#but these are all of my general thoughts and impressions

[creamflix]

flix my love my darling what if we combined jjk and hsr or is this too delusional

LUST FOR LIFE! — jjk x female reader x hsr

18+ content, minors and blank blogs do not interact. recurring themes of: established relationship, marathon sex, slight cnc, overstimulation, mind-break, threesomes, degrading, praise, p in v sex. sex toys, cucking, voyeurism, body worship, switch dynamics, oral (m. receiving). guided sex. featuring x reader pairings of: toji fushiguro & sampo koski, gojo satoru & aventurine, choso kamo & dan heng, nanami kento & veritas ratio, and (heinen era) ryomen sukuna & blade

jelli my love you got me slobbering all over the screen with your request. i would have written more but i wanted to include multiple pairings so it ended up as drabbles instead ( ꩜ ᯅ ꩜;) i hope you like these <3 requests are still open for those who are interested, just send in an ask. 

— general masterlist ☆

TOJI FUSHIGURO AND SAMPO KOSKI — BUSINESS DEALS!

toji had a habit of turning things up a notch, but this? this was a different league altogether. 

when you first saw sampo koski at your doorstep, looking like trouble in an expensive coat with a shit-eating grin, you thought it was just one of toji's stupid pranks.

“brought reinforcements,” toji had said, voice dripping with smug amusement. sampo, ever the showman, swept into the room like he owned it, opening a sleek case filled with an impressive lineup of toys. your face burned, mortification clashing with a thrill you couldn’t deny.

and now? god, you were wrecked. sprawled out on the bed, legs trembling, body hypersensitive, and your mind a haze of overstimulation. sampo’s laugh was low and teasing, his voice dripping with condescension. “look at you, so eager to thank us for every little thing. who’s my favorite little client, huh?”

toji’s hand, firm and warm, pressed on your lower back, pinning you down as he leaned close to your ear. “ye got a lotttta stamina, babe, but you don’t think we’re stoppin' now, do ya?”

every whimper, every moan that escaped your lips only fueled their sadistic amusement. sampo alternated between cruel, taunting comments and offering you praise that made your head spin, while toji took full advantage of your pliant state, whispering filthy things about how good you looked falling apart for them.

it was endless, round after round, with every toy from sampo’s collection coming into play. the overwhelming sensations had you slurring broken words of gratitude and sobbing from the sheer intensity, unable to think, just feel.

“we might have to invest in more,” sampo mused, twirling a dildo in his hand like it was a business proposition. “our sweet little thing here seems to have a taste for luxury.”

toji laughed, a dark and throaty sound. “oh, don’t worry, she’ll take everythin' we give her. wouldn’t want her to get spoiled though… unless you like bein' spoiled, baby?”

you could barely respond, too lost in the haze, but the smirk they exchanged promised that your torment — and pleasure — was far from over.

GOJO SATORU & AVENTURINE — ALL IN!

“a brother from another mother,” gojo had said with that usual mischievous grin, clapping aventurine on the shoulder like they weren’t both trouble incarnate. aventurine, all sharp smiles and unnerving eyes, had leaned in, his sandy-blond hair catching the light, and said, “nice to meet you, sweetheart. gojo’s told me allll about you. every. single. thing.”

you didn’t know if it was the way aventurine’s voice dripped with something wicked or the way gojo gave him a knowing smirk, but you had a feeling this meeting wasn’t going to stay innocent for long. and god, were you right.

now? now you were caught between them, your senses obliterated, every nerve ending alight. aventurine’s hand tilted your chin up, forcing your dazed eyes to meet his. “think you can handle another round, sweetheart? satoru says you’re good for it, but I’d like to see for myself.”

“she’s better than good,” gojo cut in, his tone smug as his hand trailed down your side, igniting shivers in its wake. “but let’s make this fun — wanna bet how long it takes before she’s begging again?”

aventurine’s grin widened, all teeth and danger. “oh, you’re on. but let’s not stop there. how about we bet on how many times she screams my name?”

you were barely holding it together, their words tangling in your hazy mind as their hands and mouths worked you over. every move was calculated, every kiss, every thrust a competition to see who could unravel you faster.

aventurine was smooth and precise, his calculated touches finding every spot that made you see stars, while gojo was relentless, teasing and taunting as he pushed you to your limits. they coordinated like they’d done this a hundred times before, one filling the spaces where the other left off, leaving you no room to recover.

“look at her,” aventurine said, his voice a low purr as he watched your trembling form. “a little overwhelmed, aren’t you, sweetheart? don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. maybe.”

“nah,” gojo chimed in, his grin never faltering. “she loves it. just look at how she’s clinging to us — like she doesn’t want it to end.”

you could barely respond, lost in the pleasure as their playful banter became background noise to the overwhelming sensations. every sound you made, every time your body betrayed you, only fueled their competitive fire.

“i think that’s my point,” aventurine declared triumphantly when you screamed his name, your voice cracking from the intensity.

“oh, don’t get cocky,” gojo shot back, his tone light but his actions anything but. “we’re just getting started.”

and you? you couldn’t even protest. not that you wanted to. you were here to enjoy the ride, and with these two, it was shaping up to be the wildest ride of your life.

CHOSO KAMO & DAN HENG — SOCIALLY FUCKED ANXIOUS!

choso had always been your sweet, reserved boyfriend — the type who’d spend hours listening to you, loving you with a quiet devotion that melted your heart. so when he mentioned he was making friends, especially someone like dan heng, you couldn’t have been prouder.

but this? this was unexpected.

dan heng, all elegance and composure, was seated next to choso, his blue eyes studying you with a mix of intrigue and desire that sent a shiver down your spine. choso, your shy, anxious boyfriend, was the one who suggested it. his voice soft but firm, his dark eyes burning with an intensity you didn’t know he had. “only if you want to,” he murmured, his hand holding yours with that same gentle warmth you’d always known.

and now here you were, sandwiched between them, their lips worshipping every inch of you. dan heng’s kisses were slow, deliberate, trailing down your body with reverence, while choso stayed closer, his lips brushing against your neck as he murmured sweet reassurances.

“you’re so beautiful,” dan heng said softly, his voice like silk, as his hands mapped your curves.

choso nodded, his voice thick with adoration. “perfect. always perfect.”

but their tenderness didn’t last. it wasn’t long before patience gave way to raw hunger. dan heng’s composure cracked first, his movements becoming urgent as he gripped your hips, his kisses turning into bites that left you gasping. choso followed suit, his shyness replaced by a desperation you’d only seen glimpses of before, his hands firm as they guided you exactly where he wanted.

their rhythm was relentless, their coordination uncanny as they pushed you to multiple orgasms over and over again. choso’s soft murmurs of praise contrasted with dan heng’s deep, rumbling groans, the combination leaving you breathless and shaking.

“you can take it,” dan heng growled, his usual calm voice tinged with something feral as he watched you writhe between them.

“you’re doing so good for us,” choso added, his tone still laced with love, even as his thrusts grew rougher, more insistent.

you couldn’t speak, couldn’t think, your body overwhelmed by their touch, their intensity. all you could do was surrender, grateful for every moment, every sensation.

as the night blurred into a haze of pleasure, one thought lingered in your mind: you were so glad choso had stepped out of his comfort zone. if this was what friendship brought, you were more than happy to let him keep making new ones.

NANAMI KENTO & VERITAS RATIO — LESSON IN RELIEF!

nanami had always spoken highly of veritas ratio, his tone fond yet full of respect whenever his name came up. “a genius,” he would say, “but insufferably eccentric.” still, he admired ratio’s dedication to teaching and his unmatched intellect, and when his best friend visited, nanami insisted on inviting him to stay at your home.

ratio was a sight to behold — his wavy violet hair fell over one eye, the other catching you with its piercing, dual-toned gaze. he was polite, almost reserved, but the sharpness in his eyes betrayed his mind at work, constantly analyzing, constantly thinking.

you hadn’t expected the night to turn this way.

“she’s yours for the evening,” nanami had said, his voice calm, almost businesslike, as though he were discussing dinner plans instead of offering you up to his best friend. “i know how taxing your work is, ratio. consider it my way of thanking you for all the years of friendship.”

ratio hadn’t needed to be asked twice. his demeanor shifted as he approached you, the intensity of his gaze pinning you in place. “a most generous gift, nanami,” he said, his tone smooth, his lips curling into a small, amused smile. “i promise to make the most of it.”

you had barely registered the words before ratio’s hands were on you, firm yet measured, like he was solving a complex problem with precision. his lips brushed against your neck, his breath hot as he murmured, “so eager to help, aren’t you? a willing participant in your husband’s… generosity.”

nanami watched, seated nearby with a glass of whiskey in hand, his expression composed but his eyes betraying a flicker of satisfaction. “don’t go too easy on her, ratio. she can handle more than she lets on.”

ratio chuckled, low and dark, as his hands roamed your body. “oh, i don’t intend to.”

he wasn’t gentle — not entirely. his movements were calculated, his touch almost clinical at first, but it didn’t take long for his restraint to unravel. his words came fast, sharp, like a lecture, each one making you tremble under his control.

“you’re quite the distraction,” he mused, his voice edged with amusement. “no wonder nanami looks so content these days. it seems i underestimated just how… accommodating you are.”

you barely heard nanami’s low chuckle over your own gasps and moans, your body responding to ratio’s relentless attention. his strength surprised you, his hands gripping your thighs as he pushed you past every limit you thought you had.

“good girl,” ratio praised, his voice a mix of condescension and admiration as he watched you fall apart. “you’re learning quickly. maybe there’s hope for the future generation after all.”

“she’s an excellent student,” nanami added, his tone warm with pride. “but she’s all yours for now, ratio. don’t hold back.”

and ratio didn’t. by the end of the night, you were utterly spent, every nerve in your body alight, your mind foggy with exhaustion and satisfaction. as you lay there, caught between them, you couldn’t help but think how lucky you were to have a husband so generous — and a man like ratio to appreciate the gift.

RYOMEN SUKUNA & BLADE — A LORD’S DECREE!

sukuna was as cruel as he was powerful, a lord whose sadistic streak ran deep. you had earned your title as his consort, climbing from the ranks of his concubines, yet even now, his affection came wrapped in torment. his amusement at your expense was a constant reminder of his dominion over you.

tonight was no exception.

“you’ll honor my general,” sukuna commanded, his voice a rumble of authority as he reclined on his throne, sharp eyes watching you like a predator savoring its prey. his lips curved into a smirk, his four arms resting lazily, exuding dominance.

before you stood blade, the general who had delivered yet another victory in sukuna’s name. he was imposing, with dark blue hair tipped in crimson, his red eyes sharp and unyielding. the bandages on his body only added to his aura, a testament to his countless battles.

“kneel,” sukuna ordered, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.

you obeyed, trembling but determined not to falter under your lord’s gaze. blade remained stoic, his expression unreadable as you lowered yourself before him.

“use that mouth of yours well,” sukuna drawled, leaning forward slightly, his smirk deepening. “but remember, pet, blade knows better than to take liberties. isn't that right, general?”

blade’s deep voice was steady, but there was an edge to it. “of course, my lord. your word is absolute.”

you began, your movements tentative at first, the weight of sukuna’s gaze a constant pressure. blade’s restraint was palpable, his body tense as you worked, every sound you elicited from him controlled, calculated.

“good,” sukuna murmured, his voice dripping with sadistic satisfaction. “you should feel honored, blade. not everyone gets to enjoy my consort’s talents.”

blade’s only response was a low grunt, his eyes flickering to sukuna briefly before returning to you. his self-control was admirable, but you could sense the strain, the effort it took for him to abide by sukuna’s decree.

“don’t get greedy,” sukuna warned, his tone sharp as a blade. “you know the consequences if you so much as think about taking more.”

blade’s voice was a strained rasp. “i wouldn’t dare, my lord.”

sukuna chuckled darkly, his amusement clear as he watched the scene unfold. “good. remember your place, general.”

you could feel your own limits approaching, the intensity of the situation overwhelming, but sukuna’s laughter reminded you that this was as much a test for you as it was for blade.

“don’t stop now, pet,” sukuna said, his grin widening. “you wouldn’t want me to think you’re slacking, would you?”

you shook your head weakly, redoubling your efforts despite the ache in your jaw, the humiliation of it all only fueling sukuna’s sadistic pleasure.

when it was finally over, blade stepped back, his expression unreadable, though you could see the faintest flicker of gratitude in his eyes. sukuna, meanwhile, looked utterly pleased, his laughter echoing through the chamber.

“a celebration worthy of my general,” sukuna declared, his tone mocking. “well done, pet. perhaps you are worthy of your title after all.”

you swallowed hard, your body trembling as you knelt before him, his cruel gaze still heavy on you. being sukuna’s consort meant enduring his games, his punishments, and his praise — if it could even be called that.

and yet, you wouldn’t dare question your place by his side.

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[angrykittybarbarian]

Things that bother me about Dragon Age: The Veilguard part 3 (final thoughts)

I have finally finished the playthrough. I endured because I wanted to give this game a fair chance. I wanted to see it from start to finish in the hopes it would deliver something, anything capable of redeeming it. But it just didn't. Or more precisely, not in a way sufficient to make its flaws easy to overlook. These are my closing impressions on the game. I have already done two posts about this in which I documented my observations and comments as I progressed. I will link the posts here: Part 1, Part 2.

Let's finish this ride for now.

!Spoilers below the cut!

The music

I don't know what the direction of the music was meant to take. When it was announced Hans Zimmer would compose the OST I had high hopes. Hans Zimmer is a houshold name in Hollywood and skilled at what he does. I listened to a number of movie OSTs of his making and they were all excellent. So what happened here?

The music sounds generic most of the time without a clear theme or a unique piece that got me searching for it on youtube.

The main theme has sort of a recognizable composition but isn't anything outstanding. Emmrich's theme sounds like a halloween piece written for Wednesdsy Adams and the rest of the OST seems to mimic Trevor Morris' work for DA:I, namely the Lost Temple and In Hushed Whispers themes, but without the emotional impact the original pieces created.

It's as someone has already pointed out and I agree: Bioware has bought the name Hans Zimmer but not his quality. It sounds like he didn't even seriously create something but half heartedly whipped something out of his sleeve and called it a day.

The facial animations

The main problem with these is they often don't fit the emotions the VAs are communicating.

The VAs actually did a fantastic job. The scene that touched me the most was the one Rook confronts Solas in after they escape the regret prison in the fade. That was the first time Rook felt involved, raw and real.

But what broke the atmosphere in an otherwise flawless scene was how unmoving their facial expression was. There was the VA shouting their lung out and the animation couldn't even give half a fuck about it.

I don't even see an excuse for this lack of facial animation. It was possible to do since DA:O, hell, even since the first Mass Effect back in '07. Why is it not possible in the year of our Lord 2024, when technology is presumably better?

The handholding of the player

The plot is tightly paced. This is not necessarily a bad thing as I didn't really like the Open World approach of DA:I since it stretched the main plot too thinly and the maps created weren't filled with interesting side content but boring and pointless fetch quests.

But Veilguard went into the opposide extreme as it leaves only little room for the player when and how to do things. The quests are activated and must be completed in a specific order. They have also only one outcome without room to make different decisions.

Rook can never be truly ruthless. They can never disagree and butt heads with their companions.

And I hate how on the side of the screen the game exactly tells you what you have done and how it affects your companions' behaviour. It doesn't bake it into the interaction organically. Instead it has yet again, explained to me what I did and why it has this very specific effect without any of the characters discussing it. But the beauty of consequential decisions lies in the very unpredictability of its outcome. That's what creates the emotional impact. It doesn't work if I am being warned and explained to like a small child.

It's this lack of trust the game puts into the intelligence of its players that is so experience breaking, insulting even. It doesn't trust its players to figure stuff out themselves. It assumes we are too stupid to get any of the things it tries to tell us.

The ting is though, dear Bioware writers, if you think you have to overexplain your story because you think your audience won't get it then that's a telltale sign of the story being actually badly written.

Another area where this becomes appearant are the "puzzles". I used the quotation marks because there isn't really anything to solve. The solutions are obvious and at times your companions go out of their way to tell you.

The romances

Romances have always been a nice bonus on top of the otherweise amazing game content. They added some enjoyable extra fluff purely for enjoyment and some cases even deepened the main storyline.

In Veilguard they don't do that. In almost all of them the flirting is so meaningless that your cutscene with them just proceeds as if nothing happened.

There is no shift or change to their tone towards Rook. You don't build up the relationship with them. There is no last goodbye kiss before the last mission or passionate affirmations of love and trust. It just leaves you cold.

The only romance that seems to have that old depth is Emmrich's. The rest however, they don't add anything significant. There virtually is no difference to the game without the romances.

Companion relationships

Let's begin here with the simple fact that all deeper interactions Rook has with the companions are strictly scripted which ties back into the handholding part of this criticism. Rook cannot initiate a conversation and ask them some general questions about their histories and opinions on certain matters.

Rook only gets to interact with them when they happen to want something from them. Otherwise they cannot be bothered to acknowledge Rook with more than a one sided oneliner.

And then there are the relationships between the companions themselves. They either get along swimmingly or the game feels the need to stage some immature conflict between them without any deeper purpose.

Like Harding not understanding why Emmrich brings so many books on the road despite it literally not being any of her damn business bevause it doesn't personally affect her in any way.

Or Taash not understanding his profession as a Mournwatcher as they call him names so Rook has to point out Taash in turn likes dragons which is an interest he doesn't share only to culminate the discussion with a "We need to respect our differences" sort of statement.

These are not conflicts, these are squabbles of children and like children Roik talks to them which is brought ad absurdum with Emmrich because he is literally old enough to be Rook's father.

Why bother at all with writing conflict if it is only to be something as inconsequential as this?

Varric's death

This one is a .... choice.

I won't go into why the decision to let him die or not is good or bad because I feel like this is highly subjective.

However the impact of the reveal of this fact is only partly executed well.

Why?

Because it only hits hard when the player has known and cared about Varric at least since DA:I if not DA 2. The execution of this plotpoint thus relies too heavily on nostalgia instead of building the tension up within its own setting.

When thinking about Bioware also wanting to be newcomer friendly with this game I am left to wonder then why they didn't introduce Varric properly and didn't give the players time to build up the relationship? Why would a new player care about Varric? They don't know him.

Bioware cannot in good conscience claim they designed the game to be new player friendly while simultaniously heavily relying on knowledge from previous games, dlcs, comics, novels and other spin-off media. They cannot claim this and have anything but DATV do the heavy lifting when it comes to executing their plot.

The final mission

For my final point I also want to lose some positive feedback about this game.

The ending was actually well written.

In relation to Solas it comes full circle. You can actually feel what's at stake and the decisions Rook makes actually matter.

The final questline roughly follows a Mass Effect 2 approach where it is classified as nothing short of a suicide mission.

Companion quests essentially function as loyalty missions and Rook gets to assign various posts in battle. Just like in Mass Effect 2 assigning a companion a post completely outside of their expertise may get them killed.

The dialogue is actually written well at this point in the game. There isn't really much to complain about.

But even this part is not entirely without faults.

For one I don't like the non negotiable sacrifice that has either to be made by Harding or Davrin. Rook doesn't even get a chance to save any of them. But again these non negotiable companion deaths where you only make the choice who's it's going to be isn't anything new (i.e. Hawke and whatever Warden you happen to get, Kaidan/Ashley in ME 1). So maybe a bit if a bummer but nothing experience breaking.

A stronger point however is that Rook will always keep the Veil intact in the end.

I suppose this outcome already is part of the game title itself but was it necessary to take it so literally?

With everything the elves have lost and the discrimination they faced it should absolutely have been an option to agree with Solas and tear the Veil down.

But since we don't talk about racism and slavery I guess Rook doesn't reflect on these points either. So I guess keeping the Veil intact is in line with the game's general sanitization of the world.

So in conclusion?

The game is far from great, not gonna lie. It feels like the devs actually wanted a new IP but were too afraid of the risks that come with such an endeavor and thought gutting an existing franchise that already did the heavy lifting of building a fanbase and using it as a package would save their ideas from flopping. Surely no one will notice it is actually something else if we market it as Dragon Age, right?

But we are not that stupid. This behaviour is insulting to put it plain and simple and I am heartbroken, angry and said that this was done to Dragon Age. I wanted to love this game. I was optimistic before the release. Everything looked fine, nothing in particular to worry about.

But I cannot continue to defend this without breaking my basic brain function.

The most frustrating part is that with the ending the devs showed they can write a story and meaningful dialogues. It left me wondering why it couldn't be done like this for the rest of the game and living with the reality that I will never get what this game could have been.

All in all this is not a good Dragon Age game. It is a massive disappointment and does not live up to the promises made by the devs.

I am sorry for everyone who preordered.

I am sorry for everyone who paid the full release price.

Nominating it for Game of the Year is not justified no mattee how you look at it.

If you are genuinely enjoying the game, I hope you continue to do so and all power to you.

For the rest: let's stop excusing Bioware's disrespect towards the fans and enabling them by paying them too much money for it.

Don't buy at release. Don't buy spin off media. Wait for sales. These people only understand the problem when you give them a good run for their money.

[satsuha]

i'm always really interested in how the characters call each other in japanese games, so i laid out a few differences between the japanese and english versions of some ace attorney games that particularly interest me. this isn't meant to be an exhaustive list but it did get really long 😭

i highlighted english nicknames/etc in blue while japanese nicknames/etc are orange just to make reading a little easier

AA1-2

while only playing the english version i liked that maya called phoenix nick, it's a nickname that makes sense and phoenix is annoying to say and write anyway (lol) but the reason maya gives for this nickname in english is that it's what larry uses for him, which pales in comparison to maya in the japanese version opting for how mia used to call him: naruhodo-kun.

to me, this is a LOT more meaningful and informative than the english nickname because it not only is evidence of how much maya heard about phoenix from mia using that nickname, it also gives us a glimpse of maya's personality and her relationship with phoenix. -kun is an honorific that's usually used for either male classmates or for teachers/superiors to use with their students/subordinates. maya falls into neither of these categories with phoenix, but it also lines up with how she acts like the boss of the office a lot of the time. SO LIKE... ultimately the nickname nick just does not hold up in terms of both maya's reasoning for using it, and phoenix's apprehension at her calling him that... which i just think is a shame!! in the same vein, this nickname is passed down to pearl, and again you see phoenix having a Reaction to it which makes sense considering it's funny that a kid is calling him naruhodo-kun...

i don't only want to talk about changes in english that i don't prefer, so i also want to mention that i'm very impressed that they managed to get phoenix and edgeworth referring to each other by their surnames in english to sound natural... because it's also exactly what they do in japanese except there, the idea of male friends using their surnames with each other is a very very normal thing. i AM torn on the fact that in japanese larry also refers to the two of them by their surnames, which means all 3 of them are on equal grounds in that respect. AT THE SAME TIME... english makes larry's "nick" and "edgey" work so well that i really can't say we missed out with this localization, but i do like the relationship between these 3 so i do like that the japanese is indicative of it too :)

AA4

i'm skipping ahead to aa4 because trucy's also a very interesting localization to me... the first time i played aa4 i felt like trucy wasn't sufficiently differentiated enough from maya's character which is like. debatable but those were my initial thoughts anyway. in japanese though she uses third-person pronouns (calling herself by her own name, minuki) which is VERY distinct from maya. there are a number of ways to interpret this choice but i like the one that indicates that it's part of her stage persona. aside from that though, she also has a very normal nickname for apollo (odoroki-san, with -san indicating general politeness) while polly is um well canonically the name of a parrot LOL

i do find it pretty interesting that the above exchange is the first instance trucy uses the polly nickname, because it's entirely different in the japanese version. phoenix says "if this onii-chan over here can't help you..." to which trucy responds by saying "how could you, onii-chan!" this exchange is hilarious to me because phoenix referring to apollo as an onii-chan is pretty normal? it's common to refer to any young man as that and in this case he's also referring to apollo from trucy's perspective. but trucy DIRECTLY calling apollo onii-chan (brother) is just so funny because HERE it's a lot closer to how an actual younger sister would refer to her older brother; there's a difference between saying "this onii-chan" and just "onii-chan". now i'm not saying this was direct foreshadowing because onii-chan is also used between close friends/acquaintances but like... the possibility is there.

AA5

now onto simon because i don't actually have a problem with the localization making him a british weeaboo i think that's really funny but i DO wish the nicknames he uses for the defense attorneys were more... appropriate? the honorific -dono that he uses in english does complement his samurai look but it's usually used in contexts where there's some respect involved, which is... not simon's intention in japanese. i'm admittedly not too familiar with the nicknames he uses in japanese; he uses "[kanji] no ji", while using a kanji from phoenix/apollo/athena's surnames. by searching it in japanese, i'm finding answers that it was medieval slang used by men usually in red light districts and such, and was used to refer to those with equal or lower status to oneself but never to those of higher status. this is kinda the opposite of what -dono is which is used for those of equal or higher status!!

i also find it pretty amusing that despite him using the first kanji in phoenix's name; 成 (turn into, grow), he uses the second kanji in both apollo and athena's names; 泥 (mud) and 月 (moon) respectively. i can only imagine that he did this because the first kanji in their names; 王 (king) and 希 (rare, hope) respectively, were too positive/complimentary for him? LOL

AA6

now i want to to talk about apollo in aa6 because NNGNRHGH i'm not normal about this one. because like, similarly to what i said up there about phoenix, edgeworth and larry's relationship, it's completely normal for close male friends to use their surnames with each other. phoenix, being apollo's boss, refers to him as odoroki-kun (mirroring how mia and maya call phoenix). trucy uses odoroki-san, indicating general politeness and athena uses odoroki-senpai, because he's her senior in their workplace. clay uses odoroki (no honorific), which is the same "level" as phoenix/edgeworth/larry's relationship.

a male character never being referred to as their first name is pretty normal, which is also the case in the aa games. franziska calls edgeworth by his first name reiji which is SUPPOSED to stand out because it's notably impolite/informal for someone who is younger than him, which suits the idea of her thinking of herself as the elder sibling. for additional reference, phoenix is only referred to by his first name by dahlia/iris; ryuu-chan ("feenie" equivalent) and desiree; ryuuichi-kun ("nicky boy" equivalent). so apollo is referred to exclusively by his surname, because there isn't anyone who's associated with him who would feasibly use his first name.

THAT IS. UNTIL we meet datz who is the first (!!) character to use apollo's first name in japanese. this moment doesn't stand out in english because i KNOOWWW datz uses the AJ nickname which is very cute but he doesn't actually use that nickname the first time he indicates that he knows apollo in case 6-3!! phoenix's momentary confusion here is also explained because while he obviously knows apollo's full name, he's never heard anyone refer to him with it!!!

so phoenix's thoughts in japanese here were originally "housuke... wait, that bracelet! that's odoroki-kun!"

dhurke and later nahyuta (during the last moments of the 6-5 trial) also refer to apollo with his first name, which is... really nice!!! they're family!!!! i mourn the fact that this distinction isn't visible in english because most characters just call him apollo but it's special in japanese... it's only dhurke, nahyuta and datz who use his first name.... i'm normal i promise

funnily enough i sort of have the opposite issue with nahyuta, who is generally referred to as prosecutor sahdmadhi in english but nayuta-kenji (prosecutor) in japanese. i'm assuming this is because his name is written with his given name first unlike japanese names, so they just used his given name instead of his surname...? unfortunately we don't have an example of any other foreign prosecutor as reference (i'm excluding van zieks here because they DO use his surname but it's also an entirely different time and place) but i prefer the english here since it also makes it stand out when apollo, dhurke and datz (with yuty hehe) use his first name with him.

but then again... rayfa also refers to him as prosecutor sahdmadhi in english, but just calls him nayuta in japanese. there aren't a lot of characters rayfa refers to by name but generally she's either overly polite (with ga'ran and inga) or overly impolite (with phoenix and apollo). it makes sense that the way she calls nahyuta is a little unique, since he's of lower status than her but not enough to get a rude nickname fdjhja... and then of course at the end of the game she tries to call him onii-(chan? san? sama? we just don't know) which nahyuta interprets as oni (demon) i think the localization here is really impressive actually. they somehow managed to seamlessly fit braid head into the mix of barbed head and horn head (both nicknames that refer to their hairstyles) while braid also begins with the same letters as brother... anyway i think i slightly prefer that rayfa (and ga'ran) call nahyuta by his first name rather than by his prosecutor title, it's indicative of their higher status because of the lack of an honorific but by the end of the game it fits in with the idea of them all being family...

TGAA1-2

you would think that because tgaa opted to leave japanese honorifics in the dialogue that there wouldn't be any differences in how the characters refer to each other but there are... first of all kazuma and ryunosuke are once again male friends who refer to each other by their surnames without an honorific in japanese, but the english has them use their first names with each other instead. i can understand this change because characters using only their surnames with each other feels oddly distant in english, and while it worked for phoenix and edgeworth's relationship it definitely doesn't suit kazuma and ryunosuke's.

additionally, the way susato calls ryunosuke was also changed from naruhodo-sama to naruhodo-san. this is... also an interesting change since it requires the player to have some basic knowledge of japanese honorifics but for some reason decided to change it anyway, despite the fact that susato also uses -sama with kazuma... one thing to note is that susato does use kazuma's first name instead of his surname like she does with ryunosuke, which helps indicate their closer relationship despite her still showing respect with the -sama honorific. in that sense naruhodo-san feels like an interesting middle ground because she's still using his surname but doesn't seem to view his position with her as equal to kazuma's? i assume that was the intent of the localization, similarly to how the way kazuma and ryunosuke call each other was changed to indicate closeness to the english-speaking player

--

anyway while i do prefer the original japanese version most of the time, my general view of original vs localization is like wow! two cakes! i might prefer one of those cakes more, but the english version usually provides enough that i like that both canons exist. because of this i can't agree with the idea that all localization is bad nor the side that believes the original doesn't matter because you're engaging only with the english side of the fandom. both are good and can reveal interesting things about the characters, story and setting!!

and thank you for reading if you got this far 🙇 i'm not an expert at japanese so i try to do my research and use multiple sources to get a better view of things, so please let me know if i got anything wrong! i also recommend checking out this post if you haven't seen it already since it's where i got some pointers on the trucy and simon segments

[lostintransist]

In and Of Itself

Simon has joined a new military pilot program. An AI therapist will have access to his memories to help him deal with his traumas from the inside out. To bad he doesn't need any help dealing with the mess inside his head from a robot.

CW: Mentions of rape and general Simon big T Trauma.

The whistling is not the first thing he expected from an AI therapist. The pitch drop spoke of being impressed. His eyes snapped open and his body to standing with less pain than he had experienced in a decade.

A woman stood before him, shorter than himself, though most people were. Hair barely held back by a headband and one hand holding her wrist behind her back Simon watched her. Could it be a her if it was an AI? The attempt to parse through the pronoun situation of an unliving thing set his eye twitching.

He respected that different people used different ones; Johnny had asked to go by they/them before they had died. That had been quite a conversation as Simon tried to wrap his head around a concept that had never occurred to him before. He had never examined that he always felt male, masculine, man until Johnny asked him if he did. When he confirmed that yes, he always had felt like a man Johnny smiled and replied.

“I barely feel human most days Si, someone used them when referring to me recently and I have never felt more at ease in my skin. I’ve been play-acting being a man because I’m a person and nothing more.”

Simon still didn’t fully grasp it but he loved Johnny enough to immediately adhere to the request. Johnny had been gone less than a year later.

The woman, thing? Turned and smiled up at him.

“You must be deeply suicidal my friend,” you stuck out a hand as if for a shake. “I am your AI therapist. It’s good to meet you.”

Yes, death haunted his every thought, a shadow that loomed even in the darkness of night. Johnny called to him. The only thing that kept Simon from answering was the idea of Johnny’s face falling as they had seen what Simon had done.

Simon glanced from the hand offered to the distance, finally taking in the shifting scenery made of a tapestry of his memories. His childhood hell, he refused to call it home, sat perpendicular to the base where he first had been sexually assaulted as a recruit. He had been thin and unskilled at seventeen when he joined, unable to fend off his superior officer. Briggs had been dead a few short years later under friendly fire. Simon had found out that even after he broke the man’s hand, he continued to assault young men. The distant mountains spiked his fear, he turned from them back to the presentation of a woman.

“The hell is this?” he pointed with his eyes at each of the horrible spaces that were normally shrouded in time and distance.

“Those are your demons,” you shrug in his side vision. “Those are what we are here to conquer.”

“Don’t need help from a damn computer,” Simon groused.

You tip your head to one side, studying the distant storm brewing over the mountains.

“Maybe not, but that is what you signed up for.” Simon catches sight of your skirt as you spin, it flairs wide. Are those planets dotting the dark landscape of it?

Did the programmer base this interface’s outfits on Ms. Frizzle? Simon watches the storm until he notices the emptiness beside him. Spinning he finds you striding toward a large tree. It had been a favorite of his until he started to find animals hanging in the branches. The wide low branches were perfect for his young self to climb. They were thick nearly all the way up; Simon would climb as if he could hide among the clouds.

He hadn’t signed up for this damn program, he had been strong-armed into it. Word had come down from the top commanders that several of the longest-serving or highest combat-seeing members would be signed up for an experimental treatment. Simon had been selected and told essentially to sign the paperwork or sign his discharge. He didn’t need to explain this to a chip inside of a machine. He didn’t need to explain anything to the shape of a woman who twirled with planets on its skirt because you, it, wasn’t real.

The moment your feet touch the roots of the old tree your outfit changes. A shimmer and you now move confidently in boots, jeans, and a buttoned plaid. Your headband has been replaced with a loose band holding back your hair. You lift yourself into the tree with ease, feet disappearing before Simon could get close.

Your voice drifts down to him.

“Ooo you had quite a nasty surprise here, didn’t you? Had to be what eight? Maybe nine?” The tree shakes as if you are jumping on branches.

No reply from him brings your head popping between the branches. You hang upside down by your knees staring at him with a brow lifted.

“This only works if you answer my questions, your scary ‘I’ve killed people’ face won’t work here. I’m in your mind,” you wiggle your fingers at him as you lift a brow at him.

When he makes no response you loop a hand over the branch and swing your legs free.

“Tough crowd,” you dust yourself off as Simon folds his arms and stares at you.

Your presence in his mind stirs up his rage, he dealt with all of this trauma fine. He would deal with it without your help.

“Don’t go touching things, you aren’t real and I don’t need you to deal with all of this,” he dropped the words between you.

Eyes narrowed you look from his boots to the top of his head. It is only now that he realizes he is not wearing a mask. He tries to conjure one but fails.

“Nice try, the one thing you won’t be able to do here is mask, physically or emotionally.” You smile up at him as if you haven’t ripped at his only coping mechanism in this hellscape. “You remember your quitting word?”

“Mothman,” he growls and the simulation dissolves.

Simon blinks awake as a blood pressure cuff squeezes his arm.

A face in a surgical mask leans over him and looks at both his eyes.

“How are we doing Mr. Riley?”

“Not dead.” His voice is horse.

“That is the goal around here, too much paperwork if you croak on us,” his nurse joked. “The doctor will be by shortly to look over your vitals and clear you for leaving.”

You stepped from his small curtained partitioned space, leaving Simon to his thoughts. They weren’t pleasant ones.

When the doctor confirms that he is good to go the nurse returns and removes the plethora of wires, sticky buttons, and tubes from his nose and veins. He was told his implant, near the base of his skull, would be removed when the project concluded. Simon sat up and rubbed both hands across his face before sliding his mask back on.

He could mask, even in his mind. He would find a way to keep you, the creepy AI from rattling around in his mind while he cleared the skeletons and specters himself.

Masterlist

[mals-writing-corner]

I wrote this in the GhostSoap discord a while ago but this was inspired by my cousin's birthday. I liked it so much I decided to post it here! Enjoy!

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

"It's my birthday!" Soap shouts, holding up his glass.

"It's your birthday!" All his friends shout, clinking their glasses with his.

Soap takes his birthday shot, popping the lime in his mouth as he squints through the pain.

"I want a tequila sunrise!" Soap shouts over the music.

"Want me to go with you?" His mate Gaz asks, placing a hand on the drunk man's back to steady him.

Soap shakes his head. "I'm an adult! I don't need you to come with me!"

Gaz laughs and claps Soap on the shoulder. "Text me if you need me!"

Soap nods and grabs his phone, wandering over to the bar in the back of the club.

It is quieter over here, but it's definitely darker too. He waddles up to the bar and leans his whole weight on his forearms. The two bartenders are working diligently, but Soap can't hell but drunkenly stare at one. He's blonde, his hair gelled back from his face but it doesn't look greasy. He's wearing s black mask that matches his black button up that all the bartenders are wearing. He's got the sleeves rolled up to expose his forearms, showing off an impressive sleeve on one of the arms.

He expertly pours a bunch of drinks for a group of obviously drunk women, thanking them when they tip him generously.

"What can I get for you?" He asks, his voice rumbling even through the mask. Also a transplant to London it seems.

Soap has to actually shake himself out of his staring as he falls more and more for this bartender. "It's my birthday!" he shouts, even though the music is lower in this corner. He's drunk enough to lose control of his volume.

"Happy birthday," the bartender responds. Soap can't tell what tone he was given but he swears he sees amusement in the bartenders eyes.

Soap leans forward more, slightly over the bar, and swaying lightly. "How old do you think I am?"

"24," the bartender says, entertaining this drunken trail of thought.

Soap grins widely. "I'm 29!"

"Really? You don't look a day over 24," the bartender says with a chuckle, causing Soap to grin even more. "I don't ask people what age I look like anymore because they usually get it right."

Soap thinks for a moment before pointing at the blonde man and saying, "26."

The bartender just looks at Soap for a moment before bursting out laughing. "Not even close, but I'm flattered you think so. Now what can I get you?"

"Tequila sunrise," Soap says, now with a flirty grin on his face.

"Comin' right up."

Soap watches the man pour his drink, and slowly push it toward him. When he goes to reach for his wallet, and bartender says, "On the house. A birthday drink for the birthday boy."

Soap grins wider as he grabs the glass, thanking the bartender, and handing him a 20. In return, the bartender places a napkin in Soap's hand.

He pulls it out of his pocket as he walks back to his table.

"Call me when you're sober if you remember any of this…" is written on it in scratchy handwriting. "Happy birthday"

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Bonus ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

Soap wakes up bleary eyed and stomach rolling as light streams in through his broken blinds. He groans, a headache pulsing at his temples. He brings his blanket over his head to block out the light.

After a misersble lie in, he gets out of bed, bored and looking for his phone. He finds it, and along side it, a napkin that's seen better days.

But, still intact is a number, and a note. He gets flashes of blonde hair and a masked bartender and the light flirting they had.

Soap plugs in the number and let's the phone ring, smiling when it's picked up.

"You told me to call if I remembered… do you wanna get coffee or something?"

[shadamyheadcanons]

I'm not sure if they ever gave an official explanation as to why Shadow joined GUN, but I've seen plenty of people say that it's strange he joined the organization that basically ruined his life, and yeah it is weird.

I have come up with a headcanon that explains it though. He joined them to make sure they never do something like they did on the ARK ever again. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer as they say. Not to mention the whole reason that all happened was because GUN wanted him as a weapon. I think he'd be concerned that they might go after his new friends if he doesn't give them the impression that he's under their command.

So he joined, hoping to gain their trust and keep an eye on their activities. Rouge is also in on it, and definitely has hacked into their database to view top secret documents. If they ever find out that GUN is planning another senseless massacre, then Team Dark plans to sabotage it from the inside out.

Not a ShadAmy headcanon specifically, but you could imagine that Shadow would be reluctant to share this information out of fear of being jeopardized. Perhaps it could be used for drama. Have fun writers~!

I really, really like this. It’s my new favorite explanation for something that’s always bothered me about this franchise. Thank you!

It doesn’t just make sense objectively, it matches Shadow’s experiences perfectly. I often say Shadow would cling to Amy because he knows how easy it is to lose someone, but I love the idea of him taking it in a darker direction, too, picking up on the possibility of another tragedy happening and preemptively taking steps to stop it. I think people see Shadow as rash because he’s so extreme in his actions, but that is careful for him. Those aren’t mutually exclusive:

[IDW issues 5 & 6]

Team Dark standing with him is always great, too.

Another thing I like is that it gives Shadow agency. Based on Commander Tower’s behavior at the end of ShTH and his actions in Shadow: Dark Beginnings, Sega seems to want us to believe the Commander is a nice guy who’s good buddies with Shadow:

“Shadow, do you read me? First, I...I want to...apologize, for the other day...actually, I just became a grandfather last week, and I was thinking of maybe having you over.”

Commander Tower, probably: “Sowwy I twied to shoot you, uwu. It’ll never happen again! 🥺”

And, uh...I don’t buy that, frankly...but it doesn’t seem to me that G.U.N.’s keeping him under their thumb, either. As interesting as that concept would have been, I don’t think it’s what Sega’s going for. It lines up better with canon if Shadow’s choosing to stick around for his own ulterior motives. I think having him actively decide to keep G.U.N. close for that reason strengthens his character.

Your headcanon is even stronger now in the wake of Takashi Iizuka’s pre-Shadow Generations interview (which happened after this ask was sent, btw), specifically the question at 3:20:

(Side note: I have so, so many issues with what he says here–no other motivation? None at all?! You’ve got to be kidding me! But that’s a rant for another day.)

This all but confirms that working with them is a choice for Shadow.

It also perfectly demonstrates something that really irks me about Sega: their lack of communication about basic aspects of the characters’ lives. Most fans speculated for what, almost two decades, about whether a main character is employed or not, and Sega just drops it in a random interview? Not even in a game? It’s such basic information, yet they didn’t tell us for 19 years. And gee, why would we get that impression?

[Archie Sonic Universe issue 1]

It’s like even the official writers at Archie thought he was a G.U.N. agent. Sega couldn’t be bothered to tell them, let alone us. We don’t even know where some of these characters live. It’s kind of silly once you think about it.

Yeah. “Silly.” Let’s call it that. 🤨

Thanks for the ask!

[dseval]

What are your thoughts of CrossDust? What dynamic you think they have?

Permission to yap about CrossDust??

Short answer: funny i like both of them they should kiss

...Long yapping ahead (there's yapping about my Murder Sans interpretation, then there's also CrossDust. It's long.)

I'd like to first clarify that my interpretation of Dust may be different compared to many (I think, at least). Since I base his character on the canon information from Ask-Dusttale and fangames— particularly Evan Streblow's Dusttale (if you don't know, it's the one with the psychotic HAHAHAHAHAHAHA and "We're gonna have a MAD time!")

I also slot in some headcanons (and self-projections, can't help it) and some character adjustments because I think canon Murder is extremely difficult to work with, especially in the context of shipping and anything else this fandom does with him in general.

But just the gist of it so you all don't have to read that much (I can go on for ten more paragraphs. I'm obsessed with this guy):

I'll use the names Murder and Dust interchangeably and within different contexts. I like to think Murder is a front that Dust puts on— an apathetic murderer who finds emotions difficult to feel, someone who always lies to get his way, a sociopath. While Dust is quiet, honest, and more contemplative. It's mostly Murder who interacts with others.

Murder and Dust aren't necessarily two different people. Ultimately, Dust directly influences Murder's choices, and Murder may disappear one day once Dust feels content.

His hallucinations aren't only Papyrus, he also hallucinates about others although Papyrus is the most often. And these hallucinations speak different things according to the state he's in. Murder's hallucinations would encourage him to hurt more. While Dust's would induce guilt.

Murder is a very focused person, not afraid to take the lead, and he hates it when nothing happens. Dust on the other hand is content just doing nothing.

Murder finds love absurd. Dust too, but he entertains the thought of it.

Murder and Dust both think words are silly, insincere, and can change meanings, so they are more action-oriented.

He's demisexual. That's a headcanon.

And if anyone has any different interpretation of Murder/Dust Sans, that is absolutely okay and amazing. Dusttale is a very hard AU to actually get into (all the informations are scattered). Plus, there is nothing wrong with fanon. I think it's great, I like fanon. I sometimes like fanon more than canon.

Now CrossDust.

For their general dynamic, I think it's very difficult for them to get together. They just go back and forth between something and nothing. They have like... The slowest of slow burns.

I'd like to implement the entire Underverse thing. Remember how Cross stole Classic's soul? Apparently, Sanses across different alternate timelines can share a memory. So Geno knows Cross stole 'his' soul. Killer also acknowledges this and says to XChara that they stole 'his' soul.

So technically to Murder/Dust— Cross also had stolen 'his' soul (And Murder would've had felt all Cross's pain while at it, too). I think Murder would find it hilarious that Cross brought literally every single innocent AU into his problem. Dust would feel like Cross's plans are ridiculous, but since it's XChara's plan, and XChara is the human, Dust wouldn't even question it.

In a way, they share SOULs once, even if indirectly. Murder/Dust knows probably a lot about Cross. But Cross didn't know who the hell this guy is. Either way, with that in mind. Murder probably didn't have a good first impression of Cross. Dust might empathize with him, since Cross also committed a genocide in order to 'make things better' which is also Dust's reasoning. Cross might learn about Murder's actions later— but cannot judge Murder/Dust for it.

They are very similar. Kindred souls in a way. They went through similar struggles but they turned out to be completely different people. Because Cross in his entire life is under control, while Murder acts on choice. Because Cross knows what he did is horrible and he'll carry that sin to the grave, while Murder justifies his actions.

Cross is too trusting (he doesn't trust easily now), too seeking for approval, he doesn't know what to do if no one orders him. Murder thinks he himself is enough, Murder thinks he is the hero, he doesn't need anyone else.

Cross thinks Murder is a bad person, an absolute jerk. Murder likes to toy with him, probably also uses Cross to his advantage. Murder can either try to hurt Cross, or will try to win his favour. But can Cross judge him? Not really, hell, I don't think Cross even noticed if Murder did manipulate him. Low-key toxic these two.

But then there's the private moments, the intimate moments where Dust shed the front that is Murder. Where Dust is sincere; he doesn't talk, but the way he gazes and acts towards Cross is honest. And although reluctant, maybe Cross desires to bring that side out of him more.

It's both difficult for them to trust. But eventually Dust will learn that Cross cannot lie— Dust will trust words again. Eventually Cross realizes that he's not the only one hurt, and he can find a home in others, he can choose to find a home.

Cross will find it frustrating how Dust shuts himself down. Dust would find it frustrating how hard Cross tries for him. But eventually, Dust would learn to no longer front himself up with Murder. Cross would need a signal from Dust that what he's doing is okay and perfect before they can advance further.

They'll care about one another.

Eventually, they'll trust each other.

In a relationship sense where they're both happy and recovered, though. I think both of them like cuddling. Dust still had a hard time with words, but he knows how much it means for Cross to have words of affirmations, so he would praise Cross a lot. Cross knows Dust is as restless as he is, so he makes sure they both have a full schedule with a lot of things to do.

All in all, they're comfortable with each other. And that's enough, really.

(i almost yapped for ten more paragraphs but I think this is enough for now sksksksk)

Dust Sans by Ask-Dusttale

Cross Sans, Underverse, & XTale by Jakei

Mentioned characters: Killer Sans (by Rahafwabas), Geno (by loverofpiggies/CrayonQueen)

[inkmonster21]

Short n’ Sweet💋

Hugh Jackman x Fem!Sister!Reynolds!Reader

Warnings: none

Part 14

Series Masterlist

I Leave Quite An Impression

💋💛💋💛💋💛💋💛💋💛💋💛💋💛💋💛💋

Your album quickly became a record-breaking success, surpassing all expectations and soaring to new heights. It skyrocketed up the charts, quickly climbing to the top and dominating the music scene. Fans from around the world praised the album, mesmerized by the unique sound and captivating lyrics.

The achievement was a testament to your talent and hard work, a validation of the countless hours you had poured into creating the album. With each passing day, the album continued to solidify its place in the music industry, marking a significant milestone in your career.

Just as you were contemplating a well-deserved break, Hugh sprung a question upon you, catching you off guard. You looked at him, curious and a tad bit apprehensive.

“Do you want to go on the press tour?” As Hugh posed the question to you, your gaze remained fixed on his, a mix of surprise and interest filling your eyes. "Press tour?" you echoed, the words dancing on your lips. The prospect of embarking on a promotional tour had not been on your immediate agenda, but Hugh's suggestion sparked a flicker of curiosity within you. "You mean, like interviews, events, and all that?" you inquired, seeking clarification on what exactly he had in mind.

Hugh nodded in affirmation, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "Yeah, exactly. A press tour," he confirmed, his voice tinged with excitement. "Interviews, meet and greets, promotional events, the whole works." The possibilities seemed endless, the idea of connecting with your fans and promoting your album in a more personal way was both thrilling and slightly intimidating.

You chuckled, a hint of self-deprecating humor in your voice as you said, “I’m only in the movie for like 30 minutes. I doubt anyone wants the inside scoop on my terrible acting performance.” You downplayed your role, brushing off the idea that your brief screen time would generate much interest. The thought of being the center of attention during a press tour seemed comical given your limited acting skills.

Hugh leaned in closer, a playful smile on his face as he traced a finger down your cheek. "What if I want the inside scoop?" he teased, his gaze fixed on yours. The simple gesture sent a shiver down your spine, his touch both gentle and electrifying. Your laughter subsided as you met his gaze, the earnestness in his eyes making your heart flutter.

Your mumbled words against his lips were a sweet, almost bashful admission. "You get every inside scoop," you confessed, the words tinged with vulnerability and just a touch of hesitation. There was a depth to the statement, an implication that he had access to parts of you that no one else did - both on and off camera, both personal and professional.

Hugh's laughter brought a warmth to your heart, his words genuine and sincere. "But really," he insisted, his voice carrying a hint of tenderness, "I want you there." The simple phrase held a multitude of meanings, a mix of desire for your presence, support for your career, and a perhaps a hint of possessiveness.

You feigned reluctance, offering a playful protest before ultimately giving in. "Fine, but when this blows up in my face, I'm blaming you. I suck at interviews," you said, trying to maintain a facade of nonchalance while your heart skipped a beat. The thought of facing the press and navigating interviews was daunting, a stark departure from the comfortable anonymity you had grown used to.

Hugh chuckled, clearly pleased with your agreement. "That's the spirit," he teased, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Just keep blaming me. I'll gladly take the heat." His confidence was infectious, and a part of you found comfort in his willingness to shoulder the blame. Yet, under the surface, a flicker of doubt and anxiety remained, reminding you of the challenging journey ahead.

You sat in the makeup chair, watching as skilled hands transformed your already-lovely face into a work of art. Your hair was styled to perfection, and the final touches were added to your makeup, accentuating your features and readying you for the first interview. As the team finished up their work, you took a moment to steal a glance at yourself in the mirror, admiring the result. The process was intense but necessary, and it left you feeling both glamorous and a bit anxious.

Your excitement grew as you approached the interview, particularly because you were about to participate in the iconic Vanity Fair Lie Detector test. You had heard stories about celebrities taking the challenge, and now it was your turn. The prospect of facing the test, being under the intense spotlight, and answering difficult questions left you buzzing with a mix of anticipation and nerves.

Ryan's voice rang out in surprised disbelief. "What the fuck are you doing here?" his words echoed through the room, a mix of surprise and confusion evident in his tone. You paused, turning to face him, a bit startled by his unexpected appearance.

You sauntered over to Hugh, a mischievous smirk playing on your lips. Without hesitation, you wrapped an arm around him, your body molding perfectly against his. Responding to Ryan's question, you declared, "My boyfriend invited me." The words rolled off your tongue with ease, a possessive yet lighthearted claim on Hugh.

Ryan's reaction was immediate, his scoff betraying his skepticism. "Oh I'm gonna grill your ass on that lie detector," he retorted, a challenge evident in his voice. There was a glimmer of mischief in his eyes as if he was ready to expose any secrets you tried to keep hidden.

You met Ryan's smirk with one of your own, your tone playful and confident. "Go for it," you said, your voice dripping with a hint of sass, "the only secret I had was that I was fucking your best friend." The words hung in the air, a clear declaration of your intimate connection with Hugh. Ryan looked taken aback, his expression a mixture of surprise and disbelief. “Oh, my god. This is going to be amazing.”

“Who’s going first?” The air was tense as the question hung in the air, the atmosphere charged with anticipation. Hugh, you, and Ryan all looked at each other, waiting to see who would go first. The choice seemed to carry a subtle challenge: who was brave enough to subject themselves to the scrutiny of the lie detector test first?

After a brief moment of silence, you spoke up with a confident smile, "Why don't you have a go, Ryan?" Your words suggested a sense of sportsmanship, encouraging him to take the first step.

Ryan, who was never one to back down from a challenge, smirked back at you, his eyes locked on yours. "Sure," he agreed, a hint of competitiveness in his tone. He stepped forward, signaling that he would indeed take the first turn in the hot seat.

Ryan settled into the chair, his body taut with anticipation. The polygraph machine was connected to him, its probes and wires snaking across his body, recording every subtle shift in physiological response. The room was deathly silent, the only sound coming from the quiet hum of the machinery.

Hugh, attempting to maintain his composure, began the questioning process, his voice steady despite the hint of amusement in his eyes. "Now Ryan," he started, barely holding back a laugh, "I'm going to ask you some straightforward questions to calibrate the machine." He paused, fighting the urge to let out a chuckle, and then continued, "Are you comfortable and not under any kind of influence?"

Ryan's remark drew a laugh from his own lips, his response laced with a hint of sarcasm and self-deprecation. "Oh I wish I was under the influence," he joked, the words a mix of playfulness and genuine desire to escape the intensity of the moment. The room filled with laughter, a brief but much-needed release of tension.

Louis, the man operating the lie detector test, acknowledged Ryan's statement with a nod, confirming the machine's response. "Truthful," he confirmed, his professional tone breaking the brief moment of levity in the room. The serious atmosphere quickly returned, the gravity of the situation once again palpable.

Hugh resumed the questioning, his voice more serious now, as he asked the next question. "Is your full name Ryan Rhondy Reynolds?" The question seemed straightforward, but the machine's reading was crucial for establishing the test's accuracy. The room fell silent once more, all eyes on Ryan as he awaited his response.

Ryan let out a mock sigh, his response dripping with self-deprecating humor. "Unfortunately, yes," he confirmed, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. The room chuckled at his response, the momentary lightheartedness breaking the tension once more.

Hugh continued with the next question, a curious smile on his face. "You previously talked about failing a high school drama class," he brought up, "Does this explain your limited range?" The question was a mild jab, gently mocking Ryan's acting skills. The room waited in anticipation for his response, eager to see how he would take the playful ridicule.

As Ryan broke out into laughter, his response laced with humor and self-awareness. "It's probably one of the many reasons," he acknowledged, "I just don't think anyone wants to see me as a Dutch impressionist painter, right?" He directed the question to Louis, the man operating the machine, who confirmed his statement with a nod. "True," Louis replied, his tone remaining professional despite the casual banter in the room.

Hugh's smile indicated his next move, and he turned to Ryan, seeking his permission. "Now I'm going to have your sister join me," he said, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. "Would that be okay?" The room felt the shift in the conversation, the introduction of Ryan's sister adding an unexpected dynamic to the already charged atmosphere.

Ryan's smirk betrayed a hint of nervousness, his attempt to mask his emotions failing as he responded to Hugh's request. "Yeah, love that sister of mine," he replied, his voice a mix of feigned nonchalance and genuine worry about what was to come. The room tensed up in anticipation, everyone waiting for his sister's entrance.

Louis, the lie detector operator, looked up at the machine before announcing his conclusion. "Deceptive," he stated, his professional tone belying the significance of the word. The room fell silent once more as the implication of his statement sunk in. Ryan's smirk faded, replaced by a flicker of concern, as he turned to Hugh, awaiting his next question.

You made your way into the room, taking your place beside Hugh, a stack of cards in your hands. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as all eyes fell on you. Hugh looked at you briefly, a hint of reassurance in his eyes, before turning back to Ryan, preparing for the next question.

You asked the question, addressing Ryan directly. "Ryan," you said, a hint of curiosity in your tone, "when mom's glass angel broke, did do it and you blame me?" The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Ryan's response and the verdict of the lie detector. All eyes were on him as he prepared to answer the question.

Ryan's response came, his voice steady despite the hint of tension in the air. "No, of course not," he said, his words firm and resolute. The room was silent as everyone waited for Louis to confirm the truth or deception of Ryan's answer, the lie detector the final judge in the matter.

Louis, the lie detector operator, looked up from the machine and confirmed the result. "Deceptive," he stated, his tone neutral. The room remained silent for a moment, the verdict hanging in the air. Ryan's eyes flicked to you, a mix of surprise and resignation in his gaze.

You reacted with mock outrage, pointing a finger at Ryan with feigned shock. "I was 12!" you exclaimed, emphasizing the innocence and vulnerability of your young age. The room chuckled at the display, the humor in the situation providing a momentary respite from the tension.

Ryan admitted to the blame, his smirk betraying a hint of guilt despite the lighthearted tone. "And the easiest one to blame! Sorry!" he acknowledged with a shrug, his attempt at an apology seeming more playful than sincere. The room chuckled again, the exchange between you both creating a humorous moment amidst the serious atmosphere.

You and Hugh alternated asking Ryan questions, the interaction taking on a playful bantering vibe in the room. You asked your questions with wit and humor, while Hugh, being closer to Ryan, posed his questions with a mix of seriousness and banter. The room filled with laughter and banter, the lie detector's responses adding suspense to every answer.

You posed the final question to Ryan, a smirk on your lips. "Can you listen to my new song 'Juno' without thinking about Hugh?" you asked, half-teasing and half-curious about the answer. The room fell silent, anticipating Ryan's response and the lie detector's verdict.

Ryan's response was quick, a mix of sarcasm and genuine annoyance. "Ugh fuck, I can't even listen to it at all," he remarked. The room broke out in laughter, the bluntness of his answer adding to the humor of the moment.

Louis, the lie detector operator, confirmed the truth of Ryan's response with a nod. "Truthful," he said, his tone neutral despite the light-hearted banter in the room.

You all broke out into laughter again, the room filling with mirth and amusement. The tension of the lie detector test seemed to lift as you all shared a moment of genuine laughter, the lighthearted banter easing the earlier seriousness.

Hugh took his turn in the hot seat, preparing himself as Ryan and you looked on, ready to take turns asking him questions. The atmosphere in the room shifted slightly, the focus turning to Hugh and the questions that were about to be asked.

Ryan greeted his friend with a mischievous smirk, his voice filled with playful mockery. "Hello, Hugh," he said, clearly enjoying the role reversal. The room chuckled, anticipating the questions that were about to follow.

Ryan, still sporting that smirk, nodded, "Just gonna ask you a few simple questions to calibrate the machine, okay?" he confirmed, his tone friendly but with a hint of mischief. The room went quiet, the anticipation building as everyone waited for Hugh's response, and what it would reveal about the lie detector's accuracy.

Ryan began the questioning with a straightforward question, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Is it true that your full name is Hugh Michael Jackman?" The room waited in anticipation for Hugh's response, the lie detector recording his reaction to every word.

Hugh, composed and unfazed, responded candidly. "Yes," he affirmed, his voice steady. The room chuckled, the simplicity of the question and Hugh's straightforward answer creating a lighthearted moment.

Ryan continued with the questioning, another straightforward question. "Are you from Sydney, Australia?"

Hugh confirmed the truth of the statement with a nod and a soft smile. "Yes," he answered, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. The room remained quiet, awaiting the verdict of the lie detector test.

Ryan's smirk grew wider as he asked the next question, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "Is it true that you sugar daddy my little sister?" The room chuckled, the tension from the earlier questions replaced with amusement at the absurdity of the question and Ryan's choice of words.

Hugh's laugh echoed through the room, his response quick and firm. "No!" he asserted, his tone playful but unwavering. The room chuckled again, the lie detector's response providing evidence against Ryan's exaggerated question.

Louis, the lie detector operator, looked up from the machine and announced the result. "Deceptive," he stated, his tone neutral but leaving a brief moment of silence in its wake. The room seemed to hold its breath as they all processed the unexpected outcome.

Hugh laughs, “I just treat her well! You can’t base that as being a sugar daddy!” Hugh looks to you for help, “darling?” You couldn’t help but chuckle at Hugh’s defense, amused by his denial and the unexpected turn of events. "Sorry babe," you teased, feigning sympathy, "seems like the machine says otherwise." The room chuckled, enjoying the lighthearted banter and the unexpected twist.

You smiled and tapped your postcard, shifting gears with your question. "Now, is it true that you've been trying to meet me for the past three years?" The room seemed to hold its breath as everyone waited for Hugh's response, curious to hear if his efforts had truly gone unnoticed for so long.

Hugh's immediate answer filled the room with confirmation. "Absolutely true, probably longer," he admitted, his tone carrying a mix of sincerity and a touch of sheepishness. The room chuckled at the revelation, the truth of his statement creating a lighthearted moment despite the underlying tension.

Louis, the lie detector operator, nodded in agreement. "Truthful," he confirmed, the lie detector's verdict adding fuel to the fire. The room chuckled again, the unexpected twist in the questioning adding an element of excitement to the test.

Hugh continued, a smirk directed at Ryan as he spoke. "And Ryan just wouldn't make it happen!" The room laughed, the blame subtly placed on Ryan for the delayed meeting. Ryan mock-protested, feigning innocence with a dramatic hand gesture.

Ryan responded with a playful eye-roll and a sarcastic retort. "Well excuse me," he said mockingly, "I didn't want my little sister exposed to such 'filth'" at an early age. The room chuckled at the exchange between friends, the jab adding a lighter tone to the serious atmosphere.

Hugh retorted, a hint of sass in his voice. "Mate, you think I'm the filthy one? Think again." The room chuckled, enjoying the friendly banter between Hugh and Ryan. Even you couldn't help but smile at the playful back and forth.

Louis, the lie detector operator, confirmed the truth of Hugh's response with a nod. "Truthful," he stated, his tone professional yet casual, adding another affirmation to the machine's verdict. The room chuckled again, the lie detector's accurate assessment further fueling the banter and lighthearted mood.

You fan yourself dramatically, a playful smile on your face. "It's getting hot in here," you teased, adding a touch of levity to the room. The room chuckled, the cheeky remark causing Hugh to raise an eyebrow and Ryan to roll his eyes, playing along with the theatrics.

Ryan made a show of gagging, an exaggerated expression of disgust on his face. "Oh my God," he exclaimed, "I'm in my personal hell." He then turned to the camera, addressing the audience directly with a sarcastic remark. "Enjoying this, Vanity Fair?"

You took the hot seat, the wires of the lie detector secured properly and the machine calibrated. Both Hugh and Ryan sat across from you, their eyes fixed on you as they prepared to take turns asking the questions.

“Just to start this off, (y/n), you’re the younger sister of famous actor, Ryan Reynolds.” You nodded, confirming the statement. "Yes, that's correct," you acknowledged, your tone matter-of-fact. The lie detector's sensors were already measuring your body's response, capturing even the subtlest reactions.

“You recently released your album Short n’ Sweet. How many copies did you pawn off to the homeless shelter?” You chuckled at Ryan's sarcastic question, his playful jab adding a touch of humor to the serious atmosphere. "Oh, you know," you responded sarcastically, "I just made sure every homeless person in the city had a copy." The room laughed, caught off guard by the audacity of the question and your witty response.

Ryan continued with the banter, teasing you with reference to your lyrics. "Do you think you really leave quite an impression?" he questioned, a smirk on his face as he alluded to certain lines in your songs. The room chuckled, amused by the ribbing and the unexpected callback to your own lyrics.

You responded with a coy shrug and a flirty grin, exuding confidence in your response. "I do," you affirmed, your words laced with a hint of playfulness. The room chuckled at your unapologetic response, the interaction adding a lighthearted moment to the otherwise serious lie detector test.

Louis, the lie detector operator, confirmed the truth of your response with a small nod. "Truthful," he stated, the machine's sensors recording your body's reaction to the question. The room chuckled at the affirmation, the lie detector's verdict adding a layer of credibility to your confident response.

Hugh's question shifted the tone of conversation, moving on from the playful banter to something more relevant to your career. "You starred in both Deadpool and Wolverine, and there are rumors your character will be back for further installments of the Marvel Universe. Is this true?" he asked, his question carrying a hint of curiosity. The room quieted, anticipating your response and the verdict of the lie detector.

You widened your eyes, attempting to feign ignorance, as you answered, "No, I don't know of any future projects right now." The room held its breath, the tension palpable as the lie detector's sensors recorded your response. If the question was true, the machine would detect any deception in your speech.

Louis, the lie detector operator, looked up from the screen, his gaze steady as he announced the result. "Deceptive," he affirmed, his professional tone adding a gravity to the outcome. The room remained quiet, processing the unexpected result and bracing for the reactions of Hugh and Ryan.

Ryan, clearly enjoying the situation, chimed in with a smirk on his face. "You heard it here first," he joked, "Deadpool's other best friend, Sabrina will be retiring. Maybe in a witchy fashion?" The room chuckled at the playful banter and Ryan's witty response, the light moment providing a reprieve from the serious atmosphere.

You rolled your eyes, feigning annoyance at Ryan's comment. "You're going to get me fired before I even get a chance," you retorted, the room laughing at your sarcastic reply. The lie detector's sensors continued to measure your reactions, monitoring your body language for any indication of dishonesty.

Ryan continued with his questions, his smirk growing wider as he continued to tease you. "Now, in your song 'Espresso,' you state, 'Too bad your ex couldn't do it for you.' Are you in fact referring to someone's divorced wife?" He playfully nodded towards Hugh, adding a layer of mischief to his question. The room chuckled, the tension mounting as they waited for your response and the lie detector's verdict.

Your cheeks flushed pink and your mouth gaped open as you quickly tried to defend yourself. "No! That's... it's just a song. Come on," you protested, your voice just a bit higher pitched. The room chuckled at your flustered response, the lie detector's sensors noting any changes in your body language and voice.

Louis, the lie detector operator, looked up from the machine and announced the result. "Deceptive," he stated, confirming the machine's assessment of your response. The room chuckled at the unexpected outcome, the lie detector's verdict adding fuel to the playful questioning.

Hugh chuckled, clearly amused by the unexpected turn of events. "Looks like the machine disagrees with you, love." His smile grew wider as he teased you, enjoying the lighthearted banter and the surprising results of the lie detector test.

The room chuckled at Hugh's comment, the playful tone adding a sense of mischief to the atmosphere. Ryan, not one to miss an opportunity, chimed in with a smirk. "Oh, it's definitely disagreeing with you," he quipped, clearly relishing in the unexpected revelation.

Ryan chuckled, clearly enjoying your flustered state, but he obliged, moving on to the next question. "Alright, alright," he said, still grinning. "Next question." Hugh lets out a chuckle, he continues with his next question, tilting his head as he gazes at you.

Hugh shifted his gaze towards you, his head tilted slightly as he posed the question, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Alright, then," he began, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Have you ever secretly taken a picture of me when I wasn't looking?" The room went quiet, all attention focused on your response and the lie detector's verdict.

You smirk, “maybe.”

The room waited in anticipation as the lie detector operator, Louis, looked up from the machine. "Deceptive." He stated, the verdict adding a new twist to the game. The room chuckled again, the unexpected results of the test creating a sense of unpredictability and entertainment.

Hugh playfully pointed a finger at you, his tone light and teasing. "You should know better than to lie on this thing!" he scolded, a smirk on his face. "Go on, confess," he prompted, clearly enjoying the moment. The room chuckled at Hugh's remark, the light-hearted exchange adding a touch of humor to the ongoing game.

“Okay yeah, I have a few 100 photos of you I’ve taken without your knowledge.” The room erupted in laughter, the unexpected revelation adding a comical twist to the situation. Hugh raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and amusement on his face, while Ryan chuckled, clearly finding the moment humorous.

Ryan chuckled, clearly intrigued. "Ohh, can I see?" he asked, a playful gleam in his eye. Your quick response of "no" only fueled his curiosity, and the room chuckled at the playful exchange. Hugh smirked, clearly entertained by the situation, while Ryan persisted in his request.

Ryan's question was direct, "Why not? Are they x-rated? Wolverine after dark?" he inquired, a hint of mischief in his tone. The room chuckled at the unexpected implication, the question adding a layer of humor to the lighthearted moment. You quickly shook your head, denying the accusation, while Hugh chuckled, clearly amused by the banter.

You explained your reasoning, "No! I'm just a private person. I don't need you snooping in my phone," you responded with a firm tone, while the room chuckled at your honest response. Ryan huffed in mock disappointment, clearly teasing you, while Hugh chuckled, enjoying the lighthearted banter.

The room erupted in laughter once again as Louis, the lie detector operator, announced the result. "Deceptive," he stated, his professional tone contrasted with the playful atmosphere. Hugh smirked, clearly enjoying the unexpected outcome as Ryan chuckled, thoroughly entertained by the ongoing game.

You laughed, covering your face in mock embarrassment, and looked at the camera, addressing your statement to the audience. "The Tumblr girls know what I'm talking about," you joked, referencing an inside joke or reference known to his fanbase. The room chuckled at your remark, appreciating the playful banter and the acknowledgment of his dedicated followers.

Hugh smiled, enjoying the moment, and Ryan chuckled, clearly entertained by the playful interaction. The lie detector's sensors continued to monitor your reaction, capturing every detail for the test. The camera remained focused on you, capturing the light-hearted exchange for the Vanity Fair audience.

Ryan's question broke the laughter with a more personal query. He shifted his attention towards you and asked, "Would you say you're your mom's favorite?" The room quieted down, the lighthearted banter giving way to a slightly more serious tone as they waited for your response. The lie detector's sensors prepared to capture any change in your body language or voice.

You smiled, a sense of confidence in your voice as you affirmed, "Oh, definitely." The room chuckled lightly, appreciating your self-assurance, while Hugh and Ryan exchanged glances, intrigued by your unabashed response. The lie detector continued to monitor your body's response, silently recording your confidence.

Louis, the lie detector operator, once again confirmed the truth of your response. "Truthful," he stated, his professional tone adding a sense of authority to the verdict. Hugh laughed, clearly enjoying your confidence, while Ryan smirked.

Ryan chuckled as he disagreed with your answer, his playful banter continuing. "Love the confidence, but you're not," he stated, a smirk on his face, clearly enjoying the exchange. The room chuckled along with Ryan, appreciating the friendly banter, while you remained steadfast in your claim. The lie detector continued to monitor your body's response, capturing every nuance of your interaction.

You teased back confidently, "I'm bringing Hugh Jackman home for Christmas, of course I'm her favorite.” The room burst into laughter at your bold statement, the lighthearted banter adding a touch of humor to the moment. Hugh chuckled at your remark, enjoying the playful exchange, while Ryan shook his head, amused by your self-assured claim. The lie detector buzzed as it registered your response.

Louis, the lie detector operator, confirmed the truth of your statement with a simple statement. "Truthful," he announced, the machine's sensors having detected no signs of deceit in your voice or body language. The room chuckled at the result, clearly entertained by the game, while Hugh and Ryan exchanged grins, amused by your unwavering confidence.

The topic shifted to a classic debate in the Marvel fandom, "Now, comparing superhero’s. Are the MCU movies better than the men movies?" The room waited in anticipation, knowing that this was a question with divided opinions. Hugh chuckled, clearly enjoying the debate starter, while Ryan smirked, already knowing your stance on the matter. The lie detector's sensors monitored your response, ready to reveal any unconscious bias in your answer.

You smiled at the camera, fully embracing your role as a Marvel ambassador. "They are now. Go see Deadpool and Wolverine in your theaters when it releases," you stated confidently. The room chuckled at your plug for the upcoming film, Hugh and Ryan sharing amused glances. The lie detector's sensors noted your enthusiastic response, the machine confirming your truthfulness while capturing your confident endorsement for the movie.

Louis, the lie detector operator, once again confirmed the truth of your response, his professional tone adding authority to the verdict. "Truthful," he stated, the machine's sensors having detected no signs of deception in your statement. The room chuckled at the result, clearly entertained by the ongoing game, while Hugh and Ryan exchanged grins, appreciating your unwavering truthfulness.

The Vanity Fair staff wrapped up the photo shoot session, signaling the end of the promotional event. You were finally free to leave, and you exhaled a sigh of relief. Hugh and Ryan were talking to the staff, while you stood nearby, waiting for your cue to leave. The crew began to pack up the lie detector equipment, preparing to wrap up the day's work.

A member of the Vanity Fair staff approached you, sporting a sheepish smile. He greeted you timidly, "Hi, sorry. I'm such a big fan. I had to say hello." The staff member's shy demeanor betrayed his excitement at meeting you, his fanboy enthusiasm evident. You smiled warmly at his greeting, appreciating his kind words despite his obvious fangirling.

You reassured him with a kind smile, "No need to be sorry. It's nice to meet you." The staff member beamed at your friendly response, his nervousness gradually fading away. He fidgeted slightly, clearly trying to control his excitement, but was clearly overjoyed to have a chance to meet you.

The staff member continued to shower you with compliments, his cheeks flushing slightly as he spoke. "You're so funny, and pretty," he mumbled, his fanboy admiration clear. The comment tugged at your heartstrings, and you couldn’t help but smile at his sweet words.

Hugh, who had been in conversation with the staff, turned his attention towards you and the crew member. He observed the interaction from a short distance, his eyes narrowing slightly as he saw the staff member complimenting you. Despite your apparent disinterest, Hugh couldn't help the pang of jealousy that crept into his heart. He turned back to his conversation, discreetly glancing over his shoulder every now and then, monitoring the interaction between you and the staff member.

You chuckled as you watched the flustered fan walk away, clearly smitten after meeting you and getting your autograph on his phone case. Hugh, who had watched the whole interaction, walked over to you, his expression a mix of curiosity and jealousy. He approached you, trying to hide his feelings but failing slightly.

Hugh cleared his throat, "Making friends over here, are we?" he asked casually, a hint of sarcasm lacing his tone. He tried to keep his emotions in check, but his slight possessive nature was evident in his words.

You wrap your arms around him, “I’m known to be friendly.” Hugh melted into your embrace, his jealousy fading slightly as he felt the warmth of your arms around him. He wrapped his own arms around you, drawing you closer to him as he responded, "Indeed, quite the social butterfly." Despite his earlier jealousy, he couldn’t help but find comfort in your touch.

You broke the silence with a simple question, "Dinner?" You casually suggested, your fingers intertwined with his as you both began to make your way out of the building. Hugh smiled at you, feeling incredibly fortunate to have you in his life. He nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on you with a mixture of love and awe.

💋💛💋💛💋💛💋💛💋💛💋💛💋💛💋💛💋

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[yuurivoice]

Ok, I just saw some reblog my question about Charlie with depression, look all I ask is if you take it down, please. I wasn’t doing ok then, I’m not right now. I don’t need people rebloging it so please just remove it. I’m sorry I asked I stupid ass question, I already feel dumb about it. So just please take it down. That’s all I ask.

Sure!

But also, if you've interpreted any interaction that has occurred on the post as negative, take it from someone who has seen his share of snarky, mean spirited discourse in fandom..........no one has taken any issue with your interpretation? Like no one has hehe haha'ed about thinking Charlie has depression??? I literally told you you were welcome to feel that way and then gave my input on the influences and thoughts that went into the character, which I assumed was the intention.

I didn't think it was a "stupid ass question", I thought it was a thought provoking look at how characters can be viewed in a variety of ways based on the experience and projection of the viewer...because that's how art works.

I'm not gonna give you a pat on the ass or be your therapist, but if interactions as baseline as "i didn't see it that way" without any comment about the opinion or viewpoint has you gnawing at yourself, you've got to be mindful how you engage in fandom spaces. This community has been by and large very welcoming of headcanons, and interpretations, and if anyone was actively being rude to you in reblogs I'd very likely see it and say something about it because that's no way to behave about such a tame take.

Nobody, to my knowledge, thought ill of you or your question. It's all good, Anon. But also, if this is such a sensitive matter even on Anon, I'm not entirely sure that sending asks that run the risk of getting responses that aren't 100% validating is something you should do, for your own comfort. I'm sorry you've been upset by those interactions. It was a perfectly fine question, and I thought the answer offered some cool insight. It was my impression that everyone felt fairly positive about it in general, in case you've convinced yourself otherwise.

"Charlie has depression" isn't exactly a hot take, or some wild misrepresentation of his character, it was just not intentionally written to be the case. If there IS anyone who has been snarky about your post, then they're the asshole. Not you.

[legomonkiefics]

Oh, my God! I admire you, the way you write, the way you convey the character, taking into account the plot. I've been reading you since the very beginning of creating this account.

I could ask about the Red Son, and the reader could ask about their family life? For example, because the reader is an ordinary person living in an apartment with a red-haired son. because it will be dangerous for the reader to live in his castle because of his parents, the robot, inventions and traps in the castle itself

❤️🔥Life at Home — Red Son x GN Reader HCs🔥❤️

Genres: Fluff || he/she/they pronouns for Red Son, they/them pronouns for reader || No warnings needed

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆˚｡⋆୨🔥୧⋆˚｡⋆✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖

- Life with a firey royal had its ups and downs. Red Son could cook well and preferred to keep a clean home, but their temper caused a few scorch marks in quite a bit of furniture. At different times, however, they'd referred back to their childhood home. Things like "mother expected a clean home" or "father and I cooked together once"

- Eventually, the curiosity got to you. There was definitely a lot to ask, as someone so picky and used to royal treatment like Red Son settling into a modest and simple apartment with you seemed like an odd contrast

- One day during TV time, you ended up taking a wild shot in the dark and just outright asking. What was her home like? Why did she seem so apprehensive of the subject? Things of that nature

- Red Son seemed a little hesitant to answer at first. You knew her relationship with her parents had a history of being on rocky ground, so it almost made you want to apologize and take it all back. But the prince reassured you, admitting that the current living situation wasn't what she was expecting either

- They tell you of the firey interior, the magma that filled moats and fissures, the Bull Clones running around. She also described her old office as being quite full of shards of scrap metal and tools. He mentioned how he built all his servants, and how it was a sort of castle for his family

- At first, you seemed impressed, maybe even a little awestruck. With the way she was describing it, filled with pride and bombastic dramatics, it made the home sound like something out of a fairytale. You were tempted to almost ask to visit, but Red Son gently stopped that train of thought

- He also took the time to explain the more personal aspects of the home. The marks raked into the ground from his father's temperamental hooves, the way the walls had cracks from his horns. The way the fire often caused smog and humidity, and the air quality was generally low

- You listened intently, noticing how he was treading around the lingering more sensitive topics that were always underlying everything that happened in her home. You gently stopped them, ending their rambling

- Once he pulled back, he settled on lightheartedly telling you that a home full of temperamental bull royalty was no place for a squishy little mortal as she held you close

- They reassure you that at the end of the day, they might miss royal living a bit, but they're much happier being in a healthy environment with you than being back at her childhood home

[more-than-a-princess]

Maybe it was the looming shadow of her title. Maybe it was the way she smiled, determined to never allow her cheerful nature to waver and let anyone see the fluctuating amounts of confidence beneath it. But nevertheless Sonia sighed, her cheeks a faint shade of pink as they stepped into the elevator. "I am only human, Wylan," She reminded him as the doors shut before them. "I have worries of rejection just like anyone else, and you had every right to do so. There is so much more that comes with me besides my feelings, it's enough to put anyone off."

She ignored the fact that he had fled back then, there was no use in bringing up the past now and she doubted she even understood everything that had gone on in his mind at the time. What she did understand was his perchance for explanations, for storytelling, in grand gestures that made her laugh. The mature choice was not just realizing those feelings, it was coming back to face them, and her, head on.

"Abducting me from a national tour of America to take me to Las Vegas, a place decidedly not on the itinerary for a litany of reasons, could be interpreted as both reckless fun and terribly romantic," She chided him with a grin as they ducked out of the hotel and onto the street. That was the beauty of busy, bustling city: unless someone made a scene, everyone was far too involved in their daily lives to pay Wylan and Sonia much thought. Just two decidedly non-Parisians in love, like so many tourists who traipsed over the city streets. Who teased and flirted and hugged and kissed, something so unlike both Tokyo and Novoselic. The former was simply averse to physical displays of affection in general while the latter was a problem of being recognized wherever she went. The Princess's personal life had been a hot topic of conversation since she was a teenager, but only given the Royal Family's blessing for intricate media breakdowns after she'd graduated from university. It was rare, a moment in her life where she was just a person in a crowd, held close against the person she loved. Laughing, kissing, pointing out that it wasn't that much further. Paris was a walking city, after all: best seen on foot rather than the Metro.

It was a shopping city too, and she had indeed brought him to the cathedral of capitalism. One of a few in the city alone, much less the various boutiques that lined its most popular avenues. "Doesn't that mall have a roller coaster in it?" She asked eagerly: stained glass domes and gilded gold details aside, Sonia was far more impressed by the fact a mall could fit an entire amusement park in it. There was a real gluttony and overabundance about America she found fascinating, if not a bit disgusting at times.

They'd arrived on the correct floor for men's shoes at least, but Sonia raised her eyebrows at the brand. Likely some American thing she'd never heard of. "I don't know about that one," She admitted, "But if you are in need of new trainers, I imagine there will be a selection of Adidas and Nike here." And of the far more luxe variety: Dior, Gucci, and Celine, to name a few. Sonia tried to picture Wylan decked out in the premium European designers and found it a difficult image to conjure: she doubted he'd want anything too flashy or fussy. She guessed he was used to blending in wherever he went, and yet if he chose to stay by her side, he'd have no choice but to stand out. She hoped he was ready for it, even if it was a conversation she wasn't ready to bring up yet.

"Speaking of America, though," She began, holding up a pair of white Adidas trainers with green stripes down the sides. "I feel like I did not get to see enough of the decadence of Las Vegas, or at least the American homage to various cultures around the world in the middle of a desert."

She grinned, recalling the likes of the Venetian, Luxor, the Paris hotel. "I would like to go back and see it again sometime, if you will go with me. I cannot imagine a better tour guide for making happier memories there."

On her? Never. The thought instead strikes Wylan's mind that Sonia would be able to pick up any weapon she saw; any knife, gun, or even the leg of the stool she was sitting on and strike him. Once or twice or however many times it took. It wouldn't have been right for him to stop her, not after everything he'd done or played with. She's reminding him of that now, recounting the circumstances of those things that 'could have been dates'.

"You held back so much because you were scared of me, geez. I thought I was the one who was supposed to be ... I dunno. I'd say pathetic but more wary? Or something? It's not wrong to look back at some of that and consider it flirting or dating, is it? I dunno. I dunno. Shit. We're categorizing dates and what isn't a date of all things. If you put like.."

Wylan lifts his hands up, in time with the descent of the elevator as they made their way from the upscale hotel.

"Uhh... Venn diagram! That's what it's called. You could put like everything we did into a date circle, or not date circle, and ... the overlap is kinda? I think some of it could be dates! The grey part is how we felt and I honestly. I think it's pretty mature of me now to look back and say I had those feelings. Ahem. Otherwise..."

A gesture of dismissal.

"Would I have chased you across Europe? Would I have abducted you from America? Would I have camped on a ski resort with you? Snuck into abandoned hospitals? I mean. I've done a lot of shenanigans with people but the things with you... all of them were..." Wylan turns his gaze to Sonia, more fond than ever after all of the reminiscing. The smile is gentle.

"...pretty cool I guess." And with that he brings her in with that arm around her waist (when'd he sneak that there?) and plants his lips firmly to her cheek, and the two make their way with... hmm... Wylan wagers there were two cars following them and that the guy with the coffee and the earpiece was total coincidence that he turned his head to the right soon as they left the hotel?

Right. That's fine. This is fun. And maybe with Sonia the shopping in the Galeries Lafayette would be fun, too? Stepping into the building, it's interior somehow even more extravagant than it's front, he's confident of this. But not sure just how that fun would come about. "Hot damn. If there was ever a cathedral to capitalism... it's not Mall of America. It's this." Maybe he's a little too distracted to consider her question properly.

Maybe he just can't decide.

"They don't sell Sketchers here, do they? I could use some more comfy sneakers."

[solavelyan]

yet more "mythal was andraste" (and related flemeth) thoughts (and a readmore to save your dashboards from my rambling)

our lady of (perpetual) victory is a name for andraste, so obviously the eluvian you find in veilguard's opener is underneath an andraste monument. and what more appropriate place for solas's hideout to be than hidden under a statue of one of mythal's lives (whether he realizes it or not)

with how much matching symbolism and how many hints there are in veilguard that mythal was andraste despite andrastianism/the chantry itself being so downplayed in this specific game, i feel almost completely comfortable saying that andraste-was-a-mythal-vessel is functionally canon -- but also that i don't think it will ever be bluntly stated in a game. it might show up in an artbook or if they do another world of thedas? maybe? but it seems that the choice was made a long time ago to never confirm the true nature of the maker/andraste in maintext and they've stuck to that. maybe that will change if they get a DA5 or they get DLC and do something whacky with it, but i wouldn't expect it at all

but also, like... i was mostly right about the evanuris/old tevinter gods situation 10 years ago and this all has the same vibes and more evidence, so

however, i don't think that solas knows that andraste had a mythal shard. i think he would have been much much much less amiable to the idea of the (distinctly andrastian) version of the maker and less generally neutral about the andraste of it all in inquisition if he knew. i'm not given to the impression that he sat down and had a long chit-chat with flemeth at any point in time; avoiding mythal seems to be his preference in the modern era, out of shame if nothing else, so i don't see flemeth really having the time with him to have gotten around to mentioning it, if we even assume it's the same piece of her

which i do, btw. i do think flemeth has the same chunk of mythal that andraste did, and i would even venture to say that flemeth is a blood relative of andraste. both of them are explicitly stated to have only ever had daughters, and andraste's biological children only had daughters themselves. it's one of those details that's kind of a fun fact if you do it once, but clearly a trend if you do it twice. i don't think mythal was hopping from one andraste descendant to the next, necessarily, but i can see her having enough of a soft spot to show up for flemeth when original recipe flemeth called out for help from the spirits

with all of this, given DAO and silent grove lore... i'm inclined to think that flemeth - who we know is capable of and willing to section off parts of herself to survive her potential death - is probably the first of mythal's vessels to decide to "follow" her. we know that morrigan remembers flemeth as young once, and that she body-hops when she gets very old, but it's also clearly still the same person in the modern era as it was in 3:00-something

morrigan in veilguard also claims flemeth's titles. so i'm inclined to believe that "flemeth" is both an actual person's name and kind of functionally a title for whatever a daughter becomes when they accept the mix of godhood and memories that gets passed down. morrigan just might be the first one to still call herself by her old name instead of adopting "flemeth" as a moniker

[letteredlettered]

To be cool, in my opinion, is to act with a high degree of confidence and almost no embarrassment about anything. This rules out Shen Qingqiu and Lan Wangji immediately. Though on first impression they may seem the epitome of cool, we are unfortunately privy to Shen Qingqiu's thoughts, and Lan Wangji is unfortunately privy to Wei Wuxian, making them anything but.

One may, by this definition, conclude that Hua Cheng is the coolest of any MXTX character, considering his levels of confidence, but in my opinion there are additional considerations in the definition of coolness that bring others into significant contention.

The first consideration relates to embracing vulnerability as a display of confidence. To love someone, one must accept a willingness not only to be hurt, but also to be made a fool; one must admit the possibility of failure. Therefore to love someone openly, without reservation, without any attempts to hide or disguise said love, displays a confidence that Hua Cheng--who cannot bear to even face his love when the depths of his feelings are revealed--utterly lacks. This excludes him from the running totally and completely, in my opinion.

In a shocking turn of events, it also puts Luo Binghe right near the top of the competition. Though many--if not most!--would disqualify Luo Binghe immediately due to his propensity to embarrass himself, my personal definition of cool is far more closely related not to what embarrasses others, but to what embarrasses one’s self—and Luo Binghe is never embarrassed.

He is a person wholly unconcerned with the judgment of others. His self-image is meaningless to him. He will go to any lengths to fully realize the deepest desires of his heart, without care for what a fool that makes him, how weak or vulnerable he may seem in others’ eyes. Few people are cool to the extent that Luo Binghe achieves—they are too worried about being cool.

However, the second consideration that I would argue be admitted into the definition of cool is that of goodness and all that goodness entails—compassion, generosity, kindness, honesty et al. Goodness is not considered cool by the general population, but it is that very exclusion from the definition of cool that in fact elevates to the absolute heights of coolness.

Defiance of convention is often considered cool. To break norms and flout popularity, to exist on the edge of the socially acceptable—such things are considered the height of cool. I argue that kindness defies convention; compassion flies in the face of social norms. To be gentle in a world the encourages us to be harsh requires such confidence and self-assurance that only the coolest are able to pull it off regularly.

In a similar vein, danger is often supposed cool. What could be more dangerous than an act of kindness? Compassion makes us more vulnerable, in some ways, than love. Through compassion, our sympathies are dictated not by someone who is precious to us, but sometimes by complete strangers. To threaten is simple; to be gentle, a feat.

Xie Lian, by being in general a nicer person than Luo Binghe--by being, in fact, the epitome of a mensch--is among the very coolest of them all. While I do not think that anyone would call Wei Wuxian kind by any stretch of the imagination, he is in fact the only competitor left against Xie Lian in terms of an absolute willingness to care about strangers more than his own well-being and reputation. While he’s fundamentally quite rude, I don’t think anyone can dispute his generosity of spirit.

Therefore, in judging between these final contestants, I think we can only return to our original criteria, that of confidence and embarrassment. I think it safe to say that while Xie Lian is possessed a remarkable and quiet self-assurance, he still experiences self-doubt and becomes embarrassed on a number of occasions. Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian’s frankly worrying capacity for remembering even significant events means that he cannot hold even his own failures in his head to doubt for long, and that which would embarrass any man not named Luo Binghe seems par for the course for the Yiling Laozu.

Therefore, by my personal definitions, there is a clear winner to this poll, one that should, in my opinion, be obvious to anyone with even a passing familiarity with these canons.

But okay. My definition of “cool” is not the standard definition. To wit, most people (for reasons unknown to me, considering my above arguments, which are by any measurement, completely airtight) do not consider kindness the epitome of cool. In fact, the definition of cool, to most people, seems directly proportional to possession of another quality, which I will call swagger.

I think it obvious that Xie Lian is by far the loser in the contest of swagger, his sad dad jokes alone capable of pinning him directly to the bottom of the list. Luo Binghe, while actually possessed of a great deal of swagger when not in love, is similarly disqualified given his propensity to dissolve into abject sobbing at the slightest suggestion that his shizun might not like him.

Both Shen Qingqiu and Lan Wangji may appear to the outward observer to have moderate swagger, but I would argue that they are both too poised and self-composed to put any real swag into genuine swagger. Furthermore as previously discussed, one gay word or a single pull of a ribbon to each of them, respectively, has such an ability to annihilate both of them that they cannot reasonably be said to possess true swagger.

This leaves Hua Cheng and Wei Wuxian in contention. Indeed, the results of this poll so far indicate that this definition of “cool” is by far preferred among the general population. However, still, I would argue that Crimson Rain Sought Flower is not at all a contender in the face of the Yiling Laozu.

Yes, the Ghost King Hua Cheng is a Supreme who defies death thrice, who digs out his own eye bare-handed and forges a sword from it, who can summon a cloud of butterflies that are actually blades that will cut you to death; the Ghost King Hua Cheng challenges gods to duels and wins; he is a god-slaying lord of ghosts, a ruler of the dead, richer than gods of the underworld and happy to gamble on souls of immortals, demons, and gods alike. These qualities amount to an almost incomparable level of swagger. Fine.

But please consider, for your evaluation, that this man pretty much trembles like a leaf when his love interest so much as touches him; he thinks he’s ugly trash; he spends all of his spare time carving statues of his beloved and writing their names together in notebooks with hearts around them; he is a very sad boy who is so unloved he actually can’t function in society like a normal person, and while pining might be considered “cool” under my personal definition, you have already excluded Luo Binghe, who literally pines so hard he makes a dead body food and talks to it. Hua Cheng pines so hard he is, in fact, pathetic—a quality antithetical and in fact fatal to swagger.

The Yiling Laozu doesn’t pine. The Yiling Laozu gets interested in a guy and non-cons him into hot sadistic sex that very night, then confesses his love very loudly during what should have been the villain’s monologue in the final act of an intense climax. The Yiling Laozu does regret the non-con but probably forgets about it like one day later because he is literally swaggering so hard regret spills out of his head like catfood from a broken automatic feeder. The Yiling Laozu cannot function in normal society either but it is literally because he is so cool that everyone is fed up with him; his own brother has a complex about it; the mastermind of the plot uses it as a plot device; Wei Wuxian dies and comes back to life because of it; he is literally too cool to live and too cool to die; no one can get rid of the Yiling Laozu because he really is just that cool; even when he stops being arrogant, everyone is arrogant about him; his brother has a breakdown over it; it's literally the plot of the whole thing.

And need I remind you, the icing on the cake, Wei Wuxian gets kicked out of the Lan Sect lectures for inventing an entirely new cultivation method that is so powerful even the common people can use it to protect themselves when powerful sects ignore them; Wei Wuxian mentions this method and gets expelled. He is literally too cool for school, case closed.

inspired by a conversation with @letteredlettered

[dungeons-and-dragon-age]

gfdkljflsd she sounds so exasperated

[gatorinator]

My favorite thing from the genconf google doc was seeing people share things they were struggling with, and then ask others for advice. It’s nice to take notes, and fun to chat, but I think when we can then take what we are learning and use it to teach, comfort, and uplift others, that’s when we actually put the gospel into action

[elisemochi]

none of the LI's in FOM really look of interest to me personally

which kind of sucks because when i saw the art of Celine(?) I was very Oh this style is so cute!!

doesn't mean anything ofc that's all based on like looks and general vibe

i could fall head over heals with one based on personality later if I played it

if i ever decide to get it