like Poppy was all down for being like that with Branch even before TWT, but he just wanted a confirmation to act on cuz he's a dork and needs it and fears the worst, and so Poppy found it hard to understand if there was consent in a sense maybe? The way in the start they basically hold hands (I think the hair intertwined is canonically supposed to be this, which is adorable af and shows just how comfortable Branch is with Poppy touching him ;;w;). And looking at it like that it is so sweet that he had so much fear and angst about his feelings being returned, I imagine everyone being like "wait you weren't dating already?". Pop trolls did see them ball dance in a pot while being cute as heck aughh i cant with them i love them and their slow burn. Really I still appreciate how the first movie ends with Branch asking for a hug, it shows how touch starved he was and how much he loves and trusts her now even if he's slow and clumsy at it, he doesn't ask for a group hug, he specifically waits when they're alone to get it, so adorable, he fell so hard, 10/10..

OH DON'T GEt me started on the hot air ballon scene, it is legitimately my favorite moment of the movie regarding both of them. It's filled with so much tension?... It being at midnight, the bickering, the way Poppy simply has to stare lovingly at Branch and he just can't take it, just looks!!!.... Wow. Thank you Dreamworks

Just like the first film, Poppy simply KNOWS Branch will jump in and come help her, she's really just hoping it doesn't take him a whole musical montage in which she's dying like last time, which is why I think she's so relieved, because I know she must realize Branch is following her no matter what, they just can't be separated !!! Much less now. :D

So that was a perfect little moment.. I think your wife was the one who made the little essay on how in the first film despite Poppy crashing his bunker, she's confident and not even surprised he came and how that's so telling, I just love the fact that Poppy from the start knows Branch deep down is soft and how despite being a happy bundle of sunshine Poppy also has her rather cruel ways of getting what she wants and is very very smart and smug. Makes their dynamic way more endearing X)

Incel Branch kills me, he has to be the a rare case for sure in this village help! A bit unrelated rambling coming but have you seen Holiday In Harmony special? In it he's ALL about his gf unashamed and unaware of how trolls think he's being strange and it is so funny. He also replaced all of his paranoid trauma carving in his bunker with Poppy related things and it kills me gosh, in one of the notes he calls her "My queen" too, god, hes down BAD!!! I love it T,,T

AAHH holy damn i'm chuckling hard at your observation about Girl's Just Want To Have Fun.... Wow Branch. What is up with that like you gotta wonder if it was intentional.. And he's also secretly lovingly caressing a picture of them (And on the spot /she's/ in!!!!). Doesn't help too that in the original storyboard he was naked.. Much thinking about this from now on from me, thank you very much for pointing it out X)

Those concepts/aus your wife and you had have been on my mind so often, thank to her too for her work, I absolutely also adore her artworks!! It's very nice to know that you two are happily together, I imagine it was fun for you two to grow and still keep watching the silly trolls franchise as more movies kept being done :DDD

Also she's absolutely right with her observation on TWT and TBT oh my gosHHHH. Poppy and Branch taking turns in being obsessed with each other is such a delightful way to describe it, they are so freaking cute. And the way she describes the first movie is spot on yes you get me!!!!! There's a beauty in just seeing them bond and how natural it feels. I still adore the mere fact that both of them actually have some sort of history and dare I say tension from the start that makes them so so good. The beggining in which Branch is obviously waiting for his invitation when warning Poppy and I can just imagine him sneaking into the scene to grab the smashed invitation while Poppy pretends she doesn't notice he did or deep down has to know he appreciates them because she keeps making them special for him and it is so sweetttt!!....

Stuff like that gets my imagination going wild X) and the scenery and exchanges as you say are so so nice :D I could go on and on about the first film but I enjoyed all of the movies for different reasons, definitely agree with you! I was very hesitant at first about TBT, but it surprised me for good!!! AND OH TRUE COLORS IS FOREVER BEST THEM SCENE ,,,, The intimacy and gentleness it has kills me everytime, the moment Poppy touches him and the color starts splashing back to him from the hand she touched instead of normally to emphasize SHE makes him happy is sublime and how they cant stop looking at each other gosh... Perfect perfect perfecttt !!! >www< ALSO later on their secret handshake and whole flirty dance it's just, a BIG catharsis to go after everything they went through !!!

Also I can tell you enjoyed Viva, she was so fun and well, having more than one Poppy is simply guaranteed to be a treat ;;w;; definitely a bit I loved even if I couldn't believe they were going with the lost sibling stuff first X) How do you think Branch is handling being constantly braided and hyped by basically an older version of her gf at least in a superficial level? There's gotta be some funny feelings there somehow or at least I like to think. On a related note, also notice how lowkey horny Poppy gets about Branch's brothers, she is too much, I know it's because she's a fangirl but the similarities they share with Branch have to play a part too imo 0v0

I wish the movie would have shown us more of their sister moments, really found it more endearing than the brozone plot even if that was fun too ;v; I cant stop looking at your doodle where Viva is holding baby Poppy AUugh SO ADORABLE I LOVE IT SO MUCH we needed a moment like that in the movie you are doing god's work!!!<333

Also last thing but thoughts on Branch being called a boy toy? That shocked me when I watched TWT like damn does he seem that submissive? Poor guy.. Also the whole rock zombies moment in general just had a kinky tone somehow lmao. I bet rock trolls must have different social norms, really I adore how pop trolls seem to stand out thanks to being captured for so long, so much that they're the only ones who hug each other to cope with this. I really find the worldbuilding interesting in that regard!!

Now i'm just rambling nonsense hahah i'll try to stop now before I end up crashing tumblr somehow X) I'm sorry for that, I have so much thoughts about these movies and pranch/broppy and you and your wife just get it so much!!! Thanks again for the reply and taking your time on it, really appreciated and i'll keep an eye open for more stuff you post!!! It makes me happy to see you around, as I said, lovely art and content in general (Goes to your wife as well, you 2 are very talented!!!!) and you are so so kind!!!! Thank you <3 btw no need to reply to all of this or any haha, I just needed to get out some stuff cuz I loved your replies so much! I'll try to not spam on your askbox, im just a huge fan of how insighful and how nice your blog is!!! Though if you mind me asking so much let me know and i'll stop right away ;w; !

Last thing, regarding the underwear/clothing, that explains a lot thanks for sharing your thoughts,,, it's amusing that we get to see Branch slapped on the butt casually (Which you know always wanted to see it but coming from Poppy, like that art you did years ago 0v0) yet Poppy must not be lewded because if she had the power to show us how lewd she is these movies could not go on, she would be TOO powerful!!! Just look at how she growls at Branch X)))

Once again, thank you for reading my cringy fanboying, your thoughts and content in general makes my heart happy !!! <33 Have a nice day anytime you catch this :D *runs away once more*

Hello again! ^^ / Nice to see you again, and I'm happy to see my reply could do so much for you... Your ask was very refreshing and delightful to see! The same goes for this one as well. :3 It's nice to hear from someone who not only has an appreciation for my work but also the movies themselves. So you don't have to worry about typing too much either heh. (Honestly I would've answered this question sooner — I was immediately drafting my reply — but I got nerfed by a recent power outage + getting sick bwahaha. The world trying to stop me from talking about trolls...)

I will take a moment to really appreciate how you think my art is so unique. I don't want to sound too full of myself, but I do find that what I want to make / isn't something I can easily find...! I can accept it is particular... and that it can be enjoyed for that reason. >w>

I was very curious with how you thought of Branch and Poppy now as I noticed how fond you were of their intimate pranch take, honestly maybe both takes can still coexist, I feel like Poppy was all down for being like that with Branch even before TWT

I agree! I think the reality is that whatever Branch feels for Poppy is already reciprocated by TWT... To the point where I imagine that after TWT, whenever Branch had a conversation with Poppy about dating (?) she was probably like 'haha, why didn't you say so Branch!?' If he wanted that 'status' she would've been happy to oblige I think, nothing's stopping them... And whatever intimacy that included, she'd be eager for it as well.

Trying to word something here, huhm... I wonder if Poppy, on her own, wouldn't necessarily expect to be 'more' than Branch's best friend? She definitely knows she's special to Branch, enough to tease him over it lol, so I don't think she doubts her importance to him so much. ... And perhaps it's hard to, as Branch is still less social than the avg. troll, persnickety about being touched and whatnot. There's plenty of exclusivity in their bond. (Indeed no one is intertwining their hair so cutely with Branch-!!) It might be that Poppy is just happy to be... whatever she is to Branch, in that moment.

Though for Branch, he benefits from something as definitive as being Poppy's boyfriend. Because no one else is Poppy's boyfriend. Lots of trolls in the village are Poppy's 'friends', and she's probably called many of them her 'best friends' as well — Bridget currently occupies that niche after all. It isn't exclusive to be those things... And I think for Branch, it isn't reassuring to feel as though he is 'on the same level' as... Biggie or Cooper etc.

The REASON it is devastating to watch Fuzzbert high-five Poppy after he failed to is, because, it exemplifies the very things he doesn't want to be true. Like noooo HE CAN'T HAVE A WORSE CONNECTION TO POPPY THAN FUZZBERT...!!! He can't be a lower rung! In her life! Than Fuzzbert! He needs to DO more for her than that!! He needs to have some sort of... implicit value. I'm extrapolating a lot, but I wonder if being 'like Fuzzbert' would make Branch feel expendable, replaceable, basically not precious enough. Regardless of the fact that Poppy cares muchly for her village... but well, that's the thing, as a queen she is obligated to care for her subjects... It's not special, necessarily. And further doomer-incel thinking is to conclude, it's also not 'special' enough to love Poppy because EVERYONE loves queen Poppy... loving her a lot won't set you apart from all the other trolls...

TBT adds an interesting depth to Branch's misery, he... really believes it was his fault BroZone's performance went so badly, and that everyone left. As much as he believes he killed his grandma... It seems Branch has grown into someone who is very sensitive to the idea of abandonment. Unlike Poppy, Branch cannot reassure himself that he will stay in anyone's life, definitively... It didn't matter how much he loved his brothers, or grandma Rosie, they were equally taken from him. He's been isolated for many years without 'proof' that things will be different...

(I'm not sure if Abandonment Issues Branch is really Dreamworks' intention but I like what they've written here. As you can see my mind's been running wild with threading all the events together from all 3 movies. Tasty conclusions.)

While I'm here like a madman, I will share a tangent related to this all. :) Just something I've been thinking about lately... Even though I don't see Poppy jumping at the bit to date Branch quite like he is in TWT, it isn't out of a lack of enthusiasm or interest or anything like that... JUST that Poppy is more easily satisfied with not putting a term to their dynamic. Quite frankly I think she would be completely receptive to Branch romancing her... surprisingly early in the timeline!! Like as far back as movie 1? It's Branch who's been resisting her this whole time. I think she'd be like. Kind of, agog, if he was suddenly forward with her... if he recited poetry directly to her, even? Since he won't sing.

There's a point where Poppy is so so soo determined to even crack a smile out of Branch, to befriend him and sing with him. I think you could like. OVERWHELM HER, even, with the proposal of romance LMAO, I think it'd be like akdkjf..f jgdhfk what is this /// BRANCH LIKE ME MOMENT!? BRANCH... really... THE mysterious Branch kfkdfhs he doesn't like anyone.. ... 0.0 but he liek me? // omg //// but , waitactually yeah there's always been something here.. between us... hasn't there... 😏

So yeah this is just me saying not only do I think Poppy is receptive to Branch in TWT, I think she would be in the first movie, and, I think he could do, a lot, I think he could earnestly court and kiss that one tbh. If he put on the charm. Branch could be capable of a lot... it's just that he's held back by his traummies kfdhjgjsf

I think your wife was the one who made the little essay on how in the first film despite Poppy crashing his bunker, she's confident and not even surprised he came and how that's so telling

Yes that was my wife, she's fixated on the bunker scene and compiled caps / made gifs / and discussed it. It's an incredible scene really. Her brutal counter to Branch being all smug and difficult at her... can't handle her being smug in return, for real! Then we've always loved how she reacts when she sees Branch again, after having been beaten and battered by the world, blacked out in a spider web. Somehow she goes BRANCH my man. What a funny girl... Incredibly endearing lol. I always like the flow of that scene / them leaving the forest / then them walking on that fallen log. (The log is one of my fav panning shots in the movie~)

[laughing] I'm glad Incel Branch is amusing you, I want more people to see it this way, it's just too funny. What kind of troll... Oh but I have seen Holiday in Harmony! (I like the other special as well... Hope we get another with Viva this time as main focus. :3) Lol but yeah in this special I get the impression Branch just can't seem any less obsessed, it's funny the way Prince D and Cooper are there to get kinda like 😰😰... Put-off by Branch's idea of a present, the way he would go about making something for Poppy and the lengths he would be willing to go (like secretly measuring her etc.) They're just there to be like... the normal ones... for contrast ww

I hadn't observed his crazy lil pinboard so closely, I didn't know it said things like "my queen" but that's very sick (unwell). Looking it over, also some of the things in here are just like, a drawing of Poppy in a heart, cut-outs of hearts scribbled in with ink, help... The fact that he makes that little scrapbook in the end is very sweet, but I do love that because it's Branch, it has to be a scrapbook with a bit of a Deranged quality. Frantic and kind of oddly cobbled together.

HONESTLY it's sad now that we've seen his old bunker plans, because there was a time when Branch was able to make... NORMAL NOT SCARY ART...... Not anymore though.

The visualization of Branch's brain degrading over time (lol)

Another thing I did not know: that Branch was naked in the storyboard for his part of the opening seq in TWT. I... guess... it was gonna be us seeing both of them naked as a parallel but, ultimately I have to say I do prefer his bathrobe lol, I think it conveys still 'intimate at home' but has more of a chill vibe. (Spoken as someone with a clothes fetish. :B) Whatever the case I'm just glad to have pointed those lyrics out to you heh.

Those concepts/aus your wife and you had have been on my mind so often, thank to her too for her work, I absolutely also adore her artworks!! It's very nice to know that you two are happily together, I imagine it was fun for you two to grow and still keep watching the silly trolls franchise as more movies kept being done :DDD

I'm a big fan of her work as well💞 She was my greatest inspiration back then, and remains to be, honestly she inspires me in every way now, she really helped me come into my own... I'm also glad we can be together and enjoy these movies still. I just have so many memories of talking to her about the first Trolls, and ah... IDK if I've ever posted the story here, but I actually tagged along with her to a furcon when we first met in person. She'd stay up talking to me as long as she could, then have to sleep because she was tabling at the con. I'd stay up a little later, writing fic based on our Trolls discussions... then I'd sleep in the hotel room until she came back, and between commissions she'd be drawing things based on our ideas. We'd exchange art/fic...

Recently when we were rewatching the 1st movie after watching Band Together, I couldn't stop myself from saying "these movies helped us fall in love 🥺"... pfwhsh. So yeah I have a lot of personal connection to it, though outside of that it's just a great movie. :3 The sense of history that the two have is the best...!

[simply nodding in agreement with all your appreciation for the diff scenes!] I also love how Branch's colors begin to return without him realizing, the way it starts at their point of contact... It is all perfect 💖 Oh I really love their dancing in the credits to September, seeing them bounce all along at the end of things is really so wonderful. Ugh lately I've been thirsty for every second of them flirtily dancing together. -_- I wish I could have some sort of saucy music video featuring them...

Ackk yeah I'm head-over-heels for Viva honestly... How could I not be, I adore Poppy so much. 'Two Poppies' was something meant to thrash me around by the ankles, there was no way I could be prepared for that!! Here I was concerned about being bogged down by brother stuff, I didn't stop and think... sister stuff. Goodness.

How do you think Branch is handling being constantly braided and hyped by basically an older version of her gf at least in a superficial level? There's gotta be some funny feelings there somehow or at least I like to think.

Perhaps you wrote this innocently, but, I feel like it's a targeted attack on me, what're you doing... (laughing) I accept it though. You're giving me an excuse to jump into my crazy thoughts.

I...! Do, think that Viva's attention, compounded with Poppy, will be overwhelming for Branch. As it is, I think meeting Viva is too much — kind of leaving Branch agog that Viva is so Poppy-like... Because, as we've discussed, Branch is so very obsessed with Poppy, and I think she is very unique to him, indescribably so. (It goes with the sentiment of 'of course everyone loves Poppy, she's a shining star amidst us all!!!') The idea of meeting another troll could feel like meeting Poppy... That's surreal! Why would that be the case...!? It's almost relieving, perhaps, to find out they're related.

... almost. Whatever relief and ah, placidity Branch feels about them reconnecting, I think it'll fade when dealing with them long term. Won't there be a moment where he's sitting between them, being fawned over, hugged and having his hair played with, hearing them hum together... and won't it make Branch feel dizzy, like argh where am I-? Like a bizarre dream. What's going on?

There's so little that can 'get to' Branch quite like Poppy does. He doesn't give anyone the same amount of attention or consideration he does her, and he's not as interested in others, he likes his space and privacy. Viva is going to challenge this... by being Poppy-like! On top of that, Viva has a past that will let her connect with Branch's? She'll benefit from his perspective and advice, too... This + the fact that she is Poppy's sister, of course Poppy's going to make sure Viva spends lots of time together with her and Branch — all that time lost, they need to make up for it! And because Viva is going to like what she likes then Viva must like and enjoy time with Branch! Er, and she will I think, since she point-blank goes "I like you!" after that little braid moment, after the kiss... h-hm, I wonder what it's like to have your hair missed with mid-kiss.... ueuahhg

If anything, it's like the movie is twisting my arm, forcing me to think about Branch having "funny feelings" about it all... In fact I have to think about everyone in this circumstance having "funny feelings"...! Viva and Poppy are screaming like fangirls together at the end of the movie, aren't they? And when Branch "proposes" to Poppy, the first thing she does is invite Viva to join her, ahaha.

Just to make me more insane, there's this BroZone tape inside beside Viva's rollerskate bed... So even Viva has some sort of familiarity with BroZone? A fan in some capacity...?? So could her and Poppy really just lay there girlishly, ranking the members in terms of hotness!? Per-haps........

Me and my wife have been fervidly thinking about this all... Discussing chicanery like, well because Poppy has that odd comment about her hypothetical sister being mistaken as her twin earlier, I wonder if they would have fun doing switcheroos. Dressing up as the other and enjoying acting as the other. Branch would be shaken up to have mixed them up, even for a second...

A more innocuous scene we've discussed is one where Poppy invites Viva over to Branch's bunker for the first time, though unannounced. In this moment, a sleepy out-of-it Branch could approach Viva, purring from behind — and then quickly must. Become stiff when it's like LOL Branch it's meee! & Poppy is like, HAHA did you think she was me!? XD Branch hehehee!!!! The girls are so fond of one another, I think being seen as similar would only flatter and excite them. It's more sisterly bonding. It's Branch who will feel like [cries] nooo waiit that's not-!! I- you two are individuals to me-!! [voice cracking]

[sighs] and beyond THAT... I've thought of more intimate things between all three... I can't in good consciousness go into great detail (too weird) (and it'll take a million years) but well, you can just know that this is where I am at with them. In my mind I see Branch twirling the girls around, and them all singing together... I've also been mentally making mash-ups and creating playlists basically, of things for them to sing at/with one another...

On a related note, also notice how lowkey horny Poppy gets about Branch's brothers, she is too much, I know it's because she's a fangirl but the similarities they share with Branch have to play a part too imo 0v0

LOL thank you for being willing to say it, point blank, like yes... She, just is, horny, about Branch's brothers, fsr that is the thing, ongoing in the movie. I know the idea is that they're depicting that usual "boyband fever" but, most boybands aren't composed of. Brothers-!! So I think that's what creates this strangeness ultimately, like, *doubletakes* ??

I am sure part of Poppy's appreciation of meeting the members of Brozone is her current connection to Branch. It's like something she's loved in the past now informs her about her partner... Untold levels of excitement! It's not just meeting a celebrity, it's meeting someone who was close to Branch ! That Branch sang with!! All those years ago!!! And... I imagine any resemblance between them isn't a small thing lol.

Though it kind of amuses me, the difference here is that Branch's brothers are not... deeply into Poppy... in the same way. There is a barrier. I think JD is offended by their intro and, really in general more of a Lone Ranger type, while Bruce is extremely monogamous (seeing Brandy as his Soulmate out here), and Clay is like... too orderly, not leaning into the bit of being asked to do his old dances etc...

(An aside — IG fandom fsr sees Clay & Viva as a thing but I don't?? I suppose his willingness to leave her behind and slip out w/o her noticing and, describing her as "she's got some stuff going on" doesn't feel loving to me... They feel more like co-workers, genuinely able to collaborate on their job, but that's it. Amusingly enough, even how Viva talks about Clay, calling him "Mr. Clay" and saying he does the BORING STUFF makes me feel like, it's a Funny sort of rship like, Viva feeling 'lol couldn't be me' about Clay's nature... Not like besties out here? Hence, why Viva is so lonesome and desperate to have Poppy back in her life...)

Anyways it's all amusing, the way Poppy seems to be the only one down for it. Though to be fair, I do think it'd be like, a bit Much, if Branch's brothers abandoned him 20+ years ago, and then they come back in his life, condescend him as the baby and, flirt with his girlfriend. It's for the best they don't... go that, far. Branch doesn't seem keen on sharing so much with his bros in That Way, I don't think.

Him and Poppy have such different circumstances with their siblings... IG in the case of, if Viva were to fangirl and gush over Branch, it wouldn't bother POPPY remotely... if anything it's a way of bonding. And I- guess I don't think the 'siblings' element is off-putting for Poppy, she just seems so open-minded to many things in this movie LOL... That's my takeaway at least.

Yeah I'd have loved for there to be more sister focus in this movie, I'm happy with what I got but I could always use more! I needed to draw Viva with baby Poppy especially... Poppy's fixation on having a sister throughout TBT makes me think she somehow has deep, buried memories of Viva. Enough to give her this sense that she "should" have a sister... like something is missing. She was just so young though, she can't recall it distinctly.

On Viva's end, she's so emotional when she processes that Poppy survived, that she's finally meeting her again... You can just tell that Poppy meant so much to her, even from that brief time together. And I just love how Viva describes Poppy as having been so cute, eensy and weensy... I have to believe that when Poppy was born Viva was the sort of kid to be like, I'm going to be the best big sister ever! I'll love you forever and always Poppy! We're going to be the best-est of friends! Carrying her around in her hair and whatnot... Gah. I can see it so well.

Also last thing but thoughts on Branch being called a boy toy? That shocked me when I watched TWT like damn does he seem that submissive? Poor guy.. Also the whole rock zombies moment in general just had a kinky tone somehow lmao.

oh lmao that scene just makes me laugh... In general Barb's referral to Branch as Poppy's boyfriend seems to be in a heckling manner, as he comes to her rescue, meant to be rude perhaps about his loyalty to her? He does fling himself to protect her, maybe it's all just making fun of that behavior... like Branch is her dog lol.

The rock zombie scene does have ? A quality to it? I think when you watch Poppy shredding it and throwing her head back, tongue out, it does make you feel something. The glowing red eyes. Perhaps though it's just the 'aesthetic' of rock, things like messy hair and heavy eyeliner and fishnets just have an ~evocative~ vibe, compared to their typical outfits, which are more modest. I think that's mostly what we're picking up on. 'Trashy' is often slutty as well.

I agree overall there's a gap in culture... Though I also like how the more the movies progress, the more we have to conclude King Peppy's faction of trolls are distinctly sheltered, since Viva's group managed to be more resourceful and aware of themselves? I used to think it was a result of domestication, but I think actually it's just that Peppy has specific hang-ups and wants no one to dwell on any bad memories. It's an interesting thing to instill into your group... Poppy's generation of trolls post-Trollstice tree times are quite distinct.

And, I'm glad, my underwear insight was of value to you. Omg but wrt spanking... I feel so... *tugs collar up sheepishly.....* *closes eyes* .... like I said, I don't begrudge that old art I made, but it feels embarrassingly dated... I was quite young and figuring out my preferences out, at the time. Now ermm, I'm more into projecting into the one doing-the-spanking, so my modern inclinations have been thinking of Branch as the one who spanks Poppy...

It feels silly to talk about but I'm now. Into top/dom Branch..... This is like where my thoughts terminate with Poppy being all crazed fangirliing for Branch, that she'd become an overstimulated love-struck girlie under his touch. Also we don't think about Poppy being poly anymore either kfdsgsh we amusingly hit a point in conversation recently that was like. 'Sheltered virgin Poppy.... now that is thought provoking'..... It would be a gap moe situation though, like all her natural sauciness and overt thirst co-exists with a lack of experience, so there's anxiety when things actually get intense. When it's time for private dirty dancing if you will.

(... it's hard to believe anyone would still be reading this post rn...)

WELL anyways you're a very nice person, thanks for your fun questions. *waves as you scamper off...!*

[spaghettificationandpretzels]

The Reaper and the Death Angel Snippet 5 - The Lesson I

Takes place over parts Part 58, Part 59, this on meant to be one chapter but it's getting super long, and I want to do that what this means from the story justice. This chapter is chock full of some really important information and is the start of the Club changing for the better so strap in for a long read.

Series Masterlist

Part 59

Contains: Discussions of war and combat, angst, hurt/comfort, character growth, fluff. This is not beta read and may be full of mistakes.

7.9K words

Comment if you want to be tagged/removed or follow #the reaper and the death angel.

“The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Training: Day One

"Hello all and welcome to lesson number one of your month long training course. Today's first lesson is about force multiplication it's basically why you're here."

You looked around the room and smiled, they all came, "as part of this you have been given reading for the next two days of lessons, a show of hands who has done it?"

They all raised their hands, "great, there will be a paper test after every class, it will only be hard if you are lying to me. The reason you are only being given reading two days ahead is a lesson in itself; you rarely have two hours to prepare when things go wrong, let alone two days."

You looked at Sam, who gave you a slight nod, you had agonised over how you were going to handle this since Jax told you everyone was going to show up. "Anyone who has been to any of the other classes where I teach is going to be disappointed in my teaching style here. I am not going to be nice until everyone, and I mean everyone, proves they are going to do what has been asked of them."

They seemed worried, "while you won't have me for every class, I am running this course and have told all other instructors the same. They will be reporting back to me every twelve hours. Fail, misbehave or act ungrateful and I will know and you know what happens then."

You stood at the front with your arms crossed, "what is force multiplication?" Opie's hand went up, "yes?"

He swallowed, "doing something that makes the team better and able to get tasks done with less people."

You smiled, "that's what I wanted to hear, good work Ope. You have two choices for a reward a collective or an individual reward, pick one please."

"Collective."

You walked to the desk and handed everyone a sheet of paper, "extra information for another class, I have no idea which one, each sheet is different." You leaned against the desk, "who can tell me why force multiplication is important?"

Bobby raised his hand and you nodded for him to answer, "the stuff.."

You cut him off, "I didn't ask why your reading said, I asked you. Now, why is force multiplication important? Someone else please." Kozik's hand shot up, "yes, what's your answer?"

"If only one person knows how to do something, then it's easy to take the whole team down. Force multiplication is about making sure everyone can help when shit goes wrong."

You smiled, "wonderful, collective or individual reward?"

Kozik didn't need to think, "collective, please."

You nodded, "great, when one of you fucks up, only that person will be running laps. Kozik is correct, if someone does their homework on the Club, it would be effortless to bring it to its knees. If I were your enemy, I would take out Chibs first because you're all dead without a medic, hence why one of the classes you're all taking is emergency combat medicine."

It seemed the seriousness of the situation was setting in, "next, without the help of training, how can you achieve force multiplication?" More hands than last time went up, "Bobby, now is the time to redeem yourself for your fuck up before."

"Sharing what you know and asking for someone to teach you what they know."

You smiled, "correct, collective or individual reward?"

You watched him exhale in relief, "collective."

You offered him a soft nod, "there will be an extra ten minutes to talk before the test. Whether now, in two weeks or at the end, you should share what you have learnt in your individual classes. You won't be tested on it, it will be on your own time for the sole reason that you want to help your brothers."

You went behind the desk and sat down, "your extra ten minutes to talk about the reading start now. After that, find your number match on your piece of paper without speaking a word a pair up with that person. Once you're done, you are free to talk to your partner and only them while you answer the question on your papers. After that, you will hand them to me and I will grade them out of sixty, to pass you must get full marks, you have one more try after this."

You listened to them talk and you could tell they did the reading, after ten minutes, you got their attention again, "pair off without making a sound."

Phil raised his hand, "how?"

You fought the urge to roll your eyes, "you have fingers, I suggest you use them." You smiled as they figured it out and before long, they had finished talking and the papers were handed to the front of the class.

They watched with worry in their eyes as you graded them, but the worry was soon dispelled when you stood up with a smile, "congratulations, everyone passed. You have your physical skills assessments next then your day will be over. Try your best, there may be changes to your programs both positive and negative once your skill levels are more clear."

****

"How are they doing?" You were watching them from the observation deck run drills.

Derek sighed, "Billy's putting them through their paces, the young ones are doing fine but Tig and Bobby need a lot of work. You were right, they're dragging the others down. Chibs is fine, he seems to have retained at least a little of his training. Juice is good but again, you're right, he's not a good fit for fieldwork."

You sighed, "you think we take some of them off the basics and move some of them back to even more simple stuff?"

Derek rubbed his face as you flinched when Billy's fist slammed into Jax's face, "yeah. Your boy's good, he's the only one that's landing hits."

You nodded, "thank Sam. Alright, let's rip the bandaid off now. I'll look over their assessments and then I'll address them. This is going to be a bucket of fun."

****

You paced the room, "well, I can't say I'm surprised but these results are miserable, like this shit is going to keep me awake at night worrying. Jax, Hap, Opie, Chibs, Kozik, Juice and Rat you guys are fine, you don't need some of the more basic stuff, so you'll be given more advanced reading and far more difficult training. The rest of you are going back to basics. Everyone will be reassessed in a week."

Tig raised his hand, "what was so bad?"

You sighed, "just about everything, I don't have time to tell all of you and part of this is about building your independence. You are the study your own assessments, they are in plain English so you can understand where you need improvement and then you will be given the theoretical and practical tools to improve. No more handholding, adapt or die rings true in all things."

****

Training: Day Three

"Welcome to the anatomy of killing. Here you will learn how to kill, why an action ends life and how to do so effectively, efficiently and if need be, without getting caught. Today's first lesson is close quarter combat."

You could see the small smile on Happy's face as you walked to the middle of the room and slapped the strange looking dummy, "this is Bob. The reason this class costs so much is because of Bob, Bob bleeds, breaks and breaths like a real person. Bob is going to teach you how to kill. Show of hands who's done the reading?"

They all raised their hands, "I don't have a gun, knife or weapon of opportunity, what's the fastest way to kill Bob?"

Tig raised his hand and you nodded, "break his neck."

You smiled, "good, and how to I do that? Someone else please." Jax's hand went up, "yes?"

"Gain control of the head snap upward quickly to push the bones of the neck into the spinal cord while overpowering the natural reflex that a person has to protect their neck."

You smiled, "correct, tell me why it works? Someone else."

Bobby offered an answer, "the spinal cord is the body's information highway damage it close enough to the brain and the brain can't tell the heart to beat."

You nodded, "fabulous, I will demonstrate." You walked behind the dummy and lifted your hands to the head and, in one quick motion, snapped his neck. "Now, if I was in front of him, how would I do the exact same thing?"

Ope's hand went up and you waved for him to come up to the font, "show me." You held a finger up for him to pause and reset the dummy, "go for it." He moved his hands to the dummy and you stopped him, "more your hand closer to the edge of the chin, and your other one higher on the back of the skull, if you do it like that, you risk not damaging high enough and just causing paralysis."

He did what he was told, "like this?"

You nodded, "perfect." You blinked, "well go on, if you can't do it on a dummy you won't be able to do it on a person." He took a deep breath and the snap filled the room.

"Good job Ope, sit down. We're all going to go through this, I'm going to call you at random and pick a position and you're going to do it, we'll fix problems as they come. After this, we move onto choke holds."

****

You smiled, "ok class what's the takeaway?" Juice held up a finger, "yes Juicy, let's keep this streak going."

"Choking, cutting off blood flow to the brain or air to the body, is a waste of time. It takes too long and it's too easy for the other person to get away."

You smiled, "so it's better to do what, if you can't break a person's neck?"

You waved to Happy as his hand lifted off the desk, "damage the throat with a hard strike to cause suffocation."

You clapped, "we are making progress, if you take away anything, it's that you never beat someone to death. It's too messy, it take too long and leaves too much of you behind. You have a paper test after this then we move onto bladed weapons."

Billy walked in just as you finished grading, "Billy is here for our knives portion, he is very good with them."

Billy shook his head, "says you." He turned to the group, "I've never seen a person find an artery so fast or be so unaffected by being covered in blood. Y/n is a totally badass."

You shook your head, "back to your tests, I'm impressed, everyone is doing much better than I hoped. Now for the fun part, Bob is set up to bleed like a real person so before we get all messy, we're going to use dull knives coated in paint. Pair off and we'll start. Tiggy, you're with me for now."

Tig paled, "don't worry, we're not at hand to hand just yet. You'll be fine." You handed the tray of knives around, "the paint will come out when you apply pressure to the blade, it washes out so don't worry."

You stepped towards Tig, "who can tell me the four places where you want your knife to end up?" Tig made a face, "yes Tiggy?"

"Heart, lungs, spine into the brain, major blood vessel."

You smiled, "yep. You have to account for blood when using a knife, so if you want a bloodless kill into the brain is the only way to go. Into the brain and from behind and into the lungs is silent, with the others, at the least, you'll get some sputtering and at worst, you'll get screaming. When stabbing, focus on twisting and getting the knife as deep as you can, when slicing, focus on getting deep, cutting ragged and multiple slices."

You waved the knife, "I'm going to demonstrate the speed that you should try to aim for, Tig, run at me and try to get me." He took a deep breath and lunged, you grabbed his hand, slicing across his forearm then under his arm then flipping your hand to slice his throat, the paint running over both of you.

"Spin and show everyone. Can I get a time please."

Billy chuckled, "two seconds give or take."

You sighed, "that's alright, not my best time but not my worst. Tig, you can go pair off with Phil. Ok, so you're going to run at each other and try and repeat the pattern I used on Tig. Grab their knife hand, slice that forearm, then under the armpit like you're jointing a chicken then spin your hand to slice across the throat. The winners pair up with winners and looser pair up with looser until everyone wins and everyone is covered in paint. Once we're done here, you all get to have fun with Bob."

****

"Ok, this stuff is easy enough to wash off. Hit the showers and shove your clothes into the washers. You'll meet our experts in the ring in an hour for hand to hand combat training, and I've told them all your weaknesses so you're going to have a whole lot of fun."

You turned to Billy after they left, "thoughts?"

Billy smiled, "your man has more of a predator streek than you think. he's very good with a knife."

You nodded, "Jackson is far more capable than he thinks, I'm hoping this course helps him see that. He needs to realise that he's much more ruthless than Clay because Clay lacked a soul to keep him on the right path."

Billy crossed his arms over his chest, "and the others? Some of them didn't do too well."

You swallowed, "they'll shape up, they don't need to be perfect, they just need to keep themselves and their friends alive."

Billy huffed, "and the ones that need to be perfect? Jax and Opie have to be on top of everything."

You rubbed your face, "you don't think they're already going that way?"

Billy smiled, "you're right, I was just making sure you were seeing it?"

You made a face at him, "are you saying I'm a task master?"

Billy grinned, "yep."

****

Training: Day Four

"Hey Juicy, come in and sit we have so much to talk about." Penelope welcomed Juice into her office and pulled up a chair. "Have you done all your homework?"

Juice nodded, "yep, so what are we working on today?"

Penelope smiled, "what would you like to work on? You have four sessions with me all about different things, so it's your choice."

Juice thought for a moment, "fancy background checks."

Penelope clapped, "yay, we'll start with getting into people's work and home emails."

****

"You want to make sure that all points of entrance are watched, that's the easy part. The next part is to make sure that all climbable walls and fences are watched. In the end, T-M is not a castle but you need to try and protect it like one."

Kozik listened intently, "what about the cabin."

The man running the class, Kaden, was short but stocky, his chest wide and his arms like tree trunks are he walked around the room, "cameras are your first step, Juice will be learning how to keep the footage away from prying eyes. After that it's booby traps that alert you that someone is there, think tin cans on either side of a tree with fishing line."

Phil's hand shot up, "what about false alarms?"

Kaden sat on the edge of the desk at the front, "part of your job is to make sure all your friends know where they are, they will learn to be well aware at both the Clubhouse and cabin during our practical outings later on in the month. If they don't care enough to listen to you when you debrief them about security, then it's their fault when they cause issues."

****

Frank had his arms crossed as he addressed the group, "now, because some of you suck and some of you don't suck, y/n has split into groups. The ones with a number one on their sheets will go into advanced marksmanship with Billy, and the ones that have a number two will be down here doing basic marksmanship with me, you will all be expected to pass the advanced class by the end of the month, the ones that don't will have to continue to study after this month is up at your own cost."

Billy didn't take the same go get em tone he did with new recruits, they needed a bit of harshness, "if you get someone killed because you can't shoot or worse, you hit one of your buddies, you have done one of the worst things you can do, which is cause a preventable death. This will take us into early next morning as we have to cover night shooting as well. I don't want to hear whining, if you're tired, drink some coffee."

Tig's hand went up tentatively, "why am I in group two?"

Frank rolled his eyes, "because you're sloppy. I'd shut up if I was you, I'm teaching group two because I'm nice, if you want you can go into group one and be held to Billy's standard but he'll have you running laps until you puke at this rate."

****

Frank was done with the bullshit, "that's it, head upstairs and tell Billy I sent you. Not only will you have to work twice as hard to pass but he's mean."

Tig went to speak and Frank waved his hand, "I don't care that it's two in the morning and I don't care that you're tired, get up and go upstairs. If you want to fail I'm more than welcome to help you."

Tig took the flight of steps upstairs only to be greeted by half the Sons up there covered in sweat and the rest reassembling their M16s blindfolded, "let me guess, you pissed Frank off?"

Tig swallowed, "yeah."

Billy huffed, "ten laps around the room them drop into a squat and hit the target dead on, if you miss you'll be doing another ten."

****

You woke up to the sound of Jax dragging his feet as he made his way into the shower, you closed your eyes and listened as he shuffled around then he was flopping into the bed ten minutes later, "how was your day?"

He groaned, "I don't think I have been this tired in a long time."

You chucked, "Billy wasn't too mean?"

Jax shook his head and yanked you into his arms, "not to me but he was mean."

You sighed, "if they'd just listen and do what they're told, he would be a sweet as pie. You don't have any training tomorrow so even though you need to do your day job, take that time to rest."

Jax kissed your forehead, his words slurred with sleep as he spoke, "mmmm good idea."

****

Training: Day Seven

"How are you enjoying taking on so much at T-M?"

Sam sighed and gave you a soft smile, "well, we're still getting all the work done and people are still happy."

You nodded, "and the exercises you do go to, the ones for team building and planning do you think they're working?"

Sam took a seat and invited you to follow, "it's going much better than I thought, the guys are learning fast. By the end of this you're not going to have anything to worry about. Kip is enjoying not being a lackey too, I'm honestly happy to have some time alone with him, the constant civilian nonsense gets to me after a while."

There was a pang of sadness in you as he spoke, "yeah, I have to say adjusting back to back at home is a little harder than I thought. It might sound terrible but I'm kinda hoping they get a taste of what it's like, even for a little while, especially after today."

Sam gave you a sideways look, "you and be both. Look, The Ringer fucks with most people and you've given them a week to be ready. If they can't handle it then they need to turn in their patch."

****

As much as you wanted to be there, you knew you couldn't. Part of the exercise was the newness and the unknown. The masked instructors didn't even introduce themselves as everyone but Sam and Kip stood in the large training room.

They shared looks, unsure of what they were going to be dropped into. You made sure to pick people you didn't like, the ones you hired because they could do a job and not because they played nice with others.

"You wanna tell us…" The man at the front cut Opie off before he could say anymore.

"Shut the fuck up. I don't want to hear a word out of your mouth unless I'm telling you what to say. Now my boss," not y/n or Dr l/n. No, it was my boss, the gap between the men around the room and the men in the middle of it couldn't be more painfully clear. "My boss gave you a week to prepare for this, a week to harden yourself for this. Welcome to The Ringer shitstains, it's the closest to real combat you'll ever get."

****

"The closest to real combat you'll ever get."

The Ringer was the not so affection name for a single man obstacle course set up to be like the firefight from hell, complete with flashing lights and gunfire, barking dogs that sounded like angry hellhounds, women screaming and babies crying. 

The whole thing was about staying cool under pressure, they had to complete a wide range of challenges, all the while, men were popping up and shooting at them. Each time they failed at a task, the noise would get louder and the flashing light would become more offensive. 

You knew they all had to do it, so you did your best not to feel bad for them but you knew some of them would take it harder than others. If brotherhood was as important to them as they say, they'll support each other. Part of you was hoping it would make them realise how bad it can be, and an even darker part of you hoped they would be even more sorry for not stepping up and leaving everything to you. 

And you were right, Jax came out of the room, barely able to hold himself together, he paused to throw up in a bin before sliding to the floor with his head in his hands. He could still hear the screaming as his hands shook, Derek's words about handling the stress and fear of war running through his head, "take a deep breath, you're here, you're alive, you will be fine." 

He clenched his jaw and took one last deep breath before standing up, they needed this, they needed something that wasn't Charming and spats with other gangs. Jax had always felt something from Sam and, to a lesser degree, Kip and he could never quite put his finger on it, but that room made him realise what it was, the ability to stay unflinching even when the Grim Reaper was breathing down your neck.

****

They were happy it was over, or at least they thought it was, until the instructors showed up again, "I'm disappointed, your times and your performance, that was pretty standard, even good for civilians but what happened after is the worst display of comradery I've ever seen. Brotherhood?" The man spat, "your brotherhood is built on a wet paper towel soaked in shit. So I've made some changes and none of you are going home until we fix this mess."

Another man, the one who had stood at the back of the room with his arms crossed the whole day, "don't worry that much, everything you're going to do has been approved by our boss. If it makes you feel any better, she wasn't surprised that some of you lack the ability to support your brothers, in fact when we called her to tell you that this had happened, she could name the people that failed. No matter, there are things to be done and if you don't do them right, we'll be here until you do."

The man at the front gave them a sadistic smile, "oh and what y/n doesn't know is that if you don't fix it fast enough, you're all going back into that room until it sinks in, and we can make it much worse if we want to."

****

Jax was grateful for the hours that followed. Something clicked between the yelling and screaming and getting kicked in the ribs every time he dropped the ball as a leader. You must have given these faceless men information because the first chance they got, they were on them about their failings, Tig killing Donna, the Club letting Clay get away with so much, how much they relied on you and their lack of gratitude.

Jax realised that as time went on and they got better, the instructors got nicer, they became downright friendly when they saw they were genuinely working together. They didn't realise it had ended until the masks came off and the coffee and sandwiches came out.

"Enjoy your meal. After this, you see the doc to make sure we haven't hurt you too bad and then have exit interviews with the shrinks, then a group session. I suggest you participate to the best of your ability, it will be an official session so the person you talk to won't be able to tell anyone what you've told them unless you're planning on hurting yourself. I get that you might think it's stupid but if you leave here traumatised, y/n will never forgive herself and you've all already done enough to her."

****

You were waiting for Jax to get home, he sat next to you in the library with a groan, "are you ok my love?"

Jax blinked, "I'm fine, really sore but I'm fine."

You smiled sadly, "I'm sorry."

Jax waved his hand, "don't, that had to happen, it really did. We've learnt a lot. Everything being dragged into the open, Donna and Clay and how the Club has treated the women and the prospects, it all came out. I'm not going to lie, it's made things harder, and there's a lot of work that needs to be done before the Club is what my father wrote about but we've certainly learned what we were made of."

You placed your hand on his cheek and ran your thumb against his skin, "how did the shrink go?"

Jax sighed, "good, really good." He paused and something came over him, "they said that if we want, we can go back for as long as we need with no charge?"

You nodded, "yep and the fact that it's run through Anvil and the CIA means that it bypasses all the regular rules. Plus, I know all the therapists, I hand picked them and they work with not just our guys and other vets but other people who have seen a lot of horrible things. Are you thinking about going back?"

Jax swallowed, "not all the time but it would be good to have someone to talk to who......"

You could tell he was trying to find the right words, "who has no skin in the game, someone who has no idea who you are and can't judge because it's their job not to. That's the point of it and I think it's great you're getting real help."

Jax took a deep breath, "I'm not the only one, Juice and Ope are too. I don't know what it was about the last thirty hours but I can finally see an end to all this, a real end where my father can....."

His voice caught, and you pulled him into your arms, "hey it's alright. This is the reason this kind of thing is put in place. I wouldn't be as close to my guys if we hadn't had these moments ourselves. I'm going to go run you a bath and put on some chicken soup. If you want to talk more about what happened, then I'm here."

Jax smiled, "I have some good news. Juice came clean and told everyone about his father and what Roosevelt tried to do."

You raised your eyebrows, "the by-laws?"

Jax shook his head, "changed on the spot. I can't say that it's going to be like that with all the other charters but there's been a phone call and anyone who has issues can turn in their patch without any consequence. For what it's worth, most people seemed receptive."

You pressed your lips to his cheek, "I'm so proud of you. Now I'm going to run you that bath, I love you so much Jackson."

His smirk was back, "I love you too darlin."

****

Training: Day Ten

Things changed overnight, the days after The Ringer were like night and day. Your friends went back to being their friends rather than demanding teachers, then weren't being made to run laps or do a thousand push-ups every time they failed. Sure it was still rough but Jax wasn't desperate to call you every two seconds to soothe him.

Jax smiled as you brought in the box of cookies, if this was anything like the classes you taught elsewhere, this was going to be a bucket of fun.

"Well, I'm very happy that things can be fun now. I hate being an asshole. Today's class is going to interesting, it's also going to be a bit morally challenging so ask questions. From now on with me there's no need to raise your hand, as long as you're not talking over me or each other just let it fly."

Sam and Kip were there too, the smile of Sam's face making his cheek ache, he knew what was coming and he was looking forward to it.

"We have two classes today, both with me. You are very lucky to attend this one, and there's a reason you were only given homework for the second class of the day. This one is a program I created for training new CIA agents, it's not something we even hold here so you'll have to store what you learn today in your brain. There won't be a paper test either and it will be clear why as we got along."

You walked to the board and wrote the name of the class in big letters with the blue whiteboard marker, "welcome to practical predation. Firstly, the most important part of this is to remember if you use this to hurt innocent people or worse get what you want the easy way, you are not a human being, you are a thing walking around in a suit of human skin and no one can trust you."

You sighed, "being a practical predator is all about knowing what separates you from the animals and things in people suits. The moment we started using weapons our only true natural predators became each other. There is a very good reason humans scream when giving birth, we don't need to worry about a lion eating us."

They were fascinated, "all humans are predators and it's my opinion that we shouldn't be using it to describe the monster we read about in the news. Our ability to be apex predators has got us here, what you're learning here today is the end result of that. So Cain killed his brother with a rock and the sin of violence was born, it's in our nature if you like. The most important lesson to learn here today is how to spot the things walking around in suits of human skin."

Jax had a mix of arousal and fear swirling in his brain, he always had the feeling that other people thought they were trapped in a room with a lion when you were around, this just added to it.

"I am putting a lot of trust in you that you won't use this to hurt people, this class isn't taught to everyone at the CIA, there's an interview process to here."

You smiled and walked over to the box of cookies, "who can tell me what I'm most afraid of phobia wise?"

You waited, "no one? It's deep water. I, however, know everyone's phobias. Now that's because I'm your friend and I want to spare you from them but that's where class two comes in. Learning about a person's fear is important no matter what, if someone is your friend and you love them, then knowing their fears means you can be there to comfort them; ideally you can help them overcome them. Knowing your enemy's fears can help you destroy them."

You got a smile from Happy with that, "in a compassionate context, fear and something like addiction or trauma is not a weakness, but in this context it is and you need to know how to exploit that. We're talking subtlety here, you're not ripping a head off and sticking it on a pike unless you have to, and we'll talk about that kind of thing a little later. In most cases, you're simply going to dangle your knowledge over their heads and make a favour out of it."

You waved your hand, "someone give me a quick scenario."

Sam's voice filled the room, "ahh, someone who like to gamble."

You nodded, "if I knew they were in debt I would offer to help them out, I give them money but they don't pay me back in money because I would tell them that would be wrong, no, to pay me back they owe me a service. When you're doing something like this, you don't want to make it a one time thing, you want to keep helping them in different ways. The first time, hell the first few times you call in your favours make it small, in all cases, the best thing to do is make someone your friend and you can't do that by being cruel or unreasonable. Questions?"

"Is that how you get so many people to do things for you?" You could hear something in Kozik's tone but it was hard to say what it was.

You thought for a moment, "yes and no, again some of this is also a part of the next class. The relationships you've seen me build are from a genuine place. With Raphael Gallo I got his then girlfriend now wife into a life saving clinical trial, I never intended on calling in that favour but the longer I waited the more weight it held, the reason I asked must have been serious after waiting all this time. In the case of practical predation, you do intend to call it in and in that case, you say something like, 'I'm going to take you up on that favour when I need to, don't worry, I won't ask you to do anything you won't want to do, a self severing favour is still a favour.' By doing that you're letting them know that they don't need to off you to get out of it."

"What if they don't follow through?" Happy's question was reasonable.

"That's why you have to make what you're asking for seem good for their interests too. In writing my new book, I've had to work with men who think I shouldn't be able to vote, let alone be working and writing books. Many of them run these podcasts and I realised I needed to get onto one. Rather than ask hat in hand and end up facing three of them all by myself and being talked over, I made look like a properly structured debate would make them look good. Now take some time to think what they might use to get out of a bad outcome."

Opie's eyebrows wrinkled as he spoke, "they could say the moderator was biased."

You smiled and tossed him a cookie, "there you go, I told them we'd have two. One of my choosing and one of his. On top of that, I said that as part of it, the moderators would have to be upfront if they had any citations for bias. I chose someone who had none but he was limited, and the one he chose, while he shares the same benefits hasn't worked seriously for years because of all his bias citations. Anyone else?"

"He could accuse you of getting people to call up and give you easy questions." You reopened the cookie box and threw Juice one.

"You are very right Juicy. One of the rules is he can't take questions from people who call in all the time and I can't take them from people I know. This is where the manipulation comes in, I'm going to have Billy call up, and then I'm going recognise his voice and tell him to hang up. While it might be a bit dishonest and this part won't go into my book, the idea is to show that I am doing the right thing. What I then need to pick up on is when he does it and called him out in a way that either doesn't make him look bad or makes him look dishonest without a doubt. So who can tell me what the strategy is?"

Jax blinked, clearly deep in thought, "you identify and solve problems before they happen."

You threw Jax a cookie, "there you go, the best way to do that if you're not used to doing it is to get together and fire off ideas, as you get better at it you need less help but doing it on your own is not the end goal. Say the Tenth Street Killers came back and started causing issues and you had a way to help Pope out, you would sit down and do this process with him. Again you will learn the main reason why in the next class."

You could see the wheels in their heads turning, "so here's what we're going to do, I want everyone to think of a scenario where these skills can be used and we're all going to go through them together. After that, we'll talk about your presentation and then we'll move into the bloody stuff."

****

They learned quickly, the ideas flowing more freely as time went on, "alright, gentlemen. The next thing is how you figure people out because knowing your enemy is what matters the most. Firstly, for this to work, you may need to act like something you are not. You may need to act like a thing in a person suit to get you to want something out a real thing in a person suit. Think of it like putting on a costume, you are not a human, you are acting like one and you want to find other monsters just like you. That might mean you have to do things that make your skin crawl but understanding how to put on a mask and act like a monster is critical."

They shifted in their seats, "we have to remember that these skills work because you are using them for the greater good, if you don't let your morals lead you, they stop working because you don't have a leg up on the monsters."

"How the hell do we do all this?" You threw Kozik a cookie for his effort.

"Firstly, master impassiveness, no matter how bad shit gets, try and keep your face and body neutral. Listen more than you talk and watch, I'm hoping that those of you in the body language and communication class have shared what you know?"

You got lots of nods, "that all you need, you just need practice. I have to do it all the time in court when I'm giving evidence, I want nothing more than to punch the defence attorney in the mouth but I can't do that so I take a deep breath and I remember that giving unflinching, clinical information. Not because I don't care, but I know that when the prosecutor hands me a softball question, I can show them that I am angry and that helps the judge and jury see my side because I'm showing them that while I care, my caring doesn't take over. If you want to simplify it, emotions are deeply important, it's choosing when to show them that matters."

You sighed, "there's no real exercise that we can do now to help but from now on, start paying attention to people, you would be surprised what you can learn about someone by just observing them. Now onto the fun parts, how we can use violence to get what we want."

****

"You really did this shit?" Jax was having trouble thinking through the haze of amazement.

"Yep, and it works. What all this boils down to is 'don't fuck with me or you'll end up the same way.' You want to show people that it behoves them to not piss you off and you can't do that if you use violence willy nilly and a large part of that is having allies, if no one like you, then you end up dead. If you tell someone you're going to gut them and send their guts to their mother if they piss you off, then they piss you off, you have to do it so don't make a threat unless you are willing to follow through."

They shared a look and Happy chuckled, "you are hardcore."

You smiled, "thank you Hap. Now onto the boring part, we're moving on to the diplomacy class."

****

As this class always did, it moved from how to make allies to how to build better relationships, "I can understand that it can be hard to take this all in, you need to relearn how to be a friend and a brother and a son and a father and a partner. But it all comes down to first realising that you are a better person than you think you are, you can pick up on your loved one's emotions and you can help them with their problems, you just need to pay enough attention to know how."

"That sounds tiring." You sighed, you had a feeling Tig would struggle.

"It is when you're the only one doing it, but if you love someone, you do your best to put in the work. You have to look out for each other better than you have been because if the last ten days have shown anything, your biggest weakness is the lack of attention you pay to your friends. Just because you're big tough men doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to bawl your eyes out in front of your friends."

You could understand that this was hard for them, "if you don't want an enemy to exploit your weakness as a group, you have to have lots of strong bonds and know each other's strengths and weaknesses. One person's weakness is everyone's weakness so it's your job as their friend to build them up. You do that by realising that you are also human, you have your own failings and that they can also get your friends killed. Your only exercise going forward is to take the time to look inward and see where you can improve then start doing it."

****

Training: Day Fourten

"Alright, learn the grounds with your partner, then come back here." They walked off while Aden and Derek stood around and watched them.

Aden was amused, "how do you think they're going to do?"

Derek smiled, "someone won't pay attention to the security they put in place and they're going to get punched."

Aden laughed, "my money's on Bobby, that fucker does not listen."

****

"How's your mum and aunt?"

Happy smiled, "mum's MS is alright, it's progressing as slowly as it can. The drug y/n got her onto has been really good but we always knew it would only do so much. Right now it's about keeping her alive until a new one can come out. My aunt's fine, you know what it like."

Jax nodded, "and Eva, y/n says she's been having fun on your dates."

Happy smiled, "she's great, after all this is done, I'm going to learn how to raise puppies. I figured you would have a problem if I brought them into the shop."

Jax shook his head, "not at all, we could use something good anyway."

****

Juice pointed to the cluster of rocks and Tig followed his finger, "yeah, good idea. If you climb up I'll pass you all the stuff. You're sure this is legal?"

Juice nodded, "the cabin's property line ends about twenty feet that east, we can have as many cameras around here as we like. Come on, I'll show you how to put them up."

****

"Why does it need to be so loud?"

Phil shrugged and handed the cans to Chibs, "the cabin is pretty close by, we leaned in class that scary people is just as effective at ambushing them then as knowing the area."

****

"Help me lift that log over that way?" Opie followed Kozik as he showed him what he meant.

"You been having fun?" Opie was tired and the last fourteen days felt like one long marathon but he could see the light at the end of the tunnel and he was looking forward to reaching it.

Kozik grunted as they carried the log to block the track, "I am, everything fucking hurts but I'm having fun."

Opie chuckled, "and you're finally upstairs, you were such a shit shot I was bing to think you were blind."

Kozik shook his head, "I think Frank was getting sick of me."

****

Derek and Aden were wrong, as the day wound down and they settled into learning everything they could to protect the cabin, they moved on to the next step of patrolling the area. Jax did his best to listen to Phil about where he placed all the booby traps but he was tired and he had been walking about with Happy for hours. One missed them had him tripping a fishing line, and the sound of crashing filled the air.

The other came running and Phil looked at the scene before rearing his fist back and punching Jax in the face, he stumbled but didn't fall the reach up to his cheek if he was bleeding, "sorry man, I knew you said to be careful."

Phil huffed, "I worked on that for hours."

Jax raised his hands in apology, "I know. I'll help you put it back together."

Derek couldn't text you fast enough.

"Everything is great. I think it's finally settled in, they know what they're going now. I see no reason to keep sticking to the basic stuff."

You cracked an eye open and reached over to see why your phone was buzzing, the text making you smile.

"I'll give all of them the next two days off while I work it out. You think they'll be able to handle the changes?"

"Yep. Throwing them in the deep end has worked so far, why not keep it up?"

You rubbed your face, "you're right, make sure to print off all the new medical training, I'll give them a few extra days to study."

Derek sighed and looked out at the group, "sixteen more days and your life is going to get a whole lot easier."

You smiled, "I can't fucking wait."

Part 60

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

@softgirlgonehaywire @staryukis @elusivemoon

❤️‍🩹

[godtier]

Xbox showcase thoughts summary thingy, several hours later:

COD BOPS 6: one day I'll play these games (i've heard from multiple ppl that the storylines in black ops specifically are rly good) but no opinion rn tbqh

doom: the dark ages: very weird pivot??? kinda curious about it. of all the settings they could have chosen to toss the doomguy in, medieval fantasy wasn't the one I was expecting...! art direction looked good, but still kinda gave me "this is the Christmas episode" vibes, like jazz the jackrabbit having a holiday reskin... except instead of a holiday reskin, it's medieval times... hopefully that makes sense lmao

state of decay 3: not very familiar with this series so meh... looked like any other generic zambie shooter to me, but inb4 ppl holler at me about the games bein rly good

dragon age: the veilguard: no real opinion. i played the original dragon age for like, an hour when it was newish, never finished it lol

starfield DLC: that's nice ig

fallout 76 expac/updates: that's nice ig

clair obscur: expedition 33: looks interesting? but idk if this would be a game i'd be into. it appears to be a turn-based RPG and it's based off of la belle époque era of french art/architecture, so the art design looks baller? and the monster designs look interesting. i'll have to keep an eye out.

south of midnight: now this? this one looks hella interesting. the art style is kinda weird; the cutscenes seemed to be at a lower FPS so it almost looks like stop-motion? but i couldn't tell if that was uh... purposefully or not LMAO. but other than that, the setting is really weird and interesting! almost like bayou horror combined with fantasy nonsense monsters and stuff... and i liked the dynamic of the lead character and the monster guy who was ferrying her around. gameplay looks okay, but hopefully it handles well. i might very well get this one when it comes out.

WOW: the war within: no interest in this tbh

metal gear solid: snake eater remake: looks fine? never rly got into MGS myself, but it looks nice

sea of thieves expac: that's nice ig

flintlock: the siege of dawn: simultaneously looks interesting and generic so idk how they managed that. i like the idea of the little companion thing expanding your moveset options, but i feel like this isn't doing anything new per se. meh

age of mythology retold: was not expecting this asspull tbh LMAO. for those who aren't aware, this was a game microsoft developed and released in 2002, so it's basically a remaster. but idk who was asking for it... not that it's a bad game, but it was released in a sea of other similar games at the time. maybe that's why? i feel like there's a bit of a dearth of these games for console/PC, maybe? tho tbh i feel like this style of game is way more prolific on mobile devices... at least it's not a mobile port!

perfect dark: this one was really weird... like, microsoft owns rare, but crystal dynamics is developing this? idk if this is a soft reboot or a sequel to the last game, but it looked fine? i was never into perfect dark (either on n64 or xbox) but it looks like a solid stealth action game... just not one i have much interest in atm

diablo IV: vessel of hatred: okay, so real talk: i haven't played diablo since i was a kid on a windows 95 machine lmao so i'm so far removed from Current Day diablo. but that being said, the opening trailer was pretty dope. it was nasty, uncanny body horror and it certainly held my attention. this is an expac to a game i've never played, and iirc diablo IV is online-only crap, which blows. but the art direction in this trailer was probs my favorite, just removed from the fact it's for a video game expac lmao

fable: sure looks like a fable game. i never rly got into them (this is a running theme can you tell lmao) but the trailer was charming enough, i guess.

fragpunk: now this is ANOTHER team-based FPS (or "hero shooter"), but the gimmick looked intriguing. changing the game's rules at the start of each round definitely sounds like it would keep things interesting, but i wonder how it would suss out with multiple people using abilities at once? idk, the art direct looked nice, gameplay footage looked As Expected. we'll see

winter burrow: mouse game

mixtape: ???? i have no idea what this game is LMAO it appears to be set in the 80s, and they touted how the game's soundtrack would have a bunch of music from bands n shit from the era... but one of the bands they listed was the smashing pumpkins...??? huh??? like idk what they were smoking, but they're off by a decade there LMAO. but other than that, it just looked like nothing. a life sim?? idk what the story is? idk anything other than "music from the 80s is good, also look at this choppy animation because it's aesthetic ig" and that's all i got from it

microsoft flight simulator 2024: looks fun! the ability to explore the areas you're flying by after landing sounds like it could be fun and cozy. this series is ancient and i never rly got into it, but this entry might tempt me just bc it looks fun

elder scrolls online: this was an ad LMAO

life is strange: double exposure: okay, again, never had any real interest in this series but i might check this one out. i like murder mysteries and the flipping back and forth between the realities looks fun

indiana jones and the great circle: it exists

mechabreak: saw this at the SGF, it's a mecha game

wuchang: fallen feathers: i was starting to check out by this point, but rewatching the trailer, it's yet another game that has nice art direction and that's all i can really say about it

avowed: same as above: nice art direction and character designs, but not much else to say right now

atomfall: british fallout

asscreed: shadows: asscreed

s.t.a.l.k.e.r. 2: heart of chornobyl: was not expecting to see another entry in this series, but it looks intriguing. i like these types of settings, so i may check it out

gears of war: e-day: it's a gears game. i tried gears of war ages ago, it didn't really grab me so i never went back to it

so all in all? there wasn't a lot of hype for me personally because a lot of these series are either ones i've tried and didn't get into, ones i haven't played since i was a kid, or ones that i never even bothered to try. in all honesty, the newer titles were more interesting to me than most of the established franchise stuff they showed off.

however, i think there's a lot for people to get excited about if they already like some of these franchises. lots of updates to stuff, so i'm sure that there's excitement to be had for that.

the titles that ended up catching my attention/interest the most ended up being doom: the dark ages, south of midnight, s.t.a.l.k.e.r. 2, microsoft flight simulator 2024, fragpunk (morbid curiosity more than anything else tbh) and maaaaybe clair obscur.

not a total waste of time, but nothing too hype-inducing for me.

[fategoflatass]

underappreciated series i recommend

it was my birthday not too long ago, and i decided it was a good idea to make a list recommending some series that i thought some of you would like. wanted to do nineteen animangas because of nineteen years, but that's too much work lol.

↪ ashita, watashi wa dareka no kanojo ; drama · romance

i started this one not long ago, and i don't regret it. reminds me of kuzu no honkai in the way it shows you how far people can go to feel acepted, to feel loved (even though what they get may not be love at all). people that are so insecure about themselves and how they deal with their situation, being in a healthy or unhealthy way. a series i would recommend to anyone who's looking for a more dramatically realistic (?) story.

↪ demi-chan wa kataritai ; comedy · sol · supernatural

a cutsie, simple slice of life about a teacher and his demi (half monster) students. in exchange of spending time with them and helping them with school, he gets to interview them and honestly? it is quite interesting. it may be me being a supernatural lover, but who knows. if you need something to fill that soft void, this show's for you.

↪ fantasy bishoujo juniku ojisan to ; adventure �� comedy · fantasy · romance

can we talk about this show being one of the most entertaining things that came out on winter 2022? it's a show about two childhood friends who get transported to a fantasy world where one of them gets turned into the girl of his dreams, insults the goddess that gave him a "second chance" (he was hella drunk, she thought he was dead) as a woman, and she decides to curse them. since she's the goddess of love and some other stuff, they're like "oh fuck, she made us fall in love with each other" because they suddenly feel attracted to each other, but one of the guys already had a crush on his friend way before they reincarnated???? and now every single guy they find in their way falls for the now cute girl?????? and they have to control the og pining guy so he controls his hormones and stops getting 'seduced' by his friend????????? the only show were i thought op characters (kinda) were fun. a must watch.

↪ genderless danshi ni aisareteimasu. ; romance · sol

just another cutsie sol, but now it's about a girl and her boyfriend who's actually an androgynous influencer! their relationship is one of the cutest things i've seen in my entire life. haven't read the manga in a while, but i remember myself loving the art style. it's an slice of life, there's not much for me to say about it besides please read it.

↪ hakata tonkotsu ramens ; action · mystery

this show i should rewatch. it's a show about assasins who play baseball, like. do you need anything else? no, but seriously. it's actually pretty fun, but it has sadly been forgotten as one forgets a seasonal show that has been just 'okay'. i'm telling you, this one is not just 'okay'. c'mon. it also touches some serious themes, it's all pretty well balanced in my opinion. you'll end up falling for, at least, two or three characters.

↪ ID: INVADED ; drama · mystery · psychological · sci-fi · thriller

i never got to talk about this show, and my mind is kinda foggy, but damn i love this show. the first thing i mention when talking about it is the concept of the id well; it's supposed to be a representation of the criminal's mind and trust me when i say everything, everything has a reason as to why is there or being shown like that. it's kinda like the meaning of dreams? i'm such a fan of it. besides that, i really like the story and characters and think that more people should give it a chance.

↪ just because! ; drama · romance · sol

started this series because it gave me ao no flag vibes, and it ended up being nothing like that, but i still enjoyed it. is a show about teens being teens and having crisis about friendships, love and college. especially relatable if your teenage years were as chaotic as these guys. also, there's a cat called puta. do you need any other reason or?

↪ kanojo to kanojo no neko: everything flows ; romance · sol

i've seen people talk about the manga, but not about the show for some reason? in my case i read/watched both, and cried with both versions. i'm not the biggest shinkai fan (the majority of his works are just straight up boring to me), but damn this touched something inside me. it may be because i'm sensitive when it comes to animals or something like that. either way, leaving it here in case someone wants to cry over a fictional cat.

↪ marriagetoxin ; action · comedy · drama · romance

yes, i'm gonna talk about it again. i'm just really sad people don't pay attention to this series like ??? the hell are y'all doing? two chapters in and i was already imagining it as an animated series and being like "omg hope it does get animated i can't wait". this manga has everything: action, comedy, drama, the romance, the spice. i wish the harem laws could get applied here so we would get the "first girl wins" chance, but i highly doubt it. either way, a series y'all shouldn't be sleeping on. the disrespect.

↪ oushitsu kyoushi heine ; comedy · sol

i'm so upset this series doesn't get the recognition it deserves. nor a second season, i need it asap. it's a show about four dumb teenagers and their professor. it may sound boring to you, but please give it a chance. it's one of my comfort shows, being a funny and wholesome series to watch on a cloudy afternoon with a cup of warm coffee on your hands. it's not like it has a plot per se (in the anime, at least), but it doesn't even need one. the cast is just enough.

↪ Re:CREATORS ; action · drama · fantasy · mecha · thriller

i just don't hear about this show as much as i would like to. it's all about the power of creation and fandom, about the love one feels for one's creations, the passion behind the art of bringing entire worlds with their own characters and rules to life. and also about empatizing in a kinda extreme way with characters who were born to suffer. if you ever thought "i would like to meet my ocs in real life!", re:creators says "no, you wouldn't".

↪ tanaka-kun wa itsumo kedaruge ; comedy · sol

this is my favorite slice of life show and the only slow paced show i think i'd be able to watch again. i usually avoid these type of series, specially because the slow pace makes it unbereable to me. slice of life, doesn't matter what anilist says, is one of my least favorite genres in anime. but... this made me feel things. kind of. i mean, i really liked the characters, the enviroment, the chemistry that they all had with each other. i liked the comedy and the slow pacing felt... fitting, not suffocating. if any of you wanna watch a good sol, please give it a try.

↪ watashi no shounen ; drama · psychological · sol

this is a manga i finished like, right now. it's a story about feelings, sentiments, relationships. about your head being so messed up you don't even know what are you doing, what's wrong or what's right. a relationship so sweet and caring, but fucked up if seen in a bad demeanor. it also talks about family and how that builds you up as a person. i totally recommend.

[sasukesun]

do you have any favourite sns artist from tumblr or twitter? or if not artists, any favourite sns fanarts?

yes. i was actually thinking of making a list of sns art that live in my mind rent free, so i guess now it’s the time. on tumblr my faves are cubur, emmmeralddd, nawohh (who deactivated but i have all of their works tagged so)… honourable mention to noranb, who doesn’t draw sns anymore. on twitter it’s _rzklh (they also have a tumblr plus they have a lot of nsfw on twitter so don’t visit their page if you don’t wanna see this type of content or if you’re a minor, i mean it, they don’t want minors interacting with their acc) and p3st_e.

now the arts that live in my mind rent free

take me so breathless (idc they are wearing the jounin uniform here because it’s so pretty i don’t even notice)

once upon a dream (the hands touching oh god)

naruto uchiha? sasuke uzumaki? (i just find the comics really cute even though i think they both should keep their last names)

forgiveness is warm like a tear on a cheek (no words.)

noranb my beloved (sasuke’s look here. soft.)

i caught you today sasuke 🥰 (this is so…)

punk boyfriends (they look so hot)

putting kage bunshin to good use (mild nsfw)

pretty and pretty (fr…)

this reincarnation au?????? (yes that one you know already)

wedding (we love to see)

what if we kissed under a starry sky and we were both boys (nawohh my beloved)

i love them crazy

i also love them lovey dovey

wedding 2 (we still love to see)

pino to ameri (this one makes me bark)

gay people be like 🥰 hands 🥰 (and they are right)

necklaces (because they are that kind of couple)

i love naruto’s face here (his eyes…)

sun and moon (the sky texture on them holy fuck)

this is just so soft wtf

with their smol selves (it’s funny)

with their smol selves 2 (still funny)

defection (insane. fr.)

is this your victory? (the hug here omg)

screaming crying shaking throwing up barking

smol (how can you portray longing just with HANDS)

flowers (two things i love: smol sns and flowers)

sun and moon 2 (they look gorgeous)

kissing (everything looks so good here, love their mouths)

astronauts (emmmralddd my beloved)

because op’s style is !!!!!!!!!

storm (i still haven’t reblogged this one but i will and it will be tagged as fav)

my soul recognises your soul (same of the above)

if you want more, you can find it in my fav tag