#but i could maybe do a staples type deal.

[phallic-symbolism]

Ive been saving the character introduction sheets for all my favs. I kinda wanna like. Blow them up poster size and print them out. I should look into that.

[nayomi247]

I cant believe like... no one in the fandom has done a post like this yet that I can find?? It seems like a staple, and Im sending it here cause your wonderful and need more requests mwuah (´ з `)

What do you think would be some of the Hazbin Crew's ideal s/o? Like, what would attract them/get their attention initially, what they would need in a longtime partner, that type of thing! I would LOVE if you did Lucifer, Alastor, and Vox (my BOYS *sobs*) but feel free to do anyone and everyone you want to!

Their Ideal S/O

A/N: Thank you for this lovely request mwah😙 Also I sprinkled in other hcs to that I thought of while writing this

Pairing: Lucifer/Reader, Alastor/Reader, & Vox/Reader

Work under the cut🤞🏻

I feel like this man would love a clingy lover. Please always hold his hand. Sit on his lap while he does his work. Cuddle him to sleep at night. He LOVES physical touch.

Lucifer:

He'd also want a person he can spoil. He wants you to know he cares. He shows this by gift giving; (another one of his love languages) anything in his power is yours for the asking, you just name it!

As for looks, he wouldn't really care about those. He loves you for who you are.... THOUGH, if you were tall, he'd like to be topped by you. Or if you were short, he would tease you for that and act all proud bc he's taller than someone.

The thing that initially attracted him though was your smile. He always adored it. Just seeing you laugh and be happy always made his heart flutter.

He wants someone who can take care of him. He's a very needy man and is almost like a toddler to some degree. Of course he could do this stuff himself, but it makes him feel better knowing that you're willing to do it for him.

If you're gonna be with him, you have to be nice to Charlie. That's non negotiable. He doesn't want to put you in a spot where you feel like you have to parent her, of course not. All he wants is for his 2 favorite people to get along.

He needs someone who's willing to commit to the relationship as much as he is. He's still a bit hurt from Lilith, and he's trusting you to not break his heart like she did. He would be crushed.

Alastor:

He isn't one to like physical touch very much. Maybe a peck on the cheek here, holding hands a bit there, but other than that he doesn't want to be touched. Don't get me wrong, he loves you a lot! But he's not really the.. touchy type.

I see him more as lover that would like words of affirmation or quality time. Just your presence alone is enough for him. Though if he's with a clingy partner, he'll probably get them a plushy or something of the sort to hug and cuddle when he's in his 'no touch mood'.

He'd like if if you could cook. You could help him prepare jambalaya and other dishes his mom showed him to make. It'd be a great bonding experience.

Like Lucifer, he doesn't care much for looks. As long as you're willing to commit to him as he does for you, then it doesn't matter to him what you look like.

To be completely honest, he doesn't know exactly why he loves you or even fell for you in the first place. But he does, and did. Who is he to question that?

Vox:

This man is also a big physical touch lover. He always has his hand on your thigh, holding your hand, or just touching any place he can.

Please let him spoil you. You'd always have the latest phone and other tech like that. If you want something, he'd be glad to give it to you.

He wants someone that's loyal to him and only him. If he sees anyone else trying to flirt with you (*cough cough* val) he'd go absolutely insane. You are his.

If you could cook, he'd always love to eat your meals, breakfast lunch and dinner. Would 100% brag to the other Vees when he has lunch.

He'd prefer it if you're good with tech. He wants to be able to brainstorm ideas with you and show off his latest inventions. Also it would make it 10x easier to clean his system if you were the one to do it.

He cares more about looks than the other 2, but it's not a deal breaker for him. He'd like it if you were good looking (You're beautiful no matter what though ofc) but it's not a need. Regardless, he'd still call you beautiful and his pretty thing

He fell for you because of your of your personality. The way you walk about and present yourself. You take bullshit from anyone, you know your worth. Much as he does. You're like him, you both understand each other. That's why he sought out your love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm sorry if this exactly what you hoped it would be, I know I added a few random things but I hope you like it regardless :]

Once again thank you for the ask<3

{Taglist}

@wonderlandangelsposts

[wilbursprincess]

Harvey fingering reader in the office? Maybe while Tim and blight are fighting again?

(I have a new obsession)

-✨

“Shhhh, Darling, Don’t Let Them Hear Us”

Sorrybur x Female Reader

Warnings: Semi-public, fingering

Combined your two Sorrybur asks for my own sake, ✨anon! The brainrot we’ve all been getting from these Sorry Boys videos, oh my. And all the people in my Discord going feral for the tie? You’re among obsessed friends, ✨anon.

Fic below cut!

“I’m going to get lunch,” Blight says loftily, shooting Tim a look. “Since I’ve been getting more sales, I deserve a longer break.”

Harvey just snorts, watching as Tim scowls and goes back to typing. “I don’t know why they didn’t accept the job of stapling,” he comments, shooting me a shy smile over the lid of his coffee cup.

Unbeknownst to the rest of the office, I’d started dating Harvey. We’d been keeping it quiet from everyone else, especially Blight, who wouldn’t hesitate to find a loophole in the office rules to break us up. Harvey was cute, funny, and genuinely one of the sweetest guys I’d dated, and we were planning to take our lunch break after everyone else to plan something for tonight.

“Hey, Tim?” Harvey asks. “We’re figuring out something here, it shouldn’t take long, but we need it to be quiet. I’ll give you 5 bucks for the vending machine if you take lunch now?”

Tim sighs. “10 bucks?”

“Deal,” Harvey replies, tossing some crinkled bills at Tim. “Thanks, man. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Whatever,” Tim grunts, pocketing the bills. “Maybe I’ll go make fun of Blight while he’s eating.”

The door into the break room shuts. Phil’s gone out with Ranthony for lunch, on the excuse that corporate’s paying, meaning Harvey and I are all alone.

“You’re welcome,” he says, eyes crinkling into a smile. “I didn’t want to wait to spend time with you.”

I blush a little, eyes darting to make sure the break room door is still shut before pecking him on the cheek. “Well, I’m flattered.”

He’d stayed over at my house last night, which wasn’t something I’d normally do this soon into a relationship. To be fair, it was an accident, and we hadn’t even had sex. I’d given him a handjob over his pants, and we both fell asleep while cuddling. Harvey had even apologized the next morning for falling asleep before he could repay me, but I told him I didn’t mind.

“I still feel bad for not returning the favor last night,” he admits, squeezing my hand. “I still want to.”

“Well, we can make plans for tonight-“

He shakes his head. “Now?”

“Now?”

“There’s nobody around, and it’s kind of hot to have to keep it a secret,” Harvey says, smirking. “And you are wearing a skirt.”

“If I drag my chair next to yours, it’ll look like we’re working on this alleged project,” I offer, heat pulsing between my thighs. “What do you say?”

Harvey looks over the moon. “Oh, fuck yes,”

We slide our chairs into position, making sure everything’s hidden under the desk. The raised voices of Blight and Tim seep through the break room door, and we both giggle.

“Now that’s a mood killer,” Harvey comments, making me laugh even harder. “Luckily, it’ll keep them busy.”

His fingers brush over the front of my panties, and I shiver.

“You’re sensitive, huh?“ His voice is barely a whisper in my ear.

I nod slightly, letting out a minuscule groan as he strokes my clit through the fabric. He has incredibly talented fingers, long ones at that, and it’s not long before I’m shaky, sweaty, and my panties are soaked.

Just as his fingers slip inside me, the break room door snaps open, both Blight and Tim storming out, clearly furious with each other.

“Don’t stop,” I whisper in Harvey’s ear, and he nods, pumping his fingers in and out of me, coughing to hide the noise.

“Harvey! He put my stapler in Jello!” Blight whines, staring at Tim who’s looking innocent. “Tell him to stop it!”

He circles his fingers around my most sensitive spot, and I have to pick up his coffee to hide my moan.

Snorting, Harvey shakes his head. “Blight, man, take it up with Tim, not me. I’m busy.”

“It doesn’t look like your busy,” he pouts. “Looks like you’re trying to chat her up.”

I hold up the report I was working on a few hours earlier. “Is this considered ‘chatting up’, Blight?”

Tim snorts. “Yea, Blight, you’re just saying that because you’re jealous Harvey gets bitches-“

“Tim! Language!” Blight snaps, and the two of them start yelling at each other again.

Through the yelling, Harvey’s fingers are sending me floating on cloud nine, and it’s impossible not to let at least something slip. I pretend to peer over his shoulder at his computer, letting out a whine in his ear.

“I know, baby, I know,” he replies, speeding up his fingers. “Shhh, darling, don’t let them hear us.”

I bite my tongue and swallow down a groan, hips shifting to ride on his very adept fingers. Middle and index inside me, thumb on my clit, and a few seconds later, I shudder and soak his fingers.

“Good girl,” he breathes in my ear, moving his hand to his mouth and making sure nobody’s watching before he licks it clean. “I’d like to do this again with my cock, not my fingers, if you’re free after work?”

[vetitiscripta]

i wanna see ren grow horrified when he realizes mc only follows instruction because theyre literally being controlled by strade. i want to see him question it all and maybe even lose it a bit when he realizes mc hadn't acted alone. and most of the violence had been the same man he'd let bleed out that day on the ground. i want to see how bad that takes a toll on his mind.

anon your mind. mentally kissing you on the mouth anon

for those who missed it- this is regarding my ghost strade au

for this au, i like to think that strade can really only interact/“control” mc in certain moments, probably something like due to strong emotions (take that as you will 😏) or whatever

but god!! ren thinking that mc genuinely wants to do this type of stuff or hang out with him of their own free will only to find out its all because of strade. he would start thinking about everything that has happened and would wonder if any of it was genuine

he’d think about the time he found you late at night on the couch, watching one of strade’s old snuff films. he thought that you had finally understood, had come to appreciate the beauty of it all like he had. he cuddled with you on the couch as you put on another one on. (you had woken up that night in a cold sweat, an intense urge to watch one. strade stood in the corner of your room just watching you, smile on his face every time you looked at him. you tried to ignore the urge, ignore him, but it eventually wore you down. you trudged down the stairs and stood in front of the dvds, letting strade pick the one he wanted. you watched 3 films before ren found you, your tears already dried)

he’d remember the time you willingly slept in the same bed with him for the first time. it was late at night and he was trying to find an anime to watch when you softly knocked on his door. when he opened the door you were basically shaking, eyes darting around. “can i sleep with you tonight?” ren was over the moon when you asked, basically had hearts in his eyes (he’s down bad don’t make fun of him). he thinks you’ve come around, you finally see that you love him like he loves you. he happily welcomes you in his bed, arms wrapped around you so tight you fear he may snap you in half, anime playing in the background as you both fall asleep. (strade wouldn’t leave you alone that day. he was constantly around you, pestering you. sometimes he would just hover over your shoulder, watching your every movement, other times he would be telling you stories, the things he did and how he did them. every waking moment was spent with strade, you were so tired. you were happy when it was finally night and you could sleep. but then you felt the bed dip and felt hands on your legs, slowing inching their way up. you shot out of bed faster than ever and made your way to ren’s room. swallowing your pride for the night would be better than dealing with strade for another 5 minutes)

the encounter with lawrence was a staple in your relationship, you two were brought together since then (he believed) and he was so happy with you, he knows that he you were meant to be his

the day you tell him everything, he seems to crumble. he’s frozen as you tell him everything, fear on his face. he wanted to believe it was a joke, a bad joke that he could punish you for but you knew too much for it to be a coincidental joke. you were crying at the end of it, overwhelmed by everything that had been going on, and ren felt close to tears himself

he thought he was done with strade. sure his body is in the basement freezer, but he was no longer controlled by him, strade had no power over him anymore. (he might be lying to himself on that, he tries to be what strade was, tries to fill the empty feeling he got when he watched strade die)

and now you’re telling him that strade is still here just as a ghost? that strade was watching everything? that strade still had control?

i think that ren would try to regain control, would try to show that strade might still be around, but he is in charge now. he’d shock you before you can comprehend what he’s doing and you would wake up in the basement, tied to the pole. ren stood over you, knife in hand. strade stood just behind him, biggest smile you have ever seen on his face. you focused back on ren as he crouched down, “is he here?” you looked back up at strade before nodding. “good” a glint of metal caught your eye as ren brought the knife to your skin

[bambiraptorx]

One of the fun lil ironic parts of MCMT is that when Draxum actually realized he saw the turtles as kids his kneejerk reaction was basically "well fuck they're kids but they're MY kids and i can't train them to fight now because they're just precious lil babies and I could never make them fight" and he actually managed to hold to that idea.

Until they started school.

And within the first week of school Millie screamed at another kid until they cried because they tried taking a toy from him, Demophon bit someone for looking at him too long, Lua kicked a teacher, and Ragnarok refused to talk and snapped at anyone who approached him.

So now Draxum's getting report after report about how unruly and hard to manage his kids are, how disruptive to the classroom environment, how difficult, etc. So could he do something with his kids to make them not like that please, train them to behave better around other people, that kind of thing. Draxum's a little lost for a while because he doesn't know that much about training children at this age.

But he does know how to teach people to fight. And none of his other resources are adequate, none of his books cover what to do when all of his kids are like this, highly creative and energetic and destructive and made to last days without rest, and they will shipwreck themselves against rocks that most people will never even see in their lifetimes if he doesn't do something.

So. He teaches them the basics of self-defense. And perhaps he should have taught them earlier, given that--well. It's never too early for them to learn. Maybe he frames it as a game, a simple but structured way of getting their energy out. Maybe he frames it as an incentive, a 'don't hit your classmates when you're bored or no sparring after school' type of deal.

Whatever the case, they enjoy it, and more than enjoying it they love it, adore it. They want to train with him, and it becomes a staple of the family routine, the family bonding.

And Draxum pretends it doesn't sicken him at all that fighting is now such a part of his children's lives, even when he didn't want it to be. He couldn't take something they love so much away from them.

[darkx-the-dragon-kn1ght]

Chapter 30- Part 5

Uh…I’m gonna…move on from that rant of mine and get back to explaining what makes Suna so neat. 

The third thing is her moveset:

Specifically, the fact that she has Sand Tomb, a move that gets powered up on Ashen Beach. Combine that with Suna’s pretty good Sp. Attack, and she can probably do real damage with that (and Shadow Ball once she learns it).

Of course, that's just one team member. The rest…well, lemme think about this.

I'm expecting Kiki to have a Medicham and/or a Lucario, those seem like staples of Fighting teams, and they can learn moves and have Abilities that synergize nicely with Ashen Beach. I don't think she's gonna have another Fighting/Psychic-type in the form of Gallade, since Victoria already had one and there are plenty of other Fighting-types to choose from. Like…Hawlucha! To use special Flying moves to mess with my own team's Accuracy! And maybe Heracross to deal with Psychic-types? 

She doesn't seem like the type to use Dark-types, and using Poison-types seems…darkly ironic given her condition so I doubt we're gonna see any of those either.

But Ame also brought up the move Meditate specifically. Other Fighting-type Pokémon who can learn that move in some fashion include:

Hitmonlee

Mienfoo/Mienshao 

Mankey/Primeape

Machop/Machoke/Machamp

Ame also said something about her Pokémon still being able to hit despite Accuracy drops, so that makes me think of Mind Reader. Other Fighting-type Pokémon who can learn that move somehow include:

Poliwrath

Tyrogue/Hitmonlee/Hitmonchan/Hitmontop 

Breloom

So…yeah, a good amount of options, still. So now, let me see what I can do in terms of teambuilding. I already mentioned Suna, and Riptide is a given, but outside of that…I mean, I already know not to rely on Flying-types, so that's one option out. That just leaves Psychic- and Fairy-types. Kirin seems good with Zen Headbutt, and Asano can learn that same move so I can probably add him too. I could also add Glare to the team, Intimidate goes hard and she can resist Fighting moves as a Poison-type. And…heck, let's bring Gust back in, priority Cotton Guard and Charm also go hard.

So in the end, the team's looking like this:

I'm gonna get everyone up to Lv. 44. I was considering Lv. 43 at first, but I'm also highly paranoid and so I'm going an extra level to be safe. Training time!

(Yet another training montage la

So I made a mistake.

I trained, I even got Asano to evolve-

But while I was training, I thought to myself, “Huh, shouldn't Asano have gotten Zen Headbutt by now?” And Bulbapedia seemed to agree with me…until I realized I was looking at the wrong thing. I was looking at Meditite/Medicham's Gen IX moveset, not their Gen VII set. And in Generation VII…the only way Meditite or Medicham can learn Zen Headbutt is through the Move Reminder. In fact, they can't learn any damaging Psychic-type moves (besides Confusion) just by leveling up. 

So…I can't use Asano for this fight. I need a different Pokémon, someone who can actually take advantage of Ashen Beach. Another Psychic-type probably, hmmm…

Looking at my Boxes, I can see…OH! Shimmer the Munna! She's got-

She's got Lucky Chant! That protects against critical hits! That'll be really helpful in case Kiki has more Telluric Seeds! And…she can also learn Psychic, which gets boosted on Ashen Beach! And I have a good amount of Moon Stones too, so I can easily evolve her!

Okay, so-

Yeah! This is gonna be the final team! Now we can really do some training!

(One ACTUAL training session later…)

So, with everyone evolved, this is what things are looking like now:

Shimmer is holding the Twisted Spoon to further boost her damage output with Psychic, while Suna is holding the Zoom Lens to make sure Sand Tomb will actually land. I didn't think anyone would really benefit from the Telluric Seed this time, so I'm holding onto it for now.

So now, here we are again. The other NPCs don't really say anything interesting, so let's talk to Victoria instead.

Thanks Victoria, no pressure-

Alright, let's see how this goes. I'm going to lead with Shimmer to start strong, and go from there.

Oh, Victoria's acting as the referee? That's neat, proud of her for moving up in the world.

What, can't even open your eyes to look at who you're fighting, Kiki? More disrespect! Can't have anything in the Reborn region …

Also- I'm sorry, but what the heck is this music? It's like…I can't even describe it, but it's not at all what I was expecting. What kinda whimsical wizard boss theme is this?? 

(Future edit: So I tried to look for what this track was because it was killing me, but I couldn't find anything. I'm sure it's a remix of some kind, by GlitchxCity or otherwise, but I just can't parse it. This is going to haunt me until the end of my days, if someone knows what this track is, let me know-)

Lv. 40…am I overleveled? Maybe. But still…let's just make sure we can kill and open with Calm Mind.

Oh, that might not be good. Unless…I mean, as long as it doesn't use a super effective attack, maybe it'll still be fine.

Previous

Next

[the-bjd-community-confess]

Since i lurk here occasionally, i randomly get posts from here in my "for you." i saw that confession about the person who assumed their follower would buy a doll they had because it was said follower's grail really made me feel some type of way. Obviously i can't be 100% sure that person was talking about me, but there was enough detail they gave that i am pretty certain it was. Also after seeing that confession i realized a particular person was no longer viewing my insta stories or posts, and thinking back a few weeks, actually hadn't for a while, despite them being a staple viewer for a long time. They were otherwise active (posting, stories)

Tldr version is: i thought you knew the type of person i am, and what my issues are, and if you wanted me to buy it, you should have DM'd me first so i could let you know i couldn't at the time. And i'm unsure how i feel about you muting me months after the fact.

Very long winded ranty version:

Now, since this person was nearly always seeing my stories, they should know that i am A) autistic and B) disabled without steady income, as i post things about those topics in my stories often. So being autistic, yeah i hyperfixate and mention 1 topic often. In this case being how expensive this grail doll goes for. I am a firm believer that dolls DEpreciate in value, even limiteds. So yes, a doll that goes for 2-3x the og price is ridiculous to me regardless of how much i want it. I will absolutely not spend upwards of 1000usd for 5+ year old doll that i can't even see in person. For that part, sorry not sorry i was "annoying" about stating that on my own personal instagram story a few times.

Anyway, at the beginning of 2023 this person mentions they may be selling this grail. I DM them saying i'd be interested. They tell me it may be a while because they're lazy about sale posts. I say cool beans and move on. MONTHS later, like near the end of the year, they suddenly post the doll for sale. And for significantly less than market price. I'm excited of course, but unfortunately just COULD NOT at the time. As stated before, i don't have stable income (and this person should know this). So with a heavy heart, i share the sale post to my story saying something like "what a fantastic price! If i could currently afford it, i'd totally grab him, but since i can't someone else should!" And yeah i assume it sold quick. Maybe around a month later i happen to mention again that people normally sell it for a crazy price. I wasn't aware i had to specifically mention in that story "oh except so-and-so, their price was great" like.. i said your price was wonderful. I just wasn't financially able at that moment, and i'm not entering a layaway with an unstable income. That's just irresponsible. Since then, i haven't mentioned the doll or its price at all as the hyperfixation has waned. It's now been a few months since then.

So my main point is.. if this person was going to be SO SALTY they had to confess about about me not immediately snagging their oh-so-generous-for-my-benefit deal MONTHS after i mentioned my interest DIRECTLY to them, they should have contacted me DIRECTLY first. Life happens. Things change. Stuff has to be paid. If they had just DMed me before making their post i could have told them "that's so generous, but i sadly can't right now." And they then could have sold it at a higher price if they so felt inclined. This is the logical thing to do, and what i myself do if i know a follower wants a doll i am selling. To then mute me a few months after the fact because they're STILL SALTY is petty and if i'm so annoying then they could have unfollowed me at any point. This is a person that i considered myself to be "rather chummy" with as we interact a bit more than i do with other followers. So for me to see that confession and then notice that person no longer seeing my stories and posts.. it's a bit hurtful? Annoying? Maybe i'm angry? I'm not sure because i have trouble figuring out how i feel. I didn't unfollow them or anything because i'm giving the benefit of the doubt that maybe it was a similar situation with other people. And that's also why i'm not going to confront them about it. However if that person sees this, and then i see they unfollow me or something.. well then i guess i'll know. I'll quietly unfollow them too and i'll be a bit sad because again, i kinda saw us as chums but that'll be that and we'll both just move on with our lives.

~Anonymous

[th3-0bjectivist]

The Salvation Day Interviews (2 of 2) with musician Anthony Tadlock

     Dear listener, this is part 2 of 2 of my Salvation Day Interviews with Anthony Tadlock, A.K.A. t-underneaththeradardancing on Tumblr. For reference, Part 1 is here. Without further ado let’s start picking T’s oddly poetic and musical brain once again...

    Mr Tadlock, SD’s style of music seems quite distinct and doesn’t sound exactly like any other band I’ve heard of. When you two record music, what is the specific style you’re aiming for? Do you and Ms Vita Rhie Quintanilla align on any favorite influences that heavily sway your sound? Do you two enjoy the same type of music outside of SD? How much does classical or modern music affect your own expression as musicians?

     whether we are recording - playing live - just fucking around (what passes for "practice/rehearsal ") we dont actually aim for a style - early on we talked in general about "goals" we agreed that what we aim for is transcendent magic healing - and we will settle for being in tune and not sucking - influences many and varied but both agree if on a desert island - and could only have one album it would b miles davis "kind of blue" - we both enjoy a wide range of music...

     everything we hear - have heard - from classical to punk rock influences us - we also play a fair amount of "covers" live - a typical example would be "i know places" which is a kind of dirge by lykke li - vita had never heard it before - it was a staple in my live performances at the time - vita listened to what i had done w it and it became a staple of early performances having morphed into almost a stax type r&b - like many songs we play - we worked out the arrangement during performances with little or no discussion about arrangement

     I find that some of the most effective musical groups out there are duos. There’s just something that seems more concentrated and concise about a duo’s ability to wrap an album in a tight bow. Compared to other musical projects you’ve worked on in the past, do you prefer dealing with one single other creative mind… or many others… and what are the disadvantages of both from your point of view? When you’re playing guitar and she’s singing, for example, how do you deal with the inevitable issue of adding percussion to ‘enhance’ a track or live performance?

    at this time there are actually 3 members of SD - the 3rd is london - he plays guitar and bass - is engineering / producing our next project - at various times we have had a 3rd musician join us for a song or 2 - and there is maggie umber the artist, who created our web site - a video and some behind the scenes stuff - which is not precisely answering the question - i understand about duos though - with 2 minds/ souls it is easier to keep the connection - the unspoken - and be as 1 - with the whole being more than the sum of - it was only in making the album and making hard choices / dealing with forced choices and realities that i realized my true role / gift as a guitarist/musician is being a catalyst for magic to happen - to digress - often at open mics - peeps play along from their seats - impromptu collabs occur - sometimes the whole place becomes the stage - today im gonna prob play 1 song w the host/emcee - we have played 2x together - 1st time was cuz someone who had someone die that they were close to requested she play hendrix purple haze and she asked me if i could - tho i have heard the song countless times - the last time i played parts of it - i was maybe 15 - but it’s a simple structure - i said give me a minnit - went outside tried out chords as i remembered and something resembling the guitar parts - spent maybe 5 minutes total - came back in and said yah sure but u have to sing - no rehearsal - loose and nothing like note for note - ffs i dont play anything note for note or exactly the same way twice –

    anyway - it’s like that w vita - she often asks - can we play xxx - i say sure - look up chords if i dont know and ...w vita it has been consistent magic from the start and while not effortless by any stretch - we both put everything we have into the music as we play - whether we are loosely playing in my dining room / her living room - out in the street - onstage - sometimes we think there is no audience and a neighbor will later say they liked it - or look up on the street and realize we have attracted a small audience - in terms of the limitations - especially when vita isnt playing guitar - partially i am accustomed to playing solo just me and guitar - have developed different strategies for compensating / filling holes in the sound - that said we have wanted a percussionist from day 1 - on the album and ep we used synthesized drums / percussion which can be hard cuz we are a bit quirky - so in some ways salvation day will always be vita and t at the core - tho our 1 performance w london was ez and in some ways our best - and playing w him is ez and natural - unfortunately no recording

    I have but one final query and it’s a general one, so buckle your fuckles. I’m curious Mr Tadlock, what do you think of the state of modern music? When I listen to Salvation Day, I hear a group that is 100% genuine. You’ve got an interesting story and your entire act and delivery is sincere… when I turn on modern radio I just hear utter nonsense. Nonsense that is often dumbed down by multimillion dollar corporations that are trying to turn the talents of others into a saleable product. Do you think the vast majority of modern music is even healthy for people, and is there a conscientious effort on your behalf to keep the presentation pure with Salvation Day?

     the state of modern music ? idk tbh - it’s a scattered and confusing landscape - like always - much of wat is out there is crap - but then again - i lissen to 60s station on sirius when on road trips w the unpoet and much of what i hear is pretty crappy and i love the 60s lol - same same modern music which i get sporadic exposure to via tumblr instagram and youtube - hearing while in cafes or in ride shares - SNL ... and every once in a while an absolute gem is heard so is "mainstream " pop /commercial music "healthy" - fuck if i know - i remember 1st listening to top 40 am radio in 1st grade - loved the chipmonks (Alviiiiiiin!) singing witch doctor - a one off "flying purple people eater " lots of "novelty records " when previously listened to moms opera and frank sinatra - beatles werent on the radar yet but beach boys - mostly vacuous but fun - have gone thru phases - only listened to jazz and opera for almost a decade - have compulsively listened to 1 album or artist for periods - was any of it "healthy" maybe - it fomented trance and being outside myself - sometimes music is entertainment - sometimes just background for a lot of people - but also a way of coming together - a way to express confusing/conflicting emotions - i could critique modern music as being cookie cutter and meaningless - but no more than say doo wop dang a langa ding dong indeed or has there ever been anyone more transgressive than little richard then again chuck berry stooping to my dingaling ffs

     so did we do we trynna keep it "pure" w salvation day - fuck yah - i mean how fucking audacious (pretentious) to call it Path of Sacred Art - i thot our producer understood and they did sorta but - and i love our album but at one point i almost walked away from it - the process slowly grinds - yah rough edges r smoothed but - a case in point - the epitome of early salvation day - the sacred art side was/is "reincarnation" something went terribly wrong in the studio - after spending waaaay too much time recording vita's guitar - and too much autotune on her vocal - her guitar track had a "glitch" making it unusable - by the time that was discovered vita was in davis again - covid was just about to go into the lock down phase ...it was expedient to hire a classic trained studio musician that the producer knew and could record studio quality on his laptop

     and tbh i still am not sure how much of the electric on it is actually me or if some was replaced w same studio guitarist - little dramas like this went on for months during the mixing process and much of the email text exchanges w producer were late night sleep ruining drama - in the interest of ever getting the album finished - vita - whom i gave ultimate decision making since they are her songs - deeply personal - she has literally shed blood (read her book) during the writing of performing recording , allowed almost all of her guitar to b scrapped - replaced by same studio musician - tho to said musicians credit - she did a good job of re creating vita - and if some of my guitar - we only talking about a few notes - was also replaced - she faithfully re created - tho i did go in studio one day a couple weeks after recording was "finished" and laid down a lot of riffs / repeating lines / solos and i was sooooo stoned i truthfully dont remember - in those daze because of intense constant pain - i used what in retrospect were enormous amounts of thc and cbd - no other drugs or alcohol but i was high 24-7 and rarely got as much as 3 hours sleep a night - anyway - so yah we did our best to keep it pure - and there is nothing cookie cutter about the album

     T !!! JFC !!! Thanks so much for your time and your FANTASTIC riffing here on Tumblr. Listen to Salvation Day here on YouTube or here on Spotify. Their website is here. If you liked this post, please spread the word about SD and consider reblogging this set of interviews. And if you haven’t done it yet, scroll to the top and middle-bottom of this post and smash play!

[whatsk-poppinhomies]

"I can't do this without you!" Pairing : Yang Jeongin x F!Reader TW : emotional manipulation ; I guess it's kind of yandere ; Jeongin being a master manipulator ; Word Count : 2.1k

When do things usually go wrong? Is there a set timeframe for when relationships go off the tracks and end in pain and sadness? Is there a certain amount of time that two people have to be together before the tracks run straight and there’s no chance of anything actually going wrong? Does it really matter the length of time that two people are together to have a healthy relationship? 

You and Jeongin had been together for a while, it felt like you had been together forever, although, according to the calendar, it had only been a year. A year can feel like a lifetime when you’re spending it with someone you love, some people might say. Others might say that a year would go by too fast if they were with their favorite person. Truthfully, you had no concept of time, the days just went on and on and you were lucky to be able to see Jeongin once or twice a week due to his schedule. You didn’t mind it though, sometimes spending time apart made it all the better when you were able to see him again, and he’d happily agree with that. The both of you always found time for each other, and maybe that was the staple of a healthy relationship, just being there for each other, finding a way to be there for each other. 

Everything was perfect with the two of you, it really was, there were no bumps in the road as some might say, there was nothing that could have signaled the out of the blue sharp turn that was coming up in the tracks. Nobody knew it was coming, not you, not Jeongin… Nobody… 

Jeongin wasn’t always the jealous type, at least he wasn’t always forthcoming with the emotion if he ever felt it. To be quite honest, he didn’t really have a reason to be, although you’d never invalidate the emotion if he were to feel it, but Jeongin was perfect in every single way in your eyes. He was funny, he was sweet, he was attentive, and he was attractive. There was no one else that you’d want to be with, and you counted yourself as lucky every single day that you woke up and got to call him your boyfriend. 

That alone wasn’t enough though, not for him at least. You had always reassured him that he was the only one that you wanted, but as time went on, his fears got worse. He wanted you with him all the time, whether he was going on tour or going to work or just going to the grocery store. You didn’t even know where his worries stemmed from, what caused them. One morning they weren’t there and the next morning they were, and then things started getting bad. 

You tried to excuse them, making yourself feel better while dealing with it by saying that he just loved you so much, but soon enough, that excuse just wasn’t enough to excuse his behavior. 

He wasn’t violent, but his anger over the smallest things was terrifying sometimes, and you’d spend some nights crying in your room for hours trying to make sense of why he was so angry at you. It didn’t make sense, none of it made sense. 

If you went to the store without him he’d flip out, even if it was just to the corner store right next door to the apartment. He’d lash out at you for opening the door when the postman delivered mail, accusing you of setting it up that way, that you somehow had gotten the postman's phone number and you were texting him so that you could meet up with him. His accusations left you flabbergasted and in tears as you tried to tell him he was wrong, but that only pissed him off more. 

You just couldn’t wrap your head around what was wrong, you didn’t know why he was acting the way he was, and the more he did it, the more it happened, the more broken you got. It was exhausting, both emotionally and mentally. It was hard to love someone when all they did was accuse you, yell at you, and make you feel smaller than a speck of dust, and it was even harder to love him when you didn’t even understand why he was doing it. 

Some days were better than others, some days were the absolute worst, but most days were just… eh. They were bearable, but you hated waking up most of the time, wondering what kind of day it would be, how he would be. 

“I need to go to the store…” You whispered nervously over a cup of coffee, the liquid inside sloshing against the pristine white cup and staining it a dark tan as your hands shook. You didn’t want to have to say it, but your period had come on and you had run out of pads and tampons during your last cycle. 

His head slowly lifted from his own coffee, already looking agitated. “You know that I have to work today. Why would you put that on me now!?” He was already seething and, although your body hadn’t moved an inch, it felt like you were slowly but surely shrinking. 

“I… My… Period came and… I thought that I had… But I don’t… I don’t have what I need.” You stammered over your words, feeling your heart begin to speed up already. “It’ll be quick… I just need to go to the store…” 

You shouldn’t have to rationalize something as simple as going to the grocery store, it’s something that most people have to do to get what they need, and you weren’t exempt from that. “Well whose fault is that? Huh? You should have checked and then you would have known to tell me yesterday, or any other day. But now you want to tell me before I go to work?! Why? Because there’s someone there that you want to see, right? There’s someone else, isn’t there?!” 

Here it was again, the sudden outburst of accusations that had no just cause, it was simply his emotions running rampant and there was nothing that you could do to stop them, not when he was like this. “I-It’s not that, Jeongin! I just really need to get the stuff… I-I’m sorry!” Although for what, you weren’t quite sure. Deep down, you knew you shouldn’t be apologizing, you hadn’t done anything wrong, but you felt that maybe it would make him ease up a little. “I won’t go… b-but… could you please… go to the store and get me some… Please?” 

He groaned loudly, tapping his phone screen to check the time and then shaking his head. “God, the shit I put myself through for you. Now you’re gonna make me late, are you happy?” It wasn’t your fault… you knew it wasn’t your fault… he did this to himself, yet he was blaming you. He always found a way to make himself the victim. 

“I said… I said I’d get them myself.” You mumbled, and maybe it was the surging emotions from your period, or maybe it was the fact that you had finally had enough, but you finally said it, the words that you never thought you’d say, the two words you never thought would be uttered towards him from your lips, but you meant them when you said it this time. “I’m done… I can’t take it anymore. You’re… You’re driving me fucking crazy and I don’t even know what I did wrong! I feel like I’m losing my mind.” Was it just a feeling though, or were you really losing your mind right alongside him? You didn’t even know anymore, you weren’t sure of anything. 

“Done?” He mulled the word over, as if he were tasting it, his nose contorting into one of distaste. And then, as if what he had just heard you say was simply a figment of his imagination, he shook his head, snorting softly. “No you’re not. You’re staying right here. I’ll get the stuff you need, don’t be stupid.” 

Stupid… He thought you were stupid for finally having enough, you were stupid for finally wanting out of a relationship that gave you emotional whiplash and made you feel like shit whenever you saw him. That made you stupid…? It was just another thing about his frame of thinking that made absolutely no sense to you, and it only further proved that you needed to get out of the relationship, you needed to be done with him. “I’m not staying with you, Jeongin. I’m done… And if that makes me stupid… Then I guess I’m the biggest fucking idiot in the world, but I’d be a happy idiot because I wouldn’t have to deal with your shit anymore.” 

It was so… liberating, the wave of freedom that you felt crashed and washed over you, it was like you could breathe again and relished in the short moment that you felt it because you knew that once your words really sunk in, he’d lash out. “Why?” He asked, his eyebrows furrowing, and the immediate anger that you thought you’d receive was slightly delayed by his question, a question that had you wondering whether he knew just how shitty he was actually being to you. “Because I love you? Because I want you to be mine and mine only? Why does that make me the bad guy?!” His voice raised in pitch and volume until he was screaming, but it wasn’t the usual screaming, not what you were used to. Now he just sounded… Sad… And while a part of you wanted to feel sorry for him, you knew that that part of you was fueled by the love that you had for him, a love that had grown in the beginning stages of your relationship, before he had gotten like this. “What am I supposed to do, Y/N?! I can’t do this without you!” 

He was breathing heavily, tears welling in his eyes that he tried to blink free, but they clung to his lashes in a last ditch effort to try to hold on, much like he was trying to do with you. “You can’t do what without me? The only thing you do in regards to me being here is yell at me, accuse me of doing shit that I’d never do. Do you know how that makes me feel? Do you even care?!” Why were you crying? It wasn’t tears of anger, you knew what anger felt like, and while that feeling was there… You could only feel sadness, and you didn’t know why you felt that way, you didn’t know why you cared so much about him to the point that seeing him so distraught would make you cry. 

“I do… I do care. I just get so scared… That you’ll leave me… I don’t want that.” His hands moved shakily through his hair, pushing it away from his face as if to show you the full degree of the emotion filled mask that he was wearing. “I can’t get through life… I can’t do anything… Not if you leave… I won’t be able to think straight…” He took a step closer to you, his hands reaching out for you, and you were stuck on the fence between holding your ground and leaving him, or becoming soft at the sight of the man you love the most in the world breaking down in front of you. “Don’t do this to me… You can’t… You’ll kill me…” 

And maybe it was those words, the thought of a zombified Jeongin trying to make it through life without you, the thought of him never being happy again, that had you letting him wrap his arms around you, your face nuzzling into his neck as you held him close, as if he were the one that needed to be comforted and reassured. “One chance, Jeongin… One more chance… That’s all I’m giving you…” You murmured against his skin, and you immediately felt him relax, the tension that had filled the air evaporated into nothingness. 

It was just a small curve in the track of your relationship, and while it hadn’t been seen or expected, the train had somehow stayed on. You weren’t sure how much longer it would be before another sharp turn came up though, and you didn’t know if the train would be able to handle it… Only time would tell… And right now…. Right now things would be good… At least, you hoped they would be. That was all you could do. 

[nejishadow]

PART 3 of Kenjikoto / makokenji drabbles and general Kenji ramblings from the Kenji discord. Plus one about Kenji and Daisuke being half brothers to end it off!

This one focuses almost entirely on the AUs I've had thoughts on, because kenjikoto has none of the staples! That needs to be remedied!!

Wanna see me ramble about them in real time, bounce ideas, think way too hard about Kenji headcanons and generally just wanna talk about Kenji?? Join @bakafurai's Kenji Discord! Link in its' bio!!

Like the other two posts, you're free to be inspired by these ideas for this ship, flesh them out, fanart / fanfic whatever! I encourage it because I haven't written fic in years! Just tag me, link me, something, because people being inspired by my work is the biggest boost to my productivity ever.

Everything below the read more! This one is long and I mean LONG so be ready for that!

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General drabbles

------------------------------

Kenji and Makoto sharing their music and earbuds with each other. Back and forth of more energetic and ambient. Stay With Me (Miki Matsubara) comes on. Makoto getting a kinda melancholy look, a tiny chuckle. Leans back and relaxes, shuts his eyes, the smallest smile on his face. And Kenji realizes he suddenly can't look away. He really hopes Makoto doesn't open his eyes because he can't even seem to move, he can only admire Makoto's smile, and that's dangerous with this song playing

---------------

Kenji Link and Makoto Shiek going to a con. But Makoto keeps delivering wrong lines in the flatest tone

"Hey, watch out. It's dangerous to go alone." "He doesn't say that… Why'd you agree to come with me again? Besides teasing me?"

Shrug. He was just curious, honestly

---------------

Sick Fic

Written for @bakafurai lol

Maybe Makoto and Kenji planned a hangout but Kenji never showed.

Makoto gets his address (he has his ways) to make sure he's ok and Kenji Is Not, it turns out

Kenji being stubborn, "I'm fine man it's just a pressure headache just let me lie back down." Makoto Does Not let him do that.

Maybe it's best post-makoto's-flu so he can kinda remember what everyone did for him. Or is it extra funny if he spam calls Shinjiro just to get recipes for good food for this? Both?? Both.

Then you just have the soft domesticity of them tucked into the couch watching TV while Makoto keeps him from trying to sneak off (no you're not fine, stop moving)

Kenji apologetic that he ruined their previous plans for the day, Makoto shouldn't be wasting his time dealing with this, with him

Makoto firmly grabbing Kenji's head to look him in the eye, very serious - "I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be. Besides, if you don't get healthy, you can't make up for it, Tomochika."

Kenji shocked. Oh. That's… so nice to hear him say. If he's sniffly he can blame the sickness

Then they can marathon Kenji's fav shows and eat so much soup, and Kenji can fall asleep tucked into Makoto's side. Soft

Extra soft for Makoto to also relax enough to lean back on Kenji and take a nap

If they're on a living room couch (or if she's just the type to waltz into his room unannounced) you could also have his little sister come home and assume they were having a date at home + nobody is awake to correct her, and Kenji gets teased forever about it.

---------------

Had the vision of Kenji trying to do pocky game with Makoto. Kenji's the one who suggests it, but he's also the one to break the pocky, bluster, and generally be a mess. But wants to keep trying! Meanwhile Makoto just munching through the sticks on his end, he knows Kenji's working through it, he'll get there… hopefully before they run outta pocky * shakes box *

------------------------------

All Sorts of AUs

------------------------------

Hanahaki AU

More fitting that Makoto is the one with hanahaki. I think he's more likely to recognize his feelings but deny / ignore them, versus Kenji who just doesn't easily recognize what he's feeling is romantic.

Potential flowers for Makoto:

white violets (taking chances [but he won't])

yellow tulips (love that's hopeless)

blue tulips (trust)

scabuis (unfortunate attachment)

maiden's blush rose (you'll know I love you, if you love me [in his case it's outta fear])

blue roses (yearning for the unobtainable)

---------------

College AU

Super loose ideas for a College AU

Kenji going into fashion / design

Makoto going into photography (maybe minoring in something more "practical" because he's always told to?)

Fashion majors need nice photographs for a show / exhibition they're planning. Only Makoto is free for the entire ongoing period (or if others are, just don't wanna do it)

Can't decide if it's better Makoto's reputation precedes him so the department has preconceived notions, or if he's so lowkey nobody really knows him so is offput by his attitude.

Either way, Kenji is gonna try to be friendly because no one else seems to be trying

(the guy's fashion being nonexistent might play a tiny role, he really wants to dress the guy better)

Makoto allows them to talk as he walks around, getting the first things everyone needs. Kenji is then appointed as Makoto's contact (he doesn't mind, but does no one else seriously wanna talk to this guy??)

They stay professional for texting and calling. For a short while. Kenji quickly breaks and asks him to be his model of sorts, let him plan one of his big assignments around him

Makoto shrugs. Sure. Long as it doesn't interfere with his own classes

as time goes on school work hangouts become more casual hangouts, to mostly just going out to have fun.

trying to decide if this is the funniest AU to have Makoto think they're dating, and Kenji isn't aware of this, since these hangouts are pretty much dates anyway

---------------

Soulmate AU

Soulmates identified through matching marks.

Kenji and Makoto aren't soulmates but fall in love anyway.

Soulmates aren't inherently romantic in this universe, but possibly seen as odd to not stay with one who's love is romantic in nature

Rio and Kenji platonic soulmates. They have a matching mark on their lower backs, possibly a constellation? Kenji isn't aware of this, and Rio is in denial over their bond not being romantic for a bit. She was hoping for a fairytale romance like some get, but comes to her truth that she wanted the grand feeling over a real thing.

Makoto and Ryoji are close to literal soulmates, not romantic ones. Their souls just match each other. Their mark is a mole under the right eye. A very understated mark due to how strong their synergy is, this isn't a thing that's common at all. Makoto assumes he just doesn't have a soulmate and everyone thinks it's a regular mole

Thought of a scene where Kenji and Makoto go swimming (because they deserve to), and Kenji realizes he's been looking all over Makoto for… something, maybe to indicate they're the same (not soulmates haha, how crazy would that be!), gets the slightest disappointment when he doesn't see anything. Makoto can tell the mood shifted down a bit for whatever reason, gets Kenji's attention with a head tilt. And promptly shoves him in the water Kenji quickly forgets what he was being moody about

---------------

Role Reversal AU

Unlike Makoto, who seems to draw people in for bonds somewhat, Kenji's bonds are formed by him going out of his way to interact with people.

Junpei could be his magician, like he is for FeMC, because the Magician card doesn't fit Makoto.

Kenji's not a great leader -- maybe not even good at first -- but he's tenacious and passionate enough to make up for it.

Since Ryoji looks the same for Makoto and Kotone, possibly looks the same for Kenji, presumably the Nyx influence gives Ryoji his palette.

Kenji uses a dagger. He also customizes his S.E.E.S uniform beyond the norm for both comfort and fashion. He convinces Mitsuru to let him do it because if he's not comfortable he can't lead well.

"If I have to wear it all the time, it needs to be comfortable! I can't be doin' moves or commands on clothing that's making me chafe."

… Mitsuru can't argue against that too hard. As long as he can properly fight, she concedes.

Makoto most likely the Tower Arcana. Resistant to change due to past trauma and bad coping mechanisms + trying to avert further issues by being overly passive. But there were 3 or 4 cards he could feasibly be instead, this is possibly up for change

Trauma probably stemming from same thing as canon, parents lost in a car crash

So unlike Kenji who is overly friendly and a bit blind to others feelings, Makoto is insanely passive and seemingly uncaring. This leads to him being bullied or pushed around a lot because he won't fight back and people think he's a freak for being so blank.

Maybe he tried fighting back for a little bit in the past and it didn't help, so he gave up. And nobody will risk helping him now because they don't want to be lumped in with him.

Kenji, new to this school, doesn't have any of these predispositions, starts his SL with Makoto by scaring off some of those people (partially just wanting to flex his SEES training). This event probably doesn't happen at school, they don't want to risk disciplinary committee catching them possibly?? Big Maybe

Makoto shocked that this just happened, something like this would never happen to him. Won't tell Kenji anything about why this was happening or who the people involved were, but Kenji manages to at least weasel times and places he's consistently at school to see him again.

General SL about getting Makoto to see that this isn't what he deserves. The people that want to hurt him don't deserve a chance to do it. He deserves to feel the same things others do.

Extra Stuff

Makoto's hangout spot would probably be the library, quiet and people leave him alone. That or in front of the bookshop. Bonus hangouts at the music store and karaoke.

Rank 10 item a matching MP3 to his. Kenji asked about his music so much he thought it's the least he can do.

Kenji convincing him to hang out the first few ranks by studying at the library and then inviting him out to eat. This also means Makoto is alone less, smaller chance of someone causing issues

Makoto's fav gift to receive possibly food? Maybe it's easier for him to show appreciation for it.

Possible Sunday hangout playing Innocent Sin Online.

I cannot decide what the theoretical romance trigger would be, if I think of something interesting I'll eventually put it in a post.

---------------

Coffeeshop AU

Coffeeshop is such a staple. But not having solid ideas of when to place it. Most likely it's also a part of "No Personas / Everyone lives - nobody dies". But I can refine the big sweeping stuff later! Possible they're also in diff classes due to Butterfly Effect

Since it's a No Personas world, Makoto's parents live, possibly still a car crash to keep timeline mainly intact? But everyone survives.

Current time, Makoto works at Chagall as his main job, mainly to have spending money and get outta the house.

Kenji knows vaguely about Makoto, hasn't interacted with him much -- no one has -- but still recognizes him when he goes in one day to get the highest calorie custom coffee in existence to ease his pain over recent test scores (I strongly believe Kenji would have a trashy sweet tooth at times like these)

He doesn't wanna be Too Awkward, but they do go to school together, so he should be a bit casual right…?

Makoto just nods along, putting in his order, Kenji swears it's different than what he asked but. He's not about to correct the guy

Makoto gives him the drink. Yeah it's not at all what he ordered. Did he offend the guy? He decided to sit down and try it, in case it's awful…

It's dang good. Zones out just enjoying it until he's done. Gonna compliment the guy's skills on guessing drink taste, but looks like he's gone. Lunch break? It'd be weird to stick around.

So he comes back next day, less weird to thank him at work then to wait til they're back in school… right?

Makoto is there, good! "Hey, I wanted to just thank you for yesterday. That drink you gave me? Best thing I've had in awhile, can you make me that again?"

Makoto looks at him a bit confused, a bit blank. Oh yeah… Kenji's a stranger he's not gonna remember everyone who walks in here.

"I'm the one who ordered the [sweetest coffee you can possibly think of]. I'm guessing you don't like stuff like that cause you gave me something totally different. It was really good."

"Oh… that one. Sure, if you want. It's nothing special."

Kenji hasn't actually ever heard him talk before. Calm voice for a scary looking guy!

This then evolves into Kenji coming in way too often to get what he starts calling the "Yuki Special" (he only gets it when Makoto is there), and Kenji being Kenji starts wiggling himself into becoming Makoto's friend ("acquaintance" according to Makoto at first, if you asked)

Kenji tells anyone who asks that it's because the guy makes a mean coffee, and is actually a great conversationalist!… when he can get him to talk

No other possible reason! It's not odd in the slightest to only ever order one item from one person, it's because Makoto's the only one who can make it right

(he tried to get it from a different barista one time… didn't taste right)

They're unique guys so they just have a unique way of bonding. A one of a kind friendship!

If anyone asks Kenji why he's learning to make coffee as a hobby he will never admit it's to impress Makoto who seems to know all there is to know.

Makoto starts making the drink ahead of time and planning his breaks around when Kenji comes in, since Kenji wants to talk to him while he's there anyway.

Eventually Kenji plucks up the courage to ask him for his number - "so we can talk anytime! That way I don't always take up your break, how 'bout it?"

Makoto finds himself easily agreeing, surprisingly. They text a lot, much easier for Makoto than calling, though Makoto still takes his break when Kenji comes in.

One day Makoto makes the drink and plans everything ahead like usual. And Kenji doesn't come in. He shuffles a bit - what is he supposed to do…? He waits, keeps scanning, did he miss him come in? He's never done that before, Kenji's got a very unique presence.

After awhile boss makes him take his break, he brings the drink with him, no use wasting it. What did he do before this whole routine started again…?

Remembers he can contact Kenji… He tries to call… voicemail. Is it because he called? He's never called, he supposed. Sends off a text - are you ok?

Takes a sip of the drink. Yep, too sweet. He keeps drinking anyway, no point in wasting it

(Either Kenji studied way too hard and slept through his usual visit time, or he's sick, or got dragged off to karaoke something, but he's ok. No bad!!)

Aka I feel Makoto learning that he is getting attached and he's a person who feels things should be explored more

Whenever Kenji gets back to his text, assures he's ok! Sorry for not warning ahead of time. Makoto releases tension he didn't know he had, that's good. He's fine, sorry for trying to call out of the blue. Kenji assures him he can call anytime, it's what best friends do right?

Next day at school, Kenji finally tracks Makoto down, vaguely knows his schedule but wants to catch him before day ends (why doesn't this guy look at his texts before lunch??). Wants to apologize for making Makoto worry in person

He feels a bit awkward. They hang out, kinda, all the time right? They're friends, so it's not weird to approach him… he realizes that they've never hung out outside of Makoto's work, that explains it. He's gonna change that

So he sits with him at lunch naturally just like he'd do at the coffeeshop, and does just that. Apologizes for making him worry and invites him out to make up for it, he never sees Makoto around town anyway, it's a chance for them to have fun!

Makoto slightly surprised. Nobody had invited him out during high school. Maybe he even had a thought deep down that Kenji was only hanging out at work cause it was convenient, and he'd finally gotten bored. But he still agrees. He didn't have anything planned anyways. Best friends do fun stuff right…? He thinks they do, at least. It'd been a long time since he had a friend so involved in his life

Insert a long and fun montage of them trying to do everything, since Makoto says he hadn't really gone on an outing like this anywhere in years. They go to the arcade, Kenji is horrible at claw machines. Makoto wins a ton. Kenji beats him at the fighting games, Makoto dominates at the zappers.

They chill at karaoke, Makoto impresses Kenji so much he immediately drags him to the music store so Makoto can point out what music he recommends, buys several of them. End it off with eating so much Wilduck burger both vow to not come back for a long time.

Neither realize or even think about how a lotta people would perceive this as a date. They're both just having fun getting to do stuff with someone else, though Kenji may be ignoring how much his heart seizes up seeing every happy expression or soft blink Makoto gives him, new expressions he's not used to seeing - definitely not like this at least. And Makoto may not be bringing up just how much Kenji is looking at him when there's so much else to look at... and how he doesn't mind, all that much.

Discord message hit max characters for the 4th time and I didn't wanna type more then and there, this is already edited to add a bunch, but I'm sure I'll expand on this one!

---------------

Separated Family AU

The thoughts may be a bit scattered because @bakafurai chipped in a lot on this idea so I have to summarize / rewrite their thoughts

@Shadowfreak98 said Daisuke Nagase sometimes gives her the vibe of "could be related to Kenji, like an older brother. Well he can't be older but you get it, brothers" (< recalling best I can) Could I make the most nonsense idea that they're half brothers due to marriage / divorce?? Their personalities also contrast super interestingly There's so much room for ideas there, but it means more brain power

Daisuke would be around Kenji's sister's age, since Kenji mentions her starting high school next year, when he'll be a third year, so it lines up timeline wise. Possible Kenji's mom and dad separated before either was born, Kenji's dad possibly unaware she's pregnant. So Kenji's mom goes to Inaba to settle in a quiet place, while Kenji's dad stays and remarries. They have Kenji's sister shortly after

Kenji doesn't know Daisuke well at all. If they've ever met, it was only at a few small family gatherings, both probably more think of the other as a distant cousin, if at all. Daisuke in general is a guy who doesn't bring up private stuff unless he really thinks it'll help with something, and Kenji barely mentions his own little sister, so it's just never brought up. Who talks much about the equivalent of a mystery cousin??

Possibility for some interesting interactions during the Iwatodai trip. Kenji not able to leave the island after the events of P3, attached to this place too much. Maybe works at Hakegure. Kou and Daisuke go there to see if they're as good as Aiya... little bit of an awkward family reunion. Chance for Kenji to try and establish bonds, like Makoto showed them they're important and powerful (could be in a Kenjikoto "Makoto lives" au as well).

[theaceofskulls]

Because I constantly get ads for it, have seen outlets actually speaking about it, keep getting codes from GW about it, and seen a couple YTers do sponsors for it, I figure I should mention my thoughts on Warhammer Tacticus.

Short summary, it's a hexgrid based strategy RPG game for mobile platforms where you run short missions to grind out for upgrading and unlocking characters.

So yes, it's a wallet hunter.

I'll say that it doesn't accomplish this with FOMO of the "you'll maybe never get this cool thing again" in the traditional way, more the "man, wouldn't this deal that won't last forever get you the cool thing you want right now", but honestly let's just open here and say that because it's primary purpose is to try and pull revenue from you, this game will always be about the psychological battle between you and it's monetization and that's honestly going to prevent me from every heartily recommending it no matter the quality of the actual gameplay and it's as far as you need to read if you're looking to know "Will this be my staple game?"

Now for those who want to continue and want to know how the game is and what the monetization is and why you'll bounce off it, we can continue.

The gameplay is actually fairly fun, tasking you to construct a team of various factions (sometimes limiting you to specific factions alone) to face different types of enemies.

Some missions are puzzles, some are stat checks, and some are more whacky ideas of smashing together simple mechanics to see what works.

The roster is well thought out and fun to see what they'll come up with, pulling a couple of well know named characters alongside a smattering of "best of the bunch", taking a unit from various groups and condensing them down to a single character.

You gather resources and gacha material that's used for upgrades and character unlocks (with a classic shard system where you can get tokens you can eventually cash in for characters or their upgrades), and it's mostly non-offensive. Standard gacha warnings but that's not the monetization method that actually will cause you to wage the war of wills. That's actually one of the paid solutions to said war.

Instead, it's a stamina system that basically meant after a few hours with the game, the average amount of gameplay you could get would be 15 minutes at most until you were forced to wait an hour or two before resuming, practically pushing you into a pay-to-play model.

Now, I play a bunch of F2P games as well as subscription MMOs and have no issue in theory with these as concepts and the idea of monetizing mobile games, but the practice ends up being this antagonistic relationship with the game as you can feel it needling you for micro-transactions.

Anyways, this is all a very polite way of me saying that Tacticus is a game that feels like it could've been worth playing, and I felt compelled, even in my small, mostly niche corner of the internet to speak up as I keep getting bombarded with ads to talk about it, especially because it's one of those games where you don't immediately feel like it's as predatory, with how much is available via gameplay.

Also it's just hilarious to see that the predatory monetization is like almost 15 years out of date and stolen from late 2000's facebook games even with the gacha system in the game. It's very much in line with 40k's in universe "we are using outdated stuff because we don't want to invent new things" approach.

[teecupangel]

Just thought of this story idea. AltDes modern-zombie apocalypse-soulmate-a/b/o AU where Altair, Ezio and Ratonhnaké:ton are surviving together and they find Desmond purely by accident when looking for supplies because he went and got himself trapped in a bear trap. And by trapped, I mean he tripped and fell shoulder first onto the bear trap and is incapable of freeing himself. And decided his life is fucked enough he was planning on just dying there. And two days later Altair shows up. #tropes

Does that #tropes mean you want to add as many tropes to this one as possible because I’m game.

Alright…

Let’s see how many a/b/o and zombie apocalypse tropes we can add to this one:

Of course, since this is meant to be a/b/o, the reason why Altaïr was able to find him is because Desmond’s heat was starting and his body reacted to it.

They have heat sex… after Altaïr helps Desmond get out of the bear trap, of course. I guess we can have a bit of frottage and groping while Desmond is stuck in a bear rap. But any other sexual acts must be done after Desmond’s wound gets bandaged.

This gives us an excuse for an “I told you to strip because I need to see the wound but you thought I wanted to see you naked… which I also want to see.” scene.

Ezio and Ratonhnhaké:ton finally caught up to them and they decide to provide security while the two are busy ‘riding’ Desmond’s heat. A short POV of them could be used to add in the following tropes:

Obligatory tragic backstory before the zombie apocalypse

A brief overview of the kind of zombie we’re dealing with (slow or fast? Can see or relies on hearing? Only humans or will there be zombie animals?)

Heat sex would include… well… lots of sex and other heat related sex tags

Of course, they realized that the reason why Altaïr lost his composure with Desmond’s heat is because, surprise surprise, they’re mated pairs (aka the a/b/o equivalent of soulmates).

The trope-est setup we can do is make this a road trip and, say, Desmond was trying to get to the Farm because he believes that, if anyone could survive a zombie apocalypse, it would be the goddamn Farm. Altaïr is game because it’s what his mate wants. Oh, and also, they have heard of the Farm before and the rumor does suggest that it’s a safe haven but no one knows the location so they’re definitely interested.

They absolutely have someone they only have contact with thru their radio who provides them with information. This could be Edward or maybe Clay.

Another possible trope: the dude with the radio playing tunes and giving updates (this could be Edward, Clay or even Shaun/Rebecca)

The remains of the government/military are assholes because that’s the law of zombie apocalypse (and any dystopian apocalypse in general). These guys can be the Templar characters.

Ezio and Ratonhnhaké:ton act as protective brother figures toward Desmond (and they act like brothers with Altaïr as well) with Ezio being the cool flirty older brother type and Ratonhnhaké:ton being the quiet but reliable younger brother type.

There will a shopping montage, ofc, and that’s a staple in zombie apocalypse stories.

In this shopping montage, Desmond gets a pregnancy test and, surprise surprise, he’s pregnant.

Since we’re going for as many tropes as possible, the third act will be a separation brought by a horde of zombies. Bonus points if one of them is presumed to be dead.

The reunion will, of course, happen on the Farm.

Now, the cliche sad story would be that the Farm is abandoned BUT it can be fortified easily to give a sense of hope. The cliche happy story would be that the Farm is filled with people who help our main characters. (The latter would give us an excuse for someone to punch Bill… or, you know, Bill could be one of the zombies that will be killed during the separation sequence)

The epilogue will have their kid being cute and adorable. For more tropes (babies ever after), end the story by saying that they’re expecting another child already.

Here's another zombie apocalypse AU idea that's more along the line of "Desmond is immune because he's the universe's favorite chewtoy"

[isekai-crow]

Doctor Elise Ep. 5

| Ep 1 | Ep 2 | Ep 3-4 |

Nuuuuuu I'm finally caught up with Doctor Elise.... My potato chips....

This was a very fun (Mary Sue (positive)) Girl Boss episode, with Elise taking proud ownership of what she did despite being disbelieved, and keeping things professional between her and her patient.

This Prince y'all. He don't know shit about romance. He's never had the inclination to even bother with romance before, and watching his little baby-deer-leg-like attempts is very very cute. It's very fun to be watching this and the BL/yaoi Cherry Magic at the same time because man they are two sides of the same coin in playing with tropes and dealing with power imbalance in romance.

THIS show could be a yaoi if it WASN'T A COWARD.

I am enjoying this show SO MUCH because I (am old) enjoyed watching Dr. House, Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, and the autopsy/sciencey bits in CSI:LV and NCIS (with Abby!)

Capybara is enjoying this because he is a connoisseur of well researched fanfiction, with Sick Fic being one of his main staples. He has learned to recognize certain illnesses because some of his favorite authors do a shit ton of research on what to do to their whumpees darlings, and those well researched stories don't go with boring reasons for why certain symptoms are appearing, but more realistic diagnostics.

He was very excited at guessing what was wrong with each patient in these episode and it was fun to watch him get excited about it.

Spoilers Under the Cut

Elise defending and explaining her report about the Splenectomy was funny because... her hand writing was such an issue, but despite all the little hearts and the poor writing that is OBVIOUSLY not Dr. Graham, they still have trouble believing it's hers until she can walk them through the report.

MORE HAND WAVING WITH THE "I turned this surgery over and over in my head" (more like she already did a successful one with the Dead Mom Hair lady) Its just barely believable, but it marks her as a literal genius, and actually makes for a good story if she WAS an actual medical genius.

HMM I WONDER WHY THE TEST IS GOING TO BE HARDER THIS YEAR??? Fuck all the other students, we wanna make this lady fail so she can be queen! But she has 3 doctor reccs to be able to take the medical exam!

And another doctor immediately tries to steal her with NO consideration for the Head of the Hospital and Head of Surgery being RIGHT THERE IN THE ROOM WITH THEM. No subtly this man, which makes sense if he CANT EVEN RECOGNIZE ONE OF HIS REGULAR PATIENTS!!!! FAILURE.

This No-Thoughts-Head-Empty Just Having A Good Time face is so funny to me.

Then we get some more reminiscent of the backstory, and I'm okay with this being a little Mary Sue -ish type tragic backstory cause she kinda deserved it, admits she deserved it, and is trying to make amends (because she wasn't THAT evil of a villainess, just an ignorant and spoiled rich kid).

But the Prince finally admitted something was wrong with himself and goes to the clinic to get himself checked out by Elise/Rose while he is in his Ron disguise. He finds her pulling ivy off the buildings, and MAN the initial angle on this made it look like she was two stories up (so I started chanting fall, fall, fall so that you can get caught).

but no, she's on a fucking step stool lmao.

We DO get a classic "Staring at each other from across the way as the wind blows and their eyes meet and they have Thoughts."

She then proceeds to diagnose him and Capybara started chanting "Hyper thyroidism? Hyperthyroidism." as each symptom and question is answered

and dammit he was RIGHT!!!

AND OH. I WAS WRONG. YES. GOOD.

THIS SHOW IS A YAOI AND ELISE IS THE SEME.

LOOK AT THIS BLUSHING MESS OF AN UKE. She's taking your PULSE, sir, not your CLOTHES OFF.

And he keeps coming back for more lmao. And is SO UPSET when the two months are up. But is probably like HELL YES I GET TO MARRY THIS LADY. maybe. the thought probably hasn't occured to him actually now that I think about it...

Until he goes to her BROTHER for advice on what to get her, and despite being the grumpy big bro IS SO ACCURATE IN HIS ADVICE. But the Prince thinks he knows best (with ZERO experience, like, what did you even ask him for then?) and gets her a shiny thing instead and fails.

It's all worth it though cause Babygirlboy prince smiles in the end!

R E W A R D GET

I want more potato chips. Please let next week come soon so I can have more potato chips anime. Please.

[waywardstoryenthusiast]

So, I need to vent. Strictly speaking I’ve already vented, but I want to leave that vent here. One of my favorite fic authors deleted their Ao3 account, and I decided to try and work through my feelings by writing them down. Now that I’m done with that, I don’t want to just delete everything, but I also don’t want to just leave it sitting around and gathering dust. So I’m going to post it here, under a cut. I’ve decided to make it unregbloggable and cause it’s kind of personal, but I would like if whoever reads it could drop a like, just so I know. Be nice to know if I’m not screaming into the void. I also originally typed this up at work between taking calls, so that’s likely the reason for any weirdness. And I’m rambling. Fuck everything.

Okay, last thing before the rant: The author I’m referring to has put up with some shit, which is why they’ve deleted. I went back and forth between leaving their name in or not, or tagging. I eventually decided to leave their name, but will not be tagging them. They made it sound like they won’t be on tumblr anymore, and even if they were this is mostly something I wrote for me. I’ve left a message of support for them already. I don’t want them to have to deal with anything else.

So Glimmerglanger deleted their ao3 account due to dealing with a lot of awful messages and comments. And I'm upset, and struggling to process. So I'm going to try and walk through what I'm feeling, why and what I can do.

It's all a bit of a tangled knot, so I'm going to start with my more

selfish reasons to be upset. I'm angry and sad that I won't be able to

read any of those fantastic stories again. I loved reading them,

they've become such a staple of my reading. Whenever I needed a pick me up or a break I would go back to their stories. Sometimes I would be looking for something in particular, and sometimes I would just go through their entire catalogue. Any time they had a new fic, even if it was just a drabble I would wait with baited breath. I always

enjoyed their writing, and now it seems it's all gone.

 And I feel selfish, upset and disappointed with myself because of

that. Because they're their stories, they can do what they want with

their stories. And it sounds like they had excellent reasons to do

what they did. It's not fair to be upset with them for protecting

themselves. But I am angry with them. I'm frustrated and upset that I

didn't get any warning so I could download the fics. And I suppose I'm upset with myself for not downloading them sooner. Silly, since I

didn't know this was coming, but it seems better than being upset with them when they're going through a tough time.

And another reason I'm upset with myself, is how reticent I was with

leaving comments. I kept telling myself I would go back and do it, and now it seems like I wasted too many chances. Maybe it wouldn't have changed anything, but at least we could have had those interactions. Glimmer was one of those authors who always responded to commenters and I loved that. (Not that not responding is a bad thing! Authors already give a lot just by posting, they're not obligated to respond.) I really enjoy having conversations with authors about their writing, and I always looked forward to 'talking' with Glimmer. I think one of

my biggest flaw is being too timid and missing opportunities. Not

leaving comments may seem like a small opportunity, but it mattered to me. And even though I tell myself that it may not have changed their final decision, I can't help but wonder if me leaving more comments (cause I think the only fics of theirs I didn't read read are the ones with a pairing I didn't like or looked too angsty. And I loved all the ones I read enough to want to leave comments, I just kept telling myself I would do it on my next re read, when things were fresh) would have made things at all better for them. If having some good comments may have contributed to making things a little easier or giving them a bit of happiness. I feel guilty. (Course, I also feel guilty about how much I'm making this about me and my feelings.)

And what really infuriates me about all of this was how avoidable it

all was. I've had fics that bugged me. I've started fics that

infuriated me. Where the authors characterization choices drove me up the wall. I've read fics that had me wondering if the author

read/watched the same thing I did. Sometimes when I think of these

fics they still frustrate me. But you know what I did? I clicked the

back button and I went to read something I would enjoy. (Ironically,

sometimes that meant going back to an old favorite, like

Glimmerglanger's works) The worst I would do is write a vent post

(that I might not even post) or reblog someone else's vent post. If

not that, I would start writing an idea for my own fic. I would never

leave a mean or cruel comment. I honestly cannot fathom people who feel like that is a constructive use of their time. It just doesn't

make sense.

Well that's most of my vent done (for now). Now to figure out what to

do. I noticed at least one person mentioned that they downloaded some of their work. I may ask around and see if anyone has their fics in a few days. Not now, it seems disrespectful so soon.

And you know what? I think I will post the comments I wrote out but

never sent. It's unlikely that Glimmer will ever see them, but just on

the off chance. And even if they don't, I don't like the idea of just

deleting them or leaving them in my notes to haunt me.

I'll also try to leave at least a few comments on any fics that do

live open on my phone. (And maybe download a few, just in case!)

Authors give a lot, they deserve what little I can give back.

I feel a bit better. A bit more settled. I'll try to do do a bit of

what I said tonight, and check back in in the morning. (5/4 pm)

I feel sick. Course, I think it's largely due to the news about

Buttons. She made it to at least 18, which I think is pretty old for a cat. But she stopped eating. And we had to make that choice. (And I realize after looking at the dates, it's barely been a year since we had to let Pixie go. And she wasn't even half Button's age. Fuck.) But talk about timing. Could really have used some comfort

right around then. But I really don't want to be upset at glimmer.

Cause none of this is their fault. They had to make the best choice

for them, same as we had to make the best choice for her. The timing

is just awful. And I'm not sure if I should continue writing this,

cause I'm starting to get choked up. And that's not really something I

can afford to do at work. But I feel like I need to get this out now.

I don't know how I'm going to get through the day. I'm not sure if

this is really about glimmer anymore. Or at least not only. I guess I

got home still feeling off after finding out, and then I got hit with

having to make that decision. And now the two things are just kind of

hopelessly tangled together. And I'm not sure how to untangle them.

I did go ahead and leave a few comments on other fics that basically live on my phone, like glimmer's did. It made me feel a little

better. Maybe I'll try to leave some more. It helps take my mind off

things, a little bit. Focusing on other fics and what I like about

them and trying to put it into words. I hope I get a reply or two. I

know that's not the reason I'm commenting, but I could use some

connection.

I also kind of want to pick up Crush again. Maybe not the best idea,

since I already feel pretty bad. But maybe it would be nice to read

the words, to feel less alone in my head, with these feelings. My

insides feel like a bruised peach. Twisted, squishy and raw. Or maybe

a tenderized bit of meat would be a better analogy. I probably

shouldn't have decided to listen to the sadness playlist. But

listening to anything happy feels disingenuous and discordant. Same

urge that led me to find those loving death comics again. Needed to

feel understood. Was a bit cathartic.

Still feeling upset. Think this one is going to linger for a while. We really lost a star. I can't blame glimmer for making the best choice for themselves. And I don't, I'm not just saying that. I just keep falling into this 'feel sorry for myself' pit. Course, as mentioned the timing was awful. I probably would have been reaching for some of glimmer's fics for comfort anyway. But it's like a bruise that I keep forgetting about and poking. I've tried not to think about it, when I'm not doing this, to try and let it settle. I tell myself, 'Don't think about this other thing,' which I figure works better than trying, 'Don't think about Glimmer having to leave.' Reverse psychology I guess. And it kind of works. But it's a loose tooth, I keep worrying at it, even though I know I shouldn't. And I keep wanting to ask around and see if other people have downloads of the fics they would be willing to share. But that just makes me ashamed of myself. It just seems selfish and disrespectful, especially so soon after they deleted. I won't lie to myself, I probably will try at some point. But I want to exert some self control, and not go hounding folks so soon after it happened.

I think I may post this after all. It may be a bad idea, and I

probably won't let it be reblogged. But I feel the need to be seen. To

be heard. (5/5 am)

I just really foolish. I keep asking myself why I didn't leave more

comments or download the fics when I had the chance if I loved them so much? Logically, in regards to the comments, I know it's because I'm a bit of a procrastinating perfectionist. I liked their fics enough that I wanted to be certain I got things right. I'd make little notes to myself, and say I'd come back later. I assumed they would always be there, which is also the reason I never downloaded them. Now I feel naive. And trying to make my peace with the fact that I may never see these fics again. I keep trying to press them all into my memory so I don't forget, though maybe it would be better if I could.

These feelings just keep sneaking up on me. And I keep feeling like

I'm making mountains out of molehills. Glimmer is the one who was really hurt by all of this. And that's another thing I keep trying to wrap my head around. I've always thought there fics were great, it's hard to

believe people would send such awful comments to them. I don't mean that I don't believe left horrible comments, I just can't understand what they would have to make comments about? Course, if people want to be nasty they don't need a reason, just an excuse. But it's still messed up. (5/6 am)

I think that's all now. This may have been a bit silly, it's not like glimmer is dead, they're just gone. But what happened to them sounded awful. They deserved better. And as I type this, I wonder if this is why I'm so hesitant about actually sitting down and writing out my ideas. Cause if I do, I'll want to post them. And I can honestly say, I'm scared of people's opinions. I have a thin skin. But that's another day's problem.

I'm also trying to avoid the main fandom I read stuff of theirs from.

It's still just a little too closely intertwined for me at the moment.

Not easy, it's one of my preferred fall backs, currently. But it is what it is.

Well, don't think I have anything else to say. At least, nothing that wouldn't be repeating myself. I think I'm less sad now. I think things will be better. I just wish it hadn't come to this, for glimmer's sake.

[oracleofsecrets]

Final Fantasy I - Part of the Quest to Play All 16 FF Games

Hours logged: ~16

Full disclosure, the Pixel Remaster made these first six games a LOT more palatable with quality of life stuff, especially the first three. Random encounters can be toggled off, which is especially useful when navigating out of a dungeon (no teleport spell yet…) and the overworld if you were simply curious about some area. And quick save, of course. The first three games you can save Only when in the overworld, so if you die in a dungeon, sucks to be you I guess

Each room/area has a minimap you can check. I cannot imagine dealing with the floor hazards in the ice and fire “dungeons” if I didn’t know where to go. It was great seeing which spots had treasure chests, and the overworld map would also show a treasure count for Places you’ve been

And AUTO BATTLE my best friend. Pressing it makes everything in battle happen twice as fast, and your characters will automatically use the same command entered previously. You do have to turn it off obvi if you need them to do something else. But it’s a great way to get through grinding. Honestly I think it cut my play hours in half

Onto the actual 'review'

Firsts 

Well. Everything! But some things I didn’t know were/would become series staples, like:

Airships

Fated heroes of legend

Seek the Crystals

Worsts

I’m aiming to be forgiving since it’s the first and it’s from the 1980s, so game design just wasn’t at a point where people knew what kinds of features were possible, let alone sought after

Acquiring spells by purchasing. A minor inconvenience, but they get expensive…

General Impressions

I was surprised at all the variety! Like setting wise, with environs and different types of people and inhabitants. Humans, elves, dwarves, dragons, Ancients, mermaids, wizards(?), pirates, a witch. And all the locations (the cities, dungeon designs [esp the sky one! Gorgeous]). And enemies!

At the beginning, you could make your characters any classes you wanted. You could’ve had a party of four warriors/fighters, if you wanted to do that for some reason. I don’t recall if you could change classes during the game

I could figure out some of the plot stuff or progression on my own fairly well (thanks to my handy dandy notebook haha), but a few things were baffling. Like maybe I missed the NPC that gave the hint for Where you resurrect the airship

I really wasn’t expecting a time travel aspect! That was kinda fun 

I also was not expecting an airship in the first game, given the high fantasy setting. Very cool though, and basically required for later-game navigation progression. I wonder just how Much Final Fantasy has originated in the fantasy rpg genre...

Mechanics

The magic system was interesting, where you have an MP pool for each Level of spells, and you can buy/set three spells for each level. Casting any spell costs only one point. The system of recovering MP was a bit restrictive (idr if they had Ethers yet, but if they did they were hard to come by). And of course I’m used to the descendants, where you learn spells as you level up and stronger spells cost more MP 

Equipment with special properties was cool. Wasn’t expecting that for such an early game 

Wish I’d realized Before the final boss how to Use equipment items in battle (e.g., “casts Fire when used”, where “use” means to select the item from the item menu while in battle). I thought it would happen automatically when it was equipped. But no, it’s there in the item list past the consumables…

I also noticed late in the game that you can change equipment During battle? As long as someone else doesn’t have it equipped anyway, so that was neat

Rating: 3/16

A decent way to spend a weekend, and an interesting historical document, but probably not very exciting for the modern gamer

[thornwolfy235]

WIP 2 - Dancing

I'm going to post a bunch of WIPs in a row now. maybe with a little feedback I'll get the gumption to finish one of them.

A bit of info on them first. I wrote all of these in an effort to deal with an exceptionally bad break-up (might as well call it a divorce, we lived together for 6 years). A lot of these are "how it should've gone" type stuff. I was never able to decide if they should be a full chapter by chapter "novel" or just a bunch of oneshots within the same universe and make a collection of them in order or whatever. Maybe I'll drop them to Ao3 as well. They are all xfem!Readers with my blorbos Grillby and Gaster (though most have no anatomy mentioned, so you can safely read no matter what gender you are). I'd appreciate a glance through if nothing else.

This one is of fem!Reader in a developed poly relationship with Grillby and Gaster (returned from the Void). Reader is very self-conscious about dancing, and the boys help her out. Again, female pronouns are used, but it's not heavily gendered so anyone can read with minor mental substitutions.

“And that should do it,” Gaster muttered.

You looked over from where you were working on the next section of a mural (a snowy scene in honor of Snowdin Town) above Grillby’s alcohol shelves to watch one slightly-droopy skeletal Monster unfold from the uncomfortable crouch he had been in behind the ancient jukebox. He sometimes reminded you of a tree; thin, all limbs, and impossibly tall. He stretched (only adding to the tree imagery), sighing as his spine popped. “How long do you think this repair will last?” you asked with a smirk.

“Not long enough,” he replied, giving the jukebox a stern look. “There are days I wonder if it breaks down just to mock me. Former Royal Scientist, and I can’t even keep a simple music player in working order.”

“I’m sure it would be happier if we could get the right parts for it. Now if only we knew what those were,” you said, turning back to your work. If you could just get the highlight on this pine branch right, you’d also be a lot happier…

Gaster mumbled something, making you snicker. As much as he grouched, you knew he’d happily play handyman as often as needed for Grillby’s sake.

‘Grillby’s’ had been in business on the Surface for just over a year, and his beloved, cobbled-together jukebox remained a staple in the corner just as it had in the Underground. You believed the shell was mostly that of a Rock-Ola Luxury Light while the interior mechanism was Frankenstein-ed from a Wurlitzer OMT-CD changer and several car stereos, but it was made from so many countless odds and ends that had found their way into the Underground that it was impossible to know for sure. Honestly, it was no surprise when it didn’t work and a miracle when it did. Grillby adored the thing and would never replace it nor let it be gutted and retrofitted with something more modern (sentimentality generally won out over practicality with him), which meant you, Sans, or Alphys were tasked with reviving when it inevitably broke down every few weeks. It had been slightly better behaved since Gaster’s…‘return’ four or so months ago, but it still liked to kick up a fuss, finding ever more creative ways to stop functioning, seemingly just to keep the skeleton on his toes.

The mural was a recent idea. Grillby had always felt that top of the shelving was too bare, but was reluctant to put anything up there that he would have to regularly dust. You’d suggested some pictures, Gaster had jumped in with the idea of a mural, and then somehow your Monster beaus had convinced you to get up on a ladder and do it yourself. You could handle the height as long as you didn’t look straight down. At all. (Your knees still shook when you remembered you were not standing on the floor and it took a few moments of deep breathing to get them to stop.)

“I believe I have this beast in working order, for now at least,” Gaster answered grumpily.

The “‘Fire’ Exit” opened, and Grillby came in with another tray of pint glasses from the dishwasher. “How are things coming along out here?” he asked, setting it on the bar to put the glasses away.

“It certainly is finicky,” Grillby said fondly. “And how about you?” A warm hand gently tapped your leg.

“Fine,” you answered shortly, thought it was not actually ‘fine’ in your opinion. You added a touch more yellow to the mix for the highlight and went to try again.

A sudden, loud scraping sound made you jump, dropping your paintbrush and palette in favor of clinging onto the ladder for dear life. “Sorry, sorry!” Gaster yelped, the noise stopping as abruptly as it had started. You felt pressure on your back and on your arm. Glancing at your arm, you found one of Gaster’s summoned hands gripping your bicep. What you felt on your back was probably another, the pair helping to keep you steady. “Sorry,” he said again, sheepishly this time. “I was attempting to push the beast back into place since I still can’t lift it. I should have warned you first.”

You blew out a long sigh. “Please tell me I didn’t scream.”

“You didn’t scream,” Grillby said far too cheerfully.

You looked down and immediately wished you hadn’t as a wave of vertigo hit you. You shut your eyes and went back to clinging. “Sorry for dropping everything on you,” you said once you were sure your voice wouldn’t squeak. “Nothing got on you, did it?”

“All’s well. I caught them,” he answered. You carefully looked down again, making sure to look at him and not the floor. He had indeed somehow caught both the brush and the palette without a drop of paint on him or anything else.

“Reflexes of a cat,” you muttered.

He shrugged, grinning. “What can I say; bar tricks keep me in practice.” The smile waned, flames dipping slightly. “Why don’t you take a break? You’ve been working on that for a while.”

You looked back at the mural and sighed. “In a bit. There’s just a few more things I want to get right before stopping for the night.” You held out a hand for your things back.

“You said that before Wings got here, and again just before he started working on the jukebox. You really should take a break. Give your eyes and your hand a rest, hm?”

“Just this one highlight, please? I almost have it right.”

“I’m holding your brush and paint hostage. Come down. You’re taking a break,” Grillby said flatly.

“…Meanie.”

“Yes, I am truly the cruelest Monster in existence,” he said with a merry crackle.

Slowly, one rung at a time, you came down the ladder, Gaster’s summoned hand still reassuringly on your back. You could’ve melted the moment your feet touched the floor. “Oh, terra firma, I’ve missed you so,” you sighed lovingly, gazing at the worn planks.

The elemental snorted, giving your hair an affectionate ruffle as he handed you your brush and palette. “Go wash these while I help Wings get the ‘beast’ back where it belongs.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Or I could go back up and finish that section off now that I have everything back,” you said with a mischievous smirk.

“You won’t. Your legs are still shaking,” Grillby said over his shoulder as he rounded the bar counter.

You watched the two Monsters dance. They moved easily, elegantly through the steps of some form of ballroom dance – foxtrot, maybe? – as though they had done it hundreds of times before. Maybe they had, now that you thought about it, forgotten during the time that Gaster was…‘missing,’ but now remembered. Grillby’s flames were vibrant orange and yellow, laughing as Gaster spun him out, then back to his chest. Gaster caught him and nuzzled his cheek, his own colored with a soft lavender blush. There was a pang in your chest. You wanted to dance, too…

You huffed, because of course he was right, and went to the bathroom to wash/scrape the paint off of yourself and everything else.

((needs stuff))

But you couldn’t. It just wasn’t a thing that was possible, at least not with them. You would just end up looking like an idiot and ruining their fun. It would be better to just keep quiet. At least you still could enjoy their happiness.

The song ended and the next began. They kissed before parting to give each other a silly, theatrical bow, still riding high on their shared fun. And then Gaster turned to you, holding out a hand. “May I have the next dance, starshine?” he asked, giving you a bow of your own. Grillby looked you expectantly, still grinning wildly from his own.

Crap. You forced a smile as you waved the hand away. “No, I’m fine. You guys can continue.”

“Nonsense! There’s no need to be left out,” he laughed.

Except you shouldbe. Dancing wasn’t something for you to do, but denying him would disappoint him, and accepting would only prove him wrong. No matter how you answered, you were going to let him down. “I’m…still shaky from being up on the ladder. Legs are tired from holding me up for so long, you know?” you tried dodging the invitation again.

“Is that so? Are you sure you aren’t being shy?” Gaster teased, flexing his outstretched hand in a beckoning motion, unaware of your mounting anxiety. “It’s just us, dearest. Come, dance with me.”

“I-I don’t know how to,” you said, feeling your expression falter. You saw Grillby’s flames dim out of the corner of your eye, catching your mood-shift.

“…Pardon?” Gaster’s face fell as he straightened, clearly puzzled by your response.

“Then I’ll teach you!”

Your smile left completely. “You can’t,” you said softly, hugging yourself.

Grillby, however, knew where your thoughts were heading. Worriedly, he put a hand on your shoulder. “Sweet spark, no. Whatever he told you, you know it isn’t true, and you knowit isn’t what we think.”

Gaster’s eyelights darted to Grillby and back. “Starshine, what’s wrong?”

You took a breath, trying to force down the hurt inside you. You reached up to grip Grillby’s fingers. “It’s just something my…my ex-fiancé told me.” The silence stretched between the three of you. You didn’t want to admit what was wrong to them; it was stupid, it was pointless, it didn’t matter…

You started talking to fill the silence. “H-he said he knew how to dance, and in lots of different styles, too. I always wanted to dance with him, but he told me we couldn’t because I didn’t know how. So I asked him to teach me, but he said it wasn’t possible. We couldn’t even go to a class or something together because I…He told me I was too short, said he couldn’t dance with someone so much smaller than him, even if I know how to. And whenever I asked if we could just do that hug-and-sway thing, he’d just dismiss as not actually dancing. So we just…didn’t dance,” you said without looking at them, feeling the tears welling up. You’d meant stop talking there – surely they’d think the rest of the story was pointless and whiny and you were dumb for still being hung up on it – but the words kept coming. “A-and after…a-after he cheated on me and then tried to keep both of us, h-he would tell…t-tell me how he would dance with them.” You bit your lip hard, hoping to keep it from trembling. You were ashamed of yourself; ashamed of the memories that still haunted you, ashamed that they still hurt as much as they did, and ashamed for ruining Gaster’s and Grillby’s good mood.

Grillby pulled his hand from yours to wrap his arms around you. “Oh, spark, is this why you’ve never –”

“What a preposterous thing to tell someone! You couldn’t dance with him?!” Gaster cried, flinging his arms out in disbelief as he began pacing, agitation making it impossible for him to stand still. “Not to mention rude and callous! And then this-this imbecile bragged about dancing with someone else?! The more I find out about this person, the more appalled by him I am!” He whirled back to face you. “How did you ever put up with this behavior for so long?!” You cringed guiltily, the first tears escaping.

“Gentle, birdwing. She’s hurting,” Grillby said softly, tucking you under his chin as though he could hide you away from the memories.

“Well, of course she is! What a horrid thing to have been told by someone you love! You can’t dance – Everyone can dance!” Gaster charged on before Grillby’s words sank in. His gaze locked onto you, sharp eyelights fuzzing at the edges, posture softening as he took in the look on your face. “Oh! Oh, starshine… I’m sorry for yelling. It was not directed at you. There is no reason at all that you couldn’t learn to dance, even from me. Stars, I don’t even mind if you don’t want to learn. We can just…‘hug-and-sway,’ as you put it. To be together and happy is what matters,” he said gently as he came back to you.

“But I’m so much smaller –”

“That doesn’t matter, either. Grillby is shorter than I am, and we just had a lovely dance.”

“And I’m shorter than him! It…i-it just wouldn’t work, okay?!” you snapped before curling in on yourself, eyes fixed firmly on the floor, humiliated by your outburst. “I-I’m sorry for getting upset. I shouldn’t have said anything. J-just…forget about it.”

“Now, none of that! Anyone can dance with anyone. Come,” Gaster said sharply, clearly done with your self-depreciating. He held out a hand to you again. You looked at it as though it might bite you.

Grillby gave you a gentle squeeze. “You’ll be okay, spark. I learned how to dance from Wings as well.” He lowered his head and whispered into your ear, “He likes using fancy words, but he is a good teacher. He’ll take care of you.”

Gaster shot the elemental a look. “I may not have ears, but I’m not deaf,” he said, though his tone was considerably softer than the authoritative bark it just was. “But he is right, star,” he continued, gaze moving back to you. “I want nothing more than for you to enjoy this. I do not expect perfection, nor will it make me happy. Seeing you happy is what will make me happy. I’ll even refrain from using any ‘fancy words.’ So…may I have this dance?”

You shouldn’t – it could only end badly – but you hesitantly stepped out of Grillby’s arms and put your hand in the skeleton’s. His fingers closed around yours and he led you to the center of the floor. You were shaking, feeling like the entire world was watching you, judging you. You wanted to hide from those imagined, spiteful eyes. You couldn’t do this. You weren’t coordinated like Grillby or graceful like Gaster. You weren’t elegant. You could barely walk straight on a good day. You were a klutz – you had the bruises you didn’t remember getting to prove it. You were going to fail, you were going to let them down, you were –

Abruptly, thin, boney arms wrapped around you, pulling you into a tight embrace. Your glasses were taken from you before a hand pushed your face into the soft sweater before you. You inhaled the slight ozone-and-old-book smell that always seemed to cling to Gaster as a choked gasp escaped you despite your efforts to avoid crying. You twitched with nervous energy, everything screaming at you to just spare everyone the trouble and the misery and run, but the skeleton held you still, steady. A soft kiss was placed on the top of your head. “Breathe, little star. I have you, and Grillby is but a few steps away. We are here with you. All is well,” he murmured into your hair.

“I-I can’t do this. I’m just an embarrassment waiting to happen, I-I’m going to ruin everything. I’m ruining everything right now!” you mumbled into his sweater, fingers digging into the soft fibers.

“You are not ‘ruining’ anything, and you aren’t an embarrassment, I promise,” he said calmly. “Let’s see…You are going to feel awkward and clumsy for most of this. You are going to trip over your own feet and likely mine. You are going to lose count or tempo with the music at some point. You are going to miss at least one cue I give you. In other words, you are going to do just fine for a beginner. You will make mistakes, and they will be the same mistakes everyone else who was learning to dance has ever made.”

A warm hand touched your shoulder. “If you’re feeling self-conscious, would it help if I left the room?” Grillby asked softly. You peeked out from Gaster’s chest to look at the elemental. His flames burned a dull red-orange, and though he was currently blurry, you knew his head was tilted with concern.

“No…no, don’t go. I-I just…I’m just going to be a mess to watch,” you said, returning to your hiding spot.

“I believe that would fall into the ‘clumsy’ category,” Gaster teased gently, rubbing small circles between your shoulder blades. He held you tight, keeping you grounded, until you were finally able to look up into his face. He was smiling, eyelights large and fuzzy, full of love and understanding. “Are you alright?” You took a shaky breath but nodded. “Listen to me, starshine, if you really do not want to try dancing with me, I won’t force you. I do think it would be good for you to try, but I won’t make you if you are that uncomfortable with it,” Gaster said, wiping away an errant tear with his thumb.

You sighed. “No…you’re right. I should try. A-and I do want to dance, I’m just…scared.”

“I know, and that’s alright.” He kissed your forehead before the summoned hand that had stolen your glasses gave them back. He looked to Grillby. “Skyfire, would you find us something in three-quarter time? I think a waltz would be the easiest place to start.” Grillby nodded and went hunting through the jukebox’s song list while Gaster turned his attention back to you. “Now, left hand on my shoulder, or upper arm if that is more comfortable. Your right hand stays in my left, while my right hand goes around your back,” Gaster instructed, guiding you into position.

((needs events))

Gaster sent you out in a spin, and you found yourself laughing along with him. Your anxiety and stress were simply gone. You felt free and pretty and…and elegant. You were dancing!He brought you back  and pulled you close, leading you through a few more steps before dipping you. He had turned you just right so you could see Grillby when he tipped you back. The elemental gave a little cheer, clapping his hands before holding them close to his chest as he practically vibrated with happiness, his flames a beautiful yellow.

Gaster brought you back up, bright, fuzzy eyelights meeting yours just as your vision blurred. For the second time that evening, a summoned hand stole away your glasses as he pulled you close, cradling your head to his chest as your tears soaked into his sweater. You sobbed, clinging to him as though he might suddenly abandon you. “It’s alright, starshine. I have you,” he cooed, tightening his grip on you.

Heat pressed against your back as Grillby put his arms around you and Gaster both, trapping you between their bodies. “We’re here, sweet spark. Everything’s okay,” he murmured, kissing the back of your neck.

“I-I’m s-sorry! I’m s-so sorry! Wh-when did – I-I can’t –” you mewled only to be shushed by them both.

“You are not in trouble. Let it out,” Gaster soothed, rhythmically petting your head.

“We aren’t going anywhere,” Grillby promised, kissing your neck again.

You took several heaving gasps, trying to get the tears under control, but it didn’t do much other than make you feel light headed as well. “I-I don’t under–I-I’m happy, I am, why am I crying? Why can’t I stop?! I-I feel…f-feel…I-I can’t –”

“Glad, sad, mad, or bad?” Grillby asked suddenly.

“What?” Gaster asked, completely baffled.

“Later,” Grillby waved Gaster’s question away. “Sweet spark, look at me. Look at me.” It was hard to pull yourself away from Gaster’s chest, wanting to stay small and hidden, but at the elemental’s firm tone you managed to twist around to look at him. Dull orange burned a little brighter. “There you are…Do you feel glad, sad, mad, or bad?” He had to repeat the question once more before the words finally got through to you.

“G-glad. I-I got to dance w-with someone who loved me,” you stuttered. You swallowed hard. “And…and I’m sad that…it t-took so long t-to do it. A-and…” Your lips curled into a snarl. “M-mad that m-my…that he made me f-feel like I couldn’t…” The grimace fell away as quickly as it had arrived. “A-a-and bad that I-I’m still letting myself b-be controlled by th-the past...”

A cool hand brushed away your tears. Startled by the contact, you looked back up at the tall skeletal Monster. “All perfectly valid things to feel,” Gaster said softly.

Shame came to the forefront of your mind. “It’s been more than a year since he left, and I’m still letting him control me…I-I thought I was doing better…I thought I had moved on…”

“It is hard to unlearn things you have been taught to believe. You may have been separated from him for over a year now, but you were with him for six before that and engaged. He was important enough to you that you were going to spend your life with him. Of course the things he told you are going to linger,” he answered, curling down to kiss you. “You have been doing better, starshine. You haven’t been set off by any of your old triggers for several months now. When something small cropped up, you were able to work through it on your own. And for the big ones, like this? You have let us help you with them. As with any sort of pain, recovery takes time, and you are going to have set backs. You work through them, you learn, and you heal. If anyone here knows that, it’s me.”

He gave you a sad smile, which you returned weakly, knowing full well the twists his own ‘recovery’ had taken, and that they likely weren’t over with, either. You stood on your toes to kiss him (which he still had to lean down to meet, the frickin’ tree). “Thank you…a-and you’re right.”

“I always am,” he teased, taking your hands in his and squeezing them.

Grillby rested his chin on your shoulder. “I’m sorry I didn’t catch this sooner, sweet spark. I thought your aversion to dancing was simply due to self-consciousness or disinterest. In both cases, I didn’t think pushing the matter would be useful. I didn’t realize the problem ran deeper than that.”

“Don’t be sorry. I-I wasn’t exactly sharing anything with you, either.”

“Hmm…Why didn’t you tell me? We could’ve been dancing all this time.”

You stiffened. “I-I’m sorry, I-I-I should’ve known better,” you stammered, anxiety rising again.

“Shh-shhh, I’m not scolding you. I’m not angry, or even disappointed. I want to understand why you felt you had to hide this.”

“I-I…I was scared you’d turn me down, too,” you admitted.

“When have I ever turned down something you’ve wanted to try?” he asked, nuzzling you.

You sniffled, pressing your cheek harder against his. “I-I know…I don’t…I-I don’t know why I thought you might with this…Besides, i-it just…it wasn’t important enough to ask…”

You felt his jaw tighten, and you realized there was the echo of an old struggle in those words. “Was it that, or was it because you didn’t think you were important enough to ask?”

Sighing, you leaned your weight back against him. “You’re…not entirely wrong. Everything…everything with you was – is – so different from what I was used to. It was…amazing to feel listened to, and feel thought about and appreciated, and I was afraid of messing that up by asking something…something that you might think was dumb, or be told the same thing again a-and just have…have something he told me get confirmed by you.” You took a breath, closing your eyes. “A-and if he was right about something as insignificant as dancing, then he might be right about the other things he told me, more important things, things that…” Your voice quivered. “…that would make me unworthy of you. Th-things that might make you decide to leave. And as our relationship grew, and then Gaster got added in, I just…buried the desire to dance and forgot about it because it wasn’t important enough to wreck things over.”

“But dancing was important to you. And it would have been important to me as well, because you are important to me,” the elemental said. “I wish…I do wish you weren’t so worried about what I’d think if you asked me things, but I also understand the fear. You were told to repress your wants and feelings or be judged for them for so long. I understand how those thoughts can get ingrained in your mind.”

You hummed in agreement. “I-I’m sorry that I still have stuff to work through.”

He kissed your temple. “But you are working through them, just like Gaster said. That’s the most important thing. But if you really feel you need to make it up to me, you can give me this next dance.”

(needs events)

“You’re a natural! A few more lessons and we could go to a dance hall!” Gaster called.

You whirled to face him. “Oh, please, no!” you squeaked in horror. Both Monsters burst out laughing.