#but it’s a bigger thing I’d probably post on it’s own anyways

[lunarrosette]

Once I finish this school year and graduate I’m just gonna compile every school assignment that was essentially thinly veiled dndads fanfic or directly abt dndads

[hierophantmeme]

The Stranger in the Mirror

(Zoro x Reader)

Hello, everyone! I’ve been contemplating whether or not to post my fanfics for years, but anxiety had gotten the better of me. I've been trying to step out of my comfort zone more recently and thought why not post them now. So here’s my fanfic debut, I guess! 

This is part of a bigger thing I’m working on, but I wanted to post a little snippet to see how it goes. If anything doesn’t make sense or if the beginning feels abrupt, that’s probably why. I tried to edit it so it could still be it’s own stand-alone piece. 

Some context before you read: Before the events of this scenario, the reader feels they needed to avoid Zoro as to not show their true feelings. They are now in a situation in which they have no other choice but to confront them. I’d say what this situation was but then I’d have to explain a lot of stuff and just wanted this to be short.

Content contains: no y/n, 1st-person POV, short instance of dissociation, implied AFAB reader but gender-neutral pronouns are used, SFW for the most part (gets a little steamy but not too much), a bit of body worship, short, plus-sized, insecure reader

———————————————

“I’m sorry if you don’t love me back but I just can’t help it. I’ve been avoiding you because I fell in love with you, okay? I didn’t want my stupid feelings for you to make things awkward since we’re crewmates.” I stare at the man in front of me waiting for his response but am met with silence instead. “I know you could never love me back so just forget I said anything okay? I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable.” I start to leave but am halted by his deep voice.

“That’s it?” I turn to face him. “I thought it was something more serious.”

I stare at him in disbelief and answer, “What do you mean. This is serious, Zoro. You’re unbelievable, you know that?”

“But it isn’t.”

“What do you mean it isn’t. Are my feelings not serious enough for you? You’re all that’s been on my mind and it’s so annoying. Do you know what it feels like to be in love with someone who doesn’t even look your way? I know we live on the same freaking boat as each other but you’re always training or sleeping and I see the way you look at that marine lady with the glasses.”

“Who? Tashigi?”

I nod.

“She’s a marine! Ya think I’m gonna go for someone like her? I only kept looking at her cause she reminded me of an old friend that’s no longer with us. Besides, she looks different now after two years and I never thought of my friend as anything more than that.”

I place my hands to my face in shock, “Zoro, I’m so sorry. I had no idea…”

“Hey, it’s not your fault. I don’t talk about her much anyway. But I’m surprised with how often you look at me, you don’t see the way I look at you.”

I tilt my head in confusion, “What do you mean?”

“It means I like you too,” he states so matter-of-factly, his mutual confession doesn’t process in my mind.

We stare intently at each other for a few moments until his words finally get through to me.

“Why?”

“What do you mean why,” questions Zoro like it’s some big mystery.

“Do you see me? I’m not as tall or as skinny as Nami or Robin. I can’t train or be in battle for as long as you and the other strawhats can without collapsing first and being a nuisance to you guys. And I’m such a coward.” I turn to the side and look at the floor, “I can’t even confess these silly little feelings right. It took me two damn years to say anything cause I was so scared..”

He slowly walks up to me and places a hand on my shoulder. I look up into his lustrous, dark-gray eyes. My longing gaze quickly turns into one of determination.

“You know what,” I say in the most assertive tone I have ever spoken in, surprising myself in the process, “I won’t be a coward any longer.”

I take him by surprise as I jump up to wrap my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. I then pressed my lips upon his for a quick second, still afraid of what he might say.

“You call that a kiss? Cause if you’re gonna stop being a coward, this is how you shoulda done it.” He places his hands on my hips and holds me in a longer, more passionate kiss than the first. 

Soon tears begin to flow down my cheek. Once we break our lips away, he opens his eyes and notices. 

“What’s wrong?” he asks, rubbing the tears away with one hand while keeping a firm grasp on me with the other.

”I don’t know. I guess I’m just still in shock. I know there are far better people for you out there than me, so why again would you choose me?”

“Um, I dunno… I guess I like someone who can challenge me. I know you may not have much to challenge me in physical strength,” he says teasingly, ”but you’ve challenged me in mental strength, and that has honestly been a lot tougher than any physical fight I’ve ever faced.” He starts peppering my neck with kisses. “Oh, and one more thing” he trails up to kiss my cheeks and then stops to look at me in the eyes, “Believe me when I say I’ve never seen anyone as attractive as you.” 

”But-” He presses an index finger to my lips.

“Shhhhhh. Let me show you something.” He carefully carries me over to a mirror in the room and sets me down in front of it. “I want you to name every little thing you hate about yourself and I’ll prove to you that you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

”Zoro, what the hell. You know I’m afraid of mirrors.”

“Well, you said you didn’t want to be a coward anymore, right? Maybe it’s time to face this fear. I think I know why you’re so afraid of them and I’m gonna make you love them cause I want you to see what I see when I look at you.” He stands behind me and places both of his hands on my shoulders. "What’s something you think makes you look ugly? I’ll show you that you’re wrong.”

“Um… o-okay?…” I stammer out feeling a bit embarrassed at being put on the spot. “Well I- I told you earlier…” He looks at me with a stern look that turns into into a softer frown. Zoro’s hands move down to my hips. His hands reach to pull the hem of my shirt up just a little, revealing a sight so utterly disgusting, I flinch and turn away. I want to escape his grasp but I can’t. It’s not that he’s holding me so tight that I can’t physically leave, but there’s just something about him holding me like this that makes me all flustered and weak in the knees. I may not be a devil fruit user but his touch weakens me like sea prism stone would to someone that was. Damn this idiot mosshead!

He surprises me further by shifting to one side of me and he kneels down to my hips, showering me with small kisses as he descends. His arms reach up to turn me around to face the mirror again. His hands massage the weight I have to carry 24/7. “Ya know, babe. I actually like someone with meat on their bones. It just means they’re gonna taste so damn good, and if you were any thinner, I’d probably accidentally break you in half anyway.”

”So you’re not grossed out by it?”

“Why would I be. Look how beautiful you are. Every inch of your body is so friggin’ irresistible. I don’t care what other people find attractive, cause I know what I find attractive”

”Does that mean you like my stretch marks too?”

“What do think?” His lips curl up into a mischievous grin. He presses his lips on the stretch marks of my round, squishy tummy, one hand holding me around the waist in place, and the other massaging my side in small circles. I freeze up to look at the reflection in the mirror. This isn't something that should be happening. People like me don’t usually get to experience something like this. It’s so foreign. I clearly must be dreaming right? 

It’s like I’ve been removed from my body and am now observing a complete stranger. The taller person looks familiar but I swear I’ve never seen the shorter one in my life before. They look like something I’ve never been; something I’ll never be: beautiful. 

Who is this person looking in the mirror? That could not possibly ever be me. There’s a handsome, kind, and strong, yet gentle man moving his hands and lips down to the person’s thighs, devouring them like they were the most delicious meal he’s ever had. Way better than anything the blonde-haired, curly-browed cook could ever make. 

He’s now speaking into their thighs in a sweet, deep voice. I can’t hear anything but I can feel the vibration of his voice. But wait… How am I feeling that vibration if those aren’t my thighs he’s speaking into. He then stands up straight and stands behind them, caressing every bit of skin on their gorgeous body with such devotion. If that was my body, this man would avert his eyes in sheer disgust. Certainly, no one would ever want to lovingly and willingly feel the plumpness of my body… right? He turns the person around and… no wait, that can’t be right. I should still be looking at the mirror. Why am I looking at the warm, dark eyes of the green-haired man that was worshipping that divine body just a second ago?

Could that have been-  No, it couldn’t have. Could it?

[looptroupe]

HI GORGEOUS!!!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR WIPS AND AUS IM REALLY INTERESTED 🙏🙏🙏

Foams at the mouth

I’m in the middle of writing up a whole HC post for someone asking about a highschool AU but I’m gonna take this opportunity to sidetrack the conversation towards something I’d love to genuinely see from the series… a HEAVY (film) noir lean. Think: Bogart, Framed, Gilda, Vertigo… probably pushing the era back 40’s, 50’s way (Maybe even some 30’s lean in there, if I could get away with it) instead of the general 60’s vibe Lupin has going for it.

I think there’s a TON of potential there. I mean, I’m aware something like this was pitched (and never picked up, sigh…) so there IS sentiment there, and the idea has been thought about, but instead of TWCFM’s ‘serious Lupin’ I’d love to see a true noir ‘serious Lupin’. I think you can put these characters into a serious setting without making them straight up evil, and I’ll be honest, I think it would be way more appealing than the stuff they’ve been releasing lately (besides Zero. I have to admit that I loved Zero).

I’d want the gang to actually feel like criminals, though. Cutting shady deals in illegal bars, Lupin running his mouth to big players about whatever new heist he has up his sleeve. I’d take them back to being Miyazaki-esque ‘living paycheck-to-paycheck’ rather than ‘insta-rich Lupin funding his hedonistic spirit’ because I think that would work better in this universe: Lupin is constantly getting them in hot shit with the big leagues because he can’t keep his mouth shut. Jigen has shot ten guys this week who have come knocking at their hideout’s door looking for trouble. Goemon’s sick of digging graves and is antsy to finally be who he dreams of being. Fujiko’s got her eyes on a bigger prize, like always.

Zenigata’s an underpaid beat-cop-turned-inspector who has been trying to climb the ranks for a long while. He’s ambitious, but a little too soft for his own good: he’s hopeful in a way that most of the guys in his squad aren’t, and that makes him the perfect candidate for when the commissioner has to shill a shitty 9-5 case on an unsuspecting worker. A file lands on his desk, and he flips through it with this eager fire, like he’s just been asked to take on the world, and Lupin and his gang smile up at him from the pages.

Lupin is a crook, he learns. Part-time petty thief, full-time smooth-talker: a man with a legacy to live up to and not a whole lot to show for it besides a reputation as a lady-killer and a particularly long unpaid tab at the seediest bar in town. His sticky fingers have landed him in more trouble than they’ve gotten him out of, and recent reports say that he’s managed to get under the skin of the most notorious once-criminal-now-film-director in town… the very criminal that underhandedly paid Zenigata’s boss to start an official investigation in the first place.

Jigen is a gun-for-hire. Babysitter, bodyguard, hitman… whatever you need, he’ll do, however begrudgingly. He’s not a guy you mess with: and his reputation is actually pretty good in criminal circles. He’s well-respected and well-liked. Or, he was, until the monkey-faced man at the bar implicated him in a crime he didn’t commit. Now, he’s babysitting without pay, and he’s starting to get a little sick of having to put bullets into the faces of old friends who decide his bounty is worth more than his loyalty. Figures.

Goemon’s a man slightly-less-out-of-time. A famous Japanese-American film star, he’s known world-over for starring in Samurai flicks alongside his leading lady, Fujiko Mine. The thing is, Goemon is classically trained in swordslinging, and when Lupin offers him an opportunity to be the very person he’s been portraying on screen, he’s more than happy to throw his reputation away. He never cared much for fame, anyway. There’s just this one little hitch: he’s enamoured with the sword he last used on set, and he won’t take no for an answer when he asks Lupin to retrieve it for him.

Fujiko has her eyes on a prize a little more exciting than Zantetsuken: the film empire she’s helped build herself. The tabloids can’t get enough of her, and she knows that a marriage to the most famous director the world has ever seen might just secure her a place in history. The thing is, the man she’s trying her best to seduce has stopped paying her attention since his beloved priceless-antique-turned-prop-sword went missing, and she’s determined to get it back for him. Because what would make him fall quicker? Ah, there’s just one catch: Lupin is kind of charming, and the life he’s living is… exciting. Tempting. Fujiko likes playing with fire, but she’s starting to get a little too close to this one particular flame. The heat has her cheeks burning… Or maybe that’s Goemon’s doing.

They’re a strange little bunch, the Lupin Gang. But man, do people have a habit of underestimating them. Zenigata included. Because what he thinks to be a simple case of theft soon turns into something more sinister as the layers of movie-magic veneer begin to peel away. Maybe Lupin was onto something, targeting this guy, and maybe this hotshot director isn’t quite as reformed as he says he is.

He went to court recently, after all. Say, how much did he pay the judge to overturn that guilty verdict? Zenigata would like that sum as a pay rise once this has all blown over. That, and some fresh smokes.

((Mmm someone should hop on board and help me develop this I think. Could be a fun little exercise on the side… if it’s up anyone’s alley >:) ))

[fictitiouswanderings]

Jayvik posting part 7

Probably going to drop off soon and stop writing, unless i'm hit with more motivation, but here's the last bit i wrote.

Thanks for all the likes on the past parts, I hope you continue to enjoy this trash/throwaway fic

If Viktor thought Abigail's pregnancy was hard he was in for a large surprise when he started getting morning sickness and nausea all day. Even the faintest smell of anything new could have him heaving into a trash bin. If he wasn't vomiting he was combating acid reflux. He knew he needed to eat but he could hardly keep anything down. Jayce worried for him even more so than he did before. He learned to keep saltines nearby for Viktor whenever he was nauseous and held his hair back as he vomited and assured him he was fine. 

There were times that Abigail would come to the lab with Jayce only, leaving behind Viktor at home when he was feeling too sick to get up. Jayce figured having Abigail there would only make things more complicated as he could look after her just fine but Viktor…Viktor just needed his rest. Ximena started coming over more often to help take care of both Viktor and Abigail, leaving Jayce alone in the lab. She loved to help with her grandchild, and she loved Viktor just as much, so helping him wasn’t a huge deal.

“Viktor, have you eaten?” She called from the kitchen, holding onto a squirming Abigail.

No noise left the bedroom. She adjusted Abigail before going to check on him to see him sleeping. She smiled and gently closed the door behind her as she went to the kitchen to prepare him something to eat anyway.

When Viktor woke, the house smelled like Ximena’s home, which surprisingly didn’t upset his stomach. He groaned and got up to check in on the two, pulling on one of Jayce’s robes, his hair messy from sleep. He pulled himself out of bed with the help of his cane and made his way to the living room to find Ximena feeding Abigail and humming. “Thank you for watching her while I slept,” he spoke softly, “I really needed that” “Oh dear, of course, anytime you need an extra set of hands I am one call away” came her reply. 

“Oh and I made some food for you, I know you haven’t been able to eat much” 

“You didn’t need to do that” “I didn’t need to but wanted to, you know how much Jayce worries over you” she spoke.

Viktor moved towards the kitchen to find the food she made, it looked delicious and his mouth watered, he only hoped he could keep some of it down. He nervously sat at the kitchen counter and took a spoon to it. 

“Jayce wasn’t easy on me,” she started, to which Viktor looked over to her, spoon in mouth. “Hmm?” “When I was pregnant with Jayce I could hardly keep anything down as well, sometimes all I’d eat in a day was rice” she laughed softly, recalling the past

“Sometimes I feel like that’s all I can eat” Viktor chuckled

“My guess is it’s a boy” Viktor stopped eating for a moment, “How can you tell?” “Well…once you’re a little bigger sometimes you can tell by the way your belly sits on you, but I’ve always heard harder pregnancies are usually boys” 

“A boy..” Viktor mused, he wondered if Jayce would enjoy that. 

“Well right now it’s a little too early to check, but I’ll keep that in mind,” he said as he continued to eat. Whatever it was that she made seemed to stick to his stomach with some relief. 

Abigail began babbling and Ximena turned her attention back to her, mock babbling back and tickling her nose with her own. This elicited a loud shrieking giggle much to both their surprise. “She loves you,” Viktor spoke “very very much it seems” “All babies love me” Ximena chuckled and held Abigail close, hugging her gently before putting her down to crawl on a playpad. 

Just as she started to lift herself onto her feet with the couch the front door opened. “I’m home!” Jayce announced, startling Abigail who fell back to her knees. He wasn’t sure who spoke first but there was mention of Abigail standing and he quickly looked for her. “On your own two feet already?” He spoke as he watched Abigail try again. 

They all gasped when she was finally up on her two feet, holding onto the couch. “She’s fiercely independent” Viktor laughed a little. “I wonder where that comes from,” Jayce joked as he watched his mother take photos. “Ma, how long have you been here?” Jayce directed his attention to his mother. “Not long, just most of the morning…and afternoon” She replied.

Jayce rolled his eyes, “So all day?” Ximena couldn’t help but smile and nod. “Yes son, all day, helping out so that Viktor could rest” “And did you?” Jayce now turned his attention to Viktor. “Of course! I got plenty of rest, Ximena even made me something to eat” “Rest and food? That’s great!” Jayce exclaimed, overjoyed to see Viktor feeling even a little bit better. 

Abigail started to whine and Jayce quickly scooped her up and held her close, “And what about you trouble?” he asked before nuzzling her nose to which she giggled. 

“It’s been a good day,” Ximena spoke, “Abigail has been changed and fed and is probably ready to lay down for a little while” 

As if on queue Abigail began yawning and rubbing at her eyes. Jayce gently began bouncing her in his arms before making his way back to the nursery, to attempt to put her down to sleep. 

“Thanks again for watching her all day” Viktor spoke to Ximena who was already grabbing her coat. She came over and gently patted his check before kissing his forehead. “Anytime baby, you know you can call anytime” Viktor couldn’t help but blush a little, he pulls her in for a tight hug which she reciprocates. He’s always adored Ximena and can’t help but feel overly grateful for her. Jayce comes back out empty handed and comes and pulls them both into his arms for a hug. “Thanks Ma” he says, to which he also gets a kiss on the forehead. 

“I’ve got to be going now, but don’t be afraid to call me, I’ll be over next Tuesday for dinner like we discussed” She says as she worms her way out of their arms and towards the front door. “We look forward to it” Viktor responds before Jayce can say anything. 

Ximena smiles back at them both before she leaves, leaving them alone in their home once more.  

Little silence passes before Jayce is grabbing hold of Viktor and holding him tightly. “Did you miss me that badly?” Viktor chuckles

“Of course I did, it’s so quiet in the lab without you” Jayce responded, nuzzling his head into Viktor’s shoulder. 

“It was pretty quiet here today too” Viktor replies, a hand coming up to play with Jayce’s hair. “It has been a good day” 

“I’m so glad to hear that, I’ve been really worried about you” “I know” is all Viktor can say. 

—---

Months pass but the nausea and heartburn don’t subside, Viktor having gotten used to them at this point, able to know exactly when it would be bad or reasonable to deal with. He’s spent most of his time home decorating their nursery and spending time with Abigail. Jayce has been lost in his work sometimes coming home late, both of them asleep. He’d always make sure to wash off any grease from the day before hopping into bed with his lover. 

One night coming home Viktor is just getting into bed and he catches him before he’s off to sleep. “Hey you’re still up?”

“I was about to go to bed, I didn’t realize you were home yet” Viktor says, moving the blankets aside but not yet sitting down. Jayce comes close and Viktor’s nose wrinkles up in distaste. “You smell like work” “I'm going to jump in the shower, don’t worry. Would you like to join me?” Viktor eyes the other up and down for a moment, considering it before moving the blankets back to where they were. 

“Sure” he replies before making his way towards their bathroom. Jayce is stripping his clothes off and throwing them in a hamper before following in just his briefs. Viktor is turning the water on and testing the temperature, still in his nightgown and Jayce can’t help himself with the other bent over like he is. “You look good like that” he speaks

Viktor’s not facing him but rolls his eyes regardless. “Bent over?” He looks back over his shoulder. 

Jayce chuckles a little, “Yeah” 

Viktor just shakes his head a little and stands up next to Jayce. “You’ll need to take these off if you’re going to jump in” he says, pulling at the waistline of his briefs. Jayce is quickly pulling them down, exposing himself to the other. “What about you?” He says, tugging at a strap of Viktor’s nightie. 

“I’m right behind you” Viktor replies, pulling it off. “God you’re beautiful” Jayce says once Viktor is nude as well with him. Viktor flushes and just pushes Jayce towards the shower. “Get in before it gets cold!” 

The two of them get into the shower and under the warm water, letting it wash the day away. Viktor is quick to grab soap and scrub at Jayce, getting the smell off of him. Jayce just allows him to wash him, and then returns the favor, being extra gentle. “How are you feeling?” he says, his hand coming to rest on his stomach. “Better than a few months ago” Viktor replies, and leans against Jayce under the warm water. “Still sensitive to smell though” he’s quick to add. 

“At least it’s better than before” Jayce says, pulling Viktor into a hug and holding his belly. “Mmm..” 

They relax under the stream together, until the water starts to cool.

Viktor leans to shut the water off and Jayce is reaching for towels for them to dry off with. Viktor starts to put his nightie back on after drying off and Jayce goes to find pajamas for himself. They head to bed together and once more Viktor is pulled into Jayce’s warm arms. “I miss you” Jayce says into the crook of his neck, his breath hot. “And I you” Viktor replies before Jayce is kissing his shoulder. “You just can’t have enough of me can you?” He says as he rolls onto his side to face the other. 

“I have to be one with you” Jayce replies, making Viktor flush. “Oh stop” he says, pushing Jayce’s head away gently to which he earns a soft chuckle and a kiss to his hand instead. “It’s been a while…” Jayce starts and Viktor is raising an eyebrow. “It has” he replies, knowing what the other wants but feeling tired. “But I think it’s best we sleep” he says, putting a hand on Jayce’s chest. Jayce is leaning in again, this time to kiss his cheek. “You’re right, we should sleep while we can” And if on queue they hear a crying from the other room. Viktor sighs and is moving to get up when Jayce jumps out of bed “I got her, you just stay here”. Not one to argue, Viktor gets comfortable in bed and watches as Jayce leaves the room.

Abigail is feisty when Jayce reaches her, wailing and holding onto her crib as she stands. “Hey you” he says and picks her up to check on her. Her cries turn into sniffles as he holds her. He tries to soothe her to sleep but as she’s just about to fall back asleep again she wakes with a start and begins to cry again. Jayce tries everything he can to get her to stop crying but nothing seems to be working. It isn’t until Viktor comes to check on them that Abigail stops her wailing, but the moment she sees him she’s grabbing for him and whining. “She’s being a tough one tonight” Jayce says before handing her over to Viktor. “She’s not used to late nights like this” Viktor says as he begins to soothe her, holding her gently. “Shhh shhh, it’s okay darling” he speaks softly to her, brushing her hair back and giving her kisses on her forehead. “I think she misses you during the day, she’s been a lot feistier when I try to put her down to sleep”

It’s another 20 minutes of soothing before Abigail is down and out for the count, Viktor gently lowers her into the crib where Rio is curled up in the corner snoozing. He slowly turns to Jayce with a finger to his lips and makes a motion for him to leave the room. They quietly leave the room, the door left slightly ajar and head back to their bed. 

They make it back to bed and thankfully Abigail stays asleep so they too can get to sleep.

The next morning Jayce wakes to an empty bed, he groans and stretches, his knee popping a little. He gets out of bed and quickly remakes it so the blankets are where they are supposed to be before he makes his way out to the kitchen where he finds Viktor eating and trying to feed Abigail as well. Abigail seems to want to play more than eat tho and is making a mess of her warmed cereal. 

“Abigail please darling, eat” Viktor is coaxing as Jayce comes around the corner. 

“Good morning,” Jayce says, “Did you sleep alright?” “I did, and it seems you did too” Viktor replies, smiling at him and trying another scoop of cereal for their daughter. Abigail just avoids the spoon and giggles a little when it’s returned to the bowl. She throws her hands down and catches the rim of the bowl splashing it all over herself, laughing. “Oh dear..” says Viktor, standing to grab her from the highchair. “I’ve got her, you eat” Jayce says, picking her up swiftly and taking her to get cleaned up. “Thank you” comes Viktors reply as he watches them disappear. He finishes eating and cleans up the mess on the highchair as well as his own dishes. When he’s done he finds his way to the bathroom to see Jayce has Abigail in a warm bath, cleaning her up from her meal.

“Today’s a checkup isn’t it?” Jayce asks, not looking up from Abigail. “Why yes it is, you remembered,” comes Viktor’s reply, a hand coming up to his belly. “Do you intend to come with me?” “Of course I do, I already took the day off,” Jayce replies, “I wouldn’t miss it” 

Viktor just smiles and leaves the two in the bathroom to clean up, while they are busy he goes to ready himself to leave the house. Jayce finishes cleaning up Abigail and brings her to the nursery to get her changed into clean clothes. Once Abigail is ready Jayce brings her to their bedroom and sets her on their bed and changes into clean clothing himself. “What time do we need to leave?” Jayce asks. “Soon actually, if we’re taking the train” Viktor replies. “We could get a cab? Would you prefer that?” “....actually yes, the train is often filled with…many smells. Plus it’ll be easier with Abigail in tow” 

Jayce calls for a cab as he prepares a bag for Abigail and soon enough the three of them are on their way to the clinic. Viktor holds Jayce’s hand in the back of the cab, somewhat nervous. He’s always hated going to the clinic or really any sort of hospital setting. Jayce kisses the side of his face in reassurance. Soon enough they are in a waiting area, Abigail squirming in Jayce’s grasp. “What is it darling? Do you want to crawl around?” Jayce asks, and Viktor shoots him a look. “Not here,” comes a short reply, “We don’t know what’s touched these floors” 

“Sorry, Daddy said no” Jayce says to Abigail and nuzzles her to which she grabs two fistfuls of his beard. “Ah, ow ow, let daddy go please” Viktor can’t help but laugh a little and gently grasps her hands pushing her wrists back slightly so that her grip loosens. “I should shave this darn thing” Jayce is saying once released, rubbing his face. Viktor shoots him another look that says dont you dare. 

“Mr. Talis?” comes a call from a nurse. Viktor’s standing up, and Jayce puts a hand on his lower back to support him, standing once the other is up. The three of them make their way back into a room to be checked in. Viktor despite not liking it is used to how the clinic works and tries to relax as they take his blood pressure and check off other things on their list. It isn’t until they are about ready to do an ultrasound that he’s nervous again. “Lay back and I’ll put this gel on you, it’s a little cold,” The nurse instructs. Viktor lays back on the table and pulls his shirt up just enough to show his belly to which the nurse squirts on some gel making him shiver slightly. She pulls the machine in close as she starts to go over his belly. “Everything’s looking good, baby is developing well, do you want to see?” Both parents nod and a screen is turned to them. The nurse begins pointing out limbs, fingers and toes. “All there. Do you want to know the gender?” This time Jayce looks to Viktor who is nodding.

“Well..” she says as she moves the imaging around a little, “It seems you’re having a little boy” Viktor looks up to Jayce who is absolutely grinning and can’t help but smile to himself. “You know..your mother said the same thing” “Ma did?” Jayce is quick to reply, “Mmhm, we’ll have to let her know she was right” Viktor replies as the nurse hands him some paper towels to wipe clean with. “Are you taking any additional vitamins?” The nurse asks Viktor. “Prenatals, extra iron, vitamin D, the usual. I know I was anemic with Abigail” 

The nurse nods and writes something down on her clipboard. “Well it seems we’re all done here” she says and excuses herself to give them time. 

“A boy!” Jayce just says happily, “We’ll have a girl and a boy!” 

Viktor just chuckles softly while Jayce plants kisses on his cheek. The two of them leave the little room and head back for home, Jayce calling another cab to pick them up.

Once home they have the rest of the day to themselves. Viktor finds himself changing back into something comfy to lounge around the house in and Jayce handles putting Abigail down for a nap. 

The two of them find themselves in the living room on the couch with the tv playing softly in the background. “Have you messaged Ximena about this yet?” Viktor quietly asks Jayce to which he nods.

“She is beyond the moon to have another grandchild, and said she was sure she was right about it being a boy. What did she say to you?” “Just that her pregnancy with you was a rough one too, which is how she guessed” Viktor replies. “Oh” is all Jayce can reply with.

Viktor puts a hand on Jayce’s thigh and just looks at him with love in his eyes. “It’s alright, I wanted this, remember?” 

Jayce smiles and kisses Viktor softly. Viktor leans into the kiss and brings a hand up to Jayce’s face brushing his fingers through his beard. “Don’t you dare shave this” he says between kisses. 

“I won’t” Jayce replies with a chuckle. “Good” Viktor says as he inches closer to him, squeezing his thigh a little. “Are you..?” Viktor doesn’t reply and kisses Jayce again, this time a little hungrier. Jayce doesn’t move away and instead kisses the other back. When they break the kiss Viktor is breathing a little harder and Jayce can’t help but go for a mole on his neck eliciting a soft moan from the other. Slowly but surely Viktor crawls up onto Jayce’s lap and sits facing him. “How did I get so lucky?” 

“How did you get so lucky? How did I get so lucky??” Jayce replies and kisses his neck and shoulders. “Mmmm” Jayce wraps his arms around the other, supporting him and Viktor shifts slightly on his legs, his right side bothering him slightly. “How about we do it on the couch?,” Viktor says suddenly and Jayce takes a moment to process it. “What about Abigail?” “What about her? She’s sleeping isn’t she?” Viktor looks towards the nursery and then back to Jayce before his hands are slowly making their way down to Jayce’s pants, unbuttoning them. 

Jayce doesn’t argue and allows Viktor to continue, feeling a heat pool in his stomach. Jayce decides that he wants to keep kissing Viktor and peppers kisses along his neck and shoulders as Viktor pulls him out of his pants, half hard. Viktor keeps his attention on Jayce, grasping him gently in his hand as he begins to pump him up and down. “Mmmm..” Jayce relaxes against the back of the couch and Viktor’s touch.

Once Viktor has him hard he moves off his lap to stand and is pulling off his pants, discarding them at his feet before moving back to sit on Jayce’s lap. Jayce just watches Viktor, admiring him and his body. “You sure this won’t be difficult for you with your belly?” “I’m sure” Viktor says as he’s grabbing onto Jayce again, adjusting him so that he can sit on him. He sinks himself onto the other slowly with a groan. Jayce’s arms are back around Viktor, supporting him as he sits in his lap. “F-fuck babe, how are you so wet?” Viktor chuckles a little, “you don’t believe that you do this to me?” he says as he starts shift his hips back and forth slowly rocking on him eliciting a groan from the other. The two of them get lost in each other, Viktor keeping a steady pace as they gasp and groan together. It isn’t long until Viktor is orgasming and shaking in Jayce’s lap, Jayce lifting his hips up to match the other’s coming down. With his own groan his orgasm comes and the two of them are wrapped around each other breathing in deeply. They sit there like this for a moment before Viktor is laughing softly. “What? What is it?” “It’s nothing, it’s just…I fucking love you so much” “I love you too” Jayce is replying, a stupid large grin on his face. “I can’t believe Abigail is still sleeping, we weren’t exactly quiet.” Viktor slowly gets off Jayce’s lap, he groans softly as he puts pressure on his leg again before he sits back down on the couch, trying to lean to grab his pants. Jayce notices he’s having some trouble and grabs them for him so he can put them back on. “Thank you” Viktor says and pulls his pants back on. 

“No problem” Jayce replies as he puts himself back in his pants and buttons up. 

Jayce pulls Viktor close and holds him gently. “You know, you’re the love of my life” he says to Viktor

Viktor smiles and kisses him softly “And you mine” 

They spent the rest of the afternoon cuddled together until Abigail woke and needed attention. 

Viktor yawned and got up to go check in on her, Rio coming out of the room and rubbing against his legs. “And where have you been? You silly thing” He says idly to him as he passes and enters the nursery. Rio just meows in response and makes his way to his bowl of food.

Viktor comes back with Abigail to the living room and sets her down on a playpad to which she squirms and crawls on. Jayce watches amused as Abigail immediately tries standing with the help of the couch again, this time Viktor takes her hands and helps her stand up. 

“Where have you got to be?” He questions curiously.

Jayce chuckles “apparently she's gotta be on her own two feet” 

Viktor walks her around the playpad as he holds her hands and Jayce continues to watch the two interact. 

It’s a wonderful evening of playing with Abigail until they needed to put her down again for the night. She squirms and resists every part of sleep, not wanting to be laid down. Viktor lets out a heavy sigh before deciding she’s just going to have to sleep with them tonight if he’s going to get any sleep. He lays down with Jayce and puts Abigail in the middle who is happy to squirm around between the two of them. Jayce plays with Viktors hair gently lulling him to sleep and stays awake to watch Abigail but she seems to have calmed down, cuddled up to Viktor. It isn’t long before the three of them are asleep.

[livwritesstuff]

i wanted to post this moment that i had ended up cutting out of this for the sake of brevity, because it’s just so soft and sweet and i didn’t want it to sit around collecting dust 

“Steve,” Eddie says, his voice rough from sleep finally breaking the calm quiet of early morning, “Would it weird you out if I got a tattoo for you?”

Steve furrows his eyebrows, still half-asleep himself and perfectly content to stay that way, wrapped in Eddie’s arms and relishing in the way he’s dragging his fingertips along the bare skin of Steve’s waist.

“Dude, we haven’t even been dating for two months.”

“Okay, but you also saved my entire fuckin’ life — and not even in a metaphor way. Like, you are actually the reason I didn’t bleed out in the Upside Down. I’d wanna get a tattoo for you whether we were together or not.”

“Oh.”

Every once in a while, like in this very moment, Steve remembers that he saved Eddie’s life. He knows it should probably resonate with him as a bigger deal than it actually does, but there was just so much life-saving during those three weeks in March of 1986 that it doesn’t ring as significant as maybe it should.

Like how he knows Eddie deciding to sacrifice himself to those bats actually ended up saving both Eddie and Dustin from getting caught in the fissure that obliterated Eddie’s trailer as it started it’s calamitous path across Hawkins. Like how Murray, of all people, and some flamethrower had saved a whole handful of them — in Russia and Vecna’s trance and the Upside Down — and like how Steve, Robin, and Nancy and their Molotov cocktails and sawed-off shotgun (and some pretty impeccable timing) had saved Max’s life in the end.

(And all of that is from just ten minutes out of four years’ worth of weird connections and freaky coincidences they still stumble onto to this day).

But, technically speaking, Steve did save Eddie when he chose to haul him out of the Upside Down, when he'd ripped his own shirt in two and demanded Nancy help him bind all the spots where Eddie's insides were dangerously close to spilling out, when he’d hammered on the doors of Eddie's terrified neighbors until he got himself a set of car keys, when he'd sped all the way to Hawkins Memorial and proclaimed Hippocratic oath before any staff could even determine who was bleeding out in their lobby.

Life is weird.

Steve’s is, anyways.

“Well…” he continues, “I mean, what would you get? Because if it’s something stupid like my face or my name in that dumb tattoo font — no way.”

“Have you no faith in my creative vision, dude?” Eddie replies, propping himself up enough for Steve to see the incredulous look on his face, “Obviously I would not get your face. A masterpiece like that can’t ever truly be done justice by—”

Steve smacks his bare shoulder.

“Honestly, I don't really know yet. I just know that I wanna do it at some point if it’s cool with you.”

It is cool with Steve, is the thing. Everything about Eddie is cool with Steve, cool in a way that feels like something he wants to spend forever with, but they haven’t even hit the two-month mark on their relationship yet, and his tendency to fall too hard too fast has messed things up before, so for now there are some things he keeps to himself.

(Although Eddie is asking about getting a goddamn tattoo for him, a permanent piece of ink etched into his skin forever, so maybe Steve doesn’t need to be quite so worried. Still, he isn’t sure and he really doesn’t want this to get messed up).

“Well,” he settles on saying, “Keep me updated, I guess.”

part 2, part 3

[lady-ashfade]

To be fair to that anon with a great request idea.

They probably sent it to a few as not all write the requests. Which is fair. You guys are the writers you guys get to chose what the hell you want to write.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with sending it to a few so long as you can link it to the request. That then shows how you were sent it if another writes their own idea for it too.

Plus being able to compare and see how different or how each writer might have been on the same wavelength for ideas is cool.

The only ones in the wrong are the muppets who think it is okay to send threats to people. They are the pricks. Not you, the writers or the anon, the person who wants an idea wrote out by multiple awesome writers.

You are valid in what you said but at the same time don’t take it out on request blogs/anons who just want to see their fave writers write what they thought of and see it brought to life by your awesome writing. Plus like I said above some ignore requests and some just don’t want to write that request which is fine. But that is why they send it to more than one.

I don’t mean to be a bad person here. Or a prick. I am going to be a prick to the jackarses though who think sending threats is something that should be done. You lot can feck write off. Let people enjoy writing what they want, let writers write a request that was sent to many and see how different but wonderful they could all be.

Anyway I am sorry this is so long. I hope it makes sense. You and anon = good, pricks who send threats which is why you wrote what you did = shitheads.

I hope you have a nice day and I look forward to reading more of your awesome fics. (I do hope one day you may decide to write what the anon wrote as it sounds like a wicked idea and with your amazing writing it would be so so so damn good, again it’s up to you. I understand if you don’t want to).

Have a good Sunday 😁

No I get where you’re coming from for sure. I hope one day we can all do the same requests.

But if I had wrote the request and didn’t see that someone else with a bigger platform did it- I’d most likely getting threats.

This is not mine, but a lovely person @starless-nightz

I am really upset that people do this is, which is why I put it in my rules. Which someone should always read. I was completely upset. I am valid in my feelings because I know first hand what things like this can do.

Link here for the post of someone doing something similar to someone else.

The problem with sending it to a few writers, it doesn’t go over well. If I didn’t see my FRIEND make it then who knows if someone else got it and they got hate, or me, or someone else.

And I already have a idea similar to that. But I will never write that request to show peoples that it’s completely wrong. I’m not mad at you lovely Anon! But theses things can’t be easily fixed. People need to learn. Also I’m not okay with writing what someone else has done for this reason. That’s a big no no in this community and I, and others feel strongly.

Anon might not have meant harm. But they could cause harm. And it’s in my rules-

Anyone sorry if I came off as a asshole but this really needs to be said. I’m so tired of seeing people get hate. It makes me really upset. But you’re lovely, and I also hope to do what you said in the future and get your point of view and wish- that we all can do asks. I just find it disrespectful.

Also if they weren’t Anon i would have messaged them privately instead of what I made.

I’m sorry to the person who sent that request, but it’s not something to do when many others with the same rules for requesting get ignored. I’m happy to talk to them privately and explain. But I will never, and I mean never be afraid to speak my mind.

Sorry if I seem like a asshole again, this message has made me cry and feel overwhelmed.

Edit: I am over having a panic attack- anon I love you and you’re really nice. I will try and be a better person

[juniperhillpatient]

Chaos Theory sounds so good!! I hadn’t heard of it until now. I’ll definitely be adding it to my list. I love a good found family series! I’ve only watched 2/3 (?) of the newer Jurassic World movies. I still need to watch the Original Jurassic Park movies. Which one is your favourite?

Fair warning you have triggered a topic I’m very autistic about there’s a TLDR bolded & surrounded by TLDR disclaimers at the end of this post lol —

I love all Jurassic Park content even the objectively kinda bad stuff aghhh it’s such a special franchise to me <3

My favorite of the movies is the original like. It’s just a classic. A great adaptation of the book’s themes. (& the book is good but im aware not everybody had the patience for that & that’s ok don’t worry the movie is great in its own right too, I actually saw it before I read the book & loved it so much I read the book which is kinda the reverse of the usual order of events for me lol).

It’s just. A brilliant thriller that all other movies attempting to put audiences on edge should take notes from. One of the most amazing stunning pieces of cinema with practical effects that will ever be made. If you like the Jurassic World movies I feel like the Jurassic Park sequels are skippable but the original at least is mandatory viewing. Then again I think the original Jurassic Park is mandatory viewing for all movie fans.

Then there’s the Jurassic park sequels which…. are great & all because hiii dinos I mean I like them but also if I’m being so honest they blend together in my head there’s nothing particularly stand out about them I’m so sorry. I like them for what they are which is fun Dino movies.

I clown on Chris Pratt & he does deserve it BUT the start of the Jurassic World trilogy WAS what was needed to revitalize the franchise whether a lot of og fans want to admit it or not. It’ll never be the brilliant original & it’s not trying to be & that’s ok it shouldn’t! It’s fun cgi & bigger louder scarier monsters & here’s a hot take - the trilogy eventually does some pretty interesting stuff as far as exploring what a post Jurassic Park technological innovations world would look like & the discussion on cloning & biological warfare is actually pretty surprisingly clever for an action movie starring Chris Pratt.

NOW.

Chaos Theory is great & I’m glad I got you excited about the idea but unfortunately it will probably mean nothing to you if you don’t watch Camp Cretaceous first & I KNOW I know that’s an annoying thing to say. I know that’s overwhelming. I’d be over it already if someone told me I have to watch another show first to get into this show they mentioned but I’m sorry it’s a follow up series that will make no sense without Camp Cretaceous & Camp Cretaceous is also really really good.

I will say this. I struggle with attention span & Camp Cretaceous & Chaos Theory are both shows I found impossible to turn off because the characters are engaging & the action & pacing are just so enticing it’s like a delicious drug for my adhd brain.

If you love a good found family you will LOVE Camp Cretaceous. It’s a show that keeps me, a seasoned horror fan, stressed & tense & gripping the edge of my seat but it also has some of the most compelling characters & dynamics I’ve seen in a show. What makes it a quality boost for the franchise in comparison to the fun but ultimately shallow in terms of characterization Jurassic World movies is that it does what the original does in even more intensity given the series format - it makes you CARE. These aren’t just vaguely likable action heroes (like Chris Pratt & the hot ginger & their adoptive creepy clone daughter I can’t be bothered with their names rn) these are kids whose insecurities & trauma & relationships you relate to & care deeply about!!!

Anyway. TLDR: if you like the Jurassic World movies I highly recommend you at least check out the original movie if nothing else. Camp Cretaceous as a show actually stands on its own if I’m being honest & if you love found family it’s kinda a must see it does it so well & you WILL want more & Chaos Theory Is a rare brilliant flllow up (so far as of season 1) to a show that actually had a decently satisfying ending overall. It does a really good job going just a little darker than the original while feeling true to the characters & themes. I mean the Jurassic World movies are helpful for context since they’re all part of the same cinematic universe but it’s not hard to pick up context clues. You should watch these shows regardless if you watch anything else in the franchise if you like exciting shows & found family. TLDR over.

Also like I haven’t even talked about what the shows are about lmao — Camp Cretaceous: A group of teen campers at Dino camp get abandoned after Dino’s in the theme park get free. Horrors & bonding over horrific trauma ensue also lots of horrifying reveals & mysteries & conspiracies regarding the evils of humanity that fit in with the themes of the franchise about greed & exploitation & lots of fun animated Dino’s & brilliant use of what I think of as the Batman Animated Series rule. (If you haven’t heard me talk about this to sum up - BtaS is brilliant of course. It was tv y7 but it’s famously a bit dark. That’s because it took the ratings rules as a challenge in creativity! Scarecrow can’t be a serial killer? Ok. Instead he has poisonous gas that makes you see your worst nightmares!) It’s Tv y7 & that means no fun but ultimately forgettable Dino’s chowing down gory style onscreen. Instead you get much more creative & terrifying shots of things about to happen or characters in terrifying situations. There’s a scene with a woman trapped on a boat with two hungry Dino’s closing in that comes to mind.

100/10 highly recommend as a show. Chaos Theory picks up years after (spoiler) the (surviving?) campers are rescued & now they’re all young adults & it’s a lot darker & one of them was investigating a conspiracy & now she’s dead (or IS she?!). It also uses the Batman the Animated Series rule in some GENIUS ways like a particularly haunting shot of a boy staring at his fathers face as a raptor taps his claw against the fathers forehead & a return shot of the boys face. I could go on & on about why this show is pure genius.

Anyway stan Camp Cretaceous & Chaos Theory for slowburn nuanced sapphic representation a racially diverse main cast complex found family a cast compelling characters each so enticing it’s hard for me to pick one favorite excellent mysteries & exciting tense well done action & thriller moments. I cannot recommend these shows highly enough. Camp Cretaceous has a bit of a slow start the first few episodes if im being honest when they’re just like. At Dino camp. But TRUST me when it picks up it stays picked up & it does not slow down.

Anyway I did a tldr then kept going because talking to me about anything related to this franchise is like hitting a button that gets me talking & then I just don’t stop thank you so much for the ask I’m done for now 🫶🫶

[nczaversnick]

OC Questionnaires

Okay so @the-letterbox-archives tagged me in not one, not two but 5 of these. So I’m going to do all of them in one post for their favorite character in Project Gemini, Adrian Harlowe. (He’s my favorite too)

What is your favorite thing to do to avoid responsibility?

“Leave.”

If you could choose anyone in the world to be your sibling who would it be?

“Probably Quinn. They are the closest thing I have to family within the military.”

Authors Note: In the previous draft, they actually were siblings

What is the most sublime thing you have ever eaten and why?

“First of all what the fuck kind of word is sublime anyway? Secondly, I ate…science blocks of..not really food for like the first 20 years of my life. Anything that isn’t that, is worth its weight in gold.”

Authors Note: He means genetically engineered processed foodstuffs.

What was the worst day of your life?

“None of your business.”

Authors Note: In my defense the answer to this is an insanely massive spoiler.

What’s your worst nightmare?

“…………..I dream about it. The day I became Gemini. I don’t want to be him anymore”

If a monster asked you your worst nightmare what would you tell it and why?

“Unless that thing provokes me I’m leaving it there hell alone. And even if it does, it’s gonna have bigger problems than asking me about my nightmares.”

Would you give away secret information if tortured? Be honest.

“No.”

Authors Note: This is true. He is specifically trained to resist torture. Even then his sense of loyalty outweighs everything

Who could you trust most with a secret?

“My sister Aurelia. Even Cas knows there are things I told her and not him.”

You have been caught somewhere you should be! Quick, what is your excuse?

“As Gemini I outrank nearly every officer in the city. For rebel activity it’s really a ‘hit first ask questions later’ kind of interaction.”

How good is your sleep schedule?

“If you’re gonna antagonize someone about sleep go bother Iris. She’s the worst of all of us.”

Do you have any siblings? If so, is your relationship good?

“Yes. Aurelia is the reason I started fighting against the military instead of for it. She is the only person who understands me.”

What’s the toughest time you had to endure growing up?

“Uh…all of it? It’s not like being experimented on comes with summer vacation time or something.”

What’s your relationship with your family like?

“Well, we’ve talked about my sister already. My mom is dead. My dad….I met him. Once. Aurelia was coming with me, to help fight for deviant rights like my mom did. We told him he could come with but he said no. I haven’t heard from him since.”

Do you have any hobbies? If so, what ones?

“Not really. Between training and keeping up my cover as Gemini, there isn’t time for anything else.”

Authors Note: After Book 1, he picks up gardening. In later years, he does try to learn to play the guitar. He learns to appreciate music more at least

Do you dream often? What do you dream about?

“…..Yes. Often. More nightmares really. Of the experiments. Of Gemini. Of fire and ice raging until there’s nothing left of me anymore.”

Have you ever been in love?

“Well I don’t have a husband for shits and giggles.”

What is your least favorite thing in the world?

“Oh I mean other than Lucia, the military in general and capitalism, I’d have to say when you’re in a body of water and something touches your leg? That shits the fuckin worst.”

What is your pet peeve?

“When people use big or fancy words to say simple things. Like sublime? What’s wrong with just saying good? Or great?”

Would you consider yourself different?

“Given that I’m not only classified as a Deviant but also as a Zodiac, yeah I’d say I’m pretty fucking different.”

How far would you go to save a loved one?

“As far as I have to.”

Would you team up with your worst enemy if it was your only option?

“It would never happen. She thinks she owns me. But under the right circumstances, I could do it. But she wouldn’t.”

What is the worst insult you can give?

“That I can give? If I stop pushing you to be better than you were yesterday, then you’re a lost cause.”

What is the nicest thing someone could say to you?

“If they’ve got my back that is all I need.”

Are you a jealous person?

“Hell if I know. My husband and his sister sure are though.”

Have you ever committed a crime?

“That’s kind of the point.”

Are you neat or messy?

“Neat. Ish.”

How do you feel about crying? Let it out or hold it in?

“…it’s not about one or the other, it’s about knowing that there’s a time and place for feelings or for focus.”

Who do you live for? Why?

“My family. They are everything.”

Who has betrayed you most?

“Lucia, easily. She lied to me about who I was and where I came from.”

What style of accessories do you wear? Is it willingly?

“I have masks for Gemini and for rebel activities. Also several guns or knives for combat. Other than that….i have my ring. That at least was completely my choice.”

Tagging: @honeybewrites @wyked-ao3 @kittrrrr @zackprincebooks @theverumproject @the-golden-comet @fractured-shield @poppycat-writes @illarian-rambling @finickyfelix @kuebiko-writing @yourpenpaldee @willtheweaver @moltenwrites @davycoquette +open tag

[dbgdbw]

498.So Then, You Assholes Hand It Over (5)

그러니 댁들이 내놔 (5)

With the opponent in question being a monster estimated to be about SS-rank or so, the Hunters who had managed to secure a queue slot began soliciting the other S-rank Hunters to form an alliance. These were people who had probably never even gone on a Dungeon raid with another S-rank Hunter before. It wouldn’t be a bad thing, to have them give cooperating a go at this juncture. If only to serve as preparation for the events that lay ahead too, in any case.

“You’re telling me to be the support? I’ll have you know that I’ve never had to play lackey for anyone, ever!”

“Please be advised that I shall only be using a portion of my Skills. I have no intention of revealing all the cards I hold, on a stage where so many eyes are watching.”

“Two pieces of S-rank equipment. That should be the bare minimum, wouldn’t you say. Take it or leave it.”

Quarrels seemed to be breaking out among the majority, for the most part. Yeah, that seemed about right. I wondered how many groups would be able to scrape together a usable team comp for their attempt, in the end. One? Perhaps two?

“Let’s go have dinner.”

Yoohyunie said, demeanor showing complete indifference towards the S-ranks brawling it out amongst themselves. 

“Not yet. I’ll need to supervise, at least until nighttime.”

I didn’t have any plans to stay up all night, but I should at least stick around for the results of the first round, I figured. Hearing my words, my dongsaeng assumed a displeased expression. 

“Then I’ll go and bring back a simple lunchbox, at least. Stay next to Bak Yerim.”

“Just bring some of whatever they have prepared, ‘kay. Most of it’s gonna be things that can be reheated or eaten as-is, anyway.”

Since we couldn’t retain a chef on the premises, most of our dining options were preassembled in nature. There were additional ingredients available on hand as well, but we could just eat what had already been put together. Saying that he would collect Peace on his way as well, Yoohyunie left his post.

“Gyeol-ah, do you want to turn in first?”

At my query, Gyeolie shook his head vigorously. But he couldn’t even talk while like this, and he was probably starting to grow bored. When Yoohyunie got back, I’d at least have to make sure he got something to eat. 

“I hear you’re close to my dongsaeng?”

Meanwhile, Liette had approached Myungwoo from the side. Whether it was because she didn’t possess a major need for equipment–having access to the large-scale dragon transformation, unlike Noah, in addition to Kang Soyoung’s Skill–or if it was because of her personality, unlike the other Hunters, she didn’t show any hesitance to engage with him. At the slightly aggressive cast to her words, Myungwoo’s eyes narrowed slightly. However, the one who showed a bigger reaction was surprisingly Noah. 

“It is not something that warrants noonim’s concern.”

“I’m trying to be friendly-like too, y’know.”

At Liette’s words, Noah’s expression filled with skepticism. Then, without further ado, he began urging Myungwoo inside.

“Yoojin-ssi, we’ll be turning in first, then. Let’s get going.”

“I’m alright, though.”

But despite Myungwoo’s protest, his hackles still raised towards Liette, Noah half-dragged, half-pulled Myungwoo towards the inside of the building. Left standing by herself, Liette’s lips jutted out in a slight pout.

“It didn’t work.”

“You have to make your approach a touch softer, unnie!”

Kang Soyoung exclaimed, appearing to latch onto Liette’s side.

“My oppas too, they were suuuper nice to my friends. Barring the boys, I mean. And you have to be good at knowing when to make your exit, besides. Dropping in to cover the bill for the food, then slipping right back out!”

Could that exchange, possibly have been Liette trying to make reparations in her relationship with Noah-ssi? In consultation with Soyoung-ssi’s advice? I wasn’t sure if it had been Soyoungj-ssi who had convinced her, or if Liette had come to make the decision on her own volition–but I supposed even Liette was capable of change, after all.

“Before that, why don’t you try complimenting Noah-ssi more?”

At my interjection, Liette turned to look at me.

“But I tell him he’s cute all the time.”

“I’m talking about the things that require effort. Noah-ssi’s proficient at a lot of things, right.”

Liette gave a slow blink. Hey, it can’t be that you really don’t think he excels at anything, right.

“He’s better at cooking than I am.”

“Without judging him by your criteria!”

“That's right, unnie. Please bring the baseline down to ordinary standards!”

Liette’s expression seemed to ask why in the world she’d be expected to do that.

“But he’s my dongsaeng? So of course it should be by my parameters.”

…wasn’t the problem with Liette, not that she held her dongsaeng in low esteem, but rather the opposite. Drawling unnie, that’s not iiiit~, Kang Soyoung hauled Liette away.

“It does seem like Liette holds Noah-ssi near and dear. I suppose there are cases where one’s expectations rise, the more precious they hold someone.”

“Why not–there’re those parents that go to the extreme when it comes to studies, after all, right. The ones that’re like, if it’s our kid, then they should be able to achieve this much as a minimum.”(1)

Yerimie said, nodding her head. And if the parent possessed exceptional ability themself, much like Liette, then the backlash probably would’ve been even worse, huh. Since, even if the child were to simply turn out to be ‘ordinary’, they would still feel as though they’d fallen short regardless. The child should only be judged by their own ‘standards’, but such a thing wouldn’t be easy. People ultimately tended to gravitate towards their own standards, even subconsciously, and parents were people before they were parents, first and foremost. 

Additionally, being the adult, it fell to the person who was acting as the guardian to put forth a greater amount of effort, as the adult. Sometimes ignorance was inevitable, and you could make mistakes, but a wrong was a wrong. And even if Noah-ssi were to bounce back completely, it still remained that Liette needed to change.

“Yerim-ah, you, and Yoohyunie too–sometimes I worry because you’re too well-behaved. Whether you might just be going along with what I want, even though you’re opposed to it.”

“Isn’t it the opposite, though? Ahjussi is way too accepting when it comes to Han Yoohy–Guild Leader-nim, I mean.”

“Ehh, if I’d actually given into everything Yoohyunie wanted, I…….”

Probably wouldn’t be here now, huh. Hmm. Well, since Yoohyunie was a special case. The reason he’d lived this far, like a human, was because of me, after all; and the reason he was living now, was owing to me as well. So shouldn’t it only follow, then, that I should concede to my dongsaeng.

Since Yoohyunie had given me everything first. To the point that he’d even balked at it, without leaving any piece of himself behind, all of him.

…thinking about it from that perspective, if he really couldn’t bear it, I could probably easily part with a measly arm, if it came to it.

“Yerim-ah, I hope you’ll always put yourself first. First place should always be reserved for ‘Bak Yerim’.”

“I will, of course.”

Yerimie was quiet for a moment, before continuing.

“Since I’d been the last one left. If I stopped existing, then the people I hold precious would disappear with me as well, I was told. But that, so long as I remembered them, they wouldn’t fade away.”

“...who told you that?”

“My sunsaeng-nim. While I was an elementary schooler.”

“...they were a good person, huh. Let’s have a hug, shall we.”

“Here, ahjussi.”

Yerimie threw her arms open wide. Hugging me back, she clung on tightly. Gyeolie had also latched onto my neck. Though the Hunters around us threw odd looks in our direction, what did I care. For Yerimie, as well as Yoohyunie. I really needed to make sure I’d be able to live on for a long while yet. 

“Feels like the kind of atmosphere where you shouldn’t attempt to approach them, doesn’t it.”

Just then, I heard Huanglim’s voice. Even Song Taewon, who had been monitoring the Hunters preparing for their raid from a spot a little ways away, had drawn close by at some point. Loosening the arm I’d wrapped around Yerimie, I turned my head.

“Since I hadn’t spotted hair nor hide of you, I’d ventured to guess that you’d ended up in the belly a monster, and yet.”

“The little Hunter-nim barred my entry on the grounds that my name didn’t match, y’see.”

“But it’s true, isn’t it.”

Yerimie glowered at Huanglim, brows furrowed.

“And you’re dressed improperly, on top of that.”

“Seeing as there was no mention of a dress code on the invitation card, it would hardly be my fault, no.”

Honestly though, what was up with that getup. The Hawaiian shirt and shorts combo, okay–but why was he going around barefoot, too.

“All of your military discipline’s gone to hell since you made a cock-up of things and deserted, I see.(2) And just what exactly did you do with your shoes. I thought cigarettes were the only thing you peddled, but was it that you’d go so far as to sell everything on your person?”

Huanglim, the bastard, made a show of flapping the hem of his half-dry shirt.

“For our Jinie, a mere hundred bucks.”

“No thank you. Piss off.”

“The pants, a thousand dollars.”

“The hell’s it so expensive for? Is it actually a luxury brand, despite its look.”

“The lower half costs more than the top half, don’t y’know.”

The fuck was he saying. As that Huanglim bastard took a step towards me, Section Chief Song-nim’s eyes narrowed. Yerimie, too, her lips pressed tightly together, snatched up my wrist as though preparing to teleport us away at a moment’s notice. Seeing all of that, Huanglim laughed, spreading his hands wide. 

“I really am here to sell wares.”

“Does it look like I was born yesterday.”

“Truly, I feel quite wronged–”

Huanglim quickly jumped backwards. In the same instant, a flash of fire struck down on the spot he’d been standing in, charring it black.

- 끼앙!

As Peace appeared, rubbing up against my ankles, Yoohyunie touched down on the scorched patch of blackened earth. 

“Is it fine to kill him now?”

“Not while in front of Section Chief Song-nim.”

Huanglim, who had retreated to a position far away, let out a soundless laugh in my direction. Since there was no way he was actually here to just sell cigarettes. Just what was that bastard really up to.

“...let’s go check out the monster instead for now. Section Chief Song-nim, would you like to accompany us as well?”

“I will opt to remain stationed here, at this juncture.”

There were several Hunters still milling about, true–and more importantly, Sung Hyunjae for him to still consider. Peace grew to his full size. Yoohyunie settled in behind me on his back, and Yerimie floated up to hover alongside us as well.

“It’s huge.”

About a hundred meters from shore, the rounded form of a monster could be seen looming above the sea’s surface. It appeared to be a turtle-esque type, after all, and the exposed portion of the monster resembled a massive shell. Glinting tarnished gold below the rays of the setting sun, it certainly looked to be a formidable foe.

“Are all of you ready!”

Moon Hyuna roared, having been the first one to arrive on the beach. A stopwatch was held in her hand. As an S-rank Hunter who was sitting out of the raid attempts, she had been asked to help track the run times for the event.

The first team, a raid team comprising two S-rank Hunters and five A-rank Hunters, all took hold of their respective weapons. 

“Without using your Skills yet, line up at the start line! And–go!”

쿵! As Moon Hyuna slammed the end of her spear into the ground, the raid party surged forward towards the monster. Instead of using a flying Skill–촤아악, disk-like constructs floated up above the water’s surface. As they quickly hopped across on the path of disks, the supports began to cast all of their Skills as well. Yoohyunie opened the lid of the lunchbox he had brought over.

“I’ll warm it up for you.”

“Me too, Han Yoohyun, do mine too. I’ll trade you ice for drinks, yeah?”

“No. It’s cold out.”

“Even if it’s chilly, sodas definitely need ice.”

“Hyung can have milk.”

But, I’d wanted something carbonated too....... Just then, the S-rank Hunter who’d managed to reach the monster first, swung their hammer in a powerful arc. The battle hammer, cloaked in a Skill, slammed into the shell of the monster and–

텅!

“Ugh!I” 

The Hunter was sent flying high, alongside their hammer. Hmm, significant resilience properties. Most likely a Skill. Tricky, very tricky.

* * *

The sound of running water stopped. Pulling on a dressing gown, Sung Hyunjae stepped out of the bathroom. His hair was still soaked through with water. This kind of approach proved more effective on Han Yoojin, after all. He preferred the ones that showed a gap in their armor, who hinted at needing to be taken care of. Whether the one in question was a human, a monster, or an entity that resembled neither altogether.

“I don’t recall calling for a bath attendant.”

In the center of the living room in his private quarters, stood a figure. Though it had taken on a humanoid form, the feeling it gave off was far from being so. To be precise, it was something reminiscent of a Skill or an Item.

[ Why associate with them. ]

It asked him. Sung Hyunjae approached the thing with measured steps.

“A guest should offer up their name first, no.”

[ When you despise impasse, and rage at impotence. Those lowly things do not suit you. ]

Sung Hyunjae’s hand shot out and seized the thing’s neck. As it squirmed in his grip as though it meant to escape, razor-sharp magical energy tore at the hand squeezing its throat. First hand, then wrist, and then down to his elbow; shallow cuts littered his skin in long, scrawling lines. But even as crimson drops of blood dripped down his arm, Sung Hyunjae fixed the thing clenched in his fist with an unwavering stare. 

“Not Chatterbox’s, it seems.”

Sung Hyunjae’s magical energy bore into the ensnared thing. Golden sparks crackled as he made to examine the thing in depth, surgical in his dissection. 

“...nor Crescent Moon.”

But Crescent Moon was said to have retained several children. And so, there remained the possibility that it was one of them.

“There are already enough troublesome matters to deal with at hand here, you see.”

Sung Hyunjae mused, lifting his other hand to press against the thing’s head. His finger crooked; it drilled through the skull, into its head. Rather than blood, a black viscous fluid leaked out. And then–지이익, increasing the strength of his grip, he began to tear it to pieces. 

[ Why shield them. ]

The thing, as it was slowly ripped apart, continued speaking.

[ An entity, such as yourself. Who would keep those things you deem insignificant beneath your heel. To act on your whims, regardless of the situation at hand. ]

“It appears that you hold some misconceptions.”

찌이익, the strips of what had been torn away collected at his feet. As its struggles increased, the blood that soaked his arms ran down to pool down by his feet as well. 

“Pray tell–why should I feel opposed to experiencing rage, frustration, and dissatisfaction, exactly.”

Sung Hyunjae asked, sing-song, as though humming a small tune. 

“It is simply what being alive entails, no. To only ever experience enjoyment, would surely be psychotic.”

Could a human being only capable of experiencing a singular emotion, truly be called ‘normal’. Surely, it only followed that what he was experiencing was a slow descent into madness. Or perhaps he had already even passed that threshold, long ago. 

“It may be that some persons–or, perhaps, even the majority–wish for me to maintain my lofty position at the top, as an unwavering force.”

Acquiring, eliminating, then reamassing. The countless multitudes that had interacted with him in those many worlds. They were absent from his memories now, but that was how things would have turned out.

“But I’m quite pleased with every aspect of myself, you see.”

Though it might not suit some others’ purposes, it was of no consequence to Sung Hyunjae himself. It enabled for him a vibrant existence.

And so, even if he were to fall down to hit rock bottom, so long as it was something he himself had intended upon. Even that situation would be something he enjoyed to the fullest extent. So long as he still remained ‘Sung Hyunjae’, in whatever form that might entail. 

찌이익, the last remaining piece was shredded into two long, tattered strips. The collected pool of disemboweled parts rippled lightly, like a small tar pit.

[ The more you do. ]

[ The faster you will decline. ]

[ So come, and find me. ]

The thing began to grow faint, before soon disappearing altogether. 파직, the small marble that had been left behind let off a spark. The shattered fragments of the marble had been scorched a deep black. 

“So many pests, even in this sort of climate.”

Sung Hyunjae murmured, pouring a potion over the arm dripping blood. To wash up once more, or to simply head outside as he was. Both Han Yoojin, as well as Song Taewon, would likely provide him with an entertaining response.

Han Yoojin was likely to fret over him, in particular. Sung Hyunjae let out a long sigh. That Han Yoojin was an F-rank was both unfortunate, as well as a relief. If he had been even a bit stronger, it might’ve proved difficult for him to graciously hold himself in check, as he was doing now.

He intended to squeeze out the full spectrum of experiences Han Yoojin could offer, after all. Not simply the positives, of course, but all of the negatives as well. 

“So, do survive a while longer yet.”

Placing a piece of the magical energy he’d just ripped away into the magic stone he’d long maintained, Sung Hyunjae smiled. Whether for Han Yoojin or himself–there was precious little time left.

- - - - -

(1) Student jumps off building on college entrance exam day

Nearly 40,000 Koreans die by suicide over past 3 years: data

Korea's top 30 ranked universities

Thousands of S Korean teachers rally for protection from abusive parents

'I’m a precious daughter': High school video fans public furor

Why the Korean job market is so inhumanly competitive when Korea has become one of the biggest economies in the past decade?

(2) refer to footnote 3 in ch 509 for why what yj said is a grave insult directed towards hl’s integrity as a man etc.

liette -> everyone | informal casual

noah -> liette | formal polite

myungwoo -> noah | informal casual

noah -> myungwoo | informal polite

yerimie -> yoojin | informal polite

yerimie ↔ yoohyunie | impolite casual

yoojin ↔ liette | impolite casual

yoojin -> yerimie | informal casual

yoojin ↔ yoohyunie | intimate casual

Using Korean: A Guide to Contemporary Usage

+ (Q&A)

Q) does water have a ‘fate’ that follows with its attribute too? i became curious after reading in the afterword that yerimie had the potential to grow to become akin to ‘pure’ water A) as fire is not a ‘characteristic’ compatible with living beings, initially, there were no corresponding ‘races’(species) that ‘embodied’ it; and even when they had emerged, they were considered exceedingly rare. however, though they don't present nearly to the extent that it does in ‘fire’, the other attributes have ‘traits’ characteristic of themselves as well. ‘water’, while capable of  being ‘vast(open)’(넓게 퍼지며) and ‘enveloping(enfolding)’ many within its embrace (감싸 안지만), simultaneously ‘crushes(pressurizes)’(내리누르기) as well. and the more powerful the water attribute, the greater the instinct to dominate(subjugate)(지배적인 성향) becomes. in addition, as they accumulate more strength, there are cases where they become agitated when confined to more enclosed spaces. there’s a high likelihood that a more grown bak yerim will look to move towards wider pastures^^

+ (Q&A)

Q) yerimie’s initial-stage optimized Skill, ‘White Corpse’–what aspect or characteristic of yerimie was the Skill a manifestation of? A) it was a combination of bak yerim’s own original attributes and the memories of the past that she clung onto–where her parents were still alive–instead of the present, that gave rise to the mentioned outcome. because the bak yerim who existed pre-regression had already made the decision to stand alone by the time she had Awakened at an older age, she never ended up gaining a Skill similar to the ‘White Corpse’.

+ (Q&A)

Q) in the novel, it’s mentioned that, as far as ‘teas kept in the house that’s been boiled then cooled to drink’, yoojinie prefers barley tea, yoohyunie prefers barley tea too (because hyung does), and that yerimie likes brown rice tea; then, i was curious as to what teas the gyeol, seol, and byeol babies might prefer too, respectively! A) all three still prefer either Dungeon-sourced spring water, or the ‘clean’ water that bak yerim summons for them. in particular, han seol is less concerned with the taste associated with any form of sustenance, than its mana content; his sense of taste tends to be fairly dull^^

+ (Q&A)

Q) did yerimie want to be a Hunter even before awakening, or did she have a different future occupation in mind? A) most teenagers long to turn out to be an A-rank or higher Awakened^^ when bak yerim discussed Hunter-related matters with her peers, she would make mention of wanting to Awaken so I can become emancipated~. only, as becoming said A-rank or higher Hunter held odds equivalent to winning the lottery, it wasn’t ever a serious ‘future dream job’ in her mind. in bak yerim’s case, she was less concerned with a ‘dream job’, than she was preoccupied with her desire to escape from her living situation at home.

+ (Q&A)

Q) is Huanglim actually younger than section chief song-nim in age? is he in his 20s? A) he is younger than song taewon, and yes, in his 20s^^ specifically, as he’s unable to accurately pin down his own age (owing to the gap in knowledge re:himself), he considers himself to be somewhere between 20 to 30 years old.

+ (Q&A)

Q) are huanglim’s 18+ jokes and adult references born from experience, or is he just the type to bluster despite being inexperienced? personally, i’m partial to characters like huanglim who are sleazy but refreshing and also kind of empty(hollow)(?), so i was curious–is huanglim a character who has a lot of relationship(sexual) experience? A) re:his premise, the length of time he’s been able to experience things as himself has been brief, but the number of encounters tends to run on the higher side^^ because he couldn’t be certain how long his existence would go on for, he didn’t really restrain himself when it came to anything.

+ (Q&A)

Q) how strong is huanglim among the s-classes? i’m very curious, since there wasn’t a point in the novel where the Skills he holds were shown in full, nor did we see the top equipment in his possession, or a scene with a fight where his life hung in the balance! whether he’s the type to have stats that are min-maxed or more balanced, and how strong of a dps he would be if he'd had the opportunity to study his opponent in advance, and tailor his approach accordingly by ‘renting’ the appropriate counter-Skills etc! since he has a laid-back air that suggests he’s unconcerned about losing his life in a match-up against even a born s-rank, it made me feel even more curious! A) huanglim is akin to a specialist-defense type^^ as the Gardener is a defense-type, both huanglim and song taewon, who have received His influence, possess high defense-type specs. however, as song taewon also holds the Eclipse That Which Swallows All, his close-combat ability charts higher; huanglim’s specialist trait, too, is a product of the environment he’d been brought up in. as a powerful defense-type, huanglim possesses high physical stats. unlike song taewon, who was stunted from reaching his full growth by his self-suppressive tendencies, he’s quite tall, and built as well. but despite being hardy and possessing remarkable recovery abilities, like the Gardener, his offensive capabilities are fairly poor. however, he’s able to gain roundabout access to attack Skills via his copy Skill, and there are several Skills he’s managed to master after repeated practice in his arsenal. as huanglim has done this with many of the Skills belonging to the Hunters he’s allied with, so long as he prepares diligently in advance, he would probably place close to the top of the rankings for s-ranks who are well-balanced in both offense and defense capabilities. particularly, as–once a few conditions are met–he’s able to switch between defense and offense configurations, as well as heal, then switch to using support Skills too, he makes for a particularly difficult opponent.

+ (Q&A)

A) sung hyunjae tends to keep a regular sleep schedule of five hours at minimum, to eight plus hours of sleep per day. while some of this can be attributed to how things are at least less tedious when he’s asleep, his physical state plays a greater hand in it. by dint of the subconscious instinct to ‘defrag’ his accumulated experiences, when he does sleep, he’s a sound sleeper. he is capable of experiencing dreams as well.

[hugsandchaos]

A couple years ago, I had this multiverse AU where the Anti-Void wasn’t always that. It actually used to be full of skeletons that looked just like Error and had strings like him, and their symbol of cooperation, family, close groups, ect. was a cloth woven together by each individual’s strings. Over the years, the cloth would either grow or stay the same, depending on their life. At their funeral, their cloth would be finished and hung at their grave, which was also the reason for a small structure hanging over the grave.

If the individual wishes, however, the cloth can be given to another individual such as a friend or family member. This was one of the most important things to them, and the ultimate act of trust. I even remember making some kind of list of certain designs telling the observer what kind of job the owner had, what kind of person they were, but I never wrote it down or anything, so I can’t tell you guys.

However, when Ink first created an AU, it triggered something. There was no room for both the AU and the world built by Error’s people. So it was wiped out. No one knows how or why Error survived. He doesn’t remember. He remembers his life before, then panic, then nothing. All he has now is his mother’s cloth, safely kept in the quite literal network of strings at the ceiling. And as something that shouldn’t be able to exist anymore, Error began to experience glitches that got worse over the years and got a new name because of it.

The Anti-Void isn’t just an empty space. They’re ruins.

Bonus idea that I had; The other Bad Guy Sans learned of the purpose and symbolism of the cloth. How it represented that one string, one person, could change the design of an individual’s life and make their story so much bigger and beautiful. They didn’t make strings like Error did, though, so they all got a spool of thread of either their soul color or their favorite color and handed it to Error. One day, he’d show them his own cloth, and they’d see their threads intertwined with others. It may seem small to others, but for them, it’s a big deal.

Anyways, that’s all! Just something I figured I’d dig up from the past. Probably never coming back to this post again. Bye. 👋

[quilleth]

Ok I need to type this up and post it somewhere so I can feel guilty if I don’t make steps to follow through or something that sounds like I have somewhat fewer mental eelnesses than I actually do..or something (I can already hear my therapist going “no it’s ok if things don’t go to plan and to not be busy all the time”)

But!! the dollcon is like...less than 3 months away (eeek!) so I need to figure things out STAT and get working on them if I want to bring doll Vanora and Faolán with me...which I do because I think they said there’d be a photo booth and my camera and photo skills are not great ><

Plans (and some sketches) under the read more because I am mostly babbling for my own reference lol

I ordered custom bodies for both of them from Resinsoul last month, and I think they should be here at the end of this month-ish, which works because I have the last week of December and first of January off of work, and work remotely until mid-January to boot. I am extremely nervous about how well the bodies will work, especially the Cen body I ordered for Faolán, but making a doll shorter seems more intimidating than making one taller or faking bulk with careful clothing construction, so I went with that instead of ordering the bigger boy body that might have suited better. I may eat my optimism about this plan later on. I am slightly less worried about the custom body for Vanora because a) they’re modifying the neck to suit the head I have b) there’s not another option available really anyway c) I know they’ve done the modification (making a female muscular body from one of the boy bodies) before with their ¼ scale dolls. I may cry however if they end up redoing their 1/3 girl body in the wave of new bodies they’ve been doing lately xD The new ¼ bodies have been really pretty! I will, however, roll with the current 1/3 scale because that’s what I have lol

I also need to get over my fear of messing up with the airbrush so I can color match Vanora’s head to the body >< I ordered the body in Resinsoul’s sky blue, since that feels like it will be easier to match the head to the body instead of trying to do a custom color and potentially needing to fudge both to make them look like they match. That’s my other worry about the Cen body. Finding a color match for milktea rose is difficult, and finding swatches even on Switch’s site was hard. I found one that sort of matches some of the pictures I took and a corresponding Pantone number, but color matching is never 100% guaranteed. I may need to do a lot of blushing to make it work or it could be a disaster (in which case I will probably cry in frustration tbh. Any other body I could get for him is significantly more expensive and too tall/ bulky. I’d have to try to sell this one and then order probably a dfh 65cm boy, since I think they can color match MTR, but there’s no way it’d arrive on time and the muscles bother me. Luts SSDF has a slim boy body, but it’s even more expensive, and they don’t color match, though I heard their Bronco resin color is close. In an ideal world, Vings 68cm body would be available in 64-65 cm and not 700 bucks but, alas. This is not that world).

Reason #2 to stop being afraid of the airbrush: faceups and sealant. I live in one of the states that manages to always either have too high a humidity or too cold temperature (or somehow, both) for finicky MSC. I have Army painter air matte varnish and have heard good things about it, and I know their paints work really well, for minis at the very least. But sealing the faces to do the faceups requires figuring out the airbrush and I’ve currently built up a huge block around that because I’m afraid of messing up (see also: imaginary comments from my therapist. This poor woman has had to hear about my odd hobbies and my apparently connected fear of failure so much lmao. I’m working on it.)

I have sketches for both of their outfits already done, and thankfully they’re fairly simple. I ALSO managed to behave and go through my fabric stash before I went to panic buy fabric at the fabric store near me that’s closing, and I pretty much have everything I’ll need already, save for a shade of dye or two, which I can get easily enough at Michael’s with a coupon and educator’s discount (win for me!) (Faolán's sketch is decentish but my god was drawing it a struggle. For Vanora, I have a base I made that I trace for each outfit I want to design for her, but doing the same for him just would NOT work no matter what. I ended up having to print it out lightly and draw over it that way and I’m still not entirely pleased with it. He is frustratingly difficult to draw the way I want! I guess that’s what I get for making him suffer lol)

I’m going to start with the clothes first. Or at least Faolán's, because I think the measurements are similar enough to the Loongsoul 62cm boy body that I can use it to test them. I need to dye some fabric first, so I will work on that this weekend/ next week. Thankfully his style is practical, flowy, and “artfully worn,” so it can look a little grungy or over sized and suit his personality. I’ll have to guesstimate for Vanora’s pants and drape the top once she gets here. Her pants are wrap pants, so they’ll be adjustable in the waist. Her top is decidedly less forgiving, but draping is my preferred pattern making method anyway. Just not sure what the bust is going to be like until the bodies get here. Resinsoul busts on their 1/3 girls are uh...very perky let’s just say xD

I do want to make formal outfits for them too, because that whole sequence in our campaign continues to hurt my feelings, but I can do that later on and don’t need to have it for the con. I do however, need to figure out shoes for them, which is apparently impossible because no one makes doll sandals it seems. I’ve found a couple, but I’m not sure if the size will work, so I think I may have to make some. RIP to me and both of them because they’re probably going to look janky.

I have a wig for Faolán already, and one for Vanora as well, but I need to dye and style it. Dyeing it I’m not too worried about, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to style it “correctly.” She may just have to have her hair down :/

I need to figure out eyes for both of them and should probably just order the ones I’ve been looking at for Vanora like...yesterday. Faolán has hazel eyes and finding ones that match what I was picturing has proven as difficult as finding sandals. I started making some but I need to finish them and hope they look ok. I might buy some at the con if I find ones there that I like. I did start making some for Vanora too, but Dolly Planet has some that I think would be really fun for her.

I’m planning on going light for accessories for them so that there’s fewer things to risk losing, so while I do want to make Vanora’s sword and a healer’s kit for Faolán at some point, I’m not going to worry about that until later (who knows, maybe I’ll find some cool things at the con I could use for those!). Vanora however needs her bracelet. It is an absolute necessity; she never goes anywhere without it! I found these 3d nail art stickers that I’m going to try to use to make the charm. Thankfully it looks like there’s 2 of each design, so I’ll stick them together, with a loop of wire or thread to act as a bail, and maybe use some putty to hide the seam and add stability before painting it to look like wood.

Their earrings should be easy enough, since I have wire and jewelry findings and seed beads here. I do think I may need to either remember how to make friendship bracelets or rig up a tiny tablet weaving loom for Faolán's belt though xD Which I should’ve thought of sooner. RIP me part deux. I have a bunch of embroidery floss though so either way I can figure that out.

The other part that I need to figure out is his tattoos. And I have no idea how to do that. I need to sketch them out still to have some kind of plan. But drawing/ painting them on is going to take a lot of time, and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to find and tweak decals to suit how I want in time. I may have to accept that I won’t be able to have this done in time, but I don’t like it. I am now kicking past me for going “yeah tattoos are cool, let’s give him a half sleeve and neck-piece in lore and never figure it out beyond ‘plants’.”

Likely overestimating my time/ motivation/ energy would also include making a bag to carry them around in. But I’m still going to write it down here anyway. I have some vinyl so I could make it kind of like an ita bag. But I’d need to make the pattern, and figuring out yardage and supplies is not really my strong point for something like this. I’m pretty sure I have zipper tape and fabric that could work around here though, in my hoard. It doesn’t need to be too fancy, just sturdy and padded enough with something to keep the dolls in place. And backpack style so my hands can be free while I’m walking around. I also need to get a new suitcase before the con because the one we have is from 2006 and beaten to all shit ><

[shit-talk-turner]

I don’t necessarily think mods agree with every bullshit anon says. I know you don’t. But you choose what’s gonna be the topic of the day and it’s highley opinion-forming. (mostly negative) You don’t say much and still influence others. Provoke and wait. Share and get other people to spread it. „Smart”. That way it’s never your fault. „Oopsie”. No remorse whatsoever even though you’re responsible for a lot of weird comments on a different platform and some really creepy profiles PRETENDING to be „fan accounts”. (they’re getting blocked for a reason, another long story) Because being annoying on here is not enough. But what can you do? Admit it? It’s easier to shift the blame and call people crazy. Oversensitive, of course. Looks like someone who cares is a big turn off you. 😜 Into bad boys much? Get well soon, honey. (Sorry, bad joke, we don’t romanticize it here, I know….unless…)Anyway. A lot of blogs are problematic but this one is the final boss? Probably the most active one? Not sure. But it’s famous for sure. Even for people who forgot Tumblr existed. Apparently it’s not just „a shit chat” here?

Manipulating younger, more naive fans it’s easy. A bunch of fake screenshots is all you need. Little minions will eat that shit up and spread it for you.

What a hero. Girl „ended��� racism but invented a whole new genre of misogyny. Did we just end old misogyny to replace it with a modern, more subtle, yet still effective one? Like it never went away, you just got better at hiding it. Eh. If you want others to grow and apologize for their mistakes, how about you do something different once and use your platform for good? Boo. Boring 🤣 I know I’m crazy for asking that. You’re clearly way more influential than you claim to be. So own it. How about one thing that will make someone smile, for a change. SINCE YOU’RE SO OBSSESED WITH SMILES. Such a waste of potential. Smh.

Also tell me, how is it that you’re always against taking it from here to harass people on other platforms? And little minions still come back here with „Hey. I sent them a DM.” LOL! Saying that only out of guilt and then again, my personal fav: „I didn’t advise that.” Wow, thank you but it’s clearly not working and you’re aware of it as it’s been proven many times before and that, right here, makes you a part of the problem. Btw. Being able to read someone like an open book by one facial expression would be a great superpower. I absolutely agree! I guess we all dream of that one from time to time. We can joke about it, that’s for sure. But if you take joking/humor to like, seriously diagnose? a „toxic relationship”, now that’s something I’d call a stretch. Sorry, I laugh every time you say but they’re just „famous people”so it’s okay - that’s even worse. Maybe with people you actually know in real life you’d be at least slightly more accurate, so you’re only digging yourself a deeper hole, eh. Now say you don’t do that, look up the comments some people leave and tell me you never „kinda agreed” on that here. Yup. I’m not saying this blog is the worst thing that happened to humanity just because I say some things here 🤣 Yeah, there are bigger problems. Lol. I think the root of the issue here is that a lot of you are desperate for answers of things you’ll never get answers for which only leads to frustration. :(

A friend somewhere posts a comment and you’re all like „it has to be trolling”, if a friendly, wholesome, completely harmless comment is trolling to you - then what the fuck is this? Everything that’s NOT cruel to her can’t be real, smh. If you wanna troll, make it clear it’s a science fiction blog then? We are all hypocrites to some degree, yeah. I’ve made peace with that long ago. But the level here…. PS. delete your little #alexturnerwouldyoumarryme cute, innocent hashtag from all the „fan” accounts you have while you still can. Cause who knows(JOKE) maybe, one day, you’ll date him(no) and his whole fanbase will try to cancel you for it. 🤣Well, not cancel-cancel but them twisting it and using it against you at some point is inevitable. I think you often use this one here to prove…dishonesty? Whatever. All of the above is just the tip of the iceberg 🤣 TLDR.

So this is the last time we’re going to post your mania rants so if you want to continue this discussion we can do it off anon or you can start your own shit talk blog about us to post your manifestos. We appreciate that you think we’re the big bad boss of the AM underground or something, but we really don’t have that much power. There is no manipulation or cancelling happening here, just gossiping. We don’t care what other peoples opinions are as long as we can all play nice and keep it to some light hearted shit talk. We do not hate Louise like you seem to think we do and I guess you missed how often we do defend her (or delete unnecessarily hateful, disgusting asks about her). It seems you are genuinely misunderstanding a lot that is happening here or mistaking us for fans elsewhere or accounts elsewhere and are clearly having some kind of obsessive episode where we are concerned. We recommend you step back and do something else with your time because this is absolutely not healthy.

[everygame]

Fallout 4

Developed/Published by: Bethesda Game Studios / Bethesda Softworks Released: 11/10/2015 Completed: 24/05/2024 Completion: Completed the game by following the Railroad path until the end, when I noticed doing the final mission for the Institute would be slightly quicker.

Like many people, off the back of the perfectly cromulent Fallout TV show I though to myself, “gosh, I sure would enjoy some more Fallout right about now” and having completed the series up to New Vegas, I thought, “well, how bad can Fallout 4 be?”

Very bad.

Fallout 4 is an empty vessel. It takes all the signifiers of the series (post-apocalypse! S.P.E.C.I.A.L.! V.A.T.S.! Factions!) and then does… nothing with them. It does nothing with them in style though, with a framing narrative that works so immediately poorly that I have to imagine that it was forced upon the team by an executive, because as we know, the only American executive to ever be right about anything is Howard Phillips.

In Fallout 4, you play a mother or father who, after being frozen in a vault, awakens to discover your partner getting literally fridged and your baby boy being stolen. Finally able to escape your own freezer pod, you head out into the wasteland to seek your lost child.

Now, this is a set-up that requires some urgency, I would say. If I was a father–and I was playing one–I’d be pretty damn fucking determined to find my kid as immediately as possible. It would, let’s say, be a lot more urgent than getting my revenge as in Fallout: New Vegas.

In fact, I’d probably expect that the game would really thread the narrative strongly at the beginning. New Vegas, memorably, beautifully shapes the world into an initial binary decision–get to New Vegas immediately through an impossibly dangerous route, or take the long way round by necessity, but learn a lot on the way.

Fallout 4 does not do this. It dumps you into a wide-open map and then essentially the first quest you are going to happen upon will lead you into a chain where you start doing what the game is really about: building settlements.

*groan*

Before I continue: I understand the first thing you are going to say, which is “well if you’re determined to roleplay a desperate father, just head straight to the next place they tell you to go!”

It’s not unfair, but I want to express: the game does not want you to do this. It simply does not want you to move the main story forward quickly. “Thou shalt get distracted by bullshit every god-damned time” is a very funny thing for The Ghoul in the Fallout show to say (and to be fair, he does seem to have spent several hundred years on side quests rather than finding his family) but it’s not actually how a player is supposed to feel.

I have complained about settlement building before. It’s frustrating in No Man’s Sky, and it’s actually a bigger ballache here, as the game is unbelievably specific about where you can place objects, but also completely unintelligent about it, meaning that if you, let’s say, wish to place a fence around a settlement (as you would) half the time it won’t let you place the piece where you want it, and then if you can place it it completely ignores elevation, so you’ll end up either stuck with a fence that’s too low to continue at points, or that’s floating absurdly in the air.

(The fix to this, insanely, is to play a weird game where you place fences, then posts, then delete the fences, then replace the posts to get the elevation right, then replace the fences. It takes forever.)

(And it turns out fences don't matter anyway, because if your settlements get attacked, enemy spawn points are often in the middle of your settlements, rendering any realistic defenses moot.)

I spent far too long on fucking around with this trying to make it fun but it’s not, so eventually I gave up on that aspect of the game completely except when the main story forced me to, which was, frankly, more than I would like.

And to get on to that main story. This main story makes me question: Do Bethesda even like Fallout? Now, Fallout has its share of unbelievably goofy, easily arguably inconsistent world-building. Super Mutants, Hubologists, even the Enclave is a bit silly. But almost the entire story of this game relates to a super-powered science community making literal replicants. Also Terminators.

I guess I kind of get it as just adding to the pop-culture post-apocalypse mish-mash, but the science behind creating robots that like… bleed and shit just seems so far from tube TVs and nuclear-powered cars, and while you play it feels like it steps away from the hard-scrabble survival context of Fallout enough that you just don’t really feel like that’s what you’re playing at all. 

Being as charitable as I can muster, it’s possible it could have worked if it didn’t completely subsume the narrative of a father just trying to get his kid back. Now, admittedly, my hero seemed quite happy to fuck about doing literally anything else, but there comes a particular point in the story where it becomes aggressively clear that they don’t have a meaningful way to conclude that story, and it honestly becomes rather nonsensical as you end up either helping or subjugating a new robot race. They actually lampshade it at one point, as you might walk past a character that says something like "if we're creating the future of the human race, why are we building human-like robots? What does that achieve???"

They never explain it, and any and all emotional stakes you might hope for from the setup are completely blown apart to drive towards a “pick a faction!” ending, and the worst thing of all is that nothing you do actually matters anyway.

You know how in Fallout the best thing is when you finish it and you get to see how you changed the wasteland? You’re like “oh cool, those two characters settled down together” or “amazing… that character got over their trauma… by becoming an evil warlord” or whatever. Not here! Here you get an insanely generic video that barely changes between the factions and nothing else.

This aligns with the fact that a huge amount of quests in the game are “ambient” quests, which means that they’re just generic busy work for one faction or another, and with the settlement building, the entire game smells like a dry run for Bethesda’s later Fallout 76 as a proving ground to see how much an audience can put up with not very much bespoke content. I have to admit I was suckered by this, assuming that if I just kept placing maguffins for a certain character the quest-line would end and something cool would happen, but then I worked out that it would just go on forever and literally every quest in the game was just going to be “go to a generic location, kill everyone/kill someone specific/place an object” and once you see behind the curtain, there’s no going back.

In fact, in Fallout 4 there are almost no meaningful decisions to be made at all. It’s possible I missed some incredible bespoke quests, but the most exciting ones I fell into (for example, an entire quest-line pretending to be a silver-age radio hero that meant I spent the rest of the game looking like the fucking Shadow because no other armour turned out to be better) don’t even have any moral dimension; maybe it was the move to the Mass Effect-style dialogue system, but the only thing it ever seems to affect is how much a companion likes you, so you just do whatever you know they like. So I went from a saint to an arsehole about halfway through the game and it didn’t make a lick of difference.

And speaking of those mechanics, they’re broken anyway. The game lets you save anywhere (good) but also makes all skill checks rolls (rather than previously, which were strict stat checks) so your stats barely matter unless you’re a fucking saint (don’t pretend that you are.) 

Sure, sometimes character A ends up dead or character B hates you, but it feels arbitrary.  Ultimately in Fallout 4 there’s really just no role-playing. The game is actually just a grind, with some choice in which grind you want: do you want to grind flavourless missions to level up, or do you want to grind thanklessly building settlements?

I didn’t want to do either of those things. I wanted to play a Fallout.

Will I ever play it again? I put far too much time into this, and I didn’t touch any of the DLC apart from one featuring a vault which I did more-or-less by accident. Maybe the DLC is chock-a-block with the characterful narratives that are lacking from the main game. If they are: that makes me even more annoyed, and I’m not going to fucking play them anyway.

Final Thought: This article originally featured a 1000+ word lamentation about the lack of actually useful game criticism because I find it breathtaking that if you look for even contemporary reviews of this game they say nothing useful about it and how it fails to live up to any of the values of the Fallout franchise, just being generic product review shill shit, and by this point in 2024 anyway all you’re ever going to find online about the game is guides, endless guides. By 2025 it’ll just all be AI summaries of the guides that aren’t even correct.

Anyway, at least you’re now one of the chosen few who get to know Fallout 4 is a load of shite without having to actually play it. Unless you have already, in which case: I’m sorry.

Support Every Game I’ve Finished on ko-fi! You can pick up digital copies of exp., a zine featuring all-exclusive writing at my shop, or join as a supporter at just $1 a month and get articles like this a week early.

[spooniechef]

The Spoonie Garden

I’ve mentioned this in a couple of posts, and now it’s probably time for the full post about it. A little while after I got officially diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I decided to start trying a little herb garden. It started just in propagator boxes on my windowsill, but soon moved to pots hanging on the balcony rail. I have no idea what possessed me to try gardening right when I’d been diagnosed with a chronic pain condition, but I think it had something to do with wanting something nice, and also wanting something to nurture and care for in the hopes that doing so would motivate me to do the same for myself. Either way, I never looked back, and I’m even trying flowers this year, because having herbs is nice but I wanted something that was just pretty.

Now, a lot of people think they can’t have a window or balcony garden. I was one of them until I decided to try it anyway. One of the things I found was that a lot of the things people worry about aren’t that big a deal. Light levels, for instance. My flat faces northwest, and it doesn’t get a lot of sun; I was always told that this would make it very hard to keep a garden. But honestly, there’s been light enough for most of the herbs I’ve wanted to grow, and even enough for tomatoes. Space isn’t so much of an issue either; most of the herbs I grow are pretty self-contained, and I could move them all indoors if I had to for the winter. Thing is, even that’s not a necessity for most of them; I had a lot of my herbs outside and while they seemed to die over the winter months, the spring brought them right back. It’s really a matter of remembering to water them daily (not even that in the winter months when they’re mostly hibernating), maybe treat them to some plant food once a week, and cutting them back when winter’s coming to dry the herbs for use in the winter months. (Another reason that a dehydrator is such a good investment.) Plus it makes a lot of recipes a bit more budget-friendly, having your own fresh herbs on demand. The problem with recipes that only call for a couple of sprigs of a certain herb is that supermarkets never sell them in “just a couple of sprigs”, so you end up paying above the odds for a bunch of herbs knowing that you’ll throw away half of them.

Here’s my list of must-have herbs for the window or balcony, with pictures:

Parsley

Parsley sees use in a lot of different recipes, and it’s sturdier than you’d think. At the time this was taken, the tallest stalks were waist-high on me. I haven’t used it much, but my mother dropped by for a few stalks the other day, and I’ve been thinking of trying parsley sauce, so it’s good to have.

Sage and Rosemary

These both survived the winter outdoors, even during a cold snap, with no trouble at all. Sage and rosemary are wonderful in stews, to stuff a whole chicken, all sorts of things. Plus, of course, my recent lemon and rosemary steak recipe needs the rosemary, so it came in very handy today.

Oregano and Thyme

These two looked like they died over the winter. I cut back the oregano but didn’t bother with the thyme. I don’t know why I left the pots out there, but when I saw new green growth in and amongst the dead-looking stalks, I just watered them and waited to see what would happen. This is the end result; since that picture was taken, the oregano has only got bigger, and the thyme is almost entirely green and is flowering. I’m a big fan of oregano, especially in pasta sauces, and it’s so much better fresh. Thyme’s also good in stews and in whole roast chicken, and at least one recipe I’ve made recently called for it, so both have been worth it.

Mint, Coriander / Cilantro, and Dill

The mint is another one I cut back over the winter and watched it resurrect come spring. I have plans for mint sauce, and I stick the leaves in the dehydrator and have an endless source of mint tea. I also have plans towards learning how to make my own mint extract. As for the coriander / cilantro ... well, that I did have to replant this year, but it’s come along nicely. One of the dill plants (the one in the grey pot) is also one I planted this spring, but the other is actually a rescue plant - I got one of those pots of live dill from the supermarket for my refrigerator dill pickle recipe, and decided to repot it to see if it would thrive. Looks like it did. Now I’m never short of dill for my refrigerator dill pickles; I don’t have to buy £1 worth of dill to use maybe eight sprigs and throw the rest away, and all it costs me is some time watering them in the morning.

(Not pictured - basil, which I recently repotted and moved outside but isn’t quite impressive enough to take pictures of yet. Another one that’s good for pasta sauces, though I forgot my resolution to grow enough for pesto sauce this year.)

It’s an investment of time and spoons, but it’s got serious benefits. Watching something you planted grow is kind of miraculous, in its way, and I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me at least, it helps my mental state. I have moments of feeling pretty helpless and trapped and useless with the fibromyalgia. I mean, I can’t go to half the places I used to, I walk with a cane, and there are so many doors closed to me because of all of this. But my little balcony garden shows me that I can still do things, even if it’s only watering the plants once a day and remembering to throw in some plant food once a week. There’s tangible proof that I am accomplishing something in spite of how much I hurt.

Also, again, fresh herbs are vastly superior to dried herbs, and picking them fresh off the plant is better still. A non-starter in winter, admittedly, but when most of your herbs will actually benefit from being cut down in winter and the ones that don’t won’t take long to replant, at least being able to dry your own herbs for winter use saves money in the long run.

It’s not something that everyone can do, having a little garden, but more people can do it than think they can. If you don’t have a balcony, a windowsill will do. A lot of plants will be okay with whatever light you can give them. Also, when you’ve watched something go from a tiny shoot to a foot-high explosion of aromatic greenery, it’s pretty easy to remember to water them. Just remember to always use a bigger pot than you think they’re going to need when repotting. Roots need room to breathe, and if there’s not enough soil to absorb water, the water you give it will just drain out and your plant will wilt no matter how much you water it.

Fresh herbs are a joy in the kitchen, and they don’t take as much space, or as many spoons, to maintain as you’d think. Maybe give it a try with just one if you’re a little nervous about it - pick your favourite herb and get some seeds and soil, and try it at home. Therapeutic and tasty.

[bvannn]

Weekly Update March 1, 2024

I’m not doing the best this week but I’m also not doing the worst. I’ve not been sleeping well and I think it’s culminating today so slightly early update post just in case I fall asleep early tonight. I’ve had on and off moodiness and flareups but not a whole lot of surgery sickness, hoping next week will be the same. I think this week was a lot of semester stress, which makes it hard to take care of myself. I just ate three applesauces and next week is spring break, so I should have a bit of breathing room for more art stuff. Just in time for my art block to maybe be giving way. All I gotta do is get caught up on sleep, which I’ll try to start tonight.

So I’ve been trying to put more brain power into actual Oc story writing stuff this week. I have the little comic I’m working on in the background and that’s going a bit slower than I’d like but I’m still making progress and reviewing over it there’s fewer older pages needing redo than I’d thought. I’m also now officially through the second act of the episode/chapter/ w/e, so the third should move smoothly. Scenes are flowing nicer than I thought they would, generally going pretty good.

I also finally think my animation art block is giving way. Clip studio is good for flowier animation so I’d like to combine it with flash for any actual big animation projects I try to pick up but on it’s own it’s fine for smaller ones. I might do some more sketch style test animations for unfamiliar movements, and eventually I’ll need to do a test for one with lineart and color layers. The interface is not user friendly at all but I did figure out how to do it the way I had wanted. Not planning on doing any shaded animations though, shading will have to be done with after effects somehow. I’ll round up ideas for test animations tonight because I’m very headfoggy today so I doubt I’ll be able to throw music together.

I’ll definitely do a quick little gif for the bigger song I finished, I’ll try to get going on the next one, but for the time being I might finish up some half baked covers. I’ve fiddled with vocaloid more now, have two half finished vocal parts I’m using to test out how the English and Japanese banks work with English songs. Japanese bank is working better than I thought, but it’s annoying having to play with the dynamic and exciter settings for certain consonants, and the limited vowel selection also sucks, but it’s not like the English banks have basically the same issues too. I just need to play with settings a bit more, finish writing out the vocal parts (should basically be copy paste at this point, I’m already through one chorus of each), and throw together instrumentals to go with them, but I picked songs with simple instrumentals anyway, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get a skeletal structure ready, then I can fill it in with piano or violin because I can’t go two songs without either I’m addicted.

Music comic and animation are the main things I did this week but I am slowly getting my updated commission sheet together. I’ll probably start timing myself on smaller songs so I can try to add music options properly. Animation comms would be nice too but that’ll definitely be a ways off.

I did make unexpected progress writing an epithet TTRPG campaign, it’s like mostly structured, but maps minis and some encounters still need to get written. I might sit down to do that over break. I’m more certain now that I’ll need to take people online as players but I’ll wait until I’m closer to run before I make a google form for that

I’m going to try to either spend tonight with friends or go to bed early or both. I’m a bit worried about my body because flareups have been getting bad but tomorrow I don’t have to move my legs at all beyond doing laundry so I should be fine. If plans for both fall through I’ll either watch a movie or cartoon (I don’t do very often but if I indulge in media I can improve my writing skills) or draw or both. Tomorrow is walled off for homework though I don’t think I’ll be able to do much else.

[birdo-is-here]

Hello laddies uhhhh the autism won, have a long post containing the world-building for my ocs

First of all, it is MUCH bigger than just one universe. More a multiverse, but it sometimes even goes into other multiverses (not often tho)

It’s like the MCU, but better because its made by me /hj

Anyway, here you will find an EXTREMELY simplified version of the general layout of the multiverse:

Imagine a circle. That is a universe.

Now imagine an infinite number of that circle inside a larger circle. That is a multiverse. Wow!! However, circles do not tessellate, so that leaves some blank space in between the circles. That is called “null space” (very creative, I know)

This is just the layout of The Birdhouse, aka the multiverse we’re focusing on

THE OTHER MULTIVERSES!! AKA THE OMNIVERSE EVEN THOUGH THEY’RE SYNONYMS DONT THINK ABOUT IT

There are many different multiverses with all types of names and shapes that couldn’t possibly be simplified or comprehended by the human mind (or in other words: I don’t wanna draw)

There are an infinite number of multiverses each with their own sets of rules and laws (or lack-there-of). Many have “leaders” of sorts that “run” the multiverse (or make it seem as if they run it, at least)

On occasion you will find Strays who were either born outside of a multiverse or have abandoned their multiverse for whatever reason.

A good example of this would be 3p (my sibling’s character, hello Rebekah), who happens to be a deserter of war (yes war still happens in the omniverse it’s rather sad) and has therefore been kicked from her multiverse. L

Another example would also be one of mine known as Glitch, who was created outside of the multiverses and ended up moving into The Birdhouse. These creatures specifically can be known as Viruses or Parasites, either work rlly

Basically, the best way to simplify ALL of the multiverse/the omniverse is that they cannot be simplified.

You may be asking, are there other Omniverses? Probably! But I will NEVER be looking into that because that overcomplicates things much more than they already are and I also don’t need to need any more infinitesimal anyway!!

THE BIRDHOUSE

Of course, The Birdhouse has a “leader” — or, an Artist/Writer — who is known none other than Birdo (I’d say it’s not me but… it is. There’s no avoiding it, it’s just straight up me but I have an excuse for it and that is the fact that i am the artist/writer of these stories so it works)

However, because there are no rules and shit, The Birdhouse also has Co-Writers/Co-Artists, who are known as Crown and Pan (Believe it or not, they’re not based on anyone I know)

Birdo being the head of the multiverse as well as the original founder, has the most control of the script and story. Crown and Pan have some level of control over the script, but not to the amount Birdo does. They can also get in trouble if they directly go against Birdo’s plans, fun!

Birdo also has control of The Birdhouse’s general defenses, as well as who gets in and out.

Pan’s level of expertise is based on the general concept of “space & time”, and is basically the physical representation of such. He can bend space and time to his will with very little consequence.

Crown’s job is much more personalised, being the personification of just… sentience, ig. I’d say humanity, but it goes much further than just humans! So just… anything with a conscience and soul (that does include plants and allat, btw)

Of course, not everything is run by just these three, they’ve also got some other Helpers to fill in smaller roles, as well as their “children”

The Writers have, as of right now, 7 living children (and 1 “deceased”, but we’ll look into xem later) known as Nightingales.

Birdo has three: Neo, the eldest, and Tali and Novo, who are twins.

Pan has two: Thyme and Speise, with Thyme being slightly older than Speise.

And finally, Crown has two (TECHNICALLYTHREE): Regi, Grimley and Lite (dead :( )

The Nightingales were initially created to help out with the roles of the Writers.

- Neo helps Birdo with the general defenses of The Birdhouse + some general activities

- Tali is in charge of the borders between universes, basically being the weird little creature in the wall between rooms in the house.

- Novo is essentially the multiverse’s garbage disposal and local hazmat suit guy, absorbing rotting universes (we’ll get into those later) before they can infect any others, he has complete control over the Null Space

- Thyme oversees the management and flow of time itself

- Speise oversees the management of space itself

- Regi manages “life” before birth, or beforelife (kinda like the Jerries from Soul)

- Grimley, as opposed to Regi’s job, manages the afterlife (or more specifically, the safe passage to a universe’s respective afterlife)

- Lite, when alive, managed the lives (or lack thereof) of conscient souls (after their death Crown took over this role)

There are also Helpers, who are either:

- Inhabitants of a universe that have been taken out by a Nightingale (normally Neo) and changed both physically and/or mentally to suit the role they have been given.

- Created to suit the role they have been given. These ones are usually much less “human” in many ways, but do still tend to have a touch of humanity to them.

- Examples of Helpers would be: The Therapist, Interviewer, Reporter, Narrator, Cameraman, Gift Giver (hello cjrp community), Delivery Man and the Milkman.

IN-MULTIVERSE UNIVERSES (aka brush-strokes)

Inside the multiverse can be described as nothing other than “organised chaos”

There is an unknown number of universes that are potentially infinite, but nobody really knows. Not even the Writers! (mainly bc I don’t wanna overcomplicate things getting into the probabilities of infinity, so why not make it unknown)

Of course there are alternate universes, however they are a bit separate from other universes.

Let’s picture it like this: Each timeline is a single line headed in one direction. You will not find any AUs on any one timeline, however each AU has its own line/timeline of events.

You can travel across AUs, but it has to be deliberate. You have to be clearly thinking in your head “I want to go to the ___ AU” as you are universe-hopping.

Travelling through universes is surprisingly easy provided you have the right tools/knowledge. Some universes can have a small rip/fracture in reality that allows for easy passage to other universes, others may just need a certain inter-dimensional tool obtained one way or another to universe-hop. A small number may even have just a doorway to the other universe.

If there’s one thing that always happens when travelling, is that the hopper will always AT LEAST catch a glimpse of Tali’s domain (remember what I said about Tali basically being a little creature that lives in your walls?)

Hopping is essentially the equivalent to phasing through your wall to reach another room. Sometimes there are doors to reach the other room as well, but they are EXTREMELY rare. Looking into Tali’s domain is basically the equivalent of briefly seeing the inside of your drywall as you pass through.

Sometimes people may be a little stupid and try to do the universal equivalent of taking a sledgehammer to the wall and breaking it. Using the wall analogy, it doesn’t seem too bad, but this isn’t actually just a wall. It’s the actual confines of reality here, so it doesn’t actually go that well and usually results in all universes affected having to be absorbed by Novo’s Null Space if they aren’t dealt with by Tali and/or Speise soon enough.

If reality is broken beyond repair for one reason or another in a universe, it may start to shatter and break, causing it to become unstable and soon begin to rot. A rotting universe isn’t very good news, as that rot will spread to other stable universes and begin breaking them up too. Fortunately that’s why we have Novo, who manages the rotting universes and absorbs them before they become a liability.

INHABITANTS, + OTHERS

Back to the Nightingales for a moment, they also have some stuff!

In The Birdhouse, there are Proxies of the Nightingales. Proxies don’t do THAT much, they’re basically just representatives for the Nightingales whenever they themselves aren’t there.

Each Nightingale can have up to 3 Proxies (however they usually just keep it at 1) Proxies aren’t mandatory, so some go without having Proxies unless the opportunity strikes. Proxies must be extremely trusted allies of the Nightingales, and must also be members of The Birdhouse only.

Inhabitants tend to get a lot from becoming a Proxy! They get to summon their respective Nightingale on command, are sometimes able to commune with their Nightingale telepathically, and basically earn free protection from some deities.

When Inhabitants find a way to universe-hop easily, they may choose to become something known as a Hopper (so creative, ik), who basically travels the universes for whatever reason they have.

There are also Off-Scripters, who are an EXTREMELY rare group of people/not people who will deviate from the script Birdo has set. They’re generally very annoying to deal with for Birdo, as well as some Helpers such as the Narrator or the Cameraman. These guys are generally extremely self-aware and less serious characters.

There are ALSO also Part-time Off-Scripters, who only SOMETIMES deviate from the script. These guys can be even more annoying for Birdo, because he never knows WHEN they’re gonna fuck shit up for her. They’re also a bit more commonly found than full Off-Scripters, but still very rare.

That’s all I can think of for now! I’ll reblog this with new info or forgotten info over time, but this is the chunk of it :) Also if u have questions feel free to ask