#anyway yeah it's not very interesting but it just crossed my mind so i'm sharing it

[purplelea]

Something that just occurred to be is that is isn't extremely weird for Neku and Sho to only be allowed to use one pin at a time? Because we know for sure that in the og Neku was able to use six of them and we can easily guess that Sho could as well, given his Imagination level. It's likely that Beat could, too, but I'm not well versed enough in the og's gameplay to tell.

In any case, neither Neku nor Sho can use more than one pin at once. Another piece of dialogue from Sho also reveals that the level caps on the pins have been removed, making them usable by any player regardless of their level.

Those two factors are some pretty big changes—we see how surprised Sho is when he realizes the latter. My question is: how were they made possible?

There is no reason why Kariya or Uzuki, when in control of Shibuya, would make those changes. Joshua wouldn't have either, because they make no sense in Shibuya's Game. So that only leaves Shiba, who probably made them to fit Shinjuku's rules better. Only thing is, that Sho has been Conductor before, so he should have been aware that this was a possibility. Yet his reaction makes me believe that he never considered it possible (it is possible that he didn't consider it simply because he didn't think about it or because it wouldn't have helped him with his plans anyway, but I think he genuinely didn't know it could be done) which then leads to the logical conclusion of: only a higher power could've done this.

I believe Kubo's the one who made those changes to Shibuya's Game, or Shiba, but thanks to Kubo's powers—in any case, it's a intervention of the Higher Plane. Sho isn't stupid and probably guessed it right away. I am thus adding this to the list of hints he got in order to guess who was behind all of this

[stxneflxwers]

duckies.

⋯⁂ summary. you seem to have found a kindred soul over loving rubber ducks.

⋯⁂ a/n. short and sweet, barely edited, etc. just rubber duckie bonding time! i have a very small collection of my own, so this felt partially warranted to write hehe.

⋯⁂ characters. dr ratio. gn reader.

⋯⁂ cw. fluff...? yeah sure whatever it's just fluff. ratio is a cw of his own. reader works at the intellgentsia guild.

dr. ratio.

💫 he visited your office once – once – only to find you nowhere in the room, but also spotting a rather fashionable-looking yellow rubber duck on your desk... it's dressed in a black and white tuxedo with a little bowtie and top hat.

💫 and, needless to say, he didn't stop himself from picking up the duck and observing it up close. he presses it between two fingers, forcing an airy squeak from it. his eyes narrow further into dangerous slits while he hums in contemplation – he was entirely unaware of your shared adoration for rubber ducks.

💫 although, he can't say he's one for various designs – the simple, classic yellow one is enough to satisfy him. but now he finds himself rethinking that. maybe he could get more... but where would he even purchase ones with such blatantly silly designs?

💫 and then you scare the living hell out of him by entering the room – he gasps and visibly jumps in surprise, the duck tossed between his hands before getting safely caught between both his large hands.

"...hi, veritas." you snicker, "do you like my duck?"

"you–" he sputters, slamming the rubber duck back down on your desk and quickly crossing his arms, but the blush that permeates on his cheeks is undeniable. "i was merely observing."

"a rubber duck? you didn't strike me as the type to have interest in rubber ducks." you grin. "but, anyway, i'm not here to shame you over our adoration for the cute little duckies!" he glares at you, "i have more at home! they're fun to collect."

"...you collect them." he says, sounding more like a statement than an inquiry.

"yup." you nod firmly, "should i...maybe commission one that looks just like you~? mind if i take a picture–" you howl with laughter when he storms out of your office with the reddest blush you've ever seen on his face – if you didn't know better, you would've asked if he has a fever.

how adorable.

and now you're sure you can find a staff identification picture to use to your advantage...

[errihaienx]

part two !

Rintarō Suna reminded himself that he needed to be more patient with the miyas because you'd been so very close to them. He's been keeping his biggest crush on you hidden for years, and he's not going to tell either of the twins about it.

you initially met and became friends with osamu, but his twin, atsumu, was a bit closer to you now because of his more cheery nature. suna was aware of this, which is why he continues to keep up with 'atsumus shits'.

like now, atsumu's been whining for ten minutes now and it seemed like it won't end anytime soon. suna glanced at you, your bright smile made his heart thump. he's well damned annoyed to atsumu's nonstop talks but seeing you laugh and make fun of the blond guy erased his inward curses towards the older twin.

"been tryna get her digits but she friggin' ignored me?!?" atsumu whined.

"hey don't be too upset 'tsumu, maybe you're not her type? we girls have types, you know.. "

suna listened intently to everything you said; he's interested, so very curious. he looked at you again, and this time you caught his gaze.

damn she's lookin' at me, can we just kiss already? were his first thoughts. still staring at each other, he slowly gave you a nod, and you smiled in return. he planned on making the eye contact last longer but atsumu-the-forever-interfering-bastard got in his way, he snatched your attention, well he better say something interesting!

"oh what's yer type then?" atsumu curiously asked, and suna can't believe it but he's actually praising atsumu for asking that. his intervening was a bit helpful after all.

although he's eager to know your 'type' he's nervous as hell, many variables have been crossing his mind. what if you're too specific on your type and it seems like you were describing someone? how could he handle that? or what if he's literally to far from your standards?

"uhm.." you sucked in a breath before your gaze went to suna, he was staring back so you looked away.

"you're literally the opposite of my type 'tsumu," you responded, stealing some glances to the fox-eyed boy.

"like suna?" osamu interrupted.

atsumu gasped, your eyes widened, suna coughed, and osamu deadpanned.

"what?" osamu added, his brow shot up.

no one dared to talk so atsumu laughed, "'samu yer such a mood killer" which made the younger twin show up a middle finger.

suna couldn't look at you and so are you, the twins are really troublesome. suna's thoughts were bombarded with many questions and what ifs.

after a little while had passed and you had decided to walk a different route from the other three, you waved and bid them farewell. suna's eyes were fixed to the ground, refusing to look at you as atsumu hugged you. osamu waved in response.

atsumu smirked and whispered, "hey yer such a sly fox, ya been crushin' on her don't ya?"

"shut up douchebag" = yeah bastard, it's been fuckin' years

"how can ya be noisy 'n nosy at the same time?"

"fuck off 'samu! ya know damn well that i'm ^@#^@#^@#&^#^&#@"

suna disregarded atsumu's following litanies because he was preoccupied with you—with your soothing voice, your beautiful face, and the sparkling eyes he was able to capture looking back at him.

to get closer to you, he'll have to increase his patience with the twins from now on.

this was just another random thought since I'm inlove with Sunrin lol. Anyway, I'll be reaching 100 followers very soon and I can't wait to share the content I've been working on for this milestone! Thank you very much. Always be careful, my loves!

[princessasmosprincess]

I saw your asks were open and I ran right here! Could you write something about Asmodeus finding out that adult!mc is inexperienced in love and still hasn’t had their first kiss yet?

I’m not very experienced in the romance department myself, so this is something I’ve thought about quite a bit since Asmo is my fav. It would be so intimidating to be with Asmo, just because he is so experienced and he’s probably done EVERYTHING. At the same time it might be nice to let him take the lead? I think he'd be very gentle and reassuring as your “first,” whether that means kisses or something more intimate. I also don’t think he’d be judgmental, he’s been with all different types of people so nothing would surprise him.

I don't know what spirit possessed me, Anon, but I saw your ask and the words just kept coming. I do hope you like it ^ ♡ ^

***

Taboo

Genre: A little fluff, a little angst.

Warnings: Nonsexual nudity, not really suggestive but it does dance around the topic of sex, MC is a virgin and has never been kissed and feels embarrassed about it.

***

“...And can you believe, no one had ever told Marchosias that he was a bad kisser! Now, I don't mind if it’s a little rough but I’d prefer any hickies to be lower than jaw level, do you know how hard it is to cover them up even with magic? I swear, it was like making out with a suckerfish.”

Asmo slipped off his robe before folding it and setting it at the edge of the tub, smiling when you laughed at his description of the kiss. He did love an audience, and you hadn't heard most of his stories yet.

You were already in the tub, basking in the warmth and the light floral scent that wafted up with the steam.

Every once in a while Asmo would invite you for an evening bath to relax and gossip. Before you knew him well, you’d been wary of his intentions, but eventually you figured out his motives were relatively pure. He never once crossed your boundaries or made you feel uncomfortable. By now, you barely even acknowledged each other's nudity.

Asmo stepped into the tub, sinking into the cloud-like froth of bubbles, “I know he’s got that whole innocent 'I only give true answers to all questions’ thing going, so you don't want to hurt his feelings, but someone had to tell him.”

“Poor guy.” You laughed.

Asmo was usually the one who did most of the talking, but you didn't mind as long as you were able to get in a word from time to time. He always had a lot to say, so unless something particularly interesting happened to you at RAD, you’d let him go on for as long as he wanted.

“Oh, don't worry, I was gentle with him. I even gave him a private lesson, if you know what I mean.” He smirked, “But we never really talked again after that.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah… I'm pretty sure he was just trying to use me to get to the Celestial Realm anyway, as if I wasn't disgraced and cast down. Like, Solomon probably has more sway with my Father than I do at this point.” Asmo sighed and stretched, leaning back against the tub. “But that's enough about me and all of that… What about you?”

“Me?”

“Yeah,” Asmo's amber eyes brightened, “I wanna hear about your romantic escapades, so spill.”

You hadn’t quite gotten to revealing many of the intimate details of your past to him or any of the brothers.

Your cheeks warmed, “I don't think any of my stories will be as interesting as yours.”

Asmo laughed, “Well of course not, dear, but that doesn't mean I don't want to hear about them.”

“I don't know, Asmo, I don’t really-”

“I won’t ask you to share anything too personal, if that's what you’re worried about,” He lifted a handful of bubbles to his face and blew them in your direction, “Ooh, what about your first kiss, you could at least tell me about that!”

You broke eye contact with him, chewing your bottom lip as you tried to come up with the right words to say, and when they did, they caught in your throat, “I- I can’t.”

A sly grin stole across his lips, “Darling, don’t be silly. Is it that embarrassing of a story? You can tell me, I promise I won’t share it with a soul.”

“That’s not it, Asmo.”

“Hmm?” He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t understand.”

Your voice came out barely above a whisper, “I haven't had my first kiss yet.”

Asmo blinked a few times, the air felt heavy around you, though he didn't seem to notice. He was more surprised than anything.

You’d never had your first kiss?

“Does that mean you're also a-”

You turned your head, willing away the tears pricking at your eyes. It was stupid, you knew. There were lots of people like you. But you felt so ashamed. So unloved.

You knew the question was bound to come up sooner or later, but you still felt unprepared.

“Oh.” Asmo’s gaze softened, not that you could see it. “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed-”

This was you, after all, adored by the future Demon King and the Avatars of Sin alike. He didn't think it was possible you could have lived for this long without so much as a kiss.

“It’s ok, Asmo, you didn't know.” You sighed, tilting your head back against the edge of the tub and closing your eyes. You needed a moment.

Asmo sank lower in the water, so his head sat just above the bubbles, his eyes never leaving you.

Asmo’s whole world for the longest time had revolved around himself and sex and carnal desire. That was just what it meant to be the Avatar of Lust. But in the grand scheme of things, experience in those areas didn't matter much at all. Passion was more important, whether it lasted a moment or centuries.

His heart ached for you. From your reaction, this was clearly beyond you simply not having an interest in intimacy. Asmo didn't understand how the opportunity hadn't come about for you. It infuriated him that other humans hadn't seen what he saw in you. How could anyone not love you?

Asmo hardly remembered his first, a face faded from millennia past, a kiss that hadn't made much of an impression after millions more, new and exciting feelings that had overwhelmed his senses at one point but would feel so tame to him now. But he did know that doing something new was always scary at first.

He could offer to help you take that step. To be your first. Of anyone in the entire universe, wouldn't the Avatar of Lust be the best possible first kiss? Wouldn't your first time with an expert make future opportunities feel less intimidating?

And if he was your first kiss, maybe he could be your first in other ways…

His gaze flickered to your lips.

But it didn't seem like the right time. Asmo had made a mess of things as it was. He knew he shouldn't have pressed you, but he had been too curious. Your feelings were already hurt.

He would talk to you about it some other time. Asmo didn't want you to think he pitied you and he didn't want to pressure you either. There was nothing shameful about your situation, whether you felt that way or not. It would do you no good to rush things when you were feeling so vulnerable.

No, he would wait for the right moment, and if you chose someone else as your first he would gracefully accept your decision.

Until then, he would show you how precious you truly were.

***

Cross-posted on AO3

[tinyowlthoughts]

Emotional Level Today: Crying over video game cutscenes

I've been playing Palia for a while now - started two years ago, took a break a year ago, restarted my game a few months ago, and just reached the Acceptance Ceremony. (And I am kicking myself for not recording it!!! There's no way to rewatch it!)

Anyway basically, in-game (it's an MMO, with Stardew Valley & Animal Crossing vibes IMO), humans were previously wiped out from the planet due to Flow (wibbly-wobbly magic-wagic stuff) and now for some reason, thousand(s) of years later, humans are remerging! The Majiri (purple/pink-skinned bipedal race who have taken over) are very confused. You wind up in a little village called Kilima and, over the course of the beginning plot, are invited to become an official member of the village by choosing one of the characters as a Shepp - basically a mentor who will help you continue on your path of growth.

I chose Zeki:

Spoiler Alert: His species, Grimalkin, are literally ALIENS who to the planet in between the great human extinction and the Majiri race taking over. They stuck around and FORGOT THEIR WAY HOME TO THEIR PLANET.

Tell me that isn't orange-cat-one-brain-cell energy.

There was also some kind of trade war in the past between Grimalkin and Majiri, and it was decided that Grimalkin don't have the same restrictions concerning Flow that the Majiri have. Flow is seen as 'dangerous' and is not to be messed with - only the Order can use it. (Kinda dystopian, but humanity managed to wipe themselves out with it so also kinda makes sense from a 'lets keep our species alive' standpoint?)

Zeki runs the general store, AND the underground black market, where he sells special furniture, runs a Hot Pot minigame, and traffics in illegal Flow devices and other magic odds-and-ends. There is this whole background of the cartels and illegal trade routes and such, which I'm certain are going to be hugely important to the plot going forward (they just now released the end of the prologue, so there's a TON of game left to explore!).

So, like, he should be this gruff, rude, 'mind your own business kid' kinda guy, right? Running an illegal business and already being suspected of it by the towns magistrate?

Nope. Zeki is a generally nice dude. He regrets getting another village member tangled up in the illegal mess. His inventions, which are to benefit him, would also benefit Majiri kind as a whole. He's funny, charming, not above some jabs and teasing, but overall a swell guy. I LOVE him so much, so I chose him to be my Shepp.

(Which the magistrate looked horrified at! The character designs and modeling in this game are pretty amazing, especially the beautiful cutscenes!)

So today I finished the acceptance quest, and got to have my special Welcome Home cutscene, and I'm kicking myself for not recording because I cried.

It's one of those things where like, yeah, it's just a game, but the characters are well written and interesting and I've spent time with them - getting to this point takes a LOT of in-game time. You've got to work at building relationships. You can't choose a Shepp until you're at a level 4 relationship, and that's weeks of daily chats and gifts and such! Seeing all these characters celebrating my character becoming a permanent part of their village, of their lives - it made me so happy I cried.

I only grabbed a screenshot at the beginning of the scene - my character starting the walk towards the dias where Zeki was waiting for me. The integration of player avatars into cutscenes is really well done too - it feels like you, specifically, are part of the story, not just puppeting a doll through conversations.

I don't know why I'm rambling about this today - I just wanted to share. if you need a community-focused MMO that is FREE (funded through their cosmetic store, which is pricy but SO worth it!!!), I highly recommend it. The whole game gives you a sense of community, belonging, of being seen and valued.

I guess that's just what I really needed this morning.

[safficranger]

Fake Scenarios In My Head #24

Alex and Olivia are in the middle of their usual pre-trial hustle, prepping every last detail before heading to court. It’s been a stressful day, with both of them juggling more than a few cases at once. As they run through the final points, Alex accidentally spills coffee over her shirt.

"Great," she mutters, rolling her eyes. "Just what I needed."

"No big deal," Olivia says with a smirk. "Let's head to your office. You’ve got a spare blouse in there, right?"

"Yeah, let’s go."

They walk to Alex's office, chatting about the case until they reach the office and close the door behind them. Being best friends, Alex doesn't think twice about changing her shirt in front of Olivia. After all, they're both adults and they've seen it all before. So, as they continue to discuss their strategy, Alex casually slips off her blouse.

That's when Olivia spots it - a hickey, sitting just above Alex's waistband, just inside her hip. Olivia's eyebrows rise in surprise. Alex hasn't mentioned seeing anyone, and the idea of teasing her friend is just too tempting to pass up.

With a mischievous grin, Olivia says, "Did you bump your hip, Alex?" Her tone is innocent, but the twinkle in her eye is anything but.

Alex's eyes follow Olivia's and her stomach drops. She had completely forgotten about the mark. Quickly, she pulls on her new blouse and clears her throat to buy herself a little more time.

She feels a little uncomfortable being caught in the spotlight like this. Alex is a private person and doesn't like this kind of attention, even though they are close.

"Nothing gets past you, huh?" Alex says, trying to play it off, though her voice is a little tight.

"Well, I have detective eyes." Olivia leans back against the desk, arms crossed.

"Very teenage romance of you, Miss Cabot, showing off your hickey," she adds with a

teasing smile.

Alex rolls her eyes. "Not showing off, it just slipped my mind."

"So... do I know the creator of this beauty?"

Alex hesitates for a moment, genuinely considering. Part of her wants to confide in Olivia, to share this

part of her life that's been a secret for maybe too long.

But as she glances at the files

on her desk-the gruesome details of her current case-she knows now is not the time. This

This conversation deserves more privacy, preferably over a drink when they can actually relax.

"Maybe," Alex says, leaving it deliberately vague, though a hint of a smile tugs at her lips.

"But we'll talk later, when you will buy me a drink."

"Oh, will I?" Olivia laughs.

"If you want me to spill my secret, it would be in your best interest to get me a little tipsy."

Alex says matter-of-factly.

"I would never take advantage of you like that, Alex," Olivia says, sounding serious now.

Alex smiles warmly. "I know, Olivia. It was just a little joke." She looks at her watch again.

"We have a trial to win anyway."

Olivia nods. "Fair enough," she says. "But I'm holding you to it. And, Alex, whether you spill the secret or not... I'm happy if you're happy. You deserve it."

Alex looks up and meets Olivia's eyes. The sincerity there makes her soften a little. "Thank you,

Liv. I appreciate it. I really do."

[kitsune-oji]

I'm tired out of my mind

So I will share this headcanon:

I think Barbatos sleeps in a futon, since we never see a bed in his room full of doors

Ohh yeah

Ok so, his room in general is such an interesting topic. He doesn't have ANYTHING that looks like something you'd find in a bedroom, it's more like a special room for his powers and yet, they say it's "Barbatos' Room" like he doesn't have anything else. Does he just not sleep?? A futon would be one way for him to have a sleeping place but sleeping amongst stairs in a room full of cold stone floors and walls and cobwebs? That just doesn't seem right for a demon who is so adamant on keeping everything clean and tidy. The fact that "his" room looks that way is already strange but imagining him actually sleeping there, changing clothes,... Where does he bathe??? It doesn't make any sense

Therefore, I personally like to imagine that inside his official room full of doors, theres a door that leads to his actual room, with a bed and an adjacent bathroom and everything. I think it would be very elegant and minimalistic. He doesn't spend a lot of time in there anyway and it's easier to keep clean that way

Still, imagining Barbatos rolling out a futon in his staircase room and sleeping on it, probably with his arms crossed over his chest like a mummie is just... So damn hilarious, I can't b39dh39dh3idj

[abyssalpriest]

hi there! sorry for anon (I'm too shy to show myself) but I had a dream involving Leviathan last night I think.

In the dream I was playing a video game that was like a cross between dishonored and stellaris(?), and I was mostly just clicking around trying to figure out how to play, and I ended up in this area that was called a word I don't remember or recognize but the subtitle was "domain of Leviathan". I remember thinking oh that's neat but when I stepped out of my ship in the dream I was constantly taking damage no matter what I did so I panicked and quit the game, and that's when I woke up.

So. Yeah. Thought you might be interested, haha. Hope you're doing well!

Oh hello! No problems for anon, it's there for a reason - also real shit who WANTS to show themselves off anon nowadays on this website, i swear its so hostile lmfao. Anyway!

I wouldn't be surprised if it was him, or some part of him reaching out. I make the distinction of parts because as much as his individual energies and limb-esque bodies are indeed parts of a whole, and I wouldn't say "part of someone patted you on the back, their hand" if. someone patted you on the back, it might just be a case that it wasn't as lucid and obviously him literally talking to you speaking a clear message because it wasn't his straight up conscious mind coming at you.

I can definitely say, especially because I'd just queued on wordpress earlier a meditation with him taking me through a Mental space (same substance dreams take place in) reflection of an area in Bloodborne (and dishonored gives me bb vibes lbr), he uh. yeah he likes his fiction a lot, he speaks through fiction and sound very commonly. He does tend to stick something that stands out related to him in these - dreams, visions, whathaveyou, but especially dreams and hypnagogia - definitely sounds like it could've been him reaching out!

Or. well. I won't say reaching out, could be that he was already there and was making himself known

Honestly all through this ive been feeling like I should say it;s him and im not getting a "its not me" feeling from him, but i like letting people make up their own decisions and i am not infallible so the rest of the reply is staying up lmfao

Definitely interested! Thank you so much for sharing, I do love to hear about him (and honestly I was noting myself earlier that yeah, no one talks about that name of his online so. yes. a little snack for me. thanks!)

[scribhneoirtuirseach]

(in which both Ladybug and Tangerine… propose?)

Of Fruits and Insects (3/?)

featuring: Tangerine, Ladybug, and a very drunk Lemon

wordcount: 552

my other BT fics!

Months pass and both twins forget their deal; Tangerine opting to pretend it never happened in the first place and Lemon quietly confident that with both his brother and Ladybug's luck combined, their paths would end up crossing again.

When they find themselves in Heidelberg drinking to the success of their latest mission, Tangerine's first back since recovering, it's a thought far from their minds.

Until Tangerine returns from the restroom to find Lemon hanging off of Black-Framed Glasses himself, practically roaring in his face.

"— AND HE'S BEING A VERY USELESS TRAIN ABOUT IT ALL."

"Yeah?"

"Fuckin'— Yes, don't interrupt me, and you need to—"

Tangerine steps in, swiftly dragging Lemon off to instead toss him over to the couch they'd been sharing before he left. Talk about useless trains, he's a fucking embarrassing train!

"Sorry about the lightweight, mate…"

"Don't even think about it."

There's a moment of silence, Ladybug staring intently while Tangerine attempts to find literallt anything of interest to look at. Peeling pub wallpaper, wood floorboard sticky with old spilled alcohol, his brother… already asleep.

"Did you give him—"

"Just a pinch of it, thought he needed the rest. He been taking good care of you?" Ladybug asks, gesturing towards the bar. "Didn't think you'd still be able to talk, I'm impressed."

Tangerine shouldn't feel so proud of that, but he holds his head a little higher on the way to a stool.

"It'll take more than one bullet to shut me up for goos. And yeah, he's been a star."

He makes himself comfortable, and Ladybug sets down his card. Must be paying out of guilt, Tangerine decides. It's the only thing that makes sense.

"What are you doing here anyway? Another job?" "Nah, taking a break. Considering dropping it all together, honestly, packing in."

Tangerine bristles. "That's dumb as fuck."

Both he and Ladybug some equally surprised by that kneejerk reaction while their drinks are served.

"I mean," Tangerine restarts, taking a sip to stall. What does he mean? "Think you're just in the wrong… department. Snatch n' grabs are fine, but you'd make the big bucks in assassination, the way things happen around you."

Ladybug doesn't seem entirely convinced, tracing the rim of his glass and seemingly unaware of his companion watching like a hawk.

"I don't want that crap to happen, y'know? But when life gives you tangerines—" "Lemons," the Brit corrects, "You're shit at phrases, mate."

Ladybug shifts, clearing his throat. "Right. Anyway, it is almost a waste for all that to happen over objects. Kind of like… How Jesus died for our sins, so might as well go all out or he died for nothing?"

Tangerine chuckles, properly chuckles, as he glances away in an attempt to hide a smile. "Not religious, but I don't think that's meant to be the take away."

"Mm, fair."

They fall into an easy quiet as they continue to drink, both deep in thought, and both happening to decide to pipe up at the same time.

"Don't suppose you have an extra spot?" "Could always take you under our wing?"

Seems that's decided, they're on the same page about one thing at least. Tangerine raises his glasses, and Ladybug clinks his own against it.

"You're breaking the news to my handler, though." "Slimy bastard, Ladybug."

[shamebats]

When I decided to listen to a podcast episode on bullshit jobs today, I had my expectations, but what I certainly wasn't expecting was a comedy skit turning into a wholesome gay leftist love story about two male corporate negotiators who fall in love while negotiating a contract, but I'm certainly not complaining!

Transcript below:

SRSLY WRONG Episode 153

Bullshit Jobs (w/ David Graeber)

Shawn

Goon jobs are the types of jobs where an employer needs to hire them because other companies have them, like: corporate lawyers; public relations; people who collect donations on the street, interrupting you walking and it's, like, a good cause and you'll feel guilty– that's this field. Goons. Here, I'll just put on my Goon Sketch Hat.

Aaron

I'll put on my CEO Hat, and...–

CEO

I need you to go in there and I need you to negotiate and get this contract signed. Fate of the company rests in your hands.

CEO

You know, my meteoric rise to the CEO of this company...

Goon 1

Mm-hmm?

CEO

...Would never have been possible without you. Y'know?

Goon 1

Well, thank you, sir.

CEO

Early on when we had that patent conflict?

Goon 1

Yep.

CEO

You went in there, you took care of it.

Goon 1

I negotiated, sir.

CEO

Then when we had that class action lawsuit you found the right lawyers, you put pressure on the right places...

Goon 1

We showed them our point of view. And then we were able to come to a mutual agreement.

Goon 1

I'll go to the negotiating chamber. I will get the results.

(Door slams)

Goon 2

Hi. You ready to, uh, redraw this contract in a new way? Because the way it is right now, not gonna work for us.

Goon 1

I've got my copy here. I think we should we go with my. Mine's already signed–

Goon 2

Lemme take a look at this.

Goon 1

Yeah. Please take a look.

Goon 2

Mm– y– no. (Chuckles) Let's just cross that out. (Scratch)

Goon 1

I'm just gonna take a look at yours. Oh, that won't do.

Goon 2

I'll just cross that out.

Goon 1

Do you think you're gonna get that? That's cute.

Goon 2

Oh, let's cross that out...

Goon 1

This has got to go!

Goon 2

No, that's non-negotiable.

Goon 1

Oh, that's non-negotiable?

Goon 2

That's non-negotiable.

Goon 1

Then what are we doing in the Negotiation Room?

Goon 2

Negotiating you to that position.

Goon 1

Sorry, do you mind me asking how much they pay at that firm?

Goon 2

Oh, sure, yeah. Sharing wages is a great way for everyone to stay informed. 200K. Just got a new raise–

Goon 1

200K?

Goon 2

Yeah.

Goon 1

And they put you in charge of negotiations?

Goon 2

Uh, yeah. Why, how much are you making?

Goon 1

I'm embarrassed to say now that you've said yours.

Goon 2

Come on.

Goon 1

250K.

Goon 2

Oh, jeez, what the fuck.

Goon 1

Yeah.

Goon 2

Well, at least– like, you're probably feeling really fulfilled, at that pay level? (Goon 1 laughs) I imagine I'll - I'll feel fulfilled once I get there.

Goon 1

The emptiness grows deeper every day. But anyways, this has got to go. Just– I'm gonna rip this page out. (Tearing)

Goon 2

Well, that's very theatrical of you, but I do happen to have another copy right here.

Goon 1

This is the one we're signing today.

Goon 2

That's funny. That's funny.

Goon 1

Well, you're funny.

Goon 2

Oh, you think so? Really–

Goon 1

Yeah. I mean, well, it's– I'm almost cracking up.

Goon 2

Do you want to go– with me– to a concert this weekend?

Narrator

Fourteen months later.

🎵 Organ playing Mendelssohn's "Wedding March"

(Crowd cheers)

Goon 2

Oh, look, the birds are eating the rice. I hear it expands in their stomach and then they die. That's hilarious–

Goon 1

That's hilarious. Oh my god.

Goon 2

(Laughs) Thanks everyone.

Goon 1

Thank you–

Goon 2

We love you–

Goon 1

Thanks for– (Blows kisses)

Goon 2

Throw more rice! (Blows kisses) I'll just get in the car, "Just Married," with the cans on the back. (Car door)

Goon 1

Oh, it's gonna be hear interesting to hear those cans. It's an ambient sound. (The car and cans provide ambience)

Goon 2

Phew. It's been a whirlwind 14 months since we first went to that concert.

Goon 1

Oh, yeah. I always forget that's how we met: competing negotiators on the big file. Oh, it's so different than our lives now. (They laugh)

Goon 2

Life is so much better now, now that you're a teacher, I'm a nurse. We're both doing something of value to the community. And yeah, we get paid less–

Goon 1

Yeah.

Goon 2

–and yeah, that's messed up.

Goon 1

We get paid like shit, frankly. (They laugh)

Goon 2

Yeah, it's really bad–

Goon 1

And we've got to split expenses, and...

Goon 2

But, I mean, like, I would give up 200K a year for you. I would give up 800K a year for you. I'd give up two million a year for you.

Goon 1

(Laughs) Oh my god. Remember the first time we met, and I said you're so funny?

Goon 2

Yeah?

Goon 1

That's what I was talking about.

Goon 2

Aw, really?

Goon 1

That was so–

Goon 2

You think so?

Goon 1

–funny. Yes.

Goon 2

(Laughs) I'm serious, though. I would. I would give up two million a year for you. You're worth it.

Goon 1

Oh, that's funny. That's funny. I didn't marry you for your looks. (They laugh) Just kidding.

Goon 2

Now you're being funny. Or–

Goon 1

Yeah, well, I figure maybe I'll try that on that we're one thing instead of two separate people. Married life! #MarriedLife. Now come over here and kiss me–

Goon 2

#OneThing– oh! (Kissing)

🎵 Music swells and shifts

[light-lanterne]

hi ✨💖 i love your writing ❤️ can you briefly explain the titles of your stories? they are very interesting! 🥰💕

hello ! thank you so much~! glad you like my stuff :] i'll try to keep it brief~

🌷 the darkest eyes: this is just a random name, tbh. there's no grand message or complex metaphor; it's just a reference to mike's eye colour as perceived by hopper.

🕰️ the trees are growing restless: so, these are actually the lyrics of the 1994 song 'summer dying fast' by cradle of filth, one of my absolute favourite extreme metal bands. to be completely honest, i was just listening to the song as i worked on the first chapter so the lyrics don't fully fit the story. that said, i think they do fit the last scene of the show rather well~

i watch the storm approaching, the darkness calls my name. the trees are growing restless, they feel the season change. their fruit has putrified, forbidden once and bound to die. the thread of life lies severed on the brink of paradise. grinning winds of hate unfurled. dash towers tall that grip the sun. talons stretch her veil. reclamation, our time has come…

🐈‍⬛ maybe i was destined to—: more lyrics! these are for the song 'strangers' by bring me the horizon. these fit the mood a bit more~ if you search for it, please mind the video. it's very creepy :S

break me down, break me down, make me get better. i confess that i'm a mess, some kind of error. well, maybe i was destined to disappear. we're just a room full of strangers looking for something to save us; alone together, we're dying to live and we're living to die. it never stops, can't erase this, so cross out my eyes, tear the pages. 'cause you and i, we're just dying to live and we're living to die. where did we go? we're all alone, all alone. no place like home; take us back to yesterday. sos, save us from ourselves.

🎻 4'33'': this is another musical one, albeit weirder. it's a reference to an experimental composition of the same name, conceived in 1947 by john cage. i think it's best if you look for it if you want to understand what type of song it is; the meaning and correlation to the story should be relatively clear once you listen to it~!

🕊️ sin deep, my darling angel: another reference to cradle of filth! this is a slight variation from 'sin deep my wicked angel', a rather beautiful and haunting instrumental piece from 2001~ i changed it so it fit the theme better :]

🦇 when our hearts lie six feet under: uh,,, another cradle of filth one x.x listen, their lyrics are beautiful, okei? this is from 2021, from their song 'necromantic fantasies'

when the moon is full and the wolves howl in the forest, would you take my hand and lead us both on our final voyage? would we share our dreams, those necromantic fantasies? really, could we ever be apart when our hearts lie six feet under?

fun fact, the title of the song has a double meaning: the obvious interpretation about dark arts, and a play on words! necro (death) + romantic = a romance that can only happen in death~ i thought it fit the vampire theme rather well

💐 how many tears to nurture a rose: ,,,yeah, uh,,, hi. my name is angel and i get hyperfixated on things x.x anyway, more cradle of filth !! the song (also from 2021) has the same title, but this one doesn't really fit the story all that well :( alas, it was a great title for the concept so here we are !

i did try to use some lyric from another song, 'discourse between a man and his soul', but it's far too dramatic of a title for this story x.x these lyrics are very pretty and fitting, thought~

oh my beautiful friend, i will love thee until the end is nigh. and in time, i'll find thee in my arms on the vast other side.

🔪 ...but here is one: okay, we have escaped the hyperfixation~ we're still on the songs, though. this is from the 1995, stunning song 'all flowers in time bend towards the sun', by jeff buckley and elizabeth fraser. it's an unreleased little song, very intimate and tender, and it's referenced in one of my main inspirations for this story, 'the cat lady'.

all flowers in time bend towards the sun. i know you say that there's no-one for you, but here is one.

in the game itself, it's mentioned by one of the main characters, who is trying to get through to our very depressed protagonist. she's essentially letting our protagonist know that some day she will find happiness, and that she's there for her~

🚀 until the stars all fall down: last but not least ! another song one, this is from the soundtrack of the inspiration game itself, it's called 'everything's alright', by laura shigihara. i shan't spoil too much of it; just know it plays at perhaps the most emotional moment of the game x.x

when this world is no more, the moon is all we'll see. i'll ask you to fly away with me. until the stars all fall down, they empty from the sky. but I don't mind, if you're with me, then everything's alright.

edit: the story is now called “telomeres”. it's a reference to the sleep token song of the same name.

and that's that ! i hope this isn't too long x.x thanks for the question and for being so sweet~!

[castlebyersafterdark]

(Do yall know how many asks I get requesting details and preferences on the intricacies of anal sex prep? Yall. Suspension of disbelief. There's so many advice and sexual health articles out there to read up on if you're so curious, it's... implied. No offense to the curious mind, I appreciate the genuine approach, but I ain't including all that in a fic hahaha. ANYWAY

you thought you could hide this in the strikeout but vinny dahling, i can read Strike (TM) AAAHHAHAHAHAHHAHA CRUELLA DE VIL LAUGH

anyway. so i have never asked for this in an anon lol but i have to empathise with the dear and curious readers (most likely girls but maybe baby gays or straight guys who are curious???? shoutout to all the lurking straight dudes here on vinny's blog lol). i think sexfic can be hot and heightened reality, but its also nice to add some realism and it can be aspirational too. youre kind of a king of realistic sex in hcs and fics in the spicy byler fandom tbh. youre invested in realism and emotion in a way many other writers arent. and ofc, you have life experience.

so i think its just a case of - well, for me, i think its just interest to see how the practicalities could be worked into fic. because yes there is info available, but those articles dont tell you how to incorporate the necessities into an actual scenario or story thats still sexy. i just think it would be incredible and so sexy to read a fic (or see a film!) where the nuts and bolts of everything were included. messy, maybe it fails, but yeah. it makes younger people especially hopeful, because it validates the frequent fails of early sex experiences. and thats byler! i know youre working on a fic of their early relationship so I'm sure you'll grace us with some Very Realistic details about anal sex prep and make it poetic in its realism, too. if anyone can, its you! whenever youre ready, im sure lots of us will be happy to read that.

love you vinny.

HAHAHA well 😉

And it's no shade to those lovely, curious, inquiring minds. It's realistic!! It's obviously going to cross the mind, I get it! Maybe, just getting too nitty gritty and acknowledging all the hyper-real aspects of stuff has a twinge of embarrassment, a sort of mindset where it's like, oh I'm enjoying writing about fictional sex and sharing little hints at personal sexcapades, but there are times where I don't want to be seen as a beacon of real advice and especially not become a go-to sexual health educator hahaha. I'm just being silly or creative most of the time.

But... yeah. I can't deny the fact that I do enjoy having my niche being a little bit of a realistic approach to my fanworks. It's pretty fun, because I've mostly dabbled in the ridiculous or lofty before now - but I switched up styles and approach and what I always wanted was an honest sort of insight and writing style. Found it in this fandom of all places, wild. So, yeah. Authenticity. Love that, strive for that. I appreciate the kind words and faith in me!!

Very true though that more very realistic media in general would be super interesting, and I think more things these days are surprising me in positive ways. We do need more realism for many aspects and depictions of the intricacies of intimacy and relationships. For sure. I will say... I do think you and others will find a lot of this in that fic I'm slowly working on. That's why it's gonna take awhile! I think something like that is gonna be more long form if I want to say what I want to say. Of course here's stuff in the fic meant to be hot, but most of it is just... exploratory and trying stuff through storytelling. Depicting how two young men entering a sexual relationship together with very little reference points might deal. Ohhh, it's got awkward moments, it's got not-so refined sex, it's got realism in what is actually happening - I think you'll find what you and others are looking for there. It's my realism fic while a lot of my other stuff does have that typical fanfic mystical world where things just somewhat... gloss over reality to an extent haha.

Love you too anon ❤️❤️

[papirouge]

Clicked the link for you from that other anon 👍🏾

It highlighted how in the US at least, the number of people who call themselves Christians on these polls are falling faster. Active church membership has fallen below 50% for the first time. By 2070, of this trend keeps up, the Christian majority will disappear.

It’s interesting to read because as someone who grew up Christian many people who call themselves Christian and go to church aren’t really Christian, I believe real number of people who are Christ-like right now is very small. USAmerican Christians often have their priorities set to be more about their ego and nationalism than actually follow Christ’s word. Right now, when Christians make up about 65% of the country already, many are outspoken about how Jesus is too liberal and his message is too weak. They want some overly muscular tattooed warlord Jesus who loves guns, hates socialism and stands for nationalism. When at least in my mind he was a brown Palestinian man who loves to laugh, enjoy the beauty of gods creations, and loved to share the word of God. He didn’t ignore or condemned anyone regardless of their background or profession, because Gods word is for everyone to hear. He is pure and comfort. He wouldn’t separate women from the group for being women, and he wouldn’t ignore children. He gave his word and it was up for the people to decide to follow because God have us free will and wants us to follow him willingly, not under threat of violence.

Anyway, yeah, I hope more americans study more about the history of the world back then, I hope more people maybe learn the languages and understand the Bible instead of using it to be hateful. Then the numbers of christians in these polls would be better reflected

Also happy Easter 🙌🏾

For context, that anon was a Zionist hater/troll that was pissy at me for calling out genocide.

So in a typical Zionist fashion she tried to used those articles to mock Christianity. She really thought she did something by popping up those articles but she only exposed how slow she is because it's a well documented fact that Christianity is losing influence in the western world, while it's growing in developing countries, such as Africa and Asia..

It's very embarrassing to see people like her think the USA is a relevant compass to grasp the dynamic of the Church. Most Christians on this planet aren't Americans, let alone White or Westerner. This anon stunt screams typical yankee main character syndrome.

I always said that USAmericans Christian were the most degenerate flock of Christians and that we global Christians didn't claim them. Just today I crossed sword with Christians on TikTok about OSAS, and the lot of them didn't even know about the story or Ananias and Saphira. They either thought it was the old testament, when it's in the new one (Ananias ans Saphira were Christian converts who lived in a Christian commune administered by Peter (see Acts 5:1-11) or that I was making this story up🤦🏾‍♀️ Many American Christian are absolutely uneducated about the Bible. They never read it back to back. They are just too lazy to do so and let their (most likely corrupted) pastor spoonfed them with cherry picked passage.

I'm not saying you have to remember the entire bibles, but reading it's entire content will greatly help you having ringing alarms whenever someone says stuff that has absolutely no place in that book. For example, there was a post floating around radblr mocking Christianity and quoting a book comparing women to dogs. And as someone who read the Bible back to back, I clocked that BS immediately bc I knew for a fact that 1) women were NEVER compared to dogs in the Bible 2) the only comparison that's made in the Bible between dogs and humans is in Matthew 15:26 in the mouth of Jesus who's speaking parabolically about Jews vs Gentiles [earning themselves a seat at the feast] - and btw Jesus used the word kunarion which means puppy/little (family) dog and not dog in a regular/lowkey derogatory sense that's rather translated from keleb. You'll also note that the kunarion dog is exclusively used in that scene of Jesus parabolically replying to Samaritan woman and not any other Bible passage that rather featured the keleb dog that has a derogatory nuance into it (unlike kunarion has an affectionate one which is why that word only came from the mouth of Jesus). Sorry for the MASSIVE tangent.

Anyway, it turns out that book was apocrypha (those dumb radfem though Ecclesiastes (in the Bible) and Ecclesiasticus (apocrypha) were the same book...🤦🏾‍♀️) so it was normal I had no recollection of reading in the Bible comparison women to dogs....

Thank you for your commitment by reading these articles though 🫡 i legit felt like it was laced with some malware crap lol And happy (belated) Easter to you too. I'm really showing how slow I am at replying asks now 😅

[alltheotherblogs]

Friendships gone sour, and friendzoning an entitled brat.

I'm quite lonely now-a-days, wonder why... (That's sarcasm.) But I oft' find myself reminiscing on the past and friendships I've had and lost. One came to mind this evening which ended on a sour note and it wraps around to something I've been thinking about.

Love this fucking gif. Two life long friends showing they can do something that others may perceive as homosexual, despite having no romantic feelings towards each other. And, ironically, I often find people who ship these two despite there being no hint of romance between them. Sorry to burst your bubble, but guys can be close friends without having an underlying romance. Which brings me to what happened. I was friends with a girl (Wow, a guy friends with a girl, scandalous.) Really though, most of my friends growing up have been women, they seem to connect with me better. Not to say that men don't, I just find throughout many opportunities they've failed to connect on the same wavelength. Rambling. This girl and I talked a lot and as far as I was concerned we were on mutual friendship terms, her and I would regularly discuss previous romantic relationships, her in vulgar detail, which I didn't discourage but honestly it grossed me out. I'll admit, it comforted me that there was no semblance of a line to be crossed in sight, as though her and I could discuss anything in confidence, even sexual encounters. However, sexual encounters were not something I was interested in indulging, so it'd often just be her talking in graphic detail as I sat there and went, "Mhm." or, "Wow." or some other contextual acknowledgement of what she was saying. We had connection beyond just talking, we shared hobbies like Dungeons and Dragons and chat-based roleplay/collaborative writing. In fact, we'd written a few really good stories. I'd like to remake a few of those some day... One day, we'd finished a one on one session of D&D... It was a simple one shot, nothing special. But, that's when she popped the big question, "Liam, do you have any feelings for me? I mean beyond just friendly ones?" She asked this almost expectantly and I was almost too stunned to answer, it's as if she had forgotten about how she'd tell me of her past sexual experiences. It was a genuinely bizarre thing to say, especially since nothing romantic had happened in the session prior. I found the courage to tell her; "Of course not. I'm very happy being your friend." Seems that was the wrong answer for her. She genuinely had the gall to ask "Is it because I'm not a virgin?" Uh, yeah, and also no?! I answered her very clearly, "It's got nothing to do with your past romances, I really just am not interested in you beyond a friendly capacity." Paraphrasing a bit of course. Again, seems like it wasn't the correct answer for her little quiz. She left in quite a huff. We were both part of a greater circle of friends and she seemed to think that my feelings of not finding her romantically attractive to be either sexist or otherwise bigoted, because she began expressing to her friends that I was such. Not that I minded, I didn't really care what people called me and honestly the context flew over my head, as dark jokes were common amongst us all. The friends ended up splitting off into two subgroups and it kind of just gets nasty from there... But that leads me into my point.

He ate that like it was his last meal... Maybe it was. Perhaps in a more philosophical sense. As though he left that building without seeing beyond the delivery he'd be soon to make. Anyways My point; women and girls and even some men of a certain persuasion are very entitled to masculine affection. I couldn't for the life of me guess why... (That's sarcasm.) It's as if my love was entitled to her despite the circumstances. Which, obviously it wasn't. I'm an individual, a human, with free will, and a lot of it. For her to feel so entitled to my romantic affection honestly gets my goat to this day. It's not personal, I understand she was in the wrong and probably recognizes that now. But imagine if she doesn't... Imagine if she doesn't understand that affection is not something one is entitled to, and she goes about life with that philosophy. That's a genuinely scary thing to imagine, but a lot of people (mostly women) seem to hold this belief well into their adulthood. My abusive mother is a perfect example of this, she doesn't even just feel entitled to affection from the men in her life, but affection from her children who she has physically, verbally and mentally abused. It's a bizarre view into the mindset of someone so narcissistic. The woman can't even hold down a job and is still dependent on her parents. What a disgusting dreg. I genuinely hate everything she represents, and wish her dead at least weekly. I can't imagine wishing this on half the earths population, and thankfully these narcissistic types are primarily political leftists in western society. I'm not kidding by the way, in europe and the east, this kind of mindset is not as common as it is here. Guess I was just born in the wrong country... Not really, lol, I'm happy with my freedoms. If I was born in japan I cannot imagine how pissed off I'd be that I couldn't buy and own a Galil. (Balashnikov really did his best on that work of art and you can tell.) I guess I feel entitled to my human rights in the same way these entitled women feel towards the affection of men. Hell, lesbians are guilty of this too! I was friends with a lesbian and distinctly remember having a conversation similar to this blog post. I think to wrap this all up, what I really wish is that this bizarre mindset would just end. It's ruined a lot of friendships for me and has caused me a great deal of pain in my life. This most recent one isn't even the most painful or noteworthy. I'll not get into it... I've been surrounded by these types my whole life and it all just comes down to the way women are treated in the modern west. They really aren't given enough reality checks and I personally think things like this should be taught in school, what else is it good for? (Boy, my education experience is another barrel of worms that I'll save for the next post.) Imagine if not just women, but everyone was TAUGHT in school, the morality of expecting affection from those who don't owe it to you. Sure, your mother and father may owe you affection, but the men and women in your life don't, and you shouldn't expect that of them. Great lesson!

Jackpot. Finally landed on a conclusion to this mostly incoherent post.

I've even found that people are so narcissistic and entitled that the moment you reveal a story like this to them, they not only DON'T BELIEVE YOU, but find your reality and life experience to be offensive. It's such a coddled world we live in that we have that privilege. If you feel offended by my story, go drink used toilet water please. No, seriously. DO IT! DO IT NOW!!!

May this post serve as a life lesson and a story. Don't take your friends for granted, and don't feel entitled to anything from them. The only thing they owe you is the bare minimum. Politics are really dumb, and are making you dumber the more you indulge them. Also, I just find that I don't like people who voluntarily associate themselves with the left, I can at least appreciate the honesty of right wingers, but the leftists kind of sicken me with the beliefs prescribed to their party. Here's a tip! American democracy is a fucking sham! Don't associate with any party! YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED BY A CORRUPT SYSTEM!!!! AHAHAHAHA!!! Goodnight everyone! :)

[ialwaysknewyouwerepunk]

Do you mind sharing why you moved around so much in your youth? I find it very interesting bc my parents only moved houses in the same small town before I was born. And then they never moved. I grew up with the same friends from primary school, parted ways in highschool, still run into them sometimes when we visit our hometown at the same time. I really wonder how different it must be for you, making friends and moving away, not crossing path with them anymore, distant memories and loves.

i don't mind sharing! and i do think most ppl are more like your case, with ppl living in the same place/around family their whole life, and my parents did decide to do that eventually lol. we first lived in a city where my grandparents lived too, went to school there, but then we moved from belgium to the US bc my dad went to study there. it was an amazing time where i truly felt i had a great community, despite being so young. amazing school, i played soccer, did ballet, went swimming, gathered at the playground like all the other neighborhood kids... oof. it gets a lil emotional if i think about it too much. what the rest of my childhood could've been yk? anyway, my dad finished his studies and my parents were getting nervous living in the states bc politics were getting more intense back then (it was 2003) and so they moved us back to belgium. not too far from the initial city we lived in, but a village rip. even tho i was still pretty young i remember it as a culture shock lol. i'll just say school sucked. i could never adjust. i had friends all throughout and into high school but i don't remember it fondly, and i just have some friends left from that time. after hs i lived in finland with a host family, ig you could say i tried to escape something, and then i moved to another city in belgium for my studies. and tbh bc of my uprooted weird early childhood i can tell i'm uneasy living somewhere for too long and it sucks. during my studies i changed dorms every year. after my studies i moved to brussels and only stayed for two years bc i got sick of it. then i moved to berlin, which didn't work out in the end, so now i'm back in belgium again in the city where i did uni jhsrkjfr

feels weird to list it all out like that. ig that is also waaaay too much info but yeah. these are def things i've been thinking about more lately bc i never fully realised how it shaped my life to the core. there's def a lack of feeling "at home", a feeling i come close to feeling when i visit where i lived in the US and then it's not even full bc i haven't lived there since i was a kid so. i don't really know it anymore. yeah. here's to making the city i live in now my home, right?

[blackcatxmagic]

Of course this was Aris, though Copper appreciated the confirmation because this really was a drastic transformation. "You definitely have the figure for it, Aris, or should I say Elvira," Copper teased, grinning at his brother. "Where did you even come up with this? Like...I'm just really intrigued by the how of this costume coming together." All around, people walked by and gave them an array of looks, from interest to shock to disgust, though only a couple of times in the case of the latter. It was Halloween after all, and Cardinal Hill was an open-minded place. Why couldn't a guy dress in drag for Halloween, right? Doing his own little twirl, Copper retorted, "I'm everyone's favorite sea god, let's be honest," laughing as he said this. "Alas, I'm also more than a little cold. I guess gods don't have to worry about such things, which might be part of why they're always getting naked. But I'm only human." It was worth it though, at least in Copper's opinion. "Come on, we both know I'm going to be charming the hell out of people tonight," he said teasingly, a huge smile on his face. "Plus I look badass," Copper added, doing some elaborate moves with his trident until he very nearly hit a random passerby. "Sorry," Copper said sheepishly, and that was the end of his trident moves.

Laughing, Copper nodded and said, "Yeah, there's glitter everywhere, and I think 'weeks' is being generous. It'll probably still be there this time next year, unless I do some sort of spell, which...I'm honestly really contemplating." Even vacuuming ran the risk of him missing some of it, but if Copper could do some sort of glitter-removing spell, then he'd get all of it - or else possibly start his car on fire if it went wrong, which he supposed was a way to get rid of the glitter. Thinking of their childhood Halloweens fondly, Copper said, "I remember. You were always more about the candy I think, whereas I wanted to look awesome, even if my costume wasn't practical, like the time I went as a tornado. I couldn't even sit down in that costume, but I looked cool as shit, didn't I?" Copper always liked this, liked remembering with Aris. They weren't brothers by blood, but that didn't matter to either of them, and Copper liked recalling their shared history so fondly. He couldn't have asked for a better brother, and Copper was so glad that somehow, someway, their dads had brought them together.

The pair walked through the festival, and Copper looked around, admiring the decor and different activities. "Is it always like this here on Halloween?" he asked his brother. Aris had been old enough when he left Cardinal Hill to remember what Halloween had been like, and it was a reminder that his brother had a whole other life before he'd become part of the family. It was something Copper was starting to realize he felt insecure about, this pull on his brother that old life must have. It wasn't until recently that Copper realized he was worried about losing Aris to it. He had never realized how possessive he felt about the man until now. However, Copper didn't want to worry about that now. Tonight he just wanted to have fun with his big brother.

Laughing at Aris's remark, Copper said, "There's 'mischief,' and then there's just like...'criminal activity,' Aris. It's a fine line, so let's not cross it." He knew how playful Aris could be, how much he could push things, but Copper trusted his brother. "If we see someone who deserves it though, we can maybe 'haunt' an item for them," Copper conceded; that felt harmless enough. "You're not going to act like a saint tonight?" Copper asked in faux surprise. "You? Really?" Then he laughed, admitting, "If you did, I'd worry something was wrong." Standing there among all the other people, Copper gestured around with his trident, asking, "So where to? You lead the way, Elvira. I'll be your mischief assistant tonight." Aris had more of an aptitude for that anyway.

Aris gave a slow, dramatic turn, his towering silhouette casting a witchy shadow over the pumpkin-lit street. When he spotted Copper, he only laughed, sharp and playful under layers of smoky makeup. "Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite sea god," he drawled, putting on his best Elvira voice and leaning down so Copper didn’t have to crane his neck quite so far up. "And yes, dear brother, it is me. Who else would have the nerve—or the heels—to pull this off?"

He leaned back, placing one hand on his hip and using the other to delicately adjust his teased-up wig. “And look at you with that trident! What’s the plan tonight? Terrify the townsfolk or charm them into handing over all their candy?"

With a chuckle, Aris gestured down at Copper’s glitter-covered costume, stifling his laugh when he caught sight of Copper's efforts to avoid brushing up against anyone to avoid a glitter cloud. "Glitter in your car, huh? That’s gonna haunt you for weeks. But that’s dedication—I’m impressed. It makes me remember those old costumes our dads used to make for us—remember that pirate phase I went through? Half the time I looked like a soggy bandit, but you always took your costumes so seriously.” He laughed, the memory warming him. “Guess that hasn’t changed much, huh?”

As they strolled together through the Halloween festival, Aris let out a low whistle, gesturing with his elaborate, ring-laden fingers at the various booths, decorations, and townsfolk in costume. “They went all out this year,” he said with a grin. “I can already smell the cider, hear the creepy music… All we need is to scare a few unsuspecting souls and my night will be perfect.” He glanced down at Copper with a mischievous spark in his eyes.

He took a step back, hands raised in mock surrender, smirking down at Copper. “Okay, okay, I know the look you’re giving me. I swear, I will not get arrested tonight.” He pressed a hand dramatically to his chest, as if pledging allegiance. “No breaking and entering, no suspiciously haunted ‘borrowed’ items, and absolutely no pranks on the sheriff. Though… I’m not promising to behave like a saint either.”