#except I ! I don't even know for sure what all of these are and I'm not NECESSARILY /any/ of them at all and

[blueivyy99]

Calm and Serenity (Part 3)

Sylus x Non!MC

summary: you didn't know what sylus saw in you. he said you were calm, quiet and serene and that's what he needs. you believed it. he showed it. not until little miss hunter came. she's everything you're not. news that she's in danger can make the ever so calm sylus to run and leave everything behind. it made you think, would he do that for you as well?

tags: angst, romance, hurt and comfort, confused sylus, non-mc reader (this is it for now)

taglist: @fcknblsht @aboobie @nin10doo @ixloom819 @damatically @sylusgirlie7 @stellisangelicus-world @kira-loves0905 @wanderlustingcastaway @browneyedgirl22 @lumieresdreams

notes: thank you for the love in the last chapter 😭😭😭 I WAS SO OVERWHELMED OMG though I can't reply one by one, i read them all and thoroughly enjoyed and basked in them ❤️ hope you enjoy this.

Series Masterlist

Sweet Evil Trap

Pepper walnut tart, rosemary gelato, pomegranate jelly, red wine marshmallow, and 10.5 grams of soul.

Description:

I'm waiting for you

You're pathetic.

That's what you tell yourself as your hands tremble at Elysium's menu. The one that is always unavailable whenever you go there and rumors say that it was never available at all.

Now you understand why.

After reading everything in Sylus's journal, you started investigating the things that don't make sense to you. You already know that they spent past lives together and their souls are tied with each other. Everything makes sense except this one.

There was no context about Sweet Evil Trap in his notebook but your memory took you back to countless night outs here in Elysium to recall the name of this dessert.

10.5 grams of soul.

You chuckled bitterly. Half of his soul is hers. Always for her. In every goddamn lifetime.

Where were you in this narrative? What piece of him do you have? Certainly not his heart if there are still traces of Miss Hunter in every corner of N109 Zone.

I'm waiting for you.

Yeah right. He's been waiting for years, lifetime even. So what were you doing here? What's your role in this?

A past time?

Someone to warm his bed?

Did he truly love you in the span of your relationship? You tried to keep your tears at bay, but they fell one after the other.

You and Miss Hunter are entirely different. She's fun, bright, and full of sunshine. She can even hold herself in a fight.

You?

You're just you. A jack of all trades. Can do everything but not the best at anything. You can fight, but surely after two or three wanderers you're gone. You're funny at best, but even that you're not that sure because she can make Sylus laugh more than you did.

In short, she's everything you're not. She's everything Sylus wanted and it really really pisses you off because you fucking loved him and yet …

yet …

Even if you gave it your all, he doesn't really see you. He's with you but he's yearning for someone else. And you're so so stupid because you're still staying. You're still hoping that even if she has returned, Sylus will see your worth. That he will change his mind.

That maybe he will choose you.

Maybe he realized you're the one he loved, not her. That maybe, he's willing to defy fate just to be with you.

It was a small hope. But it's there. Because you wanted to hold on for as long as you can. You wanted to love him until it hurts. You want to stay for as long as he doesn't let you go.

And even if you will scold yourself in the future when you remember what you're doing now, you will still try.

You can feel that he sensed that something is off with you; he is perceptive after all. Because after that night, no matter how much you try to hold yourself together, the cracks in your soul still manifest.

If it were before, you're sure that as soon as he woke up you will be all over him taking care of him and making sure that he is well-fed. But after that incident, you just can't seem to stay close to him. Not for now, at least because you're sure that you will just cry and break.

“What's wrong Little fox?" He asked you one night. You tried to avoid him and planned to hide in the guest room and sleep there, but he looked for you and now he's right there looking at your soul.

“Nothing." You avoided eye contact. You can't. It physically hurts whenever you and he meet gazes. It's as if your mind kept replaying all the things you read in his journal.

He reached out for your hand but you flinched and avoided his touch. His hand paused midair because of it. You don't know what he's thinking now. You don't want to know. You're afraid that what you'll see is insincerity.

“Tell me, sweetie. What's wrong? What happened? You're worrying me," he persisted.

"It's nothing, Sylus. I'm gonna head to bed later. You go ahead first and rest." you turned your back at him and pretended to do something.

You wanted to ask him. You wanted to know.

But you're afraid.

Because what if he tells you the truth and leaves you? Can you bear that?

No. Not yet. Never.

So you kept silent. You won't ask questions that you're not ready to face the answers of.

“My sweet little fox, tell me anything and I will listen. I will do anything for you. Just ask." He kissed your temple before leaving.

His words are so sweet but is there really anything behind it? Is there love? Is there anything real with what you two have?

You kept avoiding and hiding from him. He got enough after two weeks. He backed you in a corner, his large frame making it hard for you to escape.

“Something is definitely wrong and I don't know what it is. It's killing me to see you like this, darling. If you're not gonna talk, then let me take your mind off of things. Go out to dinner with me." He held your chin to make you look at him.

You're trying to avoid his gaze. The fear is consuming you at every second that he is staring you down. Your insecurity and jealousy is winning and your mind can't process that this is real and that this is for you.

“Sy—"

“Shhh," he gave you a quick peck to shut you up. “It's not a request. That's an order. Dinner later. I miss my little fox,"

And thus, here you are at Elysium waiting for him with tears in your eyes. You decided to go ahead. You're sure you can't bear the car ride alone with him and even if he won't press you to open up, you can sense that he wants you to.

Your phone blows up. It's surely him inquiring why you went without him. You can't find it in yourself to even read his messages. It's all too much. Everything is too much.

10.5 grams of soul.

Those words kept ringing in your head. Half of his soul. Half that is not yours. You wiped your tears. You need to calm down. He might be here in a few minutes. You need to at least look presentable.

“Sweetie, why did you leave me?" You heard his voice from your back before his lips were on your cheeks already. “I want to spend some time with you during dinner, yes, but also before and after it."

“Sorry," that's all you can say afraid that he might hear the hoarseness of your voice.

He sighed, “Fine, but you're going home with me."

You didn't reply and he took that as a cue to get your orders ready. The food is good but every bite you chew, you can sense his eyes on you.

“I will melt if you keep staring at me,” you commented. He just smirked.

"Let me enjoy the view.”

You just shook your head. You can't form a reply because the fear and insecurity is kicking in again.

The two of you are silent for a while until Sylus's phone rang. You looked at him, really looked at him for the first time tonight.

There's that glint in his eyes again so you immediately knew who it was.

Miss Hunter.

Your suspicions are proven right when he answered the call. “Hello, Miss Hunter, what can I do for you?"

You bit your lip. You were expecting it but damn it hurts. Not even an apology towards you for interrupting your dinner by answering that call.

"What!? Where are you!?”

Your heart breaks every second. There he is again. Choosing her. That's for sure. You know what will happen next. He will leave, say sorry, and run to her side.

"I'm coming, wait for me! Don't you dare move a muscle.” he ended the call in a haste he was getting ready to leave if he didn't see you across the table.

“Darling, I-I need to leave, she needs me. She's in danger. I will make it up to you, I promise. I'm so sorry,”

But no amount of “sorry" can make up for everything that you're feeling now. Of course, he will go to her. He will always run to her.

His 10.5 grams of soul.

You sighed. You have made up your mind. You will free both of you from the burden of this relationship.

You stood, pulled him for a hug. You hugged him as tightly as you can. “Go, Sylus. I'll be fine."

He hugged you back, and oh god how you will miss that warmth. You can feel your breath getting caught in your lungs, but you have to hold back. Until he turns around at least.

“I'll make it up to you, darling. Wait for me okay? I love you. Luke and Kieran will be here in fifteen minutes. Wait for them. Don't go home alone." That's the last thing you heard from him before he stormed out.

You finally let your tears fall.

It's enough. You had enough.

You will leave his life calmly, quietly. You moved and walked away fast hoping Luke and Kieran won't see you on the streets of N109 Zone.

Part 4

comments and reaction are welcomeee 🤤

[jean47mclean]

I don't think it's niche by any means but I've ALWAYS wanted to write a Marching Band AU because man I suffered too much for 4 years to not make my comfort characters suffer either.

Been thinking about it here and there but I was in Color Guard so I'm not as familiar with their instruments lol

I would say for JJK though I've thought quite a lot about it. And yes I know this is an American thing but whatever.

Really wanna make Shoko, Gojo, Geto, Utahime, Haibara, and Nanami the seniors to the other student's sophomores + freshman. I'm thinking Yaga as band director

As for where they'd all go...

From what I know about band kids *cough* the rest of my family *cough* I'll try my best

Gojo: trumpet. I've heard all trumpets have HUGE egos. Any more to explain for that?

Shoko: percussion. They're all chill. Kinda knew everyone but also kept to theirselves a lot. If I didn't make her a student she'd for sure be one of the med tent people (shout out to the med tent people they literally keep the band afloat)

Geto: oboe. This one's a little harder for me to explain, but canonically he's just as exceptional and skilled as Gojo but more overlooked just because Gojo has two super special techniques. To be an oboe player, you have to be pretty dedicated to your instrument and good at it. The same isn't said for trumpet but I think Gojo also plays Oboe in class, just prefers trumpet while marching

Utahime: tuba. My sister actually plays tuba, and they're very important to the band. They're often very overlooked, but their written parts are integral to the overall music. Also according to my sister the tubas and trumpets have some beef so... yeah

Haibara: clarinet. Almost every single clarinet player I know is extremely friendly, talkative, and outgoing. It's not a necessarily hard instrument and it's often one of the most popular, but they're very social people. I think he'd be a great section leader :')

Nanami: trombone. Many of the trombone players I've met are very level headed people. They know what they want out of life and keep to themselves for the most part. I have personal beef with them but we aren't gonna get into that. Otherwise it just felt like the one that fit the most for someone as collected as him

Kusakabe: I'm actually gonna go an interesting path here so stay with me. We're gonna make him one year older and have him coach the Color Guard. As a CG graduate my section was pretty self-reliant, we didn't really need our coach that much. As soon as we had our choreography it was pretty much up to the captains to organize and lead sectionals, and I think Kusukabe's lazy bum would be more than cool with that. He'd be killer with the rifle and saber tossing, probably made it to nationals or something if he competed

(Side note but Mei Mei shouldn't be allowed in Marching Band for obvious reasons)

Megumi: flue. There's two types of flutes, and Megumi falls into the first category. He's pretty quiet and reserved, but insanely talented. Pretty reflective in nature and seems to know everyone more by coincidence than by choice. Level headed, precise, and only steps in when necessary

Yuuji: bass drum. Drumlime is super team reliant, everyone needs to know their part and they have a LOT of extra hours poured into their section, but it's very rewarding to them. They're obviously some, if not, the most important people to the band in general. I think he'd be too confused with the tenor drums (cuz there's like 5 or 6 of them) and the snare just seems to tiny for him. I think he'd like that it kinda feels and sounds like a heartbeat

Nobara: saxophone. My dad's main instrument is saxophone and oh boy. I can't really imagine my girl playing anything else. They're slightly self-absorbed and are extremely argumentative people, but they sound really good if played well

Kirara: majorette. It's a time-comitment for SURE, and even though they come off as kinda pompous people it's just because they HAVE to know what they're doing and being aware of each other. I've also kinda related their batons to twinkling stars if thrown high and fast enough, which is really cool. I've also found that the majorettes often felt like they had really strict rules that sucked and I dunno. Felt very Kirara coded lol

Hakari: trombone. I'm combining the two opposing trombone personalities I've interacted with. Some other trombone players I knew were self-absorbed, a little too horny, brash, and typically uninterested. They had their silver linings, but all in all not the type of people you'd really wanna befriend

Yuuta: mellophone. Purely because french horn is his main in class instrument and you have to be incredibly talented to sound good on the french horn. Mellophone/french horn players are often friendly but reserved. Nice to everyone but has a close knit friendgroup. Also apparently french horns often get very "melancholic tunes" in music

Toge: clarinet. Lots of clarinet players are jokesters, class clowns, memers, etc. I feel like the sections would learn JSL just for him and eventually almost the entire MB does just because like. Yeah clarinets have one of the two hugest sections of the entire MB and they're pretty peaceful people

Maki: color guard! Mostly because I relate her use in weapons instead of techniques as similar to the use of flags, rifles, and sabers instead of instruments. She'd 100% switch between rifle and saber, and would despise using the flags. Less personality based with this one, but you can't tell me she wouldn't itch to throw a saber or rifle instead of playing an instrument

Panda (yes I'm including him): snare drum. We're going with mostly the comedy of this huge tall guy, like 6'4 or 6'5 guy playing the tiny drum of all things. People are constantly wondering why he doesn't play bass and he plays snare purely because it's funny and he has a good time in drumeline

Todo: tenor drums. You need to be soooooooo friggin talented to play these drums man AND very fast. I swear I can't even see the stick moving sometimes when they play. Takes a lot of self control, knowing the beat, and being firm in what you do to play well. I think these suit Todo extremely well

Momo: piccolo. ugh I feel like she'd play piccolo because wind instrument and flying lol. But also I knew quite a few stuck up and rude piccolo players so yeah

Mai: color guard but flags and rifles. She's always so upset that Maki is better than her at rifle even though she's been practicing it for longer than Maki has. She doesn't touch sabers though the balance just feels too off, and since Maki doesn't like flags Mai is great knowing she's good at something Maki isn't

Miwa: color guard. I feel like this kinda goes without saying, but between the saber, Kusakabe being the coach, and giving most sword users a position in CG, it just fits too well. This one however is more based on personality, because everyone in my section was very kind and respectful to each other. She'd probably also do flags but she could totally do saber as well and be pretty good at it

Kokichi: tuba. It's a pretty hefty instrument, they're seriously no joke. Be a cool contrast to how in this universe he can play the heaviest instrument compared to his crippled body in the JJKverse. This is also the time whereI should mention that Utahime and Kokichi are kinda similar in terms of personality and I feel like they get along well

Tsumiki (guess you weren't expecting her): clarinet. Just read previous clarinet personality descriptions and I think you'd get why I put her here

Okay it's 3 am and I'm tired. Might make a part 2 of this or something later but hopefully someone out there enjoyed reading this. Would Be very interested to hear opinions and other instrument choices 👀 talk marching band to me lol

if you have a niche sport/job/hobby it’s your sacred duty to make the most specific incomprehensible AUs with the characters you like. no more coffeeshop aus no more college aus you have to put those guys in a microbial lab. your fave is a high school english teacher. that show is about bowling now sorry. THIS IS MANDATORY!!!

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Hello! deeply enjoy your writing and portrayal of characters! We've had sick reader but if you feel up to it may I ask for reader looking after sick shadow milk cookie? I don't know if he could get sick as easily, but there's also a possibility that he's pretending bc he wants to be doted on and doesn't know how to ask for attention directly lol, whichever way you want to take the scenario! Tysm!

Thank you! I'll make this a reverse fic of that one I wrote (where Smilk gets the "spice sickness" instead but Reader's got not clue if he's actually ill or making it up)

.............

"Oooohhhh...the paaaaiiin. This may be my final hour, my dearest. The curtain calls! Tell Candy Apple Cookie and Black Sapphire Cookie they were the best minions anyone..could ask for....."

"...Shadow Milk Cookie, c'mon. You're not dying." You shake your head, amused by the antics your partner currently displayed as he laid in bed, snuggled beneath a handful of blankets. Even without all his ruffles and usual jester outfit on, he felt unusually warm--like he'd melt at any moment.

Somehow he contracted an illness from the storm that was raging over the Land of Spice, having a coughing fit nonstop ever since you two returned to the spire. Rumor Weaver caught wind of his condition and was gossiping about it to the other inhabitants, suspecting that Burning Spice Cookie had given it to him on purpose after they had a disagreement.

Of course, he allowed her to believe what she wanted, as right now he felt too "sick" to do anything else except wallow in bed and have you tend to his every need.

You were almost certain that this was his way of obtaining your affections and attention. He's too prideful to ask you for a simple kiss like a normal cookie would.

It was hard to know which parts of this he was faking, although judging from his watery eyes, specs of spice flakes in his blue dough, and sniffles..there was some truth to his ailment. And the fact that he was willing to trust you enough to be seen like this indicated how serious it was.

"Eat some of this." Picking up a bowl of cool lassi--which a Kulfi child had given you before your departure--you stirred it around a little bit. "It'll soothe your aching throat."

You offered him the spoon, but he just looked at you in disgust. "You don't think I can feed myself?"

"....well, if you insist on-"

"I'm kidding." With a small grunt, he sat up and waited, his cheeks appearing a bit flushed. You couldn't tell if it they were reflections of his sickness or emotions, although he didn't say anything more.

"Very well." You chuckled, spoonfeeding the creamy yogurt to him, tilting his chin up. "You know...I'm starting to think you enjoy this."

"Heh...feel like I'm tormenting you yet? Forcing you to tend to my every need?" He quietly rasped. "You don't seem all that concerned that I might just be faking 99 percent of this."

"Sure, maybe. But I'm just focused on the one percent chance that you possibly aren't."

He remained unusually quiet after that, even as you helped him finish the remaining lassi. His throat did feel a lot less scratchy, but he decided to lay back down, already feeling exhaustion catching up to him.

As his hair spilled all over the pillow, many blue eyes blinked up at you, half-lidded just like his actual eyes were.

You hummed and set the bowl back on the nightstand, taking this as your cue to get up and leave him be-

When suddenly he grabbed your wrist and pulled you down onto the bed beside him. Before you could even ask what on earthbread he was doing, he had his arms wrapped around you tightly, keeping you trapped in his hold as he cuddled into your chest.

"Who said you could leave?"

"I-I..uh..." You were a bit flustered. "I figured you wanted to rest"

"Yeah, but...I just...I don't wanna be alone. Please stay.." He quietly expressed, sounding a little sad and worried that you were going to try to leave him anyways.

Maybe he was actually delirious from the spice sickness, and his true feelings were finally being laid bare in front of you. But you decided not to question it and instead smiled.

"Oh, Shadow Milk Cookie. You could have just asked." You chuckled softly, hugging him closely as you rested your chin on top of his head. "I'll stay as long as you want me to. But if this gets me sick, I'm blaming you, alright?"

"......."

"Dearest?"

His lack of response indicated that he had quickly fallen asleep, which surprised you considering how often he was on-guard, or touted that he never needed sleep.

Then again, you didn't wanna question anything and spoil this rare moment of intimacy. So you just kept watch over him until sleep eventually came for you, too.

Even if you also contracted the spice sickness because of this, it was well worth it.

[rafeysafterglow]

mad woman

pairing: rafe cameron x f!reader summary: your boyfriend, rafe, doesn't believe you when you say something bad has happened to you cw: angst on angst on angst, sexual assault, victim blaming, toxic rafe, drugs, rafe calling reader “bitch”, sort of dark, topper being awful (as always) a/n: i was listening to the cassandra x mad woman x i did something bad surprise song and this idea popped into my head

your feet were aching, your head was pounding, and your patience was wearing thin. your boyfriend, rafe, was snorting coke as if it's his last day on earth, while surrounded by desperate women hanging on to his every word. at this point, you were used to it. you wanted to leave this stupid party because you didn't even want to be here in the first place; rafe forced you to. you didn't understand why when all he does is ignore you all night.

you were in the kitchen, across the room from rafe, when topper approached you. he was obviously very drunk as he slurred, “heyyyy you seem a little lonely here.” he grabbed your arm. “rafe seems a little busy, why don't you come upstairs with me?”

you couldn't keep the disgust off your face. “don't fucking touch me, topper,” you snatched your arm back. that was the moment you decided to leave.

“oh don't be such a fucking prude. rafe wouldn't mind, he won't even know. i bet he doesn't know how to treat you like i could,” he said. he followed you as you walked out of the house and into the front yard.

“leave me alone topper, i'm not in the fucking mood!” you screamed in his face. but before you could blink, he pushed your back against the house. his hand immediately covered your mouth and his hands held yours tightly above your head. you thrashed against him but it's no use. his hand slowly went down your body, caressing it, and he unzipped your jean shorts.

none of the drunk partygoers could help you. rafe wouldn't even hear you. but you're not giving up just yet. you raised your knee and hit him right in his crotch. he immediately let go of you and you took this opportunity to bolt. you ran as you could hear his groans of pain.

—

the next day, you woke on your bed with a hazy mind. you weren't even sure if what you thought happened, happened. but the bruises on your wrists confirmed it. you knew you had to tell rafe. and you knew exactly where he would be.

the house looked exactly like how it looked last night, except it's void of people. you prepared yourself as you walked through the front door. thankfully, topper was nowhere to be found.

rafe was sleeping exactly where you thought he would be. the same couch he was on last night as he was coked out of his mind. you marched towards him and slapped his shoulder harshly. he woke up with a jolt. “the fuck? what the fuck do you want?” he sneered.

“rafe, i have something to tell you,” you took a deep breath “last night, topper... he.. touched me when i told him not to. i promise, i would never cheat on you. i said no and he just kept on going.” you nervously rambled.

rafe, clearly still not fully awake, stared at you. “please, topper would never. even if he did, i bet you did something to tempt him. you've been acting like a such attention seeker lately, so i wouldn't be surprised.”

you were shocked, your mouth agape. you couldn't believe your boyfriend doesn't believe you.

“look! i even have the bruises to prove it!” you showed him your wrists. he didn't even look long enough before he scoffed.

“that's probably fake.. just makeup. look, i knew you were a desperate bitch but i didn't know you would take it this far. we're done. you're crazy.” he shooed you away.

crazy? he had the audacity to call you crazy? still in shock, you slowly turned away and stormed out of the house. your mind is already running with scenarios of how to get back at him. he called you crazy, you're gonna show him crazy.

—

you shook the spray cans and sprayed rafe's bike with it. you already punctured his tires. you sprayed aimlessly, only wanting to cover his whole bike so it would take forever to clean. you knew how much he cared about this thing, even more than he ever cared for you.

after you completed your masterpiece, you pushed it into the river. it took some strength, but your anger overpowered it. you watched as it sinked.

you also found his secret stash of coke and threw it. that was the second most important thing to him. you wanted to make him regret ever doubting you.

all of a sudden, the tears started spilling out of you. all the fury, fear, and hurt you pushed inside started to come out. how could he do this to you? you stood, next to the river, hugging yourself as you sobbed.

you didn't even hear the footsteps behind you. it was topper. when he was close enough, you turned around, startled. you didn't even know what to do. his face, very obvious with regret. “look, hey, i'm glad i ran into you. i just wanted to apologize for... last night. i was drunk. i didn't know what i was doing.”

you shook your head. you were never gonna forgive him. “no,” you whispered, unable to look him in the eye.

his whole demeanor changed. “no? the fuck you mean ‘no’? look, i come here to apologize, and you're just brushing me off!?”

“you assaulted me, topper!” you screamed as you shoved your finger in his face. “i'm gonna report you.”

“oh yeah? good luck having them believe you. you know who my family is right?” he remarked.

he was right. they were never gonna believe you. not even rafe did.

“hey! the fuck is going on here!?” speak of the devil. here comes rafe. “is anyone gonna explain what THE FUCK is going on here!?” his voice echoed as he made his way to you two.

“rafe! look, i promise i wasn't lying. topper just came here to apologize for last night,” you explained.

“oh yeah? is that right, topper?” rafe crossed his arms as he questioned topper.

topper, silent, stared at you before replying, “no, i don't know what this chick is talking about. i was just trying to start a friendly conversation with her and then she just started blaming me for something i didn't do! she's crazy, man.”

you shouldn't be surprised. you didn't think your heart could break more.

rafe chuckled, “fuckin' knew it.”

there was no use explaining it to them. you forced your legs to walk away. one way or another, karma is gonna get them both.

from behind you, you heard rafe ask, “can't believe i dated her. hey man, you seen my bike?”

[eeriepromis]

Caleb Drama & Hypocrisy

[I originally posted this on the official subreddit but I'm not sure if it will get approved by the mods there. The servers are currently down too. - UPDATE: It did not. Flagged as hostile and uncivil instead which it is NOT.]

I want to have a civil, constructive conversation about something that’s been bothering me and many others in the community: There’s been a lot of hate directed at Caleb & Caleb girlies (even before his official release) and it’s only getting worse now that his limited Myth is coming out. This isn’t about “not liking a character.” Everyone is entitled to that. This is about the ongoing hostility, mod bias (not reddit, if you know you know), and the double standards we’re seeing everywhere.

People are saying Caleb “stole” Sylus' wings theme or question why he already has a kiss in his myth. That’s … not how any of this works. The writers and artists literally work on all the characters. There is no such thing as one character “stealing” a theme from another. That’s like arguing over who’s allowed to wear capes in a fantasy setting.

Saying his myth kiss happened “so early” compared to the other LI's ignores the fact that Caleb and MC have a long-established relationship, unlike others who were strangers. (except Zayne who also had a kiss) Of course their development may look different. I'm not even able to enjoy that kiss since it's full of pain and despair - right before both of them literally seem to explode.

Caleb fans had to wait over a year, watching everyone else get content, CGs, story chapters, and celebrations - and yet we’re the ones being called entitled?

The hypocrisy is wild. People say “you have to watch Sylus’ Myth to understand him” (his actions) - And I agree! Sylus has a complex story. He made MC shoot him in the chest, brought her to an EVER scientist because he couldn’t resonate with her, wanted him to experiment on her which could have mutilated her Evol, and still - we are told to give him grace because his Myth explains it. And it does! He’s layered and ultimately loves MC deeply.

But you know what?

So is Caleb.

Caleb isn’t some manipulative monster. [here and here's why] He’s a character who went through trauma, experimentation, isolation, (in his CURRENT life) and still chose to sacrifice himself to survive and protect MC [db4sylus explained it here] - and even fights against a command to kill MC in the new Myth. His Myth and main story arcs are full of nuance - but most people stopped watching at his Main Story and judge him from there. How is that fair? (remember that without context it would be so easy to accuse Rafayel as a seriel k*iller, Xavier as a cheater, Zayne as rude and Sylus as a cruel kidnapper)

The same thing happens with Xavier, who gets called “boring” or “plain” - when in reality, he's anything but boring or plain - and ready to make morally gray decisions and be ruthless. [Has the Light Vanished?] (also let's not forget his *intense* freakiness. It's always the quiet ones guys)

Or Zayne, who’s called robotic, vanilla and cold, even though his Myth is (also) one of the most heartbreaking love stories in the game and used to be happy and warm - but something broke and cursed him. [Snowfall Embrace] - [Fractal Library Analysis] (whispers brat tamer)

Or Rafayel, constantly reduced to “bratty” or “dramatic,” when outside of MC he’s deeply guarded, serious, and vengeful. He’s only vulnerable with her. [Rafayel suffered a lot.] (so poetic, so incredibly deep, thoughtful and introspective.)

Sylus also is misinterpreted all the time even by his own fans as some ultra toxic red flag (I've seen some disturbing fanfics) Because there are those people who actually are into psychos and that kinda fantasies. [kiti_kiwi explained him beautifully] He is actually such a hopeless romantic and softie for MC - so very open for all her whims. (cough brat enabler cough)

Having those fantasies is alright, don't want to shame you (I don't really care tbh) - but some truly think those are canon to the characters; and that's where the issues lie.

If you’re going to hold one LI to a standard of deeper context, that should apply to all of them.

Every single love interest in this game has a duality. That’s literally the point. They are written to be flawed, complicated, and deeply in love with MC. They would never truly harm her. Everything they do - no matter how misguided (and there are truly worse fictional characters in other media) - is to protect her. That’s what they live for. (true giga simps my babies are *nods*)

So why is this fandom so divided and hostile all the time?

I love all the LIs. I started playing this game for the lore and story, not the romance. (it is my first otome and I am demi so there's that) But what I’m seeing right now (people refusing to engage with canon content, inventing toxic headcanons, and spreading hate from surface-level takes) isn’t criticism. It’s misinformation and targeted bullying that are also misleading new players.

You don’t have to like Caleb. You don’t have to main him. But please stop punishing the people who do. We waited over a year for him. And we deserve to enjoy him in peace. If you don't like others spreading misconceptions about your LI - then don't do it yourself to other LI's.

I also think some people in this fandom seriously underestimate how much Caleb girlies are actually going through - and how much hate, judgment, and bias we face daily across multiple platforms. Not just mild disagreements - I'm talking about accusations that are deeply personal and honestly crossing the line.

We’ve been called in*est apologists.

We’ve been told we love “red flags” and psychos (it's okay if you DO, but not if you are accused of it because of misconceptions)

and there must be something seriously wrong with us.

We’ve been mocked, ridiculed, tone-policed, and banned in places where every other LI Main has been allowed to thrive. It’s not just tiring - it’s isolating. (To be clear: I'm not talking about this subreddit!)

And yet - despite all of that? The Caleb channel in the Discord became a safe haven. More like a lads-general that accepts and understands Caleb but is also so very open to gush over every LI with open arms and every girlie. I’ve met Caleb fans (even Mains of other LI) who love him for wildly different reasons. Some are drawn to his protectiveness. A lot of us are the eldest daughters, so they like to be the ones to be cared for for once (to be free of all the responsibilities and expectations of others) and Caleb is so very good at caring. Some adore his teasing and flirty softness. (his VA makes it all sound SO authentic!) Some love his character design and uniform. Some see themselves. (the Millennial vibe, the responsibility, the yearning for freedom) And his cooking is always yearned for!

I'm also one of those who were worried about his portrayal in the new Main Story Arc at his release. That part was suffocating. It was hard to watch and play through. I'm not into yanderes or psychos at all. I didn’t enjoy it. It wasn’t what I wanted for him at all. (I'm also not into his Colonel uniform, sorry my fellow pipsqueaks xD but I know he hates it too.) At least Sylus had the twins as comedic relief *cries internally* And guess what? That’s okay.

What mattered was that I kept reading. I followed his entire arc - his Myth, his Anecdotes, his Bond Story, his Moments. And what I found was a character who made sense. (just like all the others) Who was still trying, still loving, still fighting against the worst parts of his world and himself - for her.

But that part? The part where we explain why we do see the nuance? The part where we talk about how we don’t excuse the red flags, but understand where they come from? It gets ignored. Every time.

This isn’t about defending toxic characters. It’s about wanting the same space to enjoy complexity as every other LI community has already been granted. And being tired of having to justify our existence in a fandom that’s supposed to be about love, choice, and story.

So before you assume Caleb fans are “into red flags,” (not denying there are a few, just like some Sylus girlies too tbh) maybe talk to a few of us if you don't understand. Ask why we like him. Listen when tell our reasonings instead of just dismissing them because they don't fit your context-lacking headcanon narrative. Respect that his arc, like every other LI’s, is layered, painful, and intentional.

We aren’t asking to be everyone’s favorite. We’re asking to exist without being attacked for it.

Please, let’s stop the "he-said-she-said" hate cycle. Let people enjoy what they love. That’s what fandom is supposed to be. Love, create and evolve together. (and angst together. totally angst together.)

I don’t care if you don’t like Caleb. That’s valid. Not every LI is for everyone. But the constant policing, mockery, and moral grandstanding aimed at fans who do like him is just exhausting. It’s okay to enjoy a character with flaws. It’s okay to enjoy different kinds of romance stories. That’s literally the point of this genre.

This is a game. A beautiful, story-rich, emotional game. Let people enjoy it. Let us enjoy our LI. And please stop treating us like we’re the enemy for doing so.

Like- I'm genuily confused??? I was there during the US5 & Tokio Hotel beefs, I was there during the Team Edward and Team Jacob wars and also during the Big Time Rush and One Direction phase. None of those fandoms seemed as divided and infighting like this one. Where are these people taking all the energy to hate and the jealousy from and why are they attacking fictional pixels and fans who can't change anything about their issues instead of working together instead?

Sincerely, A tired but still standing Caleb girly (and lore nerd) (thanks for reading through my TED talk if you've made it this far)

P.S.: A random thought that I've had while writing - I'm expecting all counterpart LI to have a darker lore and more "obvious" red flags than the OG3. Maybe the 6th will even be a Phoenix. Wings could be a counterpart thing. If you've haven't noticed yet - the overview in the Café where you select your LI: The OG3 are in white clothing, while their counterparts are wearing black so far.)

Lots of love to my fellow pipsqueaks.

[l8niteth0ts]

neighbors: reiner x fem! reader

pairing: older! reiner braun x fem! reader

content (MDNI): age gap! older! reiner x fem! reader, reiner is mid thirties, reader is a consenting adult (i always envision reader around 24-26 but you can imagine her your age as long as you're 18+), valentine's day, man nextdoor, p0rn with a little plot, unexpected s3x, pu$$y eating, f!ng3r!ng, female 0rg@$ms, p in v s3x, etc etc. NOT PROOFREAD SORRY! 18+ ONLY, MDNI. tyvmmmm...

word count: 3,465

a/n: sorry for not posting for a minute! i am suffering bad from writer's block lol. i always envision reiner with a southern accent idk why 😂, so he has a little bit of southern slang but nothing crazy. also, sorry if the storytelling is so dumb i'm trying my best lol! anyways, as always, please be 18+, mdni!!! thanks!! <3

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today was the day of love, and you had no one to spend it with. valentine's day has always been your favorite holiday - candy, ribbons, chocolates, roses, joy, and sharing your feelings with your loved ones. you usually had someone to spend it with, but this year, you were alone. you'd moved out of your family home a few months ago, to a new city, and you didn't really know anybody. well, except your neighbor, mr. braun.

mr. braun seemed like a nice enough man. he was often sitting on his porch drinking iced tea, enjoying the sunshine. sometimes he was reading, but no matter what, every time he was out there, you noticed his lingering stare.

you weren't doing anything wrong. sometimes you were tending to your little garden of peppers and carrots and potatoes. other times you were checking on your flowers you'd planted. sometimes you were tanning in the bright sunshine. mr. braun always seemed to be watching.

you figured he was lonely. you'd never seen a woman or children entering or exiting his home. it appeared he just worked his nine to five and came home. the two of you were friendly enough, sometimes he helped you with moving your furniture around, or he'd help you when your appliances stopped working. he was basically your handy man, but also your friend in a sense. it was a nice thing.

you decided to bake him some cookies for valentine's day. you'd always thought he was very attractive, but figured nothing would come from it, due to your age gap. mr. braun appeared to be in his mid thirties, but you couldn't say for sure.

you finished icing the last pink heart shaped cookie, and smiled. the cookies looked beautiful with their white lace icing, and smelled like fresh strawberries and vanilla. you put away all of your supplies, and plated up the valentine's cookies on a cute pink plate. you quickly head to your room, and got dressed in a cute outfit fit for the holiday. after making sure you looked your best, you peeked out the window to see if mr. braun's truck was parked in his driveway. it was, so you swallowed your fear, and head out the door with the cookies.

you rang his doorbell, adjusting your skirt one last time. he answered it after only a few seconds.

"hello, mr. braun! it's (y/n), from next door. i brought you some cookies, happy valentine's day!" you smiled brightly, offering the man the plate.

he drank in the sight of you - beautiful and beaming with joy. "hey there, miss (y/n). that's awful sweet of you, why don't you come on in, you can set the cookies down on the table."

you nod, and walk inside mr. braun's home. you admired his interior, lots of browns and whites, and farm decor. there was a nice big fireplace in the living room, and he had a deer's head mounted above it. you'd never been in his house before, even though he'd visited yours quite a few times.

"kitchen's right this way," his deep voice came from behind you. you turned to look at him, his pretty brown eyes crinkled as he smiled.

his kitchen was warm, the sunlight shone through the windows brightly. he gently set the cookies down on the round dining table, and offered you a seat.

"do you drink?" he asked as he head towards the cabinets.

"yeah," you reply. "nothing too crazy. wine or vodka. i'm not really into whiskey or beer," you chuckle.

he nods, and grabs a wine glass and a smaller glass. he grabs a deep red wine bottle, and his bottle of whiskey that looks almost empty.

he sets the glasses and beverages down on the table, and sits with you. he pours you a glass of wine, and prepares his whiskey.

"so, (y/n), what made you come over to my place? those cookies look divine, if i do say so myself."

you felt your heart flutter and your breath catch in your throat. "well, it's valentine's day," you begin. "i wanted to bring you some cookies," you innocently play it off. you'd been attracted to mr. braun the moment you moved in, and he helped carry your heavy boxes into your home. it was almost like love at first sight.

"y'ain't got a valentine of your own?" he asks, sipping his drink. "not that i mind the company, oh no, nor am i complaining. just surprised."

you shuffle in your seat, a little uncomfortable, "no, not this year."

he nods slowly. "ain't nothing wrong with that. well, you're here with me. we might as well make it a nice day, hmm?"

your heart races, pounding against your chest so hard you're sure he can hear it. "thanks, mr. braun. i'm glad i have you to hang out with."

"please, reiner is fine," he corrects you, taking another sip of his drink. "i feel so old when you call me 'mr. braun,'" he chuckles.

"okay, reiner, then," you smile, his name sounding like honey dripping off your lips. he liked the way it sounded, too.

after a few glasses of wine and whiskey, the two of you were certainly far past tipsy. you were on the couch, watching a romcom together. his hand on your thigh, slowly trailing higher up, towards the hem of your skirt.

"so, why's a girl like you not got a valentine this year?" he asks softly, brushing your hair out of your face.

your face flushes, "well, when my ex boyfriend cheated on me, i broke up with him last year," you explain. "i just haven't been looking for anyone since then. i think i'm done with guys my age," you laugh.

"oh yeah?" his voice lilts, and he turns closer to you. his breath is warm on your face, "gonna give us older gents a try?" he teases.

you giggle, and scoot closer to him, if that were possible. "might just have to," you tease back, looking into his sweet brown eyes.

he studies your face, inching closer, waiting for you to retreat, but you don't. he holds your face gently in his hand, and presses his lips to yours. his stubble tickles your chin, but his lips are soft and warm. you lean into the kiss, your lip-gloss smearing onto him. he pulls back after a few moments, and studies your face once more for any discomfort.

"you sure you wanna do this, darlin'?" he asks gently.

you nod, and grab the collar of his shirt and pull him close once more. you press your lips against his again, savoring the way his mouth feels against yours. you gently swipe your tongue along his lower lip, and he opens his mouth gently, and you press your tongue against his, tasting the smokiness of the whiskey. he relishes in the fruitiness of the wine on your tongue, and his hand makes it to the back of your head to pull you closer. your tongue massages his, and you gently bite his lower lip. he lets out a quiet grunt, and he readjusts himself to where he picks you up by the waist, and puts you on his lap.

you can feel his growing erection underneath you, and you lightly grind your hips into him, relishing in the way he feels. his arms are big and strong, his hands are large and warm, his fingers are skilled and calloused.

he pulls away from the kiss once more, and he begins to leave warm kisses on your jawline, kissing up to your ear lobe. he kisses and nips your lobe, and you let out a soft sigh. his mouth works its way back down your jaw, down your neck, leaving kisses in its wake. he suddenly stops kissing, and picks you up once more, and carries you down the hall to his bedroom.

once inside, he sets you down on his king size bed, the blue sheets and blankets feeling soft and cool to the touch. he closes the bedroom door, and removes his shirt. you admire his chest and torso, smirking at him.

"what?" he asks, suddenly afraid you don't want this.

"you're just hot, that's all," you tease.

his face flushes a cute shade of pink, and he approaches you. he helps remove your shirt, revealing a sexy red bra underneath it.

"damn," he compliments. you blush, and smirk again. his large hands grope at your breasts, his skin is so warm. he massages them, and you tilt your head back slightly, relishing in his touch. he then unclips your bra from behind, and you slide it down your arms, quickly removing it the rest of the way. he groans at the sight of your breasts, admiring them, and his mouth moves to one while his hand moves to the other.

his lips are wet and warm as they touch your nipple, and he gently sucks on it, causing you to gasp. his stubble tickles your breast, and his grip on your other breast tightens, but not enough to cause pain. his teeth graze against your nipple, and he pulls it into his mouth, sucking on it and lapping his tongue across it.

"mmm, reiner," you gently moan out. "feels so good~"

his heart swells, and he switches his hand and mouth for the other breast. he continues doing what he was doing, gently biting and sucking on your other nipple now, massaging the previous one. you gently massage his cock through his tight pants with a bare foot, and he groans beneath you. "fuck," you can hear him mumble against your breast.

"rei rei," you moan out, testing the nickname, "i want more of you, please..."

he pulls away softly, "well if you want more, then that's what you'll get, no questions asked," he complies. he pulls down your skirt, and removes his pants, leaving the two of you in your underwear.

"holy hell," he whispers to himself, admiring your figure beneath him. "you're like a goddess," he mumbles as his mouth makes hot heavy kisses from your breasts to your stomach, down to your hips and thighs, and finally - to your clothed heat.

"rei, i can't wait," you whine, eager to get attention where you desperately need it most. your core is aching for attention, throbbing in anticipation. your panties must be soaked by now with your arousal.

"i'm going, i'm going," he chuckles. his fingers hook around the waistband of your underwear, and he pulls them off in one swift tug. you kick them off, leaving them to be forgotten about on his floor.

his eyes widen and he licks his lips, admiring your full figure beneath him. "i'm one lucky man," he whispers, and he kisses your pussy gently, starting at the top, and working his way down your slit. you moan softly, and one hand travels to your breast.

he looks up at you, and presses his tongue flat against your slit, and he licks up multiple times. you moan again, and your other hand travels down to his head, and entangles itself in his hair. his tongue pushes past your slit, and he has it make its way inside your aching hole. his stubble continues to tickle you, but it also feels just right. you gasp, and your grip on his hair tightens. he moans, his voice vibrating your core, and your eyes roll back.

his tongue flicks in and out of your hole, and he moves a hand to your clit, and starts rubbing it in tight circles as his tongue continues its movements. you buck your hips into his face, eager for more. he moans again, and he pulls back to spit on your cunt. then, he sticks his tongue out and spreads the spit/slick mixture around, and he travels up to your clit, and you feel the cool liquid trailing down to your ass, certainly soaking the sheets beneath you.

his tongue encapsulates your clit, and you let out another breathy moan. his teeth lightly graze against your clit, and he sucks it harshly, as if it were a valentine's day sucker. "rei rei," you breathe out, feeling an orgasm approaching. the coil in your core is getting tighter and tighter, making your insides feel all warm and fuzzy.

"mmm," he moans on your clit, savoring the way it tastes and the noises you're making beneath him. he pulls off for a moment, "you taste so good, darlin'. can't get enough of you." he takes your legs and wraps them around his arms, and pulls you flush to his face, and he continues abusing your cunt with his mouth.

your grip on his hair tightens, and you pull it harder, causing him to groan against you again. his tongue is flicking on your clit at an incredulous pace, and he brings two of his thick fingers to your hole. he easily slides them in, due to the wetness, and he immediately begins to pump them in and out of you at a slow pace, and he begins to speed up a bit. his fingers easily reach that yummy spot inside of you, causing you to see stars. he then slips a third finger in, and you gasp. he smirks slightly as his mouth continues sucking on your sweet clit, and he begins to make a scissor motion with this three fingers. his index and middle move together, while his ring finger moves opposite to them. his fingers speed up faster, matching the speed of his clit-sucking, and you move a hand to the headboard for support. your legs keep threatening to close around his head, but his strong arms keep them wide open.

the stretch feels so good from his fingers, you can't help but continue moaning loudly for the man. your hand moves down to your breast, and massages it, twisting your nipple, desperate for more, more, more. you feel your coil inside tightening more, and you know an orgasm is knocking at the door, threatening to break it down. "rei, rei i'm g-gonna, gonna-" you get cut off by a high pitched moan, as you suddenly release all over reiner's face.

he's in heaven, he laps up all of your juices, not letting anything go to waste. once he's cleaned you up with his mouth, he pulls his fingers out of your hole, and it makes a soft pop. he groans and licks his fingers, savoring your juices once more.

he stands up, and quickly removes his boxers, his large, thick cock free from its prison. you gasp, and feel your pussy flutter at the sight of his heavenly dick and his sexy blonde happy trail. "c'mere, darlin'," he groans, as he arranges you two to where you're on top of him.

you happily oblige, and rest on his lap. "just checking once more, you're sure you're okay with this?" he confirms one more time. you nod yes, "i need to hear you say it, darlin'..."

"yes, reiner, i'm sure i want this, i've wanted this for a while," you accidentally admit. is it the wine or the desperation for him talking? who knows, but now the cat's out of the bag.

he groans in pleasure at your confession, "me too, darlin'. ever since you moved in, i've wanted you." he smiles softly at you, brushing your hair out of your face once more. you feel your face turning red at his confession, the two of you in the same boat.

you slowly grind your hips along his erection, earning a gasp from him. "c'mon, don't tease me, darlin', why don't you put it in and see what i have to offer?" he jests.

"i'd be more than happy to," you reply. you align yourself with the tip, and swipe it up and down your slit, gathering arousal to act as lubrication. you brush him against your clit a few times, moaning out softly at the pleasurable sensation. finally, you line up with him, and push his head inside your tight ring of muscle.

the both of you groan at the sensation. he's incredibly thick, thicker than the three fingers he prepped you with, and you're incredibly tight around him. "oh-oh my gosh, hahh," you hiss as his cock stretches you out.

"fuck," he moans. "you're s-so tight," he gasps as you push him in slightly further. "god damn."

"i-i think you're just r-really big," you chuckle, as you continue to push more of him in, about halfway now. you see stars as you push the rest of him inside, fully seated on his cock. you gasp, catching your breath, not used to feeling beyond full like this.

he blushes at your compliment, and rests his hands on your hips. "let me know w-when i can move, darlin'," he whispers, his fingers rubbing your hips softly, as in to comfort you.

you nod, and a few moments pass. you start feeling desperation more than pain, and you say, "okay, i think you're f-fine to move..."

he nods, and grips your hips tighter, and slowly pulls himself almost completely out. his eyes travel down to where the two of you are just barely connected, and he curses. it's unbelievably sexy. he watches as his thick cock pushes itself back into your tight warm cunt, and he groans. the way your hole sucks him in makes him want to ravage you then and there, but he doesn't.

he continues to watch himself slowly pull almost out, and push himself back in, admiring the way your hole grips him so tightly, the way he fits so snug inside. "reiner," you pant, "c-can you please go faster?" you plead, grinding yourself on him, trying to get friction on your clit.

he nods, and holds you tighter, picking up the pace. you moan in delight, your toes curling. his thick cock is slamming in and out of you at a decent pace, and you can feel the tip of him kissing your cervix. you place your hands on his chest for support as he picks up the pace.

"d-does it - hahhh - feel good?" he pants, looking into your lust filled eyes.

"mmhmm, so-so good, rei rei," you moan, still grinding yourself on him any time your hips meet. "y-you're ama - hnnng - amazing~"

his heart swells again at your compliment, knowing he's making you feel good. as if pride overtakes him, he increases the pace, his balls heavily slapping against your ass, causing you to moan more frequently, higher pitched. reiner continuously groans and grunts beneath you, feeling his high coming soon.

you feel yours, too. a hand goes down to your core, and starts rubbing against your clit vigorously, trying to cum before he does. "hahh, ahhh, mmmmmm," you pant as your orgasm builds and builds. "oh my - gahhh - god, y-you feel so good in-inside of me~" you praise him.

his thrusts harden, "y-yeah?" he groans. "trust m-me, you feel fucking - hnnng - incredible, da-darlin'," his face flushed, his forehead sweaty. "you gonna c-cum soon?"

"mhmm," you nod, your fingers moving at lightning speed on your clit. you gasp, desperate for more air. your vision blurs as you feel your second orgasm wash over you, coating reiner's cock inside of you entirely.

"fuck," he whines, as his load is threatening to spill. he quickly pulls out, and turns you around so now you're under him. he quickly jerks himself off, and moans loudly as his seed splurts onto your stomach. "oohhhh, fuck~" he whines again, his dick incredibly sensitive.

he quickly finishes, and chuckles as he smiles at you. he gives you a kiss on the forehead, and says that he'll be right back. he quickly turns towards his master bathroom, and comes back with two towels. he gently cleans up his mess on your stomach, as well as wiping the sweat off your forehead. he cleans himself off, too. he tosses the towels into his hamper, and grabs you one of his shirts to wear, as he pulls on a pair of boxers himself.

he lies in bed with you once you've put on his shirt. he offers you a place on his chest to rest, and you do.

"this wasn't just because we were drunk, was it?" he whispers in your ear as he brushes your hair out of your face once more.

"no," you whisper back. "i really like you, mr. braun," you confess again. "i don't want this to be a one time thing..."

"me neither," he agrees. he kisses the top of your head softly, admiring the beauty beside him. "then, miss (y/n), how about we go on a real date for valentine's day this evening?"

you smile and nod. "i'd love that."

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©|@l8niteth0ts - do not steal my work, or reupload it anywhere. it is mine, and mine alone! thank you.

[ro-ren31]

I need a crack fic of SVSSS and Total Drama Island

All of the competitors would be characters from svsss, except for a few who would be either ocs, characters from TDI, or even characters from other MXTX works.

Chris McLean does as he does and throws the wildest challenges at them,

Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge are both a little feral and would do the wildest things to win, I don't think either of them really care about the money, they're just competitive.

Zhuzhi-lang came here because Tianlang-Jun told him he needed to socialize more, Shen Yuan was nice to him on the first day, and now ZZL follows him like a lost puppy.

Shang Qinghua is in TDI, hates absolutely everything about the place except for Shen Yuan, and that one large hot guy (Mobei), but he is desperate for the money and so is actually pretty good at the game.

Shen Yuan is there because Shang Qinghua had dared him to send an audition and didn't think either if them would get in. When they did Shen Yuan decided to just go with the flow, he hates some things, loves others, and doesn't care much about the money prize.

(Shen Yuan also becomes part Disney princess, because TDI is full of feral forest animals and somehow Shen Yuan tamed them all, )

Because TDI has the characters in teams, Team 1 would be Shen Yuan's suitors. Essentially, anyone who has liked Shen Yuan at some point, while team 2 would be Shen Yuan and his platonic group (Ning Yingying, Ming Fan, Qi Qingqi, Liu Mingyan, Shang Qinghua) anyone who hast liked him romantically. (It will probably be filled with mostly girls, and yes, Liu Mingyan is there because Chris McLean would absolutely put a pair of siblings in the show just to pit them on different teams.) (Actually I'm pretty sure he did that once)

The teams will be evened out by the third-party characters. Throughout the challenges of TDI, all of the suitors will fall for Shen Yuan in some way, and Shen Yuan's team members each have a favorite. They also help their favorites in battles of affection, while sabotaging the other suitors, in exchange for help in some of the challenges of course.

Nobody outside of the suitors really get why they all love Shen Yuan so much. Sure, he can be cute and he is as vicious as he is kind, but the guys gaining over him could all do better. Even the audience who watch the interactions between the different suitors and Shen Yuan only understand it a little.

In one of the late challenges, like last 6 or something, the contestants all have to do something in a certain amount of time that will shock the judges. Some decide to go absolutely wild, others decide to do something completely dangerous. Shen Yuan instead plotted.

Shen Yuan finds out that Chris will be inviting one of the investors as a guest judge, finds said investor, (with the help of some intern friends and maybe Chef) and convinces them to let Shen Yuan Judge in their place, the investor is all for it.

Shen Yuan goes through the things he brought and got a few favors from enough different people and interns for no one to truly know what he was doing, then he changed his glasses for contacts, fixed his hair, put on an expensive outfit and make up. He grabbed a fan from the bottom of his luggage that he hadn't needed for anything and planned to use it as a cover for his face, then he had one of the inters tell Chris that the Investor had to go for an emergency and sent someone to judge in their place. And with all of that happening, on the day of the competition Shen Yuan simply walked to the judges table and looked st everyone coldly, he didn't speak and just judged. When Chris called for Shen Yuan to come out on stage and present their shocking object, Shen Yuan simply snapped the fan and put it down before smiling.

----BONUS

Tianlang-Jun was the investor. He saw son wanted to join TDI, convinced his nephew to also join. And then he threw money at Chris to keep up with the drama and dangerous stunts. He finds the show absolutely hilarious.

[moonlittales]

I spoke about the shooting star festival with Caldarus in one of my latest posts (or to be more precise, mentioned it) and now I have some additional thoughts that I'd love to share about a potential path the player is walking if they choose to romance Caldarus

Starting of with how I even came up with the idea:

Before I knew what kind of conversation would happen with Caldarus during the shooting star festival, I've had a few random thoughts accompanying me when (as a statue) Caldarus said "The feeling of springtime is unforgettable", since there is a saying that if spring has begun/arrived, someone has fallen in love/is in love. Jokingly I said "What's that? Have you been in love before? Better had been my farmer in a past life 😔" from this point on I've had headcanons of how sweet it would be if that was the case- and because I'm a sucker for the lovers across lifetimes trope xD

Now, you can imagine the way my jaw dropped when I invited him to view the stars with me and he mentioned soul bonds and choosing to believe we may have met in a past life.... Like..? Oh my god? Nahhh, no freaking way, LOL? Are my headcanons ACTUALLY onto something? You know, I for one, definitely WOULDN'T complain if this is the road we follow in his romance route

Going back to the thing he said as a statue, if you have been talking to him in his humanoid form a lot you probably have come across the dialogue where he says that since taking on his new form, his heart sometimes beats faster and he doesn't know why it happens/is concerned whether this is normal... Poor guy, bless him, he's in love already and doesn't get it xD so I guess here I could argue that the "springtime" he previously talked about meant something different. Possible, OR he feels emotions differently in his dragon form? He did say something along the lines that things feel different now (I don't recall in what relation anymore, he could have referred to both physically and emotionally)

On a random note, having played Harvest Moon: Animal Parade I sure hope he does NOT start talking about how lonely and sad he'd be if we, the farmer, die... And leave him.. please don't do this to me, I already had to listen to the wizard say that to me Dx however it may happen since he's basically immortal, and the player isn't. Except a miracle happens and grants us longevity/immortality (HOPIUM COPIUM) (also I guess if we did die, uh.. comforting thought that we'd see him in another life again?! I'm going to imagine my character becomes immortal HAHAHA spare me the pain)

This is basically it! I guess we will find out more about Caldarus' lore, the player's potential involvement in his past in future updates and see how it plays out :) you can be sure as hell that in my personal headcanons they have met in a distant past! His story and romance I can already see to be bittersweet and heart wrenching, Caldarus lovers will all be united by tears.......

[anxiousapplepie]

Question for all of the main cast or just the ones who you think have the most interesting answer: which of your teammates are you most intimidated by? Why?

Due to me not having my drawing equipment (and then everybody having too many opinions TO reasonably draw all of this even if I wanted to) I have compiled their answers into text!

----------

Lapis: Easy - Barbara! Because I've seen her do things in heels that I can't even do in flat tennis shoes. And THEY AREN'T SHORT HEELS. … also because she's the only one who doesn't THINK before her instinct kicks in. Not that I think she'd intentionally hurt a friend- and I think we're friends! (She's such a tsundere) But I still wear my armor around her for that reason. Just in case.

----------

Bristly: Tara. George: Pfft the cheerful ray of sunshine? Why that one?? Bristly: She's insane. If there was a fire, she'd jump into it and take us all with her. George: YEAH, that's why she's cool! Anyway, Jim's the one who freaks me out.

Bristly: [judgemental smirk] Really. George: He's scarily good at reading our minds, but he doesn't DO anything about it! He just SITS there! All polite-like, pretending he didn't just predict every word you were going to say! Bristly: Ah yes. His social skills are better than yours. George: I WISH HE'D JUST TELL ME WHAT HE WANTED DIRECTLY INSTEAD OF CONFUSING ME WITH HIS ROSEY-POSEY TEATIME TALK ALL THE TIME OKAY

----------

Barbara: No one has ever intimidated ME. Except maybe myself, of course Rodgeric: Not even Tara? Barbara: Tch! That's different. And we're not talking about that. What about you, rosebud? Who intimidates you the most?

Rodgeric: [considering popping sound] Bristly. Barbara: That barerooted prick? Why? Rodgeric: The same reason why I'm intimidated by you. Barbara: AH. So you think I'm intimidating? Rodgeric: [fondly] Sure. Let's go with that.

----------

Tara: Hm. No one really gives me that kind of feeling, to be honest? But I will admit I am deeply curious about what Morgan will look like when his fear gets pushed aside and he finds a real reason to fight at his best. THAT will be interesting!

----------

Jim: Ahahaha, I MEAN. Maybe. There is one individual who fits that category for me. Obviously I love and support them! As a friend and teammate! But also? It… kinda… maybe, sort of, a little bit.. freaks me out. Just how determined they are to change colors even if it's actively hurting them and everyone around them. Rodgeric is on a whole different level from everyone else in my opinion. But please don't tell anyone I said that.

----------

Morgan: … How can I possibly answer this question. Lapis: Aw, don't sweat it buddy! It's okay, we all know you're equally terrified of everybody and this is an unfair question for you~ Morgan: Yeah. You know what? I don't need to answer this. But if I did have to answer, it'd say your name first. Lapis: HAHA You WHAT MATE?

[redfacedpalindrome]

I get your sentiment. I really do. Realistically though: where would Charles go?

McLaren is committing to Lando and Oscar long term.

The rumours regarding Red Bull‘s motor for the new regs is that it lacks and will fall behind the others. Since a lot depends on the motor it’s not a really viable option imo.

If Mercedes decides to part ways with Russell the will go for Max because he’s „the one that got away“ and a four time WDC.

Aston? Who knows. One seat is deffo taken by Stroll, the other? Probably Yuki since Aston will have a Honda motor.

I‘m not sure I see the others being competitive and even if, the would have to kick other drivers out first and I don’t necessarily think they‘d do it for Charles.

Look, I am all for Charles having a competitive car and a team that backs him no matter what. I want him to win a WDC - I need it - and for his sake I hope it’s with Ferrari but honestly I don’t care as long as he gets to have the trophy and have his name on it.

Next year the playing field is level with the new regs. Charles doesn’t want to leave and the risk is even greater next year because what if Ferrari has a great car and he left?

Unfortunately, I think, what’s actually a great character trait will be Charles‘ downfall- his loyalty. He’s too devoted to Ferrari to leave. There were a lot of rumours of him having talks with other teams in 2023 but in the end he re-signed with Ferrari early. So I’m not so sure about him leaving. I think he has to make up his mind: does he want to be a Ferrari driver or a world champion. But then again, where would he go?

I am team Charles. I will always be. Hell, I have a tattoo for Charles so I wasn’t lying when I said that I need him to win but I genuinely don’t know what’s the best way for him to go from here.

it took me forever to get to this and i'm so sorry!!

short answer: you're completely 100% right. there's not a clear team that would sacrifice everything to have him, at least none that would be a clear step up from ferrari. you can't actually hypothesize that any team will always be on top – mercedes had a pretty mediocre year last year and I actually think they're a shoo-in for P2 this year.

let's take a look at the big 4:

mclaren: are going to sign lando's and oscar's grandkids at this point. it's an absolutely brilliant move from them, honestly. and lando absolutely deserves this kind of loyalty from the team now that they're brilliant, because he stuck through their bad years.

red bull: the engine switch is an absolute wrench in the 'lecbull' agenda. i think the reason so many people like this option is that red bull historically has had a lot of respect for charles, and they've shown that when they have a generational talent that they believe in, they'll throw their support and development behind them effectively. also, a lot of people think red bull will have an opening because max will leave to go to aston. here's the issue - if max leaves to go to aston martin, it'll be for a reason that could prevent charles from going to rb (like their 2026 development being completely freaking ass). if max is at red bull, unlikely they sign charles even if charles wants it (and charles won't want it).

also - with the exception of max and maybe seb before him, red bull is just an asshole to most of its drivers so do we really want charles there?

mercedes: toto has invested long term in kimi to be the new generational talent of formula 1 after this cohort – and as far as I can tell, it's a damn good investment. george is not someone who often draws your attention during a race (excluding turn one crashes) but no one can deny the fact that this man has become silently incredibly consistent. george recently is reliable in a way not a lot of drivers are and at some point we're going to have to talk about it. it would take a downturn in george's performance for mercedes to consider dropping him. i also don't know much about mercedes's 2026 development, so they could drop back to the middle of the pack-ish.

(...i am going to honorable mention aston martin because in my dream timeline they drop both lance and fernando (sorry to my kings) to sign lestappen and then newey just gives them a fucking rocket and they battle in equal machinery and we get a more wholesome brocedes (these will be my last words before i get put on a 72 hour psych hold))

so. does leclerc have a shot elsewhere? ...it really depends on how the other teams perceive charles. unfortunately charles does not have lewis-level street cred and probably can't pull a 'drop carlos from ferrari' kind of move.

so ferrari. my issue is honestly just that by all reports, ferrari is working better. better by what metric i'm completely lost on but ever since fred came in people have been saying all the right things? and yet the start of this season is arguably worse than 2023. also, i got this information off tumblr so take it with a pinch of salt but apparently their 2026 development isn't going so hot either. so if everything from their end feels okay and they're still shit that's honestly way more concerning than if people were regularly engaging in fistfights in maranello.

"Unfortunately, I think, what’s actually a great character trait will be Charles‘ downfall- his loyalty. He’s too devoted to Ferrari to leave." op, you're so right. and as a person with crazy ludicrous delusion-level loyalty myself, it's one of the reasons i love him. it's one of the unfortunate truths of the world that at some point in our lives we'll be loyal to a lord that won't have our backs in return. but the thing about f1 is that we remember champions. will ferrari ever be consistent enough to let him have a legacy? i think fred will try. but for a team that's so synonymous with motorsport greatness sometimes it feels like it's staffed entirely by nepo hires.

all in all, i don't think the question is how much longer should charles wait for the team to be great or how much longer can he wait – because the more topical question is how much longer will he wait? and we know the answer to that is: forever.

anyway if vcarb's development stays decent that might be the surprising solution to our problem (this is a joke, please don't invalidate my opinion based on my leclerc-vcarb-wdc agenda)

also can i ask a follow-up on the tattoo cos you said tattoo 'for' charles and not 'of' charles and i am now about 86% sure you have a tattoo of leo based solely on what would make charles happiest :)

[caoimhewrites]

Monster

love my little blue boy Kurt so much :3 enjoy this little hurt/comfort with pookie

Kurt has been feeling insecure about the way he looks after receiving some hurtful words and looks at the grocery store

CW: insecure Kurt, canon abandonment (when I catch you Mystique), my sad excuse for German

WC: 768

Kurt had locked himself in your shared bedroom for a solid hour. He hadn't said a word to you when he got home. He put the groceries down and sulked off to the bedroom and locked the door.

You always make sure you go out with him for any errands. You two do most things together. He loves to be in your presence but today you just had too much to do, leaving him to grocery shop all on his own. Normally this wouldn't be an issue. But today had been particularly busy and your closest grocery store that you frequent was closed. He was forced to drive to a different area in the city to get all your necessities. He wouldn't care at all, except for the fact that these people had never seen him before. The sight of a blue, furry man with pointy ears and a tail certainly isn't the craziest thing they could have seen but it always stirs up negative reactions.

Kurt isn't one to be too sensitive about these things. He knows he looks different and he's often very proud of his mutant status. However, today people were particularly cruel about his appearance.

You knock on the door and call out for him, "Kurt? Baby, you've been in there nearly an hour. Is everything okay?" Your voice is full of worry, unsure of what to do. You've suffered your fair share of anti-mutant discrimination in your time but since your mutation isn't visible like Kurt's, it can be hard to understand exactly how people perceive him.

"Ja, Schatz. Alles ist okay" His voice calls out to you from the bedroom. He's a shit liar. His voice is broken and thick with emotion.

"Kurt..." you pause, trying to find the right words "I know you're not okay. You can tell me whats wrong, you know." You say softly, trying to coax him out. He's not normally like this which concerns you even more. "Just come out... please"

You hear the shifting of bed sheets and the creak of the bed as he gets up. His feet shuffle against the floor as he walks to the door. He hesitates before slowly pulling the door open. His dark hair is disheveled and it's clear he's been crying. "What?" he murmurs quietly, keeping his eyes down in an attempt to avoid your gaze.

You smile softly at him and reach out to touch his hair. "Are you going to tell me what happened? You're not normally like this, sweetheart" He leans into your touch, still avoiding your gaze. He takes a deep breath and sighs before speaking, "Are you embarrassed by me?" he asks with a hint of shame.

Your eyes widen in surprise. You feel many things for him but embarrassment is certainly not one. "What? Why would I ever be embarrassed by you?" You say in confusion. You know people make unfair assumptions about Kurt based on how he looks but to you hes just your Kurt.

"I mean..." He sighs again "The way I look is... odd. There are so many normal looking men that you could be with. Sometimes I just feel like you could be doing so much better than... this" He gestures to himself, his arms moving with defeat.

You're immediately angry. Not at him, never at him but at the people who made him feel this way. "Don't even say that. Ever. Do you understand me? I think you're absolutely beautiful, Kurt." You reach out for his hand, taking it in yours. When you first got together, hand holding proved difficult due to his three fingers but now you have it down to a science. "I love the way you look"

He slowly looks up at you. "Are you sure, Schatz? My own mother got rid of me... I'm blue for God's sake. And don't even get me started on the tail" He frowns and licks his lips nervously. He knows you love him dearly but part of him still fears that you are put off by his appearance.

You shake your head slowly. "Kurt, if I had a problem with anything about you I would have left a long time ago. I don't want these 'normal' looking men. I want you because I love you" You say earnestly, looking into his yellow eyes.

He squeezes your hand and nods. "I love you too, Schatz. I'm sorry for being so silly." He gives you a weak smile and sniffles.

You smile and chuckle. "You better tell me who was mean to you. I'll teach them a real good lesson"

[anotherrosesthatfell]

It feels like surprise ending isn't a good ending for Palette. He had to take care of the Kingdom and merge it together within 5 years. That's not easy considering humans and mystical creatures relationship have been strained for hundreds of years.

Drop too, he lost his little sister. The one who remembers everything like him. Dream? He reincarnated and don't remember Palette, Angst? He reincarnated too right? As that kid Dream's new life adopted. I am not sure if he remembers but if he does and doesn't bother to find Palette... That's just plain depressing.

Drop just left. She do left with words but that's only because Palette stumbled across her after a year not seeing each other... She was planning to leave without a word, isn't she?

Merciless, he said he never apologize properly. Does he even apologize to Palette? If he doesn't apologize to Drop, who he had cut her arm... I don't see he find himself needing to apologize to Palette. After all he don't remember the timelines but he still was a part of Lux's plan to get rid of Palette. Drop have every right to leave this horrible place but Palette? He don't get a choice does he?

Nobody want to stay around people who abused them but Palette, he can't do that. He has responsibilities. Fixing everything that corrupted nightmare had done before. So he stuck around, maybe he gave Lux a house and new place to live but I have the feelings it was far away from the kingdom or now we called it empire in surprise ending. He couldn't bear to look at her innocent face knowing the fact before she reverted back to her normal self, she killed him so many times.... Palette didn't get an apologize at all and he never ask for it because they don't remember like him...

Goth and Palette, I'm sorry I don't think they'll work. They are cute but think about it, Palette had to suffer in the hand of a clone that looks like Goth. That very clothes sided with Lux before and made Palette a living hell... At least I know it took them 10 years to finally marry and the fact surprise ending is the only universe they're happy with each other which implied good ending doesn't...

Maybe he has Sora now as his 'real' dad but Palette doesn't think otherwise. Barely interaction of them and Palette when he sense Dream's aura as he was reincarnated. He missed Dream, not Sora. They don't have the best relationship I'm aware but I think Palette knew how much Dream cares. The treasure room where the safe code is Palette's birthday, Dream thought of Palette in the book lore that he was worried of his son mental health and only want the best for him.

Dream knew Palette won't be happy to be a king. Look at him, he wasn't happy too. That's why he wanted to let Lux become a Queen in the past because unlike Palette, Lux is seen to have strong mind and does her duty properly. Palette wasn't able to do that...

He lost Nim forever. His little sister and Angst cut contacts and gone for good. Lux and Merciless don't remember the timelines and happily live with their children. Sora and Hope do their own things. Ink is not around because she finally prioritize her needs.

Everyone around him have happy endings. All except for him.

So tell me, is this really a happy ending for Palette?

... No it's not a happy ending for him yeah. Tbh I already expected someone to point it out but wow an essay of this... I didn't expect that one.

I couldn't rewrite the surprise ending anymore as what more to write? Unless if surprise ending in sunflower in full bloom, yeah that's happy ending for Palette. Just... Not in original sadly. Reality hits hard wow.

Also... Yeah Angst reincarnation does remember Palette...- I was planning to make a chapter about him and Drop meeting then these two meet Palette but another idea popped in that Angst thought Palette doesn't want to meet him

[average-imperfection]

The ghosts and German handwriting

Completely niche, self-indulgent topic no one cares about except me but I would really love an episode in S2 where Emma finds an old hand-written document that she wants to decipher, and she goes to the ghosts for help, only to find that none of the ghosts can read it either because 1) it's just plain bad handwriting and 2) it's written in this specific handwriting that was only taught in schools from the 1910s to the 1940s and they don't have a ghost from that period on hand. Context: Around the beginning of the Modern era, in Germany (and some other countries too but this is about Germany) people started using two parallel handwriting systems. One, the so-called Latin cursive, was very close to the cursives used in other countries at the time and can still be read somewhat easily today. The other, the more commonly used one, was called Kurrent. Which one you used depended on context. Loan words, place names and quotes for example would often be written in Latin cursive, even if the rest of the text was in Kurrent. Here an example of the word Generalienmäßig (in the manner of generals) which has the first half written in Latin cursive and the second part in Kurrent to show the difference.

People nowadays still learn cursive in school (at least they did when I was in school) but since the 40s they'd only learn a cursive close to the Latin one. Kurrent has completely disappeared from schools and now you'll mostly only encounter it at the university level when you're studying history or archival science or something similar. Svenni and Joachim probably didn't learn how to read/write it. But, if Kurrent has been around for so long, wouldn't Friedrich or Adelheid be able to read it? Generally, yes. But of course writing styles have evolved over the 200+/100+ years since they've been dead as well. Here's what Friedrich's handwriting could have looked like:

(This one's a bit of a mix of Kurrent and Latin cursive but wikimedia didn't have any other good examples for Friedrich's time so it is what it is lol Here are Friedrich's and Ludwig's actual handwritings from the show, even if they're not very legible. Kudos to the set dressers and the actors for actually using Kurrent!)

And this is what Adelheid's Kurrent could have looked like:

Okay but now to the super specific 1910s to 1940 kinda Kurrent! It's called Sütterlin after the guy who invented it, it was in part inspired by the Jugendstil/Art Nouveau art movement and its main goal was to simplify the cursive for school kids to learn it easier. It looks a little something like this:

This one's a pretty neat and legible example but if the handwriting was really bad, on top of it being a new variant of Kurrent, even Friedrich and Adelheid could struggle a bit to read it. In the end of the episode maybe they find a new ghost that can read it, maybe it gives Urs a moment to shine or maybe it was Lotti's diary all along, any of these outcomes would be a lot of fun~ (And just for completion's sake, I don't know if Urs and Griet can write and/or read, but I'm sure Claudius can and his handwriting would probably look like this (which also wouldn't be very useful to Emma's deciphering quest lol):

[burningcheese-merchant]

youll be fine merchant, after all i follow you because i like you saying things, you make things interesting in a way, im not sure how to describe it, but what i do want to say is that you dont need to feel that way, u doing fine and i hope you continue doing fine

I'm grateful for your kind words. I really am. I'm touched you took the time to say something to me. But... Idk.

I'm feeling very raw today. I want to be totally real just once. Just this one time. No sarcasm or joking around like I usually do. Be my therapist/blank wall to whom I address my words of woe for a minute. Then we can all go back to normal after that

I've been having a major crisis of self-confidence lately. Been feeling stupid. Useless. Good for nothing. Probably just the Big Sad talking but that guy hasn't shut up for an awfully long time and he's harder to tune out on some days

Writing was always an escape for me. A form of catharsis. I'm actually quite terrible at speaking to people irl. I'm very shy and awkward. Social anxiety on steroids. I always expressed myself better in writing as opposed to spoken words. Idk it just feels a lot less stifling to me. I feel more free. Less judged. More in control of my thoughts. If that makes any sense.

Bit the bullet and started posting fics on AO3 just to indulge myself. Never really expected to get any attention. There was a ship I liked and there weren't really any fics for it, so I became the change I wished to see in the world. That was all it was. You want something done right, do it your damn self.

Wrote more. Different things with different characters and different ideas. Gained a lot more traction. Caught another bullet in my teeth and made this blog. People seem to like my ideas for some reason. I start to think "hey. Maybe I really am a good writer."

Then I took a few story-shaped sledgehammers to the skull and remembered that no, I'm not. Lol.

Comparison is the thief of joy. I know that. Nobody needs to remind me. But it's easier said than practiced. Read biscuitlabyrinth's stuff and felt like a fraud. Read Jambound and felt like a skyscraper-sized fraud. It's hard not to compare yourself to others when the "others" are practically hailed as heroes by the fandom. When there are mountains upon mountains of fanart happily illustrating their work. When their story has the most hits and the most kudos and the most comments and the most bookmarks in the entire Cookie Run tag on AO3, and only receives more every passing day. When there are people who want to bind the fic and make it an actual, physical book, because they love it so much. No one has ever said or done any of that for me or my stuff. Never got even a fraction of that love or attention. Not even close. And I never, ever will.

Yeah yeah. Two cakes. Everyone has said that to me. But if you all had to choose. If you could only eat one cake while the other one went straight to the trash. You wouldn't pick mine, would you? You'd pick the other one. You'd pick Jambound. Everyone would. Even my friends on here would. Why bother wasting time and ingredients baking the thing if you know that's how it's going to be? What's the point?

I know I'm not owed success. Nobody is. It's earned. It just... hurts, I guess. It hurts to feel compelled to doubt yourself so strongly after finally allowing yourself to believe you've done a good job at something for once in your life. To feel like even when I try, even when I put my best foot forward, it's not good enough. Nobody actually cares. No one will ever think of you like they think of those other people and their work. No one will think of you at all. You're just a sad little wannabe loser, wallowing in their shadows.

I don't blame those people for these feelings. I don't blame anyone except myself. To think or do otherwise would be childish. No one is responsible for making me feel inferior/inadequate besides me. I accept that these thought and feelings are foolish. Whiny. Unfair. No one should pay them any mind. I'll sort through them on my own.

It's stupid, all of this. Oh no, some person's fanfiction is more popular than yours. Boo hoo. It's the end of the world. Stupid. It's all stupid. And yet, the feelings persist. It sucks. I don't want to feel this way. I'd rather just forget about it all and go back to being the loser who was content just writing for herself and nobody else, really. I don't look good in green, that's for sure lol. But it's hard. It's hard to let go of something that's got its jaws clenched around your neck so tight. Waiting for you to stop fighting and bleed out before it can finish its meal.

I always thought that writing was the only thing I was ever good at. That I was ever good for. Learned the hard way that that's not true. That my best was never anything but mediocre in reality. It's really no wonder Jambound is as beloved as it is. It's wonderful. Fantastic. It deserves all the praise it gets. I wish I could write half as well as that. But I don't. And now sometimes I wonder if anyone would even notice, even if I did.

I'm not happy writing anymore. Feels like it got snatched from me. The thing I love, that always brought me a measure of peace no matter how depressed I got. Gone. I can't draw worth a damn. I'm not funny. I'm not that smart. I never thought I had anything to give anyone except my writing. Now I understand that I don't have that, either. My cake sucks. No wonder everyone would rather eat theirs.

I'll get over it eventually. I'm stubborn if nothing else at all. I've got stories to tell and finish, even if they'll never mean anything to anyone except myself. Might as well. For my own sake.

There. Said my piece. Poured my miserable little heart out. Let's not talk about this anymore. Go back to enjoying the fancy, professional cake and celebrating the talented baker. Leave me to my cracked countertop covered in stale flour and rotten eggs and bland frosting. I never said anything worth listening to. I'm not sure I ever have.

No more self-pity after this, back to being a silly bozo as usual. Thanks for reading all this gunk if you bothered to for whatever reason. Y'all have a nice day. Better than mine, hopefully

[mercysought]

Small stack of unanswered letters addressed to Asharen Lavellan - to the small house in the outskirts of Antiva City. Around 9:44-9:45 Dragon (post trespasser)

A small neatly folded letter. without wrinkles except of recent use. Left unused over a stack of other papers.

As for the aspects of the fade and the intricacies of the veil as to the physical attributes, I'm afraid I have reached my own limitations on knowledge of the matter. I would, however, refer you to my other colleagues within the Necropolis. Here is a list of names: Professor Emm—

A longer stack of papers. Sturdy handwriting. The stack says that that most of the letter was kept unread.

— tells me that you've not been keeping up with the letters we've been sending. You're starting to worry me. Now, you don't have to tell me what you have been up to, it's not like I would likely understand it, but I do miss seeing that enthusiastic script on my desk. Charter has sent someone to check on you, just so you know. I almost stopped her, but you know how she is, if you find a nevarran mage with a new set of tea cups, you know who sent her. I think you'll like her. Say something, Scribbles. I hope yo—

A small piece of paper. The letter is written in half elvhen, half common. There are typos, but it is more of a note - the parchment closer to the closest piece of paper one could find. Some of the text on the edges is worn out.

Papae is worried sick, Asharen. I had to convince Mamae to not come herself. Please. I will remain in Antiva City for the next three days at the Andorinha Inn. Please come talk to me, to at least know you are still alive. Or let me in, I know you are in there, I see candle light burning at night. Papae thinks that you are still angry at him since the last visit, but if you were still mad at him - why not let me in? Surely this is not enough to cut us out of your life. Ameridan wants to come but he cannot and you are worrying them too. Please, you don't even need to let me in, just tell me you are ok.

the letter smells of warm mornings in late spring. It is kept by a small bench on the side of the door towards the orange trees that one can see in the window.

Do you still watch the swallows? The way they build their nests almost always underneath your door frame? I think I will come by, to hopefully see the swallows with you. I miss our talks. Miss hearing you talk about fish nets and the waving of curtains when you press your hand against it. There are days your presence grows darker, like swathed by night. Or perhaps the depths of the ocean. I will visit soon.

the letter is written in elvhen, solely so. A dialect unknown to the dalish.

I'm afraid I do not know more. Most of our bretheren have chosen to remain, but many more have left the temple. I am unsure what they would have done, to chase after the path of Fen'harel would not be the choice of many in ages past, but the world is not what it was and neither are we. I suppose this is my way of saying I cannot tell you what you wish to know. Only that I'm sorry. I hope you find peace.

The handwriting is sloppy and with multiple crossed out words. It is still beautiful, despite all the crossing of words with typos. Whoever was writing the letter, was holding the quill too strongly, pressing too hard.

Inquisitor, I know you do not like me calling you that but I am at my wits' end. If I do not receive a missive from you or someone around you I am going to march myself to Antiva City and tear down your wall - no, I will not care about your books or notes. And no, I will not care that Varric told me not to do it. If you were to answer your missives then I wouldn't feel the need to do this. I am worried, you didn't sound like yourself on the last letter - and that has been a while. Don't make me contact Lady Montilyet.

[bellesdomain]

I find them very shallow. They're flashy, yes, very, almost painfully shiny - to the point where any details are lost. All the "champion Engines" blend together because they're all just irridescent blocks.

There's *ALMOST* no story telling. The thing I LOVE about costume design is how much a costume can tell you about a character - John Napier's work is absolute genius, but good costumes in any media are awesome - an older lady in a fine gown that's the fashion of her youth, is the same as "Mom Jeans" today. Give a character fine rich fabrics that are dirty and torn - they don't care about their appearance and have money to burn. But a character with old, worn out, but neat and clean clothes, is someone who is trying their best to get by with a very tight budget.

My favourite non-John Napier costume is from Wicked...

Elphaba's "I'm Not That Girl" costume is this white blazer thrown over her regular school uniform. It's neatly tailored, it's not extravagant, but it usually has a small flower pattern to the fabric. It's not something Elphaba would EVER choose for herself - Galinda took her shopping. And it's no hand-me-down from Galinda, it's far too understated for Galinda's style. It's something they went and found - or had tailored - together. Just that jacket tells us so much about their friendship, that Galinda is truly looking out for Elphaba and not just plastering her favourite things onto her.

So like... GOOD costume design is amazing.

Gabriella Slade's work for the Wembley production has.... 1% of what I expected. Which is even worse than 0%! There's a very few small bits of relating to the real world - for example, Dinah has a typical "Diner" red and white check. Slick has yellow and black "Warning sign" patterns. But Tassita has nothing to tell you about them. Greaseball has nothing.

There's no consistency to the designs - with the fact there's a couple of small nods to relating to the real world, but the vast majority is just colours and shapes.

Why does Pearl have boobs? She's the youngest and newest character, and she has a defined bust. Absolutely nobody else has a bust - only the youngest girl does. I find that super creepy. Boobs are not sexusal - they're simply there when you've got enough estrogen and progesterone going round your body. It's not inappropriate to cater to the fact that half the population gets them! (also looking at you, 2018 John Napier designs.....)

One thing I will give Gabriella Slade, at least she avoided the "toilet door gendering" that the 2018 costumes have - "girls wear skirts, that's how you know they're girls" is so frustrating. Except Momma kinda falls into this with her.... skirty coat thing.

There's some ideas in there that are "Yes but..." for me.... I like the idea of the logos, the symbols. But why are there some letters, some images? Why does the most iconic symbol - 5 pointed STAR for STARlight Express, go to "Golden Eagle" who - SURELY - should have an eagle as his icon? I took forever trying to work out what "Silver Bullet"'s icon was - then I remembered he was originally called "Grey Wolf", and it's a wolf claw. Why did that not get updated? Why are almost all the logos circular except a couple?

Is there any colour theory going on? Hydra is green, that's logical. Rusty had to be orange. Why is Electra such a subdued silver? Why are Dinah and Tassita almost- but not quite- the same colours? Why is Tassita in a loud, complementary colour combination? the QUIET car is in LOUD colours?

Thinking of coaches, looping back to Pearl and cleavage... One could argue that they are strongly trying to avoid objectifying the female characters. But why then, do we have random cutouts in the costumes? Why is Dinah's stomach exposed, why the inner thighs exposed? (they're not actually bare skin, there's strong mesh covering the holes, but the DESIGN is for "flesh" to be visible) But why are we suggesting that these characters have bare skin and easily identifiable "underwear" shapes?

Dinah's costume in particular is anti-flattering - her big chunky arms, the curves cutting across her bust deliberately obscure her natural shape. Then she has a feature zip suggesting she's very easy to undress... was that the intention?

It feels like Gabriella Slade was given the instruction "NO BOOBS!" but still wanted to find ways to make the coaches feel a bit more mature... exposed... on display... They made a lot of compromises on NOT including any sort of necklines, and then to have the "bare" areas undermines that.

Then practical concerns... the backpacks with handles - centre of gravity. John Napier's designs put the handles on the belt. If someone is losing balance and grabs a handle that's on a belt, they're pulling low on the centre of gravity, the other person is far less likely to lose their balance too compared to if they're tugged on the shoulders. Just as well they don't really get up to any speed, so accidents are less likely.

A lot of the shiny materials used are somewhat experimental - at least in the context of 8 shows a week for month after month. Close-ups show they're not wearing well, if you catch sight beyond the bright reflective lights they're looking very shabby indeed. That wouldn't be a problem with a big budget and frequent replacement parts coming in, but... that doesn't seem to be happening.

Let me find some more positive things to say... the Components are suitably related to Electra, just about different enough from them to tell the principal role from the ensemble, and the fact they're almost impossible to tell apart does make sense. Boring but logical. Also, I genuinely appreciate there's nothing to indicate gender between the Champion Engines. They're just different heights, no "THIS one's a GIRL!"

Overall they're just really shallow. It's like an AI prompt to create something "that looks like it came from Starlight Express". There's nothing deeper. There's no layers, there's no character, no personality to the costume design. There's no love for the characters shown through the designs. There's just bright colours and shiny materials and lights and technology, no story telling. What is theatre if there's no story?!

What are your guys honest opinions about the Wembley costumes, both on their own and compared to other productions. I have mixed feelings about them tbh. All the shapes and colors are fun to look at and draw but I tend to favor the more classic ones. Feel free to rant abt this to me, I'm curious to know what y'all think.