#i shouldn't even write this

[seefasterdraws]

from the homumiko mines

[mobius-m-mobius]

#a man who DESERVES A SLICE OF PIE

[thatbuddie]

This prompt grabbed me by the throat and I'd love to see you write it!

mirrorball: “I always want you to keep looking at me.”

both of these prompts were so good that i decided to combine them into a giant story oops. i'm sorry it's so late but i hope you both enjoy this <333 *mwaaaah*

with every guitar string scar on my hand

buddie | 10.6k | getting together, first kiss, kareneddiemaddie bestieism

“Will you play for me?” Eddie’s question visibly confuses Buck, who tilts his head and raises an eyebrow in a voiceless but clear question. “Your guitar,” Eddie says. He clears his throat and swallows harshly. “Will you play your guitar for me?” “Yes,” Buck exhales, nodding his head rapidly as he straightens his body like he’s been called to attention. “Of course, yeah, I— Yeah, I can— Should I— Do you want—” Eddie isn’t quite sure whether bravery or stupidity drives him to say, “Grab your guitar and meet me in my bedroom.” (or Buck starts learning how to play guitar, and Eddie handles it as well as he can.)

(read on ao3.)

[varpusvaras]

Just wanted to say for the record that I am 100% here for every iteration of Oliver parenting/parent-in-lawing Jason that you can come up with. Seriously. I will read and love literally every single thing that you write in which Jason and Ollie have any kind of positive interaction and/or in which Ollie is an objectively better dad than Bruce, especially to Bruce’s own kids.

My biggest disappointment since getting into Jayroy as a ship has been the lack of good Oliver & Jason content. There’s so much potential there, both of the hilarious and angsty variety. (Second biggest disappointment is the lack of good Dinah & Jason content. Partly because I think they’d get along and partly because I feel like it would somehow translate to Jason in fishnets which is my ultimate dream.)

They're so important to me, I'm happy that you like it too! I was also missing having them interact in most of Jayroy content, so, you know, gotta do it yourself lmao. How Oliver has a worse reputation as a parent than many others (*cough Bruce cough*) is beyond me. Oliver and Jason are both interesting and enjoyable characters for me to write, and examining them and their potential dynamic is so so fun. It's also just very healing for me, to have someone come from such a dysfunctional life and dynamics in their home and see that you can truly get better and have other people in your life without having to constantly watch yourself and your every move so you don't get judged and condemned.

Also you had such a good timing, I just thought today that I need to ramp up with Dinah & Jason interactions. Dinah is such an important person to Roy, so it would make sense that she would be interacting with Jason a lot, too. So, gotta get with that too!

[celtrist]

I really want to see a more fucked up version of Charlie in canon. Like, okay, I am a die-hard for sweet bubbly girls in media. But I always see how some people make Charlie actually, oh I dunno... demonic? And it's so refreshing for her type of character. I could honestly see her having low empathy (and we kinda see this with how she handled Angel's situation or even Vaggie's nervousness about taking control on an activity). An exploration of that trait (if it was intended) would be interesting to see for a protagonist, especially when her main goal is about helping others. I would love to see her actually have a level of difficulty in understanding others' feelings from the other residents, sinners, and even her father.

But give her a fucked up side. Not a "she gets more power when she's angey uwu", but a "oh, she's a little fucked in the head". It would give so much to her character that she just doesn't have.

@/murmurmurena (don't wanna bother them so slash there we go) has some fun ideas with Charlie. I highly encourage people to check their stuff out! So many fun dark ideas with her character while also still keeping to her canon personality pretty well! Personally, I think Charlie being a bit more naive to her own messed up traits would work best but her also being aware of these traits can make for some interesting character for her.

THIS FIC, "A Game Between You and I". RIGHT HERE WITH THE FIRST CHAPTER. A bit of spoil for the fic here: but I love how they handled Charlie’s absolute ignorance as to why the idea of Russian roulette is horrifying to Angel Dust. It doesn't feel like her being intentionally malicious or aware that she's the odd man out here. This is also a pretty old fic going by only the pilot, but the point still stands that it was such a fun take for her character!

Charlie is one of my favorite characters in the show in part of the POTENTIAL she could have as being the most bubbly sweetheart character while also being the most messed up character in the show. I can't say I have strong confidence with the show's writing and fully expect them to stick with Charlie being the "nice girl but oh no, don't get her angry or she gets scarwy". Which isn't bad for a character mind you, there's just so much more potential to Charlie outside of that trope, especially when you get into the theories of her either being a doll, Roo's biological daughter, or what have you. And for the MAIN CHARACTER of the show, it would be not only interesting but also bring the spotlight back to her.

There's really no question that the side characters steal the show, particularly all the male characters. If I'm honest, Charlie does not feel like she gets a lot of love from the show itself when she's supposed to be the main character. She feels far more flat compared to the rest of the characters (again, the male cast in this "female-lead" show has more depth than most of the female cast currently. I wouldn't be pointing this tidbit concerning the genders of characters if it weren't for the fact Viv defended Helluva's lack of development with their female cast by saying "Hazbin is a female-lead show and Helluva is a male-lead" and Hazbin ended up with it not feeling female lead (to me) and the male cast just completely stealing the show. I don't normally care about gender stuff, especially since I do personally lean interest towards male characters. But using one show as a defense for poor development of the female characters, and then that show not really holding up with no very interesting well-developed feeling female characters irritates me. It's just very clear that these shows don't seem to care much about the female cast :/)

If you like how Charlie is written that's totally fine. PERSONALLY, I just think they're missing so much opportunity with her character by just making her the standard female character type. I honestly don't have a lot of faith they'll actually do something with Charlie's character though. She's a pretty static character in S1 being the same from start to end. Not changing or learning anything to create any development. What does the end of season Charlie do that start of season Charlie wouldn't do? Fight back? Because we see with the pilot (which is the “first episode”) that Charlie does fight people if pushed like with Katie Killjoy and even Valentino. Static characters can work in media depending on the show or their role. But Charlie is the MC of a show about “bettering one's self”. So to have her as a static with not a lot of strong dilemmas for herself (like we see with Angel Husk Al and even Vox) seems silly. Plus, considering Hazbin is telling a whole story and it's not a fun episodic thing, characters are expected to grow on some level. Or else, what was the point of their hero's journey?

[uniiiquehecrt]

Voice actors are NOT the same as actors.

It takes a specific kind of skill-set and training to be able to warp and meld the voice. It takes a certain kind of talent and dedication to hone that talent into the ability to meld the voice and invoke emotion with one's voice alone. Actors are used to using their voice secondarily to their body language and their facial expressions. It's all mirrored back on camera. They do have nuance. But it's a different kind of nuance and a different kind of training to produce that nuance.

Voice actors might get their likeness transposed on their character's design, and maybe their mannerisms might seep into the character's animation. But when it's all said and done: their presence is in their voice. They are bringing a character to life, showing that emotion in their voice, trying to keep a specific accent, drawl, pitch, tone in that voice and keep it consistent for their recording sessions.

The voice actor is like a classically trained musician who can play first chair in a competitive, world-renown orchestra. The actor (who fills the voice actor's role) is like a moot who played violin in beginner and intermediate high school orchestra and thinks they can get into Juilliard with that 2-4 years of experience.

This doesn't mean that the HS orchestra moot can't play. They can even be really good at it. Maybe they won competitions and sat first chair. But they are not in the same league as the person who's been training their whole lives and lives and breathes to hone their craft using the instrument and all of the training they've ever acquired to perfect it. They are not meant for the same roles. They are not in the same caliber. You do not hire the HS equivalent when you want to play complex music in a competitive orchestra.

Actors are not the same as voice actors.

And furthermore, actors - especially big name actors - taking the roles of animated characters for big budget films or TV pilots makes no sense anyways when - at least in the case of TV pilots - there's not a point to hiring a big budget actors anyways. That money could be used elsewhere (like paying your animators), and the talent that is brought onto the screen for X character could then be hired on to voice said character no recasting required.

I wouldn't say voice acting as a profession is in danger exactly, but it's certainly being disrespected and overlooked for celebrity clout, and this has ALWAYS been an issue. Shoot, even Robin Williams knew that much - which is why he tried so hard not to be used as a marketing chess piece for Aladdin and got royally pissed off when it happened anyways. People shouldn't go to any movie (but especially not animated films) because "oh famous actor is in it". People should go because it's a good movie and the voice acting is good.

People who honest to god think that voice actors are replaceable because "oh well anyone can voice act" or "I like xyz celebrity so naturally it'll be good" ... Honestly I just wish you'd reassess your priorities because you're missing the point and are part of the problem.

Voice Actors ≠ Actors.

[ovenproofowl]

wouldn't be a Moffat Episode™️without reducing every character to a one-dimensional furniture piece to revolve around a version of the doctor that hasn't existed since 2017 🍾

[angryjewishcockroach]

I have been thinking about this video nonstop since I first saw it on Instagram. I hope everybody has a very happy tuchus!

[Video ID: A Jewish woman (Rabbi Yael Buechler, @midrashmanicures on Instagram) speaks to the camera: We have reached a new low in holiday product fails. This treat box is for Sukkot. It's featured on Amazon and Sukkot is a holiday that doesn't get a lot of love so kudos for having a product for Sukkot. It says Happy Sukkot and in the Hebrew it says--wait for it--tuchus! Happy tuchus! Tuchus is Sukkot spelled backwards. The product clearly wasn't vetted in the Hebrew. This other treat box just says Tuchus. I'm thinking we should create some sort of governing body that "certifies" Jewish holiday products as being "kosher" because this is a new low. Anyway I want to wish you all a very happy Tuchus." The first box she shows is pale green decorated with images of apples, pomegranates, and branches and the words "happy sukkot" and תוכוס. The second treat box is pale orange with a similar motif and the word תוכוס. End ID]

[smolstarthief]

Ok I just thought these dialogues from the P5X x P5R collab were very interesting to me. I know P5X isn't considered canon but this felt like a neat insight into Maruki's inner mentality and dwindling sanity despite not being present.

Even "I just want to dream forever" during this exchange can raise sad implications knowing the ending of his arc.

Man knows what's up but just keeps on running anyways before he even appears properly. Just god... Really highlights how messed up his mental state has already gotten.

[zundely]

I gotta admit this made me little mad. So yall are aware that explaining the whole methaphisics of your world is a mistake right? Especially when it means "explaining" an entire in game religion in a way that makes it "real" or "fake".

So how is it that when it comes to *check notes* every damn religion except for the christianity expy they did feel a need to explain it and left nothing to the imagination. Why is canonizing the "elven gods were evil colonising slavers" ok but when it's the Girlboss Christian Church it's suddenly off the table to make any definitive statements.

Why can't yall take your own advice sometimes and realise that shutting up can be very valuable part if writing.

[airenyah]

@secriden you don't know the feeling of getting these tags into my notifs after feeling like i've been the sole public defender of dunk's acting for the past year and a half (and that's only counting the time i started being more vocal about it online, i've been defending him in my mind since 2022 actually)

truly TRULY love the energy you bring!!!!! join me!!!!!

DUNK IS A GOOD FUCKING ACTOR AND HAS BEEN FROM THE START. EVERYONE WAS JUST UNNECESSARILY MEAN

[niechys]

Sorry. I like bad endings.

So maybe here's one of the possibilities that things fucked up.

@spector-author is at fault. I blame them. because of this post. (read : thank you your writing is such an inspiration I love the way you write texaid I love the way you write Onslaught now I need to write too because a comment or screaming in tag will not express the emotional response I have to it.)

Again tf mecha au from @keferon consumed my brain

There's a chance of this being incoherent. I'm under some weird stress this might be me coping.

*Shockwave possession arc did not happened.

*Blurr is still out of commission

*No one but First Aid and Onslaught know for sure that Vortex can move without controlling

tw: blood and gore, mass killing, major character death

Seeing the size comparison again, I wonder why did they make Vortex that big...

*When radioing to Vortex, everyone would be calling for First Aid cuz he's the pilot

**obviously this is a non-canon event okay!?!!?

All under cut. It's loooooonger than I thought it would be

I went and add it on Ao3

------------

Onslaught did not think it would come to this.

He knew Vortex didn't make empty threat and was very capable of doing good on said threat. But he had thought that it would not have happened. With Vortex's skill on the battlefield, he was more worried about incident on the base than actual battles. They were not prepared for this.

Vortex's mission control shouted from his screen, the dot on the map and information showing pilot's and mech's status. Vortex had taken heavy damage.

"The pilot's vital sign is weak, sir!"

"Call them back, now!" Onslaught spared one glance at the screen then at the big map in the center of the operation room.

"He might not be able to move sir!"

"If he's still alive, he can get out of there, get the carrier to pick them up"

There were still no respond, but Vortex was still moving. For a moment, Onslaught was hopeful. They are coming back to base, First Aid will be taken to the medics and everything would be okay. Then the sign for the Quintesson that had attacked Vortex blinked out. Onslaught felt dread creeping up in his spine.

"Invader unit down. But....how is he...his vital..."

"What?"

"The pilot vital...Sir..." On the screen, First aid's vital had disappeared. But Vortex's status remain the same. Heavily damaged at the cockpit area, but still operational.

That was when Onslaught felt his blood ran cold. The image of Vortex and his voice echoed back in his ears.

'He dies, everyone dies'

"Why is he still moving!" the officer yelled, starting to panic.

Onslaught looked up. The dot on the center map that represented Vortex was moving and moving faster toward the next Quintesson in the way. There weren't many left now. One of their mechas was down and the rest were still dealing with the rest of the invaders.

Vortex did not spend long erasing another invader from the map. Then he was moving toward the group closest to him. There were another one mecha fighting two invaders and was taking damage. But Vortex was moving in from behind the other mecha.

: Kickstrike report! Vortex is behind you. What is the situation? :

: Kickstrike to base. What is happening? Why is.. :

The radio cut off but not before the blood curdling scream came through.

"Pilot vital sign gone! Kickstrike down, sir!" Another officer yelled across the room.

Then the room fell silent. Onslaught could feel eyes on him, lost and confuse. He almost wish he was as confused as them. But he knew what was happening and now it's on him to do something.

'He dies and I slaughter every single person I can find'

"Tell all the other pilots to prepare for battle. Vortex is now our biggest threat"

"Sir! but Vortex's pilot...?" One of the officer tried to argue, still confused. While they talk, Vortex on the map was already approaching other dots.

"Doesn't matter how or why. Do not let Vortex into populated area, let it take care of the invaders, but after that we will take it down" Onslaught ordered. After a few muttering among themselves, all the officer started barking orders into their mic, telling their pilots to get clear of Vortex and prepare.

Another look at the map, the site of invasion wasn't very far from base. Vortex was flown out with a carrier, but if he chose to walk back it wouldn't take all that long. He grab another officer and give him another order.

"Get the base evacuated. All irrelevant personal are to seek shelter immediately"

"And get all units at base on stand by"

------

Black blade stabbed the mech through its chest. Going right through the pilot in one motion. The blade was as wide as a person was tall. The pilot was sliced in half. Vortex pulled the blade out, kicked the mech in front him aside and walked on. He made a swing on the building nearby. The area was evacuated earlier and it seems Vortex was aware of the lack of population

He looked up, noticing more invaders and other mech, he approach them. Going at full speed and slammed into the closest invader he found. Once it loses its balance, he swung his blades, almost catching the other mecha in the attack. His fellow pilot was quick to get out of the way.

: Backdive to First Aid. What are you doing! You almost hit me! :

There was no answer. Only Vortex looked up at him for a brief moment before grabbing the remaining invader and threw it at him. He couldn't dodge it in time. The invader crashed into him and he went down. Vortex followed, shredding the invader in almost no time.

: Wait! First Aid- no! Vortex- Don't! :

He tried to radio over, but Vortex never answered. The black blade stabbed into the mech's head, pinning him down. Then Vortex stepped on the chest, crushing it along with the pilot inside.

----------

Hot Rod was furthest from Vortex when he was deployed. And he was having fun lighting the invaders on fire and punching them down. He went trough three or four of them when the orders came through the radio.

: Base to Hot Rod. Come in :

: Hot Rod to base, what's happening? :

: New orders, get clear from Vortex, let him get the invaders, after that, prepare to intercept him if he goes to populated area :

: Intercept? What? Why are we intercepting Vortex?"

: Commander's order! And Vortex just took out one of us :

"The hell..." Hot Rod looked up, quickly scanning for enemies and for Vortex.

Vortex was not hard to spot, he wasn't taller than all the building, but there are plumes of dust and smoke about where he was.

At first Hot Rod thought he would just stay and look. But as soon as Vortex appeared to be approaching, he backed away. Doing his best to stay out of sight despite his mech colors. Then he saw Vortex, dragging his blades drenched in alien blood along the street. When he spotted the other invaders he took off running, holding the blades at is side ready to stab.

The invader lurch at him, all tentacles shooting forward. Vortex swatted them away and stab forward. Both blades sank deep into the invader's body before he ripped them apart. Blood splattered everywhere and the organs fell on the street below.

Hot Rod backed away again. The fight, if it can even be called that, felt off. He was deployed with Vortex a few times, he remember how the other fought. This time it was different.

"What's going on....?"

-------------------------

It wasn't anyone's fault. And it was everyone's fault.

But by all account it should have been him. The Quintesson's bladed tentacles should have destroy the control and Vortex should have gone down.

And maybe there would be hope for Felix to survive, hiding inside the metal husk of what remain of Vortex and wait for rescue.

Or they should have perished together. If that happened he wouldn't know. He did not believe in the after life, despite still being 'here'. But he believed that if this body were to be destroyed, then he would be truly gone. The End.

This body was not destroyed. The control system in the mecha was not destroyed. And he was still here.

But Felix was gone.

His body still slump in the pilot seat, bleeding from his nose and mouth. His eyes were still wide open, frozen in terrified stare and glossed over. Body still warm but said warmth were seeping away fast. Half of his torso and the seat were gone, along with a quarter of Vortex's cockpit. But it wasn't enough to bring him down.

Vortex walked on, looking up and adjusting his cameras. There were still more Quintessons. He will kill all of them first. Kill them for what they did to Felix.

And so he did, cleaved and shredded any invaders he found. It went by in a haze of blood and guts. He tried to remember organs names and different body parts. What did Felix called that blob of flesh, that weird looking thing inside the body. He remembered where the heart was and found it still beating as he open up the body. But he didn't wait, didn't look for longer than a second before stepping on it.

There was no point now, Felix wasn't here to watch or look at the carcass anymore.

He will just kill them all.

---------------------------

"How long until it powered down"

Onslaught asked, not in the control room anymore but walking towards the hangar.

"We top up all the mech this morning, It might be another 3 or 4 hours if he's still going at this rate" The technician answered, looking over Vortex's mecha specs. The other officers cringed at the idea. Another 3 hours of the devil itself rampaging through the city?

Vortex was now heading towards the base. There were residential area that wasn't evacuated on the way and the rest of the mechas were trying to hold him back. Only to be crushed by the sheer difference in size.

There were only 3 more mecha left at base that were ready to be deployed. They haven't made one the same size as Vortex anymore. The ones in the same batch had long been defeated and decommissioned. They will have to make due with what they have.

"Are you going to pilot, sir?"

"Looked like I will have to clean up his mess again, still"

"Sir?"

There was still time to change and get ready. And enough time for the others can also get to shelter before Vortex reach the base. For people in the area between the city and here...well hard luck for them since the other mech won't be able to hold off Vortex. Onslaught got in the mech, took a little while to close his eyes and breath. He did not think he had to pilot again, and definitely did not think it would be in this circumstance.

He wasn't too used to newer mechas. They are so much lighter and streamlined. Onslaught let the braces retracted and move his mech out. He walked it a fair distance from the base facing the approaching Vortex. He dragged along one of the other mecha from previous fight.

Vortex toss the mecha down in front of Onslaught.

The radio sizzled to life. Vortex looming ever closer now. Onslaught standing between him and the base. He could hear metal creaking in a long wail.

: I told you, Ons. He dies, everyone dies :

"You really are going to cause me trouble until the end, huh?"

-----

and it can still go on....

if you want me to continue, by all means...

Yes This was why I was asking how long a mech could go on. Cuz if that thing keep walking indefinitely then there'd be nothing left unless someone was able to take him down.

[incomplete-ruler]

Was just talking about idolish7 with one of my paralive moots (at least when I'm queuing this) and I just wanted to say that you can't convince me that these two aren't auntie and nibling:

[meownotgood]

hey guys... still on a bit of a break because.... I am sick.........

[mrstsung]

Shang tsung imagine/blurb/hcs:

*note: after some kind words from a mutual. And fellow shang fan. I'm making something to cheer me up and if anyone else feels the same. I'm not gonna let my brain be mean to me. And keep doing what i love*

Cw: i guess maybe warnings of anxiety,mental illness,and or just brain being mean? Either way reader is feeling down. So shang tsung is helping reader cheer up. Angst,hurt comfort? Slightly spicy mention

Reader is technically gn

💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚

Imagine:

You weren't feeling so well and you're sitting down by shang's island shoreline. You often come down to the beach to meditate or think. But usually you're accompanied by a guard or by shang,your lover, himself. But this time,you're alone. All with your thoughts,they ate at you. Doubt spilled into your mind as tears fell. Why must your brain hate you?

Shang was worried when he didn't see you come into the bed chambers you both shared. Usually you're not out this late. Let alone,outside the main palace. Perhaps you're at the private teahouse? Shang wondered.

*(To put perspective,i hc shang's main palace keep,where he lives and is the living quarters for him,his lover and his personal guards,warriors and servents. All of the others usually stay in a separate area and smaller buildings near the dock port. The palace gardens lead to a pathway leading down a staircase behind the main keep,where a beachside tea house is,shang uses this teahouse as a personal one. Instead of the ones used by kombatants during tournaments. This teahouse is secluded,quiet,and peaceful. It is a mix between Japanese,and Chinese architecture. The reason being is him and raiden often do business when discussing anything related to tournaments. Despite being rivals and sort of enemies. They are respectful of one another and often discuss things as would any master of the martial arts would or even as an emperor or lords of their respective domains. In short. They aint always barking at each others throats,so to have them in petty squabbles all the time is boring and pointless. Anyways. You often might come to this teahouse to get away so to speak.)*

Shang tsung got on his silk red robe. A garment that was decorated by images of dragons and Phoenixes. Etched in gold and yellow. The flame patterns danced along with shades of deep purple and indigo at its base. A fine clothing fit for a man such as he. Simple black slippers he wore as he stepped out the doors to the bed chambers. Into the garden. He followed the stone path through the gardens,enveloped in moonlight. It danced through the trees. The warm summer air,not too hot surprisingly despite being an island. But there had been rain recently,so it was much cooler,but not by much. There was sweet smells of flowers. Tropical hibiscus,Asian lilies,and little lotuses in the pond all filled the night air. Soft sounds of crickets,frogs and other nighttime summer creatures also sang. As shang tsung made his way to the staircase,he heard soft whimpers from below,at the bottom. He swiftly but carefully descended the stairs. As he got closer. He saw you on a large rock. Weeping. The rock was adjacent to the teahouse. He carefully approached you.

"My dear? What are these tears? Why are you out here by yourself this late in the hour? Is something wrong?"

Shang asked softly but in a concerned manner.

As you struggle to make eye contact. And in a small cracked voiced stated

"I just don't understand why you love me? Why would you choose to spare me? I'm not the best warrior,even with your training. I'm constantly worried,i second guess myself,I'm a mess,im not as beautiful/handsome as some people,im just so...meh,i feel like I'm not worthy of anything even kindness. I just don't get it. Besides you could find better I'm sure,a better person than boring,average me."

You lay your head back down on your crossed arms,over your legs you propped them upon. Still crying.

Shang was taken aback. Where did this come from?! His beloved? Doubtful of his love? Who would dare put those thoughts into your head!? But shang tsung thought about it. Perhaps it is not of another,but of a troubled mind. One filled with the anxieties and stresses and struggles of life itself. He walked over to you,first removing the slippers as not to track sand. Barefoot he walked on the warm sand. When he got to you he placed his hand under your head,lifted your chin with his fingers and spoke with the most earnest,soft,and loving voice.

"My dear sweet y/n. Why did i spare you? Simply because i chose to,i could have killed you,taken your soul,and that would be it. But i didn't. But in that choosing i found one of the most kindest of souls. A soul so genuine and true. And you never once tried to be anything but what you are. Your training has served you well,as you are alive aren't you? *chuckles* obviously the woes of kpmbat has not forsaken you yet? Why? Because you're warrior spirit isn't one of physical prowess. It is not of duty of honor. It is simply love. And love is the most powerful energy of all. Love for life,love for being,and the perseverance of it despite of the world around you. You study hard,love hard,and even play hard. You have the soul of a champion,regardless of frivolous titles given by gods. You are a beautiful soul. Inside and out. You worry of others before yourself,you always put others before you. Even when it's hard to. You stuck at my side,even when You had every right to leave. But here,you remain. I'm obviously doing something right my dear. I know that the dark clouds of your mind get to you,but they too will pass. And that beautiful bright glow from you will shine once again. Even now as i look at your tear soaked face,red,and all full of sorrow."

You couldn't help but giggle at that,he always knew exactly what to say.

Shang continues as he sits beside you,comforting you the best way that he could.

"My darling,i simply adore you,all of you. Even the messy parts as you said. Hell I'm messy myself, *chuckles* I'm a sorcerer of soul magic and dark arts after all. But even a devil such as i can appreciate a flower that blooms in adversity. It is the most beautiful,and the most colorful and bright. And no matter what your mind may tell you,your soul never lies. Just as you have been there for me,i will be there for you. And you are deserving just as much as any other. Even more so as I'm concerned. And you are already worthy. Words fail me to truly encapsulate how my heart feels for you. But what i adore the most is your company,simply put. I admire your presence,your existence is enough. But i prefer it more when you're filled with innocent wonder,joyful laughter,and full of life and love. A hunger for knowledge and a pursuit for purpose. Your strive for perfection isn't the way. What is, my love,is the strive to be better than you were yesterday. But if words are not enough to show you i indeed love you. Than perhaps this would suffice..."

Shang tsung then placed his hand upon your cheek,and kissed you passionately. With all the yearning and intensity that ached in his heart to soothe the storm in yours.

All melted away,no more worry,all doubt ceased. All that was. Was you and him. The sounds of the ocean waves crashing softly,the crickets nearby the paths end. All was calm. Your tears of sorrow turned to tears of joy. How silly you felt for doubting your lover shang,let alone yourself.

Of course he loved you. And he loved you in his own way. As did you.

You both sat and talked a few more hours in the teahouse over some tea. Laughing at old stories,on occasion making flirtatious comments,thus leading into a spicier moment. And you both fell asleep soundly in the teahouse.

By morning you awoke to being wrapped only in shangs silk robe.

He with just his silken pants and hair pulled back. Sat at the opening,doors slid open. The warm summer sun outside,hot but ocean air came through the teahouse so it was cool enough.

You just sat there admiring the view. Of both your lover,and the sea. You went over to sit next to him. And layed you head on his shoulder.

He kissed your forehead. And as you both gazed at the ocean. All of your troubles were gone,you were ready to take on anything the day offered you.

Shang helped make you stand proud and firm in who you are. And for shang? Well you get to see his softer side,not many get that chance. How lucky are you?

🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍💚🐍

This was highly self indulgent. Sorry if it's longer than what i originally planned. But i got so sucked in as i was writing it.

Again no matter if others also self ship with shang, i know that my self ship is unique. And i gotta remind myself that and not be discouraged by this. And i love writing for him. And even if its very self indulgent.

I shouldn't be afraid to post my work. Even if one person likes it. Even if it gets zero recognition. I created something,and i need to remind myself. This is how i grow. Both as an artist and person. Those that matter don't mind,and those that mind dont matter,so to speak. And im glad that people do like my work. Even if its super self indulgent and specific at times.

Again sorry for rambles. Ugh.

Admin is in the feels ok?

I feel shang would want me to keep creating. And keep doing what i love. Him. Lol.

Anyways. I hope you like this. And i hope that this could cheer you up too if you're ever feeling down about yourself.

It helped me when writing it. <3

With love as always

🐍💚 -mrstsung

Hope y'all have a nice day/night.

[bigalockwood]

So…. Little heads-up. I’ll bump up the age rating for come closer and see into the dark once it’s time for chapter 3.