#been the same exact info anyways so-)

[coopermelissa]

heyo just a lil psa that i added a link to my pinned post for those unfamiliar with the show/missy - it's just a google doc with some info i typed out about her but yeah - i realize people might need something until i get her bio up, whoops. i knew there was something i was forgetting ...

shout to @startold for helping me realize/remember to do this

[meanbossart]

Do you have any advice for people looking to learn how to do color like you? I've been drawing for nearly 13 years but I've never been good with color and feel like my pieces always look rather over blended or that I can't pick good color pallettes.

Just to preface: coloring was fairly new to me just up until recently. I've always done color here and there but it was never my favorite (I very much felt like I had the same problem you're describing) and for a long time my style was largely based around grayscale because of it. When I started doing BG3 art it kind of felt like a necessity to learn, though, since its such a colorful game. So, take my advice with a grain of salt!

My biggest struggle with color was that the style I wanted to do never seemed to match my lineart. I eventually realized that was because my style itself wasn't done with color in mind at all - like I mentioned above, I mostly did grayscale and let the linework carry the art entirely. This also skewed the way I distributed my efforts; I would get really exact and over-detail things with the lineart like I was used to doing, and then felt like I also had to overdo the coloring as well, because the slightly "rougher" rendering I was striving for didn't seem to match the style.

The solution I arrived at was changing the way I approach lineart entirely, purposefully making it sketchier and less "exact", not letting myself be boggled down with details. In this way, I feel like I have far more freedom in how I apply colors and approach the rendering. It has also been extremely beneficial to learn how to push simplification (both in regards to lines AND color) as far as I can before the art stops looking good to me, and that has allowed me to backtrack into more detail again while feeling far more in control of their application. The more you breach out and experiment, the more ways you will have to approach your work when you feel as if you've hit a wall.

Obviously, I don't know if any of this applies to you 😅 but it's info that's been super valuable for me to realize.

Something else that might help is hunting down for tools that don't let you be precise - staying away from sharp liners and brushes and picking stuff that looks more graphical.

Also, not letting yourself zoom into your work too much so you're forced to achieve the shapes you're trying to achieve with rougher strokes and lines, and hence avoiding overworking small details that will ultimately get lost in the final picture anyway.

And assuming you have a good grasp on the basics - put a cap on your rendering time. Try drawing as fast as possible so you're forced to look for alternative solutions for making stuff look good without spending days on it. (I do NOT suggest doing this regularly if you're just starting off learning things like anatomy and perspective though; take your time!)

As for color palettes - I feel like I have a horrible eye for color LOL so I can't offer much wisdom there. I will often be adjusting hues and depth well into the finalization of the piece and ultimately just throw my hands up and say GOOD ENOUGH before sending it off. Taking breaks from looking at the screen so you can take it in with slightly fresher eyes tends to help me, though.

[auriidae]

can i ask more info about the ethubs roadtrip au? it looks so fun and silly! also love your artstyle, its so squishable

HECK YEAH YOU CAN! and thank you so much aww :D i appreciate it!

ethubs roadtrip au is a story that exists mainly in my head atm !! i know i make it look silly with the doodles but it’s supposed to have a healthy mix of silliness as well as serious-ish stuff :’) in short, the plot follows bdubs n etho running from the same Thing From Their Past while. not realizing that the other is doing the exact same thing LOL. shenanigans as well as heartbreak ensue!

a more detailed summary of the hypothetical story, if anyone’s down for that, is like. bdubs n etho have been living together in etho’s apartment since bdubs Quite Literally crashed there a few months ago. modern day-ish setting, and ethubs r old friends from the same town/whatevs ✌️ one day the guys they’ve been running from show up! and ethubs simultaneously Flip The Freak Out while Trying Not to Look Like They Are Flipping The Freak Out. etho suggests a spur-of-the-moment road trip and bdubs goes Oh Haha Etho You’re So Smart And Cool And Have The Best Ideas so they pack up their things and book it. after that it’s lots of open road. nonsensical conversations after hours on the highway to keep each other sane. hushed phone calls at rest stops they try not to let the other hear. getting into hotels past midnight and sharing a bed in the few hours between then and morning ETC ETC ETC you see what i mean by ‘healthy mix of silliness and attempted real character studies’ pff. anyways i'm not getting into it all here because this post is already too long, but yeah it’s a whole! story!

i’m not sure if i’ll do anything with it (longform fic-wise, i mean) because i’m worried that the characterization is a liiittle self-indulgent lol. but it’s so cool to hear that other people r interested in the idea! so maybe i might?

[lovegalor333]

fresh start

part one (chapters 1-3) story info • next part

word count: 6.1k

content warnings: mentions of homophobia and depression

Lily

Transferring to University of Connecticut in my junior year was my final lifeline.

No one has actually verbalised that but it was an unspoken understanding.

Everyone in my life, back home in Boston knew that coming to UConn was a fresh start for me and a second opportunity at life.

I started my college career at UMass in my home state of Massachusetts. Going to college was just another thing on my list to tick off to pacify my family. Unlike my high school peers, I never aspired to go to college, in fact I didn't think I'd be alive by the time it came around.

"You must be Lily!" A sweet voice pulled me from my inner monologue as I stood in my new bedroom, boxes surrounding me.

"Yes!" I spun around to see a brown haired, brown eyed girl stood in my doorway. I flashed her my biggest, bravest smile.

Fake it till you make it.

"I'm Kelsey." She introduced herself coming closer.

Being a junior, I opted to live in an apartment for my time here at UConn. Four people, four bedrooms. That way I had my own space but still the option to mingle in our shared living room and kitchen. I knew I was sharing with three other girls as there was a paper with all our names listed on the table when I entered the apartment a few hours ago.

Kelsey

Madison

Hannah

and me, Lily.

"Nice to meet you." I say and Kelsey hugs me tight, its a warm hug and I can tell its not just a pleasantry, Kelsey feels kind and that relaxes me immediately.

"Looks like we're the first to arrive, how long have you been here?" She asks looking around at the numerous open boxes with my possessions spilling out of them.

"A few hours - how about you?" I bounce the question back to my new roommate.

"Oh I got here last night. Just took a walk around to familiarise myself. I lived on the complete other-side of campus last year but wanted to upgrade for my junior and senior year." She explained.

"I expect a tour at some point then." I joke but Kelsey nods enthusiastically, "Of course! Did you live off campus last year?"

"No. Well, yes - I lived in a whole different state. I just transferred from UMass." I tell her.

I decide to keep my explanation of why I transferred clean and concise.

Massachusetts was not for me.

I was born and raised there and needed something new. I'm not ashamed of my life and what has happened, I'm just very aware that not everyone needs to know everything about me.

Not yet anyway.

And besides, this is supposed to be a fresh start and how can there be any truth in that if I spend my time talking about the past.

Kelsey stayed in my room for the next few hours and helped me unpack the majority of my stuff. Things were starting to look normal rather than like a bomb had just exploded, I was thankful for the help.

I learned a lot about Kelsey in the time we spent filling my wardrobe and organising my dresser. She was studying Education as she wanted to be a preschool teacher. She was also from New England - New Hampshire to be precise (East Coast girlies unite). She was a party girl and insisted on showing me the bars near-by. She was newly single and was making it her junior year goal to stay that way.

Me too. But I didn't mention that.

Her favourite colour was red which looking at her now, was obvious. She sported a red baby tee and had her nails painted the exact same shade. She couldn't function without a morning coffee.

Me too. I did mention that.

I liked Kelsey a lot.

"So Kinesiology..." She started mentioning my choice of major.

"Yes - it was kind of a last minute decision. I love sport, especially soccer and I knew I needed to study something that I could relate to a hobby or I would have lost interest." I laughed.

"Do you play soccer?" I shook my head immediately, "God no. I have absolutely no athletic ability I just love watching it." I say as we sit on my bed side by side, backs against the wall.

Watching soccer, whether it be on TV or in real life was the only time my brain truly shut off. I was too focused on where the ball was, who it was being passed to, how well the pass was being executed and if the net would ripple at the end of a well thought out play to focus on anything else.

"I suppose ninety minutes of tight kits and sweaty bodies isn't a bad view." Kelsey giggled and I couldn't argue.

"Do you watch or play any sports?" I turn my body to Kelsey slightly giving her my attention, I preferred talking about others.

"Definitely don't play. As for watching, I make myself present if theres a big tournament on, usually at the bar mind you." She points a finger at me matter of factly.

"But enough about me. I feel like I've told you my life story and all I know about you is you're a Bostonian who loves soccer. Tell me something fun! Are you dating anyone? What's your type?" She asks eyebrows wiggling at me.

I contemplate my answer carefully not knowing how to broach the subject. Kelsey makes me feel like I can trust her but in reality I've known her less than 12 hours so don't actually know her. I remind myself why I'm here: to start afresh. I decide to be honest, I spent way too long hiding who I really was.

"I'm not dating anyone." I confess, the words feeling foreign even though its the truth. "My last relationship didn't end so well. In fact, it almost ended me." I quip making light of a not so light time in my life not so long ago. "Oh no, I'm sorry Lily. I'll kill the guy if I ever meet him." She says seriously, hands balled into fist as if she's a boxer preparing to go into the ring.

Here goes nothing.

"The girl." I say correcting her. "You'll kill the girl if you ever meet her." I stay silent trying to read Kelseys reaction to the fact that I'm gay. Living in America you never know what to expect when you reveal something like that, I just hoped mine and Kelseys newfound friendship wasn't about to come to a premature end.

"I have no problem beating a bitch up." The brunette says flicking her hair off her shoulder. I breathe a sigh of relief, the revelation doesn't seem to have bothered her in the slightest. "My sisters lesbian and I've heard enough stories to know girls are just as bad a guys. Maybe you should join the sisterhood of single juniors." She says, raising an eyebrow putting her hand between us for me to place mine on top and join the unofficial club. I hesitate because deep down I'm a lover girl and despite my heart being in a million pieces right now I know I want to love again.

"Hey, there's no contract. You can leave at anytime and theres no rules that say we can't have fun." Kelsey playfully reassures sensing my hesitation so I place my hand on top of hers, "Single sisters!" We both giggle, Kelsey leaning her body into mine so our shoulders are touching.

This feels like the perfect start to my life in Connecticut.

I left Boston broken. Brokenhearted and mentally in pieces.

My once big friendship group had dwindled down to one best friend. My ever growing confidence had come to a halt and years of therapy was thrown down the drain.

My Sophomore year was turbulent at best, coming to terms with my sexuality was a journey and then being outed was crushing and too much for me to handle. Managing my emotions has always been a problem of mine, I feel everything or I feel nothing. Both ends of the spectrum can be scary and dangerous and I did stupid things and made an almost irreversible decision.

UConn and Kelsey feels like the light at the end of the tunnel.

Madison and Hannah showed up at some point that evening. The girls had been roommates their Freshman and Sophomore year so already knew each other well. Kelsey and I introduced ourselves and we decided as a group, pizza for dinner was the best way to spend our first night together. We spoke and ate in the living area of our apartment until tiredness took over us one by one.

As I lay in my new bed in my new room I think of the days and weeks to come. I want to start off the best I can, give myself the best opportunity to love life again. Starting tomorrow, my goal was to find a student job on campus. Classes would take up most of my time but I needed pretty much all of my time filled, that way my mind wouldn't stray. I also wanted to scope out the sports. UConn was known for their amazing athletics program and I couldn't wait to be watching games again.

Oh and of course Kelsey wants to go to a bar tomorrow night, Hannah and Madison too so I close my eyes preparing for a busy day ahead, the melatonin I'd taken kicking in.

˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚₊✧˚ · .

My first day in Storrs as a student at UConn was going better than expected.

Kelsey had showed me her favourite coffee place and it had lived up to her hype. I got my usual order of an iced caramel latte with soya milk. I had unintentionally made myself lactose intolerant after being vegan for a few years. I was no longer vegan but dairy refused to be introduced back into my diet. While we sipped our drinks she gave me the grand tour of campus and then Downtown Storrs. It reminded me a lot of Boston which was bittersweet but I focused on the sweet.

"And that," She says pointing to one of the buildings with a huge Huskies sign, "is the infamous Huskies! The best bar around...well, the only bar around but never-mind. That's where we're going tonight." My roommate tells me and does a little dance which makes me laugh.

We finished our coffees on the walk back to campus and Kelsey dropped me off at the Athletics building where I was going to enquire about a student job. I had checked online and there were a few available, I just had to apply. I figured showing my face would make me stand out compared to the many applicants I'm sure admissions would have to choose from. It also gave me an opportunity to check the team rosters and schedule. I became friends with a lot of the student athletes at UMass because I went to so many games, it made me wonder if that would be the case here at UConn.

Walking into the building, it was obvious there was a gym inside I could hear what I assumed to be people working out. Music blasted through speakers though it was muffled by the closed doors and the clanging of weights dropping further verified my assumption.

The doors were closed as I walked passed what I now know is the weight room from the sign outside. My curiosity tempted me to peek inside the room as I heard a cacophony of voices, girls voices for sure.

I was stopped in my tracks, "Hi, can I help you?" The voice came from an older woman, I looked to her and smiled, "Yes please. I'm looking for the main office, here to enquire about a student job this semester." I explained.

"Oh wonderful - follow me, I'm Janet. Head of admissions for the Athletic Department."

I followed Janet down a few corridors and up a set of stairs before reaching the office. The walls along the way all adorned with various UConn teams holding trophies and medals covered in confetti. It was clear they were no strangers to winning here.

"So we have a few positions on offer is semester. I suppose it depends on what kind of role you're looking for." Janet says sitting behind her desk and inviting me to sit facing her.

"I'm studying Kinesiology so I'm just grateful to have the opportunity to work within the Athletics department at all. I'd be happy with anything." I say and truly mean it.

"What is your schedule like?" Janet asks.

"My classes are most days until 4 or 5pm. Wednesday's are completely free as are evenings and weekends." I tell her.

"Hm OK, we have a position here for a Communications Intern. You'll be assisting with post and pre game press conferences and social media posts. You'll be at most home games on the sidelines, taking notes for our journalists to write in articles and pictures to post on our socials - nothing professional of course, we have photographers for that but the fans like to see some behind the scenes on game days." Janet reads off her screen before looking up at me with a raised brow, "How does that sound?"

"That sounds great!" I replied enthusiastically, "As a fan of sports myself, hopefully I can show game days from a new angle."

"Amazing! Our womens teams are gaining a lot more traction, not just on campus so I'm positive fans who can't make it to games in person will be grateful." Janet smiles, typing a few words then standing from her desk. "I've put your name down - at the top of the list in bold - it's always nice when applicants come and see us face to face." I smile to myself knowing that would be the case.

"Thank you for making time to see me." I say to Janet, shaking her extended hand before she leads me out of the office. "My pleasure."

Outside of Janets office is a huge ceiling to floor window with a perfect overview of the gym below. I was correct earlier, there are people working out and it is girls. I stop momentarily to take in the view below me, my mind automatically goes to my major and I wonder what paths these girls are on. Are any of them injured or coming back from injury? I'm immediately intrigued as I watch them perform different exercises.

"Those are our basketball girls." Janet breaks my daydream. "I suspect you'll be working with them a lot this semester."

I turn to her my eyes slightly widened, does that mean I've secured the job?

"If your application is successful of course." She smirks but its a knowing smirk that puts me at ease.

"Oh, and thats Kayla." She points out a specific girl in the gym, dressed differently from the others and considerably shorter so I immediately assume she's not on the team. "She works here in the main office with me. She's a great girl to know, I'll introduce you."

I follow Janet back down the stairs and through the same corridors we took less than thirty minutes ago. This time I take more care as I look at the pictures on the walls, the basketball team seem to take up the majority. I spot names like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi which I am familiar with but not too much, in all honesty I've never watched a full game of basketball in my life. As we get closer to the end of the corridor where the pictures get more recent I notice one girl in particular, a blonde, she seems to always be in the middle of group photos, her teammates looking at her with admiration. Her smile contagious, making me smile as if I'm in the picture myself.

"Prepare yourself." Janet laughs as we approach the weight room door. "What for?" I ask now not so curious about going inside as I was earlier. "They're a lively lot." Is all she says before pushing open the door.

I take a sharp inhale, anxiety creeping in as I follow Janet into the room of athletes.

Every single one of my senses was hit walking into the weight room. The noises that were once muffled by the closed doors were now loud and clear. The room was significantly colder than the rest of the building for obvious reasons but I wrapped my arms around myself nonetheless. Thanks to my deep inhale on walking in, I was only now getting a waft of what smelt like a mix of sweat and fruit. I say a silent prayer that its the girls in here because I know for a fact it would be sweat mixed with more sweat if it was the boys. My eyes scanned the room quickly taking in what I just seen from above. I recognised some of the girls from the photos on the walls, not the blonde though. She wasn't here. Maybe she was a senior and had graduated already, a shame if that is the case.

"Hello ladies." Janet calls over the booming music. One by one the girls turn their attention to us and smile or wave and I return the pleasantries.

"A new commit?" I hear a voice behind me ask before feeling a hand press down on each of my shoulders. I unconsciously tense at the surprise contact.

"No, no. This is Lily - a junior here. She just applied for a job in the department so I'm showing her around." Janet explains and the girl that just had her hands on my shoulders walks in front of me revealing herself.

"Oh damn my bad, I got excited for a second." She laughed a little embarrassed, "I'm KK, nice to meet you." The girl introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you, KK." I smile at the basketball player and she goes to join the rest of girls who are now teasing her for basically jumping on my back. I didn't mind, it just caught me off guard. Besides, I'd rather these girls be overly friendly than cold and moody especially if I'll be working with them soon.

"I'm Paige." A slender hand extends itself to me, coming from the same direction KK came from. I take the hand in mine before looking to see who exactly 'Paige' was. "Hi-" my words get lodged in my throat.

There she was.

The girl from the photos. The blonde with the contagious smile and, I'm now realising, extremely blue eyes like the bluest eyes I've ever seen.

I compose myself quickly, "Hi Paige, I'm Lily." I manage without stuttering as I shake the girls hand before letting go, somewhat reluctantly.

Her hand was bigger than mine and it was warm pressed against my palm, my hand tingled where her touch just was.

"What's your major?" She asks and she seems genuinely interested.

"Kinesiology." I reply, turning my full attention to Paige, my back now to Janet.

"Interesting! You'll get along perfect here, lots of bad knees." She says lifting her leg showing off a nasty scar before tapping me on the shoulder and joining KK and the others.

"Lily hasn't got the job yet, Paige." Janet called after the girl who turned around, "You know what to do Jan!" She called back with a grin.

The girls giggled as she joined them and she playfully shoved one of them away. I couldn't hear their hushed words over the music but the way Paige glanced back at me, making direct eye contact, made me think it was about me or maybe I was just delusional hoping the pretty girl was in fact talking about me. I quickly averted my gaze.

The type of scar and placement on Paige's knee made me assume she had suffered an ACL tear. Tough, if I was correct. ACLs are a horrible injury to face but I can tell by the way she squats with a barbell rested on her shoulders, her form perfect, posture just right that it was healed. Suddenly my gaze was no longer diverted and I was just staring.

Janet introduced me to Kayla and we spoke for a few minutes, mainly about Kayla's role and how excited she would be if I joined the team as, and I quote, "The Athletics Department needed more girls behind the scenes."

We left the weight room together, Janet bidding us farewell at the door and Kayla and I walking to the exit of the building side by side.

"Welcome to UConn, by the way. I'm guessing you transferred here? I haven't seen you around before." Kayla says to me.

"Thank you! Yes, I just transferred from Massachusetts. So far, so good." I smile as we step outside into the warm August weather.

"It really is great here. Give me your number and we'll meet up, I know you just met Paige and KK but I'll introduce you to the others as well." She says pulling her phone from her back pocket and handing it to me.

I type my number in her phone saving my contact as Lily Kent - my full name. "That will be fun, thank you. I only know my roommates at the moment so I appreciate it." I hand Kayla back her phone.

"Thats the perks of working in sports, you make whole teams of friends." She says proudly.

"I need as many as I can get, it's kinda scary being the new girl. Maybe I'll meet some more tonight, we're going to a bar." I tell my, hopefully, new friend.

"Not the famous Huskies?" Kayla asks sending me a quizzical look. "Yes! The famous Huskies." I laugh, seems like this place has quite the reputation. "Perfect! We'll see you there then."

"We'll"? We all? As in possibly Paige? Suddenly I need to go back to the apartment take an everything shower, beat the hell out of my face and put together the best outfit I own.

˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚₊✧˚ · .

I wrapped myself in my robe and stepped out of the bathroom. All three of my roommates were in the living area of our apartment. "Hey guys!" I chirped, strolling into my room.

"Hey Lils, what are you wearing tonight?" Hannah asked following me into my bedroom. I looked back at her and we both glanced around my room and laughed.

Before taking a shower I attempted to choose an outfit which had resulted in me tearing my wardrobe apart, clothes now covering the majority of my bed and floor.

"Ok girl, never fear - Hannah is here." Hannah reassured sitting slap bang in the middle of the floor reaching for random items of clothing. "It's definitely a casual vibe but also our first night out. Not all students are back on campus yet but the athletes are so arguably thats even more of a reason to look good." She side eyed me from her place on the floor.

Could Hannah read my mind?

I hadn't mentioned my interaction or reaction to Paige to any of my roommates yet. Mainly because I had made a pact with Kelsey to stay single - not that Paige was in anyway trying to make me her girlfriend but also because I knew we'd probably see her tonight and three tipsy girls around their friends crush well, it wouldn't stay a secret lets just say that.

I also deep down knew that it was probably way too soon for me to even be thinking about another relationship but I can admire from afar right?

I was with my ex-girlfriend for almost two years before it finally ended in May, three months ago. 21 out of the 22 months we dated, we kept our relationship a secret from pretty much everyone. My best friend, Emma knew but that was it. That was the way we both wanted it, neither of us were out and we enjoyed sneaking around and having a genuinely private, private life.

That was until April when I accidentally left my phone in the library and it was found by someone who I thought was my friend. I stupidly had a picture of me and my girlfriend kissing as my lock screen. My phone was returned to me and everyone acted normal, I thought they hadn't noticed. Until that night, a picture of my lock screen was posted into our group chat and all hell broke loose. I felt physically sick at the words used to describe me and my girlfriend.

I was told I was sick, I needed help, I needed to find God and repent. I was told I was better off dead. It all very quickly became too much and I removed myself from the group chat and hoped to avoid the girls that were a part of it.

Unfortunately, there was no avoiding one another when your families knew each other. My girlfriend and I were promptly outed to all of our friends and families against our wishes. It put a lot of pressure on us. I was lucky to have kept a best friend in Emma. She stood by my side when nobody else did. My family were understanding, confused for a while but they came round and accepted me for who I am.

My girlfriend wasn't as lucky and that is what ultimately broke us apart. I don't blame her, she chose a relationship with her family and not being disowned over me. I can't blame her.

I blamed myself though. Me and my stupid lock screen had ruined us. I quickly fell into a downward spiral that was impossible to save myself from. I was drowning and I didn't know how to swim. I have a history of depression and I stopped taking my medication, I had lost all will to even try and continue with life and one night I decided I was done.

Life was not worth living if it was like this.

"Ok! How about this skirt, with this top?" Hannah asked holding up a distressed mini denim skirt and black bandeau top.

I looked at the outfit in her hands seeing the vision. "Yes, but swap the top for this one." I say holding up a long sleeve black shirt instead.

"Girl, it's August and we're going to be inside. You do not need long sleeves." I swallowed, I knew this would come up sooner or later. "Yes I do." Was all I said and luckily Hannah dropped the subject and threw me my skirt.

"Get ready! I'm going to change, we're leaving in an hour." The blonde girl stood up from my bedroom floor and left me alone to get dressed.

"Here, drink up." Kelsey placed a red cup, full to the brim, on my desk as I applied my mascara, finishing off my makeup.

"What's this?" I ask not waiting for an answer before taking a swig of the unknown drink. Vodka. It was definitely vodka and something else. I winced at the intensity of the cocktail. "It's the Kelsey Special of course!" My roommate laughed taking a sip from her own cup.

"Oh close your eyes!" She said doing a little jump, "I have a surprise for you."

“A surprise? For me?” I say doing as she says.

"Ok open!" I opened my eyes to see Kelseys hand opened in front of me, a danity string bracelet laying in her palm. "What's this?" I ask taking the thread into my own hands and admiring the intricate plait it was braided into. "It's official Single Sisters merch, duh!" She exclaims taking it back from me and tying it around my left wrist, she held up her own wrist showing off her matching bracelet. "I love them Kels!" I smile as I get up and pull her into a hug, "Thank you." "You're so welcome Lils, now lets get drunk!" And with that she drags me out of my bedroom, drinks in hand, into the kitchen where Hannah and Madison are pouring shots.

By the time we reach Huskies, its safe to say I'm tipsy. I'm not sure how many shots were consumed back at the apartment but I had another cup of the Kelsey Special and my body felt tingly and almost numb, it felt nice. I wasn't new to drinking and I knew my limit so I knew I'd be fine. We each got a drink as soon as we entered the bar and headed straight for the dance floor. The bar was decently busy, I scanned the room, no sign of Kayla...or Paige.

I'm not sure how long I had been dancing with my roommates before I felt an arm drape over my shoulders, "Hey hottie!" I flicked my head round and was met with Kaylas smiling face. "Oh my god, hiii!" I exclaim pulling her in for a hug, the alcohol had definitely hit. "These are my roommates! Kelsey, Hannah and Madison." I say pointing at the three girls individually, Kayla introduced herself as I finished the remainder of my drink.

"Come meet the girls!" Kayla shouted over the loud music, ushering us through the crowd over to a table in the corner of the bar.

She went around the entire group aquainting us with each other. I was now able to put names to the faces of the girls I'd seen in the gym earlier in the day.

Ice, Nika, Aliyah, Azzi, Aubrey and Jana.

"And of course you already met KK and Paige." Kayla says pointing behind me as Paige and KK approached us, multiple drinks in each of their hands.

I'm unsure whether it was the copious amounts of alcohol in my system or the moody low lighting of the bar but Paige looked particularly majestic as she sauntered over to the group. She had this vibe that seemed to follow her. Multiple heads turned in her direction and something told me she knew how hot she was.

KK was quick to put down the drinks she held and embrace me, I hugged the girl back taking in her sweet scent. Paige wasn't so quick, she handed drinks to her teammates and they thanked her before she turned her attention to me and my roommates. She introduced herself to Kelsey, Hannah and Madison giving them all a quick side hug.

"Hi Lily." She says, her eyes looking directly into mine. I have to look up slightly, the girl has some inches on me, "Hello Paige!" I can't help the stupid grin that spreads across my face as she leans in to hug me, not like the other girls, I'm encapsulated by both her arms, I swear if I was a cartoon character this is the moment my eyes would turn into red love hearts. Her scent was different from KKs, more vanilla-y, musky almost, warm.

"First time in Huskies calls for one thing: INITIATION SHOTS!" Nika says pulling me from Paige and leading me to the bar, her hands on my shoulders.

Once we all have a shot in our hands, Nika looks at me, "Ok one fact about you that no one knows!" She says pursing her lips.

God, the list was endless.

"I'm allergic to nuts." That was the most mundane fact that came to my mind.

"And not just the food kind!" Kelsey exclaims making the girls laugh before we knock back our shots.

Kelseys joke seemed to either go over everyones head or life really was different here in Connecticut and no one hated me because I was gay. Either way I felt comfortable around these girls, welcomed and it was a nice feeling.

I was reaching my limit but still found myself stumbling slightly towards the bar.

"Easy there." A hand grabbed my elbow balacing me before I was able to steady myself. "Thank you." I giggled and my words came out slurred.

I had definitely reached my limit but I waved the bar man over. "Vodka cranberry please!" I ordered feeling the hand move from my elbow to my lower back.

Who the hell was this?

I turned my gaze to my left seeing a guy slightly taller than me with brown shaggy hair smirking down at me. With one hand occupied on my lower back, the other dug into his pocket and he pulled out his card, "Let me get this for you." He says as he goes to pay for my drink. "No, it's OK." I say simply, trying to shrug him off. "Let me." He insists pulling me closer to him.

I was starting to feel uncomfortable when I felt his arm get yanked off of me, "She said it's OK, bro." Paige had inserted herself between me and the creep and gave him a light shove away. "Are you OK?" She asks looking at me sincerely, brows furrowed together. I nod, "I'm fine." I say as I pay for my drink. "Are you sure?" She double checks. "I promise, Paige. I've dealt with worse than a drunk guy in a bar." I reassure her. "As long as you're OK." She says, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as we walk back to the table her teammates were once gathered around.

Paige sits down at the booth and I intently watch as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and reajusted her t-shirt.

"You like what you see?" Paige is smirking now and I've been caught red handed.

"I um- I-"

Pull yourself together Lily!

"I wasn't staring." I defend myself lazily. Paige laughs, "But you were staring in the gym earlier." She says matter of factly, raising her brows at me.

I feel my cheeks burn, well and truly red handed.

"What?" Is all I can manage as a response.

"The walls are mirrored babe, just because you were behind me doesn't mean I didn't see you." If it was even possible, my cheeks got hotter with embarrassment.

"Cocky much?" I taunt the basketball player before taking a long, needed sip of my drink.

"When it makes you this flustered, yes." She says reaching out for my wrist, pulling me to sit next to her.

We're so close our legs are touching and I can smell the mix of vanilla and musk again. "Tell me something about yourself Lily. Something other than your allergy to nuts...not just the food kind." Oh god.

I muster every sober fibre inside of me to think of something that doesn't qualify as a trauma dump. I look down at my hands, the bracelet Kelsey gifted me earlier poking out of the bottom of my sleeve.

"I joined a club!" I say waving my arm up showing off the bracelet.

"Oh yeah, what club?" Paige questions, head slightly tilted. "Single sisters!" I say proudly. "It's just me and Kelsey at the moment but we made a pact to stay single all of junior year." I tell Paige about mine and my roommate's promise to each other.

She hooks a finger through the bracelet, her knuckle grazing my skin softly, and tugs gently. "Hey!" I pull my arm away afraid she'll break the delicate thread. "What are you doing?" I frown. "Just checking how secure that thing is." She looks at me with that god forsaken eye contact that she's so good at. "Wouldn't want it breaking." She says eyes still locked onto mine.

"Lilyyyyy." I begrudgingly look away from Paige to see Madison practically being held up by Kelsey and Hannah.

I thought I was drunk.

"I think it's home time." Paige says into my ear, her breath hot on my neck.

"Hi Mads." I say standing up, ignoring the fact Paiges breath had spiked my heart rate. "I think we should get her home." Hannah says and I nod turning to grab my bag.

Well, well, well.

I catch Paige, staring, right at me, I smirk to myself.

One point to Lily.

I bend slightly to pick my bag up off the table, "Looks like we both have a staring problem." I say quiet enough for just Paige to hear and quickly turn on my heel following my friends out of the bar.

˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚₊✧˚ · .

[clarionglass]

gang,,,,, gang. i am honestly still reeling from The game changer account reblogging the comic,,,, my god. my god.

for newcomers: welcome! thank you for being here!! for those who may have only seen the part of the fic linked to the comic, this is part 6 in the series (because truly i cannot stop myself). all the other parts are linked in the lil game master cinematic universe blurb i've got down the bottom of the post, and the whole thing is now on ao3!

and speaking of my lil blurby thing, if anyone else wants to play around in the game master cinematic universe, tag me so i don't miss it and i'll add whatever you make to the list!! and if you just want to chat about the crossover, hit me up! truly i am so happy to have as many people playing in this sandbox as want to be here :D

but anyway, without further ado:

a selection of correspondence (game master cinematic universe, part 6) | read on ao3

From: Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) To: Group <Dropout cast and crew> Subject: Announcements and info

Hi all,

Just a quick announcement that we have a new member of the team joining us at Dropout! Some of you have met him already, although you may not have realised it—he worked on A Game Most Changed and Escape the Greenroom in season 5, and Bingo, Deja Vu, Beat the Buzzer and Sam Says 4 in season 6, doing some of the hosting in my place.

And before you ask how that can be, this man is my exact doppelganger! He’s a time traveling alien who, for the moment, we are calling Other Sam, because we’ve agreed that the name he’s chosen is not exactly appropriate in a workplace setting. He’s here on a kind of rehabilitation program, as shows like Game Changer provide the sort of enrichment that he needs, without him having to resort to things like planetary conquest and murder. We also have him to thank for our new studio—he has kindly allowed us to use his (currently grounded) spacetime machine to record in, seeing as he did blow up our original studio. On an operational basis, nothing should have changed with the studio, but I do recommend you don’t go poking around in cupboards, just in case.

I promise on everything dear to me that this is not a joke.

I hope you’ll all make Other Sam feel welcome! So there’s minimal confusion between the two of us, he and I will be taking care to differentiate ourselves (he says he will try and look, in his words, “more evil”, although I’ll admit I’m not quite sure how that will work).

Series leads and producers, if you would like to include Other Sam in one of your shows, please let me know. He’s a lot of fun to work with, and he’s promised us his best behaviour, so I can guarantee there will be none of the aforementioned planetary conquest and murder. Of course, the wellbeing of all Dropout cast and crew is my highest priority, so if any of you are not comfortable working with him, please let me know as well, and production and I will ensure you are not cast in the same episodes. In future seasons of Game Changer, we will be sharing the hosting duties, so if you’re on an episode, it’ll be made clear which of us you’ll be working with.

On a related note, you know I hate being the bearer of bad news about mandatory seminars, but there is a training seminar next Monday on psychic defence techniques. This seminar is a requirement if you’re going to be working with him, and even if you’re not planning on that, I’d strongly advise coming along anyway.

As always, if you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Cheers, Sam

---

[Note: many responses with the general sentiment of “what the fuck?!” have not been included in the selection of return correspondence.]

---

From: Brennan Lee Mulligan (@gmail.com) To: Sam Reich (@droput.tv) Subject: Re: Announcements and info

I need this man in the dome immediately. 

---

From: Siobhan Thompson (@gmail.com) To: Sam Reich (@droput.tv) Subject: Re: Announcements and info

Hi Sam,

Many thanks for your email, and for letting us know about Other Sam. You don’t need to confirm or deny this, but I’m assuming he did something to us during the Deja Vu recording. I haven’t felt entirely comfortable around you since then, and until now I haven’t been able to find a logical reason why. You mentioned psychic defence techniques in your email, so I take it that there was some kind of mental fuckery involved—perhaps a memory wipe? 

I don’t know what he did, and I’m not sure I want to know, but whatever it is, I don’t think it’s good. I would very much appreciate it if I don’t have to work with him.

Best wishes, Siobhan

---

From: Grant O’Brien (@gmail.com) To: Sam Reich (@droput.tv) Subject: Re: Announcements and info

Hey Sam,

I’m already digging up info for a Breaking News segment. There’s someone on reddit called scarfytwin who says they might be able to give us some good info, but I might need to sign a few things first? Looks like it’s tangled up in some British government stuff, which is wild. Sounds juicy, whatever it is, and I reckon it would be good payback…

Best, Grant

---

From: Lou Wilson (@gmail.com) To: Sam Reich (@droput.tv) Subject: Re: Announcements and info

Man, are you telling me that Samuel Dalton was kind of a real fucking thing?? No way. If you let me punch him *hard* one time I’ll go on any show with him.

Cheers, Lou

---

From: Brian David Gilbert (@gmail.com) To: Sam Reich (@droput.tv) Subject: Re: Announcements and info

Hi Sam,

This explains a lot about the weird feelings I’ve been having since Deja Vu! I know something terrible probably happened during that recording, but I’d love to just sit down with Other Sam and have a chat. Do you recommend we just meet in a professional context, or would that be something you’re able to organize?

Thanks, Brian

---

From: Zac Oyama (@gmail.com) To: Sam Reich (@droput.tv) Subject: Re: Announcements and info

Cool.

---

From: Ally Beardsley (@gmail.com) To: Sam Reich (@droput.tv) Subject: Re: Announcements and info

Absolute freak behavior and i love this for you, sign me up for anything!

---

From: Mike Trapp (@gmail.com) To: Sam Reich (@droput.tv) Subject: Re: Announcements and info

Hi Sam,

Huh, that sure explains some things. This will probably be cool in future, but for right now, I think I need to do a bit of processing. I’ll let you know!

Cheers, Trapp

---

From: Vic Michaelis (@gmail.com) To: Sam Reich (@droput.tv) Subject: Re: Announcements and info

Hi Sam,

Intriguing! If you think he’d be up for the prosthetics, I’d love to have either of you on Very Important People next season. Both of you together would be even better!

Vic

---

From: Lily Du (@gmail.com) To: Sam Reich (@droput.tv) Subject: Re: Announcements and info

Hey Sam,

I’ve had a chat to Grant, and I would love to put this guy on Dirty Laundry. Grant says he’ll share what he finds out from the reddit person with me, and we might be able to make a good episode happen.

Cheers, Lily

---

From: Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) To: Other Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) Subject: Fwd: Announcements and info

Well, most people seem to have taken it well! Looks like we’ll be having some fun…

---

From: Other Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) To: Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) Subject: Re: Fwd: Announcements and info

“Not exactly appropriate in a workplace setting”?

---

From: Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) To: Other Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) Subject: Re: Re: Fwd: Announcements and info

We discussed this. You agreed.

---

From: Other Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) To: Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) Subject: Re: Re: Re: Fwd: Announcements and info

I most certainly did not. I said “hm”. “Hm” does not count as agreement.

---

From: Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) To: Other Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fwd: Announcements and info

You do know this is a group of people who I can guarantee, on hearing the word “Master”, would react the exact same way Grant did?

---

From: Other Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) To: Sam Reich (@dropout.tv) Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fwd: Announcements and info

Fine. “Other Sam” it is.

---

missed an installment of the game master cinematic universe?

original idea by @ace-whovian-neuroscientist: x

art by @northernfireart concept: x scissor sisters sketch: x sam and his doppelganger: x escape the death beam: x

by @bloopdydooooo drawing collection: x

writing by me (!) part one (escape the greenroom): x part two (deja vu): x part three (sam says 4): x part four (you think you know someone): x part five (point and counterpoint): x part six (a selection of correspondence): you are here!

[loupy-mongoose]

*Ahem*

Happy Halloween!! ^w^

Bug Fables.

It's my current favorite video game, and actually, you can thank it for Linden Roots existing~

I'll explain, but in order to do so I have to dive into spoilers for one of my absolute favorite plots for one of my absolute favorite characters, so I need to slap on a;

MASSIVE SPOILER WARNING!

In my opinion, this game is best experienced SPOILER FREE, so if you haven't played it and want to some day, I recommend skipping my info dump below. (This info can be acquired before beating the main game though. :>)

You're okay with spoilers? Yes? Okay, carry on.

So.

Those who are familiar with Leif's story will probably see how Bug Fables influenced the creation of Linden Roots.

A long while ago, I mentioned Randy being inspired by my favorite fictional character.

That's Leif.

Leif is a moth who is ancient.

And dead.

Loooooong before the game takes place (I can't find an exact timeframe; it's like a generation or two), Leif went with a team of bugs to explore a cave, but ended up dying in there. In that same cave, a group of scientists later experimented on cordyceps. Now, as soon as they became relevant to the story I was HOOKED.

I learned about cordyceps as a kid, and they scared the crap out of me. But it also was one of those morbidly fascinating things I'd look into once in a while. (Before anyone tells me, yes, I know that's what's in The Last of Us.)

If you don't know, IRL cordyceps basically turn bugs into zombies.

Anyway, the scientists were trying to find a way to create eternal life (what else is new lol), and did this through cordyceps. Which, as one could guess when dealing with zombie fungus, ended up going badly for the scientists.

One of the "failed" experimental fungi was thrown out, and found its way to the deceased Leif, and brought him back to life. It took on his memories, and Leif woke up without knowing what happened, until you dig into his story during the game. So the "Leif" we know in the game isn't truly Leif, but is the fungus living as him.

Now... I'm sure that sounds a bit familiar...

This idea of a character being dead-but-not struck a chord with me. It fascinated me to no end.

But there's more to it.

As one might expect, Leif has some tragedy surrounding him.

While playing the game, you can stumble upon his decedents.

This here is Muze. With a 'z'

This is Leif's great great however-many-greats grand-daughter, who you meet in the game's present day.

When he was alive, he had a wife.

His wife was Muse. With an 's'.

We never get to see what Muse looked like, but he says in-game that Muze is a spitting image of her. Hence why Akoya is dressed as she is in my pic. She's dressed as Muse.

Now, according to the developers, Muse was pregnant when Leif went into the cave where he died.

And he didn't know.

There are several moments in the game that show Leif's potential as a father, but one in particular stood out to me.

(Note for the images; Leif refers to himself as "We/Us".)

Oops, I forgot one. Vi finishes by shouting "I said it's not happening!"

The text in the last shot bounces/wiggles in-game, indicating playfulness or joking.

If you're familiar with Goombario and Goombella in the Paper Mario games, this dialogue is this game's version of that. You can have the main characters give flavor text on any area and most characters in the game. (And I recommend doing it often, as it adds SOOO much to the game! ^v^)

This bit takes place in the first room after Kabbu and Vi meet Leif. And at the end of the room, an event happens to change what's said for the rest of the game. Meaning, the only time you see it is RIGHT after they meet; He was getting playful with these two bugs he'd met only moments ago.

I'm sure it can just be seen as sarcasm, but having found this dialogue after learning about Leif missing out on raising a child, I saw it as a clue that he would've been a great dad. And it shattered me. ;w;

Randy and Akoya are wish-fulfillment. They're my version of Leif and Muse. They're my way of giving Leif and Muse what I'm sad they missed out on, while also keeping some of the angst, lol. Thankfully, they've evolved into their own separate characters that I feel I can be proud of, but Leif's story and tragedy still has a deep, well-protected place in my heart.

Anyway, thanks for checking out my ramble. I accept no blame for any potential spoiler you might've seen against your will. XD

[cookie-crumblr]

The Smell of Smoke

F!Reader x OC

Part 9~

His Info: 🐺🍒

Part 1 — Part 8, Part 9 Epilogue.

(parts 1 - 8 is a different ML)

!!!MINORS DNI!!!

CW: F! Reader, reader has a vagina, reader referred to as she/her, married reader, reader has ptsd, therapy, werewolf, size kink/difference, reader in a dress, bloody meat eating(not by reader), comfort for all the past hurt, protected sex, sweet tbh, lovey dovey, p in v, fingering, squirting,

It’s been a few years… Well five to be exact.

You still haven’t been able to have sex in a while, but your partner doesn’t push you.

In fact he doesn’t even ask.

He just wants you to be happy and he knows when you’re ready you’ll come to him.

He’s comfortable with you, and you’re comfortable with him.

You both live in a cozy little stone cottage with a fireplace in the middle of a spruce forest. It’s perfect, everything you needed after everything you went through.

You also, thankfully, have internet, and are able to attend weekly meetings with a therapist, and monthly meetings with a psychiatrist.

Ever since what happened you’ve hardly been the same person, but you’ve been filling your hollowed shell back up slowly with things you can enjoy, and Ace helps you every step of the way.

And After his brother died he didn’t chase you down, he was just there for you, and you were there for him.

It happened as naturally as the rivers rush to ocean. As caterpillars morph into butterflies.

And you’ve always trusted him, even when it was all going down.

He doesn’t even mind in the slightest that you spend your nights reading smut about abusive partners to cope with what you delt with. Even though it worried him at first, he thought that you might try and go seek it out. He knows now it’s just a safe mechanism to help your brain feel less traumatized by what happened in the past.

Your life is peaceful.

Today’s your marriage’s anniversary!

Ace is walking you through the woods, a picnic basket on one arm, and you on the other. The trees smell so amazing…

He even offered to carry you, but you just giggled back at him, and walked ahead until you realized he’s leading the way and had to return to his side.

His muscles are even bigger now, he chops firewood for you both all year long to stock up so he doesn’t have to as much in the winter. And in the winter he has a weight lifting set in your shed with a space heater.

He takes his morning runs, and his monthly transition is one of the easiest things you’ve had to “deal” with, as he calls it. He turns into a big humanoid puppy, it’s too good to be true, and you wouldn’t believe it yourself if your didn’t get to cuddle a massive and super warm, super fluffy werewolf every month.

You don’t need the fireplace or even blankets on those nights, his massive body keeps you toasty.

“We’re almost there,” He sighs happily, his big warm hand covering yours to were your fingers look just so tiny it’s almost funny to you.

“I can’t wait! I um… Have a surprise for you too, hah,” You laugh trying not to sound nervous.

“You didn’t have to get me anything Y/nick/N! I just love you!”

“Well i did anyway!” You stick your tongue out at him defiantly.

“Hah! well okay then, I’m not about to turn down anything from you!” His beaming smile is contagious and you breathe in the fresh, nature scented air.

He leads you to a gorgeous clearing not too far from your home with a lake and a waterfall… He put up fairy lights, and it looks like the cleaning is sparkling! It’s beautiful, like actual little fairies dancing between the branches all around.

“Woah!” You pull away from him to run ahead, and do a spin. Your dress flows out as you do.

The grass is so soft here, and the setting sun kisses your skin through the branches.

You deserve this life.

This nice, peaceful, perfect life.

With a partner that actually loves and cares for you.

Speaking of, You turn back to see him gazing in utter awe at you. His head tilted to one side like an innocent puppy with his ears perked up waiting for a treat.

And you have one for him… After food of course.

“Come, let’s eat! I made your favorites,” He learned your favorite foods and learned how to make them for you, all those bad days of panic attacks and flashbacks made better with a yummy treat. Sure it didn’t fix them, but he cares and that’s what helped the most. His actions show nothing but care and love and patience with you.

Your meal is amazing, he’s cooked it to perfection. His is an extra rare steak and some grilled asparagus. You always know what he’s gonna pick to eat too, something bloody with a side of homegrown dark greens.

He built you a green house and raised flower beds, so most of your food you get to grow yourself, he hunts for the rest.

You’re both relaxing with content bellies when you look from the stars to him, and down to your hand in his.

“Ace, I want you…” you tell him in earnest.

“A-are you sur— No, right! Of course you are… Please tell me the second you’re uncomfortable, I won’t be upset!” he stammers a little, while messing with his fluffy pink mop.

In your purse you brought lube and a condom, and you show him with a hot face.

His smile is dorky and cute, if his tail was out it’d be wagging, he can’t help his excitement, and his aura’s vibrations in the air seep into your body.

You smile your own cute dorky smile back up at him.

He gently takes your hand and leads you down into the grass, laying you on your back. The ground hugs you, and feels just like a comfy cushion all around. The weeds tickle your arms and legs adding to your overall giddiness.

he puts the condom in between his lips while he takes off his shirt over top of you.

He keeps looking at you with big round pink puppy dog eyes, making sure you’re still alright.

His rough hands that are oh so soft against your skin, travel from your calves to your thighs, around your sides up to your collar bones and down your arms. He’s worshiping every inch of you.

You join him and start to feel up his muscles, his rock hard chest, to his washboard abs, back up to his shoulders and down his huge arms and into his hands.

“C-can we hold hands…” You ask looking away bashfully.

a tear forms in the corner of his eye, “You’re so precious, Y/N” he blinks it away with an honest and heartfelt laugh. “I have to… Put this on first” His dorky smile comes right back and you let go, your hands in little nervous fists up on either side of your chest. “Hey it’s okay, I’m here, You’re okay,” He coos, and gently finds your hands again.

“May i?” He asks, and you nod your head. His hand glides over your skin again, pulling your dress up over your waist, and exposing your lower half. He pulls down your panties and lets out a shaky sigh, admiring your body.

His lust is palpable, and you’re feeling the heat too. You have been for a while, you just still felt so scared. Everytime you’d think about it and you’d be unable to breathe or function for days. Not to mention the night terrors that had you waking up punching Ace, not knowing it was him and not Ezra.

But it’s been long enough and you want to be fully free and happy, without the past weighing you down anymore. You were finally getting better.

Healing.

He presses a couple fingers to your slit, “I-is this still okay?”

“Y-yes!” You quietly gasp your response, not fully expecting his touch that time. His hands are so hot, and so, so big, and calloused. You feel every bump, as he starts to slowly spread your lips, and get your slick before coming up to your clit for a quick spin. He remembers the lube and puts some on his fingers, “I’m, gonna open you up.” He tells you both.

Even though he’s a little awkward, his directness is turning you on more, and soon he makes contact to your skin with the cool jelly. Goosebumps raise over your flesh and he squeezes your hand with his own. His other presses into you, at first you yelp but hold his hand there so he can’t pull away.

Seeing you holding his arm, he pushes his fingers deeper in. your back arches with them and you squeeze his other hand, bringing it closer to you, you kiss his thumb in a loving gesture.

He could seriously cry right now. But he has to do this for you. He wants nothing more than to make you happy, than to make up for everything he let his brother get away with, with you. He doesn’t think he ever could, he knows he can’t. He isn’t delusional.

He curls them inside you, and finds a spot that makes you mewl and stays there, massaging it with his thumb and two fingers in a big soft circular motion.

You’re sighing it feels so nice, like an actual massage, as if this isn’t even sexual he makes you feel pure.

“I think… I’m ready,” You gasp, and hold his forearm now with both hands trying to pull him away and the second you tug he follows your lead.

“I love you,” He kisses your head, and lines himself up with you, he makes sure he’s holding your hand in one of his, he puts it up over your head against the grass. so he can hover over you. eyes level with your own.

“I love you—Tooo,” you let out a high pitched sigh as he pops his spongey tip into you and rolls a little. “Haaah ahhh” Again he massages that one spot this time with his hot cock, and it’s driving you mad! you can’t help but want to be fucked now. “Please A-Ace! F-fuck me!”

Your words almost awaken his beast but he has to keep that locked away. Not right now, maybe in the future, but not right now. He starts a slow pace, but it still isn’t enough for you.

“Ha-harder! please! Or faster! o-or both!”

He listens and jostles your whole body with one hard thrust all the way in, kissing your cervix. He looks you all over to make sure you’re okay but you’re in ecstasy, brows knitted, lip bitten, moaning… Waiting for more.

He gives it to you, pounding into you with a controlled vigor, he’s used to having to control himself, so this comes naturally to him, even without much experience.

He changes his pacing frequently to keep his own excitement down while yours rises.

Quicker and quicker!

and then a slow pound into you as deep as he can. Speeding back up and only pushing in about halfway, hitting that spot and so frequently~ “Ah~” If you’re not a squirter you are right now.

You’ve never had an earth shattering, universe opening, orgasm like this one before. Holding the hand of someone who really truly loves you. You come so hard for him.

“I’m so, so proud of you! You did so good! You’re— Youre amaz-ing!!” He comes so sweetly as he coos to you.

When he pulls out he takes your lips with his own. Then pounds into you until your both coming undone again and shaking, your legs are twitching so bad by the end that you can barley stand.

He carries you home that night a satisfied and happy man.

[friccafracc]

so I've been making a Dungeons and Dragons campaign set in the Magnus Archives Post-Change, and I'm coming up with npc's for my players to interact with!

I have seen Strandy all over my dash here and on twitter, and I wanted to know if you'd be okay with me sticking him in my game as an npc? and if the answer is yes, could you give me some fun facts/backstory/info on him?

I just love the little guy and I think my players would like him too!

omg Strandy npc YES ok so Strandy technically doesnt have a name, but everyone just calls him Strandy because hes a "Stranger andy" ("don't ask me what that means"). Despite his constant social blunders, he's actually fairly competent on his own and knows his way around the fears and being an Avatar. While he's in disguise he has canned surface-level responses to small talk he uses over and over again. He also doesn't have a lot of patience and will get agitated if people ask him too many dumb questions. Backstory-wise, he won't give any information very easily (mostly because he doesn't remember a lot of it) but for mechanics and character building, he was a white guy living in the suburbs in southern USA (yes, he might have a little bit of an accent if you want to give him one shdfgkh) during the 50's and 60's--peak cold war era. He had a wife in a loveless marriage before he went full-avatar. He remembers the first time he wore a skin to impersonate his then boss. He doesn't remember what his name was. Fun facts! He's a little bit of a clean freak and strives to keep up appearances even after the eye-pocalypse. Technically he can eat, though it's lost its pleasure a long time ago (and besides, eating and drinking with the mask is clumsy and messy anyways). His closet comprises of the exact same white dress shirts, pants and ties that he insists are all for different occasions.

Hope this gives you enough for Strandy npc and I hope everyone has fun in your campaign!! :D

[dnpbeats]

everything they've said so far regarding the subject has been that they don't wanna breech that line and jeopardise their privacy. every night on tour they talk about the importance of privacy and even though its kind of their brand and we know you know, they don't want to go that far. they've said it so many times so I don't know why everyone always thinks they'll hard launch

I was gonna make a joke about TIT but it’s a spoiler so I won’t bc I don’t wanna have to tag this whole post lmao

but anyway lol I understand what you are saying, I used to think the exact same thing. But I also think in the past year since the gaming channel comeback things have changed. Like, a year ago, did you think they’d ever play a game explicitly made for couples at all, let alone play it without being all like “🤪 we’re playing it as friends 🤪”. Did you think they would tell somebody asking for breakup advice that they “missed the memo” and say they aren’t qualified to give advice on that? I also think it’s important to remember that what dan said in BIG (and phil said in one of his q&as, I think in 2021) about not divulging any information about their relationship was like, more than a couple years ago at this point, and before they brought back the gaming channel and entered into this new era. I know recently they have said “no that’s private ❤️” in that interview but that doesn’t really count because if they are going to hard launch they of course aren’t gonna do that in a random magazine interview

I also said this in another post (I think when I was talking about marriage hill 💀💀 lmao) but I think too that the way they have talked about keeping their private life private is very indicative of the relationship they’ve had with their fans and the internet as a whole. Dan said in BIG he didn’t want to talk about his relationships bc he wants to be able to fuck up in private, and phil said that he wants to keep that to himself bc it’s hard to close that door once it opens. Those are points of view that come from years of fans and other ppl alike constantly trying to prove this and that about you and your relationship. I don’t mean this in a disparaging way, because I think it was accurate for the time they said these things, but it’s a view that is formed by poor boundaries with your audience. I think it’s obvious (to me) that in recent years but especially the past year, they really have gotten a grip on like, how to create boundaries btwn themselves and their content, their fans, the general public, etc. because they are more in control now of their public image than they ever have been, I wouldn’t be shocked if some of their fears they had before have dissipated. I think now they’ve figured out to share what they wanna share and how to be like “no stfu” when people come digging for more

so that’s all to say, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if their opinion on being explicitly out about their relationship has changed, because even if they come out with that they’d still feel like they can control how much of it they share

(also let’s say theoretically they actually are for real getting married, that’s public info, so if they wanted to come out on their own terms (i.e. not have their marriage leaked) they would have to hard launch before it)

[taeloke]

Overanalyzing 4KOTA Chapter 142 instead of just waiting for more info (2/2)

Part 1

This is the part where I talk about King and no one else. Also, this is more ramble than analysis by the end, and I'm making myself not worry about length this time, so...you have been warned :) As for Mertyl, I'll definitely talk about him again over the next chapter, though I might not say as much as I did the first time.

Firstly, look at this face. Remember all those seasons ago, when everything was peaceful for like a single week? How sweet and thoughtful this little guy was, especially against his own personal wishes?

This is King--regardless of how he's like on the outside.

Elaine herself described him as someone who tries to act tough but is really a crybaby. He's someone who can't seem to stop wearing his heart on his sleeve. He always tries to hide his feelings to keep everyone else from worrying, but try as he might, anyone will see through his "tough act" if they're around him for long enough. Awakened or not, he's not King if he's not a highly emotional character like that. He's just a lot better at putting a cover over those feelings now. He's grown up for real.

If you read these last few 4KOTA chapters without remembering the original Seven Deadly Sins story, it only makes sense to look at him more like an ass of a father right now. There's a lot to his perspective that we just haven't gotten to witness yet, and one of the easiest conclusions to make from all of that unknown space is "King loves Nasiens more than the adopted son he raised." For crying out loud, he's giving an immensely scarce cure-all to a young man who introduced himself as a human without an explanation for why Myrtel hasn't received it yet. We don't even know for sure if he's tried using the Drug of Yore to treat Myrtel's condition in the past right now.

There's just one problem about that conclusion: King isn't like that at all. It only looks like he is because this family drama is fatally poisoned with tension and misunderstandings at this point. It's starting to explode.

Remember how way back in the series, King first thought Diane without her memories of him would be better off without him at all?

I think that's a lot similar to what he's thinking with Nasiens right now. If King didn't play a part in their present happiness, then what right does he have to want their love? He'd label that as too greedy or selfish in a way that he can't allow himself to be. He thinks he knows his place, and that place is somewhere forever distanced from his first-born kid.

But he can't just do nothing for Nasiens. Maybe just one totally subtle yet significant expression of love can slide, right? What could he, seemingly as nothing more than a ruler, possibly give to Nasiens to make him happy? Maybe if he gives Nasiens just one perfect gift, Harlequin will feel like he was good for his son at least once. He'll feel like he's finally atoned for losing Nasiens for too long and failing him as a father, and then he can let that "sin" go. Surely, Nasiens wouldn't be happy knowing the truth anyway. He'll be better off never learning about his true relations, since he's built his life without it already. Assuming that "logic" is what King's going through, a lot of his actions make sense to me.

And yet he still almost slipped up and spilled the beans.

Nice save, King, but if you gave Nasiens more time to think he would have realized what you really meant. Tioreh gave him time to realize she believed he's a fairy and his initial freeze then was the exact same.

None of this is easy for King. It isn't easy for any of them. In some ways, those past 2 years must have felt like forever to him. Precious time to have his first-born kid around that he'll never get back. And after 2 years of keeping distance...

"Sorry, I couldn't help but follow you."

"I just wanted to help you out, in any way I could."

King can't keep his distance anymore. His true feelings are starting to break free.

"Hee hee... Don't be shy, now. I just want to be of assistance."

Sure, King. Saying it like that totally doesn't make it sound like there's more to this, even with your confident/amused chuckle.

Of all the gifts he could give Nasiens, I'm sure King believed this was the one thing Nasiens couldn't refuse to accept from him. A powerful healing drug that he advertised as one-of-a-kind and a once-in-a-millennium opportunity. With it presented not only as that, but also as something that might bring Percival back, how could Nasiens reject such a gift? Right?

...And then Nasiens rejects the gift. Immediately, King gets so nervous that he breaks character.

He immediately started sweating too. King prepared everything up to this moment, and he has no excuse as Nasiens questions him and calls him out.

And Nasiens is right to call him out because of how this looks.

Nasiens, just like us, doesn't yet know what the truth here is. He's right to be suspicious and King needs to realize that plans in how the changeling duo is handled need to change right now. Ready or not--telling the truth is the only way to save what's actively starting to cave in.

But the sad thing is...I have a feeling that it's too late already.

Things are only going to get worse from here... I don't know how, and in a way that makes this feel more awful.

Sixtus should tell King that Mertyl saw him offer the Drug of Yore to Nasiens. There's no doubt in my mind that King will realize the problem once he has that information and try to do whatever he can to make things right. PLEASE don't make him too late again. At least give him a chance to talk to Mertyl before things fall apart if that's where all of this is headed.

[aita-blorbos]

AITA for letting a bunch of people die...?

It's... Not much more complicated than that. I (19M) woke up in this... Let's say film set, maybe yesterday? It's been hard to keep track of time. Shortly after I woke up, the company that put me there (because of course a company put me there) sort of took control of me. Or, at least, I thought they did? The point is, I had to do a bunch of random things to get out of the film set, partially while being guided by this guy, H (No clue how old he is, M?). There were two other people in this film set, and... I'm not proud, but I stood back and watched as one of them was dragged away and probably mauled to death. Then I had to fight the other one, and maybe killed him?

After that, I thought I got out of the film set, but it turns out I was just taken to ANOTHER film set, where I had the misfortune of sort of causing another six deaths. I didn't directly murder most of them, and for one, I was just doing what I was told I needed to do to survive... But I still feel guilty for all of them.

I did manage to get out of that second film set, which is when H showed me that everything had been a film set, and started trying to get me out of the facility where those sets were. Unfortunately, while getting out, I sort of led the same people from the first film set (I think they were revived?) to their deaths... Again. I also stabbed a guy, but he was... Full of wires, so I don't know if that counts.

Anyway... Turns out H never wanted me to escape in the first place. He actually wanted the exact opposite. And now I'm kind of on trial for everything.

... AITA?

[padawansuggest]

OH I JUST HAD A SUPER COOL IDEA!!!!!!

So. Jedi (or simply force sensitive) looking for someone. They have been searching forever. They have zero leads and short of someone mentioning they saw that person or them being contacted by them, they cannot figure out where to go from here.

But then. They get a call. They are, in fact, contacted by said person. All they say is they’re alive, come to this planet, they cannot explain over a comm tho.

But then. Just as the Jedi is about to go to the cockpit to shift their course. They wake up.

In the exact same place they were in in that dream. They wake up there. And it suddenly hits them that they zoned out so hard the force gave them a waking vision.

So they go to the cockpit and put in the coordinates and end up finding the person they were looking for, who says that while they thought about it, they never actually contacted them.

Anyways. I think the idea of the force sending visions of a conversation you COULD have had and it gives you the right info to get where you need to be, would be cool. Or have a vision of walking into another room and seeing something so you know to avoid it. Or having a vision of how you’ll get shot or something so you know to avoid that.

But like. They didn’t know it was a vision till they come out of it. Kinda fucks your brain up but it would be cool.

[clobertina]

Random cat fur mutations (and other info) I feel could be REALLY, REALLY good inspiration for people who want it!

1, Cats can have absolutely GORGEOUS fur mutations! Ones I always use as reference when I make feline-inspired original creatures! (Also, these are real mutations btw, though these are not ALL of them! As Tumblr won't let me share more than 10 pics ofc lol)

--The King Cheetah-- a cheetah born with it's spotted pattern conjoined together; making these beautiful 3 stripes down it's back and unique splotch patterns!

--The Spotless Cheetah-- a newer descovery... Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure it's only been seen once, like, ever. It's called a Spotless Cheetah, but what's interesting is that it still has a speckled spotty pattern despite being “spotless”; Just MUCH different to a regular cheetah! I'm ginuinely really interested on what could have possibly caused this honestly!

--The Maned Lioness-- Lionesses' born with too much testosterone. They are more aggressive and can, funnily enough, unintentionally trick rival males into thinking there's more males to protect a pride.

--The Black Tiger-- Tigers born with too much melanin; resulting in these tigers having an absolutely GORGEOUS striped pattern! It can also extend to White Tigers too (even though White Tigers are purely man-made to clarify)

--The Strawberry Tiger-- I unfortunately don’t know much about what causes the mutation… so I’ll quote Google (whatever causes it, it results in the tiger having a golden color to make the long story short) “Due to no official name, people mostly refer to these tigers as strawberry tigers. This obscure color variation is caused by a recessive gene called the 'wide-band gene,' which is only found in captive tigers.” -Google

--The King Leopard-- it's basically the exact same mutation wise with the King Cheetah, but just with a leopard! (I think it's only been recorded and seen twice)

2, AAAAAND, In case anyone wants some inspiration for animal sounds for animalistic OCs and Species n stuff 👌

Each cat sounds almost completely different to eachother, I highly recommend watching if you want some cool ideas to headcanon or take inspiration from!

That is all for now, Sincerely, the huge animal nerd who had no reason posting this but wanted to anyway LOL!

[cxhleel108]

LITG S8 Thots for this week: Here we go again…

(Sorry friends a bitch was getting crunk the last two days so I did not have time to do this until today❤️)

• Ok before we even start why is he sitting like thiskdmsmsnsnd someone help me.

• So the customization…I told y’all I wasn’t trying to gag too hard when they first revealed MC and this is exactly why cuz once again why we only get braids for textured hair??? They’re not even free like y’all already pissing me off.

• So clearly this season is about zodiac because why else would we only be getting star sign tattoos?

• Meet Jaylin y’all😝😝😝 You’ll be getting all her info soon.

• Everyone hating this swim suit but it actually being my favorite. The others were just ok to me Idk sue me.

• Mind you it’s only been like 2 minutes and we already causing issues.

• I think we’re already getting married tomorrow guys Idk.

• And he has a lion tattoo so that means he’s most likely a Leo and my girl is a Gemini oh look how I ate this pairing up!

• Oh Theo stans I’m so sorry…

• I’m so glad I’ve never ended up getting the guy stuck in the “Day One” couple like I really would just end it all.

• The job options being the exact same…ok! I wanted her to be an athlete anyway😁

• Him assuming that he had a high chance of being picked when Oakley and Jin are present…I just busted out laughing.

• Yeah all this talk about compatibility and these dudes talking about being “magnetized” and “drawn” to us is def giving let’s compare our charts to see if we should fuck each other or not.

• Such a real bitch oh Claudia I love you already💯💯💯

• Sophie telling me to cool it around Jack like I want him…I just busted out laughing again.

• Our date with Theo just feeling like two people building a friendship and not a relationship was nice I would love for it to stay that way tbh (Him like 5 minutes later saying he was trying not to flirt with us can they not do this again like please).

• Jack’s date was a snooze fest who’s shocked? Also him having two moms just makes sense Idk why.

• I am gonna have so much fun replaying this season to do Jin’s route omg this man is too good.

• Yeah I already don’t like Emel. Girl who is bringing yo ass a bouquet at 8 in the morning??? Don’t piss me off.

• Uhhh cuz I’m badder than you, duh!

• Outfit time🥳🥳🥳

• These are cute!

• This is not!

• Right…anyways so!

• Yikes!

• Hehehehe no y’all don’t understand like she is already my bestie fr. Love when one of the girls is here for the fuckshit.

• The drama that be happening sometimes be so stupid like girl. Claudia sitting here telling me everyone was mad at each other on DAY FUCKING ONE because nobody wanted to be with who they were with…do y’all just come on here and then forget how the show works.

• Oh girl just stop like fuuuuck😭😭😭

• Outfit time again✨

• The panties did not need the sheer added.

• This literally being a swimsuit.

• Claudia’s outfit is so cute ugh werk!

• WHY IS THIS MAN BOOTY SO DAMN FAT LIKE OMGGGG😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

• He wanna compete with me so bad!

• I’m cryinggggg why we really living the storybook romance that Emel keep begging for.

• Me & Oakley: “Cheats are the lowest of the low”

• Also Me & Oakley: *Eating each other’s faces off outside*

• Yes please get Emel out of here before she takes Willow’s place and actually starts annoying the fuck outta me.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for getting mad at my friend dating?

So a year ago I (25F) went to a birthday party with my friend group and ended up head over heals for a guy. This was extremely weird cause I've never dated or felt attraction before, so I was confused and scared but excited all at once.

My friends were very supportive, but one most of all because she's the exact opposite of me and wanted to help. She's been dating since she was a teen and is very confident when approaching dudes.

She gave me advice on how to talk to him irl, on social media, etc. She found him on tinder once and sent me his pictures. Anyway, she gave me a ton of confidence that I'd never had before when it came to my sexuality and I really appreciated it.

So I talked to him various times in a span of 4 months, long ass conversations, but I never was brave enough to ask him out. Until I did, April this year, and he said yes. But as I tried to arrange a day for us, he gave me signs that he wasn't really interested in going out. I gave him an out and he took it. Never spoke to him about it again.

A week and a half later my friend calls me. She talks with a tone of voice that honestly scared me so I thought she was mad. I was also in a very sensitive state because of what happened with the guy. So I meet with her, she sits down and tells me that, a couple of weeks ago, she had started to have feelings for the same dude as me. She said she wasn't going to act on those feelings until I asked him out, and that turned out negative. So she gave it a shot and he said yes and were going out that same week. She said she wanted to let me know first and if I was mad at her.

I honestly could not believe what she was telling me and didn't know how to react. Because I thought she was upset with me when she called I had taken some anxiety medication, which created this sort of fog in my mind that wasn't helping. She kept asking if I was mad and I said I didn't think it was worth it, that fighting with a friend for a guy wasn't something I thought was healthy. And she was relieved, said that it wasn't like I had a claim on him either. She thanked me and we left it at that.

The next few days it became clear to me that I was mad as hell. Jealous, disappointed, rejected and upset. I tried to tell her in the most peaceful way how I felt because I avoid conflict like the plague. She got really defensive.

After that my friends, who were very supportive of me and my newfound attraction at first, told me to move on, that it was just a crush, that I was probably mostly upset because he chose her and not me. That there's other guys out there.

They're still going out and I avoid them as much as possible. I feel so hurt when I see them, but I feel like I'm being childish. Yesterday someone asked her if they were official yet and she vehemently denied it. But they ARE dating, just not boyfriend and girlfriend.

AITA for being mad?

What are these acronyms?

[finniestoncrane]

Obsessive Headcanons

Dano!Riddler Headcanons commission: some hc's for eddie being an obsessive little weirdo 🐀💚 commission me here! request info • prompt list • send me a request • kofi • masterlist minors DNI!! 🔞 cw: obsessive, stalking, yandere themes

He can be a little bit… intense with his obsessive nature.

A lot of it is down to trust issues. Why wouldn’t you leave the same way that everything else has. Which is ridiculous to him, because it’s not like he’s ever had that much in the first place. Though, he supposes that’s why he notices it more when it’s snatched away from him.

So having someone, especially someone like you, within his grasp, to be in your favour.

That’s not something he’s willing to give up, or to have taken away.

The world is cruel. But he can be crueller if need be.

First on his agenda would be memorising your schedule. Social conventions tell him that it’s too early to have you move in, but that would be his ideal situation. To have you under lock and key, in his sights all the time.

Not that he would keep you locked up.

Although, if it came to it… it’s not necessarily the worst idea in the word.

But until then, whichever scenario he ends up settling on, whichever method turns out to be the one that works best, he’ll be satisfied with knowing where you are and what you’re doing.

It’s surprisingly easy to get trackers on your phone, your keys, your favourite pieces of clothing or shoes.

Just… in case something bad happens to you.

And so he can be sure to show up to help you if you need him to.

Next up, he intends to ingratiate himself in every aspect of your life.

Need a ride to work? Someone to chum you on the train? He’s right there beside you.

Your hallway light went out? Don’t worry, he just happens to have the exact bulbs you need!

Door a little bit creaky? Yeah he noticed that? Oh, your bedroom door? He noticed that too… or… no he didn’t… ANYWAY! He has some WD40 and he’ll get right on it.

Oh wow! You go to trivia night at this bar? So does he! You won’t have seen him for a while though, he’s been really busy with work and couldn’t make it. But uh… if you have room on your team… he’d be more than happy to join!

And the stranger who keeps calling you and then hanging up? How about he blocks the number? Or answers it for you next time?

In fact, how about you spend the day with him? That way, if the stranger calls, he’s right there beside you.

He’ll always be right there beside you, if you let him.

In fact, he will be even if you don’t.

That’s just how dedicated he is to you!