#but monogamy is not what he is Inclined To Do

[bloodtwin]

on my hands & knees begging for fwb dynamics or polyamorous ships for pucky... he keeps doing this fun thing called falling in love with monogamous ppl

[mochinomnoms]

Ooo Mochi! I have a fun question. In terms of different TWST species, who do you think would be more or less likely to be polyamorous? Either in terms of sharing their partner, or wanting multiple partners.

Fun question! Okay, so very quickly, this is what I'd categorize them:

Strictly monogamous

Jack — wolves stick to one partner throughout their lives, and Jack is no exception. Once he has a partner, he's sticking with them for life.

Malleus — I imagine that dragons also mate for life, especially based on some JP spoilers. And while fae in general are not monogamous, draconic fae are. Besides, he'd only want a partner that sees beyond the image of the Briar Valley Heir, and there's only been one to do so, so far…

Prefers monogamy, open to polyamory

Sebek — I think this comes off as a surprise, but I think since Sebek was raised by regular fae, specifically ones akin to crocodiles, he'd be fine with polyamory under the right circumstances. He'd prefer to keep them to himself, though.

Ruggie — Similar to lions, hyenas are not typically monogamous. Ruggie is more inclined to stick with one partner though, as logically speaking having more than one mate tends to get expected. Unless you both get a rich partner that's willing to spend on you, then he's really listening~ *cough* Leona *cough*

Can do either or/no preference

Leona — Lions usually have multiple partners, usually one male with several female partners. The royal family tends to follow this rule, though Leona personally wouldn't want to bother with it himself, he's content with the one. If they'd wanted to try it, he's fine as long as he's always first, the others can come second for once. Unless it's with someone he knows he can depend on to view him as an equal, or is particularly motivated to pursue him and his partner. Then his interest is peaked.

Azul — He's going to be fairly attached to his partner, but a majority of merfolk under the sea are polyamorous, it's quite normal for him to consider having more than one mate. However, due to his insecurity, he would only share his mate with certain people under contract, which brings me to my next point:

Leech Twins — Like Azul, polyamory is normal where they're from. They've even made jokes about sharing Azul when they were older, mock fighting over who would marry their cute little Octy (Azul couldn't tell if they were genuinely joking or not, though). Once they get there's the introduction of a potential four partner (you), then they're starting to take their own jokes a bit more seriously.

Is polyamorous

Lilia — He's old. Like, nursing home old. He's lived his days and experiences most of life's enjoys and sadness. As such, he's found that he personally enjoys being poly. His family has been far from a traditional one, and he cared so much for his past lovers that he raised their son as his own. I mean, really speaking, Malleus is his son! I can see him, now that he's older, and his children are becoming more independent, wanting to focus on romance for himself again. He has much of himself to give, so he is content with making sure all and any partners of his get all that love and affection.

[thewertsearch]

We're got a couple of assorted asks about quadrant dynamics here. Since they're all related, I'll answer them as a single post.

@galaxa-13 asked: I personally never saw Feferi being annoyed by Eridan talking about feelings with Karkat because he was only supposed to talk about them with her, but rather because he ONLY talked about them with Karkat. She had to do all the heavy lifting in their relationship by making sure he didn't commit genocide, and then didn't get to unwind with some romantic gossip. If my platonic boyfriend never talked to me, but did with others, I'd question him too. @lilietsblog asked: I never read Feferi as being jealous of Karkat in a violating relationship exclusivity / cheating on her way. I read it as a playful "why aren't you talking about stuff with me? is it because you've already talked it all out?" where Eridan was very much supposed to read between the lines and undersatnd that she just wanted him to tell her about his red crushes (awkward, that…) While I'm sure there are specific rituals trolls /only/ do with their moirails, my overall impression is that trolls normally just… don't form relationships close and trusting enough for emotional support like that. The quadrants help by making it semi-mandatory to find SOMEONE. (Also I'm actually sure that a healthy moirallegiance would be reciprocal with both partners pacifying each other, it's just the hemospectrum version of gender roles)

You may have a point. Eridan was clearly a poor moirail from the start - probably because he never actually wanted to be Feferi's moirail. To him, the quadrant was clearly just a stepping stone to matespritship, so he wasn't invested in its dynamics. Feferi's not really angry about Karkat, here - she's just a little frustrated about how one-sided their moirallegence has turned out to be.

That said, I do still believe that quadrants would work better if they were polyamorous - even if this particular scenario doesn't illustrate my point as well as I thought it did.

@morganwick asked: I mean, some would argue that placing undue emphasis on monogamy beyond what's actually healthy or natural is true of human romance as well. But part of what might be going on here is that on Alternia, it's not a good idea to let knowledge of your fears, doubts, and weaknesses spread too far, lest it mark you for culling. Best to vent to a single person who won't tell another soul. (See also how Vriska is saying things to John she wouldn't tell any other troll.) @bladekindeyewear asked: "At the end of the day, I do think moirallegiance is a good idea. I just don’t think it really works if moirails can’t be poly." What if they CAN be? People with naturally polyamorous inclinations are few and marginalized on present-day Earth, and Alternian society seems set up to STOMP OUT the marginalized. Quadrants certainly exist, but how much of their rigidity and the pervasive troll view that you only have "one true fated partner(s)" for each quadrant might just be cultural?

I think a monogamous system of moirallegence is probably all that Alternia could handle. Sustaining a polyamorous quadrant system would require a level of emotional maturity that the average troll simply isn't going to have - and, like you said, it might be dangerous to widen your circle more than is actually necessary.

I still think the trolls would benefit from such a system, though. On Alternia, it simply wasn't to be - but the Alternian Players now have the chance to build an entirely new culture. Who knows what new dynamics they might discover?

@lilietsblog asked: I don't think Hussie "jumped the gun". I think Hussie was messing around with the very idea of "what romance should be like". Trolls don't care about what gender their partners are, and have a different system of confusing rigid rules that no two people understand quite the same and that don't work out in practice that way anyway, instead. The quadrant system was never intended to be a serious worldbuilding project any more than Troll Will Smith

See, I get what you're saying - but the difference, in my opinion, is that that Troll Will Smith was a one-panel joke, whereas the quadrant system has informed our understanding of troll relationships for the entirety of Act 5. Unlike Will, quadrants have stayed relevant, and they've been critical to understanding many of the Alternians' key character moments.

That's not to say that quadrants aren't partially a joke. Frankly, I don't think any of Homestuck is entirely serious - but I do think quadrants are 'real' in the context of the story, and should be analyzed as a legitimate part of its world.

@bladekindeyewear asked: One last bout moirails-- Andrew in his asks has said that the idea behind each of the Quadrants IS supposed to match up with real human relationship and friend dynamics we already understand, making them relatable but w/ a romantic drive that isn't quite human-analogous. Trolls biologically compelled to enter them before understanding them, a challenge "particularly tortuous for young trolls" (p2393), plus the 600 hour session makes sense of Eq/Nep's relationship's drastic evolution to me.

I've always been a little skeptical about this whole 'biological drive' angle for the quadrants - mostly because there are plenty of human biological drives that are either overstated, misinterpreted, or outright fabricated.

That's not to say that the trolls don't have some sort of compulsion to seek out quadrants. If it does exist, though, I hope it slowly fades, now that the trolls have left their planet and its expectations behind.

[ohwolfling]

Wolfling's Galeposting Masterpost

Some folks expressed interest in me organizing my Gale meta/headcanons/spirals/menty bs/etc and so here it is. I'll try to update it periodically & at the end I'll leave the tags I tend to use for Gale. Note that my ask is open & my AO3 is here. You can also find me on TikTok, Twitch, and Ko-fi. Post established 14 Nov 2023. Broken links fixed 15 Jan 2024.

Feb 2024 Update in Progress. Mystra related meta now purple for easier time to following that thread.

Big Meta

Gale, Mystra, & Abuse as Mentorship - an examination of Gale's connection to the Weave and the inherent lack of agency he experiences via his education, with Elminster, and of course Mystra (casual information/timeline chat about those two)

Failure to see Gale/Mystra as abusive & how we identify abuse - references the above & a piece on Shadowheart, as well as a talk on ACEs & how we're socialized to qualify abuse

Mystra + Systemic Abuse + Real World Parallels

Elminster the Enabler - a reply to a reply of the first meta, clarifying Elminster's role in indoctrination, religious trauma, & grooming

The Gale of Waterdeep Deserves A Bl*w J** Meta - Gale the Man vs the Wizard of Waterdeep, S*x as Characterization, defining Gale's relationship to intimacy and control

Tav's "I Want You to Kiss Me" & Gale's Soft Laugh - a summary of Gale's inclination to service, anticipating needs, and people pleasing & how the dialogue choices present Tav as a good change

Unpacking Act I Weave Scene - romance & Mystra's resonance

Honeypotting Gale's Musical Theme - analysis of the piece of music for Gale's intro, pulling other music that builds similarly to imagine finished themes and motifs, and a comparison to the musical language and narrative build of Battlestar Galactica's Gaius Baltar, via Bear McCreary's four years of music for the character

Mystra, the Weave, and complicity - honeypotting & Mystra lore re: how much power she does or doesn't have in the Orb sitch

Gale and the Drow Twins - insecurity, monogamy, and how the narrative leaves room for both healing through monogamy OR a healing that opens up s*xually

Accidental meta, replies, thinky thoughts, & more organized beneath the cut!

Meanders, Responses, Lesser Meta

the issue of "Counter Meta" - a bit of a PSA on internalized or latent victim blaming, particularly that I've seen growing for Gale and Astarion

Gale's Folly - what motivates his power/ambition, let's cry about it

Introductory thoughts on Mystra as Abuser

Gale and Yenna - some parallels, a nowhere-near-enough examination of Gale's relationship to children

Gale as Curator & Creative - thoughts on what drives Gale

Sleepover Talk - Why Gale's Folly lowkey makes him very sexy

Recognizing this glimmer to be magical in nature - What did Gale think the "glimmer" was? Some thinky thoughts.

Fanon Gale & Elminster interpretations

Fanon whitewashing of Mystra

Gale's Seeing the Crown of Karsus - aaaaah aaaaah aaaaaaaaaah

Is Gale's Seed Necrotic - listen...

Smaller replies/add ons

Gale's Duality - a wizard in the streets, but a freak in the bed, and WHY that hits us hard

Thoughts on Tav, Tara, Morena, & clashes in Waterdeep

"Not the kind of excitement I usually enjoy being woken up for" - a pretty indulgent discussion of Gale's preferred ways of being woken up

Gale the Camp Cook - how trauma and neurodivergence might influence Gale's command of the cooking and his own relationship to food and hunger

Gale's Focus - what is this wizards focus and how can I make it ouch?

Greek Coded Gale - others brought vibes and lore, I brought George Michael. I'm the least cool part of this discussion but yes.

Possible Roles of Archmages/ArchWizards, from loose DnD guidelines

Reactions, Live Blogging, That Kinda Thing

Do You Need to Kneel For This? - the Gale's Folly reveal

Gale & the Ghost of Video Game Male Wife Past - i cried

Trying NOT to romance Gale

Moody, Sad, & Pathetic - but also : my wife?

Becoming A Gale Girlie at 100 MPH

The Elminster Scene, live reaction/discussion

(to be expanded)

Galegate (THAT Larian interview)

Initial response/context of "annoying"

Gale as Red Herring (+ media literacy)

Gale as Comic Relief (in structure + as coping mechanism)

The Orb Choice as "good" storytelling explained + qualified (Tav's role, Astarion foil, & where death makes sense)

The line between story criticism + personal triggers re: Gale

Gale & Childhood/Children

(to be expanded)

Playlists, Songs, etc

Modern AU Playlist for Maudlin Wizard Sensuality - someone asked what was on Gale's s*x playlist & I establish that Gale is set the stage/vibes over tempo/during & threw this playlist together

(to be expanded)

Silly, Goofy Mood Gale stuff

Are You Mad I Ascended energy

Swayze-esque Gale thoughts

Thinking about hands

Hoe into a housewife

Gale getting high pt 1

Gale getting high pt 2

Gale Dekarios Catdad Core

God Gale Core Test Post

Common Gale Related Tags

Bg3 headcanons

Bg3 shitposts (i do not have a tag just for gale shitposting)

Bg3 meta

Bg3 art

Galeposting

Galeposting srs (i forget this one regularly)

A gale sized hole / gale sized hole

Wolfling photomode / wolfling photo mode

Gale Dekarios

Gale of Waterdeep

Gale Dekarios Music Hour / wolfling playlists (I only put BIGGER playlists posts here, but there are many one off song recs and such if you explore the tag)

Gale Pls (tend to be hornier)

Wolfling Plays  

Wolfling answers

Gale and Macha

Gale tummy

[lirotation]

POV my little fanfiction, Astarion X Amaara Ashvale(my Tav after many many backstory tweak).

Amaara Ashvale stood before Halsin, her expression a mixture of surprise and disbelief. The request he had just made was beyond anything she had anticipated.

Halsin's gaze held a mixture of earnestness and a touch of challenge. "Amaara," he began again, his tone soft but resolute, "nature doesn't always adhere to the constructs of monogamy. The heart's affections can be fluid, and relationships can take on various forms."

She blinked, her mind racing to process his words. The implications of what he was suggesting began to dawn on her, and her cheeks flushed.

"I am very flattered, Halsin," Amaara finally managed to say, her voice betraying the slight tremor of her emotions. "But I'm HAPPILY in a relationship."

Halsin's demeanor remained steady, his gaze unwavering. "A relationship that can be reevaluated, given the circumstances."

Amaara's eyes widened, and she felt a rising frustration. The audacity of his words left her momentarily speechless. "Halsin," she said, her tone firmer now, "I cannot and will not entertain such a notion. My heart belongs to someone else."

Halsin's gaze flickered, his expression a mix of understanding and persistence. "Astarion," he mentioned, "You two are joined body and soul. I can smell his scent on your skin." his voice dropping in volume, "Maybe he would enjoy the idea, maybe even participate."

The shock of his words cut through her like a blade. Amaara's usually composed demeanor wavered, her eyes narrowing as her voice hardened, "No, Halsin, I am no druid but I've read my share of books. Two male bears would fight for a female, not share one. Nature isn't an excuse to mask personal inclinations. And as far as I know, nature doesn't dictate the intricacies of emotional connection."

With that, she turned away, her steps quickening as she distanced herself from the uncomfortable conversation. Her heart raced, and a swirl of emotions churned within her. 

As she walked aimlessly around camp, her thoughts fixed to Astarion. They had shared battles, secrets, and moments of closeness. Yet, in all the time they had spent together, they had never discussed the nature of their own relationship.

After Astarion's heartfelt confession, she had assumed so much, taken their connection for granted. The realization hit her like a spell, making her heart ache with both guilt and uncertainty.

"Have I been naive?" she muttered to herself.

As the city's lanterns flickered to life around her, casting warm hues against the night, Amaara's resolve solidified. She would not let Halsin's words shake her confidence in what she shared with Astarion. But she couldn't escape the lingering question: how will this relationship play out if they have different core values?  

Finally, she approached Astarion. As she looked at him, his figure illuminated by the soft glow of the fire, she took a deep breath and spoke.

"Astarion," she began, her voice carrying a blend of vulnerability and courage, "You won't believe the crazy conversation I just had with Halsin."

"Hahaha, I was wondering when you were going to bring that up." Astarion said light heartedly.

His expression puzzled her, "You...you know about it?"

"Pff, It is clear as day what his intentions are." Astarion said, "I just wanted to know one thing—do you felt like something was missing between us now that I can't... well, you know."

"Of course not" Amaara looked up, try to read Astarion's expression better.

"Good," he replied, his voice softer now. "It's good to know."

Their conversation seemed to hang in the air for a moment, the quiet crackling of the fire punctuating the space between them. But then, Astarion's words took a turn that she hadn't anticipated.

"Then you can have as much Halsin as you want."

The words landed with a weight that surprised her, leaving her momentarily speechless. She searched his eyes for any hint of his intentions, any indication of what he might be feeling, but his gaze remained steady, his expression a mixture of ease and nonchalance.

Amaara felt a pang of disheartenment, a pang that she hadn't expected. She realized she had been hoping for a different response, one that would reveal a hint of jealousy, a spark of possessiveness—a sign that he cared.

But his response, while honest, was a reminder of the complex nature of their relationship. It was a reminder that his feelings and perspectives were shaped by a lifetime of experiences that were far from conventional.

As she looked at him, a swirl of emotions washing over her, Amaara caught herself. She couldn't force Astarion to feel something he might not be capable of feeling, and she shouldn't label him uncaring based on lack of conventional notions of jealousy and possessiveness.

His response was shocking but not surprising. She had been trying her best to cuddle him in this relationship, but there is one line that cannot be crossed. She need to lay it down, to gain some form of security and assurance for herself.

"Astarion," she began softly, her voice determined.

He turned his gaze towards her, his eyes meeting hers with slight apprehension, "if you want to ask me to join the two of you, well, I am not quite ready yet, my sweet."

"I am not going to 'have Halsin' or anyone else for that matter. There's something I want to talk to you about," she snapped despite trying to swallow the unwelcomed disappointment. "It's about us."

He leaned back against a log, his expression pensive as he listened.

"Astarion," she began again, her voice gentle yet resolute, "You have no idea how relieved I was when you decided to open up to me. Your history, your experiences. I...I am pretty bad when it comes to the matter of heart, so I will just be blunt. From what I understand, for you, physical intimacy isn't the same as it might be for others."

His brow furrowed slightly as he regarded her.

"Your past, the way you've used seduction and... well, sex, as a weapon," she paused, choosing her words carefully, "I understand that it's something you don't hold in high regard. That it's been twisted into something you can't even care about anymore."

After a moment of pulse, she continued, "I will never understand truly the horrible trama you've endured, but I will try my best to respect your wishes. I..." She inhaled sharply, try to master the courage, "I also want to make something clear to you, something that's important to me."

Astarion blinked,  curiosity and caution dancing in his eyes.

"Fidelity," she finally said softly, "is important to me. I've been hurt before, Astarion. I've been betrayed. And I can't help but carry those scars with me."

Understanding began to dawn in his expression as he met her gaze, his guard starting to lower.

"I've seen the way you've protected me, fought by my side," she continued, her voice growing firmer. "And I know that you value our connection. But I also want you to know that, for me, fidelity is about emotional commitment,  as well as the physical act."

Astarion's shoulders seemed to relax slightly, a mixture of vulnerability and something akin to relief in his features.

"I will be faithful to you, for as long as we are together.  In turn, even if physical intimacy means nothing to you," she said, her voice gentle but unwavering, "I ask that you respect my feelings on this matter. I ask that you refrain from engaging in such acts with another for whatever reason, even if they hold no significance for you."

"You don't have to worry about that," Astarion mused, "I run away from sex as fast as I used to run away from the sun."

"Please," Amaara sighed, "I am not asking for a vow right now. I just want to lay it there, so we both know where we stand."

He met her gaze fully now, his eyes holding a depth of understanding that resonated with her own vulnerabilities, "I want something real with you. but honestly, I don't really know what I am doing. It's just... I've existed for a long time, and my experiences have shaped me in ways that I can't always control."

"I know," she replied softly, "And I don't want you to feel pressured to be someone you're not. I value you for who you are, Astarion."

"You're more straightforward than anyone I've ever met." He smiled, "I appreciate that," his voice carrying a depth of sincerity, "I appreciate you being upfront about what matters to you." His hand reaching out to rest on hers. "This is nice, and I want this to last. I don't know what future holds, but yes, I will try not to mess it up."

They sat in silence for a while, fingers laced, then Astarion smiled smugly, "I guess this means no Halsin for either of us, that's a shame."

[cinamun]

Alright, I, me, Antwanyce do not feel like Indira Dior Destiny Drake has to commit to anyone that she doesn't want to commit to. However, like everyone else, I have the privilege of seeing both perspectives. I know we live in an individualistic society that tells us "Do You Boo" but that only works when no one else is involved or at least that's how it should work. As a person who enjoys a good study of the human condition. I'm inclined to believe that most humans are not capable of enjoying the accouterments of a "relationship" without catching feelings. Usually, when one is not capable it stems from being guarded due to past trauma, lack of natural empathy, or just plain selfishness. I just think it's wild that no one can see that. They do more than just fuck. They literally do stuff together so much so that it almost feels like he lives there. I don't care what anyone says this behavior is not normal regardless of gender. It feels like she's either guarding herself in fear of disappointment, self-centered, or both. If she cares for Charlie she should leave him alone because clearly he wants something she is not willing to give him and if she's tired of repeating herself then maybe her actions need to match her words. If she doesn't care (because it's nice to be adored) she can continue and he'll either move on or become obsessed and we know what obsession can lead to. And yes I know this is fiction but isn't discourse about fictional characters half the fun. Like, did we all not just socially online have discourse about Bridgerton, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Grey's Anatomy, etc. Didn't book clubs meet up to have a discourse about The Coldest Winter Ever? Do we always agree, no. Do we always like the OC, also, no but doesn't that make the storytelling all the more fun and interesting, yes? Maybe I'm wrong or I just see things through a different lens. I don't know…

P.S. Why are we acting like most of the time sex doesn't make things complicated?

Sis... now you know I gotta add a cut to this LMFAO

I know we live in an individualistic society that tells us "Do You Boo" but that only works when no one else is involved or at least that's how it should work

Says who tho? What happened to communication being the key to lasting relationships be they friendships or something more? If Indira Destiny Dior Drake says she is "doing her" who are we to tell her it doesn't work that way just because she wants the benefits of orgasms with her friendships and communicates that AND all parties agree?

I'm inclined to believe that most humans are not capable of enjoying the accouterments of a "relationship" without catching feelings

Actually, humans are biologically predisposed to polygamous relationships due to the unconscious desire to preserve the species (we've since evolved into monogamy due to sociological conditions)

Couldn't those feelings just be the feelings of love or care associated with deep friendships and not the very clear romantic feeling that Charlie is exhibiting and low-key expecting from Dira?

Usually, when one is not capable it stems from being guarded due to past trauma, lack of natural empathy, or just plain selfishness. I just think it's wild that no one can see that.

But sis, no one said Dira is "not capable". Most are saying Dira doesn't want that level of romance right now. Some are saying its related to past trauma. People aren't seeing it because they don't think she's incapable. No one said she was incapable.

They literally do stuff together so much so that it almost feels like he lives there. I don't care what anyone says this behavior is not normal regardless of gender.

So you don't do stuff together with your friends? You've never heard of besties just coming to chill at your crib and watch tv, help you cook or help you move in? I don't see how that's not normal friendship behavior.

If she cares for Charlie she should leave him alone because clearly he wants something she is not willing to give him and if she's tired of repeating herself then maybe her actions need to match her words

This was brought up a few times today, its not an uncommon feeling after today's post but I need to tell y'all to stay tuned on that note.

As for everything else, I agree! I've always said the commentary is the best part and that's why we have the Ratchet Reading Room™ packed to capacity and breaking the fire code and running out of wings when shit gets heavy! Its a beautiful thing to witness.

As far as sex making things complicated, that's not always the case and it certainly doesn't have to if you (say it with me) communicate your intentions. Tre was blocked before he even got to smash so clearly he complicated shit before the sex.

Your honor, the defense rests.

[1yyyyyy1]

what do you think about poly? i hate it because i don't think its possible to actually be in love with 2 people without pair bonding more with one, or value someone while having sex with someone else. i feel like it's a cover for how shitty men and some women are at commitment. a part of me believes men don't feel true love or intimacy, but admitting that only makes me feel like i'm validating them when they say they can't commit and it's "unrealistic" but it's really just being a good partner.

I like not to think about it :) Everything I've learned about polygamy has been against my will… I distinctly remember a male on Reddit describe his experience with polygamy, in which he spoke about having a "polygamous mindset" for a lack of a better word. He was in a committed relationship with a monogamous woman and chose monogamy because he liked her as a person (I'm guessing polygamy was a hard boundary for her). He said that, aside from the pull to be with multiple people, him being polygamous meant that he was genuinely happy with his partner seeing (and sleeping with) other people and enjoying it; it didn't sound like he was describing a fetish and it was in general different from the idea of polygamy I previously had in mind. It stood out to me because he was mostly talking about his attitude towards his girlfriend partnering others and not his personal gain, so I could see how it could be a mutual dynamic between compatible partners. This kind of changed my opinion on what polygamy could be like if it involved emotionally mature and self-aware people, even if didn't make me understand the appeal any better.

Generally speaking, I don't have a strong opinion on polygamy (or polyamory) because I prefer to concern myself with the things that are for me. I can imagine polygamy working out for people, even if only within the confines of a thought experiment, so I'm not going to dismiss it on the premise that it is inherently dysfunctional. I'm not going to dismiss it in favor of monogamy either because I don't view monogamy as a sign of adjustment. Some people are into monogamy because they are obsessive and controlling, and monogamous partnerships are still notorious for cheating and turning into an "open relationship". I'm less and less inclined to be picking a side as people always seem to find a way to pervert whatever it is I would be supportive of... It is possible to stand up for your preferences without disparaging the other option — and risking being wrong in the process. The reason I would only ever consider monogamy is very simple — I don't like sharing my life on a profoundly personal level with multiple people. My overall personality traits coincide in a way that makes this unfeasible for me. I am very private about my life experiences and I would not share them with someone who is not fully invested. I also see relationships as a learning experience, and since I like getting to the bottom of things I would be genuinely distressed if me getting closer with someone were diluted by some other person's contribution. This may sound like a self-absorbed approach to something as reciprocal as a relationship, but laying down the precise terms on which you enter one makes it impossible for people to sway your opinion in a direction that doesn't benefit you. It doesn't matter to me if my standards are framed as "a desire for ownership" or "controlling", which are all common accusations made against monogamy. The point is that I would never consent to a relationship (let alone sexual contact) with a person who is not willing to match my commitment and views on privacy, it would violate my personal boundaries and I am better off not entering a relationship altogether until my conditions are met.

I would argue that there is an issue with commitment on people's part, but I would attribute it to something other than a specific relationship model. What I see is that most relationships are formed out of convenience, and revolve around reproduction, shared finances and sexual gratification. The reason I believe this results in commitment issues is because these are all non-specific traits most functional adults can perform and provide. There is not much ground for personalized bonding, and this approach can result in indecisiveness about which partner to commit to (if at all). This, of course, can also lead to multiple partners being a valid option at the cost of them being entirely replaceable... To answer the question the second time — I do think that relationships that involve multiple people can be a sign of poor commitment and superficial bonding.

As for men's inability to love, I don't see acknowledgement as endorsement and I don't understand why it is such a common notion. My negative assessment of people is there for me to have an understanding of what I am dealing with, not to validate said people. In acknowledging that men are incapable of commitment, I choose to allocate my efforts to someplace else because attempting to change a person's behavior is a waste of my time. I don't feel responsible for men's stance on faithfulness; I believe them to be capable enough to live in accordance with their convictions regardless of outside influence. I know for a fact that no amount of external validation would make me cheat on my partner, so it is not a stretch to extend these expectations to other people, including men.

[onyxbird]

I'm on my first watch through Critical Role (just got past the Briarwood arc), and I just realized one reason it bugs me that Vax "broke up" with Gilmore because he's trying to romance Keyleth: Of all the enthusiasm from the party about Vax flirting with Gilmore in "Shopping and Shipping," it was Keyleth who literally invested a charisma-enhancing spell* (as well as the "dad thumb") to boost Vax's flirting abilities.

She was demonstrably supportive of this relationship to the point of actively trying to help. So... maybe wait a little to figure out if Keyleth is actually interested in pursuing something and whether exclusivity is what she wants before making two (and possibly three) people unhappy?

Like, sure, Vax was the one doing the flirting and absolutely has the right to decide he doesn't want to do that anymore, but... he clearly does want to do that. Vax is sad about putting a stop to this. Gilmore's sad about it. And from everything I've seen so far, it seems plausible Keyleth might be at least a little disappointed (or at least might feel even more pressured about Vax romancing her if she found out he's committing to exclusivity before she's even decided how she feels about this).

Vax and Gilmore hadn't gone beyond flirting (as made clear by the conversation), so there's no reason why Gilmore should be expecting exclusivity. I'd understand if Vax wanted to, e.g., confide in Gilmore that he thinks he's falling for Keyleth, giving Gilmore the opportunity to back off if it bothered him and context for why Vax might be adjusting his own level of flirting, but ending a mutually enjoyable flirtation over the possibility that he might start something with Keyleth seems like an overzealous commitment to monogamy. (Also, weirdly contradictory with ending the "break-up" conversation by smooching Gilmore on the lips. "Tease," indeed.)

(The more obvious reason it disappointed me was that Vax and Gilmore's flirtation was incredibly fun to watch while most of the Vax and Keyleth romance so far has been deeply and painfully awkward. I understand why it's awkward, given the characters, but that doesn't make it less awkward to watch.)

*She cast Enhance Ability for Charisma on him as they went in, when Vex seems like the one more inclined to do any aggressive negotiating and Vax doesn't seem to need much help (or actual ability checks) to succeed in general flirting with Gilmore at this point.

[goldentemplariumcrow]

romance & relationship headcanons!

Dionisus edition

1. what is your muse's sexual/romantic orientation?

Dio is a circumstatial pansexual, as in he'll be open to having sex with every other gender if his preferable one isn't available (he's more inclined to having homosexual relationships than any other when it comes to his time in bed), and homoromantic.

2. has your muse been mainly attracted to masculinity, femininity, androgyny, or an even split (between two, many, or all of the options specified)?

Aesthetically speaking he can appreciate all, but in a more sexual way, it's undeniable that he has a preference for the male body, and he knows it.

3. has your muse been mainly attracted to men, women, non-binary people, another identity not specified, or an even split (between two, many, or all of the options specified)?

Most of Dio's attraction is towards men, but he did have a few partners who were women and trans in the past.

4. does your muse find any specific features particularly attractive?

The eyes and scars.

5. what is your muse's ideal first date?

Something casual. Take him to a cafe, a museum date, a library, tea shop, a walk on the beach or on the local park, if the other muse has the skills, Dio will be more than happy to go on a parkour or free running date too. He uses first dates to see the other person's vibes, measure if he can feel anything wrong with them by reading their body language and choice of words, and learn about them.

In a way, he simply goes with the flow and, whatever comes his way, it's more than enough for him, since Dio's expectation bar has been down in the dumps for quite a few years.

6. would your muse kiss on the first date?

If Dio feels like it's appropriate, the mood is right and the other person is giving him signals that it's fine, he might, otherwise, most he'll do is a kiss on the hand, cheek of forehead. He'll avoid the lips as much as he can.

7. where is your muse most sensitive?

Taking away the obvious spots of his neck and behind his ears, there's a secret one: his hands.

Dio has been wearing gloves and bandages on both hands for as long as he can remember, he keep them on even during intimate times when he's with a new person or his night's conquest, which means this man hasn't had much of the feeling of another person's skin in contact with his hands for nearly fifteen years. A kiss to his uncovered palm can easily turn him into a mumbling mess.

8. is your muse a good kisser? are they experienced or inexperienced?

Dio kisses with way more than his lips and mouth alone. Beware those hands of slender fingers and the strong legs. You let him run wild, this man will go wild. He will leave not only your lips with a taste of him, but your whole body will have the jitters too. Chest pressed on chest, messed up hair, a good feel of your ass, even a squeeze of your thigh between his and vice-versa. He kisses with fiery passion that cannot be contained by the simple touch of lips alone.

You've been warned.

9. is your muse monogamous or polyamorous? would they be interested in a polyamorous relationship?

Whatever floats his partner's boat. Dio will be happy with monogamy and with polyamory, however, it needs to be noted that he won't take well to an open relationship.

All one needs to do when wanting a polyamorou relationship with him is to have a conversation where all parts involved will set their boundaries and interests.

10. has your muse ever been cheated on? would they ever cheat on their partner(s)?

Yes, he's been cheated on. And no, he wouldn't cheat even if he was given the world to do it. He's a lover, not a player.

11. how comfortable is your muse with their appearance and their body?

Dio doesn't mind his physique, he likes how he looks, in fact, in his opinion he's like any other average joe with blue eyes and blond hair who trains constantly. However, he has a huge dislike for the Isu marks on his body and thinks those make him a monster, and so, he doesn't like seeing them all that much.

12. does your muse get flustered easily? how would they typically react to compliments from someone they are interested in/dating?

Dio doesn't fluster easily when the compliments come from random people, or people he can tell only want to get into his pants. This changes when it comes from someone he has interest in and can tell they're being honest with him, because in his head that raises a flag that maybe there's something there for him, and he can, perhaps, try getting a little closer to them.

His normal reaction is to look away, either to the sides or up to hide the color of his cheeks, but another good indicator that he's flustered is when he starts to fidget with his digits right after hearing the compliment.

13. what traits does your muse value in a romantic partner?

Respect, understanding, loyalty, communication, trust, a sense of humor that matches his, adventurous, and a good libido (because that's an important way he communicates his love).

14. what traits does your muse want to avoid when it comes to choosing a romantic partner?

Entitlement, arrogance, know-it-all types, people who are too settled in their lives to try new things, cruelty, the propensity some people have to try to gaslight him (a literal living archive of memories of everything and everyone around him), unfeeling, no compassion for the next person, lack of curiosity, lack of interest in learning new skills... the list is longer, but these are at the top.

15. how does your muse feel about valentine's day?

It's a day like any other day, but he'll prepare something special if he has a lover during that time.

16. what is/are your muse's love language(s)?

Quality time, physical touch, acts of love (gift-giving when his partner is comfortable with it).

17. what are some of the signs that your muse shows their care/love without saying they love/care about their partner?

This man has his days packed to the brim. He barely has time to breath, let alone for rest and recreation. But he'll find a way to open spaces in his busy day to spend whatever time he can with his beloved, he'll wake up earlier and prepare breakfast for the two of them, he'll leave lunch ready for his partner, and he'll send little messages during the day asking how his lover is doing and reminding them that he loves them, also, post it notes and handwritten notes can be found in his partner's things reminding them to eat, drink water and take care of themself.

18. how does your muse feel about marriage? would they ever want to get married?

Do you want to see Dio nope? Have an anxiety attack? Perhaps freeze completely? Ask him about engagement and marriage. That's how bad Lorenzo broke him, he's afraid of ever stepping on a wedding venue again. That's how much damage he took from all that happened.

Does he want to be married one day? Yes, more than anything. Dio craves having a family, that's the reason he keeps his friends close, because he considers them part of his family and his home will always have a space for them no matter how bad things are. He'd love to see his family's villa filled with life and the chaotic energy of a bunch of people he considers family, and, of course, he'd love to have a wedding ring on his finger, or something that represents his union with someone he loves so deeply he can see himself with them for the rest of his life.

Does Dio know how to accept any proposal? No, he doesn't. He'll degrade himself and point all of the negative points of being with him, he'll freeze, shake and have panic attacks, and he'll start to spill out all of the horrible things he was told by Lorenzo, because that betrayal left a deep and visible scar in his mind and understanding of what he is for the rest of the world.

He wants a married life, but he can't allow himself the chance to have it.

19. how many serious relationships has your muse been in? are they experienced or inexperienced when it comes to dating?

A few relationships, but some of them he's still evaluating if they were truly serious or just induced by the heat of war.

20. how does your muse feel about public displays of affection? would they engage in them?

So long as it's not getting inappropriate, he's fine with PDA, specially if it boosts hia significant other's confidence. He will, however, fake raunchiness if it bothers someone he doesn't like and wants to make them go away by causing embarrassment in them.

21. is your muse more flirtatious or shy, or does it depend on the context?

Depends on context and age, Dio used to be more timid and modest when he was younger, but as fully grown adult, he knows he's attracts gazes and weaponizes it by flirting and teasing.

22. does your muse tend to take on a more dominant or submissive role in the relationship, or does it vary based on circumstance?

Dio is a switch-dom in bed, but overall, when it comes to hia relationships, he's more balanced and chill, preferring to keep it leveled between himself and his partner. There will be times when he takes the lead, there'll be times when he will follow his partner, it all depends on what's going on.

23. would your muse be good at recognizing their partner's needs right away, or would it take some time?

We're talking about the paranoid guy who reads body language and goes people watching for fun on a daily basis. He might not know exactly what's going on and ask a few questions, but he'll come to his partner with their comfort drink and snacks, their favorite blanket and pillow and hear them out, or keep them company until he can help figure a solution to his lover's problem with them.

24. is your muse proactive in communication with their partner(s), or is this something they need to work on?

Dio's been working hard to get better in communicating what he feels and needs. It's a steep climb for him due to how he was raised and where he works, but he's getting there. One step at a time. Plus, it doesn't help him much that he still have random episodes of going completely mute.

25. does love and romance mean a lot to your muse? do they seek it constantly or let it come when it does?

It means a whole world to Dio to have love and romance in his life and relationship with his partner, he's a hopeless romantic and a sap in his core. However, actively seeking any of it is far from something he does, because he thinks that he's being a bother by doing so, and the last thing he wants is to become an issue by showing this side of himself and asking for more than he's given, or giving more and becoming too much.

26. is your muse more likely to be loud and proud about being in a relationship, or are they more quiet about it at first and open up about it over time?

Depends on the circumstance.

As a Templar, he can't be all loud and proud, it isn't seen as proper of a high ranking Templar to be all gushy about their feelings and relationships, it's considered unbecoming and dangerous.

But, in his own group of people he trusts, Dio has absolutely nothing against being proud of his relationship and assuming it to whoever asks about it.

27. is your muse more confident or shy when it comes to approaching someone they like?

It all depends on the reason he's approaching them. If it's just to be with them, talk, have some quality together, he's more than fine with approaching them, specially if it's while feelings are still kind of cloudy and he can say it's just nice to be with them.

If he's approaching to ask for more than what he is given though, he's very shy and will avoid doing it until he can't anymore.

28. would it bother your muse if they had differing interests from their partner(s), or would they delight in it?

Different interests means he has new stuff to learn and it makes him excited to research and study those things just so he can understand his partner better. It's a huge plus to have different interests.

29. how important is having (a) physically attractive partner(s) to your muse?

To be honest, Dio lives by the idea that beauty is all in how interesting a person is, their appearance can be enhanced or changed with cosmetics, clothes and accessories if they truly want to change, but there's no use to having a pretty face or an exceptional body if all that comes out of the person's mouth is stupidity and blandness.

30. would your muse ever be in an open/non-exclusive relationship? would it make them insecure, or would they be open to trying it?

As stated before, Dio is open to polyamorous relationships, but not open relationships. It brings up the question of how much he can trust the partners his partner is having relationships with, which places him in a vulnerable position due to his job. Thus, that's not an option for him.

Dio wants to know who he's dealing with and what's going on, a relationships with no strings attached doesn't being him a solid base to work on building defenses for himself and for his loved ones.

31. does your muse develop crushes easily? would they be open about it to a friend or keep it to themselves?

Not really, no. Dio flirts and teases a lot, but most of it all is just for show, nothing truly serious. His crushes are developed overtime with the amount of interactions he has with the other person.

With him the other is often interest, admiration, infatuation, crush, and love.

32. does your muse have an ideal "type"?

Not that Dio himself has perceived, but it's kind of a fact that he likes the strong guys who are all soft and caring inside. Though, the strong part isn't necessarily a physical one, it has more to do with how they present themself to the world and how they see theirself, if they know who they are and what they stand for, that's considered strength in Dio's point of view and he'll be attracted by that in some way.

[ciaossu-imagines]

Shipping Headcanons for Ally, Dazai, and Kunikida

So, in this situation where you're dating both Kunikida and Dazai, things are a little complicated honestly. Both men do have a tremendous amount of respect for each other but at the same time, they really don't get along. So, while they will both date you, they have no interest or inclination towards 'dating' each other in any way or having the other tag along on dates with you.

Dazai is actually pretty open to you dating Kunikida at the same time as being in a relationship with him. He's not strictly locked into monogamy as a person and has no idealistic views of a perfect relationship. If it makes you the happiest and gets all your needs satisfied to have serious and loving relationships with both him and Kunikida, Dazai is accepting of that fact. In fact, Dazai will even ask, every now and then, how things are going with you and Kunikida, and when he really wants to get under the other man's skin, he'll tease Kunikida about a date Dazai took you on or something along those lines.

Kunikida? A little less so, to put it lightly. Kunikida has a lot of very idealistic views around dating and romance. He's dating with the long-term goal of marriage and building a family so when he gets into a relationship with you, he did expect monogamy to be an assumed guarantee. To learn that you had been dating other people, and that that person was Dazai? It actually ended up breaking the two of you up for a little while. Kunikida does eventually come around to accepting that this is the only way to make you happy romantically, that your needs and romantic wants cannot be satisfied in just one relationship alone. He accepts that but it takes several months, maybe even a year, before he accepts it enough to the point of being willing to resume the relationship with you. When he does, he does ask for some strict guidelines and rules, the major one being that he doesn't want any reminders that you are also dating Dazai, that your relationship with Dazai never be something he has to see or hear about. Because it is very important to Kunikida, you do agree to his terms.

Now, going into your actual relationships with the two. Your relationship with Dazai is very go with the flow, very day by day with no guarantees of forever. It's fun and strangely romantic at times, always interesting and dramatic, much like Dazai's public persona. However, you always get the feeling that, though you know he loves you in his own way, Dazai is always holding you at arm's lengths emotionally speaking.

Kunikida, on the other hand? Your relationship with him is upfront, slow to progress and move along. It's very proper, very romantic, and what you see is what you get. Kunikida is upfront about everything, honest about his feelings and intentions at every step. He never leaves you wondering what he thinks or feels about you or how happy you make him or what he wants for his future with you.

Now, the fact of the matter is that you are definitely much shorter than both of these men. To Kunikida, that doesn't really matter or mean much. He admires how you never let that get to you, how despite the fact that the world is not meant for short people, you really don't let any challenges get to you and always find workarounds to get to what you need. That doesn't mean that he won't try to make things easier, keeping the things he knows you'll need most down on the lower shelves for you or offering help whenever he sees you wanting something that's just out of your reach.

With Dazai though? He's definitely using your height as something to tease you about. He's going to make so many jokes about it and will definitely do the opposite of Kunikida, setting everything you like or use often up higher and watching you do all this extra work to get it. He thinks it's cute, your shortness and determination, and he might tease but he also compliments you on how you can always get around whatever limitations are in your way. And they're genuine compliments, which are rare and precious from Dazai.

Both Kunikida and Dazai are both very attentive and observant men. They both notice how sensitive you are, how easily you connect with people and can empathize with almost anyone. They see how much that can drain you, especially since you're always putting other people before yourself, really taking on their problems and helping them wherever you can. Kunikida finds it a really admirable part of you but he does also see the practical side of how harmful it can be to you. He encourages you not to overbook yourself, to realize that you need time to relax and take care of yourself too. That if you don't, you won't be able to help anyone. He'll try to find the tasks he can take off your shoulders and all the ways he can help you, and he'll do them all without expecting anything in return or even mentioning that he's doing them. To him, it just comes naturally to want to take the weight off the person you love and to help them, though he also expects and encourages you to help yourself too and will really push you to learn to start saying no and setting boundaries.

Dazai does think, at times, that you're too idealistic, too naïve, and he doesn't get how you trust and bond with people so easily. He's quick to see where people might be taking advantage of you where you don't see it. And when he does see it, he's not pointing it out to you. While he might think you're too naïve at times and he might not understand how you think about humanity, he also doesn't want to take away or blacken your views on things. He's not going to make you colder, make you more like him…but you will notice that those people who are taking advantage of your kindness, who are pushing you to do all these things for them or to always be on call for them? They don't tend to stick around in your life very long…in fact, they start to actively avoid you if they see you on the street, especially so if you're with Dazai. He totally did threaten them, yes.

Dazai in particular really loves how creative you are. He's always showing interest in your latest creative endeavor, the latest project you're working on. He thinks it's amazing how great you are at sewing and he'd totally be up for cosplaying with you (just no hats).

Kunikida, meanwhile, appreciates the practical uses for your creative skills and he does appreciate that they make you happy, though he doesn't really understand a lot of them. He'll happily listen to you talk about them and he'll look at anything creative you're working on and give you his honest opinion on whatever it is. He just doesn't quite understand like Dazai does and he definitely would not be up for cosplaying together…he's not even sure of what the appeal of it is but he insists he doesn't judge you for enjoying it. It's just not his particular cup of tea.

For all his practicality though, food isn't just nourishment to Kunikida. He really does appreciate a good meal and he finds dinner dates to be both romantic and delightfully traditional. The two of you have a standing Tuesday night dinner date that he takes very seriously and the two of you take turns picking the place to eat, showing each other your favourite restaurants and trying out new types of cuisines together.

Dazai, meanwhile, really gets into coffee because of you. He loves the fact that you like coffee as much as he does and so he studies up on the different types, blends, and methods of making coffee and insists on teaching you all about them, delighting in figuring out what he likes, what you like, and seeing if they often mesh with each other or not.

And what goes better with coffee than baked goods? Your baked goods to be specific. Dazai has never figured himself to be someone with a large sweet tooth but somehow, if they're your treats, they're always delicious to him. He will even sometimes make teasing suggestions about how you should try this or that recipe or make this specific baked good for him, and he loves that you always do. He brags about how yummy the baked goods you made for him, though he does also usually try to leave enough to share with the rest of the Agency. Usually…

Kunikida definitely doesn't have a sweet tooth. He rarely ever eats desserts…up until he met you, at least. The fact that you make him baked goods really touches his heart and he can't ever bring himself to tell you that he doesn't have a sweet tooth. He refuses to share those precious gifts from you with anyone else though and makes himself eat every single bite of the baked goods and gives you very genuine compliments about how delicious they are and how he can taste the love and care you put into them.

Now, when it comes to your ADHD, that is something that does sometimes get on Kunikida's nerves. He realizes that you cannot do much about your condition, or the spacing out and inattentiveness that comes with it. However, he does insist that you medicate for it and try to manage it the best you can. He even sets an alarm on his phone to ensure you remember to take your medications. As long as you do that, he refuses to allow his frustrations to turn to anger and accepts you as you are completely.

Dazai, meanwhile, doesn't really get why you take the medication. The fact that your brain works differently is part of what intrigues him so much about you and he's quite honest whenever he tells you that he doesn't think your ADHD is anything major, a problem, or something wrong with you. It's just a part of who you are and what makes you unique and interesting.

Now, Dazai is quite a huge fan of music. I do headcanon that he can play at least one instrument but mostly he enjoys listening to it. He'll love having you play any of the instruments you've learned, he'll love hearing you sing and if he knows the song, will duet with you. He especially loves, though, when you just randomly play your instrument, making up a tune, and he amuses you by making up little lyrics and songs, though they're always a little weird and morbid in nature, to be honest.

Kunikida wouldn't consider himself musical in any sense. He doesn't know how to play any instrument and he does consider it impressive that you can play multiple instruments. He finds it really relaxing to close out an evening, before the two of you head to bed, for you to play the piano especially, either something classical, or something soft and easy you sing along to.

The one area of a relationship you and Dazai always fight about though? Your baby fever. He's upfront and honest with you about the fact that Dazai never wants children of his own. In fact, I could even see him having had a vasectomy, to be honest. He has no problem with you having children with Kunikida and perhaps playing fun uncle that Mom spends a lot of time with and has sleepovers with sometimes, but he wants no children of his own.

Kunikida, meanwhile, does want children eventually with you. The man probably has a specific amount of children he wants and has their names planned out. But he's not ready to have children quite yet, not until the two of you are married and he's not sure he's willing to commit to marriage while you need the extra relationship with Dazai, even as accepting as he tries to be.

When you sustain your hand injury, it's surprisingly Kunikida who understands how hard it is for you. He sees how hard-working you are and understands how much your creative pursuits and ability to do things for others matter to you. To suddenly not be able to do everything you used to do would be hard for someone like that and, because he is much the same as you in that way, he instinctively gets how you feel. While his main concern is that you heal and get better and do not do anything to make your injury worse or delay the healing, he's also going to be putting in the extra effort of praising you for everything you do accomplish with the injury. He also praises how well you're handling the temporary set-back, how much grace and patience you're showing. He's not normally a man heavy on the praise, so you understand why he's being so much more verbally loving towards you pretty quickly. He also does even more than he normally does in terms of taking tasks away from you, handling more of your stuff. Heck, he'd even brush up on his already decent sewing skills to help you complete any sewing projects you're working on that are time sensitive, just to make you happy and to bring you joy during such a tough time.

Dazai is really observant and he's quick to realize that the injury really is frustrating you. He doesn't quite completely understand why, because he does think that you having to actually relax and take a break without doing much is something you need and would be a pleasant vacation for you. However, he does know you enough to know it is frustrating for you, that you are upset about this and he pushes his own personal feelings about it aside. He would either approach Yosano to heal you, if you took him up on that offer, just to ensure you got back to normal right away (even though Yosano would have to hurt you far worse than you already were). Or he would just go out of his way to tease, pester, and amuse you. Every time you turn around he's there with some crazy antics or story or plans. You don't even have an extra second, between both men, to concentrate for a second on what you can't do because you're managing everything they're doing for you, to you, or with you.

[backmaskcd]

(Hunter Parrish) [THE FAWN]. Please welcome [ADDISON GALLAGHER (THEY/HE)] to Huntsville, WV. They are an [33]-year-old [VISITOR] who lives in [THE COMMUNE]. You may see them around working as a [GRAVE DIGGER]. Poor unfortunate soul. We’ll see if they survive.

Full Name: Addison Connor Gallagher Birthday: January 29 Age: 33 Hunter or Gatherer: Gatherer Sexuality: Pansexual Height: 5'10 Relationship Status: In an open relationship with Cole Cerulli

Life for Addison was absolutely perfect, if you asked them - at least for the first six years of his life. While they were something of a surprise to their parents, they were showered with love and affection since their older brother, Tricky, didn't really want any of that, as far as Addison could tell. He was spoiled absolutely rotten, and he loved it - unfortunately it also meant that he was constantly seeking validation in the form of attention and affection.

There was no one else in the whole world Addison loved the way they loved Tricky. They were like a little shadow, trailing after him every minute of the day - except when Tricky snapped and slammed his door in their face. Addison was sensitive, and cried often, but was coddled by their mother, so it seemed almost acceptable. When Tricky decided to join the Marines when Addison was eight, they didn't think their heart would ever be full again.

Extremely popular in school, Addison had no shortage of friends. They were also extremely musically inclined, picking up instruments easily. They favored the guitar, but was also good at piano and not terrible at most woodwind instruments. Between friends and music lessons and his parents, Addison was constantly surrounded by love and attention, which made it easy to forget about how much he missed Tricky for periods of time.

When Tricky returned from his first tour, Addison knew right away something had changed. Maybe that was normal - they didn't know anyone else who had been sent overseas to fight. Tricky was moody, and sullen, and rarely spoke to Addison which was still very hard for him, but they tried to put on a brave face anyway, still doing their very best to spend as much time as Tricky would allow them to with their big brother.

High school was a whole new world for Addison, and it's where figuring out their sexuality and gender came into play. They discovered very early on that while monogamy was great for some people, Addison just had too much love to give as a whole and often preferred to just date around casually because there was no guarantee they wouldn't inadvertently fall in love with someone the next week.

When Tricky decided to move closer to his friends, Addison begged, near tears, to please be allowed to come with. It was hard enough when Tricky was deployed; the idea that he would move away forever and never have a move back date made Addison want to throw up. And Tricky resigned to it, which thrilled the younger Gallagher.

Moving wasn't the problem - the problem was Huntsville. Being trapped in the town had a comfort in and of itself - Tricky could never, ever leave Addison again. However, it became quite apparent that the two couldn't live together harmoniously because Addison needed so much attention, and Tricky didn't have the time or attention to give. So Addison moved into the commune, despite still having a room at Tricky's place, to keep their relationship in tact.

Doe eyed and naïve is one of the best ways to describe Addison - while they love living in the commune and have made a great life for themselves with what they have, it's extremely easy to convince them of whatever you want. They're sweet, and loyal, but never make them choose between Tricky and anything else because the answer will always be Tricky (even if they're more than sure Tricky doesn't feel the same way.) They don't blame him for bringing them to Huntsville - they wanted to be here - and while the creatures are terrifying, it would be more terrifying to be stuck out in the regular world and never know what happened to their brother.

A creative, and a dreamer, it's not unusual to find Addison outside without any shoes on or strumming their guitar somewhere, a golden retriever like excitement following their greeting. They're still extremely open with their ideas of love and sleeping around, but genuinely cares for everyone they say is their friend because they're just a soft, loving soul underneath it all.

[yukidragon]

If this question weirds you out you can ignore it, but I want to know. 🙏

In a completely separate AU, what if the MC, Jack, Bo and Jambee were in an actual poly relationship? 🤔💭

Can you explain in your own opinion how you think this would go?

I want you to reaaaaally~ flex this idea!

Hmm... that would be quite an interesting relationship to be sure, especially since Jack and Bo are both possessive yanderes and, to my knowledge, Jambee is the type to prefer open relationships. There's a lot of ways one can take this sort of AU.

Also, there's the question of how to crossover these stories. The simplest solution would be to go with the mafia AU where Jack is a crime boss similar to Jambee and Bo is Jack's loyal wise guy. In this situation, Jack and Jambee would probably know each other due to both running criminal cartels in the city of St. Valens.

I've dabbled with my own take on the mafia AU before. While I could consider how that version of the AU would apply to this scenario, my MC, Alice, is not interested in a poly relationship. When she and Jack get together, neither one of them are interested in adding other people into the mix for various reasons.

I did consider Bo flirting with Alice and pursuing her before she gets together with Jack simply because Jack is interested in her and he's trying to stick it to Jack. I can imagine given that Jambee gets around, he might be inclined to flirt with Alice as well, probably even Jack and Bo. Still, this wouldn't count as a poly relationship in this circumstance.

With an AU version of Bo and Jack, it's easier to stretch out their personalities to make a poly situation fit. They're not the same person in their respective worlds with the same circumstances. This means that there's a lot of ways one can take it. While it doesn't work with my particular narrative of the AU, it could work with others.

If we're talking about Jambee, Bo, and Jack as they are in their respective universes... say they wound up falling into some cosmic realm where they wound up all being attached to MC... That would be interesting, though I can imagine the yanderes would make it a difficult poly relationship.

I've discussed my thoughts on how Jack might treat a poly relationship in the past several times. I don't think it would be an equal relationship given his need to not be forgotten.

Bo is an even more possessive yandere. Given some of the things he says to MC in his game, I don't think he could handle sharing his puppy with anyone else. It would probably only work with an AU version of him.

From what I've seen of Aphrodesia, it seems like Jambee has some issues with monogamy and love? I'm not 100% sure since there's only a few episodes out and that hasn't been tackled yet. It's just been established that he's a flirt who is very horny and sleeps around. He might not be one for a closed relationship, even if it's poly, which won't work for a couple yanderes. If they're obsessed with him, they won't want to share. If they're not, then they would want him to not be involved with the target of their obsession.

In general, I struggle with the Aphrodesia characters, as much of the lore hasn't been revealed except in very vague chunks, and the world setting is fantastical with a lot of different rules in place that haven't been laid out yet. I can only grasp at straws from what I've heard so far of the audio, so I'm afraid I'm not confident about how the characters will react.

Overall, this is a tricky ask for me. I think if you like the idea, just have fun with it. In an AU you can just do whatever you like, which means the possibilities are pretty much limitless.

@channydraws @earthgirlaesthetic @sai-of-the-7-stars @cheriihoney @illary-kore @okamiliqueur 

[textingaboutprometheus]

It seems like most everyone is in agreement that while Lovett likely did the breaking up, he wasn't responsible for the breakup. Which I get, since the distance (and probably the openness that went with it) was clearly a problem for Jon and especially if they had plans to end the long distance and Ronan changed his mind, that's not on Lovett for ending it. BUT I want to point out two things to those who are mad at Ronan.

In this scenario (which I think likely has a lot of truth to it) it was Jon who wanted to change the structure of their relationship. Which is fine and valid, but it's not like Ronan tricked him. He was clearly honest from the beginning about the kind of relationship he wanted and needed and Lovett agreed to that, and it seems to have worked for them for a long time. It's not Ronan's fault it stopped working for Jon, or that Jon's way doesn't work for Ronan. Neither of them did anything wrong.

Ronan obviously TRIED to be what Lovett needed him to be. He proposed, they bought a house together they clearly intended to settle down in, they were doing the thing. Even if, deep down in his heart of hearts, he wasn't fully on board with the whole full-time domestic monogamy thing, he was clearly trying to fit himself into that mold for Jon. And if he loved him enough to try to change himself to keep him, it's not so surprising that the breakup seems to have hit him hard.

Sometimes love isn't enough to make something work. I think they loved each other a lot, they just stopped being compatible. It reminds me of a movie quote: a bird may love a fish, but where will they live?

I should have stopped the R hate. That's on me. Thank you for saying something about it. You're absolutely right. I'm naturally more inclined to take L's side since I'm here for the Pod, but I do like R. He brought me here.

I'm glad you said something. I will moderate a little better from now on. This explanation makes me sad for both of them. It does seem they tried so hard to make it work for the others happiness which is hard. Relationships are hard.

I still wish R had been the one to end it. He probably wouldn't have felt as bad. I hope in time he comes to learn about himself and finds love and meaningful things that bring him joy. I still think he should get a cat or a very large bird. 🤔 morph into the cushy rich Professor R we've been dying to see him become.

As for L, I hope he finds someone. But I also hope he focuses on work. That seems fulfilling to some degree.

Thanks for this ask.

[tej-k]

DIGITAL MEDIA SOURCES & SIGNIFICANCE

Reader:-

1: Arjoranta, J. (2022). How are Games Interpreted? Hermeneutics for Game Studies. Game Studies, [online] 22(3). ‌

The author delves into the complex world of game interpretation in this article. The ludo-hermeneutic, game-specific, and real-time hermeneutics interpretive paradigms that are the subject of this essay are all examined. He presents areas of strength that translation is an essential human quality that shapes our view of the world, including computer games, instead of simply a scholarly undertaking. We give games significance by deciphering them through our unmistakable social focal points and valuable encounters, deciphering a fundamental piece of the actual gaming.

I have a profound comprehension of the complicated dance among games and their translators because of perusing this article. A supportive update playing is something beyond submitting to the standards and arriving at objectives; it's a unique cooperation between the player and the game where significance is uncovered through one's interpretative viewpoint.

2: Costa, M.F., James Wilson Malazita, Janaina Pamplona da (2022). Language, Identity and Games: Discussing the Role of Players in Video Game Localization. Game Studies, [online] 22(3). ‌

In this article the writers Marina Fontolan, James Wilson Malazita, and Janaina Pamplona da Costa contend that players are something other than uninvolved buyers. Their dynamic support influences the confinement cycle by voicing inclinations and evaluating interpretations. Players can come down on designers to focus on under-resourced dialects while additionally giving helpful criticism on the nature of limitation endeavors. Localizers can make all the more socially pertinent and comprehensive game encounters by perceiving players as significant accomplices.

In general, this article gives smart data about the changing significance of players in computer game confinement. It exhibits the opportunities for a more cooperative methodology, in which players are something beyond targets, yet dynamic members in fostering the games they like. This perspective can assist with illuminating more unpretentious and powerful restriction endeavors, bringing about more rich and significant culturally diverse gaming encounters.

3: Bakkerud, F. (2023). The Ontology of Game Spatiality. Game Studies, [online] 23(3). ‌

All through this article, I dove into the enthralling area of game spaces as conceptualized components. The article presents a persuading safeguard for the requirement for power to adequately separate these spaces, proposing a four-layered framework considering the cybermedia model. Because of its generalizability, this perspective, which incorporates the illustrative, mechanical, material, and player levels, struck me as particularly sharp. It goes past the constraints of past designs, giving a significant gadget for investigating both modernized and non-electronic game universes.

All around, Bakkerud's work gave me one more point of view on getting a handle on and examining game spatiality. I am eager to incorporate the recommended structure into my review because I believe it to be a robust and adaptable tool.

4: Rambukkana, M.B.A., Nathan (2018). ‘Why do I have to make a choice? Maybe the three of us could, uh...’: Non-Monogamy in Video Game Narratives. Game Studies, [online] 18(2).‌

Adams and Rambukkana examine the growing representation of non-monogamy in video game narratives in this article. They connect the developing acknowledgment of non-monogamy in the public arena to its portrayal in computer games, where stories tackle the moral and mental subtleties of these connections. The essayists look at how a few games, like Mass Impact, punish non-monogamy, while others, similar to The Witcher and Winged Serpent Age, welcome it through the player organization. Eventually, Adams and that's what Rambukkana fight even though non-monogamy is turning out to be more common in stories, its portrayal is still fundamentally troublesome and oftentimes builds up traditional relationship standards.

I had the option to get a huge comprehension of how non-monogamy is quietly depicted in computer games by utilizing this basic focal point. It's astounding to perceive how these intuitive stories all the while build up and go against well-known thoughts regarding connections and love. The article makes me need to find out about how computer games could impact changing cultural impressions of forward-thinking relationship types as well as pondering them.

5: Potter, J.D.S., Robert F. (2018). Everything Merges with the Game: A Generative Music System Embedded in a Videogame Increases Flow. Game Studies, [online] 18(2). ‌

Through this article Joshua D. Locales and Robert F. Potter investigate the effect of a generative music framework inside a computer game on the condition of stream experienced by players. The authors investigate how incorporating music generation into the game environment enhances the flow state and enhances the overall immersive experience. They break down player encounters and physiological responses utilizing a blended strategies procedure. The review offers knowledge into the capability of novel sound components in computer games to further develop player commitment and mental drenching.

I obtained valuable experiences in the cooperative connection between generative music frameworks and stream states in gaming in the wake of understanding Locales and Potter's work. The experimental examination accentuates the significance of sound angles in making client encounters, with significant ramifications for game plans and intuitive media.

6: Hutson, J. and Fulcher, B. (2022). A Virtual Reality Educational Game for the Ethics of Cultural Heritage Repatriation. Games and Culture, p.155541202211317. ‌

 In this article, James Hutson and Ben Fulcher present a sharp procedure for directing appearance ethics related to social inheritance brought back through a PC-made expansion (VR) instructive game. The article takes a gander at the new development and relationship of this VR game, destroying its unexpected sense in speaking with understudies and making a more basic perception of the ethical evaluations enveloping social relics. To illustrate the game's impact on people's knowledge and perspectives regarding the social legacy that has been brought back, the developers employ a combination of deep and quantitative thinking strategies.

Following breaking down Hutson and Fulcher's work, I was surprised by their creative use of stretched-out reality movement to manage tangled moral conditions in welcoming heritage. The survey lays out a practical way for future exploration and instructive progression around here by featuring the capability of clear instructive games as well as the meaning of integrating development into moral training.

7: Tychsen, A. and Hitchens, M. (2008). Game Time: Modeling and Analyzing Time in Multiplayer and Massively Multiplayer Games. Games and Culture, 4(2), pp.170–201. 

‌ In their article, Anders Tychsen and Michael Hitchens look at the wonderful subject of time parts in multiplayer and immensely multiplayer games. The makers present an all-out plan for looking at changed transient viewpoints in gaming conditions, similar to player synchronization, time quickness, and the effect of time-related factors on player experience. The work explores the well-thought-out plan of time in gaming using setting-centered evaluations and speculative models, giving exhaustive data on how ordinary variables add to information parts.

I as of now have comprehensive data on the confused work that time plays in picking how multiplayer and significantly electronic games act thanks to this paper. Trained professionals and game originators are similar in value to the creators' reasonable procedure since it gives an understanding of how to additionally foster player experiences by focusing on brief pieces of the gaming environment.

8: Soler-Adillon, J. (2019). The Open, the Closed and the Emergent: Theorizing Emergence for Video Game Studies. Game Studies, [online] 19(2). ‌

Joan Soler Adillon examines the idea of improvement corresponding to video game assessments in this paper. Adillon explores the extraordinary association of open, shut, and emanant structures inside PC games, giving bits of knowledge into the complicated connections that structure players encounter. To lay out an itemized comprehension of the rise, the maker pulls on numerous likely designs, considering its recommendations for story, intelligence, and player association.

 The article fills in as a provocative obligation to the subject, provoking customary reasoning and welcoming researchers to reexamine the intricacies of new peculiarities in PC games. Adillon's work energizes a reconsideration of laid-out guidelines, cultivating a more extensive comprehension of the broadened idea of progress in the space of natural electronic redirection.

9: Debus, J.P.Z., Rogelio E. Cardona-Rivera, Michael S. (2020). A Typology of Imperative Game Goals. Game Studies, [online] 20(3). ‌

The writer of this article, Michael S. Debus, José P. Zagal, and Rogelio E. Cardona-Rivera, give a thorough assessment of fundamental game goals. The article, which was distributed in 2003, gives an understanding into the different designs of player targets in computerized games by isolating important game objectives into a few sorts in view of players' ways of behaving. The authors provide a useful framework for comprehending the subtle design of game goals in the form of a classification system that takes into account a variety of player interactions.

I got a comprehensive view of the versatile association between player exercises and essential game targets subsequent to scrutinizing this article. My cognizance of the basic rules that control player commitment and joy in intelligent advanced conditions is improved by the typology that has been given. It gives a coordinated way to deal with dissecting and planning game targets. This shrewd book commits to the academic conversation on game examinations and courses of action.

10: McCall, J. (2020). The Historical Problem Space Framework: Games as a Historical Medium. Game Studies, [online] 20(3).‌

I found a convincing system for dissecting verifiable computer games in McCall's article. McCall underlines how players partake in real stories through gaming by getting a handle on games as structures with interrelated viewpoints. This makes it doubtful that games are just true retellings, but rather powerful frameworks that effectively alter players' perceptions of the past. McCall's plan to go past the irrefutable precision of games and well actually based on how they develop significance resonates determinedly. It develops a fundamental method for managing games, inciting us to consider what they depict as well as the meaning of our perspective of the past.

For the most part, this article is a charming and provocative obligation to the discipline of game assessments. It urges us to go past essential ideas of verifiable vagueness and into the mind-boggling interaction between games, players, and the development of authentic significance by giving a valuable system to fundamentally concentrate on verifiable computer games.

[gothoctopus]

Part One Everyone Eros 2, Philia 1, Ludus 3,4 and Philautia 3, 4

Everyone, you say? Much obliged.

Long mc'fuckin post below.

Eros 2 - How important is sex to them in a relationship? Do they see it as something essential to their happiness? Would they be able to remain in a monogamous relationship with someone they loved without sex?

Lyle: This answer might be surprising, given how touch-averse he is, but it’s actually pretty essential for him! He very much craves intimacy after being without it for all his life, and I think him feeling safe enough to have sex with someone would be very personally affirming for him. It isn’t like he would *insist* on sex, but I do think he would be happier if it were part of the relationship. 

Val: It isn’t super necessary for them, though they do like it. 

Aleksander: Aleks…gets around lmao. He’s very charming and very inclined to a good time, but when it comes to pursuing a serious relationship, his partner’s needs and feelings matter more than a good time. Which is to say he would have no trouble abstaining if his partner had no interest, and in Lyle’s case, he’d definitely treat their first time with the care and significance it needs to be treated with.

Anzel: Monogamy? Pffffft, what’s that? Sex is kinda just a fun thing to do for him, but if his partner doesn’t want to that’s alright, there are plenty of other ways to have fun c: 

Monty: He doesn’t have time to fuck he’s a full-time dad 😤 But uhh serious answer? He definitely has other priorities when it comes to romantic relationships. He doesn’t abstain from sex in a relationship, but there are other things that take precedent and I do think he wouldn’t bat an eye at a partner just not wanting to be intimate in that way. 

Philia 1 - Does your OC have a Best Friend? If they do then how long have they known each other and how did they meet? If they don't then do they have a close group of friends they love equally? Or are they more of a loner?

Lyle: He’s very much so a loner. There wasn’t much room for friendships growing up, so he doesn’t really…get how to make friends??? The one friendship he had in childhood was a little bit traumatizing lmao.

Val: Val had trouble connecting with people growing up. They made a few casual work friends when they were teaching at University, but it wasn’t until coming to Barovia that they really felt like they had close friends (that weren’t also romantic partners, but I digress). They sometimes still feel like the odd-one-out in the group, but it’s definitely an improvement :} 

Aleksander: Aleksander has a very wide circle of friends, but very few that he would actually consider to be a “best friend”. He and his brother are close, though!

Anzel: Like Aleks, he’s very close to his older siblings, but he did have a close friend he made when he was *just* starting his fencing lessons. They were inseparable until the cursed book caused an…unfortunate incident. 

Monty: Monty makes it a point to befriend as many of the townsfolk as possible in order to try and combat peoples’ preconceived notions about his dhampirism. His best friend is actually his ex, though. They dated while he was still working with the town guard and parted on good terms once Monty retired to look after his kids full-time. They still get together for drinks when their busy schedules allow the time.

Ludus 3 - How does your OC feel about one night stands? Have they ever enjoyed a night of passionate romance with a stranger? Is this something they are quite keen on recreationally? Or only something they might engage in under specific circumstances (such as the eve of a battle or after a difficult breakup)?

Lyle: oh that’s a HARD pass. Definitely not for him.

Val: They never have, and it’s not something they’re super interested in doing.

Aleksander: Yup yup yup. You’d be hard-pressed to find a party or event that DIDN’T end with Aleksander taking somebody up to his room. Or multiple somebodies. 

Anzel: Okay so I’m going to be honest. His “one night stands” almost always end up in a relationship or heartbreak. He is simply not cut out for the hit it and quit it lifestyle he WILL grow attached 😔 real pathetic elf hours.

Monty: He’s had a few! His life’s a bit too hectic for a serious relationship right now, but a mutual no-strings-attached night is perfectly reasonable. Just…not at his place, okay? And he has to be home in time to make sure the little’uns have breakfast to wake up to.

Ludus 4 - Who was your OC's first crush? How do they feel about it now?

Lyle: Ahahaha…oh no. So. Okay. Lyle’s first crush was also his first and only friend, a boy from the Temples named Hektor. He didn’t really have the experience or self-awareness to properly label it as a crush, but it definitely was one, and it ended just about as poorly as most positive relationships in the Temples do. Meaning the Priests noticed, and sought to put a stop to it. To make a long, sordid story short they were both made to compete for a position working for the King of Minhaygard, a competition that would ultimately end in them being forced to try and kill each other. Being smaller, weaker, and thus more vulnerable, Lyle gave the fight everything he had. He realized too late that Hektor hadn’t tried to fight back at all.

Lyle has…complicated, oftentimes conflicting views about Hektor and his feelings for him, now. He tends to fluctuate between believing that Hektor not fighting back was something of a betrayal or insult --a way to make him doubt himself. It’s the only way he knows how to cope with the guilt or understand what happened.

Val: Val’s first crush was an older boy who used to try and steal drinks from Delphi’s tavern and got scolded all to hell every single time. They were only like 5 at the time, so obviously nothing ever came of it lmao. Very much just a lil puppy crush situation. They look back at it with amusement, though.

Aleksander: Aleksander fell head-over-heels for the son of the King’s personal tailor when he was younger. The tailor would bring him around every time he worked and the two would occupy themselves by running around the massive castle courtyard, always under the watchful eye of the guards. It never culminated into anything serious, as the boy was always a little intimidated by Aleks’ father and the castle, but it was nice while it lasted.

Anzel: Hey remember how I said he WILL grow attached? He had such a one-sided crush on that childhood friend I mentioned earlier. She wasn’t really interested in a romantic relationship so eventually he grew out of his feelings and they stayed close friends.

Monty: As a child, Monty tended to keep his feelings under tight wraps. If he developed feelings for someone he would make efforts to distance himself, as he was afraid of poisoning his relationships with the obsessive tendencies that often come with being a dhampir. He wanted so badly to separate himself from all of that, and he really hated how different he became once romantic feelings were involved. His first crush was one of his childhood friends, and he’s always regretted how much of a wedge he’d allowed that to drive between them. 

Philautia 3 - Does your OC judge themselves by the same standards as they apply to others? Or are they sometimes hypocritical in condemning others for faults they also possess? Or perhaps they find it easier to forgive others for things that they cannot abide in themselves?

Lyle: Lyle has a very potent “you get what you deserve” worldview that can oftentimes make him seem cold and uncaring. Which he is, but he definitely holds himself to that exact same standard. He wasn’t powerful enough to reattach his arm properly when it got hacked to pieces? That’s his own fault, now he lives with the consequences of it and will continue to do so. He killed Hektor to get this job and the job ended up being a nightmare, but it’s what he earned for himself so he will do it without complaint. I would argue that he’s far more strict with himself in that regard than he is with other people, because there are times when he does display unusually selfless behavior. He’ll bend over backwards and endure just about anything to ensure that Aleksander never has to make any hard choices or sacrifice his morals. He has a bit of a protective streak when he sees someone he cares for suffering. He desires to protect the people he likes to ensure that none of them have to endure what he did.

Val: Val is pretty hard on themself, and almost unnaturally forgiving of others. It’s difficult for them to stay mad at someone for very long, but when they make a mistake or aren’t strong enough to care for themself they tend to beat themself up over it and shoulder most of the blame.

Aleksander: Okay so…Aleksander is a very kind, compassionate person, and if he catches you being terrible he will arms-crossed shame you into doing better. Or at least into *believing* yourself capable of being better. In the early stages of his character development he is a bit of a hypocrite in that sense, though, oftentimes turning a blind eye to his own father’s wrongdoings as King. His time with Lyle tempers him a bit, helping him see nuance in situations and also encouraging him to hold the people he loves to the same standard as everyone else.  

Anzel: Anzel doesn't self-reflect enough to HAVE standards. Absolutely standardless little man.

Monty: In terms of what he expects of his children vs. what he expects of himself, Monty *is* a bit of a hypocrite. He holds himself to a very high standard and puts in a LOT of work to try and favorably sway his town’s sentiment toward dhampires all so his kids have the freedom to be themselves. And he definitely condemns his father for some of the instincts he fights against on a daily basis. 

Philautia 4 - Which of your OC's qualities makes them the most proud? Do they think more people should be like them in this regard? Or do they quite like being rare in possessing it?

Lyle: His adaptability and ability to just take whatever abuse the world throws at him. No don’t look at him like that, he’s fine, he’s got this, no no don’t treat him like a person deserving of basic humanity he doesn’t know how to deal with that —oh, look at what you’ve done. He’d die for you now. Good job 🙄

Val: Val doesn’t believe themselves to be particularly unique or special, and they would never deign to believe that anyone should change who they are to be more like them. If anything, their genuine love for other people is their favorite quality about themself. 

Aleksander: God, if only everyone were as kind and compassionate as Aleksander, then he wouldn’t have so many moral dilemmas. 

Anzel: What IS Anzel proud of? He has a lot in his life he takes pride in (or at least he used to). He was almost effortlessly good in his classes, his parents and older siblings doted on him, he was a natural in sword fighting, and he amassed quite a collection of magical artifacts over the years that he treasured deeply. His faith granted him luck, and his birth granted him privilege and wealth. But when the curse took all of that away from him, when it took away his wealth, his possessions, his family name, and (to him) the perceived love of his family, what was left? What did he have that was not a fleeting material possession so easily spirited away by an evil book? He was quite devastated to find himself left with nothing of value once all the shiny bits and baubles were stripped away.

Monty: His restraint as well as his devotion to his family. Family is VERY important to him. The most important thing.

[heart-event-fics]

Shane NSFW Headcanons

reader is 100% GN

warnings - implied monogamy

Let's face it, Shane is lazy as hell, he definitely prefers receiving oral over giving. He loves both, but leans toward receiving since it's less energy for him.

He likes sitting on the counter with your head shoved in between his legs, mouth closed down on his cock while he tries not to squeeze your skull with his chubby thighs as a reaction to the pleasure you're giving him.

You tried doing it standing up- he started shaking and practically fell over so you had to have him lay or sit down.

He'll give you oral if you ask, he's just very unlikely to initiate it unless he's really trying to please you.

He's mostly submissive, so he does honestly love it when you pat his head as he works his mouth on you, giving him sweet praises while he looks up at you with pleasured tears in his eyes.

If you have a dick, he'll surprise you by randomly sitting himself in front of your crotch while you're sitting down watching TV or eating dinner and rubbing you through your pants with a smug grin on his face, which ultimately leads to him either giving you a blowjob or him or you getting your ass absolutely destroyed.

If you have a vagina, he's a little less certain of what to do since he doesn't have one, so he's more inclined to occasionally roll over onto you once you crawl in bed with him and place himself between your legs, grinding his cock onto you and staring down at you with innocent, almost pleading eyes.

Shane has a lot of pent up sexual energy from living with Marnie. He obviously had no one in town to have sex with (not that he was even interested in anyone since he mostly kept to himself), and having his aunt or goddaughter in the house nearly every time he was there made jacking off almost a dead end.

If he got horny, he'd have to stay up until midnight when everyone was asleep, pull up some random porn on his phone, pop some shitty earbuds in, and hastily pump his fat cock under his bedsheets, his eyes twitching from the video to the door from fear of someone by chance being up late, unlocking his door and walking in without knocking. 

Almost every time, his hormones would be nearly completely calmed down by the time he actually had the chance to get himself off, and then the next day he would frustratingly have to go through the same thing again.

Once you moved in to Pelican Town, it pretty much got 10x worse.

He was very cold to you at first, yes, but he couldn't deny that he found you extremely attractive, constantly rushing to get away from you from fear of either his libido or his painful romantic attraction to you taking over. 

His top fear at the first stage of your friendship was that he'd randomly pop a boner in front of you and you'd notice, leaving him to sulk for months over how he simply can't believe his body betrayed him like that.

After you get together, he'll still be the same level of horny, but at least he'll have a better outlet and better opportunities.

He's an atheist, but if Shane believed in a god he would be praying day and night thanking them for giving him a lock on his door.

He tried not to have sex with you at Marnie's- he really did- but this poor boy is a closeted pervert and he simply couldn't contain the excitement of simply having you in his room.

He'd lock the door and bite down on your neck as he plowed into you with your hips held in place on his lap or vice versa, begging you to stay quiet and panicking at the small whines that occasionally fell through his lips despite his urgency to be silent.

Mostly, you'd have sex at your farm since it's so much more isolated from other people.