#but this...heh this is kindof fire

[severefartoholic]

sergei. sorbet

[thenexusofsouls]

yeah speaking of ships Sheva might be a better match for Raiden. I love Mantis but ain't no way Raiden is falling for someone who can mind control others, ahah

{i am the caretaker of souls} While I do think there is potential there for Raiden to be shipped with Sheva, I wouldn't rule out Mantis so quickly. Raiden is a distrustful person, especially after he loses his body and the whole A.I. debacle of MGS2, but he also falls in love with a psychologist with ethics issues, so... heh.

What I mean is, while I guess it isn't on the level of Mantis actually manipulating his mind, there are a lot of people who feel that psychologists have a lot of power to manipulate people because they understand so well how minds work. There are a lot of people who are wary of being analyzed and feel uncomfortable with the idea of someone categorizing them and figuring them out to the point of being able to actually manipulate them. So for Raiden to not only fall for a psychologist, but one who sort of abuses her position of power over him by committing the cardinal sin of trying to both date and council someone at the same time, it shows that someone having power over him or having the ability to understand/manipulate his mind isn't a dealbreaker.

Again, I know it's not on the same level as actually magically being able to influence someone's mind, but I don't think it's the ability that he would fear, it's the intent behind it. He never felt threatened by Rose because he trusted her not to hurt him based on what he knew of her in the time they'd been together. Similarly, if Raiden got to know Mantis and trusted her not to use her powers in evil ways, not to use it on him without his consent, not to make him do things he would never do, etc., then he wouldn't fear her ability because there'd be no ill intent behind it. It's kindof like saying... well Raiden would never be with someone with a gun. No, Raiden would never be with someone who would turn that gun on him and fire, there's a difference. It's not the ability or potential to hurt him that he would fear or want to avoid, but the intent and desire to do so.

I guess what it comes down to, whether it's Sheva or Mantis or any other ship with Raiden, is that trust is essential. That's hard to come by with Raiden, and it takes time, it really does. But if it's achieved, then he'd trust them not to hurt him, whether with physical weapons, magical ones, psychological manipulation, anything. So the trust is crux of what he needs to be with someone, and that's honestly why what Rose did to him with the lies she told about losing John and marrying Roy hurt Raiden so deeply, because that was a breach of trust. Her reasons for doing so were accepted by him, though (I don't know that I would have been as forgiving as him, but I recognize that he was), so it'll take time to get that trust back to where it was, but he was at least willing to try.

So yeah, getting to know someone, building trust, learning the kind of person they are, and being predictably nonthreatening to him, I think all of that can overcome whatever abilities his potential ships may have. If there's trust, there's everything, heh.

@celestialmantdonna / @pretty-isnt-pretty-enough

[tarnishedxknight]

{out of dalmasca} So... I'm here, I'm just having trouble getting in the mood to write. Explanation below the cut for those who would like to know. The upshot is, I kindof got blindsided by some work stuff and it derailed my brain for the day. But I'll keep trying to get some things done tonight and I hope to be on tomorrow night as well, if I can get my brain to stop doing the whole anxiety thing, heh.

My boss today informed me that the 5 1/2 week break from work I thought I was going to have (and really needed) is now going to be spent completely overhauling the class. The sheer amount of work that this is going to generate is... a lot for me right now, with everything else I have going on. It was so unexpected and I'm just trying to process it still. It kindof derailed my creativity for the day.

I don't want to get into it in too much detail, but it could involve some things that will be challenging for me with my mental health, embarrassing socially, and it may even ultimately cost me my job, depending on what he wants to do. For example, he might want me to record video lectures, and I have a rather embarrassing and weird phobia about being on camera. It gives me panic attacks. If he tells me I have to do that, I will have to say no, and then I'll get fired. So... yeah, I've been pretty bummed all day, and I'm kindof freaking out. Best case scenario, I have so much work to do now. Worst case, I'm about to become unemployed. To just get hit with this so unexpectedly was... not anything I saw coming.

I'll also be working on all this not only through my break, but through next semester (we're running the course as normal for the spring) while running three sections of the class (about 135 students). So depending on just how much extra work all of this is with writing new assignments and exams, making new PowerPoint slides, meeting with book publishing reps, and reviewing potential new textbook candidates, I may need to scale back my activity on this site for the foreseeable future. I won't know until we all meet after the new year, but... yeah, I went from being very relaxed and on a break to... potentially now I might lose my job or have an insane amount of work to do over the next six months or so if I don't.

My anxiety is loving this, as you can imagine, so I'm just kindof trying to distract myself to calm down so I can write. A lot might not be happening tonight, and that's a shame since I really have so much here I want to do and I had so much muse, but I'll try again tomorrow night. For now, I'm going to make myself some hot chocolate and see if I can work on some small asks and things.

[gear-project]

. . .

Having finally gotten my hands on Happy Chaos, here are my thoughts:

Playing "as" him makes me feel like I'm the type of guy who HATES fighting games and just would rather be doing something else (that is not TRUE in any sense, but my playing style with him makes me look like I'm the laziest player in the world.... it's hilarious actually).

He has a hard time "transitioning" out of At the Ready stance, so it takes a bit to get used to manually putting the gun away so you can safely block. Also I can't aim for crud with him, even with Concentration.... but I think that's the point of this character!

He's got some serious physical comedy going on, and his win pose has different results (as does Scapegoat)... it had me bust out laughing.

Deus EX Machina is an "Anti-Nagoriyuki" tool, so take full advantage of it. Heh heh heh. I found myself using it on the boss in arcade mode many times... Just be careful not to be in "sword range" when you use it since you can still be hit while firing after startup.

He has some good fundamental normals and surprising range for his limbs, so I wouldn't underestimate him... he's also more fun to fight against in up-close scraps, since he can lay on the pressure with his bullets and curse if he needs to.

Oh... and I have a *lot* to say about his Arcade Story Episode in the near future... he revealed a lot of stuff I kindof already suspected was true... but to hear it explained plainly from word of mouth was incredible.

This guy knows a lot, but I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him.

He's like the antithesis of Ky.... no skill, no motivation, just... random... whatever, and yeah.... and he DOES pull that off with gusto.

Expect a play video in the near future.

[giggly-squiggily]

so happy to see you back, and those headcanons for kabu were precious! dunno if this is too muck to ask, but can i request a kabu and reader fic? (doesnt have to be x reader but,,i love him) ive just been a bit of an emotional slump, and those headcanons and your writing have helped me pick myself back up when i was kindof sad before

Hi anon! I hope you are doing okay! I’m sending you good vibes and lots of virtual hugs! Don’t worry- it is never too much to ask for Kabu content! I was looking for a reason to keep writing for him! I hope you like the fic!

When you entered Kabu’s gym, shoulders slumped and heart heavy, you found Kabu kneeling in the middle of the gym, eyes closed in meditation. He was a picture of peacefulness, and for the briefest of moments, you hesitated, not wanting to disturb him. However, he turned to look at you over his shoulder, grey eyes kind. “Oh, (Y/N). Come in.”

With your hesitation dissipated, you tried to smile, though the expression felt forced. You quickly ducked your head as you took off your shoes, hoping to hide your expression. As you walked towards the fire gym leader, Kabu’s grey eyes followed you, growing more concerned as you kneeled beside him, mimicking his meditative pose. “Are you alright, (Y/N)?”

You turned to Kabu once more, ready to plaster a smile on your face once more. “Oh, I’m…” Seeing Kabu’s stern expression, you felt the lie die from your lips. There was no getting around Kabu. “I’m...not okay.” You bowed your head, looking at your hands as you looked for the words. “As of late I’ve just felt so...blue. I don’t really know how to describe it, but I just can’t seem to find the energy to smile lately.”

After a beat of silence, you heard the sound of Kabu scooting closer to you on the mat, before a comforting hand was placed on your shoulder, gently pulling you against his chest. You felt yourself smile at Kabu’s kind gesture, returning the hug. “Thanks Kabu-AH!” You let out a squeak when the fire gym leader’s fingers pressed quickly into your ribs. “K-Kabu?” You asked, peering up at his kind smile. “Sorry, (Y/N). You’re slouching. We can’t let that happen.” More fingers gently pressed into your ribs, earning the softest, sweetest giggles from your lips.

 “Heehehehheehhehehhe! K-Kahahhabuhuhuhu!” You laughed, trying to wiggle away from his tickly fingers. This proved useless, as Kabu had trapped you in the devious tickle hug.“Heh, listen to that! You look happier already!” The fire leader teased gently, a warm smile spreading over his lips as he scratched his fingers along your sides. “You know, Nessa and Milo would grow glum from time to time. This always does the trick.” His hand quickly reached up and gave your armpit a friendly prod, making you squeal. 

“KAHAHHAHAHAHAHBUHUHUHU! PLEHEHEHHEHEHEASE!” You laughed, tears of mirth pricking your eyes. Kabu laughed softly before finally easing his tickles, opting for soothing circles on your back as you caught your breath, residue giggles escaping your lips. “Are you okay, (Y/N)?”

You nodded, your laughter quieting down as you caught your breath. Kabu patted your back gently, a thoughtful look passing over his face. “(Y/N), I might not know what’s making you so blue, and you don’t have to share the details if you don’t want to. I want you to know that you are a strong, wonderful person, and you are enough.” Kabu gave you a gentle squeeze, a warm, reassuring smile on his kind face. “You’ll get through this. I know you can. If you ever need someone to talk to, or even just a hug, you’re always welcome to come by.”

You looked up at Kabu, taking in the kind words he spoke to you. After a moment, you reached out and wrapped your arms around Kabu once more, squeezing him as tightly as you could. “Thanks Kabu...I appreciate it.” The fire gym leader smiled and returned the hug, happy to help.

“Anytime, (Y/N).”

I hope you like it! I hope you have an amazing day!

[perksofbeingawaifu]

13,14,18?

13. what’s your favorite memory?

um...heh. my very favorite one is kindof a sexy one so...prolly not what you wanted but IMA TELL YOU FUCKERS ANYWAY. 

i had this awful teacher who made my sophomore year of hs hell, but that’s okay because that’s where i met my very sexy husband. at the end of the school year, we had a bonfire, just the two of us. we ripped up our notebooks and all of our tests and essays and threw heaps and heaps of it into the fire with a “fuck you shelob!” (that’s what we called this teacher). cathartic! then we made smores. And then because our hands were all sticky from the smores we decided to go out onto the docks. and then we decided to go in the water. there was a fat full moon and it was the only lighting on heavy dark night. and it was just the two of us in the water, holding each other and touching skin and kissing. ooer. i i felt like a water goddess bathed in moonlight. and i can still smell the early summer taste of lakewater. the sound of peepers. i remember the little painted turtles making their way to the lake, moving them off the road so they wouldn’t be crushed. the way our laughs echoed and bounced around on the water. 

wonderful. 

14. What’s your favorite book?

>.> i could try and be pretentious and come up with an adult book but it’s always going to be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

18. Movies or Books?

i wanna say movies because i love them so so so SO much, but without books there would be no good movies. so. books!