#i only have one pose pack in my game rip

[please-read-the-manga]

Head's up: this post is me looking way too deeply into this random card game they introduced in Boruto (it's been forever since I've caught up with it and I'm starting from the beginning, RIP my sanity) and in general there's a bit of serious and a lot of silly going on in the analysis here... I find this concept so strange lmao so this is a little forewarning that's all.

Sorry, just been busy thinking about how dystopian it is that by the Boruto timeline there is a popular ninja trading card game all the kids are obsessed with that treats shinobi (many of whom were abused, traumatized child soldiers who have experienced incomprehensible trauma) as fun little collectibles.

For our world that's one thing (referring to the merchandizing we see of the manga/show itself); Naruto is obviously a story, it's a highly marketable IP, etc... but the implications of this being acceptable and even celebrated in their world is just so wild to me.

Also, it raises so many questions.

Do ninja get paid for the use of their likeness? How are they compensated?

Like did Hinata pose for this 'unique' card that obviously falls outside of the norm for collectability purposes? Or are the likenesses/names of the shinobi in the 'Extreme Ninja Scrolls' (ENS) TCG being used without permission? Who profits from this? The Daimyo? Jiraiya and Minato are also shown having cards... so who approved those since they're both deceased? Is there a Namikaze estate (for example) that had to legally allow Minato's image to be profited off of?

They even have cards of the OGs as 12-year-old genin. So is the Konoha government approving these since everyone pictured here was as an employee of the state and these appear to be regulation photos?

And you know what? We KNOW they didn't have this shit in the OG era because, back in the day, the whole team was impressed as hell at Kabuto's legendary ninja info cards! Who could forget these bad boys?

Now I guess we have to ask, though, is this not a massive security risk?

To have your nation's shinobi and their backgrounds, techniques, etc. shared so freely on cards you can pick up at any ninja 7/Eleven?

Anyone can purchase one of these card packs. We know it's not exclusive to Konoha too - while most of the cards have the Leaf Village symbol stamped in the corner, Orochimaru's represents the Sound Village.

Actually, hol' up. Orochimaru's inclusion is WILD.

"The legendary three ninja" (ie. a nod to him being one of the Legendary Sannin), but this man killed hundreds of thousands (we don't even know the totals) in untold unethical science experiments. He enslaved and tortured children, ruined countless lives and imprisoned them in hideouts that seemingly existed everywhere, and he packed up the Third Hokage (ngl that was a hero move).

And you're going to tell me that guy gets his own 'super rare' trading card? There are survivors of Orochimaru's cruelty still walking around in this timeline and they have to look at his face plastered and advertised everywhere as a rare card pull in a children's game?

So, if we can safely assume that (with Orochimaru's inclusion) internationally wanted criminals are not off the table for this game, does that mean the Akatsuki have their own cards as well? Like little kids are really out there trying to see which terrorist they can add to their collection? By Boruto-era, the truth of the Uchiha Clan Massacre is still swept under the rug by state leaders like Kakashi and Naruto (+the Elders), so Itachi's card could be in circulation under his Akatsuki identity. How does this shift/color the views of generations of children who come across all these cards potentially bearing the 'Uchiha' last name, especially since they're only ever taught a white-washed, sanitized, state-approved history?

This is pure speculation, but I wonder who gets left out of this game too. Is there an Obito card? A Madara one? They were the enemy faces of the 'last' great war, but one was also a founder of the Leaf Village (and it's implied all the Hokage all have cards - so historical figures are fair game), the other was a student of Minato's (which could, theoretically be included on the background summary of the card, we don't really know what's included there).

The kids in Boruto joke about Shino's card being viewed as a 'trash' pull (and tbf to the manga I did laugh when I saw the comic they made of that concept)... but really, how disrespectful is that? Imagine devoting your life to practicing shinobi techniques so you can serve/protect the state (as many of them tell themselves) only for little kids to joke about how undervalued and lame your card is? Imagine seeing the card of a beloved comrade you lost in a desperate battle, now being sold for pennies online as 'useless' since no one cares or remembers their name like you do.

Also, Sasuke apparently has a card and I can't for the life of me see him granting approval for his likeness to be used so callously, which lends further credence to my idea that these are either utilized by the state without the permission of their soldiers to add more prestige to the shinobi lifestyle (and potentially net more revenue for the state from children who will grow up to revere these figures/hope to cultivate new ones that will aid their financial interests/goals) or serve as a complete corporate cash-grab designed by some trashy company not even involved in the real business of shinobi but smelling a profit-to-be-made.

Yeah, idk, I really, really dislike Boruto as a concept and story... but I cannot deny it is giving me so much to think about lol.

How would it feel to suffer both physically and emotionally your entire life as you serve as a weapon of the state, just for kids to now argue over your card's value (or lack thereof)? How would it feel to see a shinobi who slew your partner or child in battle during one of the ninja wars (Minato, Jiraiya, Kakashi - they've all got blood from different villages on their hands) now lauded as these ultimate, pure heroes that kids everywhere can and should idolize?

Imagine Madara being handed a holographic card of Izuna and learning that it is valued low for whatever arbitrary reason? Or Kurenai seeing kids trade Asuma's card away for a better one? Does the game gloss over figures like Fugaku, a victim of state-sanctioned genocide, or Rin, a child soldier who died a child? Like these are real people (in-universe), with real and painful stories.

Side note: That's why I think the Zabuza arc is so critical to Naruto because it disrupts the initial 'fun' of this world (one that from the outside boasts cool magic powers and talking animals) and reminds the reader that these are children who are taught and expected to kill or be killed.

The shinobi included in this game have been indoctrinated to build their prestige off of being 'good' little contract killers, violent war-machines, and empty vessels that can line the pockets of feudal investors... and now they're being commodified again and sold to children as aspirational figures.

Something, something... late-stage capitalism Konoha and the further commodification of child soldiers/truly using and viewing shinobi as monetized tools in not just the previously understood sense of arbiters of state violence, but as literal objects of entertainment for children in a way that promotes the status quo of glorifying war-mongering and violent espionage all to support the business interests of corrupt feudal lords?

I have nothing to add here, this panel was just from the same chapters and the absurdity of it made me laugh so I wanted to include it lol. WTF is this?

[sincerelyamee]

[How I imagine Gojo teaching 5-year-old Megumi about his Ten Shadows technique aka recipe for disaster]

Most sorcerers with flashy innate techniques typically awake their powers around five or six years old - right around the same magnificent age they discover crayons are wonderfully effective for decorating more than just coloring books (RIP white walls everywhere).

Innate techniques in particular have a mind of their own, essentially “calling” to their user like an overly eager pet begging for treats and attention. One day, baby sorcerers just wake up, and bam - suddenly shadows are tugging at their skin or flames are sparking from their fingers, no warning or parental consent form required.

Little Megumi has been feeling the very first stirrings of his Ten Shadows for weeks now. Random surges of cursed energy that are definitely not just from sneaking extra pudding cups. Mysterious but insistent tugging sensations from the shadows, like ghostly hands trying to initiate a game of tag.

So, it’s time he gets some pointers on it, right? At least, that’s what Gojo decided.

On one peaceful morning, Gojo whisks out a whiteboard and markers from… somewhere. With such theatrical showmanship, one would think he was auditioning for Broadway itself. Yet the children serve as the ultimate tough crowd, responding only with raised eyebrows and curious glances.

Still, Gojo strikes a scholarly pose.

“Alright, my star pupil - Today’s lesson is on your badass upcoming technique!” Gojo announces, gesturing for Megumi to sit front and center.

As Megumi hesitantly takes his place, Nanako leans over to Mimiko. “How come he just happens to have a random whiteboard ready? Where does that even come from?” She whispers. Mimiko just shakes her head, too busy stuffing her mouth with chips.

“To start, your very first summons will be these adorable Divine Dogs!” Gojo proclaims enthusiastically. “Though at first, they’re more like Divine Pups…”

His marker zig-zags wildly as he tries sketching two majestic wolves. Emphasis on tries. The end results look something akin to a pair of mutant chickens wearing tutus. That elicits poorly contained giggles from the girls. Megumi simply stares, somehow experiencing all seven stages of grief simultaneously.

“Those are some weird chickens, nii-chan.” Tsumiki blurts out with all the sophistication of a future art critic.

“They look like they survived a nuclear blast,” Nanako adds.

Why does she even know what a nuclear blast is? Kids these days. Gojo makes a mental note to berate Geto later for letting the devil’s spawns watch too much TV. But since he’s Gojo, he forgets about it immediately. For now, he blinks down at his drawings, then back at the giggling, unimpressed kids.

“Clearly you heathens lack the artistic vision to appreciate my creative genius.” Gojo huffs before erasing his previous attempts in stunned outrage.

But Gojo Satoru isn’t one to give up easily, or ever.

Like a runaway freight train, Gojo charges full steam ahead. His Louvre-worthy artistic visions expand stranger the longer the ridiculous lesson continues. With each stroke of the marker, Gojo’s illustrations venture further into worlds unknown by man or beast. Eldritch creatures populate the poor whiteboard as head scratching and sideways glances spread among the children.

Megumi watches in dismay as the hours tick painfully on, the squeaking hamster powering his brain throwing itself from the rusty wheel. The last of his sanity packs its bags and flees into the abyss rather than witnessing more of Gojo’s artistic assaults against nature. At the rate this is going, he half expects his first summon to be a potato with Gojo’s face haphazardly drawn on it.

A glaring oversight dawns on the boy - for all Gojo’s useless prattling and monstrous drawings, explaining the actual summoning process appears a mere afterthought, if the man is even capable of actual thoughts at all. When asked, he simply waves off the question with a dodgy uh-huh. Just as effective as inquiring an orange tabby on quantum physics.

“It’s not that hard.” Gojo shrugs dismissively. “You’ll figure it out.”

Megumi rubs his temples, contemplating if it’s too late to grab Tsumiki and flee this madhouse, perhaps taking the twins as well. No one deserves such ruthless torture. Gojo may be well on his way to becoming another villain overlord with questionable artistic skills, but this? This right here marks Fushiguro Megumi’s very own villain origin story.

Staring blankly ahead in post-traumatic shock, Megumi knows one truth with the certainty of death itself - never, ever again will he make the fatal error of taking a lesson from Gojo. No, he must figure out this Ten Shadows technique solo going forward. Though now Megumi ponders whether deliberately summoning all those nightmarish abominations is something best avoided altogether.

read the whole thing here on Ao3: A Family of Villains - A wacky villain origin story/Kinda a slice-of-life fic exploring the logistics of 18-year-old sashisu being the greatest villains in the jujutsu world while on the run and raising 4 kids. Mostly fluff and humor of course.

[fishareglorious]

If someone were to be deciding between either limbus company or reverse 1999, which would you recommend and why? What would you say are the pros and cons?

I enjoy both R1999's and Limbus' story and gameplay, and both its cast of characters remain pretty intriguing enough. But I will be upfront about the fact that I will a little more biased on R199 since its currently filling up the spaces between my neurons currently, and that I've dropped Limbus months ago due to the company's actions towards its workers. All in all, if you want to play Limbus, all I ask of you is to not give the game any real-life money.

I really do want to give both games a fair chance, so I would say my verdict would be for you to try both games and see if like one or even both?

A whole ass essay under the cut:

Anyhow, when it comes to recommending it, I.. would say to a general audience, R1999's more palatable? Limbus' contents (see: its giant trigger warnings screen when you start the game for the first time) aren't quite for everyone, so if any of these aren’t for you, please take care of yourself.

Limbus gameplay is something that plays in my head even if I haven’t touched it in months. The difficulty spike is infamously vertical, but if you enjoy a good challenge, figuring out battles is really gratifying. Probably is one of the things I really miss about the game, as much as it did frustrate me to the point of insanity.

For the characters, I did really like the fact all of the playable characters take inspiration from classic literature (ie, Ishmael is inspired from Ishmael from Moby Dick, Heathcliff is from Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, Faust from Goethe's Faust, Gregor as Gregor Samsa from Kafka's Metamorphosis, etc.), and the setting of the City as an ultra capitalist hell that has SCP-esque creatures wreaking havoc after the downfall of an eldritch horror energy company is a very fascinating and intriguing world.

One of the big things I can think people praise about Limbus is that almost all gacha content are actually obtainable with enough grinding; barring the pretty new Walpurgisnacht content, which I think is limited?

The game has utterly banger soundtracks including original songs from Mili is spectacularly weaved into the boss battles, sound design that is immaculately crunchy in a satisfying way (I. admit I sometimes open some character's attack audios. for fun at one point. let us ignore i am the guy obsessed with outis and I play her voicelines because she's. her.) and top-notch voice acting. While it doesn't have a english dub, but I think even if they had one I don't think they'll come quite close to the korean VA's performances.

I may not have touched the game in months but I do still carry a fondness for these gang of murderous morally gray-to-black bastards and their sad sopping wet amnesiac manager.

And let's get to R1999. It's been taking up space in my brain for a while now. The cast of characters are certainly interesting, and there is lore jam-packed into almost every bit of the story. The whole world and the ramifications and effects of the Storm pose an intriguing conflict and I'll surely be tuned in to how the main story will turn out. The events are also a joy to watch and play.

As for the gameplay, if the levels aren't kicking your ass and you're evenly matched with your enemies, I really do enjoy the process of strategizing how to defeat the enemies. Unlike Limbus flinging you out into the world and into the battle; the tutorial on how R1999's battle mechanic certainly eases you better into knowing the basics. My only complaint in here is that the end-game grind is horrific. Farming for stuff for your characters in the highest levels will have you ripping your hair out (at least, that was my experience), but at the last going through the main story content doesn't actually require you to be on a high level with your roster of characters.

I appreciate how it does look like a lot of things in R1999 take context from actual historical things that have happened, though unfortunately I'm not really that much of a history buff to fully get some references and appreciate it, which is a bit of a shame.

The game's soundtrack is simply chef's kiss. I admit I don't really have audio on when i play casually, but when I do have it on while playing through the story, the music really does deliver and drive in what the game wants you to really feel during scenes. The music in chapter 3's various chess scenes drive in Constantine's scheming and the buildup of dread as you see it all unfurl before your eyes. The solemnity of the music in the final scenes of chapter 2. A ping pong game being somehow incredibly intense. That one OST that plays whenever someone goes silly time. Green Lake's absolute bop of an OST can I just link it here man. R1999 composers giving y'all a big plate of your favorite food.

Anyways. I think this has like. gone on and on and I am not good with writing conclusions so. To say what I said at the very start, I think you should both games a fair chance, so I would say my verdict would be for you to try both games and see if like one or even both? Up to you.

Most of all have fun and don't give into the gacha addiction. That is all.

[iantimony]

tues

last tuesday in my apartment! going away for ~6 weeks! trying to be normal about it! posting this pretty early in the day compared to normal because i woke up insanely early from my roommate's cat yelling ... then i got bad period cramps and languished in bed with a heating pad for way too long ... did not end up going to my office today, oops ...

listening: like many others i have gotten sucked into the kendrick/drake Beef. i do sporadically listen to hip hop and rap in general but somehow had never gotten around to kendrick. better late than never, i suppose! this is not news but he's really good!! i listened to 'good kid, m.A.A.d city' for the first time and it's just really really good. i cannot recommend a Single Favorite Song the way i sometimes do with albums i like just because this is one of the ones that i let wash over me as an entire cohesive unit. do recommend if you have somehow lived under a rock like me.

reading: mostly fallow. some academic paper stuff. biting my nails about prelim exam things.

watching: dunmeshi and asobi.

playing: ran an insane dnd session saturday for the online weekly group that i got roped into earlier this year ... i'm glad i'm running it, i'm having a lot of fun with it, but my god. we decided to do a 'slightly' longer session than normal because we're not gonna get to play for about a month due to scheduling/travel of various people. it was Six Hours Long. AND THEY COULD HAVE KEPT GOING. killing myself For Real. but actually i do have fun i just. woof. i am excited to have a bit of a break from it. the only tabletop thing i will be doing with that group until like...june 8??? maybe even the week after? is i set up a spindlewheel spreadsheet for me and one of the players! he had to go awol for a few weeks and we're doing a little spindlewheel game as a way to plot out what his character was up to in that period, very fun, will be low-pressure and asynchronous.

making: trying to finish up some pottery stuff before i leave town! carving in crows into this bowl that i will be painting in with black:

handles added to the new cave painting mugs:

and i went to life drawing again for the first time this year! i will not be back at that specific studio til july lol rip but i plan on going to a local place at least once when i'm at home :) 3 min poses, last sketchy one is a 5-minute, and then the hour long!

finally, the bookbinding stuff i did last week and forgor to post! the little one is scraps to test coptic binding, the bigger one behind it is going to be a travel journal for when i'm in the UK for two weeks :)

eating: really really fallow. a lot of eating out and scrounging frozens because i'm leaving town for a while. hoping to cook for my family while i'm at home. i did eat basically an entire jar of grilled olives from trader joes.

misc: i cannot believe how slow this semester went for most of it and then how fast it's been for the end. good god. i leave my apartment in an hour to go get my brother from the airport, we hang for a few days, and then off i go on saturday! fucked up for real! i'm very excited to see my boyfriend and then go abroad though (!!!), less looking forward to feeling like i'm trapped at home again, but maybe this time will be fine (doubt but hopeful). god i need to think about packing, huh. fuckin hell.

[ecofinisher]

Valentines stuff I didn't post during the 14th, because I didn't.

I made a heart with lights on the wall 😐

I picked four random couples, cause I didn't have enough time to search for poses and all that only for said day. (Also I heard about the malware hidden in some mod pages, so I rather avoid the pages for a while)

Ok I added a platform, because otherwise, you couldn't see the heart.

I just realized I had a fourth couple and forgot to screenshot them.....

Don't ask, but I don't like the new Goth version and stuck with the old ones. The only thing I would change would be Bella's skin.

Ah yes, Ayesha Ansari and Xander Clavell in Sims 4 are so unrealistic 💀

Bonus: Ok not a bonus, but that was my previous plan on S3, but I disliked it somehow

Like I had spontaneously the idea to do something for Valentines day on said day and had two ideas in mind. A couple dancing in the middle of the heart or more couples dancing around the heart. I found this on the gallery from the Seasons pack. I just wanted to see, if this would look any cute, but the teeth are bothering.....

But we all know, they DON'T WANT TO DANCE THE WAY I WANTED. And for some reason Gerda was nauseous (Story Progression made her pregnant 😭)

*Sings something romantic in Spanish* Oh by the way, they're Rollan & Gerda from Snow Queen.

7/10 rating for my creation. Weirdly they look better here than in S4.

This was my idea, but they were all on the wrong spot. Then I had a plan C and filmed all couples from the near slow-dancing. THEN JAMIE'S HUSBAND DECIDED WITH ME HAVING THE ACTIVITY TURNED OF GO TO WORK AND BREAKING THE ACTION BY HIMSELF!

With some cute music each couple dancing would be cute :3 Except I didn't know what to put on it 😂 (Watch me put Amy MacDonald over Rollda, because the movie did the same)

Right you become a James Bond-rip-off, when you get Level 10 in Law Enforcement. He's also the dumbass, that decided to leave the dance for work. (He's also a workaholic, so....)

Fun fact: Both their names mean the same thing, but when I made him I just gave him a random name xD

My child-me had weird Sim-ships. But hey, I had a cousin get interested into the game, because of Leighton!

River the rizzler 🤣 Okay, this is what you get from being around a Langerak for too long. (Also I like seeing her in a smoking somehow🥵)

Can't take her expressions here serious.....

It's been raining the whole time and all just enjoyed the party. That's the spirit!

The Adrinette of Sims. Don't ask me why, I think it doesn't make sense.

Ayesha out of nowhere decided to get her husband wet.

Well, that's all. I just wanted to share this here as well. Did it on said day on Instagram, but pictures remain there in low quality.

[simgerale]

Any tips on sticking with a legacy? It's amazing to me you have Sims from 2016!

ooh!! i know many people struggle with sticking to their sim families, but i will try to give my most relevant advice!

✨ miranda’s tips and tricks ✨

for me, I can only stick with sims that i am connected to. this means creating a backstory (or actively playing through a story i’ve made for them), giving them real personalities outside of sim traits, and figuring out what their favorite hobbies and interests are! it’s important to me that i don’t limit my creativity to in-game things, even if that means i can only imagine that a sim does a certain activity (or pose them doing it)! you’ll get bored real fast if you decide that they have to fit a mold.

with each generation, i’m trying to do something different and new. The easiest way to get lost in the motions is to do something repetitive! sure, there can be a lot of similarities from one gen to the next, but variation is key! [Ex #1: gen 1 had two kids, gen 2 had three kids, and now gen 3 has one kid] [Ex #2: vibes have been quite different. Gen 1 was more gameplay, gen 2 was full of spicy drama, gen 3 has been about finding oneself amidst relationships + enjoying the little things]

On that same note, I want romance in each generation. And as a hopeless romantic, i have used a different trope every time! It keeps things interesting while also playing to cheesy cliches that everyone can’t help but enjoy. you could also have the ‘no romance but sleeps around’ generation to shake things up [gen 1: forbidden love except not forbidden, just frowned upon at the time] [gen 2: best friends become lovers but with a SLOW burn] [gen 3: fake lovers to real lovers]

using gameplay outcomes to help further your legacy helps. i know the game is lacking…. Take it from me as someone who owns only 10% of the packs lol. but I try my best to let the game decide on some things while guiding it in other areas! your sim is actually bad at something you thought they’d be good at? cool that could change their career! your sim suddenly wants to have another baby and it isn’t planned? up to you, but it could open up lots of opportunities! your game killed off a parent too soon? rip but maybe you can use that for your heir’s personality development lol

if you’re intimidated by following certain guidelines, you don’t have to! I’ve set my own (can’t age up the heirs to see what they’ll look like, can’t travel to worlds that would realistically be too far away for every day activities, try your best to have family events/holidays)

my final tips go hand in hand: take your time and only play when it’s enjoyable. if the fact that i still have a sim from late 2016 isn’t hint enough, i can tell you that I’ve only played my legacy when I absolutely wanted to. if i wasn’t feeling it, i didn’t bother because i wouldn’t have enjoyed myself! this meant that i would go periods without playing (and posting), but i can speak from experience when I say that it has been for the best!!!

all of this is to say… everybody is different! what works for me may not work for you. overall, do what makes you have fun. as long as it is isn’t hurting other people, you’re doing great 😌

[spnsisterimagines]

Mario Kart

Summary - Y/N decides to engage her brothers and Castiel into Mario Kart, not realizing what she was getting herself into.

Pairings - Dean Winchester x Sister!Reader, Sam Winchester x Sister!Reader, Jack Kline x Platonic!Winchester!Reader, Castiel x Winchester!Reader

Word Count - 1,911 words

"Let's get it!" Y/N squeals, claiming her spot on the middle of the couch. She was practically bouncing up and down, waiting impatiently for everyone to join her. The Dean Cave had brightened considerably since she had added a few redecorations. While Dean initially denied her, she had forced him to allow her to put up LED lights, several polaroids from her camera(they were mostly of herself smiling widely at the camera while Sam and Dean looked mildly annoyed with fake smiles. There was also a real funny one where Sam was unconscious on a hunt and Y/N decided to pose beside him), as well as posters from their favorite bands. Not to mention the added dock to the TV stand to hold her Nintendo Switch that Sam had bought her for her previous birthday. 

She supposed he regretted it now, since she was forcing him to play a game he'd never even heard of.

He entered the room first, holding a big bowl of popcorn and a soda. Dean followed close behind, Little Debbie packages hanging from his mouth since his arms were occupied with pillows from their bedrooms and a pack of beers for himself. Jack was the only one to come empty handed. He happily took the spot beside Y/N, waving merrily as Castiel also appeared with two sodas(both of them for Beth because he was just so considerate), taking the spot on her other side.

"I'll give this an hour before we switch to movie night, Y/N," Dean warned as he occupied his armchair, which was to the left of the couch. She had discovered this old thing at a garage sale. It had been a rather stressful day because Dean had refused to strap it to Baby and they had to hound what little friends they had for a truck. Since most of their friends were dead, Y/N had hot wired one outside of a bar and returned it before the drunk redneck inside could notice it had even left. She was sure the dent in the bed was there before they put the couch on it. Sam had not been happy about that.

Sam took his own armchair, which was to the right of the couch. 

"What is it, again?" he asked curiously. 

"Is the only thing in the media you've ever heard Facebook? You've seriously never heard of Mario Kart?" Y/N asked, happily accepting one of the sodas from Castiel. "Dad really did a number on us. I was introduced to this through Charlie." She got up to grab the number of controllers necessary for four. Jack was eager to try the game, but he was always open to trying new things, something Y/N could appreciate.

After connecting them to the Switch, she handed them out to her brothers along with Jack before returning to her spot on the couch between the angel and nephilim. 

"If I remember correctly from what you've told me, it's a racing game, right?" Castiel asked.

"Exactly, except with a few quirks to make it interesting. Like, um...I could throw a shell and hit one of them and vice versa. Or a banana peel. I'll give them a trial run before we actually get into it. Are you sure you don't want to try it, Cas?"

Castiel shook his head. "I have seen how you play with Charlie, and I don't want to be on the receiving end of your anger. And I rather like watching you in your element."

Y/N smiled, blushing, before playfully pushing him. 

"I need to get drunk to stomach this," Dean said, offended as he popped one of the beers open and took a gulp. "Keep the PDA to a minimum guys, you've got a kid next to you. Alright, what buttons do I push to hit Sam?"

"What the hell?" Sam scoffed. 

"What?"

"We haven't even started and you're gunnin' for me?"

"Uh, yeah!" 

"Alright, alright! First we gotta pick our player," Y/N mediated, pressing the buttons to get them to the screen full of Mario players. "I already got mine." She moved her icon until it landed on Wendy, before selecting her. "Obviously the best character, hands down."

The three boys maneuvered their icons over different characters, for some reason taking it a little too seriously on who they would choose. Sam selected his first. 

"Luigi?" Dean scoffed.

"You got a problem?" Sam asked. 

"No, but...why Luigi?"

"Who cares, I just chose him."

"You have to have a reason, man." Dean shook his head, before selecting his own. 

"Why'd you choose Bowser, then?"

"Because he's a badass. And he'd beat the holy hell out of Luigi if the games lost their PG rating," Dean shrugged.

Jack hummed thoughtfully, still scrolling. "I choose him!" 

He selected Toad. 

"Why him, Jack?" she asked. 

"I like his hat."

Y/N snorted, but it was a valid enough answer. Once everyone was ready, she selected the settings for the game and then decided to use the time to explain to them how the controls worked and anything else they were curious about. After a few trial races, they were ready for the real thing. Castiel was sitting patiently, his hands on his lap. 

"You assholes are going down," Dean declared, bringing his remote closer to him. 

"So much for being appropriate in front of the kid," Y/N sneered, but she was just as ready.

She set the game to go through ten races with a random select for the roads. 

And with that, they were off.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" Dean yelled, nearly jumping to his feet. His first empty beer bottle slide across the floor from his rapid movement. "I DIDN'T EVEN TOUCH IT! I DIDN'T GO NEAR THE GODDAMN PEEL!"

"That might've been mine," Sam stated, smugly. "But Bowser also takes up half the road, so avoiding it was probably impossible anyway."

Dean squinted. "You callin' me fat, Sammy?"

Sam shrugged. "Luigi's doing just fine."

Y/N hid her smile as she hit her own item, snatching that smile right from Sam's face.

"Why did you do that?" he asked, incredulous, the red shell sending Luigi off the edge of the map. 

"You got in my way!" Y/N sang. 

It only seemed to get worse from there. What was supposed to be an hour of playing turned into four with the bowl of popcorn thrown across the room at Dean when he had decided to hit Sam three times with three separate shells before snagging first place and doing a lewd dance as a way to declare his victory. Y/N's hair had bristled up, becoming bushier almost as though it were alive. Her right eye was twitching, and her hands were cramping by now. 

Jack, however, was having a good time. He has gotten last place the entire time, but he was still having fun, and that's what truly mattered.

Castiel, on the other hand, seemed to be on the verge of a panic attack, not knowing whose side he should take because all three Winchester siblings were completely out of their minds, including Y/N.

Finally, it was the last race. Everyone's nerves were shot. Sam's hair seemed even more raggedy than Y/N's, and his shirt was stained with soda because Dean decided to take vengeance by chucking his pillow at him when Sam was taking a big gulp. They had to pause the game for several minutes while Sam fought for his life coughing and wheezing because the soda went down the wrong pipe.

"I'm afraid I must at least attempt to deter you guys from participating in another race. There aren't any weapons in the Dean Cave, but I'm sure you three will find a way to kill each other," Castiel said, worried. "Jack, are you okay?"

Jack nodded enthusiastically. "I'm having fun!"

"I will let it be known if I lose, someone is dying tonight. I will call Billie to fix it, but someone has to die tonight if I lose," Y/N threatened. 

"Good luck with that, I'm kicking all of your asses, and you can kiss mine when it crosses the finish line," Dean said.

"I don't even care if I win, as long as you guys lose. And I'll make sure it happens." Sam jeered. 

With that, the race began. Aside from Jack and Castiel, everyone was bloodthirsty. Surely no matter who won, someone was gonna be pissed off. Castiel was making a mental note to grab Jack as soon as possible and escort him out of the room while the siblings brawled. 

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Y/N shouted, jumping to her feet. "WHO DID IT! WHO DID IT?"

"I did!" Sam happily announced, moving to and fro with the turn of his controller, as though he were in the game himself. 

"I'm gonna get you, Sam," Y/N snarled, pressing hard on the buttons, trying her best to catch up to her brother, collecting any items she came across, but none of them were good enough, so she kept using them without thinking until she heard Dean curse and also jump to his feet. 

"THAT WAS ME, JACKASS!" he yelled, completely distraught. "I didn't even do anything this time!"

"You probably deserved it anyway!" Sam shrugged, continuing to maneuver through the AIs to get to the front. 

By that time, Dean and Y/N had caught up, and with all they had, they used their items to completely screw each other over up until every kart had passed them. In the end, they were the bottom three with Sam first, Y/N second, and Dean in dead last. And for a moment there after, nobody said anything. They were completely beside themselves in utter shock at what just occurred. 

"What just happened?" Y/N asked, deflating considerably. 

"We lost..." Sam mumbled. 

"Screw you guys, I lost overall!" Dean scoffed.

"I won!" Jack suddenly cheered, leaping to his feet and jumping up and down. "I won!"

"You what?" Y/N asked, shocked as her eyes trailed to the top. Sure enough, Toad was in first place. "You're kidding!"

"I can't believe I won!" Jack said, smiling as he high-fived a proud Castiel.

"I want a rematch," Dean commanded, sitting back down and retrieving his controller. 

"Yeah, me, too!" Sam agreed. 

"I'm down!" Y/N eagerly agreed, about to grab hers when Castiel snatched it. He went around the room, taking up all the controllers.

"Given that it's five in the morning, and just a couple moments ago you three were ready to quite literally rip each other's throats out, I'm going to recommend everyone get up and get to bed instead," he instructed curtly. "I think we should postpone a future night of games indefinitely, at least for a little while until you three can learn to control yourselves."

"What-but-you can't-" Y/N sputtered.

"Quite literally, I can shut off whatever is necessary so you can never play the game again with just a snap of my fingers," Castiel warned. "Shower and get some sleep. Jody already told us she needed to discuss something at noon tomorrow, and it would be rude if we were tardy. C'mon, let's go!"

With a grumble, everyone got up and cleaned their mess, ignoring each other vehemently as they walked out. Except for Jack; he was practically skipping. 

There was another good thing about tonight that he knew about. He was the one that triggered the lightning item that really stumped the three siblings and put them at the bottom three.

[kiranogareru]

DON'T

WARNING: Angst, Bakusquad boys being assholes, violence, bullying, cursing, toxicity

A/N: 3rd person view, this is the first of a few one-shots to come, that will be improved versions of my old imagines on my Wattpad!

'Another day at my most favourite place, UA Hero Academy!' You thought sarcastically

Better known as another day of bullshit you have to endure...

You still don't have a clue how you made it through two years of this already, but it's not like it matters, as long as you are in one piece!

Your time here has been..eventful? Well that's that's one way to put it, for lack of a better word

You are walking to the cafeteria alone as per usual, praying you won't be noticed by them. Unfortunately they are already there, waiting for you to show up, like animals waiting patiently to pounce on their prey and even though the place is packed with students of all classes and departments, they somehow still spot you in the sea of people!

"Awww there she is!" Kaminari mocked using a 'cute' tone and grabbing you by the arm to bring you in the middle of the group

"You made us wait today, not manly at all!" Kirishima feigned sadness and hurt, placing a hand on his chest

"Don't be so hard on her guys. Maybe she forgot where we were meeting" Sero cooed, cupping your face with one hand and applying pressure

The look in his eyes made you uneasy, because you know exactly what is going to happen next. You've gotten used to it by now

"Today has been sooo boring" Kaminari complained

"But that's why Y/N is here man! To make our day better!" Kirishima cheers, balling up his fists and doing his signature pose

To anyone watching you, this seemed like nothing but a normal conversation, but you know better..

"You better get out of here, you damn idiots" Bakugou's voice grumbled from behind you

The words almost filled you with hope, making you momentarily forget who spoke them in the first place and making you feel like a fool for thinking that way

Bakugou was like a leading figure to these guys, so why would he put you above his friends?

If anything, he is only scolding them because there's too many eyes around and they don't want witnesses!

That thought leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. This is the next generation of heroes? It's just so hard to believe.. it's truly appalling!

Bakugou stayed behind 'most likely to avoid suspicion' you figured

The rest of the boys drag you outside, to a spot you have grown familiar with ever since you were a freshman. It's beside the main building, a place typically void of students or teachers!

They chose this place because they know they won't get in trouble, since this is also a blind spot for the cameras in this area!

Kirishima shoves you to the ground, which Sero takes as a sign to bind your hands and tape your mouth shut, so they can start playing their favourite game with you

A game they like to call "How long until Y/N breaks"

It doesn't take long for the first kick to fly straight to your abdomen, followed by another and a few more..they add a few punches here and there to switch up the pattern

They don't want this to get boring too quickly, of course not! They want to have fun with it..because this is their sick idea of 'fun'!

Kirishima rips the tape from your mouth, since it was starting to peal off with all the blood and spit that had started coating it!

You feel weak, you can't even activate you fucking quirk to try and defend youself! Everything hurts, but what the fuck can you really do at this point?

Hopelessness, defeat, they managed to beat into you, all the things you hate being! They have driven you to a point where you hate yourself, because of what they made you!

'How am I supposed to be a hero, if I can't even save my damn self?'

'I don't stand a chance against them anyway, they have made that very clear, since the first day we met and every time after that'

"Please stop!" You plead over and over, but there is no use however

"Why do you keep doing this?" You let out a pained cry, but the only response you get is in the form of more hits

They are treating you like a sand bag and you don't even know why. You wonder what you could have done to them to deserve this

At some point they stop and a wave of relief washes over you as you think this nightmare is finally coming to an end.

That illusion completely shatters when you hear the voice of someone you know all-too-well and realize why they stopped to begin with, but you don't have time to process anything else, because Bakugou knocks you out!

•••

Your eyes flutter open, the first thing you see being your boyfriend of nearly a year, Bakugou Katsuki!

You take in your surroundings and sit up.

'Was I brought to Recovery Girl?' You question yourself, as your right hand comes up to your head, due to a pounding headache

"Baby are you alright?" He asked, reaching his hand out to touch your cheek

"Don't" Your tone coming off quite threatening, while your fragile figure tries to get up

Your knees give out and Bakugou is quick to catch you and hold you up!

"I'm sorry baby!" He repeats the same words you've been hearing since you first started dating!

"Get the fuck off of me! Let go!" You demand, clawing at his exposed arms in an attempt to squirm out of his grip

He let's go of you and you get yourself back on the bed

He looks at you with so much sorrow in his crimson eyes, but all that does is vex you further, makes you hate him! You can't stand to even look at him anymore!

The sight of his face makes your stomach twist, his presence alone causing your blood to boil and your knuckles to ache for some action!

You're barely able to hold back right now, because looking at him has suddenly become a reminder of an agreement he convinced you to make..

His lips part, but before he can utter another disgusting, half-assed apology, you shut him up!

"No more apologies Katsuki, no more fucking lies, I don't wanna hear it anymore! I've really had enough! I just can't take it!" You stated in an ice-cold manner

"I'm sorry ok?! I couldn't do anything, it's not up to me, I can't tell them what to do! Yes, they look up to me, but I can't control them!"

Can he not hear what bullshit is coming out of him mouth? Can he not hear himself right now?

This is the only thing going through your head at the moment

"I can't stop all of a sudden, they can't know we're dating!" Katsuki says, directing his gaze to the floor

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Without a second thought your hand makes contact with his cheek, the smack echoing throughout the room

A visible, red patch in the shape of your palm forms, as he lifts his head up to meet your burning gaze once more. His expression holds complete and utter disbelief!

"You said that once we got together this would stop, you promised, but it seems like you don't want it to stop! Are you enjoying it Bakugou? Do you get off at the sight of me breaking?" You asked , well aware of the fact that you're not ready for his answer, but wanting to hear it nevertheless

"I swear I will talk to them, I just need a little more time and then-!" You cut his rambling short

"It's always the same shit with you! Spewing fake promises! This time it won't work Bakugou, I don't have the strength to do this anymore! And I don't want to waste my love and time on someone who beats me so people don't associate me with him, someone who goes to this extent so he won't be seen with me!" You confess

"I'll chan-"

"Don't say it, because it's not true and you know that! You always tell me you'll change, but you don't even try!"

"I don't enjoy seeing you in pain, I just can't stop! I've been doing this for so long, I don't know how to be anything else. But I never meant to hurt you!" He finally answered your question

"If you don't want to hurt me, you'll leave me alone! I want to be away from this so called 'relationship', it's not healthy! I need a break!" You reason

"It's not a break if you never come back to me..it's a break up!" He lowers his head once more, hair falling over his eyes, as he speaks calmly

"Come back to you? As if" You scoff, laughing out

He doesn't dare speak, he is simply staring at you, with shocked, red orbs!

"You should have stayed with the League of Villains when you had the chance! That's where 'heroes' like you belong!" You eyes shoot daggers at him,

"Now get the fuck out, you Sludge-Bastard!" You demand, using the name he hates even more than the one Midoriya calls him

He is in tears, as he leaves the school's infirmary

It isn't so much because things ended between you as it is the weight of your words!

Bakugou processes what just happened, wearing a blank expression, while he walks through the halls of UA, tears still streaming freely!

Seems like he put a lot of thought into what you told him, because the next thing you know, a new villian makes his debut

[pyrrhiccomedy]

Hello ☺️, I’ve heard from your lovely lady companion Emily that you’re a very seasoned DM! I was wondering if you had any advice for beginners to DMing when it comes to things like improvising and making sure your first session has an impact on the players as their introduction to the world. Any advice at all would be a lifesaver! Thank you ☺️✌🏻

holy shit, a question about DMing. you have freed me, stranger. I can stop blogging about Troy (2004). 

First of all, I’m really excited to hear that you’re going to be DMing for the first time! DMing is understandably intimidating, but it’s also incredibly creatively fulfilling, and it’s something you’ll still be learning how to do better after 25 years. 

Okay, so let’s talk about session 1.

Your first session has a lot of lifting to do. You want to make an emotional impact, you want your players to learn about the world, you want to convey tone and genre, and you want your PCs to have a chance to band together and form quick connections.

I really can’t say enough good things about session 1 being about An Escape, because an escape scenario immediately poses a whole bunch of really valuable questions.

What is a crime in this world?

Who are your natural adversaries?

Why should you trust & rely upon your new party members?

What is violence like in this game? This says a lot about your game’s tone.

What will the next few sessions be about?

Literally, in 3 of the last 4 campaigns I’ve run, session one was An Escape. I’ll walk you through the set-ups for 2 of them (the third is a one-on-one campaign, so maybe not as useful to you).

In Vampire: the Masquerade, the party (all vampires) woke up staked to the ground in the basement of an abandoned school, captives of the fanatical inquisitorial group, the Society of Leopold. None of them had met each other before, all of them were confused, angry, scared, and low on blood.

What is a crime in this world?

Just being a vampire is a crime. You can be brutally attacked, captured, and murdered for being what you are. Your only recourse is to fight for your life.

Who are your natural adversaries?

Vampire hunters. They are not as strong or as fast as you, but they have dirty tricks up their sleeves and fanatical conviction on their side, and they do not see you as human.

Why should you trust & rely upon your new party members?

Without them, you will not escape your predicament. You know you can trust them because you have a common enemy. Each of them will have a chance to solve a problem with a unique skill that you do not possess, driving home that you can solve dangerous problems together that you could not overcome on your own. 

What is violence like in this game? This says a lot about your game’s tone.

Fast, flashy, bloody, and dark. Descriptions of injuries are savage; heads get torn off, chests get ripped open, shadows pinwheel wildly as the sole hanging light in the ceiling gets knocked around amidst the violence. But there’s a slick cool to all of it. You are in real danger, but you are also capable of dealing out grievous and acrobatic harm.

What will the next few sessions be about?

Upon your escape, the Prince of the city charged you all with seeking out the leaders of the hunters. Best not to disappoint him.

In my Call of Cthulhu campaign, the characters were all prisoners on a bus to the gulag, in Russia in 1938.

What is a crime in this world?

Literally anything, if you have displeased the wrong people. One of you received a letter you shouldn’t have seen. Another one wrote seditious poetry. Another was rude to a secret police officer during an investigation. Another literally has no idea why he’s here. There is a cold, kafkaesque indifference to the notion of fairness in this world. You have been disenfranchised and shipped off to do hard labor for almost nothing at all. Do not bother to look for reason in the machinations of the state.

Who are your natural adversaries?

The NKVD. They are all-powerful, all-seeing, and brutal. They could kill every last one of you right here in the snow, and so long as they filed the correct paperwork afterwards, there will be no follow up investigation. They have the key to the vehicles, they have warm clothes, they have all of the guns, they have the radio that is your only way of contacting the outside world. You don’t even have coats that will keep out the freezing wind. If you want what you need to escape this place, you will have to take it from them.

Why should you trust & rely upon your new party members?

You will be shot, if you try to escape alone. The tundra is vast and the NKVD are always watching. Your only hope is to cause confusion and hope that your numbers count for more than your jailers’ guns. And once you’re out, into Siberia? conditions are so hostile you have no choice but to band together for survival.

What is violence like in this game? This says a lot about your game’s tone.

Almost instantly fatal. You are shown fellow prisoners (NPCs) get headshot by the NKVD captain and drop to the ground, dead. Another NPC has a broken leg, and cannot participate in combat at all. If you get hurt, that’s it. There are no health potions or magic spells that will mitigate the effects of bullets and the biting wind.

What will the next few sessions be about?

As you escaped, you saw strange apparitions across the snow, which caused the radio to malfunction. You are fleeing in your stolen truck from the NKVD, but where are you going? Where can you go, except towards the mystery?

Escapes are great, too, because as a DM, your list of things you need to prepare is pretty concrete. You need:

- Mooks

- A boss for the mooks

- a map of the immediate area, so your players know what avenues of potential escape they have

- a couple of NPC fellow prisoners for them to talk to & for you to kill along the way (alternately, this can be a great way to link the party up with future quest-givers straight from the jump).

- A list of possible resources to aid in their escape that they might be able to get their hands on (a fire axe? a radio? a car?)

- A couple of ideas for spanners to throw in the works (if things are too easy/going too quickly, maybe this NPC fellow prisoner turns on them, hoping to curry favor with the NKVD; maybe one of the hunters has a flamethrower to force the vampires to double back; maybe it starts to snow with white-out conditions, maybe something is being filmed right outside and the vampires can’t bust through the steel doors without potentially breaking the Masquerade).

Another great thing about escapes is that they’re geographically isolated. So you don’t need to have The Entire Starting Zone figured out from session 1: you just need to know about this one truck stop in Siberia, or this abandoned school in Queens. When they gain access to the wider world, the session ends, and you should have an idea of where they want to go next.

And if any of their captors survive, you may have an act 1 villain on your hands. Don’t get too attached to the idea that any of them WILL survive; but if they do, and the party bears them a grudge, find them a place in the story, flesh them out as an adversary. Your Big Bad means nothing to them yet, but Captain Volkov, the NKVD captain who pursued them across the ice like a relentless automaton, scares them.

Another thing I like about escapes is that they feel very natural. There is no quest giver; they have an obvious goal they can all agree on, and the obstacles to achieving it are built into the situation. It’s a solid framework for an adventure that you can pack a lot of worldbuilding detail into along the way.

Good luck!

[sjw-publishings]

Stay Straight Babe

“Im so glad I still have my lovely boyfriend with me during Quarantine, Amirite Cherry?”

“Yeah...hehe, so glad to have Sammie with me too...”

Anton, the Drama Queen laughed with his lesbian shy bookworm bestie as they discussed about theatre and all about. Of course, they would’ve invited their lovers along, but they were too busy being techno geeks and talking computer games in their gaming rooms.

“Did you have lunch yet?”

“Yeah, tried takeout from that famous Chinese restaurant downtown! Was super good!”

“Oh my god! Me too sistah!!!”

“OooooooAHHHH!”

A large groan came from their study, where his boyfriend’s currently at. Anton naturally looked concerned for his boyfriend.

“What was that?”

“I don’t know! But something came from Sammie’s room too...”

“Yeah! I gotta check Kenny, Brb!”

Ending the call, Anton left the bedroom, and headed his way outside the study, about to open the door, but then a loud masculine voice rumbled from behind the door.

“Samantha? You’re just such a great fri... girlfriend... eungh so hot...”

Samantha? Who is that....But more importantly, why would his friend...boyfriend be moaning to a lady? Is he...cheating on him? But that can’t be, his geeky nerd cutie is as queer as a three dollar bill! But still, he had to check it out....that deep voice certainly did not sound like a nerd’s...

“SO HOT!”

As Anton walked into the room, his eyes widened at the pile of clothes and tossed garments on the ground. Large XL sandblasted jeans, track pants, sneakers. Tons of sports posters and trophies decorating the shelves, and a large television screen playing the latest soccer match...though for some reason, he vaguely recalled seeing football and baseball at intervals.

But it definitely did not look like a study room...despite him initially thinking that it was. Alongside a couple of dart boards, some sports equipment, and a pool table, seemed like a recreation room...but since when could they afford...

“oooooOOOOAAAAAAHHH!”

A large moan came from the couch, as Anton came to the front of it, all his eyes focused on was an incredibly muscular asian hunk man-spreading in bliss, dressed in a white tee with an iconic sporting good logo in the front, left hand gripping his cellphone while his right hand dug deep into his clean white boxers. The man panted out of relief, and relaxation, like a weight lifted off his shoulders. Whispering into branded phone with his deep husky, asian tone.

“Stay Straight Babe~”

CLICK!

So hot...NO! Anton get a hold of yourself! Who was this Asian man? Where was his roommate? He had to get questions, even if this...extremely hunky cutie, looked so sexy dazed and looking up.

“What?...Who are you!”

The Asian man snapped out of his trace, eyes opened...but ever so slightly. He was asian after all, but he was chill...in control. Still leaning back on the couch, he looked at Anton, puzzled, before looking down at his exposed boxers and then back at the stranger. His mind cleared up in an instant, forcing out a-

“Kevin Lang, Fag!”

The man said it, and gave that signature sarcastic response from only a jock bully like him. Smirking condescendingly, he was in charge, and that theatre gay started to tremble.

“Listen Queer, I know you’re thirsty and all for men during this. But some of us got girlfriends who we can’t visit. So stop being a WUSS and deal with it.”

“I...wasn’t...I...”

Now this really pissed him, not even caring about the stickiness on his right hand, or that he had a pitched tent. All he knows now is to deal with this gay of a roommate who spied on him and his girlfriend. The tall 6ft 2 jock cornered Anton to the door.

“Go jerk to your boyfriend or something...oh that’s right! Even a FAG like you doesn’t have one!”

Anton was in tears, he remembered the countless dates that he had, alongside the taunts made by this douchebag Kevin who somehow managed to wolf his way into his life throughout college. He had to get out of there..., quickly opening the door and running back to the bedroom, locking it.

“I...I have to call Cherry...”

As he typed for her number, a sudden ringing notification popped up for the name Chelsea. Must be a typo when he was saving Cherry’s contact right? Cause that number definitely was Cherry’s.

“Anton....”

“What happened?”

Almost suddenly, his mind shrugged off of whatever his homophobic roommate had said. His best friend was weak right now, he had to help her.

Gripping ahold of the phone, he didn’t notice the warm tanned spot spreading on his palms, down his wrists every second as he held the cellphone.

“Samantha...called me a dyke.”

“Samantha?”

“You know! My roommate, the one that’s dating yours!”

It made sense now, the two of them bonded over how much they despised their roommates bullying...and the strangeness of how the douchebag jock and queen bee couple somehow always interfered in their respective love lives...

Clutching the phone tighter, his wrists tightened as definition thickened his forearms. Curling his biceps subconsciously, toning strongly till they were the size of baseballs.

“Yeah Kevin was such a douche, had to defend myself from him tryin’ to whoop me...”

“Yeah, had to backflip and dodge Samantha’s attacks. Didn’t feel good knowing she still holds a grudge about me being a dyke.”

Heh, he knew his best friend could handle herself. She was still a cheerleader in training, but could whoop Samantha’s arrogant butt anytime. Must also be her half asian genetics like his.

Sitting up straighter, Aiton’s broad shoulders filled out his sweater, which almost ripped if it was not for that white stain sealing up the cracks. That white stain...which came from Kevin...right? Was there a stain?

The white coloration spread all across the attire, shrinking up the sleeves to simply resting just below his shoulders, accentuating his large biceps which he proudly admired. Alongside his large back which occupied his entire bed...wait, didn’t he?

Taking a closer look at his bedroom...wait, looking DOWN at his bedroom. He was on the upper bed of a double decker, with training equipment at the side and a couple of sports memorabilia which looked reminiscent of the recreational room.

Yeah of course that douchebag Kevin had to have most of the room with his crap...though it was not all bad. He worked out quite often during his spare time...outside of that artsy degree he had no idea why he took...did he take an artsy degree? He shrugged, doesn’t matter, he worked out.

Anyways it showed, leaning back and taking full charge of the entire bed. At least he was the alpha HERE! Listening to what his best friend spoke...though she was mostly talking about drama with her roommate, not the kind of thing he was interested in.

But he always liked her voice...

“At least...I think I like girls? But that was an accident! I don’t like Samantha!”

Aiton nodded, unsure of what to say, but felt...pretty cool about it. Crossing his legs, as he saw those large trunks that trained...almost like for years. They which reached the end of the bedside, as those khakis lengthened and stretched into XL sweatpants...gotta snatch that back his junk from Kevin later, but not now. He was cool, now. Kicking off his large trainers which went-

CLUNK CLUNK!

As they hit the floor, wiggling his size 12 feet beneath those white socks. Kevin could insult him all he wants later, it was his room too. The fledgeling Jock can say whatever he wants to anybody, and he says-

“You were like ‘I think I like girls’, sounded pretty dyke to me.”

Aiton smirked, teasing the cheerleader from across the phone. He always liked doing that, he was in charge after all.

He knew how icky the two cheerleaders felt towards homosexuals...but then again, wasn’t he a bit rude towards them as well? Not as bad as Kevin but an occasional joke here and there meant nothing right?

“Who you callin’ dyke, Fag?”

“Who you callin’ Fag, Dyke?”

Okay...maybe he didn’t like being called Fag either. But it was just insults between him, Cherlse, and Kevin and Samantha. Anyone else and they answer TO HIS FISTS....except maybe ladies...especially hot babes.

He began to palm himself, and as he kneaded his hard rocket, he sneered in disgust over a rainbow wristband on his wrist. He blinked, in its faggy place was a white sports watch. His rocket doubled up in size, while darkening in tan, its always time to be a Jerk, just like his Bro Kevin.

“You know i get weak when you use my own words~”

Cherlsea opened up her phone webcam, and Aidon did the same. Both smirking at the other. The Jock knew it was always ladies first, but he was a Jerk so-

“Oh damn...she’s hot!”

“Of course I am, do I still look pretty dyke to you~?”

Watching her seductively pose on her bed, it felt like ages since he had seen a woman like that! In that revealing tank and double Ds he could just!

SQUEEZE!

“Oooaahhh!”

Squeezing his own chest, feeling rock solid muscle layering his nipples, pectorals filling his sports shirt massively like the man he was. Feeling those abdominals as a well deserved 6 pack emerged from years of crunches.

“I....I NEED RELEASE!”

“So hawt~”

“I...I AINT A FAG!”

“Course you aren’t hunky~you are so hawt, ooooooaaaaah!”

The Queen Bee’s second in command had let out her mating’s call, the asian babe was too much for the Douchebag Jock’s right hand man, and vice versa. As their desires linked up, with the help of a fortune cookie they ate prior, they were about to finally be set into motion.

Each of them felt a tight stinging to their holes simultaneously. As the Asian Jock’s butt hole tightened, the Cheerleader’s lady hole expanded. Like a trade of preferences, but that is not all.

As testosterone pumped in the man, churning larger sacks, as he watched his babe’s hair lengthen, his shrunk, and BUZZED off the sides and back, leaving a stylish gelled top, maintained with a pair of shavers, scissors, and his Bro. Not actually brothers, but they were asian , jocks, and total jerks. Wouldn’t be surprised if they were related.

Speaking of Asian, his tan had bathed his facial features alongside the rest of his body. Cleansing the GAY away from him as his jaw hardened into a fierce square. His lips snarled in momentary disgust, before his raising his cheeks, as that scowl shifted to an arrogant smirk as he watched his girlfriend do the same.

“Ooooaaaaaah~”

His brows complimented his prominent features, as they frowned, closing his eyes as his girlfriend’s moan was too much to bear...he needed RELEASE! RELEASE!

“OAAAAAAAH!”

Aidan Long expelled a thick goo from below, as his eyes gave way to a thin fierce asian dark brown. Staring into the ceiling in a haze...before the sounds of his lover’s panting sent him back to reality.

“Man...that feels good, but still miss our hot damn ‘Dragon and Empress’ sessions before all this happened.”

“Yeah totally...stuck with bestie the whole day is fun and all but...she and your douche roommate keep doing it all day.”

“Caught him jerkin’ off too jus now...”

“Whaaaaaat! Omg same, saw Samantha doing that too!”

“Course...nothin’ beats my empress...”

“Same for you too...my long muscular dragon.”

Almost instantly, the doors slammed open. Of course, Kevin had the spare keys to the bedroom too, and he was sneering right at the door.

“AND YOU SAY IM A FAGGOT!”

“SHADDUP KEV! YOU GAY!”

“NO YOU GAY!”

“NO YOU GAY!”

“HAHAHA!”

The two jocks laughed arrogantly, before sneering at each other. The two of them were thirsty, and they understood and respected that.

“Ohhh almost forgot, mwah mwah mwah!”

“Mwah mwah mwah back to you GAY!”

Kevin left the room, most likely going to order more of that Chinese take out or something. Doesn’t matter to Aidan though...he was friends with the man, but he wasn’t INTO INTO him.

“I swear this stay at home thing is turning me gay...”

“Oh there’s nothing wrong with some bonding sessions. Me and Samantha are pointing each other’s nails later on, and that isn’t DYKE!”

“Yeah, should probably binge watch soccer with that douche. Felt like We haven’t did a sports marathon in ages!...No homo of course.”

The two of them chatted for a while more, loving the company of the other intimately as they teased one another like the lovers they are.

But they eventually have to go to other stuff. And by stuff he wants to do, is CHILL.

“Love you hunky, talk to you l8r!”

The Jock simply posed to the camera,and spoke.

“Stay Straight Babe”

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #407

“sugar pop, sugar pop, baby here i come, straight to #1″

Do you follow any special diet? (dairy free, vegetarian, gluten free etc.) No. What’s your favourite summer activity? Swimming is all I really enjoy about summer. Who was the first person to break your heart? It wasn't in a romantic sense obviously, but my dad. First band you obsessed about? I've only ever *truly* been obsessed with Ozzy Osbourne as a band, haha. First place someone took you on a date? I want to say a local skating rink. It was a group thing. How many doors are in the room you’re in? Two, if you include the closet door. Has anyone ever drawn a picture of you? Yes. Do you have any nieces or nephews? Quite a few. Which movie villain do you find the most terrifying? Well, if you've seen the scene where Pyramid Head literally rips a woman's skin off like a sheet in Silent Hill... u kno. I genuinely do find him to be a terrifying monster though, all bias aside. Humanoid monsters with ambiguous faces unsettle me. I wouldn't want that knife swingin at me, either. Do you get grumpy when you’re hungry? Yuuuup, I sure can. Do you stick your tongue out often in pictures? I have done that maybe twice in my whole life. Which one of your family members are you closest to? My mom. If chocolate was an illegal drug - would you be a drug addict? Nah. I'd be able to survive if it was illegal, but it would suck. Are you proud of your parents? Yes in some areas, no in some others. There are things both have said and/or done that I can't say I'm proud of them for, but overall, I am. Do you say “soda” or “pop”? "Soda." Are you shy about singing in front of people? YUP. I just don't do it. If you could get backstage tickets to ANY concert - which would you pick? Ozzy. :') It'd be fantastic to tell him thank you for his music that has always brought me joy and comforted me, and also let him know for sure just how strong he is and that it is absolutely not overlooked to still be nailing out an album while fighting Parkinson's. I'd probably start blubbering like a baby while rambling at some point, haha. Which is better: orange or grape soda? Orange. I don't like grape soda. Do you sleep with a sleep mask? Well, you could sort of call it that, ha ha. I have to wear an APAP mask to subdue my sleep apnea that causes wild nightmares/terrors. Do you like techno music? It's actually grown on me the past few months. Have you ever been drunk? No, I've never quite reached that point. I've only been tipsy. Are you mad at your best friend right now? Nope, got no reason to be. Do you know anybody with a pet snake? Yes, including myself. Is there any drink that you absolutely MUST drink cold? WATER. ABSOLUTELY WATER. I canNOOOOOOT do room temperature water anymore. It's gotta be pretty damn cold for me to drink it like it's nothin'. Have you ever painted anybody's nails aside from your own? No. Do you ever donate to the less fortunate? Mom likes to donate our old clothes and stuffed animals. Did you buy an American flag after 9/11 to put on your car/house/ whatever? I was a little kid when this happened, so. I don't know if my parents did. Honestly, do you have any Hilary Duff on your MP3 player? HA, I do. I love "Who's That Girl." When was the last time you had an ice cream sandwich? Wow, probably years... I really, really want one now, ha ha. Have you ever caught a friend cheating on their bf/gf? Well, my sister's friend, anyway. I was just sitting on the computer in the living room and there they were on the couch just casually making out. Do you enjoy doing math? Fuuuuck no. Do you think your mom has secrets she’s never told you? Oh, I know she does. There are things she's done that I know I have plenty of missing details from, but I don't ask because I know they're sensitive subjects. Do you own anything you don’t want your parents to know about? No. Do you pose in your pictures or just smile? I usually just smile. Do you use scented soap in the shower? Yes. It smells like cinnamon rolls and it is HEAVENLY. Did you ever want to be a fashion designer? No. Who was the last person you danced with? Enjoyable? Ha, Sara. Yeah. Dark or light colored jeans? Dark, 100%. I never wore light jeans. Can you take apart a computer and name all the parts? No sir. Can you take apart a car and name all the parts? That's an even bigger "no." Have you ever purchased a lotto ticket? No. What is the longest amount of time you've spent playing Monopoly? Idk. Have you ever witnessed a tornado first-hand? Thank fucking Christ I haven't. I am terrified of them. Have you ever colored your eyebrows? No. Have you ever taken another person's prescribed medication? Pain medicine, yes. Have you ever played golf (not miniature golf)? No. I'm not interested to, either. Have you ever gotten dressed with the windows open? I definitely don't believe so. Have you ever taken a shower outside? At the beach, yes. If you could call it a "shower." Have you ever been to a junkyard? No. Have you ever watched the History Channel willingly? No. If you could get the cell phone of your choice - what would it be? Probably a current iPhone. Apple is such a rip-off, but damn is the camera good lmao. Do you hand out candy to kids on Halloween? This will be my first Halloween in this house, so I really don't know if trick-or-treaters happen here. Do you like huskies? Love 'em, but I could neeeever own one with all that fur. What do you smell like? I'm always self-conscious over if I smell like sweat because of my hyperhidrosis. I hope not. Do you take your dog for walks? I don't have a dog. I used to take Teddy when he was younger, though. He loved those, but I stopped when I noticed his arthritis kicking in. Have you ever went paintballing? No. Seems stupid to me, honestly... Like that shit seems painful, so like, why??? What kind of movies are you drawn to? Horror and fantasy, mostly. I don't watch movies often. How often do you update your Facebook status? Just about never because I either just have nothing to say or am afraid of saying something stupid. I only ever share posts or pictures that appeal to me. What type of pet would you like to have? A Brazilian Black tarantula. :( I will whine about that until the day I get one, ha ha. I would also really, really like a plains hognose and a woma python. What breakfast are you most likely to have? Cereal. When you're starting to feel sick, you: It depends on what kind of "sick," but odds are I'm heading for the medicine cabinet. What colors are you most drawn to? Pastel ones. :') Light and pretty. What deadly sin are you most likely to commit? Sloth. When you're away from home, what makes you feel at home? "Having my stuff with me, like my laptop." <<<< Same. Do you prefer to lounge in a hot tub or swim in a pool? Swim. How many books do you have out in the public areas of your house? None. Who makes a better burger, in your opinion? Sonic. @_@ What do you like best about the holidays? Seeing my niece and nephew so excited. You think your eyes convey: Boredom, probably. Besides screaming for ice cream, what else do you scream for? If a bug surprises me by being on me. Well, depending on the bug. Do you like fried chicken? Noooo, it is so gross to me. What do you think of belly button piercings? They are SO cute imo. I want one, but I think it would look hideous on me. Maybe if I was actually thinner. Not saying bigger people can't wear belly button piercings, I just don't think it would look good on me. Do you like plain Lays potato chips? They're my favorite! I especially like the ruffled kind. Is there a big screen television in your house? In the living room, yeah. Would you rather no heat in winter or no A.C in summer? No heat in the winter, EASILY. I can't handle no A/C when it's hot. At least if you're cold, you can bundle up with tons of blankets. Have you ever had braces? I did for a long time because we couldn't afford to take them off. Do you do your own laundry? No, honestly. Mom likes to just do it all together, so I let her do it. Which do you prefer: English, Irish, or Australian accents? Irish. Is there anything on your bedroom door? Yeah! I got a "Meerkat Lover St." sign for my door. :') What is the best vegetable? Broccoli. Guys in eyeliner: Hot or not? That shit is h o t. Have you ever seen your favorite band live? No. :( Do you drink water or soda more often? Ugh, soda. Did you collect Pokemon cards back in the day? I didn't deliberately, but only because I was awkward about asking for Pokemon stuff because I thought people thought I was weird for being a girl and being obsessed with it. I think I got one pack. I really, really wish I'd been less self-conscious about that passion. Pet turtle: yay or nay? I'm personally not interested. Did anyone famous come from your town/city/school? Yeah, but I'm not sharing who. Have you ever seen a celebrity on the street? No. Have you ever pretended to be sick? To avoid school sometimes, yes. Can you ice skate? Never tried, too scared to. The blades terrify me. Do you have your nose pierced? No, but I want to have it redone. Do you loooove Tim Burton movies? I sure do! What arcade games do you like to play? I haven't been to an arcade in forever... but I liked the racing ones. What's the most expensive gift you've ever gotten for someone else? I'm not sure. Would you rather spend a whole day with your mom, or your dad? At this moment, probably my dad. We haven't hung out in a long time. What would you say if you found out your last ex was in a relationship? I'd be happy for her and tell her she'd better let me know if the person ever fucks up so I can kick some ass, ha ha. Are you easily confused? Very. I'm slow to understand things. Where was your MySpace/Facebook default taken? My bedroom. Can you whistle with your fingers in your mouth? No. I've never understood how that works. Do you like peanut butter? Love it.

[thewitchandtheassassin]

Bathroom Tryst (Lena Luthor x Reader)

Prompt: Green 1 and 7 with Lena Luthor?? Could it be a smut fic with the reader being a top?? Thank you and I’ve been enjoying your works :)

Words: 1700

Warnings: SMUT! Strap ons, language

A/N: Again, I apologize for my smut. I’ve literally never written strap on smut so if I fucked this up, please be nice.

-X-

You sipped your wine, free hand on Lena’s thigh as you listened to your girlfriend chat with the former owner of her newest venture. You’d forgotten what his name was and honestly, you didn’t care enough to ask Lena.

His wife and adult children were with him, daughter and son. They were nice enough but you hated the way his son leered at Lena. It was starting to irk you yet you said nothing. Instead, you simply gripped Lena’s exposed thigh, fingers stroking just below the hem of her dress.

What you failed to realize was the underlying tension between his daughter and Lena. She was openly staring at you, lip caught between her teeth as she watched you. She eyed your dark button-up like she was seconds away from ripping it off you, leaving Lena frustrated beyond belief. Only she had the right to look at you in such a manner; you’d dressed up for Lena, not for her.

“What do you do, (Y/N)?” the man’s daughter asked, subtly luring you into a conversation while Lena chatted with her father.

“Oh, I work for CatCo,” you replied proudly. You were working on a project with Kara and Nia at the moment, but you were hopeful it would earn you a Pulitzer.

“Doesn’t Ms. Luthor own that too?” She posed the statement as a question, but there was an obvious dig hidden in there.

Your brows furrowed together. “I’ve been there longer than Lena’s owned it. We actually met because she purchased CatCo.”

His daughter’s smile was fake as she nodded. “Well, if I had someone as charming on my staff as you, I’d have definitely snatched you up too. If you’re ever looking for a new job...”

Her eyes drifted across your chest and you weren’t the only one to notice.

Lena bristled beside you. “Back off, she’s mine.” Though she made it sound like a joke, there was a hint of warning in her eyes and daring on her tongue.

You squeezed Lena’s leg slightly before patting it. “Thank you for the compliment but I’m perfectly happy where I am.”

Lena smirked. She could have leaned over and kissed you for such a refusal, but that was terribly unprofessional and she wasn’t going to let his daughter know that her words had any reaction.

Your hand drifted a little higher up Lena’s leg and she paused, watching you out of the corner of her eye. Her cheeks were slowly growing warm the higher you crept, but she continued conversing with the former owner like nothing was happening.

Inches from her core, you stopped your hand and smiled. Her leg was tense and her jaw was clenched, the only signs that you were having any effect on her. Chuckling quietly to yourself, you reached for your glass of wine and took a hearty drink.

Letting your pinky bridge the gap, you brushed the digit over her clothed center. She gasped slightly, discretely reaching under the table to stop your movements.

“Are you okay, love?” you asked innocently, faux worry on your face.

“I’m fine,” she replied, forcing a smile. “I just though something touched my foot.”

You wanted to smirk, but you kept it away. Lena was a hell of an actress, you’d give her that.

You stood up, knowing fully well Lena would follow. “Excuse me for a moment, I need to use the restroom.”

Starting for the bathroom, you hear another chair scoot. “Wait, darling. I’ll come with you. I need to fix my makeup.”

You stopped, waiting for Lena to join you before you ventured towards the back of the restaurant. Your arm encircled her lithe waist, keeping her at your side as you strolled confidently.

“That wasn’t funny,” Lena said as you stepped into the restroom, her glare holding no malice as she checked her lipstick in the mirror.

You smirked, leaning against the wall so you could study your beautiful, delicious girlfriend. She looked so put together in her tight black dress - and God, did you want to fuck that all up. You wanted to see her debauched, lipstick smeared and her hair a wild mess.

Stalking over to her, you reached around her and locked the door, the “click” audible in the silence of the room.

“What are you doing?” Lena’s brow arched, her painted lips quirking into a curious smile.

Grabbing her hips, you backed her up until she was pinned against the door. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t push you away - not that you had expected her to. This game of cat and mouse - let’s see how far things would go - was pretty common in your relationship. You often teased her at inopportune times but never when it was detrimental or dangerous.

You pressed your hips into hers and a delicate moan escaped red lips. She could feel a bulge in your pants pushing against her and suddenly her mind went cloudy with lust. You were packing, something you didn’t do often in public.

“Oh God,” she murmured, lacing her fingers at the base of your neck.

You smirked. One hand slid down to the hem of her dress, rucking it up slightly, while the other skated across her chest, barely brushing hardening nipples.

“Say the word and I’ll stop,” you said seriously, eyeing your lover. You’d never do anything she wasn’t comfortable with and if she decided she didn’t want to do this here - now - then that was fine.

Lena moaned, her hips jerking into yours as you circled her nipple with your finger.

“Don’t stop,” she whispered, her lips touching yours. It was a simple touch, not enough to smear her lipstick but enough that you could exchange breaths.

Flicking your tongue over her upper lip, you dropped to your knees and hiked up her dress so you could kiss along her smooth thighs. You nibbled on the sensitive flesh, leaving behind marks that only you two would know were there. You could smell her arousal, the scent heady and sweet.

It was driving you mad.

You shoved her dress up to her hips and swiped your tongue over black lace, earning a low whine. Divulging her of her underwear, you tucked them into your back pocket and dived in, your tongue and lips massaging swollen flesh. You sucked greedily, moaning as she buried her fingers in your hair. Maybe you were the one who was going to walk out of here looking rather undone.

She shuddered as your moan reverberated through her. She was getting closer with each dedicated flick of your tongue but she wanted - no, she needed - more.

“(Y/N),” she gasped desperately, silently begging you to fuck her.

You stood, your hand replacing your mouth as you circled her clit, your strokes strong and determined. Her hands came to your waist and she started undoing your pants, her hands shaking as she tried to focus. It was hard, considering she was teetering on the edge of an orgasm.

Your fake appendage finally sprang out of your pants and you grinned. Lena was staring at the blue strap on like it was a lifeline and you couldn’t wait to bury it inside her.

Your hand left her core and you rubbed her arousal over the silicon before grasping it. You pressed against Lena, slowly rubbing it along her heated center. She squirmed, her hands coming to your shoulders and nails digging in deep.

“Stop teasing,” she demanded breathlessly.

Smirking, you lined up the dildo with her entrance and carefully pushed inside her. She moaned - loudly - as you slid deep, her breath catching in her throat as you bottomed out the best you could. Working your hips slowly, you pulled out before thrusting back inside.

Her wetness smeared onto your pants and you were so glad you decided to wear black. She was so inviting, dragging you in deeper with every thrust and you wished for a split second that you could feel it - feel that connection.

"God don’t stop! Please don’t stop!” Lena begged as you picked up the pace, your lips attaching themselves to her neck though you only placed kisses along it. You’d hate to leave a mark and everyone know what you’d done.

Your hand dipped low and you started playing with her slick, engorged clit as you pounded into her. By the way she gripped at you, you could tell she was close. Her breathing was labored and her nails dug so far into your shoulders that you were surprised she hadn’t ripped your shirt.

“(Y/N), (Y/N), (Y/N),” she chanted, eyes rolling back in her head.

A few more thrusts pushed her over the edge and she bit back a scream, her head slamming into the door behind her. You slowed your pace, helping her ride out her pleasure before slipping out of her. You didn’t cum but that was okay. This was about her.

Besides, she would definitely make it up to you later.

She panted, her forehead landing on your shoulder as she came down from her high. Her arms shakily encircled your neck; you were the only thing keeping her upright. You embraced her, careful not to accidentally touch her with your arousal-soaked hand.

You’d hate to ruin such a lovely dress.

“I love you,” she whispered, tilting her head so she could press a kiss to the underside of your jaw.

Smiling adoringly, you replied, “I love you too.”

She released you and cautiously walked to the sink, staring at herself in the mirror. For the most part, she looked rather normal. Her hair was still in its tight ponytail and, despite having flushed cheeks, her makeup was untouched.

You readjusted yourself, sliding the dildo back into your pants, before following her lead. You washed off your hands, grinning at the love of your life. You could feel her panties in your pocket but you weren’t giving them back.

You pecked Lena’s cheek as you dried off your hands. “Ready?”

She nodded, tucking her hand in the crook of your arm. You walked out of the bathroom, grateful that no one was waiting outside.

That would have been awkward.

[megucarecord]

Rating Genshin Impact Character Designs (Pt. 1)

Hey y’all! I’ve been thinking of doing this for a really long time and I decided to finally stop being lazy and do it. So this is going to be a review of all the playable characters in Genshin Impact from a design perspective. I don’t really have any prerequisites to make this list worth anything (unless you count one year of a fashion/sewing class in high school lol) but hey idk, seems fun?

Gonna be super long (10 characters) so putting everything under the cut.

Disclaimer: I don’t actually hate any of these designs, nor do I consider my opinions “fixing” them, this is just for fun. 

Character: Lumine

I have a lot of conflicting feelings about this design. The hair and basic build are fine, very generic but that’s unsurprising for any character that is working at least partially as a pseudo self-insert. The color scheme is also very bland - and is one of the reasons I originally thought that Aether was automatically Geo traveler and Lumine was Anemo traveler. I think that adding more colors would’ve been a good thing, but also would’ve required a revamp of the dress itself, so maybe not the most practical thing, even if I think the dress is a bit too busy. The biggest changes I would make would be to get rid of the fancy part of her stockings as well as the extra flow/ruffled back of the skirt, which is just a bit too much considering the top layer of the skirt is already quite detailed (in a very nice way) and that could’ve just been extended. I also have to admit that though the scarf is very impractical and showy, but it reminds me of a costume from a series I like so I actually like it a lot, although you could definitely term it unnecessary.

Rating: 7/10

Character: Aether

Okay ngl this character design kinda slaps. Firstly, I love that Aether has long hair, it’s a good contrast to Lumine’s cut (and contrast should be super important with characters that are siblings/parallels of one another) and idk long braids are kinda cool. I love that the outfit has distinctive colors, which give the character personality and keeps him from being washed out. The design is much more streamlined than Lumine’s, and although I’m not a huge fan of midrifts (a theme in this post I’m sorry) there’s not actually much I’d change in this design. Except maybe make the cape a scarf to better match with Lumine. This is definitely the superior design in terms of the siblings in my opinion and I think the lack of intricacy fits the image of “traveler” better. It’s not my favorite and there isn’t anything that really stands out in the design, but it’s really solid and I like it.

Rating: 9/10

Character: Albedo

This design has a lot of potential, but I think in the end it’s just a bit too busy (which will be a theme in this game haha). I like the hair - in general I’m glad Genshin isn’t scared to try a bunch of different lengths and styles on guys because if not everything would become painfully boring. I also like the clothes for the most part. The boots are especially sleek, and I like that despite being a Geo character they gave Albedo a bluer, darker color scheme. I think it fits with his mysterious sort of quietly menacing vibe (this man is Frankensteining something I know it). But it really starts to get a bit too much with the coat. I think he needed a coat, again it fits the character, he’s in the middle of a frozen tundra and he’s also a magic scientist man, he needs some sort of coat. But I think the chain and the strap across the front is a bit too much. If I were the designers I would’ve continued with a sleeker theme, make the sleeves longer, the gloves shorter, if you wanted some ornamentation maybe a pack of vials on his belt. Overall very good design, greater color scheme, too busy. Also can we appreciate his banner art? It’s so good I love it.

Rating: 8/10

Character: Amber

Okay first I’m gonna say her card art is super cute. Love the pose, love the style. All gut. Now let me say that this outfit had potential but then it sorta... fell flat. I like the color scheme for the most part, except the white cause idk white is boring and in the game it looks kinda latexy, but I understand wanting three colors and black might be too close to brown. That being said, I hate stockings. Stockings are just the worst, they’re impractical, hard to put on, uncomfortable, should only be worn with dresses. No knight of Favonius needs stockings. Might I suggest pants or shorts? Or like cool pseudo armor plates like with Lumine. Also though I do like the jacket and the leather stomacher design, I think a bomber jacket might suit the character better, because idk they’re cool and they make me think of Amelia Earheart, although that’s such a culturally distinct thing I can’t blame them for not thinking that way. Again the jacket is still very cool, love the stomacher, and love the cuffs.. The belt is lovely and like I said love the embossed designs, but ultimately this design is too impractical, and too bland to get away with being impratical for me. So... yeah.

Rating: 5/10

Character: Barbara

Barbara! Our fav crazy nun. First I’m gonna thank her for having an attack of pure magic then I’m gonna say I hate the color white apparently because I also didn’t like it here. I’m pretty sure she’s supposed to be a novice (could be wrong), so I’d flip the colors, have the accents be white and the main color navy. But idk that’s just me. Overall I quite like her design. It’s a pretty good balance between simple and detailed. I don’t even hate the stockings. I’d say the least good part is the top, the bow and the weird collar is just... ehh? but I don’t think getting rid of the collar would help though. I’d say ditch the bow, make the dress connect to the collar, keep the off the shoulders cold sleeves. I really like the ruffled part of the top skirt. Idk it’s the best part of the design. The hat makes her look like a nurse not a nun though. maybe make the hair ties for the ponytails little veils, might fit better. Overall mostly nitpicks, it’s a strong design.

Rating: 8/10

Character: Beidou

Firstly I’d like to apologize to the Beidou I pulled before never using her (forgive me ily); next I’d like to admit I don’t love her design. I haven’t really harped on the lack of armor on these characters - because I’m not sure how I’d integrate armor into all them without making them bland af, no one wants people running around in full plate armor how tf you supposed to climb in that - but I still wouldn’t’ve put her in a leotard and boots only when she’s a canonical fighter, without even the armor accents on most of the other character. I know that traditional qipao would probably be terrible to fight in, so I’m not going to complain about them slitting it - I actually quite like it I think it’s cool and sleek and fits her vibe - but I will complain about them putting her in a leotard underneath. As someone who dances I can assure you no one in their right mind would want to fight in a leotard, which yes I know isn’t the point and I can’t blame them for not thinking that way. Anyways, I think leggings/stockings and tall boots are quite cool so that’s prolly what I’d do, streamlines the whole design too, gives it a sense of connectivity (idk I’m weird and I don’t look at this character often so yeah). I like the top of her design, although I’d prolly replace the fur on the cap with a large collar, sort of pirate-y or Navy-like. Also let me just say I love the hair and eye patch. Fits her reckless sort of character to hate her hair whipping around, and the eyepatch really sells the concept of her having fought for years. The hand guards didn’t need to be flared, but I don’t mind them being there. Especially since handling a Claymore would definitely rip up your hands if you didn’t have protection. Also the boots though impractical are very cool so... yeah.

Rating: 6/10

Character: Bennett

One of my main team and prolly the closest thing I currently have to a DPS I have conflicting opinions on Bennett’s design. I think it’s a pretty good design all things considered. His belt and all his packs would be busy if you didn’t know Bennett’s character, but considering he’s a wanna be adventurer, I think it works pretty well. Although I don’t know why his extra belt straps are so long... or even exist?? Idk kinda weird. His top is... ehh? I don’t really like it, I think partially because I don’t think Bennett would wear a midrift shirt like this (midrifts where there shouldn’t be midrifts or, as I like to call it, being MagiReco-d) and partially cause the color, though understandable in such a busy design, is kinda bland. I think that’s why the collar works instead of being too busy, we needed some color. If I had to changed the design I’d get rid of the midrift and get rid of those weird extra belt things. Also that one random dagger star thing on one side of his blue collar is just so weird and random and like why does it exist? But overall I like the design, and it doesn’t bug me when I’m playing with him. I think it’s a good example of how busyness can accurately portray a character. Well done.

Rating: 8/10

Character: Chongyun

Another character who I own but have never played, though my friend has him on their main team and they look super cool. I’m not gonna lie I love this character’s design. Firstly the color palette is so good, the white feels like it works to offset all the blue hues - which I love that even the darkest parts of his design are blue not black - so it doesn’t feel bland or irritating, especially with the gold giving it a sense of luxury. I also like the choice to have a tunic that extends to the pants, I think having only white pants would be too bland - again white it a meh color for designs - so it really gives it some necessary details and color. I also like the jacket, again it gives the design a sense of detail while being simple enough not to feel like too much. Also I have no idea what the outfit would look like without the jacket and I have a feeling that answer would be Not Good, so... yeah. Some nitpicks; the left arm band thingie golden cuff is kinda too much and seems impractical and irritating. And... that’s it. I know the slippers are impractical, but I think they work, he is an exorcist not an adventurer after all. Overall, probably second favorite design in the game. Great job

Rating: 10/10

Character: Diluc

Give Diluc a high ponytail, I’m begging you. Lol anyways personal preference aside (which is impossible this entire post is personal preference) I like this design. I think the color works and the whole outfit is a good reflection of Diluc’s character, closed off, luxurious while also a bit ragged and uncontrollable. Yeah. I like it. I do think the thing chain accessory is kinda random, and I don’t think there’s anything about the design that knocks me off my feet, but I do really love the design overall. Also the gloves, good gloves. Suggestions? High ponytailed Diluc. Nothing else. Also though he’s not in this post I like that this outfit is very streamlined and simple compared to Kaeya, it’s a good portrayal of their differing views and opinions through fashion. Because unlike with the traveller siblings I think these brothers have a dynamic where contrast is better than parallel.

Rating: 9/10

Character: Diona

Okay so though I’ve never interacted with this character I skimmed the wiki and I love her backstory it’s hilarious. Also since I never interact with her I don’t have many opinions about her design except why does she only have one sock on? Honestly relatable moments. I think the extra ponytail is kinda weird and excessive considering the hat and I’d prolly make the hair orange to match the ears but overall very cute design. What do bartenders look like? Idk. Oh and also there are a bit too many colors roaming around, but I get it. Overall fairly generic but kinda cute. I still think midrifts are bad.

Rating: 7/10

And that’s it! I hope this didn’t come off as “lol these designs are gross and I’m superior and we should fix them” because no. No one should take any of these suggestions seriously. Except maybe the ponytail one lol. Anyways I hope at least one person likes this cause this took forever and I kinda burned out after a while. Next post if I make it will be interesting cause it includes my least favorite design. May you all have lovely playing and if you love a design I don’t honestly more power to you. Bye!!

[seeminglyseph]

I'm stoned so I'm writing some filthy raunchy domestic headcanons.

Lake:

(Pre game)

Learned how to cook so he could cook for Asra. Not because Asra couldn't but it seemed like an expression of love he could repeat over and over again without getting caught.

When left to his own devices for a few days will absolutely let everything go and chores will pile up. Any more than a few days his disgust defeats his apathy and he gets things cleaner than he'd been left in the first place.

He has many half finished projects throughout the shop. He saw Asra's handcrafted masks and got super inspired but his hands are clumsy since coming back to life. His muscle memory isn't there so he has to learn everything from the basics again.

When Asra is home he does his best to be extremely helpful. Unhelpfully the more endearing he tries to be the faster it drives Asra off. He both wants to convince Asra that he's capable and safe, and also that he needs Asra in specific.

Faust is a terrible influence on him. Despite being different species entirely they can fit Asra with matching looks of mischief

(Post game, mostly Lucio's route with some of Asra's for flavour. Since Lucio's isn't over we're in "making up complete bullshit" territory)

He starts getting used to the idea of having a lover and multiple friends at the same time. The biggest effect has been on how often he seeks self destructive situations.

It's not actually all that different how much, the more he learns combat skills though the more easily he can end up goaded into a fight. He has new guilt issues to work through.

He's teaching Lucio about cooking because a stronger act of love in this case is to give Lucio the skills he needs to improve rather than hindering his growth with pampering. He did get into the relationship knowing it was a rehabilitation project but he found it profoundly sad how lost Lucio is.

It only works because of the amnesia, otherwise Lake would remember how the world changed after the plague and all the people lost with the clarity of witnessing it firsthand.

It frustrates Lucio a lot that he cant use food as a love language for Lake. But in a way where it's the food's fault for being difficult to eat. Lake once said he was "bad at eating" and Lucio and Asra both intervened to blame other things. Like chronic stomach issues, or Asra has secretly been trying to build Lake's poison resistance over the years.

Lake and Lucio spend a long while on the road after the game and began to show affection just by building a camping and packing up routine.

Lucio teaches Lake a bunch about how battles are fought in whatever kind of environment they wander through. Sometimes firsthand, as highwaymen are probably a common problem. It helps Lake learn both to use his magic in combat and his body.

He and Lucio read his old journals from before they died, sometimes it's awkward because that emotional connection to the death and suffering made pre-death Lake pretty anti-Lucio. Lucio tries to take it gracefully but also definitely cries about it to.

Since they've both died they tend to both refer to their deaths as "the oopsie" as in they are living in a post oopsie world. "Anything pre oopsie is not fair to be brought up in argument you don't even remember it to be mad!" "I agree, I love you, I will do my best not to hold your past against you. BUT if you so much as look at Muriel ever again I will rip out your toenails."

He addresses Asra in a lot of his journal entries, mostly because it felt strange at first to be writing to the journal itself. He has a few people he addresses but most are Asra once they meet.

This fact made reading them absolute torture while he was dead and Asra read them obsessively to keep some piece of Lake alive in his mind. Tragic but also hilariously embarrassing given time.

This has been stoned headcanons with me I'm about to pass the fuck out feel free to interact with this pose with some random as fuck headcanon one of mine inspires or something

[youarejesting]

BTS365 Prompts

[Masterlist]

Please tag me in your work if you use my prompts. I want to see your work. Ever your Jester.

Tell me your birthday and I will tag you on your special day!

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        April 30th - 6th

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Kim Seokjin: No pants

Jin was currently working on a large project. It was a delicate thing he was producing truly from the heart. He had been planning this for weeks gathering some tools for the job from various sources. He set up his live stream ready to show the Army what he was creating. So there he was slaving away sweat collecting across his brow. He was exhausted but he continued showing the Army how his ideas and processes formed together. And that’s how you found him, no pants with such precise hand motions,  he was really working up a sweat. 

“Why are you doing That on a live stream?”

“Shush, I'm almost there,” he panted now using both hands, for the grand finale.

“Can I help?” You said thinking it would definitely end this whole show a lot quicker.

“Yes!” His voice cried out, throwing his hands up in the air excited. “I did it.”

“Congratulations you made pancakes”

“These aren’t just pancakes, I got them the same size five or take a millimetre or two and stacked them perfectly” He grinned proud

“That’s a pretty neat skill Jin, you should take a photo” You reached for your camera but as you looked back up he was cutting into them and eating happily.

Min Yoongi: Space

“Hey Yoongi do you have a piece of paper?”

“Yeah rip one out from any of those books” He sighed and you walked over to the small pile when you found a children's notebook, this one had a rocket ship on it and you opened it up towards the middle to rip out a page cleanly, but there was some roughly scrawled words. 

I wish I could go to space camp. But Mum and Dad can’t afford it. It’s okay if I don’t go, we can have fun on our own. Love Min Yoongi

Your heart melted and you closed the book without paper and you googled the nearest space camp and you told the other boys that it was for Yoongi’s birthday, they seemed rather excited packing their things and you packed for Yoongi and yourself. You had hired out the facility to run a camp for the group and some camera men this was something that the Army couldn’t miss.

Jung Hoseok: Free  

Waking excited Hoseok went for a shower and brushed his hair. He dressed and shined his shoes. Today was the day and he was so excited.

“Jung Hoseok?”

“Yes sir” He smiled at the entry, the door slid open and he was escorted through the building and down to an office. There was a mountain of paperwork to sign and when he was done they handed him another change of clothes.

He was so happy his fingers caressing the fabric of his favorite shirt. He was quick to change and they smiled. He was nervous, walking out the front door and the gate opened slowly and there you were waiting for him on the other side.

His little pregnant wife. He held you in his arms and kissed your face all over dropping to his knees and whispering to your round belly.

“I am so glad to have you back”

“J-hope!” The boys shouted running in their shirts reading. ‘Enjoy your Freedom!’

“Did you get any cool prison tattoos?”

“No I didn’t it was only three months guys”

Kim Namjoon: May the 4th be with you  

You were at a convention dressed as Queen Padmé Amidala you felt self conscious about your stomach being on show and the tight outfit. That was until you walked into a very elaborate dark figure. 

“Oh sorry I wasn’t watching where I was going. I really like your outfit wow, this is honestly the best Darth Vader I have seen” You smiled admiring the work that had been put into it and they still didn’t speak. 

“Oh my gosh can I get a photo of you both” someone asked and you smiled and the two of you posed together and you had soon gathered a crowd people taking pictures and asking for you to act out scenes and soon a Yoda appeared painted green and grinning, alongside a gold shiny C-3PO a chewbacca and a tiny dog dressed as R2D2. Everyone was getting pictures when you heard. “Can we get a kiss?”

“Anakin takes off your mask, you put a lot of work into replicating the character” The Yoda whispered to the tall dark figure.

“But she is so pretty and I am a nerd”

“Dude she is a nerd too, she is dressed as a star wars character at a convention full of nerds”

The crowd was cheering as C-3PO was doing a very amazing Robot dance choreography. Along came a broad shouldered man dressed up as slave Princess leia, a very lethargic Han Solo and a smiling Luke skywalker.

“Take of the mask Anakin” the Yoda and the chewbacca lifted the mask and revealed a very handsome Anakin you heard some whispers about him being asain so he didn’t look like the character but you thought he was even more handsome.

“Kiss, Kiss, Kiss” The crowd chanted and he looked up at you with a blush across his cheeks and you pulled gently on the front of his costume until his lips met yours. His friends started cheering as did the crowd and you pulled out a small piece of paper from your pocket and wrote down your number and a quick message before you walked away.

“What does it say?”

“May the fourth be with you” He chuckled and you heard a laugh that reminded you of a weird clown or horse wiping down some windows.

Park Jimin: Herb  @anaiss97​ [Full story] Not much was known about the young Korean man who showed up to all the parties. All anyone knew was that he was the biggest flirt and he had the herbs everyone wanted. Honestly, it didn’t matter what you wanted he had it somehow. You were at one of these parties, it wasn’t really your scene. 

Usually, you had no problem but tonight you really just couldn’t. So you were trying to find a place to get a quick nap, you opened the first door to see the Host with his boyfriend chatting quietly.

“Sorry I was looking for a place to rest”

Seokjin smiled “You can have the room or perhaps if you want we can entertain you?” 

The two smirked and you blushed once more. “No I really am tired and want to sleep, I was working on a thesis all night last night and–”

“Say no more sweetheart, rest” you climbed into the blankets, Seokjin switched the light off and you were resting drifting off easily. ~ The light switch flicked on and even with your eyes closed you felt blinded. You couldn’t stop the harsh shriek that pierced the air. “What? What is it now!?” 

“I am sorry” the voice was soft and unrecognizable as its owner switched the lights back off, “Can I sit for a moment?”

“Sure” you mumbled laying back down, you could smell the stranger’s beautiful cologne and you got curious. “Turning your phone on and using the light of your lock screen to examine the stranger's face”

Ash-blonde hair painted on the side, he smiled wetting his thick lips with his tongue. 

“Ah it’s you” dropping your arm back to the bed no longer feeling uncomfortable, all the encounters you had with him were pleasant, he always used endearments because he never remembered names. 

“You know me, baby?” He took his phone and repeated your process to stream a soft light over your face. “Oh my, baby it is you, what are you doing in here sleeping your usually the brightest in the room”

“Thesis” you mumbled and he hummed taking your hand. 

“Hey listen how about I make you an offer tonight you can ask for anything you want and I will give it to you for half price if I don’t have it I will give you the next best thing for free” the lamp beside the bed was clicked on giving a soft orange glow throughout the room. 

“You got fried chicken?” You hummed looking over at him curiously you were craving it. He opened his jacket. 

“I got a warm meatball sub, a packet of lollipops a container of home-cooked spaghetti, I got spare underwear in all different sizes this is a set of slippers when your feet get sore in heels, juice, mixers spirits I got herbs for days this one will make you happy this one calms you down this one here has you seeing pretty colors this one has you asleep till morning, this is my house special it takes like a cinnamon donut” he looked over. You shook your head and he sighed lifting a gym bag onto the bed, “alright brace yourself, I got spare clothes, ramyeon packets, a scented candle, batteries pet food, I have painkillers, cold medicine, I have this thing which I think was an Easter egg, I got a 3DS, a switch and a variety of games, I got a can of tomato soup, yet no can opener weird, I got a heat pack, I got this adult diaper and I don’t know why, and a spiderman comic”

“No” you sighed

“Tell me what you want and if I know I don’t have it it’s free” he hummed 

“I want a cuddle?”

Kim Taehyung: Thirst

Owner of the club ‘Thirst’ was just a front business, you were actually a hacker. A good one, if you were feeling like bragging. You were kind of in hiding and couldn’t really trust anyone you didn’t know before the incident. Who knew your skills with a computer would lead to a government website which you breached enough for them to call it treason.

You were just snooping around the dark web when you stumbled upon documents of some truly disgusting things one of them actually made you physically ill. But your computer system began screaming at you that they were reverse tracking your baby. It wouldn’t be easy, you had a unique code and half of it was utter nonsense. Saying goodbye to your baby. You destroyed everything on it. Packed everything and left. Thank god you had done everything card less, you worked for cash you paid cash and you did some shady business with people so that you would never be traced.

You moved just in case and started a front business so that in the event anything happened you would have an alibi.

“Manager-nim the computer is doing something funny, can you call the technician?” Yoongi called quietly, the guy was a terrible ‘people’ person , an excellent DJ and an expert in mixing cocktails.

“I can have a look” You smiled

“No manager last time you almost broke the computers, you don’t understand them like we do” Hoseok pushed you away from the registers and subsequently the computers attached to them.

“Manager you just boss us around okay, that's your job and we will follow your orders as it is our job”

“Manager-nim, you have a young man in your office waiting for his job interview.” Jimin cleaned the tables dressed in a charming club aesthetic. His job was to clean tables and lead people into buying more drinks. A host.

The man in your office was handsome like your main host Seokjin and charming as Jimin. Your bouncer Namjoon stepped in briefly giving you a courtesy greeting alongside the new trainee Jungkook he had potential especially with all those muscles. All your workers doubled as bouncers; they all had their strengths.

“So Kim Taehyung is it, what makes you want to be a host at thirst?”

“I really want to make friends and I can’t flirt with girls. What I mean is I can if it is for work but I can’t just do it on my own so I would like to gain more confidence” You nodded, it was all lies you had searched him thoroughly, he worked for the government more specifically the Cyber coordinator and he was here to gather Intel.

This was going to be fun.

Jeon Jungkook: Nurse

Nurse Jeon. Yup that title gave him a lot of grief from his friends and he hated it, just cause he was a man didn’t mean he couldn’t be a nurse. Sure he aimed to be a doctor, but things didn’t work out and he wasn’t accepted into medical school, so he aimed a little lower and became a Nurse.

In his opinion he was a kick-ass nurse, he worked in the Pediatric ward and spent most of his time bringing smiles to the kid's faces, he made his rounds with ice creams and cups of pudding and jelly. He sang and danced for the kids and played superheroes and he was always Ironman. The highlight of his day was when the doctors would do their rounds, not only did he admire them and their job so much he admired you and how brilliant and beautiful you were.

“Oh Aera, look at this little tool, do you know what it does? It lets me listen to your heartbeat, would you like to listen to mine first?” The young girl nodded “Wow you are a pro at this you could be a doctor when you are older”

“Doctor Y/N, Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Uh... No, why do you have someone in mind?” You grinned

“Nurse Jeon” she smiled and you giggled 

“He is cute isn’t he, but I get nervous around boys and I can’t really talk to them and Nurse Jeon is really handsome, what if he doesn’t like me?”

“He does, he told us when he got drunk off chocolate puddings” a young teen in the corner nursing his swollen cheeks after dental surgery. Jungkook was making extreme hand gestures at the young boy smirking across the room. “This was before he announced he was Iron man and ran around the room pretending to shoot lasers from his hands and making all the shooting sounds”

“Well if he is Ironman than we must be destined to be together, Ironman is my favorite superhero”

[pitterpatterpot]

Lion’s Pride: Chapter Twenty-Five

Aedion breathes out a puff of breath, eyes squinting as he looks down at the braid in his hand, fine strands of red hair slipping between his fingers. He smiles in victory as he finishes off the final twining of hair, snapping a band into place with a flourish.

"Aedion," Evangeline tuts, "it's hair, not a battle."

The General of the Bane raises his brows, admiring the fishtail braid that now sits on the young girls shoulder. "It's a fine braid worthy of the same glory as any battle."

Evangeline snorts, still focusing on the braid in her own hands. "You're so silly sometimes."

"Oh no, gods forbid I make you smile."

Snorting with a small laugh, Evangeline finishes her braid with a tie. “You’re done, Jolene.”

The girl in front of Evangeline grins in delight, hopping off the edge of the fountain to join a group of children covering the ground in chalk. Aedion watches her go with a fond smile, standing himself and extending a hand to Evangeline. He pulls her up, laughing as he nearly lifts her off her feet, Evangeline immediately scowling yet laughing.  

“Why don’t you get braids?” Evangeline hums, narrowing her eyes at Aedion’s loose hair.

“Because you all always pull at it,” Aedion scowls, watching a ball fly between a group of kids. “Don’t look at me like that. You do.”

“Right,” Evangeline rolls her eyes, fingering the end of her braid. “I forgot how sensitive you are.”

“You know, it wasn’t that long ago I defeated a certain little thing called a valg prince.”

“It also wasn’t too long ago that you spent three days searching for Gavriel’s cat,” Evangeline raises a brow.

Aedion scowls playfully, tugging gently on her hair. “He was upset. And in case I forgot, you also searched under every bed in the palace.”

Giggling, Evangeline ducks away from his hands. “All right! So maybe I did.”

“We should just be thankful Lysandra and Aelin have gone for the weekend,” Aedion mutters, narrowing his eyes against the sun. “They would have had a field day searching.”

“Aelin would have put the whole staff on it.”

“And Lysandra would have spent all day in ghost leopard form sniffing around.”

They both smirk, a humorous glint in their eyes. It only grows when a ball rolls over to them, both their brows flicking up as a group of kids watch them. Aedion grins, as does Evangeline.

They both dive for the ball.

Evangeline cries in delight as the top of her boot manages to hit the ball the same time Aedion’s foot does, the object flying towards the children. The two of them run after it, and after a minute of shock the street quickly divides into teams of two. Evangeline grins as a child passes the ball to her, quickly ducking under Aedion’s arm to kick it between two boxes that have been set up as the goal. Aedion groans dramatically as the score lands, everyone laughing and clapping along as he circles around and hoists Evangeline up into his arms, the young woman screaming with laughter and pounding on his back.

“Aedion, you brute!” Evangeline cackles, face flushing. “Put me down!”

“Oh, I can’t do that,” Aedion gasps, spinning, Evangeline thrown over his shoulder. “I’m too sensitive, remember? I need constant attention.”

A loud snorting laughter comes from Evangeline. “I’m sorry! Aedion, I’m going to be sick!”

“Sick, you say?” Aedion cackles, pausing in the spinning. “Well, isn’t that unfortunate.”

“I’ll tell Lysandra about this!” Evangeline tugs the end of his shirt, face turning red, a grin still in place.

Aedion hums, jumping in place. “And I’ll tell them all about that little prank you pulled.”

“It wasn’t that bad!”

“Cold oatmeal in my socks!”

“You put black powder in my dresses!”

Barking a laugh, Aedion spins again, the surrounding children laughing. It became a common occurrence for the court to leave the castle and spend time with the children in the city square, dazzling them with magic and games. The entire ordeal had grown from the morning training sessions with young adults, Aedion quickly befriending the youth with his roguish ways and lack of strict etiquette. Aelin was quick to join, surprised to see that Gavriel had grown close to many of the parents who watch on as everyone plays.

There was a rough moment when Lysandra turned into a ghost leopard. Turns out that when you loose an uncle to a pack you become fearful that the same thing will happen to your child. Luckily, Aedion managed to wrestle the hunting spear away.

Now Lysandra only turns into less fearful creatures around the children. Much to their disappointment.

“Alright,” Evangeline huffs, voice thick. “Aedion, I need to be put down. I don’t feel well.”

He immediately slips her off his shoulder, Aedion frowning as he takes Evangeline in. At the flush on her face and sweat beading on her upper lip, a hand pressed against her lower stomach.

“Are you alright?” Aedion murmurs lowly. “You’re pale.”

“I just feel  a little ill,” Evangeline sucks in a slow breath.

“Let’s stop for a moment,” Aedion suggests gently. “We can… Evangeline, are you alright?”

A new shade of pale has overtaken the young adults face. “We need to go home, please.”

Aedion’s brows furrow, and he begins to ask. Then stops at the smell suddenly hitting his fae nose, his eyes widening in understanding. He gently takes her arm and moves her to the back of a public restroom, the area quiet compared to the buzz of the square.

“Aedion,” Evangeline looks around. “What are we-“

“Hold on,” Aedion stops behind a wall.

He shrugs off his jacket, dropping it to the floor before taking off his shirt. He rips off the left long sleeve in one fluid movement, handing the strip of fabric to Evangeline, her eyes wide.

“Aedion,” she hisses, eyes darting around. “What are you-“

“No one will notice with my jacket on,” Aedion murmurs, nodding to the bathroom. “You can use this until we get to the palace and find you something more suitable.”

Nodding, Evangeline ducks into the stall as Aedion steps away and places his shirt and jacket back on, taking a moment to hum at the strange feeling of one sleeve being missing. Breezy.

It’s also a nice distraction from the entire situation.

The stall door creaks open and Evangeline walks out, back straight. Aedion nods and they immediately set down the streets, going through the back alley ways to avoid the crowds and citizens that would no doubt love to stop and chat. They make it just over halfway before Evangeline stops, bending over and groaning. Aedion stops in alarm, looking to where she’s sat down, arms wrapped around her stomach and body curled over. He immediately sits beside her.

“Sit up, air will make you feel better,” Aedion suggests gently, pulling out a flask. “Here’s some water. If you straighten out it’ll help you to-“

“Aedion,” Evangeline grits out, taking the water. “How do you know so much about this?”

“I read a book.”

“A book?”

He shrugs. “I wanted to help. And Lysandra did some explaining.”

Evangeline stares, slowly turning bright red as she looks down at her feet.

“I love you,” Evangeline murmurs.

“I love you too, sweetheart,” Aedion pulls her close, giving a squeeze. “Do you feel alright to walk? Or would you like a ride on my back?”

“Ride,” Evangeline immediately perks up, eyes sparking in interest. “Definitely.”

“I get the feeling that you’re taking advantage of the situation,” Aedion smiles in relief, turning around. “Come on. Order me around as you like.”

Laughing, Evangeline climbs on, cackling as Aedion breaks into an immediately jog.

~~~

“So, are you alright?” Aedion asks, handing Evangeline a cold glass of water.

“Yes, thank you,” Evangeline eagerly accepts the glass, sitting on the edge of the stool in the kitchen.

“The tea didn’t work?”

“The warmth just made the hot flush feel worse,” Evangeline glowers at the cup to the side. “It was a disappointment.”

“Of the highest degree.”

“The audacity was outstanding.”

“It shall never be served again.”

A lull takes over their bantering, the two stirring and looking into their respective drinks. The clock ticks in the corner, the only abruption to the comfortable silence between them.

“Aedion?” Evangeline sips her water.

“Yes?” Aedion looks up from the sink.

“Can I still play with you and the other children in the square? And train?”

Frowning, Aedion places his cup down. “Of course. Why?”

Shrugging, Evangeline taps the rim of her glass. “Everyone’s trying to teach my to be a lady. That seems to mean no rough activity.”

Aedion snorts. “Sweetheart, you have met the females of our family, yes? I’ve had my ass handed to me by them more than once.”

“I know,” Evangeline scowls, the look vicious instead of playful. “Other ladies in waiting and court children annoy me.”

Immediately, Aedion perks up, narrowing his eyes in anger. “How so?”

“They make fun of me for being covered in mud after training,” Evangeline scoffs, sipping her drink. “They think it’s strange that I play with animals and children outside the castle.”

“Is this when all the lords and ladies visited with their children last month?”

“Yes,” colour stains Evangeline’s cheeks, her eyes darting away. “…I threw mud on one of them.”

That causes a loud barking laugh, Aedion’s bellowing prompting Evangeline to laugh as well. They snicker to themselves, erupting again when they catch each other’s eye.

“Who did you hit?”

“The daughter of the lord of Suria. She said I acted like a boar in a dress.”

Aedion’s laughter cuts off, a growl taking place. It’s audacious, unbelievable on such an extreme level that anyone would be foolish enough to turn up their noses at the young woman sitting in front of him. It borders on insanity to think that they could even begin to get away with saying such a remark. And not because of the threat that Lysandra, Aedion and the rest of the court poses. Oh no.

They should very well fear Evangeline herself.

“What did you do?” Aedion asks, voice a rough growl.

At that a wicked smile takes place on Evangeline’s face. “We were in the gardens, so I went to the stables, grabbed a handful of sludge, stomped back and flung it so it hit her in the chest. She screeched like a banshee.”

Chuckling, Aedion knocks her shoulder. “That’s my girl. Listen to me, you’re allowed to be whatever you want to be. Biology is not the deciding factor of everything in life. If you want to keep training and get your ass kicked at ball games than you’re more than welcomed.”

That sparks something in her eyes, pride curdling in her stare. “Last I remembered, I kicked the winning goal in the last game.”

“Because that boy got in my way.”

“Because your defence was sloppy.”

So few people would ever dare say something like that to him. The love in his chest explodes.

“I promise things won’t change unless you will them to,” he promises, a tenderness weakening his form. “Although you may want to go to Lysandra about the… biological changes that…”

“Thank you, Aedion,” Evangeline’s voice cuts through his, as brisk as the flush on her cheeks. “We don’t need to talk about that.”

“Oh, thank the gods, because I really have no idea-“

“Alright-“

“-since war camps don’t really give an education on-“

“Oh my gods-“

“-I should actually read some books or ask Gavriel some questions, actually, I have a lot of gaps-“

“I’m going to bed!” Evangeline stands, chair scrapping back, glaring at Aedion’s smirk. “You are a horrible, horrible person.”

“Thank you, darling,” Aedion winks. “Do you want me to bring you anything? A warm bottle? Chocolate?”

At that she hesitates, eyeing him. “Chocolate would be nice.”

“I’ll bring it up with a concoction to help with the pain,” Aedion nods, smirk settling into a smile. “Let me know if there’s anything else.”

“I will,” Evangeline walks through the door, then pauses, angling her head back. “You know, since you’re having so much fun with all of this I think I should mention to Gavriel that you need a little talk.”

All colour drains from the males face, a particular look of horror settling over his features. “You wouldn’t, you sly little-“

“I learn from the best,” Evangeline cackles, the door slamming shut after her.

~~~

“Just to be clear,” Lysandra murmurs to Aedion before they enter the dining hall, “you didn’t tell Evangeline that she can now call on adrenaline based strength while bleeding, yes?”

“That was Aelin,” Aedion snorts. “Although with the anger that comes with it I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the case.”

“Ass,” Lysandra whacks his arm, smiling. “As if you’re anything but a sap.”

“Don’t tell anyone,” Aedion opens the entry way for her, “it’d ruin my reputation.”

“I doubt anything could do that,” Lysandra laughs, wrapping an arm around Aedion’s as they walk to the table. “My brave warrior.”

“You are in a good mood today,” he beams, kissing her as he pulls out her chair.

Lysandra hums, cheeks nearly dimpling with how strong her smile is. “How can I not be?”

Smiling at her gleeful expression, Aedion takes a moment to brush his hand against her shoulder, letting his calloused thumb run over the smooth skin before snagging slightly on a scar, tenderly following the jagged line down the slope of her shoulder as he sits. The look she sends him, filled with nothing but undeniable warmth, makes something deep settle within him. Being here, next to her, at the table with his loved ones is like some kind of balm to an inner injury he never knew he had. Some beast that is finally settled down to sleep.

“I love you,” he murmurs it, softly, his head tilted towards hers.

Those green eyes darken, and she whispers it back.

He melts. There’s no way to avoid it, the way he crumbled at her feet. It’s impossible for him to withstand her, not that he ever would. He finally turns back to the food, a small smile remaining as he begins to devour his meal. He ignores the gentle looks the rest of the court send their way,

“Gavriel,” something humorous enters Lysandra’s tone, sending a warning through Aedion’s system, “wasn’t there something you wanted to discuss with Aedion?”

His father’s brows raise, and he turns to look at his son. “Evangeline did mention something about a certain topic needing more details.”

Aedion’s eyes cut to the side and Lysandra’s wicked smile says it all.

The traitors.

~~~

“Just so we’re clear,” Gavriel eyes his son as they leave the dining hall, entering one of the many hallways, “you don’t need me to-“

“No.”

“So you know-“

“Yes.”

“Even about diseases and-“

“Yes!” Aedion hisses, a rare flush of colour taking over his face. “Gods, yes. You know, I was fairly sure Evangeline was bluffing.”

And there it is, a traitorous smile spreading across Gavriel’s face. “She thought you’d think that.”

Scoffing, Aedion jerks back. “You all have a terrible sense of humour. Just terrible.”

“I found it amusing,” Gavriel chuckles.

“You’re all twisted,” Aedion shakes his head. “Where are you heading?”

“I was hoping to talk to you, actually,” Gavriel concedes. “I was hoping to learn more about your childhood here in the palace. The good memories.”

Aedion blinks. “The good memories? I - alright. Why?”

Gavriel shrugs. “In truth, every time I imagine you as a child I see you as sad. I would like to be able to know that there were some light moments.”

“When Aelin was born I was extremely happy,” Aedion admits, the two of them beginning to walk towards the stables. “I enjoyed watching over her. More often then not I’d join her for make-shift tea parties and dinners.”

“Because the others were afraid of her,” Gavriel guesses.

“Both of us, actually,” Aedion snorts. “Like I’ve told you, my reputation for fighting with Ren gained me a ferocious title.”

Gavriel’s brows shoot up, a smile blooming. “Oh, I’m sure you were terrifying. I even heard you used to have freckles before they faded. How devious.”

A bright flush creeps up over Aedion’s face, the younger male glaring. “Who told you? And by the way, sarcasm isn’t a good look on you.”

“I disagree,” Gavriel chuckles. “And Aelin told me. I’m not surprised though, I used to have a light freckling when I was younger. You must have gained it from me.”

“Of course,” Aedion mutters, staring skywards for a moment. “Are you happy now? I was freckled and played with my cousin.”

“While that is an adorable image,” Gavriel says, amused at Aedion’s horror at the word, “I was actually asking for earlier memories. After all, what did you do when Aelin was a baby and unable to play? When you were very young?”

At that Aedion pauses, mind drawing a complete blank. Before he could play with Aelin? He’s already told Gavriel about how he and Ren used to be close as children, but that came later. Does he want to know about training? He’s already gained details of that. And Aelin has surely told him more than Aedion is likely comfortable with. But when Aedion first came to Terrasen? There was so much confusion. He had to learn names and go from being a child with his mother to a ward in training. There has to be something. Of course, trying to remember that far back through so many harsh memories is difficult. By the time they arrive at the stables, Gavriel patiently stroking a horse, Aedion is still at a loss as his father strokes the giant beasts.

Giant beasts.

Giant.

“I used to be afraid of horses.”

Aedion sucks in a breath after his rushed words, seemingly just as surprised by them as Gavriel is. His father looks at him in surprise and amusement, his expression morphing into one of concentration as he listens. Aedion clears his throat, the memory slowly seeping forward.

“When I first arrived,” Aedion begins slowly, piecing it together, “I was headstrong and stubborn - don’t give me that look - out of fear, I think. I wanted to prove I could be strong since everyone was talking about how I was to be a warrior. I tackled everything they gave me. Then…”

“Then?” Gavriel prompts.

“I had never seen a horse before,” Aedion realises slowly. “At least none as big as they have here in Terrasen. They look wilder and rougher. And I was, well, I was small.”

“You were five,” Gavriel’s smiles, “I’m sure you were very small.”

“Right,” Aedion winces. “So when the horse riding lessons came along I… Well, I think I yelled ‘no’ and ran away.”

A laugh bursts out of Gavriel, loud and guffawing before the Lion claps a hand over his mouth, turning it into a cough. “You ran?”

“And hid,” Aedion nods. “I remember now. I crawled into a small cupboard they couldn’t reach me in, yelling that I wouldn’t go near them. It took days for them to convince me to go near them.”

Shaking his head, Gavriel keeps a hand over his mouth, shoulders shaking.

“Is it really that amusing?” Aedion huffs, picking up a horse brush himself.

“It’s the image,” Gavriel sucks in a slow breath, “of a younger, smaller you just yelling ‘no’ at grown warriors over horses and running away.”

“I think I kicked Quinn in the chest when he tried to place me on one,” Aedion admits, rhythmically brushing the horse closest to him. “At least I think I did all that. It’s difficult to remember that far back.”

Chuckling, Gavriel picks up a brush himself. “It certainly sounds in character.”

“I’d make some smart comeback about you as a child,” Aedion snorts, “but no doubt you were perfect.”

“There may be some doubts about that,” Gavriel clears his throat. “In fact, when I was only a decade old I… My brothers convinced me to sneak out during the night with them.”

Aedion stares. “You did? You escaped the house at night?”

“I did,” Gavriel nods, huffing a small laugh. “It was the only time though. I was bored with how quickly distracted they were, their attention drawn away from me. I never really had any reason to rebel or kick up a fuss.”

“Oh, of course,” Aedion sighs. “The great Gavriel, above such childish squabbles. If only your offspring had followed suit.”

“I have no regrets with your stubborn nature, Aedion,” Gavriel wryly responds. “If anything, your determination is a key reason for your success. And I can hardly blame you for having your mother’s spirit.”

“It got me in plenty of trouble early on, don’t worry,” Aedion smirks. “By the way, why the stables?”

“Pardon?” Gavriel tilts his head.

“The stables. Why are we here?”

“I was simply following you,” Gavriel gestures to the area around them. “Weren’t we coming here for your story?”

“No, I thought I was following you,” Aedion confesses. “Not that I’m complaining. Darrow wants to meet with me today and I’d much rather be here right now than with that bastard.”

“At least he’s kind to Evangeline,” Gavriel sighs. “If I’m being honest it’s the only redeeming quality I can find about the man.”

“You are quite cold towards him,” Aedion admits. “I take great pleasure in watching it.”

“Could I join you in the meeting then?” Gavriel asks, placing down his brush. “I need to have a few words with the man myself anyway.”

“When you put it like that, yes,” Aedion grins. “You most definitely can.”

~~~

Aedion sits leisurely in the seat at Darrow’s desk, legs stretched out in front of him as he leans back. Gavriel stands by the doorway with his arms crossed, watching the entire interaction. Darrow, for his part, sits at the desk with his hands clasped in front of him, a twitching muscle in his cheek the only sign of his irritation.

None of them have said a word, each waiting for the other to initiate the conversation. Darrow appears to be near wits end, eyes darting between the two of them as he waits to be addressed.

And Aedion is, quite frankly, enjoying this.

Giving in, Darrow coughs into his fist. “I need to discuss your behaviour in the city.”

Aedion’s eyes narrow. “My behaviour?”

“In terms of your relations with the children,” Darrow nods. “It’s inappropriate for a prince and general of your standing to spend so much time playing games with the offspring of strangers. Not only that, but the fact that you encourage Evangeline to do the same.”

Iron carves into Aedion’s spine, his entire form rising in the chair. “Be very careful with what you say next, Darrow. It does Evangeline no harm to have friends near her own age.”

“I don’t disagree!” Darrow huffs. “I think it’s wonderful that she’s gaining connections with the people. Believe it or not, but I have no wish to see her miserable and alone. She’s delighted after the games in the square.”

“In that case, what is this entire conversation even about?” Aedion growls.

Shame seems to flicker over Darrow’s features before they harden once again. “It’s not Evangeline who they deem inappropriate to spend time with the children, Aedion.”

Something in his core freezes. Stiffens and curdles at the low temperatures that enter is stomach. He stares at Darrow, the man staring back, something akin to shame flickering in his eyes.

“Inappropriate?” Aedion’s voice sounds rough even to his own ears. “What do they think I’m going to do?”

“They believe you could be a… negative influence,” Darrow clears his throat. “Considering your history and reputation.”

“Reputation,” Aedion repeats.

“Not to mention your choice in relationships,” Darrow shuffles his papers.

“Relationships?” A white ocean of noise enters his ears.

“Aedion, I have no judgement on the matter,” Darrow looks away. “At least, not on that topic. While I do think it’s inappropriate for you to spend time in the square with children I see it based on your romantic orientation. Unfortunately, some parents do. Your past titles and actions as the ‘Whore of Adarlan’ don’t exactly help soothe their worries.”

And there is the anger, boiling, starting in the pit of his being and clawing its way up his throat. His hands curl into fists, Aedion leaning forward, every muscle in his body growing tense. Then confusion slowly takes place. Because while Darrow has grown pale, the colour leeching from his face as his scent screams terror, he isn’t looking at Aedion.

No, he’s looking over Aedion’s shoulder.

So, slowly, the Wolf of the North turn to look as well.

And his anger is swept away by…

Fear? No, it’s something more deep rooted than that. Those tawny gold eyes are dark, closer to the colour of bronze set on fire. And the very shape of his face, the way his lips are raised to show a flash of sharp teeth, suggests the brink of a shift into lion form. And all of that is directed towards Darrow.

“Aedion,” Gavriel’s voice sets a deeper tone, reverberating through the entire room, “leave the room.”

It’s a direct order, a room brooking no space for argument. Just like Gavriel had used when he found Aedion by the gate. But then Aedion had denied the order, snapping back at the demand of the Lion. He feels the sudden urge to do so now, the denial already leaving his lips in the form of a growl. Darrow’s eyes flick between them, the man pressing back in his seat as Aedion stares at his father.

“Like hell I am,” Aedion snarls, beginning to rise out of his chair. “I train those children! I protect them! If people are so fucking worried about me being a bad influence on them than they-“

“Aedion.”

The demi-fae pauses at the tone.

“Leave the room,” Gavriel repeats, slaking towards the desk. “I also had a meeting concerning a private matter.”

Aedion stares. Gavriel doesn’t look, eyes trained on Darrow. Slowly, Aedion stands. He can feel both males waiting for his actions. He walks towards the door, Darrow’s clear disbelief like a brand on his back. He clicks it shut behind him and leaves the hall.

~~~

Fenrys frowns from where he stands over papers with Rowan, looking towards the window. “Did you hear something?”

The king glances up. “No, I…”

“There, see?” Fenrys waves a hand. “It sounds like Gavriel.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing.”

~~~

“Darrow needs a new desk,” Gavriel dresses Aelin, standing in front of her work table.

She looks up in surprise, confusion flowing over. “Why?”

“I broke his.”

A silence stretches out. Aelin raises a brow.

“As in… you broke off a leg of the table and stabbed him with it?”

Startled, Gavriel jerks back. Gods, no! I’m not Rowan.”

Snickering, Aelin nods. “Alright then. So what happened?”

“I yelled at him and in the throes of my anger punched the table, causing it to split.”

“Let me get this straight,” Aelin breathes in deeply. “You were mad, punched a table and that one hit caused it to break in half?”

“Yes. I apologise for any inconvenience I am causing you,” Gavriel bows his head.

He hears her mumble under her breath, something along the lines of ‘holy gods’ and ‘males.’ She quickly scribbles down the need for a new table on a piece of paper, shaking her head as she does so.

“What exactly did he do?” Aelin asks. “Darrow, I mean.”

“He said Aedion wasn’t allowed to play with children in the city square because of his so-called reputation,” Gavriel scowls, the look foreign and unusual on his usually even face.

Narrowing her own eyes, Aelin places her papers down. “What did Aedion say?”

“I asked him to leave the room before I lost my temper with Darrow,” Gavriel informs the queen.

Aelin pauses, disbelief clear. “He listened to you? You told him to do something and he did it?”

“I don’t know how it happened either, don’t ask me to do it again,” Gavriel sighs. “I’m going to find him so we can talk. Pardon, my queen.”

“So formal,” Aelin grins, shaking her head. “I’ll see about getting Darrow a new table when able.”

“Please don’t draw it out too long,” Gavriel sighs. “He’ll just complain.”

“He can last a week or two,” Aelin sits back, shrugging. “Besides, finding the right table can take time.”

Gavriel sends her a dry look. “Of course.”

~~~

“You broke it?” Aedion stares at Gavriel.

The male frowns back, pausing in eating his own dinner. “Why does everyone repeat that question?”

“It’s just a little hard to comprehend,” Aedion sighs, rubbing at his eyes. “And I didn’t need you to do that. Those parents have a right to voice their concerns when it comes to their children.”

“That must refer to me as well, then,” Gavriel raises his brows. “I am sorry however that I diminished you by ordering you out of the room.”

“You didn’t order. You asked,” Aedion very nearly glares. “I simply conceded to a request.”

“Of course.”

Aedion glares.

“And just so we’re clear,” Gavriel lowers his voice once more, “after everything you have done and sacrificed for these people it is only fair that you are given the same freedom that any male on the street is offered. Your reputation, which you gained for their sakes, should not be held against you.”

A glimmer of amusement enters Aedion’s eyes. “I know. But thank you, it’s nice to have it acknowledged by you.”

Gavriel tips his head in a nod.

“Just so you, though, Evangeline has already talked to Darrow.”

Gavriel perks up at that, spinning to look at his son. “Oh?”

“She did,” Aedion nods. “I think it’s fair to say that no one will be making any more comments. She can be… fierce.”

They both grin.