#also after all these years i'm still pretty fond of the design of the little slime alien's laser-welder mech suit :)

[parab0mb]

A few extremely rough sketches of some old designs (mostly robots) from an old sci-fi story idea of mine I did as a quick little drawing exercise (or something I guess); drew 'em from memory and couldn't remember what some of them looked like, so some look better than others (you can probably gauge which ones I remembered better).

Most likely won't do anything further with these doodles, nor do I really have plans to revisit the aforementioned sci-fi story idea (maybe. never say never).

[hawkinasock]

TELL US ABOUT YOUR OTHER AUS (IF ABLE AND WILLING AND YOU WANT TO) ‼️‼️‼️

Tread carefully, Anon... Once I start yapping, I can't stop (jokes on you tho, I love yapping. Let's go)

I assume you mean aus for HSR specifically? I've got a lot more for genshin, but to stop myself from going on massive tangents, I'll just stick to HSR. I'll keep them all as summaries and go into more depth if there's any interest. Ok here we go:

Chimera Yanqing has kinda become my whole thing now, but I've never actually mentioned the other characters that I've also made chimera forms for. Namely Jing Yuan.

He doesn't really have any lore...? Unlike Yanqing, I was too focused on making him look pretty, which is easy because it's Jing Yuan. I'll make an update if I add anything more to his lore, cause I'd hate to just leave him unfinished forever. I do have a chimera Yunli au too, which I'll also save for another time. (Also keep in mind that he has wayyyy more fur than what I've shown. It just would've made his actual form unclear. He is very, very fluffy, canonically)

Mara-struck Yanqing (aka How the general ate the cabbage). Made a whole fic for this one, the plot is in the pudding, and by pudding I mean my ao3 lol. Instead of deflecting Jingliu's ult, Yanqing is instead killed and mara-stricken, and everything falls apart from there. Keeping it vague since it's still in progress. As of writing this, I'm three chapters in, so check it out if you're interested <3

Band au. I actually forgot about this one until I went through my list. Basically, It's a modern au where the high cloud quintet were a huge band back in ye olden days of the mid 1980s until their downfall, where the lead singer (Baiheng) is killed in an accident, triggering a series of unfortunate fates for 3 of the 4 remaining members. Jing Yuan is the only member still working in the industry and adopted Yanqing roughly 20 years after the the HCQ's fallout. One day, though, after years of no contact, Blade comes back into Jing Yuan's life, seeking refuge from law enforcement, and it all tumbles out of control from there after Jing Yuan accepts. The rest of the story would follow a very suspicious Yanqing wondering what the deal is with his dad's weird new boyfriend, and eventually reuniting the 4 remaining members (getting the band back together, as Phineas would say). There is SO much lore for this one, but it would take up this entire post to explain, so I'll probably just make it into its own post (with designs ofc). Tbh I haven't done as much work on this one as the others simply because I just don't know that much about music? Zel does though, so if I ever come back to it, I can go to him as a consultant.

Kind of an odd one, but I'm including it since it sorta counts, and I've become pretty fond of it over time. Mom Lumine au(s) Xiaother being Yanqing's dads is one of my favorite little crack aus. This au is the brainchild of imagining Yanqing as Lumine's child instead, but me as the author not enjoying xiaolumi as much. Thus, this was born. There's not really a story? Just a bunch of loosely put together concepts with multiple potential narratives that I find fun. Most of the time I default Childe as Yanqing's bio dad. In a weird way, it makes sense in my head? Yanqing resembles Lumine and uses a sword, and has that same go-getting, battle-hungry attitude as Childe, with all the knock-outs to boot. I mainly imagine chilumi as this interstellar crime duo; the Bonnie and Clyde of space, if you will. Because, honestly, if Yanqing's parents are ever to be revealed, would it not be the funniest thing for them to turn out to be criminals? I think it's hilarious, because Yanqing himself would be mortified.

Guardian Blade/Stellaron Hunter Yanqing au. These names are kinda lazy cause I usually don't make official titles for them unless their a fic, which this one happens to be. Here, Yanqing is an abomination of abundance, and as my interpretation usually goes, the only person who knows about this is Jing Yuan. Him and one other - blade, who was confided in the secret shortly after Jing Yuan had taken baby Yanqing in. Jing Yuan made Blade promise that, should the truth ever be uncovered and Jing Yuan punished, Blade is to take Yanqing and protect him. And years down the line, when the truth does finally reveal itself, Blade fulfills his promise. Theoretically, Yanqing would then join the stellaron hunters, albeit unenthusiastically. I haven't actually made any plans for that concept outside of a single one-shot. I still need to finish the actual fic first lmao.

Mara-struck Jing Yuan au. Probably the least original one I have to offer, because there's nothing particularly unique about it aside from one little twist I added that I think differentiates it, and that's that Yanqing doesn't actually kill Jing Yuan, or vice versa. Instead, Jing Yuan, in his current state, attacks everyone and everything except for Yanqing, and actually goes out of his way to keep Yanqing away from danger. The way I rationalize this (and this is me stretching the mara lore a LOT) is that Yanqing is so important to Jing Yuan that he creates a sort of blind spot to the mara when present; he is both innately precious and harbors only positive memories in Jing Yuan's mind, so in a way, he retroactively contradicts the way mara-struck!Jing Yuan would normally perceive him, seeing Yanqing as something to protect rather than attack (i hope that made any sense </3). This would probably never actually happen in canon. I just really like the idea of Jing Yuan's love for his son being so strong that it stays with him even after he's gone mad and can no longer remember what Yanqing means to him.

Progenitor au. Saved this one for last because it's been occupying my entire brain for the past few days. It's based on Dillongoo's Progenitor Albedo series, and by based, I mean it's just the same au, same universe and everything, but HSR. I won't go into the details because I'm planning to make it its own dedicated post as well, but I think its safe to say its becoming my favorite au out of all of these. I already have some designs and original lore cooked up, so hopefully I can post about it soon.

I think that's all of them? Debatable if some of these even count as aus, but who cares. I hope you enjoyed my rambles and found my ideas interesting enough to read through. I'm hoping to eventually give them some more life and make actual content with them.

Till next time <3

[avicebro]

I apologize if I seem like I'm harping on Kiyohime a lot, I just don't tend to see a lot of fans of her. What do you like about the character? I don't remember a lot interesting about her beyond that one short-story Nasu wrote where she didn't recognize the origin Anchin as her Anchin.

I can kinda get that - besides friends in JP, I haven't really met too many people that like her on this side of the fandom, and I did just mention that the fandom made me shy about talking about her.

So! Some things I enjoy about Kiyohime:

I think it'd be rude not to talk about her design. BLACK, in my opinion, excels in designs that appear rather plain but have a bunch of cute details thrown in. I love her horn design, I love the gold accessories, I love the small references to dragons in her clothes. When the colour scheme goes to black/yellow/white too I think that's really good. It's really striking.

I like the cherry blossoms in the background - a subtle nod to the first fate 'yandere' (I don't think Sakura is a yandere, but yk, sometimes fate likes to say she is so it's a solid reference nevertheless). [Also, her outfit harkens back to Kohaku. Again, don't think Kohaku is a yandere but still.]

I understand why people don't really like how often she appears in things, and how she acts. And also the fact that fate presented her as a waifu and then turned around and went, haha, nope! She's actually a pre-teen! But I think like, if you view her from the angle of a young girl first experiencing love with Anchin, it makes a lot of sense. Was what she did a good thing for her do? No, of course not. Is it that odd for a 13-year old girl who has never experienced love before? No, not really. In that sense, I find that she's similar to Medea Lily in their #weirdgirl behaviour.

(it also makes her dynamic with elizabeth make a lot of sense. they're two teens who are fighting on stan twitter.)

In that sense, her age explains her dynamic with Ritsuka. After being remembered as the dragon that killed the first man she fell in love with, who ran from her out of fear and broke their promise, it is only natural for her to fall for Ritsuka. Someone who does not care about her history, who or what she is. And further, Ritsuka's reaction to Kiyohime, as time goes on, makes sense too - like imagine trying to calmly let down someone who's your little sister's age while worrying you'll end up just like the last guy. Ritsuka is a nice person - of course they don't wanna make the pre-teen cry.

I think it's fun to think about her friends, too. Like she has this fun, bickering dynamic with Liz (who, I understand, also did show up a lot in the early game and so people aren't as fond of her).

She's e-mail buddies with Tamamo and Osakabehime. I want to watch her TikTok.

Also, the turas realta making it so that Ritsuka pinky-promises to summon Kiyohime (a reference to Kiyohime being a free servant) is a cute little nod to Kiyohime's previous promise by Anchin being broken. I just think that's really sweet. Finally, a promise to Kiyo that isn't broken.

I will say she does suffer from early writing syndrome, and she was often treated as the butt of a joke just like Liz or Nero. Unfortunately, unlike those two, she didn't have anything else besides some one-off lines by Tamamo in /Extra. And so I do understand why she's disliked, especially since she was so prevalent in early game (story chapters, other people's valentine's day scenes/interludes).

But I think it says something about how much people enjoyed her showing in Shimousa, even if it wasn't 100% her. And unlike the other yanderes we have in fate, despite all the stuff I've mentioned above, I think she definitely has the opportunity for more growth. We haven't really seen her since fate officially confirmed that she's a child. It'd be nice to see if that important element to her character affects her writing in the event. And heck, if it doesn't, that's cool! Compared to other popular servants, 7 years is a pretty long between relevancy all things considered.

One thing to note too is that her voice actress was unable to voice act due to illness - hence why we only just got Marie Alter this year. With Marie Alter and now an outfit for Kiyohime, it feels like a very nice 'welcome back' to one of the first voice actors to really make F/GO it is.

But fuck whatever Riyo does with her like dude your thinly veiled vore fetish is making it so hard to defend Kiyohime omg.

[maythearo]

Ahem ahem, If I may rant a bit about Little Nightmares 3 with my thoughts on the trailer announcement + my predictions on how the game will go... cause I'm still freaking out and I'm so excited for this

Kind of a deserted, post apocalyptic theme, possibly associated with dangers of radiation or toxic waste of some sorts? I assumed because of Alone's gas mask design especially + Low's design is very post apocalyptic-like, and also from some of the enemies in the trailer. (Specifically about the obviously unnaturally big doll monster, and the bunch of human hands that crawled out of the sewer kinda resembling a humanoid spider creature for all we can see, maybe some of the enemies have been affected by whatever bigger danger this story may try to convey. I mean, characters from previous games were also unnatural looking, but for what I remember their designs and stories were fit of that very dark supernatural theme, as for this one in contrast seems to be going on a different kind of territory IN the means of supernatural, mixing a bit of more ""realistic"" tones to it)

The official podcast "the sounds of nightmares" seem to be going on a scientific/psychological evaluation and or experiments route, which I think grounds the story a little more, but at the same time I have NO idea how its narrative is going to relate to the game's itself lol something about dreams... hmmm

There is mirror travelling ig, that's super cool, but so far, I got no idea what it means 👍

I thought it would be a risky decision to leave the primary claustrophobic environment of the previous games and chose to go for a brighter, more "open world"(?) look for the main characters to adventure on, but at the same time, this setting can still be well explored on a horror perspective, despite me not seeing much of this theme being executed at all in any media I've consumed so far lol. I imagine it could be a great opportunity to contrast jumps between the game's levels, as in one stage you're out on the open desert and the other you fall into a darker area to explore through

Although I have my criticisms on some of Supermassive games' stuff, I'm still very fond of their work and takes on horror videogames in general, so I trust little nightmares 3 is in very good hands 👍

The ost is going to be awesome, the song in the trailer gave me goosebumps ngl

I believe we're not going to/are barely going to see Mono or Six in this story. Their arc was pretty well constructed beggining to end, but the lack of appearances of the two, at least for me, is not a negative thing at all! I think Low and Alone's story is going to focus on the world building through different lenses rather than exploring further what we already knew before. Mono and Six may be vaguely mentioned but not crucial to the sequel ig

Just a side note I'm a terrible game theorist, so if I said stuff that clearly contradicts something in the trailer or franchise, I am very sorry, I can't help I'm very inattentive most of the time, this is embarrassingenfjenfjebrk😫

I watched a full gameplay of the first and second game like, years ago- and only now I got the opportunity to play LN by myself. I finished the first game, went half of the dlc (I'm taking a break from it bcs it's so difficult for me and the switch version takes almost a full minute to reload after I die..) and I'm currently mid way through the second, although I still remember most of the stuff that will happen in its story. I'm following the episodes of the recent podcast, and I'm going to seach for the webcomic for me to read, yahooooo!!!

NOBODY asked for this post but I DO NOT CARE, little nightmares fascinates me from story, to gameplay, to visuals. It's one of a kind on its storytelling and art. Just my thing and I care about it very much. But that's it thanks for listening to my insanity arc

[bunny-j3st3r]

Archie sonic issue #2

And here we move on to the second in the #290 comic book series woof.

As I said in my previous post as much as I dilike the archie comics this isn't to to shit on the comics or those that like them. I'll be giving just as many positive thoughts as I do negative.

I'm just reading through them and just wanna share my thoughts on them.

Issue #2 was released in July 1993 And publication was september 1993.

Must of been wild back then to wait so long in between as if tbf we do that now still with idw but I remember a lot of my own comics I read growing up were weekly.

Anyway this is like one of the few pins I wish I could own but trying to explain the gag to people would be a lot of effort.

Sorry but Coconuts is like a really cute design I wish he was used more, I think he was in the tv series more?

This was a fucking mob hit.

Also hello you two bastards I know you fuckos.

This is so fucking stupid but "your non identical twin" made me laugh WAY harder than it should off.

These are funny acutally. Like I forget early sonic also had a cheeky attidude, I mean his british comic self would tell tails to fuck off or he'll shag his mam in greggs but you know.

WOW throw back to issue one /J

I don't really recall seeing much of scratch and gounder after this, they were more involved in the tv show I guess and just didn't really hit of with comic audience I guess? Which is a shame because they are kinda funny as bumbling idiot servants.

I wonder what Cubot and Orbot would of thought about them?

Kids who read the comic when it first came out are all like this now.

I would say I think this is when they tried to insert lore but I think this is the one about the two gag characters and not the uh racist stereotype tribal men story line.

Yep I believe they returned somewhere in the #90s issues? maybe I don't recall but I don't think they were like meant for anything other than to just make a fun story about the rings.

Oh god this made me cringe acutally that looks oddly painful

also omg better look at sonic's lil nub tail.

Awful scene that implies sonic's nose isn't the black ball on his snout

They had this odd habit at the end of some of the comics like a desperate plea not to cancel them, I think it's in the mecha sonic comic to very bizzare espically consiering some kids prolly did send letters in but were most likely ignored.

For years after I read this comic (my dad brought the collection when i was younger they are prolly worth some now lmfao if we had them) I believed this was how they made 'foil' covered things.

I remember doing it myself and being dissapointed my face just tore through it.

That sure is a title.

Need you guys to commit this image to memory for later.

This was a cute little thing of people guessing why tails had well two tails. I don't think they had a solid idea at this point? I don't remember the cartoons that well.

He's not naked he has shoes on.

The sonic vs mario haters is as old as time

My thoughts on this one was pretty good again, it's a cute series at the start and it introduced characters from the series like scratch and grounder.

I guess they wanted to introduce the characters that were going to be in the tv series because as I said some of these characters weren't really seen again in the comics, well not that often.

Which I don't blame them because I suppose keeping a lot of cast around takes away from the main villian himself and it's easier to concentrate on him.

It's a shame though because I have fond memories of vividly hating scratch and grounder but for a goofy kids cartoon they slotted in well.

I like eggmans use of skinny and square shaped idiot partners as his sidekicks. He seems to have a type for those being his personal servants, err, assistants.

my time lines could be funky on these because I'm not following along with the mini series of comics until later on.

But I like them.

We haven't reached ken penders era yet /J

PREV NEXT >

[shiningwonderland]

Ren Jinguji (Repeat)

Translator: Mimi (Twitter: _mimisaurora)

QA: Rei (Twitter: wolfe_raine)

November — After Carnival

We meet in the classroom after school to discuss the school festival performance now that it’s over.

We go over the stage set-up, how it looked to the audience, the performance itself, how effective the songs used were, and things of that nature.

The two of us identify areas to reflect on and improve for next time.

Ren Jinguji: The last song was pretty good. It really helped get the crowd going.

Jinguji-san picks up the sheet music for the last song from among the scores scattered on the desk, and looks at it happily.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you.

Ren Jinguji: I still feel the same way about all of this as I did this summer, but the background music you played during the performance didn’t fail to move me either. It seems your music truly has a way of touching people’s hearts.

Ren Jinguji: Perhaps God has destined you to be a composer.

The moment Jinguji-san utters the word destined, his expression darkens just a little.

Haruka Nanami: I think calling it destiny is a bit of an overstatement… My skill is not that extraordinary.

Haruka Nanami: I just like writing songs, that’s all there is to it…

My face turns red and I quickly wave my hands out in front of me.

Ren Jinguji: I’m not just spewing out pleasantries. I’m saying that you really ought to continue pursuing becoming a composer, Lady. 

Ren Jinguji: There aren't many people who can write music that touches the depths of people's hearts. But you have that talent.

Ren Jinguji: It would be a crime to possess a gift unique to yourself and not make the most of it. Don't you agree?

Jinguji-san speaks with an unusually earnest look on his face.

What’s going on? He’s being so intense. …It’s kind of scary.

Ren Jinguji: Whether I become an idol or not is… another story.

That being said, he looks down at the scores I’d written.

What is he talking about, another story? Jinguji-san is someone who was born to be an idol...

Select the Phrase!

別って… When you say that… (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Are you saying that I’ll… have to debut on my own?

It would be terribly depressing if that were the case.

Ren Jinguji: Look up, being sad doesn’t suit you. I only wanted to emphasize that you can accomplish your dreams with or without me. That's all I was trying to say. 

With a warm smile, he looks over my scores with an incredibly fond gaze.

It makes me so happy to know he loves my music. But that is all the more reason I want to keep working with him.

Ren Jinguji: It would be difficult for an ordinary composer to debut without the help of an idol. It's how the system here is designed to work.

Ren Jinguji: But… with you… There is no way the boss would have ignored your talent. I was right to pick you in that respect.

Ren Jinguji: People can’t criticize you for failing to make your debut because of me. I'm not capable of winning over people's hearts like that.

Haruka Nanami: That’s not true! Your mere existence is a miracle!

Haruka Nanami: There are very few people who can shine so brightly and exude such a strong presence! That's why I don’t believe for a second that you can’t also make your debut!

It is possible to still debut even if you do not win the graduation audition, as long as you score over a certain threshold.

A person's vocal ability is undoubtedly the most important factor, but it is not the only aspect that is evaluated at the audition.

The costume, dance skill, performance, stage presence, character, public speaking, and grades received in classes and on tests throughout the year are all taken into account as well.

Ultimately, the principal will then determine whether or not he wants to hire you to join the Shining Agency.

Jinguji-san's looks and stage presence are both exceptional, and his vocal ability is also outstanding.

I believe that Jinguji-san even has what it takes to debut right now.

I see no reason why he cannot make his debut.

If he doesn’t, it is absolutely because he didn’t want to.

If not that, then he might have seriously fallen in love and is prioritizing his romance over his debut…

Now that I think about it, Jinguji-san and a girl at the school festival…

Just the memory of it makes my heart ache.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san… If I may ask… about the girl you kissed the other day…

As soon as the words leave my mouth, his brows furrow.

A-Ah… Why did I just say that? I sound so…

Haruka Nanami: Um… so… Is she… your girlfriend…?

This was something I never intended on asking, but… It had been weighing heavy on my mind since then and the question truly slipped out.

Though I had thought that Jinguji-san treating the girls so sweetly was just fanservice and nothing serious…

There could be a possibility that he might genuinely like someone…

And if he chooses to romance them over becoming an idol, then…

Ren Jinguji: I knew you were watching…

He lets out a huge sigh.

Haruka Nanami: I’m sorry. I just happen to be there…

Ren Jinguji: Well, It doesn’t really bother me that you saw. What? You really want to know?

Despite learning how he’d been caught kissing, he remains utterly unfazed and even readily admits to it, rolling off his tongue as if it were something he did everyday.

He then questions me in a slightly icy tone.

Select the Phrase!

はい　Yes. (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I’m your partner… you know.

Ren Jinguji: You being my partner gives you no right to meddle in my love life... Don’t you agree?

Haruka Nanami: …Right.

Of course, he has a point.

Haruka Nanami: …I myself kind of understand how it’s like to have feelings for someone. It’s because… I… how do I put it…

It’s because I like him too…

I am absolutely aware that I shouldn’t, but I do.

I can’t just stop myself from doing so. I know how it feels all too well. 

Ren Jinguji: You… have feelings for someone?

For a split second, Jinguji-san's fingers brush against my cheek, but as soon as I look up at him, his hand falls away and he holds it tightly against his chest.

Haruka Nanami: Being unable to have any say in your love life doesn’t change the fact I will still be sad seeing you get expelled for violating the school rules.

I know he has no desire to really become an idol.

I understand he’s being rebellious because of the various problems he’s facing with his family. But I still want us to debut together.

Ren Jinguji: So you’ll be… sad. Are you saying you want to be partners for the long haul?

Haruka Nanami: Of course. I recognize completely that you don’t want to be an idol, but I…

Haruka Nanami: I very much need to see you become an idol. And more than that, I want to see you debut with a song I wrote.

I stare straight at Jinguji-san, making clear what I thought.

As I do, he turns his gaze away from me.

Ren Jinguji: She… isn’t my girlfriend. What happened was nothing more than a little courtesy. I was just doing what I was asked.

Ren Jinguji: Was it perhaps too crude for a child like you?

He then flashes his typical smile.

Ren Jinguji: Oh, and now that the school festival is over, you're free to do as you please from here on out.

He gets up and starts putting away his notebooks and music sheets.

Haruka Nanami: What I… please?

I hurry to stand on my feet.

Ren Jinguji: I mean exactly that. But don’t you worry yourself, I’ll still be singing your song at the audition. I’ll even do you one better and also write the lyrics for you.

Ren Jinguji: Hold onto it until the arrangement is complete. In the meantime, do whatever your heart desires. We’ll have plenty of time to practice come March.

With that, Jinguji-san turns his back to me and walks out of the classroom.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san…

I wonder why… I feel that we are now worlds apart.

I really believed I was slowly gaining his trust, but I suppose I was mistaken...

Jinguji-san completely stopped showing up to practice not soon after the end of the school festival.

I deluded myself into thinking that us being together for the past two months meant we would stay together for the rest of the year.

But that was arrogant of me. Us being partners doesn’t mean I can just monopolize his time like that. 

However… We can still share our time, even if it's just for a short while.

Because we strived toward the same goal together. Because we spent precious moments together.

I miss him infinitely more now than I did back in April and May, when he hardly bothered to give me the time of day.

Haruka Nanami: I… have a song to make.

I finished settling things with the faculty room before heading to the recording studios.

Most of the melody line is already in place, but the arrangement still has a lot of room for improvement.

I need to put my all into this debut with Jinguji-san.

I can create the main melody just by using the piano in the classroom or in my dorm room.

It's the PC in the computer room though, which is fully equipped with a variety of music-related software that was the key here.

The recording studio has the necessary equipment for composing and arranging music, and above all, it provides access to play various instruments if desired.

That’s why I much prefer writing songs here.

Haruka Nanami: Ah…

I happen to run into George-san in one of the rooms.

George: Huh? I thought I reserved this room for the whole day…

Haruka Nanami: Sensei had told me it was available…

George: Did they overbook it? It seems like my homeroom teacher just likes to do as he pleases.

George-san gives a resigned shrug of his shoulders. The gesture makes me think of Jinguji-san in a way.

It leaves me with the impression that they’re like father and son...

I thought about how George-san appears to be like a father to Jinguji-san, and it brings a small smile to my face.

I guess it wouldn't be surprising that certain quirks get picked up after spending so much time together.

Wait. But I remember George being his butler. Why would he need to book a recording studio?

Haruka Nanami: Reserved…? Homeroom teacher…?

George: What, did the Young Master not tell you? I’m an A Class student.

Haruka Nanami: You're… whaaat!!?

He’s an A Class… student???

Haruka Nanami: You have a tendency to appear out of nowhere, so I figured you kept yourself nearby but… I’d have never guessed it was because you were in the neighboring class…

Hijirikawa-sama’s butler, Jii, was also in S Class. So it’s not impossible, but… it’s something I never would have imagined…

I can’t believe that George-san is an aspiring composer. I wonder how he got in. Did he write a song?

George: In disbelief? Just to be clear, I did not pull any strings to get myself admitted. Something like songwriting is only one of many essential skills for a butler.

Then, he begins to sing as he strums his acoustic guitar.

George: Hm, A-Ah. Lalala~♪

Haruka Nanami: …

This is a folk song from the 70s!!! No way… Did George-san write it??

Flushed and quietly sprouting, reborn. This is a seed of the watermelon I ate the day before yesterday, an aftertaste of a dream 

Gently bury it and holler goodbye, for the next year will come and I won’t be here. May its sweet fruit satisfy the next guy’s belly, and sprout a new dream

Watermelon!!! Of all things, he’s singing the Watermelon Song in November! A challenger…

Amazing… He’s no ordinary man.

George: October’s Watermelon is Creamy by Madoka Enjouji is a classic, isn’t it?

George: Do you believe it now?

I repeatedly nod my head.

Select the Phrase!

作り手の魂を感じました I could feel the creator’s heart in it (+0 Love +15 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I don't really understand it, but… It touched my heart.

George: Although my main role remains an assassin… I mean, a bodyguard…

W-What? I swear I heard him just say something kind of daunting. 

B-But I'm sure it was just my imagination. Either way, is Enjouji, the name he’d mentioned earlier, perhaps his real name?

Haruka Nanami: U… U-Um…

George: What is it?

Haruka Nanami: Is your name Enjouji-san? I originally took you for a foreigner…

George: Hm? Ah, yes, ‘George' is a nickname given to me by Ren as a child. ‘Enjouji' was likely difficult for him to say as a kid. 

I see, so George-san has been watching over Jinguji-san since he was little.

Haruka Nanami: Excuse me… Don't you think it's risky to leave someone as rich as Jinguji-san without a bodyguard at all times?

George: Ha! Of course not. Rather, there's a lot more mundane work to be done than that.

George: Particularly since Ren is such a problem child. You could give him whatever he wanted, whether it be toys or otherwise, and yet he’d get bored easily.

George: He’s seriously a handful.

Despite his spiteful remarks, his gaze was so tender.

Haruka Nanami: But you enrolled in this school to protect him.

George: It’s because of a contract…

George-san mumbles with a wistful look in his eyes.

Haruka Nanami: Contact?

George: Ren’s mother is my cousin. And she was like a sister to me.

George: The only reason I stayed with the Jinguji family was because Ren's mother asked me to.

Jinguji-san’s mother…

Jinguji-san shared a little bit about his mother with me when his brother came to see him. He thought he might not be his father's biological child…

I wonder if it's true. Maybe George-san knows something about this…

George: I am a professional bodyguard. I honor my contracts. I will watch over Ren until he can stand on his own two feet.

George: He may still be a minor, but as soon as he debuts and is able to make a living by himself, he will be a proper man. There won't be any need for me to protect him.

Haruka Nanami: George-san…

George: I believe I’ve stayed too long… I may as well leave now that Ren's partner is here.

George-san slings his guitar over his shoulder and turns to leave.

I grab onto the edge of his clothes without thinking at that moment.

George: Yes?

Haruka Nanami: I… It’s just t-that… Jinguji-san… he mentioned he and his brother might not share the same father…

This is probably a line that really shouldn’t be crossed. I’m aware it's rude of me to ask this.

But I also knew it was now or never if I was going to anyway. I was just dying to know. I couldn't resist bringing it up.

George: Ah, that… I see… I didn’t realize he still cared… How foolish.

He sneers, sliding the guitar off his back and propping it against the wall.

George: The only people who genuinely believed such rumors were Ren and his father. And his father is no longer with us.

Haruka Nanami: He’s… not…?

George: He passed away about two years ago… Ren was freed from the wicked curse that was his father, but instead, he lost his way in life.

George: He dropped out of high school and spent his days spiraling out of control.

George: Seiichiro couldn't bear to see Ren that way, so he consulted with Saotome and threw him into this boarding school.

George: Here, age has no relevance, and if all goes well, he can learn how to take care of himself. Even so… I’m surprised it still bothers him…

George: He should just be allowed his freedom... This is why he will never be able to recognize the kindness of those around him.

The kindness of those around him…?

George: Only a fool would wish for something they can never have. Being green with envy won’t make things yours. 

George: We all live our lives, to some extent, sprouting the seeds of our own potential.

George: Ren doesn't realize how impressive his own seed is, or rather, he doesn't even bother to find out.

George: A man who cannot face himself can never grow up... He's an idiot. His arrogance knows no bounds.

George: He was born with a gift. I believe that when he fully embraces the significance of this gift, he will evolve and achieve growth for the very first time...

Haruka Nanami: I-I agree with you. Jinguji-san possesses tremendous talent, but I don't think he even notices it.

Haruka Nanami: He was born to be an idol, and it would be a shame not to harness his sense of style, his presence, and his voice!

George: Heh. Of course the composer behind that song would be clearly aware of the skills he possesses.

Haruka Nanami: Ah… I-I’m honored you think so.

Did he just give me a compliment?

George: His parents showed him the slightest bit of indifference. And now, he is under the impression he’s unwanted by society at large.

George: Just one person. If only someone who truly loves and needs Ren would appear, then maybe he could be saved.

George: Well, that is just me speculating, no one in the Jinguji family can really do anything about it. He's far too obstinate when it comes to them.

…Someone that loves and needs him… His words kept replaying in my head.

George: I believe I’ve said a little too much… Forget everything I just said.

With that, George-san once again hoists his guitar over his shoulder and leaves the recording studio.

Jinguji-san. His father used to doubt him his entire life.

His mother, who was supposed to protect him, was dead, and George-san was under contract, leaving when Jinguji-san became a man of his own...

What about his brother? I met him at the school festival, and he was quite a bit older than Jinguji-san.

I wonder if he wasn't on his side. That reminds me, they didn't seem to get along very well...

It must be depressing being so isolated in his own home.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san…

I burst out of the recording room and hurry to look for Jinguji-san.

I realize I've only been focusing my attention on the glamorous aspects that make Jinguji-san unique to himself.

I failed to consider how much darkness might be lurking in the shadows of that dazzling light.

I had heard some stories about his family, but I never considered it to be this serious.

I only assumed that he naturally had a lot going on in his life living in a world so different from mine.

I never really tried to understand him.

And so, my ignorance and failure to learn more about him might have resulted in my unintentionally hurting Jinguji-san.

Haruka Nanami: He’s not here…

Haruka Nanami: He’s not here either…

Haruka Nanami: He’s probably already gone. But, still… I can try looking for him a little longer.

Haruka Nanami: F-Found him.

Jinguji-san is outside the school building.

His arms are wrapped around some girls’ shoulders, and together they're all strolling toward the school gate.

I wonder if he's going on a date with them today... My heart sank a little at the thought.

He has plenty of girls with him, whether I'm around or not.

But they're always different.  Jinguji-san once muttered to himself how he would never go out with the same girl more than once.

He looks terribly lonely momentarily occupying his time with people this way.

I don't think that’s ok. I may not be able to remedy everything immediately, but I can be there for him as his partner.

There must be something I can do. Maybe I can even become someone Jinguji-san can find refuge in if I try my hardest…

With that thought in mind, I finally chose to do something about it.

Haruka Nanami: Ha…ha… ha… J-Jinguji-san…

Ren Jinguji: Hm? What’s the matter, Lady? You’re out of breath.

The moment he turns around, I latch onto his arm.

Haruka Nanami: I-I’m… I…

Shoot. I came here on impulse… I need to think of something…

Ren Jinguji: Huh? What’s wrong? … Ah, that’s today, isn’t it? Sorry to disappoint, ladies. I’ve actually been called on by Ryuya-san. I completely spaced it.

What…? Ryuya-san? But Hyuga-sensei never called for him…

In response to what Jinguji-san had said, the girls dragged themselves back to their rooms, accepting nothing could be done about Sensei's supposed summon.

Haruka Nanami: W-Wait… Why…

Ren Jinguji: You have something you want to tell me, don’t you? Although, I really would appreciate it if you didn't make it a habit to show up when I'm with the girls.

Select the Phrase!

…ごめんなさい　…I’m sorry. (+20 Love +0 Music)

I ruined his date because I acted out of turn. …I won’t do it again…

Ren Jinguji: It’s alright. It must be something very important. You look like you ran a marathon… It’s already getting cold. You'll catch a cold, sweating so much.

Jinguji-san drapes his jacket over me.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, you really don’t have to…

Ren Jinguji: Don't worry about it, let's just get inside.

Haruka Nanami: …Alright…

So many things about this makes my heart ache.

Ren Jinguji: Anyways, you really weren’t acting like yourself back there. What could have happened…?

Haruka Nanami: Um… I ended up asking George-san… about… you and your father… Jinguji-san, you've been lonely all this time.

Haruka Nanami: So, that’s why… I may not be of much help but… I’m… I’m determined to stay by your side.

Haruka Nanami: That’s all I wanted to say… It was just something I couldn't help but wonder about.

There is nothing more I can do, but at the very least, I want to be the one person in the world who will always support him.

Ren Jinguji: I thought something had happened…

Jinguji sighs in dismay.

I know I'm doing something stupid. I also doubt that just saying it out loud would get the message across. But I had to tell him.

Jinguji-san helped me out countless times. He's quite literally saved my life more than once, and even when he didn't do something so grand...

I can always turn around and find him there, calmly offering a helping hand.

He may act indifferent about things, but he always puts a lot of thought into what he does.

Jinguji-san has been such a great help to me. If I could return the favor, I would.

Most of all, I really like him, so if there was anything I could do to help him, I wouldn't hesitate to do it.

Haruka Nanami: I will continue to be by your side. I really needed to tell you that.

Haruka Nanami: I hope you won't be lonely, at least when you're with me… That you'll find someone there when you turn around…

Haruka Nanami: I want to be that kind of person for you. I sincerely do.

I stare straight at Jinguji-san.

Ren Jinguji: Lady…

Jinguji-san stares back dumbfounded at me for a moment, mumbling to himself.

Then, he clenches his fist tightly, bites his bottom and then reveals the coldest expression I have ever seen on his face.

Ren Jinguji: That won’t be necessary. I have no desire to have you by my side… Besides, we all have a thing or two that we don't want people to touch.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, I-I’m so sorry. I…

The ice in his tone is the coldest I have ever heard, and I’m so startled by it that my voice trembles.

I then notice that for a split second, a distressed look flashes across his face before quickly reverting back to a grim expression.

Ren Jinguji: My heart is mine and mine alone. I will never allow anyone else to take it. Even if it was you… Your support is unneeded, Lady.

Then he turns his back on me and disappears without ever looking back.

One week passes since then. I haven't exchanged a single word with Jinguji-san.

He has even kept the other girls away and has spent most of his time by himself.

I angered him greatly...

Of course I did. It definitely had been something he wanted to be left alone.

I should have considered the situation a little more, but I let myself get carried away and hurt him in the process. I have no idea why I did what I did.

Every time he catches sight of my face, he puts on the worst scowl on his face.

Ren Jinguji: Why am I acting like this.... Shit. Have I really not come to terms with it? Get it together, Ren Jinguji.

Ren Jinguji: I’ll never be able to care for what really matters. I know that. Damn it!

In the past, you’d never fail to find a smile on Jinguji-san's face, but recently he's been looking scary, muttering to himself and clenching his fists tightly.

Ichinose-san and Syo-kun grew concerned seeing Jinguji-san like that and would try to talk to him.

But every time, he'd put a smile on his face. 

Ren Jinguji: Oh, it’s nothing, truly. It’s just… Ah. Yes. I’ve been having a bit of a migraine lately. I’m sure it’ll pass soon. No need to worry. 

He pretended to be fine.

I tried to do something about it, but every time I approached him to talk, he'd avoid me. It's become impossible for us to properly face each other anymore.

Then one day, I was summoned to the principal’s office.

Haruka Nanami: U-Um… Yes?

When I arrive, I find Ryuya-sensei and Jinguji-san’s brother already there, along with the principal.

Shining Saotome: Hahaha~ Why don’t you try studying abroad?

The principal proposes as soon as I walk into the room.

Haruka Nanami: Huh? Study abroad!?

Ryuya Hyuya: Hold on now. You’re skipping a few chapters here. She has no idea what you’re talking about. Seriously… This old man makes no sense.

Shining Saotome: Oh? I think my ears have picked up on someone talking back… Did you say something, Ryuya-san?

Ryuya Hyuya: Not really…

Shining Saotome: Good! But know that these ears are sharp! Watch yourself please!

Seiichiro Jinguji: I'm afraid this conversation is going nowhere. May I now please be allowed to explain the opportunity to study abroad?

Ryuya Hyuya: Go ahead, I’d appreciate it if you would.

Shining Saotome: The floor is all yours!

Seiichiro Jinguji: Then, I will begin.

With that, he quickly straightens his glasses and turns to face me.

Seiichiro Jinguji: I have been intrigued by your music ever since I heard it. While you technically still have a lot to learn, your artistic ability is remarkable.

Haruka Nanami: T-Thank you so much.

Jinguji-san's brother compliments me.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Would you be interested in further cultivating that ability?

Haruka Nanami: I’m not that great…

Seiichiro Jinguji: Your modesty is not needed. The only thing I need is your raw talent. You see, we are in the process of establishing a new music department in our company…

Seiichiro Jinguji: We are currently searching for people to become its initial members. What do you think? Will you join us?

Haruka Nanami: You want… me? I mean, I’m still just a student… I don't even have the skills…

Seiichiro Jinguji: Of course, there are still many areas where your skills are undeveloped, which is why we are offering you the opportunity to go to America through March to learn and apply the skills you gain from your training there.

Haruka Nanami: America…

Seiichiro Jinguji: Normally, you would work with a partner toward your graduation audition here at the academy...

Seiichiro Jinguji: But you, for better or worse, are Ren's partner. That kid has never committed himself to any one thing since he was a little boy.

Seiichiro Jinguji: All he does is sloppy and perfunctory in execution. And in spite of that, he is strangely good at what he does. He has the talent, but he fails to make the most of it.

Seiichiro Jinguji: He is not interested for some reason in getting better. He'll go up to a certain point, and then just stop.

Having gotten all of that out of the way, he lets out a huge sigh.

Seiichiro Jinguji: I pushed him to enroll here in the hopes that he would pursue the same career as our mother.

Haruka Nanami: Same career as your mother?

Seiichiro Jinguji: Oh, are you not aware? Our mother was an idol.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Are you familiar with Renge Enjouji?

Haruka Nanami: I am! She's a legendary idol who became a national sensation shortly after her debut, but retired after only two years of activity.

I remember that she'd gotten married at the height of her popularity, and stayed out of the limelight ever since.

Wow. Jinguji is the child of such an amazing woman...

Ah, I guess… that explains a few things. His ability to look like a painting just from standing might have been inherited from his mother.

Seiichiro Jinguji: However… It seems that Ren continues to lead a rather indulgent lifestyle here as well.

Seiichiro Jinguji: I doubt you will get anywhere by continuing your partnership with him. So, what do you think?

Seiichiro Jinguji: Would you like to work with us?

Select the Phrase!

神宮寺さんが… But Jinguji-san… (+20 Love, +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I don’t know what Jinguji-san would say…

Seiichiro Jinguji: There’s no need to worry about him.

Seiichiro Jinguji: While you would be working for us, you would be assigned to our company as a member of the Shining Agency.

Seiichiro Jinguji: That is why, upon acceptance of this offer, you will be considered an employee of the Shining Agency.

Upon acceptance of the offer… I’ll be able to debut? 

I’ll have debuted without a partner. This is going exactly as Jinguji-san said it would.

Seiichiro Jinguji: We will also handle all the arrangements related to your study abroad, including your passport.

Seiichiro Jinguji: And… Ren is also a part of the family. If it's my decision, I'm sure he'll agree.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Do you have any other questions?

If I accept the offer right here and now, I will be able to debut without having to go through the graduation audition.

I enrolled in this academy with the aim of becoming a composer. And in front of me is a chance to make that debut.

There is no reason for me to refuse if I want to pursue my dream.

But...

Haruka Nanami: Do… I have to answer now?

I still want to be by Jinguji-san's side. I want to debut together with him.

It doesn't matter if he rejects or ignores me, I want to write a song for him.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Of course not. This is something that will change your life. Please take your time to think about it.

Seiichiro Jinguji: But… Let’s see. Would you let me know what you decide by the end of the year?

Haruka Nanami: Yes, but… Why me? There are many people out there more talented than I am.

Seiichiro Jinguji: Because your songs are amazing. And… as an older brother, I have to take responsibility for my younger brother’s mess. That is why.

Haruka Nanami: Huh?

Seiichiro Jinguji: I thought that it was a shame to see someone with your level of talent being impeded on by something like this and not getting the recognition you deserve. 

Haruka Nanami: No… I’m not being impeded by anything…

I was going to open my mouth to say more, but he glances at his watch and quickly grabs his suitcase.

Seiichiro Jinguji: …Oh? Look at the time… Well, if you’ll excuse me. I look forward to receiving a positive response.

He flashes a smile resembling that of Jinguji-san before he leaves.

Ryuya Hyuya: Well, seeing as you can't commit right away, go and give it a good thought.

Shining Saotome: Please go talk about it with your partner! Keeping it to yourself is a no-no!

Haruka Nanami: Of course.

Jinguji-san's brother. He really didn't have much good to say about Jinguji-san. ... I wonder if they're fighting.

Besides, what should I do as his partner?

Haruka Nanami: I should ask his brother about it… If I chase after him now, I might catch up with him in time.

I hurry down the stairs and head for the entrance.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, there he is! Ah, please wait!

Seiichiro Jinguji: Hmm? What's the matter? You're panting...

Haruka Nanami: Y-You see... I have something I want to ask you.

Seiichiro Jinguji: If it's about studying abroad, I can send you a detailed document later that you can take a look at…

Haruka Nanami: Um... It's not about that... It's about Jinguji-san.

Seiichiro Jinguji: About Ren?

His brow twitches.

Seiichiro Jinguji: That guy... Is he causing trouble even here? All right, I don't have much time, but I'm willing to listen if that's what you need.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you very much. I just... I want to apologize for hurting Jinguji-san.

Seiichiro Jinguji: You... hurt Ren? It wasn't the other way around? It's always the women who get involved with them who are made to cry.

Haruka Nanami: Um, no… George-san told me that Jinguji-san had a lonely childhood…

I couldn't exactly tell him how I heard Jinguji-san grew up without knowing the love of his parents.

Haruka Nanami: I thought I could be of some help, even if just a little… but he wants nothing to do with me…

Seiichiro Jinguji: Ah, is that what this is about…? It’s a bad habit of his. Ren is too stubborn to believe in people’s goodwill.

Seiichiro Jinguji: He has an unusual reluctance to get close to people, which is why he doesn't have many friends.

Seiichiro Jinguji: He may have a few friends for the sake of appearances, but I don’t know of anyone that could be considered his best friend.

Haruka Nanami: I... see but…

Jinguji-san seems to get along well with Ichinose-san and Syo-kun, but I wonder if they're not friends.

Seiichiro Jinguji: I appreciate that you care about Ren as his older brother, but... It's likely to be in vain. 

Seiichiro Jinguji: It would be a waste of your time. Instead of devoting your time to this, you should focus on developing your own talent. 

Seiichiro Jinguji: I have no way of knowing what Ren thinks of you, but if he really finds you a nuisance, you'd be fighting a losing battle.

Haruka Nanami: It can’t be…

I like Jinguji-san, so even if it's fruitless, if I can be of any help, all the better.

But if I'm bothering him…

Seiichiro Jinguji: Many others in the past have tried to help Ren and have given up because they were getting nowhere. 

Seiichiro Jinguji: This is not me implying that this applies to you, but if you don't have any intentions of allowing your talents to be wasted, I suggest you cut your losses as soon as possible. 

Seiichiro Jinguji: Ah, it's getting late. Excuse me, I must leave now.

With parting words, he rushes off.

He stayed and listened until he couldn't anymore.

I don't think he's a bad guy, nor do I think he's lying.

But I can't fault Jinguji-san either.

In the end, I feel like I understand Jinguji-san even less now.

They want me to study abroad... What should I do?

If my presence really bothers Jinguji-san, perhaps it would be best if I leave.

But if he feels he needs me, even if just a little, then I want to be there for him.

This is such an important decision. I know I shouldn't leave it to anyone else, but right now, all I want to know is how Jinguji-san feels about it.

I can't choose which way I'm going without knowing.

It just goes to show just how much my heart is full of Jinguji-san.

Mini Game

Ryuya Hyuya: It's been a while, but I've prepared a surprise test for you all today! Put away those textbooks. 

Ryuya Hyuya: If you score too low, you will have to take a week of remedial lessons! Do your best to achieve a perfect score! 

Ryuya Hyuya: The format will be the same as before, but I'm sure you've all studied plenty and have a better understanding of the subject matter. So, the questions will be more challenging than the previous one. Be prepared! 

Ryuya Hyuya: Choose the option you believe is correct from the given choices! Alright, it's time. Let's begin!

S Rank

Ren Jinguji: Knowing something is better than not knowing anything at all. Besides, I like smart kids. Intelligence is attractive.

Haruka Nanami: T-Thank you…

Ahh, I’m glad I came to check what the test results were. It’s been a while since he’s smiled at me. It made me so happy to see.

I'll make sure to keep up with the curriculum from now on.

Chapter End

[aeste]

Since we are celebrating the first anniversary of Nu:Carnival, here's to you a completely ot list of my five favorite h-scenes of the game.

I started two days after launch and in this long year I've grinded 200 rooms with the strength of a thousand suns and a lot of patience, so here's my rambling about this crappy game that makes me cry at every cliché put up like I've never seen one in my life <3

5) Quincy Forest Guardian Room 5

I know, all the SR h-scenes are a bit cringeworthy, both in length and in how they are written, and it was only by re-watching them that I actually realized how much they have improved over time.

Anyway, this one is hands down my favorite because I love how super soft Quincy is with Eiden despite how at first impression it may seem otherwise. In general all of Quincy's rooms are super wholesome, even those of Eclipse event, but here a little bit of the atmosphere, a little bit of the location, make it even more intimate.

By the way, being precisely among the first scenes, compared to all the other members you really notice the difference.

((Then excuse me but Quincy is an absurd simp for Eiden, like, he keeps going along with any of his shit without blinking from the second zero?? iconic))

4) Edmond Sweet Aroma Room 2 || Kuya Kitsune Dream Room 5

I KNOW There are supposed to be only one scene for point, but I am weak and indecisive so I put both💀

Let's start with Edmond, I'm going to put my hands up and say that all the rooms in this event have emotionally destroyed me, BUT!

This scene because a) it finally removed the Hamletic doubt we all had about Edmond whether his nipples were really inverted and not just a collective mass hallucination and b) because it is like Room 2 of White Lover (Valentine's Day event) but better. Edmond is a tsundere and so far we all know that, but this was actually the event where he embraced his bottom being and seeing him so surrendered in Eiden's arms behind some trees... Yes.

Usually room 2 of events don't say much to me made a few exceptions (COFF KUYA COFFCOFF DANTE COFFCOFF YAKUMO AT HALLOWEEN) But here I swear to you the first time I saw it I gasped so hard I had to watch it a second time instantly to make an indecent amount of screens, and flood my friends' memory with endless spam on WhatsApp.

Kuya, on the other hand, there is only one thing that makes me love this room madly namely: the moment when Eiden asks him if he can take off his glasses because he wants to look at his face, and he goes along with it by doing so🥺

It's a single gesture, but the very fact that he listened to him instead of continuing to fuck him against the wall>>>>

I really liked Kuya in this event even though he was still an unqualified asshole; but he has his own traumas about abandonment and stuff so we forgive him. By the way those glasses in his skin keep killing me, it was like the last thing I expected and I don't know if I love the fact that they look so good on him, or the endless amount of memes that resulted then LMAO

(( Also bonus because Eiden is adorable in this event and in this scene in particular <3))

3) Dante Icy Equilibrium Room 5

Dante is like my biggest ??? within this game ahahaha, I like his design a lot but at the moment I'm still not too fond of him.

BUT HERE MY GUYS Apart from the fact that I LOVE the skin of this event despite the dubious gravity with which the coat is on his shoulders; for the first time his rooms are not just endless scenes of him fight with Eiden every second to prove that he's the best like children, but I really felt a little more depth, and the fact that there was the first kiss between the two of them AAAAAH turned the whole thing around because it went to a search for even emotional intimacy if you can call it that. The whole part where Eiden drags him into the room, and he laughs as he loosens his hair, and he teases him because that's his first kiss and Dante is pretty much as inexperienced as Edmond even though he doesn't look>>>>

I was moved. It was beautiful and I'm glad that Dante is slowly overcoming this terrible wall of arrogance to mask his weaknesses!

Then, really, he is super cute in this event so easy win in my heart.

2) Kuya Afternoon Daze Room 5

Okay guys, Kuya again because this old shit attends to any form of control I have and makes me cry as if I were five years old and seeing The Lion King for the first time.

Anyway, honorable mention to the walking stick, rightly so after glasses for eyesight, the arthritis stick is also important. It cracks me up that until now he has literally been an old man watching others sweat and bust their asses to organize the tea party LMAO

Rush this room unseemly, obviously , and everything I would have expected, EVERYTHING, given even the premise of Room 2, was not what I actually read.

GUYS This room is 18 minutes of Eiden trying to make out with Kuya with all the force in the world. That is, his only goal is to stick his tongue in the old fox's mouth, and Kuya goes along with him only to push him away half-impressed/scared when he realizes he's enjoying it a little too much. Kuya be like "ehww what's that, feelings??"

Kuya completely wasted after this event, I'M WHEEZING; By the way the way he looks at Eiden is illegal, it gave me goosebumps!!! Oh, and of course after breaking out dick all last event blabla young master you can't hug me blabla NOW not only is Eiden all over him with his legs folded in the worst weave ever that not even playing tetris, but while kissing him he's holding him so close and even running his hands through his hair.

I will keep screaming until the end of time, I tell you.

1) Edmond Sweet Aroma Room 5

So. At this point no one is surprised probably ahahah but I think I will never recover from this room.

Months later it remains the high point of my experience on Nu:Carnival, and not only because Edmond's skin literally generated panic for a week as soon as they revealed the artwork, but also because it kicks off what I like to call the "kissing revolution"

Before this room, this event, there were very few onscreen kisses, maybe like two? One with Olivine and maybe one from Quincy; the rest a few scattered among various rooms of R cards like Kuya or of course Blade's treacherous smoochies. Which was consistent with the fact that IN THEORY this is a porn game, no one cares about context more than the BL. IN PRACTICE after 8 months and three rollercoaster events of excitement, the devs started to make EVERYONE kiss. Guys, there has been the hard lemon fair from August to December: Quincy, Olivine, Dante, now Kuya; resulting in a deepening of the clan member and their stories, and this gives me so much joy every time I think back on it.

ANYWAY BACK TO US.

Edmond in this Room getting his hair untied and slammed against a tree ( what can I say but YES) but most importantly letting Eiden kiss him after he practically confessed that he never did it and didn't understand the point of it because he was forced to be repressed all his life that he never desired intimacy with anyone.

And I was already in tears here, but what destroyed me were the last three minutes when Eiden and Edmond are talking and Eiden at one point takes Edmond's face in his hands, looks at him, and leaves kisses on his eyelids, cheeks, nose, and mouth. And Edmond looks at him and says nothing AND I SWEAR, I SWEAR I felt in my heart, in my bones the realization that he had in that moment. An awakening, an endless gay panic and I closed that screen with the knowledge that Edmond had just become my fave boy and that I would probably sell a kidney to pull all his banners.

Well, this endless rambling has come to an end!!! Honestly, I still have so much more to say but I will contain myself for this time; see you next year with the updated version which honestly, if I already have to reduce myself like this at the first banner it will all be a mess, I can already feel it.

Bonus: if you have the time and will, make your own list too!!! I am super curious and would love to read it <3

[abuddyforeveryseason]

This is the Buddy for March 10th. There's a lot of smoke there. At first I was toying with making the image even taller, like ten times the size, so that most of it was covered in smoke, but decided to go with this one. A real coin toss, really.

On an unrelated point, I heard about Akira Toriyama's death yesterday. Pretty sad, considering he was still comparatively young (68) and active. I was a huge Chrono Trigger fan when I was young, and I've played that game through the end several times. Best RPG of its generation.

I also liked Dragon Ball, although not as much, and that love kind of diminshed with age. Still, I've got a lot of nostalgia for the Z era sagas, with Freeza and Cell. And I read the manga, the early years with kid Goku were pretty interesting, too.

Unfortunately, after the Boo saga the franchise kind of went off-rails. Wasn't into the anime-only GT series, not to mention the games or the disastrous movie. The Super series wasn't as bad, but still doesn't compare to the original.

Still, I have real fond memories of the story. It's an interesting and unique story - or at least it would be if it wasn't so incredibly popular it became ingrained into everyone's mind and imitated to such an extent. I'm reading Osamu Tezuka's Boku no Son Goku, which was also inspired by Journey to the West, and this time I can say Tezuka's work wasn't the superior adaptation. Of course, you have to consider the context...

It's hard to explain a lot about Dragon Ball, especially to people who aren't fans. It started out as a comedic parody of a XVIth century novel, but then it turned into a martial arts story, and then it became serious? And the main character grew up, dozens of minor characters piled up in the background... and all of that before the twist that started the story I'm familiar with - Goku's an alien?

Toriyama's art made the story a lot more pleasant, too. The design of vehicles, aliens, monsters and robots was top notch, and what made me enjoy the story much more than the fight scenes and associated cliches. Another interesting thing was Toriyama's use of twists which led the stories into a different direction when compared to other shonen manga, which often adhered religiously to the build-up to stronger enemies in sucession.

But that's also where the story issues lie. The first is the bloated cast of characters being humiliated so Goku could steal the spotlight. The biggest victim there is Yamcha, but, really, everyone who was beaten by Goku then turned good was kind of cannon fodder. That started as a twist, too - so this evil guy Goku had so much trouble with got beaten so easily by the new villain? Damn. And since new villains kept being introduced, each one being so much stronger than the last, it was hard to make sense of how strong the characters were (and any realism was already out the window thanks to all the plot devices keeping the characters alive and strong enough to fight).

It's funny by the end of the story - or even, by the end of the kid Goku era already - the dragon balls were also relegated to the background. I don't like a lot of the cliches of the series, the plot devices used to make characters stronger with no interesting consequences, the convoluted use of elements of past stories, annoying character behaviors... but, still, you have to respect a guy who managed to start out with such a weird little comedy with its goofy looking vehicles and talking dinosaurs, and turn it into a behemoth so popular, people can have such strong feelings about it.

RIP, Akira Toriyama.

[sapphybandit]

CW vent on creative pursuits & mental health

Lately, I'm feeling so overwhelmed and yet also like I'm not doing enough at the same time. I've got like 4 personal projects I'm trying to work on but I don't really feel like I'm doing enough?

Or more like, I don't really know what I'm doing, but, I know no one ever really does.

But all of those projects were pursued with the intent to enable me to have a creative form of expression. To fight against this deeply rooted notion that my place is in the background and I deserve to be quiet, and silent.

I have worlds I want to build, stories to tell, I have people I want to help with my own learned experience and resources. I want to act, I want to exist, and not just be some name on a list. I feel compelled to make something because I *feel* it inside wanting to come out, I just, don't know how.

And fuck, I know with a bit of honing of my skills there's *something* there that's gonna really have an impact. The problem is just figuring out....what that is. I do a lot of things pretty decently that have made a difference in a few folks, but I can't seem to...focus on anything enough to refine it further.

Live streaming is going well enough, I think? People seem to love my voice and my charm, and it introduces folks to new games while raising money for charity. Not a lot of money, but some. But I only seem to have time to stream once a week, and it takes a lot of energy to be "On" for so long.

There's voice acting for a NSFW animation because I know I have "that voice" and it might be fun to see people's reactions when its all done. But at the same time that kinda feeds into the whole "meat market" mentality that im not super fond of. I already have been pursued, used, and abused because of my looks, and I'm afraid of my voice contributing to people not seeing *me*, but just the hot girl they wanna fuck.

There's indie game work for a beautiful queer story, and I want so desperately to see it ship, but I've never had so much responsibility before. I keep finding myself paralyzed when I think about how much work will have to go into this "small" game, over years. I worry about letting the other devs down, even though they have told me its okay if i never contribute to the game. I just wish I had more time, or energy to really write some awesome code, but its so hard after spending 8 hours during the day juggling meetings and design docs and obtuse code bases. Its hard to code more after coding all day, even if the mind is willing, the body ain't moving.

And then it all goes back to personal art. It seems simple, self reliant, no pressures. But there's so much emotional baggage I still push thru left from folks no longer in my life, like it took me hours for me to soothe myself enough to just open CSP for the first time this year. Trying not to trauma dump, but, fuck I've just been through a lot, I've been treated terribly before, and unfortunately the pursuit of art was tied closely to those events and those traumas.

The issue now, though, is more of what I had before the incident, where I have the vision of the art piece in my head, but my hands and my technical knowledge aren't far enough to actually make the piece. Its like seeing a finished game, wanting to make your own, but not knowing how to navigate a game engine. I know I have things to learn, but I struggle with identifying the what.

And I just get overwhelmed. Then my attention swaps to another venture, makes a few steps, and I get overwhelmed again. It doesn't feel like I'm going anywhere or accomplishing anything.

I think I'm seeing a lot of paths I can take but I see the length of each path on the grand scale, and it makes it hard for me to just stick to one and identify first, little steps.

Worst part is I know so much of this is a problem of my own creation lol. No one is making me do this! I can totally just, work and vibe and play games and kiss girls and be fine. But fuck, I want more, and I wanna make something. I don't even really care if it has a big or small impact, I just can't let life pass by constantly being a....small silent pushover. Im not that type of fuckin person. Im no ones arm candy, or wallet, or fuck toy. Im not gonna let anyone control me like that ever again.

My beauty, my worth, is my mind and its words. And I'll find a way to let it speak, and thrive, and blossom. To fully claim my identity, my personality, and let it be seen and heard.

I don't know how, but I'll figure out something. I'll figure out my forward.

[lovelywingsart]

So i made a twitter post last year about centaur Soldats and how Heisenberg should have thought to make one because ehis crest is a stallion, and I decided to take things into my own hands after remembering said post yesterday…

Everyone meet Roscoe. 😂😭

Called Soldat Steed in 'official notes' by Heisenberg, Roscoe was the last created Soldat model, and the only one he managed to figure out how to attune and react to Emelias Cadou as well as his so it didn't attack her. Emelia, of course, wasn't happy about yet ANOTHER model being made, but humored Karl as she usually did and went to meet this thing. Upon first 'meeting', it… simply followed her around when left alone with it. That's it. It was actually a very pleasant surprise all things - considered, with that fun little fact increasing when he told her he figured out how to get her own Cadou into its system. He couldn't do it to the older ones no matter how he tried, but this one he finally figured out. (More to that later.) The thing just kept following her around like a dog despite /slowly/ listening to commands she had given, and it reminded her of a childhood dog they had that she vaguely remembered. An old dog named Roscoe, who she promptly jokingly named the Soldat after. Turns out it stuck, and thus 'Roscoe' pretty much became… hers. Kinda.

Experiment wise, Soldat Steed was considered a 'failure' like Sturm, but definitely still had quite a bit more use to it than the propeller bastard did. Buuuut it was still big and clunky, and Karl probably would have scrapped it had he not been as fond of it as he was, and if it hadn't had gotten so attached to Emelia herself.

Losely based off a Draft Horse, it's used to pull carts of rubble and such when expanding the factory itself, as well as just lugging around whatever Emelia doesn't want to when she's working. 😂

//Anyway this is basically the loose 'first draft' design because mechanics and horses aren't my strong suit, but I hope y'all like it anyway uwu Its been a while since I last did a 'traditional reference', so… Might play around in digital later when I'm not doing Artfight.

Also, you can thank my friend Annabelle for the name background idea! They suggested the 'childhood dog' theme and I added to it uwu

And yes, this is Soldat OC number 2. The first was Ferdinand.(the Soldat Eins that Adalwulf claimed) //

[grokebaby]

OC ASKS ATTACK!!

1.- Imagine all of our ocs had to fight eachother. Who'd win and why?

2.- Favourite and least-favourite oc? Why?

3.- Oldest oc? Newest oc? Could you explain a bit of their story?

Yo nice attack bro

1. (I assume you meant to type "Your" and not "our" bc unfortunately I don't know your ocs sorrey) Ooojjj my god. Disastrous multiverse crossover. Even imagining all the characters of one story in a big tournament would be.. Well badass tbh but messy lol. For me personally it'd be a whole entire discussion in itself to just list who would win in a fight against who (new ask game anyone?)

If I had to list like the one character I know would survive everything, regardless of if they technically "lose" or "win" any battle, I'd probably say that's Della/Dave the Illusionist. Bc she's a resilient little fuck who won't die despite everything (being a paradox does that to you)

2. GOSH I'm bad at picking just one of anything but that's a juicy question. I do have some favorites I'd say but who I'm most interested in at any time fluctuates. I like to keep it fresh. I'd call my least favorites those who I have very little interest in 😅 but it's not always even that personal. I think I automatically have some fondness for older characters who've stuck around through the years. Will expand on this under a read more bc it'll be rambly

3. I've answered this oldest question before a few ways. Newest tho? Uhhhhh. Torpor? I whipped her up on a whim some few nights ago. Concept and design at once, although the design is still pretty wip. I do also have the case of having 'new' ocs but they've been in progress (like having a design but lacking everything else or stuff like that) for some time, so I have yet to really introduce them

Here's a peek of Torpor for you btw. She's one of Unjust's family along with Hysteria. I'm working on an introductory post for her so I won't get into it in detail rn, but basically big living meat cocoon and embodiment of how executive dysfunction feels

Expansion on Q#2 below

Out of all my antagonists so far Ngah has to be among my favorites tbh. She stems from my own experiences and getting to grapple with her kinda helps formulate some things. Also I'm just glad to have a lady villain who isn't motivated by love or romance. Familial love maybe, but you get my point. She isn't oppressive and small-minded bc of her love for her children (although that affects her motivations), but bc she has oppressive and small-minded views on the world. Also, I like that she's arrogant and a fucking powerhouse. She deserves to get nerfed though lol. I'm also fond of Lamera and the relationship between him and his mother.

Grandefel has always been a fave. I haven't given her enough spotlight admittedly but I just like her alot regardless.

Unfortunately I'd have to put ZZZ in my least favorites, which is concerning bc I should give them more development and appreciation in the story. Unfortunately I can't make myself extremely invested in their story and character. It just doesn't hit me all that much, but I wish it did. ZZZ deserves so much better

Outside of lack of interest I'm not sure if I'm entirely comfortable discussing my least favorites bc I'd say those are related to actual irl bad memories and I don't wanna get into that w my current mental health.

Outside of the damn angels tho:

Ebony! I'm a big fan of hers! I love!!! Ebony!!!

Jetter/Peaches gets an honourable mention, she's still with me after all these years and has shared pain with me. And grown and developed into something better on top of it. Diane also gets an honourable mention, props to her for being the only reasonable and tolerable person in her family lmao

Kern. I like her. I just like her and think about her and Hael fairly frequently. Nothing too special I just like

Unjust funny and awful :)

Syöjätär. Nobody knows this one and I won't elaborate

Alby will always be so fun to draw but I'm not sentimental over him. Call him a mascot maybe.

Twig, I think they should get to beat people up <3 although I'm a little halfway on Twig, on one hand meh but on the other hand, such a compelling character. It's complicated

Theo, who's a pretty miserable wet rag guy but I grapple with my compulsions through him. He has those too, although they're different it's still at the core of the issue

Dave/Della the Illusionist probably, I can't get anywhere w/o mentioning er

[pacificwaternymph]

So... I'm writing a little empires AU and in it, Xornoth was never corrupted, and they grew up alongside Scott? They're also gender fluid and switch between pronouns pretty frequently. So I came up with a masculine, androgynous, and feminine design for them using this Picrew that I really love.

It's not perfect, for example I'd love a different outfit choice, but there is a rather limited selection. The antlers are meant to be silver but they didn't have that color, and their wings are supposed to be tipped in silver as well, to contrast Scott's golden antlers and white and gold wings.

But it's pretty close, and I'm very happy with it!

More about the AU under the cut!

In this AU, Xornoth was raised alongside Scott, both of whom had full knowledge of the fact that they were the champions Exor, god of the Nether, and Aeor, god of the overworld.

Many people in Rivendell were either fearful or hateful towards Xornoth, as Exor was believed to be a dark god, and indeed Xornoth's powers took a darker turn.

They have basically all the same powers as in canon except for bringing thunderstorms because I want that to be Lizzie's thing, and she plays a pretty big part in this AU.

Xornoth and Scott are extremely close with one another, Xornoth was the first person Scott came out to, and vice versa. They were practically inseparable from one another.

Their parents weren't fond of Xornoth, and many people wanted them out of the empire. But the king and queen didn't have the heart to banish a child from their kingdom. So instead they waited until the twins were eighteen, and banished the princette. Scott was devastated, but powerless to stop it from happening.

Xornoth spent the entirety of their banishment wandering around the empires, their anger causing red corruption to spread. Scott continuously kept tabs on his sibling, but was kept from visiting them by his parents.

Finally, Scott was crowned king, and after thirty years, despite heavy discouragement from his parents, lifted Xornoth's banishment. It was a suitably heartfelt reunion, even if Xornoth still carried some lingering resentment. Nope, they were gonna repress that for a later date and just be glad they were home and with their brother again!

Scott gave them one of the gardens that they could corrupt to their heart's content, and that one small section of the castle was dubbed "Xornoth's nether garden."

Xornoth recounted everything that happened in the years they were gone, tales of their adventures filling the twins' free time for weeks. Scott felt just the tiniest bit envious, having never even left Rivendell. More repression ensues :D

And while all of this is going on, Scott's parents declared war on the Ocean Empire. And that's the direction the story is going to take. I think I'm gonna make another post about Lizzie, Jimmy, and Joel's role in the story, because it's a pretty big one!

[sebstanseabass]

Afterglow (A Bucky Barnes AU fan fiction) - Chapter 17

Afterglow chapters

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

One of the advantages of being a photographer — or a self-taught photographer in your case — is having the ability to acquire an eidetic memory. You remembered the hat that the little bitch (a four-year old) was wearing when she pushed you off the swings in daycare, or the little stain on your father's doctor's lab coat when your family had to rush him to the hospital, or what Peter was wearing the day you guys first met (some oversized flannel he borrowed from Bucky), or the look on your ex-boyfriend's face when you punched him in the face for cheating on you.

The attention to every pretty little detail is, and always will be, a must, and so not remembering where you had seen Bucky before killed you, or rather, was killing you.

It was a normal morning, well, better than your normal mornings to say the least, with Bucky spending the night in your bed. This time, you woke up first, all wrapped in nothing but sheets and Bucky's arms just like yesterday. You rolled over to his side and admired him in his sleep. Then, sudden flashes of Bucky's face from before flooded your memory. You didn't know when exactly was before. It felt like a kind of a deja vu moment.

While eating Bucky's homemade breakfast, in your mind, you listed all the possible places where you could've seen him before: a café, a bar you once went to in college, a bookstore, a museum, a convivial gathering, a convenience store, and any other places you could've bumped into him.

The morning grew unusually quiet and clouded, eliciting concern from Bucky.

"You seem awfully quiet this morning." He observed. "Are you alright, doll?"

"Y-yes, I am."

"Uh-oh, was the sex not great last night?" He joked, nudging his elbow against yours.

You shook your head, trying to smile a little. Thankful that Bucky was trying to keep everything light. "No, no, it was great. You were great. It's just... I'm just quite anxious for today."

Today, you were going to Sam's office and to his store on Fifth Street, to discuss the details about the project. It wasn't what you had in your mind this morning but as you told Bucky about it, you realized you really were getting a bit nervous about the meeting. It was a big deal, after all.

Sam's business, The Falcons, was getting more recognition than you thought. He was now in near competition with Nike and Adidas, especially with the rumors of him releasing brand-new footwear, that could — and you quote one of the articles you read while on break — “overthrow the big leagues.” That alone, already put you in the spotlight. So, whatever you put out there should only be a success, and not a flop; because if it were a failure, you wouldn't only be humiliating yourself, but Bucky as well.

"You're gonna do great!" He assured you. "Plus, it's just a meeting. You two already seem to have a grasp on the project, anyway."

"Yeah." You sighed. "You're right."

You wanted to ask Bucky if you had ever, ever, met each other before — perhaps during a party where you’ve rescued Peter before? — but you bit your tongue to stop yourself. You already did when you met, anyway. And everything was going great between the two of you — whatever the hell this was; besides, labels are overrated nowadays — and you didn't want to say anything or do anything that could potentially ruin it. You were beyond happy in your little bubble, and you could tell Bucky was, too.

You brushed all those thoughts at the back of your mind as you and Bucky strolled through Sam's building's hallways, ironically telling yourself it was all just in your head, that you were just quite edgy about this damn meeting, that you were just thinking about Bucky all the damn time; and the more you told these things to yourself, the more you believed it, and the more you hoped you would never have these thoughts again.

Today, you wore something a bit different than what you usually wore down at the bar. A blazer and pants set, adorned with black and white stripes, a tube top inside, and a white belt that kept the blazer on your sides. You got the set when you and Bucky were out shopping on Monday, of course, Bucky paid for it no matter how many times you refused. Your hair was let down, all the ends flowing down your shoulders until the bottom of your breasts. Lips painted bright red (which Bucky really, really liked). A bit of shimmer on your eyelids as well.

Today was a huge deal and you wanted to look your best.

Bucky kept his hand on the small of your back the whole time you walked, giving a sense of comfort and familiarity you now learned to be fond of. He told the story of how he met Sam (at a bar, where else?), how he had seen him grow in the industry (all the ups and downs), and also how they've always supported each other — the three of them.

"Wait, the three of you?" You asked. "There's another one?"

Bucky almost wanted to stop in his tracks but decided against it. He avoided your gaze, his eyes straight down the hallway. "Yes, but we've fallen apart." He said. "He has his own thing now. Anyway, let's not talk about it. We have more important things to deal with today."

Before you could even ask what the name of this third friend was, Sam appeared at the end of the hallway, with his arms wide open, like a king opening his arms to his heir. Bucky, without leaving your side, proceeded to hug Sam only using his free arm, "Hey, man," he said, and retreated back afterwards.

On the other hand, you shook Sam's hand and gave him a smile.

"Hi, Sam." You greeted. "Nice to see you again."

"You too... y/n." Sam replied, hiding a smirk you knew he was itching to show, hiding the fact that he wanted to mock Bucky by calling you "babydoll."

"You guys made it in time." He said. "Come with me to the conference hall."

Sam led you to his right where a white long table stood in the middle with a bunch of vacant office chairs around. A projector sat on the center of the table, a series of displays of sports apparel lying around, perfectly organized by color. A blonde woman had her back on you, flipping papers on a clipboard. Once she heard you come in, she swiveled around and put the clipboard on the table.

"Y/n, this is Sharon Carter, my assistant and the project manager assigned for this new release." Sam spoke. "She knows everything there is to know about how my business works, all the ins and outs. And if in any case I won't be around, you can always rely on her."

"Hi, nice to meet you." You said.

Sharon Carter, instead of answering verbally, just offered you a smile and a small nod. Her gaze shifted towards Bucky, and then Sam. "Mr. Wilson, does he need to be here?"

"Always a pleasure to see you, Sharon." Bucky chuckled.

Sharon ignored him and continued to talk to Sam; well, tried to. "All the details in today's meeting are confidential and he — "

"He's good, Sharon." Sam cut her off. "I doubt he'll be interested in this, anyway. He's just here for his... doll." Sam chortled and Bucky winked and clicked his tongue in response. "Besides, he's the one who introduced me to y/n."

Sharon sighed in defeat and tried to smile at her boss. "Very well then."

"Please, take a seat." Sam offered, leading you towards the vacant chairs.

While walking towards the chairs, Bucky bent over on your side and whispered: "Don't worry, she's usually like that" which gave you relief.

"Good," you whispered back, "for a moment there, I thought she hated my guts."

"To be fair, she usually hates everyone's guts. Especially mine." Then, he placed a small kiss on your temple before pulling out a chair for you. "You'll do great, doll."

"Alright," Sharon started, glaring at Bucky, "shall we begin?"

The meeting lasted longer than you had liked it to be, and for a little while, it suddenly became an understanding of the difference between working with small, independent businesses and big businesses such as Sam's. Usually, you had a lot of artistic upper hand when it came to the small ones, seeing as they were still starting — and it was also where your college degree came in handy. You would talk to them about advertising, and marketing strategies through product photography. And that was that. But Sam's business already had something to start with.

Something already big.

In the middle of the presentation, Bucky reached for your hand under the table (which took you by surprise), hooking his pinky into yours.

"Just hold my pinky like this if this is too overwhelming for you." He whispered.

"Why the pinky?"

He just shrugged in response, a smile playing on his lips.

Sharon walked you all the way through it, careful not to miss any kind of detail, small or big: from the moment the business started (Sam working in retail, then reselling clothes, then making streetwear designs of his own until he landed on sporting apparels), and to what made the business grow what it is right now.

"Inclusivity." She continued, clicking on the next slide, "This is what The Falcons is going to be all about. Plus-size workout clothes, a huge array of colors suited for every skin tone — literally any color you can think of. We also have workout clothes and streetwear in one which means new designs and new materials. And of course, the new footwear. Bringing the light in speed, bringing new comfort, a new aesthetic, footwear for all. Again, inclusivity. Right in front of you," she pointed to all the sports apparel lying on the table, "are the new designs. We just received the first batch yesterday and we're expecting the second and last one hopefully this weekend just in time for the photoshoots any day next week."

"Me and the marketing team haven't actually discussed the photoshoot details, but they've had that with Sharon, seeing as she's the project head. All I have to do is approve it," Sam said, looking at you, "with you here, of course."

You nodded in agreement, then looked at Sharon. "Will we discuss, perhaps, half of it today?"

"Oh, I can discuss all of it." Sharon smugly replied. "I have a very promising proposal right here." She clicked the next slide, showing photos of various known models. "Let's start with the models. The new faces of the Falcons — "

"Hi, sorry. Can I weigh in on this one?" You interrupted as you scanned the faces of the models in front.

"I haven't finished yet."

You looked at Sam, who had his finger on his chin (assessing the situation), pleading with him with your eyes. "Go ahead, y/n." He said, nodding.

"Thank you, Sam." You replied then went back to the screen. "If I'm not mistaken, that's Kendall Jenner."

"Yes, it is."

"That's not exactly a new face." You argued. "And isn't she already an ambassador for Adidas?"

"It is a new face of The Falcons." She answered. "And she's actually ending her contract with Adidas. Something about breach of contract or some sort that I cannot legally discuss with outsiders."

"Where are the plus-size models?" You asked.

"I was actually getting to it." She clicked the next slide.

"Ashley Graham?"

"Yes, her. She's the perfect candidate."

You bit your lip, leaning forward on the table and unhooking your pinky with Bucky's. "Look, all of these models are gorgeous and handsome and good models but they're faces you see every single day on billboards — "

"Exactly. They're faces you see every single day." She repeated. "That means that these faces sell. And that's what we want for this release."

"I thought what you wanted was inclusivity." You frowned. "We should get people who are real athletes and models from different races, colors, and sizes. Real people, not these people you see every day on your phone or everywhere you go. These models are overrated, anyways." You faced Sam, who was listening intently. "Let's not get faces but stories instead. I believe that's what will separate The Falcons from these huge brands. It's a new release, right? Might as well make everything new."

Your words hung in the air, rendering the whole conference room quiet. Until Sharon broke it off. "Business doesn't work that way. I went to business school. I know how the system works."

You chuckled. "I majored in business and finance. Trust me, I know everything there is to know about business, not just you."

She was dumbfounded but tried to hide it, anyway. "But this is my proposal. You don't have a say on who we should get. You don't work for The Falcons."

"I know." You sighed. "But I'm working with you, and I have a say in this as much as you do." You glanced at Sam who was deep in thought. "But of course, Sam will always have the last say."

You leaned back in your chair, your chest heaving. With your eyes straight ahead, you grabbed Bucky's hand and hooked your pinky with his.

"Sharon," Sam started, "that was an excellent presentation and I humbly appreciate it but y/n does have a point. I wouldn't want these people representing The Falcons. I want people like me, people with stories to tell. Inclusivity isn't a marketing strategy, or a statement. It's what I believe in. And you," he swiveled his chair in your direction, "made a good case out of it."

You broke out in a smile, glancing at Bucky who also did the same. He now intertwined his fingers with yours, squeezing your hand three times.

"Sharon, find new models and athletes and have their profiles by next week. Let's think of it like... Kind of like a casting call." Sam said, standing up. "Now, let's dismiss this meeting 'cause I am starving."

-

"You have got to get a new assistant, Sam." Bucky groaned as you got inside Bucky's limo. You had lunch at some fancy restaurant in Manhattan before Sam showed you around the main store down Fifth Street.

You laughed, greeting Howard who gave you a smile through the rearview mirror. "She's the best assistant I could ever get."

"Please." Bucky said. "You could have better. She's just, ugh, I don't know, what's the word for someone who thinks she's better than everyone else in the room? Who hates practically everyone but goes to great, great lengths just to kiss your ass — "

"Alright, alright!" Sam cut him off, laughing. "I get it, man. But y'know I can't afford to lose her. It took me months to get a loyal and honest assistant."

"Ugh, fine."

"You just want her out because you're protecting your little babydoll."

"Jesus, Sam." Bucky said. "Stop calling her that."

"Yeah, stop calling me that." You frowned, leaning on Bucky's side and wrapping your hand around his muscular arm. "Only he gets to call me that."

"You guys make me sick." Sam joked.

You turned towards Bucky who had the end of his eyes, crinkled, and nose, scrunched. "Hey," you said, grabbing his attention, "did you get a text from Parker last night?"

His expression became relaxed, and looked at you. "Yes, actually. Something about a kid named Schmidt."

You chuckled. "Yeah, he's kind of a bully. Remind me to beat his ass when he comes to the bar. You won't miss him. He's got way too much gel in his hair, and too much of a know-it-all, kind of like, Ross Geller."

"Oh, I'd like to watch you beat someone up." Sam nodded, smirking. "You know what, I'd pay you to punch Parker."

"Oh come on, Sam." Bucky laughed.

"Nah, I'm kidding. I love that little kid. Speaking of Peter," Sam cleared his throat, "what are you guys gonna do when he gets back?"

You and Bucky fell silent, hooking your pinky with his once more. "We, uh," you glanced at Bucky who had his eyes on his shoes, "we haven't talked about it yet. But we will tell him, that's for sure. Right, James?"

His eyes shot up to yours, then at Sam. "Yes, yes, of course. I mean it's Peter. Of course, we'll tell him. Just not right away."

"What do you mean not right away?" You frowned.

"Well, we can't flat out tell the guy we're dating the moment he comes back. I don't want him to have a heart attack." Then, he bent down a little, leveling his mouth on your ear. "We are dating, right?"

"Well, we haven't talked about it and we're certainly not talking about it in front of Sam." You replied, glancing at Sam who was just staring at the both of you.

"We're here, Mr. Barnes." The partition pulled open, revealing Howard's voice. The three of you got out of the limo, the bar right just right in front. Before we even got to enter the bar, Sam tapped your shoulder and called out to Bucky.

"Do you mind if I borrow your girl for a moment? I'll just have to discuss something work-related."

Bucky turned around and glanced at the both of us. "Yes, sure." He pecked you on the lips then turned around to enter the bar.

"This is actually about Bucky." Sam said.

"Oh." You said. "Okay. What about Bucky?"

"I have to say, I haven't seen him that happy."

"Uh, isn't that supposed to be a good thing?"

"It is, it is! And I'm glad he has you."

"But?"

He sighed. "But just be careful with him. Look, y/n, he's a good guy and all; we're practically brothers... But he's a child. I've known him since we were teenagers. He's almost forty and not once has he had a serious relationship."

"What are you trying to say, Sam?"

"You've only known him for, what, a couple of weeks? Don't you think this is going a little too fast?"

"I like Bucky." You replied. "I genuinely do and what we do or how we do is honestly none of your business. It doesn't matter how long I've known him. I appreciate you looking out for Bucky, but Bucky's an adult. We're all adults here. We can handle ourselves."

"Just promise me one thing."

"Sure."

"Don't hurt my friend." He said. "He may act like this rich bitch just parading around town, getting by with his manly looks and shit, but he's a child. He doesn't know what he wants. If you hurt him, you'll also end up hurting yourself. So, be careful, alright? Think this through, and talk with him."

Silence.

"Promise me, y/n."

You nodded. "Yeah, I promise."

"Good. Now let's head in there, I need a drink."

"Wait, Sam." You said, making Sam stop in his tracks. "Do you think Bucky likes me as much as I do?"

"I can't say for sure." Sam replied before walking inside.

You leaned your back against the brick wall, hitting the back of your head. You closed your eyes, letting all your thoughts rush in.

Still feeling a little bit light-headed, you went inside (which was still empty except for Nat, Sam, and Bucky) and as soon as Nat's eyes landed on your figure, she whistled. "Oh wow, Mrs. Fancypants!"

You chuckled, removing your blazer, revealing the tight black tube top as it was getting a bit hot. "Shut up, Nat."

"Woah, somebody call the fire department 'cause it's getting hoooot in here!" Nat continued then tilted her head towards Bucky. "Hey big guy, if you're not gonna hit that, I will."

You rolled your eyes, chucking the blazer to her face. You turned to Bucky who was sitting in the usual booth with Sam. "She said the same thing to me about you."

"Don't expose me like that, y/n. Not. Cool."

You giggled, sliding in the booth and greeting Bucky with a kiss on the cheek. "Hey, you."

"Hey, doll." He smiled, placing his hand on your thigh and pulling you closer. "We were just talking about you."

You glanced at Sam, who was smiling at you. "Oh, really?"

"Yeah." Sam nodded. "Don't worry, it's all good. And, y/n... That thing we talked about earlier."

"What about it?" You asked.

"We're good." He answered. "And to answer that last question, he does."

You beamed. "Really? He does?" You asked, as if Bucky wasn't even in the room.

"Yes, he really does."

"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Bucky asked out of curiosity.

You glanced at Sam, smiling, "Oh, just this model I want for the shoot," and then you looked back at Bucky, "I was kind of having doubts for a hot minute over there about him, but, everything's fine. Everything's good."

"Good." He kissed your temple softly, making your heart flutter. "It should be."

[tcsauaskblog]

*twiddles fingers* I was toying with the idea of doing some fanart for tcs because I'm so in love with the au. Did Donald ever give Daisy like a necklace or jewelry of any kind that she'd keep forever? I have this whole sappy scene in my head after they reconnect in their 30's and she still has it/wears it.

OhhhhhhhhHHHHH I always love some good fanart! Donald couldn’t really afford to give Daisy any material gifts when they were together, like jewelry or love letters or stuff like that, but what he DID do, was give her flowers. Lots of flowers. And I’m not talking about store-bought bouquets. Nah nah nah, I’m talking about wild purple lupines in the spring, and Calisota buttercups and poppies. Morning glories and tidy tips and blue-eyed grass he’d find growing on the side of the road, Donald would pick these flowers, make tiny little bouquets tied together with bluestem grass, and give them to her whenever he’d visit. And it was hardly some grand gesture or show of affection. It was simply that he saw something pretty, and thought “Daisy would like this too” and would share his little treasure and bring her a tiny handful, and Daisy thought it was the most romantic thing in the world. So much so that she’d keep a single flower from each bouquet, and press them into one of her diaries, so that she’d always remember the little things. The tiny little moments that meant that absolute world to her. 

And for the first time in a long time, she thinks of the once young duck that used to make her laugh with that crooked grin of his, his blue eyes flashing with something brilliant and electric and heart-catching, and wonders with a fondness that is grown and mature, how he’s doing. 

She kept that diary even long after they had broken up, and sometimes, after a long work trip or day, she’d sit down in her pajamas, put on some old bluegrass song she used to listen to on repeat a forgotten amount of summer nights ago, and flip through the tiny diary from her teen years, and let the memories wash over her. 

She remembers every flower, even if some of their smells or colors have faded away over time, and it does something funny to her heart. Looking at the book now, after almost 15 years after their breakup, doesn’t bring out the same hurt like it used to. When she was 23, and was so sure she was gonna spend the rest of her life with his wild-haired, blue-eyed country duck from the boonies. When she was 23, and so in love, when that same country duck broke her heart and left her devastated and inconsolable for days. 23, and thinking she was never gonna find real love like that again, so she doesn’t even try, as she wipes her eyes and locks up her heart with steel chains and pours her whole self into her work, so that she can forget about all the pain and heartache and misery and how much she truly, truly, loved that little diary filled with pressed flowers and pressed memories.

Well, she’s not 23 anymore. Her heart is still locked up, but the chains are slack and rusted, and the tension in her once stiff shoulders ease when she flips through the pages with the utmost care. She has on more than one occasion thought to burn or throw away the book altogether in her once young and spiteful rage. She’s glad she never went through with it. Losing the memories behind the wild lupines and morning glories would have probably made her sadder than the break up ever did. 

If he’s eating well. Sleeping well. If he talks to his uncle. If he ever made up with his uncle after what happened to Della.

Della. And her boys.

He figured she deserved more than that. It was because he loved her. And because he loved her, he let her go. 

It took many years before Daisy realized why Donald had broken up with her. Too many years, to piece together all the signs behind the impromptu separation, that neither of them wanted. Because of COURSE, Donald didn’t want to break up with her. He was just in love with her as much as she was with him. Daisy was sure of that, despite everything else. She was sure that Donald loved her.

And it was because he loved that he broke up with her.

Her career was taking off. Finishing college with top marks in design and fashion, a job opportunity had sprung up in Paris, her dream city, for a position in marketing and showing off her products. It was a dream come true. A one and a million chance. She knew it was.

And she also knew that she couldn’t take it. Because that would mean leaving Donald. And she couldn’t do that. Not ever. Donald knew it too.

Donald, who was 23 too, and had never gone to college. Donald, who was working two minimum wage jobs, living in a rundown houseboat he could barely afford, and now the sole guardian of three baby ducklings he had no idea how to raise. He was overwhelmed and overtired and way in over his head always.

Daisy had an opportunity to soar above and beyond the stars. Donald saw that, and saw that he wasn’t going anywhere. Not to the stars. Not to Paris. Not with three kids. Not with no money and no education and certainly not with anymore more than what he had on him. Which was only the shirt on his back and the love in his heart. Donald had always thought Daisy deserved the sun and moon and all the stars in the night sky. He couldn’t ever give her anything more than his heart.

And it was so stupid when Daisy had figured it out. He had been so vague about the whole thing. Just made it a dirty breakup, without explaining himself other than they couldn’t be together anymore, that they were through. Made himself seem like the biggest jerk and coward in the world, and Daisy had called him one. Called him a hundred other worse names too. She was so angry, and hurt, and confused, and took it out on him, and he took it silently. Not meeting her eyes. Not even arguing back.

She figured he’d wanted it that way. Figured it might have been easier on her if she took it all out on him, made him the big bad guy, and be able to move on with her life without someone like him in it. 

It took Daisy years to figure out that he was probably hurting much more than she ever did. His heart was breaking long before hers ever would. 

Pulling out one of the pressed nightshades and smelling it, she wonders about him. About the young duck that used to bring her wild spring flowers, and hopes he’s doing well. She hopes that his heart stopped breaking at the thought of her, of them, like hers did. 

And she hopes he’s happy. Happy with the life he created for himself. Happy in the wonderful life he deserves. And she hopes he’s loved, by whoever is in his life right now. Loved for all his worth. Loved as much as she had loved him. He deserved that much. He’s always deserved at the very least, that much.

[revchainsaw]

Stargate (1994)

Welcome to the Cult Film Tent Revival my freaky fanatics, prepare yourselves to take the sacrament from across the stars, as we engage in the miraculous works of one of our most beloved Cult Saints, Saint Kurt. Coming to us from the golden age of Sci-fi Adventures, when Hollywood would dump the big bucks into a film so out of this world, we are partaking this evening of 1994's Stargate!

The Message

Every child has an Egypt phase. I remember fondly flipping through my DK Eyewitness guide to ancient Egypt with my Anubis warrior action figure from the movie stargate propped up on my desk. This wasn't even school work, Egypt inspired this young freak to learn outside of the classroom, and Stargate inspired me to look to Egypt in the first place. My father was a military man, as mentioned before, and this film irked him to some degree. He hated that the film was slightly critical of firearms, but mostly he hated that it depicted the high security military installation where he worked unrealistically. You know the high security military installation in the side of Cheyenne Mountain. yeah, that one. I don't know why my father expected a bunch of nerds from Hollywood with not security clearance to have any idea what it looked like in that hyper-secure location, but he did. I suspect after they lost him on the guns he was looking for any reason to hate Stargate, and so, impressionable as I was, I thought for years that this movie was really stupid.

Thank the Gods of Cult that I had the inspiration to give this film a second chance. I have to say, it's a little stupid, but it's not REALLY stupid. Also, Disney's Atlantis is totally just animated Stargate, and that's pretty fucked up.

Stargate is the story of how a big old nerd, whos name is NOT Milo, played by James Spader was enlisted by a bunch of military bad guy types to use his crackpot pseudoscience egyptology crap to decipher a bunch of writings that every other scientist or academic was wrong about. When he does this he succesfully creates a Stargate, a bridge between our world and another.

Our other hero is Sergeant Kurt Russell. Russell is sitting around trying to take two and not call his doctor in the morning, just generally being sad about guns because his son accidentally shot himself. Like father like son I guess. Sorry if that sounds cruel, it's just so desperately reaching for pathos and drama that it kind of enters into the realm of parody parody. I may have been raised by gun nuts, but I am very pro depicting guns as dangerous. Stargate is about as subtle as a pie in the face, or a bullet in the face. Ok, I'm done. Anyway, the military has one more mission for Kurt and he decides for some reason that means that guns are good again for killing bad guys, except for later when he decides that guns are bad again.

So Disney's Atlantis and Guile from Street Fighter enter the Stargate and discover a world where illiterate humans are kept in subjugation by a ruling class of aliens who use them to mine precious minerals and demand to be worshipped as Gods. The leader of these aliens is an immortal alien being who has possessed the body of a teen boy pop sensation and goes by the name of Ra.

James Spader is gifted a wife by the locals because it's so quirky that women are property, i guess, but it's okay because they happen to be in love, and with her help he is able to learn the truth behind this worlds condition. Ra had built the Stargate to travel between worlds and was worshipped in Ancient Egypt, however the people got wise to his BS and he had to escape. He took many humans hostage and crossed the stargate and then banned reading and writing as an attempt to quell any kind of uprising, and it's worked for a long time.

Ra is pissed at the earth boys though because he knows a nuclear weapon when he sees one. Turns out Kurt Russell brought a big ol bomb with him across the stargate as a contingency plan for any aggro aliens they may have found. Hey, they found them so I guess it wasn't too bad of an idea. Ra punishes his worshippers by having them mercilessly bombed and Spader and Russell team up with the locals to revolt. They eventually gain the upper hand and Ra attempts to flee with his Pyramid space ship but our heroes teleport the nuke onto his ship and save the day. Thus launching several Sci-Fi television series that I have never watched.

The Benediction

Best Scene: Ra Footage

The Throne Room Scene where we are first introduced to Ra and his godlike warriors is pretty excellent. It's so menacing how he surrounds himself with a force field of children, and the combination of futuristic technology with an ancient Egyptian aesthetic that this film sells itself on is on it's ultimate display in this scene. I really like the villains in this movie and I savor whenever they get to be shown off.

Best effect: Mastadge Ride

The CG on Stargate is better than in Species which sought to be it's competitor a year later, but it is still dated. It's utilized in cool enough ways and sparingly enough that even though it looks cartoony at moments it is very easy to forgive. Being Easy to forgive however, would be a pretty lackluster qualification for best effect and I'm going to have to turn this honor to the practical creature effects for the Mastadge. When we are first introduced to our alien world one the first things we see is the fuzzy maw of one of these creatures, before it takes James Spader for a very harrowing trip across the desert. These alien beasts of burden do sometimes reveal that they are mounted upon horses, but in close ups they just look so good. I love them and I want one.

Worst Scene: It's just sad OK!

Kurt Russell becomes very popular with the young men from the village of Ra's worshippers. They come to see him as some kind of hero and seek to emulate him. However, these people are very peaceful and not in any way battle hardened. A group of the young men stand up to the leaders and seek to aid the Earthlings in their revolution. They are brave but in many ways out classed by Ra's elite guards. Through the sheer force of numbers they do succeed in casting off the shackles of their oppressors but not before one of the young men we've come to care about is tragically blasted all to shit in slow mo. That scene made me cry a ton when I was a kid, and I dreaded waiting for it as an adult. It is worth noting that if you aren't 5 years old a lot of the drama in Stargate is pretty hamfisted and corny. It's a pretty excellent action movie, and a pretty goofy drama.

Coolest looking Villain: Animals as Leaders

I used to think that Ra was really stupid looking, but I was a kid and was biased towards cool warriors with animal heads, but I really have a much better appreciation for the effects and costume design of all of the godly villain crew than I used to. That said, The Anubis guy in particular still holds up. It's the dope Jackal head, the teal of the armor. It's what I picture when I picture Stargate. The Horus guys are also worth a mention with their awesome hawk jets. I couldn't pick a "Best" villain, so I went with the Coolest Looking.

Worst Aspect: Lacking Character

When I have fond thoughts of Stargate, they almost never revolve around the characters, or if they do it's in a juvenile manner. Who had cool armor, who had cool weapons, or who did the coolest thing? I have a hard time caring about these meandering people. They are inconsistent. They have no flaws that they work on or grow from. They are special because the script insists that it's so, and I don't really care if they succeed or fail at any point in the film. It's a shame because we have a good set up, and good lore. If at any point any body acted like a real person I think Stargate would be better remembered as a film than as the weird older sibling of a long running television series.

Summary

I'd like to say that Stargate succeeds at everything it's trying to do, but it doesn't. Stargate fails in the tragedy and pathos it attempts to create within it's characters; but it does succeed in almost every other way. Stargate is an engaging and exciting action movie. Stargate delivers on it's science fiction concept, and provides some fun fantasy lore to round out it's world building. Stargate is also a great looking (at most times) special effects spectacle. For all of those reasons, It is not a great film, but it is pretty darn good film.

Overall Grade: B

[yuvon-writes-letters]

[Right on the top of the letter is a sighing girl drawn]

I really thought I could rest a few days before leaving. Like last time, ya know? I could've been more prepared. Didn't even get the call yet.

But I guess you're right. Exactly when you figured it out Jake did, too. (With a little bit help of goldie. They sent him the Tumblr conversation. The whole conversation. Without any comment.)

So yeah, either the MWAF knows where I work or (and that is a scary thought) even is there somehow sometimes.

Jake wanted me to promise to not go back there, but I couldn't. At least not for now. I want to go back there once, for now I shouldn't be in danger. At least not if he goes the same way as last time.

I should get a call from him later that day. And tomorrow I should find the raven note on my desk (after my lunch break). Later that day I saw the first time a guy with a mask. Then again the morning after I took the picture I sent TSB.

And that same evening I started hiding.

So I thought I still had some time...But it seems that isn't the case.

I would love to take Max, even though he can be a real asshole sometimes, but I don't believe that is clever. [The writing becomes shaky, almost unreadable to the end of the sentence]

I don't know anything anymore, just that I don't want all of this to happen again...

[Here are many ink blots, as if a pen was thrown on the paper]

Sorry..Sorry about that. My door bell started ringing. Surprise surprise, my idiot of a cousin. (I still love him though. Even if I'll never forgive him that he stole designs of me. Urgh. Sorry, nervous.)

He thought I acted weird when we texted earlier and my boss wanted him to check up on me.

What does a nervous little fox Liska do? (Little fox is a nickname he gave me when we were little xD I somtimes start using it when we're both in a weird situation)

He almost called the police, thinking I was in some weird 'abusive relationship' with, and I quite, "this Jake asshole".

It seems someone wrote him a text. An unknown number.

I already texted Jake about that..Any my guess is that the MWAF realised that he couldn't hack Jake anymore. So he tries different ways.

But it's fine now, I think I could convince him that everyone was okay. Even though now I have to take vacation with him. He wants to go tomorrow afternoon if I don't want him to call my parents. Why? That if I'm lying I'm not in danger anymore.

I mean, he's not fully wrong. Just that he doesn't have the facts right. (Which he couldn't. I'm still surprised that me being a suspect of kidnapping Hannah or helping a wanted hacker didn't go beyond Duskwood. But that's good.)

Oh and also, Jake just answered, he thinks it's good if I just go with Max in the moment. I think he stalked his Facebook profile. (Max did taekwondo for many years. Facebook tells his story)

But yeah, I am very sorry if this is an unsorted letter, not much happened and still many unsaid thoughts crossed my mind.

Liska🐾🔥

Ps. Also Jake wants me to thank the both of you for taking care of me when he couldn't. And still doing it.

And that I say that he's still not pleased with my decision to go to work tomorrow.

Lis,

So, Goldie's really taking more of an active role, now. I sort of thought they were finished until we massively fuck up again, but I guess they just don't want us to ask them questions or something. Interesting.

I wonder if that means the TSB timeline is still continuing

So the raven note on your desk comes tomorrow? I really wouldn't assume you're safe 'til then, but I guess if your Jake can't convince you, no one can XD

Still. Maybe now-ish would be a good time to take a long trip somewhere sunny. And crowded. Preferably with as many people as possible, who will notice if you go missing.

This is not going to happen again. We have several Jakes and two fairly smart people plus me helping you, PLUS an entity on your side, PLUS the advantage of knowing AND HAVING DOCUMENTATION on exactly how the previous timeline went. All we have to do is figure out a place you'll be safe, and bam, we're done.

...That's a pretty good opportunity, honestly. I agree with your Jake, you should go with your cousin. Though I'm curious what exactly the MWAF said to your cousin that convinced him that you were in danger. You might want to make sure that, a., the MWAF didn't suggest a location and you're not going there, b., your cousin turns off GPS tracking on his phone or just leaves it at home, and c., that your cousin doesn't post pictures of you on social media wherever you go.

Don't worry about the letter not being neat and stuff, I don't care too much about that. As long as

One sec Jessys texting me

Nothing important, she's still trying to test if I've been kidnapped or not without saying it outright. I lost my train of thought from earlier. Oh well.

You're welcome, Jake :) And I definitely emphasize with you on that one -_-

Passing the letter over to my Jake now.

(The handwriting changes to Jake's.) Hello, Lis.

Your workplace is very clearly an unsafe environment, but upon reflection and having read ahead and read Max's offer, I believe you actually should go into work, at least for the day. It will give less of our cards away to the enemy. However, do be vigilant. We know that our actions have already changed the timeline to at least some extent, the breadth of which is still unclear.

I am not entirely sure what the kidnapper would gain from having your cousin watching carefully over you in the window of time the kidnapper would have taken to track you down, however. Could it be possible that Goldie was the one to send your cousin the message, rather than the kidnapper?

I concur with Yuvon that the previous timeline's events will not repeat, however, for the exact same reasons she listed, though I will edit it slightly: we have three Jakes and three intelligent people working on the case, including Yuvon. I think I may need to speak with her about this.

Most of the advice I would have given about precautions for the vacation with your cousin has already been covered by Yuvon :)

You are welcome, Jake.

I noticed that in my agitation from your last letter, I accidentally skimmed over some key points. My apologies. I'll answer them now.

I will attempt to find a good point to bring up the matter with her, but she is busy enough trying to mitigate the concerns of the "Crow Crew" that I do not think that should be done at the current moment.

While I am... fond of the "underlying desire" theory, I do not, on reflection, believe it. The fact that she would subconsciously choose me, rather than a family member or a friend she has known longer than myself, seems unlikely. Especially not when she had been quite incensed at me very, very recently. It simply makes no sense.

Though, admittedly, if the situation was reversed, she would likely be

The stasis wavering is both good and bad news. It has been both a benefit and a detriment thus far. Ensure that the group does not draw the kidnapper's ire instead, without alerting them that you are in danger, should they break loose of the stasis alone. Until then, based on the results from Yuvon previously contacting them, I suggest you avoid contact unless they open communication first.

Good luck, Lis and Jake.

—Jake & Yuvon

(The letter tucks itself into the paper clip with the others.)