#i might write a more detailed review soon

[vraisetzen]

Are you tired of being nice?

Don't you just want to go ape shitt?

[kirammanswifey]

arcane characters when they're jealous x fem reader

characters: viktor, jinx, vi, caitlyn, jayce, ekko, silco, mel and sevika.

writer's note: i really loveddd writing this, just imaginating each scenario was so satisfying, silco's and viktor's were my favorites. i loooove viktor so much i could write about that man each day of my life and never be get tired of it. btw request are open! ;)

Viktor

The lab was especially lively that afternoon, with new ideas flowing among the team. You were conversing with a new colleague, a young enthusiast who seemed to have a knack for understanding complex concepts. His questions and comments kept you engaged, and you couldn't help but smile at his contagious energy.

From his desk, Viktor occasionally glanced up, observing the interaction. At first, he seemed focused on his own calculations, but every time your laughter echoed through the space, his hands paused over the paper, and his gaze slightly hardened.

After a while, he stood up with his careful stride and approached you and your colleague, placing a hand on the edge of the table where you were working.

"Excuse me, could you come with me for a moment? There's something we need to review together," Viktor said, his tone polite but with a firmness that didn't go unnoticed.

"Of course, Viktor, give me a second," you replied, finishing explaining one last detail before turning to him.

Viktor waited for you to stand up and guided you back to his desk. When you both were seated, he leaned slightly toward you, his eyes searching yours.

"It seemed like you were quite involved in your conversation," he commented, trying to maintain a casual tone but failing to hide the hint of jealousy in his gaze.

"I was just explaining some of the previous projects," you said, gently touching his hand to calm him. "Nothing I can't share with you."

Viktor nodded, relaxing slightly at your touch, but he didn't let the subject drop so easily.

"I'm glad to hear that. Sometimes, it's easy to forget that there are things only we share, isn't it?"

His voice was soft, but the intensity of his words made your heart beat a little faster. You knew Viktor rarely showed his emotions so openly, and seeing that protective side of him was something you couldn't ignore.

"Viktor," you said, smiling and intertwining your fingers with his. "You know you're always the first person I think of when something excites me. No one can replace you."

The shadow of jealousy that had been haunting him slowly faded, replaced by a slight smile that barely curved his lips. Viktor leaned in a bit more, leaving a soft kiss on your cheek, a caress that spoke of the trust he had in you.

"I know," he whispered. "I just needed to remind myself."

Jinx

The air in the Undercity was thick with smoke and raucous laughter as you made your way into an underground club with Jinx. The vibrant music filled the space, and the crowd moved like a wild tide. You had come with Jinx to get distracted, but soon found yourself caught up in a conversation with an old acquaintance. His words were lively, but your attention was divided between him and the flashes of blue in the background, where Jinx was watching.

Jinx stayed in the shadows, her bright blue eyes shining intensely as she watched you laugh and chat with someone else. Her jaw was tense, and her fingers nervously played with a grenade she had pulled from her belt. Jealousy boiled inside her, mixed with a latent fear that she might lose you.

When the man placed a hand on your arm to emphasize his point, Jinx could no longer hold herself back. She cut through the crowd with the agility of a predator, her presence drawing attention as she advanced toward you.

"Hey! How about you get lost before things get ugly?" Jinx interrupted the conversation with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, her voice laden with a barely concealed threat.

The man quickly stepped away, recognizing the danger in Jinx's tone. He had barely disappeared into the crowd when Jinx grabbed your wrist, pulling you toward a less crowded corner of the club.

"What the hell was that?" you asked, surprised by her abruptness.

Jinx stared at you, her eyes reflecting a storm of emotions. "I didn’t like how he looked at you. I didn’t like how he touched you. You’re mine, understand? Only mine."

The intensity in her voice took your breath away. It was as if her whole world revolved around you, and the idea of sharing you with someone else drove her mad.

"Jinx..." you began, trying to calm her, but she was already moving closer, her hands on your hips, pressing you against the wall.

"I don’t care if I’m too much. I don’t care if you think I’m crazy. I can’t stand the idea of someone else trying to have what’s mine," she whispered, her lips inches from yours.

"Jinx," you said softly, cupping her face in your hands. "I understand how you feel, but you can't act like this or treat people that way. You have to trust me. I’ll never leave you, but you have to believe in us. You have to believe in me."

Her eyes softened for a moment, and she nodded slightly, her breathing still heavy but beginning to calm.

Her words were a whirlwind of passion and possessiveness, and before you could respond, her lips found yours in a fierce kiss, filled with need and latent desperation. Her body trembled against yours, and you felt the chaos of her emotions spilling into every movement.

When she finally pulled away, her eyes searched yours, pleading and vulnerable. "Promise me you'll always stay with me. That you’ll never let anyone come between us."

"Jinx, I could never want anyone else," you said, stroking her cheek gently. "I’m here, and I always will be."

Jinx closed her eyes, resting her forehead against yours as her breathing steadied. "I love you... too much."

Vi

The atmosphere in the alley was charged with electricity. The crowd gathered around the makeshift fight ring, silently placing bets as they watched the imminent confrontation. You knew what Vi did, what she had done her entire life. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, and anticipation wrapped around her like a shadow. But this time, something was different.

Beside you, Vi was ready, her gloves tightened, muscles tense beneath her shirt. The fierce look she shot at the man in front of her was nothing new; they had seen it dozens of times. But this time, something shifted in the air. Maybe it was the way she glanced at you, as if trying to make sure you were okay before the fight began. But you knew the man facing her wasn’t just another opponent. He was a guy with bad intentions and an overly confident smirk.

"Hey there, pretty," the man approached you with a smooth tone, his gaze far too bold as he caught you off guard. "Surely, you’ve got more to offer than just standing here watching your girl fight, right? Why don’t you come with me after this? I can make you forget all this chaos."

You didn’t expect that attitude, and your discomfort was evident, though you didn’t want to make a scene. You tried to keep calm, but the weight of the situation crept over you. However, before you could respond, the man gave your arm a touch, seeking your attention, breaking your personal space.

Vi didn’t think for another second.

With a low growl, like a caged beast, she approached him. Her eyes gleamed with fury, her body tense, ready to strike, but before she could, the man sneered.

"What’s the matter, sweetheart? Bothered by a little distraction?" the man taunted, his tone more provoking than sympathetic, as if testing how far Vi’s patience could stretch.

"I suggest you walk away," Vi snarled, the rage bubbling in her voice, as she stepped closer, her muscles marking a clear threat that she wouldn’t let anyone touch what was hers. But the man didn’t give her the chance to do anything. With a provoking smile, he tried to step closer to you, completely ignoring Vi.

Before he could get any nearer, Vi shoved him back with a sharp punch that echoed through the place. "I’m the only one who touches her!" Vi’s voice boomed with such intensity that the air seemed to freeze.

The crowd shuddered, expectant. The guy, who thought his attitude could intimidate, now found himself cornered by Vi’s fierce rivalry, his previously confident eyes now filled with a mix of surprise and fear.

"I told you to walk away," Vi repeated, her tone so grave that the man had no choice but to retreat.

The fight began.

The crowd dispersed as the bets continued, but Vi saw nothing beyond her target. Every punch she threw at her opponent was filled with fury. She wasn’t just fighting for money or respect; she was fighting for you. The idea of someone daring to look at you, touch you, think they could make you theirs, drove her to lose control in a dangerous way.

The man tried to fight back, but Vi, with her agility and strength, knocked him down once again, this time with a punch so powerful that the sound of the impact echoed in everyone’s ears. In seconds, he was already on the ground, defeated, and Vi stared down at him before turning toward you.

Your heart pounded as you watched the scene. Vi was drenched in sweat, breathing heavily, but her gaze was solely on you.

Vi walked toward you with the swagger of someone who had just won, her smile full of pride.

"Did you enjoy the show?" she asked, her tone softer but still carrying a hint of challenge.

"You really love putting on a show, don’t you?" you responded sarcastically, a playful smirk forming as you wrapped your arms around her.

Vi leaned in, her eyes darkening with intensity. "It’s not about the show," she murmured, her voice low and fierce. "I can’t stand anyone touching you or even thinking they can get close to you."

A grin tugged at your lips. "I love it when you get possessive," you whispered, your gaze locked with hers.

Vi’s expression shifted to one of amused delight before she pulled you into a wild, passionate kiss. "You’re mine," she growled against your lips, the ferocity of her claim sending a shiver down your spine.

You kissed her back just as fiercely, your hands tangling in her hair. "And you’re mine," you declared, your voice firm with equal possessiveness. The world around you faded into irrelevance, leaving only the two of you, caught in a storm of desire and fierce loyalty.

Caitlyn

The elegant gala in Piltover had unfolded without incident, as expected from an event of such magnitude. The city's high society was enjoying the evening, and you, as a special guest, were no exception. Caitlyn, always poised and reserved, had invited you to accompany her, and in her role as hostess, she was the center of many conversations. However, your presence hadn’t gone unnoticed by a few.

The soft murmur of conversation turned into something more charged when a man you hadn’t seen before approached with a calculated smile. Clearly part of the elite, he had an impeccable demeanor and the gaze of someone who knew how to get what he wanted.

"Excuse me, I couldn’t help but notice how stunning you look tonight," the man said, smiling with a tone as smooth as it was dangerous. "I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you, but I believe I’d like to. Would you care to join me for a quieter drink? Perhaps we could find a more secluded spot to chat."

You quickly noticed his tone was more than a simple invitation, bordering on an insinuation that made you uncomfortable. You tried to smile politely, but before you could respond, you felt Caitlyn’s presence next to you.

Caitlyn’s response was cold as ice, but instead of speaking, she closed the distance between you and her with a grace that turned every head in the room. She placed a gentle yet firm hand on your waist, pulling you close, and pressed a tender kiss to your forehead. The simple act silenced the murmurs around you, establishing her claim without a single word.

Turning to the man, Caitlyn’s voice was soft but carried a steely edge. "My partner isn’t interested in your offer," she said with a calm, unwavering gaze that could cut glass.

The man’s smile faltered but quickly returned, broader and more calculated. "Surely, she can speak for herself. Maybe she’s just being polite."

Caitlyn’s expression didn’t waver, but there was a glint of sharp amusement in her eyes. "I won’t repeat myself. The invitation is declined," she said, her voice like silk wrapped around steel. She took a step closer, her eyes narrowing slightly as she continued, "And I’ve heard whispers about certain irregularities in your financial dealings. I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to take a closer look, would you?"

The man's face paled as the words settled in, his bravado crumbling under the weight of Caitlyn’s veiled threat. Without another word, he mumbled an apology and quickly melted back into the crowd.

Once he was out of sight, you couldn’t help but chuckle softly. "You can be a bit extreme sometimes, you know that?"

Caitlyn turned to you, her eyes softening as a small smile curved her lips. "When it comes to you, I’ll do anything. I would go to any lengths for you."

Caitlyn’s words hung in the air, and without another thought, she gently pressed her forehead against yours, closing her eyes in a quiet, tender moment. The world around you seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of you in the stillness. It was a gesture of love, of connection, so intimate that nothing else mattered. Slowly, she whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too," you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper as you held her close, both of you savoring the shared warmth and affection.

After a beat, you pulled back slightly, your eyes glinting with mischief. "But the event must go on, right? You can’t let one old, pretentious, corrupt man ruin your mood."

Caitlyn chuckled softly, the faintest blush rising on her cheeks as she glanced away, clearly embarrassed by the playful suggestion. "You really know how to make me laugh," she said, a genuine smile pulling at her lips as her usual composure returned.

"You have to show them how well Caitlyn Kiramman performs as a host," you teased, your voice playful. "A night like this is your stage, and that man doesn’t deserve to ruin the performance. Besides, you can’t let anyone think they can just mess with you."

Her laughter filled the air, and Caitlyn couldn’t help but shake her head at your teasing, the blush still present on her cheeks. Taking your arm with an elegant, almost theatrical gesture, she smiled at you. "Alright, let’s show them how it’s done," she said, the regal composure she always exuded returning in full force.

As you both walked away, side by side, the night unfolded once more, but it was clear—nothing, not even the interruption of a rude guest, could take away from the quiet, unspoken bond between the two of you.

Jayce

The night stretched on, filled with bright lights, laughter, and glasses of wine being raised in what seemed to be an exclusive gala of Piltover's high society. The crowd, elegant and wealthy, flowed through the hallways, engaging in lively conversations about scientific and political advancements, but you couldn’t help feeling out of place amidst so much luxury.

Jayce, always by your side, looked every bit the perfect gentleman in his perfectly tailored suit, smiling, but with a slight shadow of concentration that betrayed the way he observed the surroundings. As if he were seeing beyond the faces, detecting every detail. His fingers rested gently on your lower back as he guided you through the crowd, protecting you from any uncomfortable glance or word.

“Come on, it’s fine,” he said, smiling at you tenderly. “Just a little more patience, then we’ll leave.”

Before you could respond, a man, someone who clearly wasn’t unfamiliar to you due to his overly flashy style and even more obvious intentions, arrogantly approached, interrupting your conversation with Jayce.

“What a pleasure to see you here. The beauty of Piltover doesn’t stop at inventions, does it?��� the man said in an excessively flattering tone, his eyes clearly evaluating you in an uncomfortable way. The way he approached wasn’t that of a friend or acquaintance, but rather of someone who was clearly interested in something more. He came too close, not to greet you in a friendly manner, but as if he were recruiting you for something you didn’t want.

You felt the growing discomfort in your chest. But before you could say anything, you felt Jayce’s presence beside you. Somehow, without the man saying another word, the space between him and you seemed to shrink. Jayce didn’t show aggression, but the aura of power that emanated from him was enough to make anyone think twice before continuing.

“Well, who would have thought tonight’s gala would be so… interesting?” Jayce said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, observing the man as if evaluating him from head to toe. “I wonder if your compliments are as easy to come by as they seem, or if it’s simply an innate talent of yours.”

The man stood silent for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Jayce wasn’t looking at him with disdain, but with a smile that was almost kind, though it left no room for doubt: he wasn’t welcome.

“You know,” Jayce continued in a soft voice, but with a hint of mischief that only he knew how to wield, “I think my lady here, doesn’t need any more empty compliments from someone who’s only interested in the surface. She’s here for her intelligence, for what she brings to the city. And I think that… is far more attractive than any cheap remark you could make.”

The man, caught by Jayce’s passive-aggressive tone, hurried to apologize and walked away, unsure of how to defend himself against the elegant subtlety with which Jayce had disarmed him.

Once the politician had gone, Jayce turned to you with a warmer smile, his eyes softening when he saw that you had remained silent, a little tense from the exchange.

“I’m sorry,” he said gently, caressing your arm delicately. “I don’t like it when you’re bothered, but you know I won’t let someone so… bland… get close to you like that.”

You smiled, relieved by his intervention but also a little overwhelmed by how perceptive he had been. “Thank you, Jayce. I didn’t know how… to handle the situation.”

He smiled tenderly, his eyes shining with confidence, as always. “You don’t have to,” he said as he got closer, gently cupping your face. He looked at you intently, and without warning, placed a soft kiss on your cheek, the gesture so full of affection that it made your heart skip a beat.

“But if you ever need help getting someone to leave you alone, you know I’ll always be here,” he said, his voice filled with sweetness and protection.

And as you continued walking through the gala, with the gentleness of his touch and his firm presence, you felt that, despite the challenges you sometimes faced, you had someone who knew how to handle any situation without losing his class or his affection.

Ekko

You're walking through the streets of the Undercity, a place known both for its decadent beauty and constant danger. Today seems to be one of those days when the city has a somewhat more chaotic air, but somehow, you feel more at peace than ever with him by your side. Ekko, as always, accompanies you with his relaxed attitude and that confident smile that rarely disappears from his face.

Suddenly, an unknown man appears out of nowhere, interrupting your conversation with Ekko. He gives you a blatant, shameless look, approaching you with the obvious intention of grabbing your attention. He’s the type who clearly believes he can have you with just a few words.

“Well, what do we have here?” he says, with a smug smile. “A beauty like you around here? I can’t imagine why someone so special is wasting their time with a guy like him.” He looks at Ekko, then shifts his gaze back to you. “I’m sure you and I could do great things together. What do you say? I could show you what it really means to live.”

Before you can respond, you notice Ekko, apparently unfazed by the situation. He stops, lets out a light laugh, and approaches, observing the guy with an expression that clearly shows he’s taking the situation as a joke.

“Seriously?” Ekko says in a playful tone, as if he were watching some kind of comedy show. “So, you’re offering my girl ‘what it really means to live’? Let me tell you something, buddy: if she really looked at you, you’d know you’re not even close to being ‘a big deal.’”

The stranger stands there a bit stunned, clearly not expecting such a direct response. Ekko continues, not wasting a second. “You know what? Don’t worry, I won’t waste your time. I’m sure you and your ‘great proposals’ have an audience somewhere else, but… seriously, I recommend you stop wasting your breath here.”

The guy seems confused, and seeing that Ekko isn’t remotely jealous or concerned, he tries to change his tactic. “Come on, don’t be like that, I was just being nice. I’m sure you don’t mind a little competition, right?”

Ekko looks at him with a wide grin, but it’s clear he’s taking nothing seriously. “Competition? Was that a threat or a joke? Because, seriously, if you thought I’d be worried, I think you’ve misunderstood everything. I don’t know if you’re used to dealing with people who don’t know what they want, but let me clarify something: don’t waste my time, buddy.”

The guy seems to finally understand that he’s not going to get anywhere and, somewhat embarrassed, walks away quickly, mumbling something incomprehensible as he retreats.

Ekko, seeing him leave, turns to you with a mocking smile. “See? He didn’t even bother to keep going. Like someone like him had a chance.”

You laugh at his carefree attitude and move a little closer to him, gently touching his arm. “Doesn’t it really bother you when someone approaches me like that?”

Ekko places a hand on his chest, acting as if he’s deeply hurt. “Bother me? No, not at all. I’m so sure of myself and what we have that those things don’t affect me.” Then, he smiles knowingly. “Besides, you know there’s nothing that guy could do to win me over. If you cared about anything else, you’d already know.”

You look into his eyes and, with a playful gesture, touch his cheek. “I don’t know if it’s confidence or arrogance, but I like it.”

Ekko laughs softly before leaning in a little closer to you. “What you like, girl, is that I’m the only one who can make you laugh even in the most ridiculous situations. And if that’s not what matters, I don’t know what does.”

Suddenly, he leans in and gives you a soft kiss on the cheek, as if it’s as natural as breathing. “Come on, let’s not waste any more time with guys like him. Let’s do something better. But before…” He stops for a moment, his playful gaze fixed on you. “Tell me, when did I learn to become this irresistible?”

The situation lightens with his relaxed attitude, and the confidence he has in what you two share makes you smile. With Ekko, there’s no room for doubt or worry. He knows what he has and how to handle anything that comes his way.

Silco

The meeting room is thick with the heavy atmosphere of a business that has no place in the light of day. The men around you are shadowed figures, accustomed to the illegality that runs like poison through the veins of the Undercity. Silco sits at the head of the table, his presence a shadow that dominates the space, and you’re beside him, as always. No one dares to look beyond his presence, and everyone knows that it’s not just his partner who must be respected, but you as well.

You’re his, that’s what everyone thinks. No one dares to say it out loud, but it’s clear in the air. The way he treats you, how he keeps you close to him at all times, how his gaze never leaves you. Silco doesn’t speak of what is obvious, but everyone knows. You are his in a way that no one dares question.

The meeting is tense, filled with discussions about contracts and dirty deals, but the tone shifts quickly when Finn, one of Silco’s oldest and most dangerous partners, leans back in his chair with a cocky grin. This guy’s been in the business for years and isn’t intimidated by the threat Silco represents. But this time, he’s gone too far.

“You know, Silco,” Finn begins, twirling a cigarette between his fingers, a mocking smirk on his face. “I think it’s a waste to have this beauty always by your side and not put her to work properly.” His laugh is bitter, full of malice, and his eyes fix on you with an unsettling intensity. “How about you let me borrow her for a day? Or better yet... how much would I have to pay to spend a night with her? You must be making a good amount from such a treasure, right?”

The air freezes instantly. The room falls silent, and even the toughest men know that a very fine line has just been crossed. Silco doesn’t speak for a moment; there’s something about his calmness that’s terrifying, a calm that always precedes a storm.

Silco slowly raises his head, his dark eyes fixed on Finn, his gaze as cold as steel. His face remains unchanged, but the atmosphere around him grows thick, dangerous.

The silence is absolute, and all eyes are on Finn, who is now visibly uncomfortable. However, Silco doesn’t budge. At that precise moment, his gaze shifts toward Sevika, his right-hand woman, who stands by the wall. Sevika’s imposing figure doesn’t need words to understand her boss’s intention. Silco gives her an imperceptible nod, and in an instant, Sevika moves with lethal speed.

In the blink of an eye, Finn is at the table, a loud thud fills the room as Sevika slams him against the surface, his face now smashed against it. Everyone watches in silence, as if the very air has stopped, knowing that Silco’s simple gesture has activated the kind of violence that should always be avoided in his presence.

“I’d suggest you think very carefully before you speak, Finn,” Silco says calmly, his gaze fixed on the humiliated man. “Because I don’t like anyone questioning what belongs to me, and certainly not disrespecting it like that.”

Finn staggers, slowly getting up, embarrassed and frightened. However, it’s not enough. Silco looks at him as though he’s observing a pest, and his tone is all Finn needs to understand this is his final warning.

“Now, apologize to her,” Silco orders, his voice almost a whisper of pure threat. “And do it in a way that reminds you how low you’ve fallen, because I’m not willing to tolerate such disrespect in my territory.”

The room is in absolute silence. The tension could be cut with a knife, and all present, even the toughest men, don’t dare make a single move. Finn, trembling, has no choice but to give in. He turns toward you, his face conflicted but clearly defeated, and his voice, full of humiliation, rises in the air. You almost felt sorry for him.

“I… I’m sorry,” he murmurs, shame and fear evident on his face. “I shouldn’t have spoken like that. I apologize.”

Silco doesn’t say anything, but his expression says it all. It’s a clear message: never again.

After a few seconds, the situation lightens slightly. Silco returns to his seat, and the room resumes its usual rhythm, though the fear still lingers in the air. No one will dare challenge him again.

When the tension finally dissipates, Silco turns toward you, and his gaze softens when he sees that you’re unharmed, calm. There’s an intensity in his look, a protective possessiveness that never fades. He takes your hand firmly, guiding you toward the exit of the room without saying another word.

Silco is not a man who needs to explain his gestures. His presence, his actions, speak for him. In his world, no one touches what belongs to him, and anyone who does will learn, like Finn, what it truly means to cross the line.

Mel

The council meeting is at its most tense, with politicians and businesspeople discussing agreements, but something in the air changes when a man, one of the most influential businessmen, dares to flirt with you. He leans toward you with an arrogant smile, throwing out bold comments.

"I’ve always wondered how someone as... attractive as you ends up next to a woman as cold as Mel," he says with a smile. "How about we grab a coffee later? I’m sure we could talk about things much more interesting than this boring meeting."

Silence spreads across the room. Everyone watches the situation, but Mel doesn’t change her posture. She stays silent, but the tension in her body is palpable. Something in the air tells you this is not a game she’s willing to tolerate.

"Do you dare talk about her like that?" Mel finally speaks, her tone soft but laced with threat. "Last time I checked, this meeting wasn’t a place for cheap advances."

The man, who had been confident, now looks visibly uncomfortable. "If you speak like that again, I assure you, it won’t be coffee you’ll be having, but a much... bitterer deal."

The threat is clear. All eyes focus on the man, who now seems small and uncomfortable. Mel doesn’t need to raise her voice for everyone to feel the weight of her authority.

"My apologies," he murmurs, embarrassed, not daring to look at them.

Mel responds with a cold smile. "I suggest you remember who’s really in control here."

The man nods quickly, speechless. Mel turns toward you, her calculating gaze fixed on you.

"Are you okay?" she asks, and though the question is soft, you know it’s a reminder that no one, not even him, will dare approach you in that way again.

You nod, feeling the security that only Mel can provide. No one will touch what’s hers.

"Let’s go," Mel says, rising gracefully. "We’ve got work to do."

The dynamic has shifted, and the room remains silent, but everyone knows Mel has made it clear who holds the power. You, being hers, are not only protected by her power but by her cunning and absolute control.

As you both leave the room, Mel stops at the threshold, looking at you with an almost evaluative expression.

"And don’t forget," she says quietly, "this is not just for you. It’s for everything you represent." She gives you a look that seems to assess your reaction, as if making sure you understand what’s at stake. "This is just the beginning."

The hallway is silent, but when you both take another step, Mel turns to you with a smile that, although subtle, carries a hint of satisfaction. "Never let anyone underestimate you, especially when they have no idea what they could lose."

She looks at you for a moment, and you realize that, beneath her power and control, there’s something else... something tender.

"I care for you because you’re mine," she whispers, but not possessively—more like a promise, as if she’s telling you that in this world of chaos, she will always be your refuge.

Before you can respond, Mel leans slightly toward you, capturing your lips in a soft kiss, but one full of intensity that leaves you breathless. It’s a short kiss, but enough to convey everything that can’t be said in words. The contact is warm, protective, and for the first time in a long time, you feel completely safe in her arms.

When she pulls away, her eyes seek yours with the unwavering confidence she’s always had, but now with something more. "Don’t forget this," she says, lightly touching your face. "No matter what happens, you’ll always be mine."

With a smile, she takes your hand, and without saying another word, you both continue walking.

Sevika

The hustle and bustle of the streets of Zaun echoes in the distance, but inside the tavern, the atmosphere is dense, heavy. The man approaches the table with that confident look, not as subtle as he thinks, and his words slide out like sweet poison.

"Well, who are you?" he says, smiling as his eyes boldly scan your figure. "A woman so brilliant, so... stunning, in a place like this."

Sevika doesn’t flinch, but you can see the tension ripple through her body, as if something dangerous is about to explode. Her eyes, cold as steel, follow the man while he continues talking, completely unaware of the danger he’s creating.

"I’m sure there’s more behind that facade," he says, getting closer, his voice too near your ear. "A beauty so rare, so unique, can’t just be a pretty face."

The discomfort grows inside you, but it’s Sevika who feels it first. Her expression shifts from calm to contained fury. She looks at you for a moment, as if asking for permission to act, and when your eyes meet, you know the situation is about to turn dangerous.

The man persists, but Sevika won’t tolerate it anymore. She stands up, her boots echoing on the floor with a firmness that makes everyone fall silent. Her words come out as a whisper, but they are loaded with a threat that everyone feels.

"If you don’t leave right now, I’ll make you wish you were never born," she says, her voice low, but her deadly tone unmistakable.

The man steps back, and his eyes finally show fear. Sevika gives him no space to react, her presence crushes him, forcing him to step back, and without saying another word, the man turns and disappears into the crowd, his ego shattered by Sevika's imposing figure.

She returns to her seat, the calm returning to her face, though the intensity of her gaze doesn’t fade. She looks at you, and for the first time, her lips curve into a smile that’s anything but kind. It’s pure possessiveness, a warning without words.

"Does it bother you when someone gets that close to you?" she asks, her tone almost playful, as if testing your limits.

You look at her, feeling the heat in your chest. There’s no fear, only confidence, because you know you’ll always have your strong, powerful woman by your side to protect you, to defend you from anything that tries to break the bubble you’ve built with her. You move closer slowly, her eyes never leaving yours.

"I feel fine," you reply with a seductive smile, letting your words linger between the two of you. "I know I’ll always have you—my strong, fierce, and captivating woman, who will always protect me." You flirt as you settle comfortably in her lap.

Sevika raises an eyebrow, a playful yet dangerous smile curling on her lips. Her hot breath brushes against your neck. "Good that you know," she whispers, her voice low and raspy, laden with a desire only you can understand. "Because as long as I’m by your side, no one will touch you. And the best part... is that you don’t even have to ask. I’ll take care of them in an instant."

"You’re so extra," you smile, biting her muscled arm playfully.

"Do you always have to do that?" she asks, not annoyed but intrigued, her hand gently petting your head.

"What can I say?" you reply with a teasing glint in your eyes. "It turns me on seeing you so jealous and possessive over me."

She growls softly, then grabs her beer, finishing it in one swift motion. Her gaze sharpens as she takes your hand.

"I think it’s time to head home," she says, her voice dripping with intent. "I plan to make the most of this behavior of yours while I can."

Sevika intertwines her fingers with yours, a silent promise that no one and nothing will dare cross that line. As the noise of the tavern continues, you and Sevika are momentarily isolated in your own world of protection, passion, and control—where only she holds the power to keep you safe.

[jessread-s]

TW: kidnapping, sexual assault, sexual harassment, drugging, misogyny

✩🎁❄️Review:

If you are hoping for a fluffy, festive romance, this is not it. 

Set after the Caraval series, “Spectacular” follows Donatella Dragna as she embarks on the ultimate holiday adventure to find the perfect gift for Legend. 

I LOVED the first half of this book. It was a joy to return to Valenda and spend more time with Scarlett, Tella, Julian, and Legend. Rosie Fowinkle’s gorgeous illustrations truly bring them to life! The red accents Fowinkle added to her images paired with Garber’s whimsical writing definitely got me into the holiday spirit. 

Unfortunately, this book took a turn for the worst near the halfway point that left me feeling uncomfortable. Simply put, this book fails to take consent into consideration. 

🚨‼️SPOILER ALERT‼️🚨

To go into more detail, Tella is drugged and kidnapped at one point in the story. She wakes up in the Spice Quarter—a place riddled with gambling pits, drug dens, and brothels. Soon after, she is forced to change into an outfit that leaves her scantily clad so that she can show off her backside to a man whose identity is not known. She is then taken to his private room where she is blindfolded, gagged, and restrained. Once there, the man touches and kisses her without her consent. The reader ultimately finds out that the mystery man is Legend, but honestly, that did not make the whole series of events better in my eyes. Had she known it was him all along, what transpired would still be considered assault given that she did not consent to any of it. Readers fresh off of Finale might be able to connect what happened here to the letter Tella wrote in which she asked Legend to kidnap her. Why Legend thought this would be such a great holiday gift is lost on me. As someone who hasn’t read Finale in years, I did not make the connection. Neither did Tella, which is what made the whole thing icky. 

🚨‼️END OF SPOILERS‼️🚨

I was hoping for more ScarJulian content at the very least, but their presence is more akin to a cameo. I hope that the next one (which is alluded to in the epilogue) does not follow in its predecessor’s footsteps. 

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

[srovtl]

(in here, a magic that connects hearts) Faust SSR Card Story Translation

Translator note: This, and all the fifth anniversary card stories, reference each character’s affection story (which can be read here) and I recommend reading them beforehand.

also thanks for Sra and nor from twitter for providing me with the raws

Don't go easy, but let your heart be at ease - Episode 1

Akira: (Faust wasn't in his room. Is he out somewhere?)

It's been a while since I started living at the magic manor.

I was going around asking everyone for interviews again, hoping to add to the contents of the sage's manual.

Faust: Sage. We're back.

Figaro: Hello, Master Sage.

Akira: Welcome back. So both of you were out?

Figaro: Yeah, we went to a store I'm familiar with.

Akira: There are all kinds of flowers in this basket. They're beautiful.

Faust: They're all rare varieties. I'm planning to use them in the next class.

Faust: For example, this blue bud is for Shino. It's a flower that is sensitive to people's gazes, and if you stare at it for five minutes, the bud will open.

Figaro: But if you look away for even a second, it won't bloom, even if you wait five minutes. It's perfect for training your patience.

Figaro: The blue flower next to it was for Heathcliff, right? It scatters pollen irregularly and makes you sleepy.

Faust: The more sensitive you are, the more sleepy you will be. I hope this will help him practice using magic to defend himself instantly.

Akira: Wow, they were chosen to suit each individual's personality. Interesting.

Akira: Then, is this bushy grass that looks like a cat toy for Nero?

Faust: Yes. We talked about this plant in detail in the last lesson. This is to make sure he actually reviewed it.

Figaro: It's like a surprise test. I'm looking forward to seeing Nero's reaction.

Faust: I wonder. He's not the type to review things frequently, but he has a good memory.

Faust: Well, if he can't do it, Heath will probably help him.

Akira: ……Huh? Now that I look closely, there's another purple flower. Who did you prepare this for?

Faust, Figaro: ………

Faust: .....It's for me.

Figaro: The student is our Faust, and the special lecturer is me, Doctor Figaro.

Akira: What! Figaro and Faust are teaching together?

Faust: You don't need to be so surprised.

Figaro: Teachers need to work hard together too. Or we might get overtaken by the younger kids in no time.

Blinking rapidly, I looked at the two people before me.

Akira: (...I cant believe a day like this would come. I never imagined it when I came to the magic manor.)

Days living under the same roof. Days working on the same missions.

All those experiences must have changed something in them, little by little. Now I can feel that with my very eyes, and my cheeks relax.

Faust: What is it, Sage? It seems like you have something to say.

Akira: No, it's nothing! …Wait, I completely forgot that I had something to ask of you Faust.

Faust: Me?

Akira: Yes. Actually, I'd like to write about you all again in the Sage's manual.

Figaro: Master Sage's re-interviewing each of us. I had a talk with them the other day.

Akira: So, would you mind giving me some of your time soon, Faust?

Faust: If that's the case, I'm free after this. If you'd like, we can talk in my room.

Don't go easy, but let your heart be at ease - Episode 2

We immediately headed to Faust's room, and found Lennox standing at the door.

Lennox: Lord Faust, Master Sage. Hello.

Faust: What's the matter, Lennox? Do you need something?

Lennox: Lord Faust, I wanted to give this to you.

Faust: A candle...

Faust: I was just about to buy another candle for my amulet, since I was running low on it.

Akira: Really? What a coincidence.

Faust: Lennox, why did you give this to me? 

Lennox: I thought it was about time you would need one.

Lennox: I accompanied you when you went to buy the same thing before, didn't I? It's been some time since then so…

Lennox: Besides, you've been busy lately, Lord Faust, so I thought you might not have time to go and buy it yourself...

Akira: Is that so...? As expected of Lennox, you really pay attention to the people around you.

Lennox: No, it's not that serious.

Faust: ……..

Faust stared at Lennox for a while with his violet eyes.

Then he takes a faint breath, lowers his eyebrows and smiles.

Faust: Really… I just can't hide anything from you.

The voice he speaks is endlessly soft, and gives the impression of a definite passage of time.

His gaze, shifted to the candle, is still gentle. Surely memories of the past are shining deep in those violet eyes.

Faust: There's no need for you to go that far.

Lennox: I'm sorry for doing something unnecessary.

Faust: I don't mean it like that…..

Faust: Hmm? Haven't we had this conversation before?

Lennox: I think we did...?

Faust: ...Haha. Anyway, you helped me out. Thank you, Leno.

Lennox: No. If I was of help to you, nothing makes me happier.

Their mutual consideration, their trust and respect for each other were all indicative of their attitude. It naturally warmed my heart.

Akira: (Faust and Lennox have helped each other out so many times like this.)

Akira: (I'm sure it will continue to be the same from now on…)

Don't go easy, but let your heart be at ease - Episode 3

When I entered the room, Faust put the paper bag he was carrying on the desk and waved his finger.

A chair floated through the air and was presented in front of me.

Faust: Sit down. I'll make some tea now.

Akira: Thank you! Hm? Is this the same tea from our last interview?

Faust: Yes, it is. You have a good memory. Now then…

Faust handed me the cup and sat down opposite me.

Faust: You can start right away. Where should I start?

His fingers were clasped together just like that time.

It showed his seriousness, and I thought it was a beautiful, elegant sight.

Akira: May I ask you about all sorts of things that have happened since we met?

Akira: If there is anything hard to say you don't have to—-

Faust: ……..

Faust's eyebrows twitch, and I involuntarily gasp.

Then I straighten my back and reword what I had said earlier.

Akira: ...I might be asking some questions that are hard to answer. I'd be happy if you could answer as much as you can.

Faust: Heh.

Faust: You've gotten a lot tougher. That's right, there's no need to go easy on me.

Akira: (Hahaha. ...Even though his words are harsh, it feels like he's praising me by saying "well done.")

I don't know how nervous I had been, but I noticed that my shoulders had suddenly relaxed.

After that, I asked him the questions I'd prepared, one by one.

Faust answered sincerely and carefully, carefully choosing his words. The pages were filled with information about him.

Akira: Thank you for answering so many questions, Faust. This is my last question...

Akira: ...This may be difficult for you to answer. But, please let me know.

Faust: ………What is it?

Akira: Faust……. 

Akira: You like cats, don't you?

Faust: Huh?

Akira: During the first interview, you stubbornly denied it, but this time I'd really like to ask you about it!

Faust: ……Pff, Hahaha.

Faust: You really are, above my imagination.

Akira: R-Really...?

Faust: Well, never mind. To answer your previous question… Well, I don't hate cats.

Akira: You wouldn't say you like them, would you?

Faust: I'm a curse worker, after all. That kind of thing doesn't look good on me.

Faust shook his head with a smile on his face, and I remembered when we first met.

Akira: (Come to think of it, last time he said "There's nothing in particular" that he likes...)

If only one day he could tell me something that he would say he likes without hesitation.

what a joyous thing that would be.

But that's why I want us to get to know each other little by little, without rushing.

Feeling that he has a much softer air about him than when we first met... I gently put my pen down.

I can only say because it’s now - Card Episode

Akira: Faust, thank you for taking the time for the interview!

Akira: Also, this is something I've been asking everyone...

Akira: Is there anything you can talk about because it is now?

Faust: Because it is now...? That's a difficult question.

Faust: ……

Akira: (He's really thinking about it seriously. Ah, he looked at me...)

Faust: I wear that hat sometimes.

Akira: ......That hat? 

Akira: Wait, what? You mean that wool one?

Faust: Yes. The one you bought me as a souvenir when you went to the central city.

Faust: ......you gave it to me yourself why are you so surprised.

Akira: Haha, sorry. I've never seen you wearing it before, so I was surprised.

Akira: I'm so happy that you actually use it. Thank you for letting me know!

Faust: Don't mention it. I would feel uncomfortable if I didn't say anything about it.

Akira: (You're so serious, Faust...) (But I really love that about you)

Homescreen Voiceline

Hearts change with time. Even if we exchange a promise, can our hearts stay the same forever? I won't believe it. What about you, Sage?

[tnbc-thoughtsandheadcanons]

The Battle for Pumpkin King #5

Here are my thoughts on the last issue of the comic. After this, I'll be writing a full review looking at the series as a whole. As always, Spoilers under the 'Read More'!

The last competition for the title of Pumpkin King between Jack Skellington and Oogie Boogie is designing and carving their own giant Jack-o-Lantern. It's clear that they must complete it on their own, even cleaning out their pumpkins, and will be judged by 5 Townspeople.

Edgar suggests for Oogie Boogie to break the rules (again) by using Lock, Shock, and Barrel, this time to clean out his pumpkin for him. He says if Boogie wins, he can continue using his Lair, even having it as his own. While they clean out his pumpkin, Oogie wastes time by talking to the Judges and even taunting Jack, who questions why he isn't dirty from cleaning his pumpkin.

Jack starts to have doubts about himself and wonders why he's working so hard while things come 'naturally' for Oogie. He is comforted by Sally, who tells him he workd hard because it's natural to him, too, and is giving his all.

Oogie sends some bugs and snakes Jack's way to bother him while he carves. Lock, Shock, and Barrel start throwing pumpkin guts at each other inside, which sends a flurry onto Jack's pumpkin. Thinking quickly, Jack meshes it to look like hair on the jack-o-lantern. In contrast, Oogie's pumpkin is a mess from the trio's mischief.

The judges (as we all know) choose Jack's jack-o-lantern unanimously over Oogie Boogie's, winning him the crown of Pumpkin King. Boogie is furious and stomps the winning pumpkin down, arguing with Edgar and claiming his Lair as his own. He officially ends his friendship with Jack and storms off. Elsewhere, Jack suggests using Oogie's mess for a pumpkin pie, along with the Mayor's suggestion of a party to celebrate his victory.

Edgar congratulates Jack on his winning and claims he will retire to the pumpkin patch since Oogie is now in his Lair. He lays with the pumpkins lamenting Oogie's loss and their wasted potential as a team, but now he can finally rest.

Oogie, now in Edgar's Lair, claims everyone is against him, and vows no one will ever cheat him again.

---

This comic was a LOT of fun to read and buy, much like Mirror Moon was. But I think I enjoyed this one more, despite TBFPK not having as extreme concepts. I will go into more detail in my full Review - keep an eye out for it! ;)

#5 was a great wrap to everything, showing us how Oogie ended his ties with Jack and what happened to Edgar in the end. Crazy to think the previous Pumpkin King might be one of the many pumpkins in the patch now, if he's not already long gone by this point.

It's interesting how Oogie was easily manipulated by Edgar, cheated in the competitions, yet feels betrayed and cheated HIMSELF after he loses. He gave up his friendship with Jack over a potential team-up with Edgar, only to lose THAT in the end(except gain his Lair). I can see why he would take control over the trio down the line, seeing as they indirectly caused his loss for the crown. I bet he forever holds that to them....

Also, very sweet little moments between Jack and Sally. I wonder how their friendship grew in this way. And I'm happy to see how Jack won his crown, it's fortunate it hadn't been Oogie(unless, without Edgar's influence, he would have wanted to rule Halloween Town...better? And possibly had a greater chance in the Competition without his help?)

I have a lot more to say about this series, so I'll start on the overall review soon. If you can, consider buying the Issues, or the Graphic Novel that comes out next month!!!

[beatlesbookblog]

This Boy: The Early Lives of John Lennon & Paul McCartney by Ilene Cooper

(welcome to the very first book review!!)

So, I read this book on the infamous anniversary of John and Paul's meeting a few months ago, and it was a simple and quick read for the most part. I was going to review this book hard because of its simplicity (which ultimately is not bad, it just depends on the book). However, I soon realized this book is meant for a more younger audience, so I'll cut it some slack.

Cooper is generally known for her children's books, so perhaps I wasn't the target audience for a book such as this (I found this as an ebook on my library website so I had no idea it was a YA historical book). Though, there were some aspects to this book I liked, genuinely.

I think this book did detail a lot about John and Paul that younger/newer fans may not know about. Though, I did notice there to be 2-3 chapters dedicated to John's childhood versus the 1-2 chapters about Paul. This obviously could be because of John's more troubled childhood versus Paul's, but I did find the John chapters to be more detailed than Paul's. I wouldn't say the author had more of a bias towards John, but I would have liked more of an equal amount of prose for both of them. It would have properly illustrated the equality amongst John + Paul's writing partnership once their friendship is established.

Another thing I really liked about this book was the introduction of the Quarrymen and more insight into them. Though, again, this book is generally geared towards a younger audience so there aren't insane amounts of detail you'd find in a proper historical book about the early Beatle days. Though, I think introducing the other Quarrymen members to the John + Paul story is a nice touch to this book. I tend to notice some Beatle authors sort of brush off the Quarrymen members to the side of the story, so this was nice to see in a newer book.

Is this book adding anything to the John + Paul story? No. Not really. If you're looking for an introduction to John and Paul as a newer or younger fan, I would recommend this book. It gives the basic history of John and Paul's early lives, their meeting, and the beginnings of their partnership. The book stops before the band goes off the Hamburg, giving the book a sort of "Nowhere Boy"-esque storytelling, which might be appealing to some people. Personally, I think it leaves too much out. Overall, I do think Cooper does a good job in telling the story of John and Paul to a younger audience, though I would have liked more detail. Then again, I'm not the target audience for this book so 🤷

------

Rating ⭐: I'd rate this book about a 6.5/10 given it's a basic introductory book, and that it's fairly factual.

Further Reading 📖: Though, if you are looking for a more detailed, thorough book of John and Paul's meeting, I would recommend The Day John Met Paul by Jim O'Donnell.

[theresattrpgforthat]

Mint Plays Games - Liminal Horror and On The Hill.

It's time for a new year and some new games, and my first game of the year was Liminal Horror, by Goblin Archives!

I do not consider myself an OSR aficionado, but I'm aiming to try and remedy that a little this year, and Liminal Horror has been haunting since I discovered it's existence.

Since the last time I tried to run an OSR game, I've learned that it's often a good idea to get a sense of how these games are meant to be played through using an adventure, so I went on the hunt for a compelling adventure to play through for this one. I settled on the adventure On the Hill, by M. Allen Hall, mostly because it was free, printed nicely, and I saw some good reviews for it!

The Adventure

On the Hill is a remix of the adventure module Horror on the Hill, writing for Basic Dungeons & Dragons. It's a voidcrawl, an iteration on a pointcrawl. There is a map with locations attached to an encounter die to mark each turn of play with a hint of tension and various omens or clues to keep the game interesting. Many Liminal Horror modules are voidcrawls, and On the Hill is easy to read and navigate, with three different maps - one for the GM, and two for the players to discover as they play.

The basic premise is that you are journeying through a state park, looking for a lost hiker while strange creatures of the hill haunt your steps. There's lore woven in throughout the module, and at the beginning is enough information to let the GM know what to expect from the intial NPCs, as well as a reason for why the Hill is as it is. The PC's will uncover clues in a random order, depending on what the GM rolls on the Clues table, as well as what path they decide to travel. I tried to introduce as much as I could, but overall our group paid little attention to it - and we still managed to cobble together a story in our short amount of time.

Our particular game

The Mechanics

The checks for Liminal Horror are very simple: you only roll when you're in danger, and you're rolling a d20 with the hopes of getting a value under your related stat. There are only 3 stats, and they double as your Health over the course of your adventure. You can take physical damage and wounds, which decrease your inventory, and you can also take metaphysical damage, which can inflict you with Fallout.

Fallout is a kind of strange consequence that changes your character, giving them some kind of benefit but also alienating them further and further from normal society. At the end of the game, death might be kinder than what the weird has in store for these characters. The module comes with a d6 table of custom Fallouts, such as a crown of bone that slowly emerges from hour skull. Our table had a slight brush with Fallout - since we were just running a one-shot, I introduced a Fallout as soon as a character rolled for one. We still only ended up with two Fallout-related consequences the whole game, although the players who did find themselves changed fully embraced those changes. One of them received eyes as black as night, while the other found himself taking on cracked bark-like skin.

As a horror game, Liminal Horror pulls no punches. My GM-ing style is usually very forgiving, as I personally find it hard to punish my players, but I warned the party that this time, there was no more Mrs. Nice-Rabbit - and while nobody died, one player got pretty close. Another one lost his eyes, and I consider that a personal win, when it comes to ruthlessness. A few times I re-rolled a dice, but that was mostly because I kept rolling the same result, and I wanted to keep things fresh, rather than experience like, 6 cave-ins in a row.

The Drawbacks

One thing that I'm still unsure about when it comes to the OSR is the... lack of rules about certain things. I know that in general, it's expected that the party should allow the GM to make a ruling rather than stick rigidly to a detailed set of rules. That being said, the combat rules reference a stress die, and I'm still not entirely sure whether that's a d20 or a different die, and the wording makes it seem as if the topic is covered earlier in the rule-book - and as far as I can read, it's not. This lead to an awkward pause in play, while I tried to figure out how exactly Stress is supposed to work.

The Final Thoughts

Liminal Horror is compact, with simple character creation that allows you to come back quickly even if you die. Most of the time I found myself relying on the module than on the game document, simply because of the amount of stuff in the module. Quinn of Quinn's Quest talks about how modules are where it's at in his Mothership review, and this approach certainly made me appreciate how much of a burden modules take off of the GM's shoulders. At the end of 2024, I felt a little run down from constant reading and GM-ing, and this game was a gentle return that made planning much much easier! I also don't think I'd have achieved the same amount of complexity if I had written my own adventure.

I also personally appreciate the Fallout system. It gives you a chance to impose non-physical consequences on your characters without turning the scary parts of the game into a sanity-eroding circus, which is often one of the weakest parts of traditional horror games.

Also, despite the style of play being drastically different from what we usually do, my players enjoyed it. I let them know ahead of time this was a horror game, and horror was what they signed up for. There's also a lot of really neat adventures out there! I'd recommend checking out The Twisted Classics Jam, the Tales From the Void Jam, and the Horror of America's Jam, which is actually going on from October to April!

If you as a group want to dive into some really freaky, horrific scenarios that treat the characters (and players) with respect, even as they're putting them through the meat grinder, then you should check out Liminal Horror.

[cog5]

Ludo-Labo

Running and playing pre-written adventures, I don’t think I always clue in to what makes an encounter effective, not “in the moment”, anyway. I’m too focused on the moment itself to parse why what’s on the page is translating into a good time. After reviewing the text, post-session, one key ingredient seems to be whether or not the text is providing enough information to telegraph danger to players. It’s not something I always do consistently well in my own writing, but it’s something I’m more mindful of lately. 

For example, I’ve just completed edits on a hazards table, where players encounter a room full of crates filled with dangerous chemicals in a laboratory setting. Originally, I focused on the hazards themselves, describing the effects of the chemicals, and what happens when the players are already exposed to the danger. 

We're talking about room #5 here.

On the second pass, I made sure to include simple details, to alert the players to potential danger, or a way for them to react, or avoid the danger, even if they were unsure of the specific outcome.

Let’s have a look at each.

Chemical Hazards (1D6):

Incendiary Tar: A dark sludge slowly expands, creeping into adjacent rooms. The slightest spark will set the mud ablaze. This one is fairly visual, easy for players to spot. There’s nothing really to tell them that it is tar, or that it is flammable, perhaps an odor could be written into this, to make it clearer. But the fact that the tar expands slowly gives players time to react, even if they do throw a fireball at it.

Explosive Reaction: Chemicals stored here are marked as highly volatile, the slightest impact will cause a violent explosion. Here, the danger is much more sudden, explosions happen fast! Big warning signs filling the room are easy to notice and avoid. Perhaps the players could use this knowledge to their advantage, setting a trap.

Noxious Gases: Spending any time in this room will cause one to become light headed, intense nausea is soon to follow. While not immediately evident, the gradual sickness helps to alert players to a more severe outcome, allowing them the chance to escape the area.

Acid Puddle: Recklessly treading through this room, the soles of one’s boots will be eaten away after a few minutes. This one is probably the least telling, and speaks more to the GM than the players, leaving more work for the GM to make it fair. I’ve not explicitly written what the hazard is here, or how it might be noticed. But the stakes are not as high either. It takes some time for the acid to take effect, and, at worst, they are out of a pair of shoes. Still, I’ll admit, it’s the worst of the bunch.

Oxidizing Vapor: A pungent, yellow cloud fills the air. All metal will rust after a few minutes of exposure. A tell that’s a bit more overt, featuring sight and smell, to alert players in multiple ways. The stakes are higher here, strolling through this room is likely to damage a players armor and weapons, making them less effective overall.

Liquid Nitrogen: A pale mist wisps across the floor. The air becomes colder upon approach. Exposed skin will become frostbitten within seconds of stepping into this room, joints will seize soon after. Pale mist on its own might not be much of a warning, depending on where players encounter it, but given that this is an indoor area, that should put them on alert. If that’s not enough, the addition of increased cold as players approach should make it especially clear that this is not a normal room.

I could probably keep editing forever, but at the moment I’m feeling good with my progress on this kind of thing. Being able to identify that things could be better is a good place to be. I’m willing to bet that it means things will be even better on the next adventure.

I'd love to see some good examples of telegraphed danger in TTRPGs, hit me up with your favorites!

[miss-mossball]

hi!! im the same anon who sent that ask, that makes me really happy to hear!! we were worried it may have come across as rude somehow but we're glad it meant well as intended!!! and heck yeah!! we're so glad to hear you're doing good.

DID rep is something that matters a lot to us,, to where we were actually very nervous engaging with the idea and showing our own perspectives on it. because we somehow got it in our head that people would accuse us of faking it. or misrepresenting, or whatever the sort. which! seems a little silly, now that it's put into words,

but those types of insecurities rule over us, so seeing it elsewhere is very deeply encouraging!! we're two years out of our bad life, and like... a year into figuring out who we are. so i think that'd be a good start! ehehe...

it's hard to accept the idea of being treated softly, even Now, but maybe it'd be easier to get used to the idea and the feeling if it's not.. Directly us experiencing that gentleness. hard to say, but an exciting experiment to conduct in soon time.

....this got deep i initially came here to make an amusing observation,

wanted to say 'wassup fellow ally of the Moss Allegiance' because i used to be called moss online, so my partner whose also been very deeply supportive of us and our explorations of our everything calls us marimo!

I only took your ask as something nice, please don't worry <3

DID rep is super important for me too! (which is why I have a review blog specifically for reviewing DID in media - @bunnidid-reviews ) I haven't done a proper review in a while, but I'm always trying to sniff out pieces of media that treat DID with compassion most of all

About your insecurities of being fakeclaimed, I can relate to that. I've done many things to mitigate ever being directly pointed at for having DID, like partitioning off my parts stuff and integrating them into stories so they're more like OCs, as well as changing details so when people do get nasty, at least I have some distance. It's not a silly fear, it can be very destabilizing when the disorder is based on denial itself. However, I've only ever had two people try to fakeclaim me, and one is a stalker who doesn't understand DID but I trusted with details with, and the other was someone who seemed very insecure about their own DID. Both those people don't know me well enough to actually say if I do or not, when I've been knowing and working around this for about 8 years.

And as for not feeling worthy of being treated softly, you are. But I also understand the struggles with not feeling worthy or conflicted about it, which is a major theme of my art. It might be worthwhile exploring the darker themes of the disorder in your art and stories. I find it helps me a lot to put my feelings into some sort of form that I can also look at later.

Also, no one says you have to post it publicly! I have dozens of writings that the public will never see. I have art I don't share with anyone at all. I just post here so Rou and Chime can see it without me shoving it in their face =v= )b (I also cant tell when im developing OCs or if parts are drawing always)

Ummm anyway thank you for your asks <3 Sorry for the super long ramble, this is stuff I'm passionate about. Much love and care your way fellow Moss!! (moss is great, I love Marimo as a name)

[the-tmnt-ficfinder]

Ficfinder finds: The Lemonade Leak

Chapter 23: The Warden

Chapter 23 Summary: No Summary

The Warden: Appraisal and Ratings

(Don't know what fanfic "Appraisal and Ratings" means? Check out my explanation on my Main Masterpost! Looking for a different fanfic to read? Head on over to my Fanfic List Masterpost!)

Disclaimer: This fanfic is only available to those who have an Ao3 profile. This fanfic is written by @turtleinsoup, so go show them some love and support!!

The fanfic ratings are not based on quality, favoritism, or how good I think it is, but rather, how intense a subject may be. Like a movie review, or the tags on Ao3, letting the readers know what to expect.

Plot: 💛💛💛💛💛

"Plot is five out of five!! We get a little bit of a flashback to the childhood of the disaster twins, which is wonderfully fascinating!! Then, after that, you get dumped straight back into the stress of the current situation. A lot of things happen in this chapter. Plot important thing!

Suspense/Mystery: 💛💛💛💛🖤

"Suspense/Mystery is four out of five!! In the beginning of the chapter, there's not as much mystery, and mostly just confusion, though during the second half, the suspense and mystery levels ramp right up!!"

Angst/Hurt: 💛💛💛💛💛

"Angst/Hurt is five out of five!! This chapter has a lot of angst and hurt, and sad little bits that will absolutely tear your heart apart! The first half of this chapter, is more on the sad side, while the second half is more on the stressful side."

Fluff/Comfort: 💛💛🖤🖤🖤

"Fluff/Comfort is two out of five! In the first half of the chapter, there is some comfort, but only just a little bit. As soon as the writing progresses, that comfort goes right away."

Emotions Conveyed: 💛💛💛💛🖤

"Emotions Conveyed is four out of five!! This chapter has wildly intense emotions!! From the sad little confusion of the beginning, to the wild fear later on!! This chapter really encapsulated a lot of emotions!!"

Drama/Tension Level: 💛💛💛💛💛

"Drama/Tension Level is five out of five!! The drama and tension is completely through the roof in this chapter!! So many things happen!! The second half of the chapter has the most tension, with high amounts of it being between Donnie and Leo."

Triggers: 💛💛💛💛💛

"Triggers for this chapter are five out of five. This chapter has a lot of triggers in it. A lot more than usual, though that's for a good reason. In the authors note, these are the triggers listed.

- Non-consensual drugging | touching - VERY UNCOMFORTABLE "MEDICAL INTEREST"-MOMENT IN THIS GUYS - Dehumanization - Gun Violence

In the beginning of the chapter, there is also implied starvation and hunger in children, and child neglect. There are other triggers, so make sure to keep in mind that this chapter is not for the faint of heart."

Legibility (Reading): 💛💛💛💛💛

"Legibility (Reading) is five out of five!! This chapter reads really smoothly! It has minimal amounts of crazy texts in it, but is rich in detail!"

Legibility (Audio): 💛💛💛💛💛

"Legibility (Audio) is five out of five!! As this chapter has no crazy text or anything like that, its able to be listened to in audio book format!!"

Length: 💛💛💛💛🖤

"Length is four out of five!! Chapter 23 of The Lemonade Leak takes about 43-44 minutes to listen to!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next Chapter ->

<- Previous

The Lemonade Leak: Story Ratings and Chapter List

Personal thoughts on chapter below cut (Contains Spoilers)

Content Warnings: Donnie & Leo (No fr. This is the censored version of the chapter! I got too nervous before uploading so I went back and edited out the most fucked-up parts. I might upload the uncensored version separately one day, or have some of it happen in the final fight, but rn I’m too nervous to do that today :’) <3)

What you mean, ‘censored version’?! Like, I wanna see what you had planned!! Seriously, for reals, I hope what you originally wrote is included later on or something, I’m so incredibly curious now!! 

Donnie had been alive for five whole years when he finally felt like he had acquired a good enough grasp of the English language to vocalize his first-ever sentence. “Do this again and I’ll kill you with my teeth.” “Okay,” Leo said and did it again.

Awwwww ^^ that’s surprisingly adorable!! I’m assuming that this means Donnie was nonverbal till he was five. It’s cute thinking about this from Leo’s perspective. While Donnie is massively annoyed by him, Leo’s just so thrilled to hear his twins voice, that he does the annoying thing again, as any five year old would. 

Donnie was lying on his tummy, so the pressure would keep his hunger-pain at bay.

Oh no… :( poor boy 

“Fine, I don‘t care.” Leo laid down. Which was to say, he ruffled through their newspaper blanket, plucked the stuffing from a burst pillow seam, and shuffled otherwise through their nest in ways that more-or-less exactly failed to make it more comfortable. “Hey,” Leo whispered, ten seconds later. “Dee. Donatron? Daddy thinks you can’t talk out loud. Do you wanna prank him? Doniffer? Can you say ‘Bumbershoot’?”

Ha!! This is even funnier after understanding what bumbershoot means lol. It means umbrella. It’s an old slang word that was around the year 1800. Bumber referred to the umbrella bit, and shoot referred to the handle!!

“Oh, I know that one!” Leo leaned in and squinted at the bloated pulpy cover. “Ox of- Ox fox dinosaur!” “Oxford Dictionary. Volume three.” Donnie shifted back onto his tummy and pried the book open with care because the pages that weren’t part of the pulp fell out easily. “Volumes one and two were about other languages, probably. That means there are at least three languages in the world,” Donnie explained.

Oh my gosh, they are just far too precious!! This entire scene is so sweet, but also heartbreaking. The poor boys, hungry, reading wet ruined books. They’re trying their best.

Papa used to pat his shell and try to make Donnie eat by cooing and using airplane trickery – scoff. Donnie had endured those displays with grace, though it was hard to look dignified while having a napkin tucked into one's collar. The wrongness stayed on the bottom of every spoon, and Dad had stopped his trickery a while ago. Today he just placed their food in front of them and stared at nothing for a whole while after. (Donnie missed the airplanes.)

I’m going to cry. Whyyyyy the poor boys?!? Hhhhhhhh poor boys T^T

“You,” Donnie cleared his throat, “You know when the TV receives a dead channel? That dancing static, Papa sometimes complains about? It’s from the Big Bang that made everything. He hates it, but he can always watch the birth of the universe.” “No way!” Leo whispered, eyes sparkling, and Donnie felt something warm swell up in his chest at his brother’s flapping hands. “The static is stars! That’s so cool, Dee, we gotta tell people!”

This little misconception is incredibly adorable. I’m enjoying how though Donnie is smart, as he is lacking information, he has the incorrect perception on things, so instead, he and Leo fill in the blanks. It makes sense!

Donnie pushed Leo’s hands off. “There is no obligation on your part to do anything. Such is the essence of the matter.” “Oh boy, Dee,” Leo grinned. “You saying that just broke the irony meter!”

Y’know, something I’m enjoying seeing, is how they talk. Despite being five, they speak quite uniquely. To be honest, the way Leo talks reminds me of old movies, like romcoms, or talk shows. Like the kinds they’d play in the 80’s and 90’s. Perhaps, as Splinter watches high amounts of tv, the boys learned to talk from some of his programs. It would make sense, as children adopt their speaking habits from what they hear most of, and in this case, I believe that to be the tv. 

“That nickname is ancient,” the young voice answered. “You won’t be around long enough to find use for it. Call me Bishop.”

When I first read this fanfic, I hadn’t seen any other TMNT iterations. Now that I have, I catch small things like this!! The name, Bishop held no importance to me before, though now? It’s very important. 

“Thank you,” Donnie said. He re-angled the Wardove against Rook’s cheek, turning the barrel against the bone. “Bishop, please turn to my brother; - don’t look don't look around so blankly; I'm talking about the other bipedal turtle in the room - he keeps his phone in his hoodie. Go retrieve it from him.”

Just- this whole situation-oh gosh, the tables have turned!! This part was honestly so wildly surprising!! A sudden plot twist, completely unexpected!!

The lines of Leo’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes opened. Perhaps reflexively, perhaps controlled. The wet pull of Leo’s second eyelids flashed white for a second before Leo looked at him. His familiar sweet eyes were colder than starlight on steel.

I love how well the pacing is!! Particularly, I love how small bits are highlighted like this, really pulling attention to small actions. It really helps slow down a wildly speeding moment to drag out the tension, and improve the suspense. 

[the1975attheirverybest]

Hi lovely just been checking up with your blog and earlier you asked about the ideas for one little scene moments ( btw I loved the one you posted, what I love about your writing is how detailed you are I can see that and feel it in my head love you so much for that seriously ) so I love angst (i'm sorry ) so wanted to send you this. Girl/reader is being done with Matty's unwillingness to understand her pov during a fight and is out of words, gives up and agrees with him without any emotions and this is where it hits him. He then tries to show her he does get it which is hard bc she gave up. i Hope it makes sense sorry that might be a complicated

Omg this is so so so sweettt???? 🥹💗💗💗 and it makes me happy to hear that cuz I often feel like I’m better at writing dialogue than I am at scene-setting, plot, emotions, etc. and it bugs me sometimes hahaha. So this means a lot to me for real 💗💗

anyways, I THINK, I know what you mean. Let me know if this is not it. I’ll be happy to give it a second shot.

———

“I just don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect my girlfriend to be on my fuckin side.” Matty huffed, the heat of the argument making his skin feel too warm for him. He looked down at the marble of kitchen island as he sat at the barstool, pushing his half empty cigarette packet around with his finger, and watching it slide from one side to the other. his knees began to bounce as soon as he sat down, the nervous energy flowing through him, but he did his best to avoid looking into her eyes.

“I’m just pointing out that irony has its limits. I’m not saying abandon the entire show-“

“No, not at all. but you ARE saying you wouldn’t enjoy seeing it.” His lips moved before his brain could think, still addressing the sliding cigarette packet, he spoke with a clenched jaw. “‘So, how’s the new tour Matty? Seen the reviews, it looks great!’ ‘Yeah, yeah, thanks, mate. My girlfriend hates it, but hey, at least Rolling Stone thought it was alright.’” She shook her head in disbelief, walking around the kitchen island and towards the fridge to pour herself a glass of water.

“I am, and always will be, you’re biggest fan and you know it.” She grabbed an empty glass off the dish rack, pulling the fridge door open with her free hand.

“Didn’t sound like a fan when Brad asked you what you thought. Sounded like a- a- Twitter troll.”

in the silence, Matty could hear the gulping sound of the water pouring down her throat. She set the now empty glass of water on the marble counter, inches away from his cigarette packet.

In a calmer, more composed tone, she restated the point that she felt she’d been making all day. “I merely pointed out that, as it stands right now, the show feels like it’s more of the same thing. And that if your goal is change, evolution, a female perspective on this whole question of masculinity wouldn’t hurt”

“But that’s the fuckin point!” Finally, the frustration feeling bigger and stronger than his body, Matty stood up, sighing loudly and pulling at his own hair. “To take the thing to his absurdist limit such that it becomes a parody of itself. Besides I refuse to participate in the false dichotomy of male versus female. To fix one you must become more like the other? What kind of bullshit artist do you think I am?”

He finally picked up the cigarette packet and lit one, taking a drag that forced him to stop and breathe in for a moment.

her lips parted, instantly, ready for the rebuttal. Ready to explain to him, for the hundredth time in the past hour, that she wasn’t suggesting what he thinks. That she wanted him to try harder to practice all the things that he theorizes. To ask himself what he’d feel if he were to be vulnerable, without the safety net of a joke, or an act, to fall back on. But as she prepared her next argument, running through her thoughts before she spoke them, the feeling of defeat overwhelmed her. She’s been at this a while. Trying to explain what she meant in different ways. Some gentler, more indirect, leaving it up to Matty to draw his own conclusions, others louder, more blunt, unequivocally disagreeing with him. But Matty was so trapped in his own vision to step outside of himself and entertain an alternative. She took a deep breath, squeezing her lips shut. Then, she exhaled, looking at Matty as his fingers nervously tapped against the marble surface. “okay.” She said simply. “I get it.”

Matty blew the smoke up towards the ceiling. “I’m just saying” he spoke authoritatively, like a lecturer clarifying complex concepts to a room full of novice students. “I know what I’m doing. And I wish I could the sense that you believed in this thing as much as I do.” He finally turned to meet her eyes.

“I do. I believe in it.”

“I trust the audience. They’ll get it. I don’t think they’ll think it’s the same show all over again.” He was doubling down, but the more he spoke, the more he seemed to doubt his own words.

“yeah, you’re right. I think they’ll get it.”

she walked in a semi-circle, around Matty’s body, retrieving her empty glass. It still held on to some of the coolness from the water that had left it. She set the glass down in the sink, turning on her heels and walking out of the kitchen without sparing him a second glance.

she felt foolish that this had even turned into an argument. She was certain that normal couple had communication issues, or argued about whose family they should spend the holidays with or whose turn it is to do certain chores, not, the limits of irony is performance art or Matty’s fear of and simultaneous desire for sincere self expression. The thing is, she knew that to their relationship, this is a communication issue. It was important to Matty that she be a fan of his artistic choices because his work is who he is. She often looked at what he did and saw him. Saw the way his mind works, how he feels about important parts of his life, what he’s proud of, what he’s afraid of, what he loves or hates, what he wants to change. She got to know him this way. To her, his inability to concede to her judgment wasn’t just a difference in aesthetic theory, it was an unwillingness to relinquish control over the argument. He wasn’t even trying to put himself in her shoes and see things her way. he felt attacked by her criticism of something that came directly from the depths of his mind and heart, and his response what to push back. She’s been lost in thought, so she had no idea when Matty had appeared in the living room doorway. His head cocked to the side, his gaze downcast. “Do- do you really think there isn’t enough honesty in the new show?” His tone was inquisitive now rather than accusatory. hesitantly, he walked towards her on the couch, one step at a time.

“the shows fine, Matty.” She looked right through him, at the wall behind him.

“it’s important to me that you like it.”

“I do. I like it.”

matty clicked his tongue. “Please, don’t be like that.”

She looked directly into his eyes, this time, and he could see her anger. “Like what, Matty? Supportive! I thought that’s all you wanted from your girlfriend. Well, here I am. Being supportive.”

He stopped inches away from her, dropping to his knees and hopping to be at eye level with her waist. He placed his hands into her lap, palms down, gripping the tops of her legs desperately. “I want- I need to - need you to be proud of me.” He rested his head against her knees, begging for physical intimacy to bridge the emotional gap that had formed like a chasm between them.

reluctantly, her hands found their way to his hair, caressing it lightly, a sign of compromise. Meeting in the middle. “I do want you to be supportive.” He spoke into her legs. “I’m being supportive. I’ll be supportive.”

He shook his head, his curls moving around her fingers. “No, not like that. I think- I think you were being supportive before. By pushing me to be better. I don’t want a cheerleader, I want you.” hid hand reached over his head and grabbed her wrist. “I love when you argue with me. Please never stop arguing with me.” Pulling his head off of her, he leaned over and kissed her hands. “Please promise me?”

[ecargmura]

The Case Study of Vanitas Volume 2 Review

Is it just me or is the second volume a bit thicker than the first one? Anyways, this volume covers the second half of Episode 3 to the end of Episode 5. Like what I said with my review of Volume 1, it’s the same as in the anime, but I can see that, in this volume, the anime did take away a lot of small, important details. You can’t take away small minor details in a Jun Mochizuki story! They’re all so important or the overarching plot or for characters!

I don’t remember if Babel was mentioned in the anime (it’s been so long). I know for a fact that it’s going to be important in the story later on. Because if Babel was an incident that changed the world, it’ll definitely be visited in the future. I know how manga writing works—specifically Jun Mochizuki’s.

Why I say to pay attention to small details is because the anime took away Dominique’s flirty personality! Her being extremely flirty towards Orlok’s female assistant is a vital part of her character. If you didn’t know, Domi is canonically bisexual, and her flirty behavior is an important part of her character that won’t be revealed until later on. Because you can see that she was demure and sweet as a kid in Noe’s memories with Louis, but changed into a flamboyant character who is rather androgynous.

Another small detail the anime took out was that Noe was once raised by an elderly couple that he called Grandpa and Grandma. They died and he was alone. This is why Noe’s rather fond of humans. I don’t remember if this was revealed in the anime, but my reviews don’t point this out.

Okay, small detail ramblings aside, I think this is as good as the first volume because of all the intensity. This volume introduces the vampire world, Atlus. What I liked about reading this volume is the fact that the more I read, the more I realize that Vanitas is a total bottom. He gets manhandled by Noe, bound by Domi, and gets his blood sucked by Jeanne. There is zero top energy from Vanitas. He is a total bottom. Even if you ship him with Jeanne, he’s the one that gets pegged. I really wanted to get this out of my chest. Disagree with me all you want, but it’s true.

There are a lot of Pandora Hearts easter eggs. In Noe’s flashback, there’s a panel where Domi and Noe were playing with black and white rabbit dolls. While they’re different from the dolls in Pandora Hearts, black and white rabbit dolls is a huge easter egg. They didn’t add these dolls in the anime too! These dolls aren’t important in this story, but if you’re aware of the story of Pandora Hearts, you might understand why I pointed out the dolls. I won’t spoil, but Domi, Louis and Noe’s story reminds me of Lacie, Glen and Jack. In fact, I think why I’m so fond of Domi is because she’s basically a ‘what-if’ scenario of Lacie if her situation was switched with Glen. Lacie is also a character I love in Pandora Hearts, hence why I like Domi. She reminds me a lot of her in a way.

I’m sorry if this doesn’t feel like a review. It’s basically 85% similar to the anime. All my thoughts are still the same thing I wrote in my reviews for Episodes 3-5. I bought Volume 3, so I can’t wait to read it soon! If you have read this volume, what are your thoughts?

[frownyalfred]

Hi, Res! Glad you're back! I love your writing (and your posting in general) and missed it. I hope everything good for you and your family!

I was wondering how you come up with fic ideas? That are so natural and realistic yet never came into my mind, like "let the light in" or "end of line" or "come morning light" or–

And also also!!! How you're able to write while you post (like post the first chapter and not have the rest completely planned) and not lose yourself on the plot/details?

Sorry if that's annoying in any way! I I just love love love your writing and I look up to you a lot!

Thanks 🥰🥰🥰

Hi! Not annoying at all, I appreciate you asking. For those fics, they kind of just came to me in slice of life moments? Maybe I can explain below a little better:

let the light in - this came to me while I was thinking about shoulder injuries (my parents both had rotator cuff injuries and PT afterward) and how it must feel very vulnerable for the human members of the League. Especially Ollie who would never want to appear weak because of his stubborn pride. Bruce as a foil/complement made sense as soon as I tried thinking it out. I knew I wanted to write a scene where Bruce inevitably confronts/witnesses Ollie's weakness, and the dialogue kind of spun out from there.

end of line - this fic bloomed into existence because I was pondering what would happen if you full-force punched Clark in the face. If you punch a normal person you can break bones, so what happens when you clock Superman? Again, this was another fic where the dialogue just kind of led the story forward. I knew I wanted it to be outsider!POV for added angst, and swiftly realized I could add in Bruce as Clark's "fixer" for even more hilarity.

come morning light - this one came from me pondering Clark's anxiety at his own near-immortality. I was trying to come up with the best scene to showcase that fear/anxiety, and the morning of his wedding made sense. It also allowed Bruce's careful adjustments and reassurance to shine through in contrast. I also wanted to challenge myself to write something with them both that was purely platonic, which I think I somewhat achieved (mixed reviews LOL).

so I guess a lot of these fics tend to come from "what if" moments, usually prompted by irl events.

As for being able to post a WIP and not know where the story is going, that might be because I am a "feel" writer. I don't think that's a good thing but I digress. I "feel" like I know where the story is going, but I don't know exactly what will happen between point A and point B until I'm writing dialogue. Usually it leads me to the right place, so I know if I post the first chapter without a solid plan for the next 3-4, I can still "feel" I'm on the right path.

Diving in to update is probably the easiest and hardest part of this method. I find that if I re-read the entire fic, my brain generally knows where it wants to go next and the story just naturally continues as I write. However, with borderline that meant I was rereading a 60k fic every few days and definitely wasn't efficient. Plotting the final act of stories generally requires me to abandon this method and reach out to my lovely beta, who is a mensch.

I'm not sure if that was very helpful, but that's kind of an overview of how my brain works while writing. It might not work for you, and that's okay! Try out some different methods and just keep writing! Do it as often as you can, even if it's stupid or never shared or only a few snippets here and there.

<3

[mediaevalmusereads]

Dracula. By Bram Stoker. Dover Thrift Edition, 2000 (originally 1897).

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Genre: Gorhic, horror

Series: N/A

Summary: When Jonathan Harker visits Transylvania to help Count Dracula with the purchase of a London house, he makes a series of horrific discoveries about his client. Soon afterwards, various bizarre incidents unfold in England: an apparently unmanned ship is wrecked off the coast of Whitby; a young woman discovers strange puncture marks on her neck; and the inmate of a lunatic asylum raves about the 'Master' and his imminent arrival.

***Full review below.***

CONTENT WARNINGS: disturbing imagery, blood, animal cruelty, racism

OVERVIEW: This was my book club's pick for June 2024. I've read Dracula before, but it was a while ago, so I loved having the opportunity to revisit an old favorite. It reminded me not only why Dracula was so influential, but why I fell in love with Gothic storytelling in the first place. It gets 4.5 stars from me for no other reason than it being a classic that I adore.

WRITING: Stoker's writing is interesting in that it makes use of a lot of scientific language, blending it with the supernatural to create an atmosphere that is sometimes dark and ancient, sometimes modern and philosophical. I love the way Stoker blends these modes and champions characters who are smart and have an open mind (though that openness is lacking when it comes to things like gender and racial dynamics).

I also appreciated the way Stoker tries to differentiate between character voices. Though not every character sounds unique, there is a difference in how Mina writes versus how Dr. Seward writes versus how Van Helsing speaks. It makes the book as a whole feel more polyvocal, which in turn enhances the sense that the story is made from pieces of diaries and newspaper excerpts.

PLOT: The plot of this book follows a number of English characters as they try to defeat a powerful vampire known as Count Dracula. The story is told from a number of perspectives in the form of diary entries and occasional newspaper clippings and memoranda, all of which detail the strange occurrences surrounding the Count.

This book is less of a spooky horror and more of a classic Gothic novel. That isn't to say that there aren't some disturbing images, but if you go in expecting a lot of blood, gore, and jumpscares, you might be disappointed. Instead what we have is the gradual realization that there is a vampire in England, and after some bizarre occurrences and a tragic death, our protagonists team up to defeat the monstrous Count once and for all.

I love the Gothic flavor of this plot and the way Stoker plays with folk belief and superstition in the age of science and advancing medical knowledge. I also just generally love Stoker's descriptions and some of the absolute weirdness that pervades the novel, from fly-eating lunatics to bats and wolves acting unlike themselves.

If I had any criticism, I would say that there are places where the pace seems a bit slow, but I don't know if it's slow because Stoker actually wrote it that way or my perception is off because I'm familiar with the story.

TL;DR: Dracula is a classic and influential novel for a reason. With evocative supernatural imagery, a clever multivovalic narration style, and a Gothic flavor that is sure to delight lovers of the genre, this book stands out and is worthy of its place in vampire lore.

CHARACTERS: There are a lot of characters in this book, so I'll try to keep things brief.

Jonathan Harker, our first narrator, is relatable as an average working class man who gets caught up in the world of the supernatural. He seems rather brave and sweet, as evidenced by his devotion to his wife, Mina, and his heart always seems to be in the right place.

Dr. Seward, the head of a psychiatric institution, is sympathetic in that he has to watch the girl he loves suffer. I really did feel bad for him and admired the way he stepped up to lend his expertise, even though the situation has little to do with him personally.

Mina, Jonathan's wife, is just so great. Everyone seems to adore her and I love that her intelligence is constantly praised. Stoker isn't without bias, however; there are numerous instances when Mina is said to have the "brain of a man" or is described as a woman in opposition to a man. The gender essentialism is sure to make some readers uncomfortable, but it's not particularly surprising given the date of this novel.

Characters who do not get POV sections are still charming in their own ways. I liked that Van Helsing was eager to assist people he didn't know and constantly championed having an open mind. Renfield was interesting and his fly-eating helped create some nice parallels with vampirism itself. Lucy, who has a couple of POV sections, sounded sweet and it's a shame that so many adaptations portray her as overly sexual when in reality, she's a victim who just wants to make people happy.

Most of my criticisms regarding character lay with weird gender politics and racial prejudice. I've already described the gender stuff in my discussion of Mina above. The racial dynamics, while not overwhelming, are present enough to be noticeable. Stoker describes a number of Romani and Romaniam peoples as superstitious, which in itself might not sound horrible, but does play into some negative stereotypes. Again, these dynamics are not so present that they distract from the main storyline, but they are on the fringes and shape the way we understand Stoker's world.

[moonshadowmystique]

Starting My Tumblr: Figuring Out What to Post

Hey Tumblr friends! 👋 I’m super excited to say this is my very first post! After finally creating my Tumblr, I’m still figuring out what kind of content I want to share. There are so many cool options, and honestly, I’m a bit torn. Should this space be for personal thoughts, creative work, or just a mix of everything I love? 🤔

What Should I Post? Exploring Ideas

There’s a ton of inspiration around Tumblr, which makes it exciting but also tricky to decide on a direction. Here are some of the options I’m considering:

1. Personal Blog

I could use this space like a journal, sharing daily life experiences, thoughts, or even mini life updates. It would be a more casual, authentic vibe, letting me connect with others who might relate to what I’m going through. Plus, it could be a great way to document life and look back on my personal growth.

2. Creative Writing and Poetry

I’ve always had a passion for words. Whether it’s short stories or poetry, Tumblr seems like the perfect space to share that creative side. I could post snippets of my writing or even work on a longer project in chapters. There are so many amazing writers on Tumblr that I’ve come across, and it would be fun to join in on that creative community.

3. Book Reviews and Recommendations

As an avid reader, I’m always discovering new books and authors, so why not use Tumblr to share my thoughts on what I’m reading? Whether it’s detailed reviews, quick recommendations, or even bookish discussions, it could be a great way to connect with fellow readers. Plus, I could keep track of my reading journey and maybe even inspire others to pick up a new book.

4. Reblogging and Curation

Let’s be real: Tumblr is a goldmine for cool content. I could simply focus on reblogging things I love, like funny memes, aesthetic photos, inspiring quotes, or interesting posts from others. Curation is its own form of expression, and it might be a fun way to explore and share my favourite rite things without overthinking it.

Finding My Style

One thing I’m quickly learning about Tumblr is that it doesn’t have to be just one thing. I can combine different types of content — writing, reblogging, books, and more. My Tumblr can be a mix of everything I enjoy, which feels true to who I am. Right now, I’m open to experimenting and seeing what resonates with me (and with all of you!).

What’s Next?

For now, I’m going to try out different types of posts and see what feels right. Maybe this space will evolve over time, or maybe I’ll find a clear direction soon. Either way, I’m excited to start this journey, and I’m grateful to have you along for the ride!

[aimportantsheep]

I’ve had this idea floating around in my head for a while, but I hadn’t been able to organize it until now. Finally, I got to sit down and shape it, so here it is. It might sound a little crazy or even slightly out of character for some, but this is how my Darius exists in my mind: extravagant, intense, and full of layers.

I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. It’s my first post of the year, and I can’t think of a better way to start it than by sharing something so special. I really hope you like it! 🩷

Midnight Kiss

A Darius & Louisa Story

🩷🦬🐑🩷🦬🐑🩷🦬🐑🩷🦬🐑🩷

Note: I didn’t have time to draw something special because the holidays are over for me and I’ve been busy, so here’s a generic New Year image for the mood. Hopefully, I’ll get back to drawing soon!

Nota 2: ¡Feliz año nuevo!

Midnight Kiss

New Year’s Myths.

New Year’s Eve is wrapped in a special kind of magic, where wishes and goals converge in a celebration of festivity and joy. It’s a moment filled with expectations and hopes, the illusion of a new beginning.

There are many traditions and superstitions for that night: eating grapes, carrying a suitcase, fireworks, colorful underwear, and, of course, the midnight kiss to bring luck and love.

And then, there’s a little myth about Darius on New Year’s Eve.

Darius had never considered himself a good luck charm. To him, the famous “midnight kiss” was just another tradition, one more among the many extravagances that surrounded his life. Yet, he couldn’t ignore that, in recent years, the people who had shared that moment with him had achieved impressive success afterward.

The first was a rising singer who, months after the kiss, won a prestigious award. Then, an actress who became the star of the year’s most acclaimed movie. More recently, a model who became the face of a global campaign. All of them, at some point, had hinted that Darius’ kiss was their “lucky break.”

There were probably more, but honestly, he couldn’t remember all of them—after all, he had kissed someone at midnight every New Year’s Eve.

Darius dismissed it as mere coincidence, but it was impossible to deny that people actively sought him out every year, as if his touch could guarantee a golden destiny.

Though he didn’t believe in the myth, he wasn’t the kind of man to turn down such flattering attention.

“Do they really think a kiss from me has that kind of power?” he had said more than once, laughing as he brushed off their advances.

And, in a way, it was true. He didn’t believe in those things. His life, while glamorous, wasn’t exempt from the ups and downs and disappointments everyone else faced. If the midnight kiss truly held such power, why wasn’t he always lucky?

But this year, something was different. Not because of superstition, but because he had decided that he wanted his midnight kiss to truly mean something.

Louisa.

She didn’t know anything about the myth or the expectations surrounding that kiss. And even if she did, she would probably laugh it off. Louisa was practical, reserved, and grounded, with her feet firmly planted on the ground. She wasn’t the kind of person to chase charms or rituals for success.

Perhaps that’s why Darius thought of her. Because, for the first time, he wanted his kiss to go to someone who wasn’t looking for anything in return—someone who deserved something good simply for being who she was.

A Conversation Before New Year’s Eve

It hadn’t been planned, nor was it easy to say. Louisa wasn’t the type to talk about herself, let alone things that made her feel vulnerable. But one afternoon, weeks before the party, as she was organizing the details of Darius’ itinerary for the upcoming month, the conversation simply came up.

“What are you doing for New Year’s?” he asked, leaning over the table as he reviewed the notes Louisa had prepared.

“Not much, really,” she replied with a shrug. “I’ve never been one for big New Year’s celebrations.”

Darius looked up, intrigued.

“No? Not even a dinner with friends?”

She hesitated.

“It’s just… my family never celebrated it much. My mom passed away right before New Year’s when I was little. After that, my dad and I would just say prayers for her, and that was it. There wasn’t much mood for parties.”

Darius set down the pen he was holding, his expression shifting from curiosity to something softer.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Louisa tried to smile, but the gesture faded on her lips. She lowered her gaze to the itinerary, her fingers playing with the corner of the paper as if it could somehow ease the weight of her words.

“It’s okay. It was a long time ago. I guess that’s why I never got used to celebrating.”

“And now that you’re on your own?”

She shrugged again, her eyes returning to the itinerary.

“I suppose I just stick to the habit.”

Her answer hung in the air, but Darius said nothing more. He didn’t press, nor did he try to console her with empty phrases. He simply watched her in silence, as if processing something important.

That conversation stayed with him, like a silent promise. This New Year’s Eve would be different—not just for Louisa, but for him as well. He would do everything he could to make sure that when the clock struck midnight, she would never feel alone again.

Special Preparations

From the moment Louisa finally accepted his invitation, Darius began thinking about how to make her experience at the party perfect. She wasn’t just another assistant in his life. Louisa was always there, anticipating every detail, solving problems before he even noticed them. And, though he wouldn’t admit it out loud, he felt it was time to return the favor, to do something special for her.

The party menu had already been finalized, signed off, and approved weeks ago. But that wasn’t enough to stop him. He called the chef directly.

“We’re making a few small changes.”

On the other end of the line, the chef, who was well-accustomed to Darius’ eccentricities, sighed.

“What kind of changes, sir?”

“I want caramel cookies. You know, the ones with that salty touch that makes them perfect.” The excitement in his voice was unmistakable. “But listen: I want an exclusive tray for a guest. No one touches them before she does.”

The chef hesitated.

“Sir, those weren’t in the approved menu.”

“Well, now they are. Make it happen.” Darius’ tone was unmistakable. It was an order, but delivered with the kind of charm that made it nearly impossible to refuse. “And make sure there’s an exclusive tray, understood? I don’t want them disappearing before someone special gets to them.”

As he finished the call, his agent, Marcy, stood with her arms crossed, clearly amused.

“Are you seriously rearranging the menu and drinks just for Louisa?” she asked with a teasing smile.

Darius leaned against the desk, meeting her gaze.

“I’m not rearranging anything. I just want to do something for her.”

Marcy raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced.

“Do something for her? Wow, that’s new. Because, as far as I know, she does everything for you.” Her smile widened as she added, “You’re a hopeless romantic, you know that?”

Darius laughed but shook his head in denial.

“It’s not that. It’s just…” He paused, searching for the right words. “She’s my friend, and I want her to have a good time. That’s all.”

Marcy let out a dramatic sigh, but her tone softened slightly.

“If you say so… Though I can’t help but think Louisa might mean more to you than you realize.”

Darius waved off the comment, downplaying it, though a faint smile lingered on his lips.

“Oh, please, Marcy. Don’t exaggerate.”

The Party

As the first guests began approaching him with insinuations and questions about the midnight kiss, Darius, while enjoying the attention, set a clear boundary.

—Sorry, but this year, I already have someone in mind.

He ignored the questions about who it might be or why he'd decided as he did. Darius continued to enjoy the party, but this year, his midnight kiss wasn’t a promise of success. It was a sincere wish for companionship, warmth, and something more real than any superstition.

Darius’ house was at its peak. Golden and silver lights hung from the ceiling, reflecting on the polished marble floors. Music filled the air, and the laughter of the guests echoed as champagne glasses were raised in toasts. Darius, impeccably dressed in a dark suit with glittering accents, moved through the room like the perfect host. But his attention was elsewhere. He kept casting furtive glances toward the entrance.

Finally, he saw her. Louisa walked in cautiously, wearing a simple but flawless dress, clearly uncomfortable amidst such extravagance.

Darius approached her immediately, a glass in hand.

—Louisa! I’m so glad you came.

—Well, you insisted so much that I couldn’t say no —she joked, though her nervousness was evident.

Darius hadn’t taken the time to analyze why he was doing all of this. He wasn’t the type to overthink his emotions. He was a man of impulses, grand gestures, and quick decisions. But with Louisa, things felt different.

He couldn’t explain why it mattered so much that she felt comfortable tonight. Or why he had remembered seemingly small details she’d mentioned, like her favorite drink or those specific cookies.

When he saw her smile after tasting the cookies, a warm pride settled in his chest. He wasn’t seeking her approval or any kind of reward. He simply wanted to see her happy, even if just for one night. Maybe he didn’t entirely understand it, but he did know this: doing something meaningful for Louisa, even a small detail, made him feel good. Just like any applause or standing ovation—perhaps even more.

Louisa stood there, shy and discreet, in a simple dress that reflected her calm essence. She had accepted the invitation because, after working with Darius for so long, she had learned to see beyond his extravagance. She knew that behind his high-handed attitude and love for spectacle, there was an authentic man who cared about those around him. Besides, she felt guilty for not having attended the previous year.

Louisa stayed near one of the windows, watching the city lights and the fireworks beginning to burst in the distance. She also observed Darius talking and laughing with his guests. It was a festive night for most, but for her, it always carried a special weight. Remembering her mother during these dates wasn’t something she wanted to share with anyone, especially at such a lively party. However, she had come because Darius had asked.

As the clock struck 11:55, Darius left a group of guests and walked toward Louisa, his champagne glass in hand. He stopped beside her, leaning slightly against the window frame.

—Are you enjoying yourself? —he asked, in a tone softer than usual.

Louisa gave him a faint smile.

—It’s an amazing party, as I expected from you. Although, you know, I’m not exactly the life of the party.

—Except during Christmas —he teased.

—Except during Christmas —Louisa echoed, smiling as she played along while fiddling with her glass.

Darius observed her for a moment, his expression more serious than usual.

—That’s why I wanted you to come. I didn’t want you to be alone this time.

Louisa lowered her gaze, turning the glass in her hands.

—Sometimes, being alone isn’t so bad, Darius. Besides, I’m used to it.

He shook his head and smiled, with that mix of confidence and sweetness so characteristic of him.

—Wool, that’s exactly what I don’t want you to feel.

The lights flickered as the buzz before the countdown began. Darius stood beside Louisa, but something in his expression was different. All night, he had avoided the expectant gazes of others and stayed close to her, as if preparing for this particular moment.

Darius extended a hand toward Louisa, inviting her to join the group, but when she hesitated, he didn’t insist. Instead, he leaned closer to her, his voice dropping to a murmur by her ear.

—Did you know that whoever gets my midnight kiss will have good luck all year?

Louisa let out a small laugh.

—Is that what your admirers tell you to get you to kiss them?

—No. That’s what I’m telling you. —His voice carried an unexpectedly serious tone, making her look directly at him.

Louisa chuckled nervously.

—Is this another one of those superstitions you don’t believe but still follow?

—Maybe. But this year, I decided my luck would be with you.

“Three! Two! One!”

Before she could respond, Darius tilted his head and, with a delicacy that completely caught her off guard, kissed her. It wasn’t a rushed or excessive gesture but something soft and warm, laden with a meaning Louisa couldn’t immediately decipher.

Darius couldn’t help his heart from racing faster than he’d expected. When he pulled back, he smiled as usual, with that nonchalant air masking a small internal panic.

—Happy New Year, Louisa —he said, trying to keep his voice calm.

Louisa stared at him, wide-eyed, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

—What was that?

Darius smiled, this time without a hint of teasing.

—My New Year’s wish. That you’re never alone again.

Louisa, for her part, seemed surprised but not uncomfortable. She forced a light laugh.

—H-Happy New Year, Darius.

He nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets to hide the slight tremble in his fingers.

—It’s... it’s just tradition, you know? I couldn’t let you start the year without some luck. After all, you’re always by my side, so that, my dear Louisa, I can’t allow.

—Guess you wouldn’t want to risk your luck, huh?

Darius grinned, with his signature carefree confidence.

—Something like that.

Louisa tilted her head, her expression soft.

—Thanks for caring, I guess.

As he walked away to greet other guests, Louisa stayed still for a moment, unconsciously touching her lips. “It’s just tradition,” she told herself, repeating it like a mantra. Yet, for some reason, the sensation of that kiss—brief and seemingly meaningless—lingered far longer than she was willing to admit.

Darius returned his attention to the buzz of the party, weaving through the crowd with his usual charm. But as he stood still for a moment, he silently chastised himself. “It’s just a kiss, Darius! Why are you acting like this?” he thought, trying to regain his usual composure.

However, when he glanced at Louisa, now talking to someone else, he felt a strange warmth in his chest. Maybe there was something more to that kiss than just superstition... and that thought was what truly made him nervous.