#i've had this done for weeks now but i totally forgot to post it =_=;

[tallbluelady]

X'rhun Tia's Fencing Club for Ladies

Woops, I forgot to post this even though it was done... 2.8k

Chapter Three: The Circle of Knowing

Rowan found herself getting into a very comfortable rhythm in Sharlyan, despite her meeting with the Garlean dignitary. According to Alisaie, it was all Lord Forchenault could do was to keep him occupied and out of sniffing their more prized secrets. A lot of that included taking him to see rather obvious secrets. It was all a huge game of cat and mouse that for the moment, everyone seemed rather keen on keeping Rowan out of. So much so that Rowan had yet to see hide or hair of Lord Solus, even when she did visit the Leveilleur estate.

And she visited the Leveilleur estate often! There was always some sort of refreshment at the estate after each session of the Fencing Club. Alisaie had secured invitations to each of the ladies who attended, including some of the newer members. To Alisaie's chagrin her mother had asked that her brother Alphinaud be allowed to attend these little get togethers. But Rowan had found the young man rather charming, if a little more erudite than her sister. It likely helped that after realizing that Alisaie was on a first name basis with the entirety of the Fencing Club, he offered the use of his first name as well.

It also likely helped that Mr. Arugelt was often there at the brunches or luncheons as well. Despite her knowing all of the ladies of the Fencing Club, she rarely felt comfortable in large sprawling conversations. And on top of that, she never felt that she was welcome to take anyone out of their conversations or to interject into others. The last time she had done so in Gridania had always ended badly, so she kept mostly to herself. But when Mr. Arugelt attended the meal, she had a very willing partner to trade her recent discoveries she found in her books with. She had just been discussing such a discovery when the day turned far more exciting than she would have imagined.

"...though, I daresay thou art on the cusp of learning to manipulate aether in that manner thyself. Mayhap if thou consultest with Mr. X'rhun about it - he seemeth to be the type of fellow who shareth such knowledge liberally," Mr. Arugelt said after Rowan described her findings on the Gyr Abanian art of Red Magic.

"Do you really think so?" Rowan asked.

He nodded. "Verily. I know that Lord Leveilleur seeketh those with open minds on all matters aetherial. I doubt my teacher took the time to even consider a less apt instructor."

"Then mayhap I shall approach him after our next instruction. Though I know not how I would pay him for the private instruction if he was actually willing..."

"I shall confer with Lord Leveilleur on the subject for thee. Alisaie, too, hath shown great ability with fencing and it may very well be her preferred choice to channeling aether."

Rowan averted her eyes shyly. "If it would help Alisaie's aetherical instruction as well..."

"Ms. Argentas, I would have thee remember that Sharlyan places the highest priority of the education of our people. As thou art now residing here, thou art included in that number," Mr. Arugelt said.

"A high tide raises all ships, does it not?" Alphinaud added, leaning in. "I know my grandfather would be more than willing to cover any extra cost, Ms. Argentas. And who knows, mayhap Mr. X'rhun took the original offer of teaching fencing to find more students for the aetherial art."

"It still feels awfully kind... but thank you, both of you," Rowan said.

The two of them gave her rather satisfied smiles at that and the tea continued at a leisurely rate. Lord Solus was being shown some other corner of Sharlyan that day, so they were free to take their time in the Manor. So it was to almost everyone's surprise when a new face popped into the study.

"Am I interrupting something? No one wants to tell me where Lord Leveilleur is..." the man said.

"Thancred! Thou hast joined us at last! What news from the mainland?" Mr. Arugelt rose from the table and clapped the Hyurian man on the shoulder.

Rowan studied the man as he and Mr. Arugelt had their little reunion. He was about average height for a Midlander, with tanned skin and white hair. He too had the Archon's Mark, though his was on his neck much like Mr. Totolymo's was. He had a dashing sort of air about him and a dazzling smile to match.

"And who are all of these fine ladies? If I didn't know any better -"

"- and thou dost -

"- then I would say that you have quite the collection of eligible women. Come now, I wouldn't say anything crass in present company..."

A few of the ladies rolled their eyes. Obviously, they knew Thancred - Mr. Waters as he was introduced - from before he left for the mainland. He bowed deeply at Rowan when she was finally her turn.

"So you're the one everyone's talking about. I can't say that you leave anything left wanting visually," Mr. Waters said.

Rowan merely nodded, noting the scowl on Mr. Arugelt's face. Was he...? There wasn't much time to wonder as Rowan was tucked into a conversation with Khaliun and another of their acquaintance, a Ms. A'quexta Rhini, as Alisaie and Alphinaud asked Thancred for news of the mainland.

"I heard that Mr. Waters is one of Lord Levielleur's most trusted spies," the red haired Miqo'te woman said in hushed tones.

"Spy?" Rowan and Khaliun chorused.

"Keep your voices down," A'quexta hissed. "Despite Sharlyan's appeal for neutrality, it doesn't do to leave your nation clueless."

Rowan and Khaliun both nodded at that in a conceding fashion.

"It does seem prudent to have a first hand account on all things..." Khaliun mused.

"But you said he was specifically Lord Leveilleur's spy," Rowan said. "Does he have them against the will of the Forum?"

"Like the Forum's opinion would have sway over a man such as Louisoix Leveilleur," A'quexta rolled her eyes. "Lord Forchenault himself doesn't hold any sway against his father. I've heard tell that only Lady Matoya in Dravania could turn Lord Levielleur's ear. And they tend to agree with each other on political matters. If she would ever get involved in such matters herself..." 

While Rowan would not have so quickly made friends with the Miqo'te woman naturally, seeing as she was a more out-going and talkative person than she, A'quexta seemed to readily take Rowan under her wing in all the gossip of Sharlyan. Like her, A'quexta had lived in Gridania for a time before moving to the island and taking advantage of the knowledge that was so freely given. The main difference between them was that A'quexta was also seeking knowledge that was not so freely given. Where Rowan found a road block, A'quexta found it a challenge to overcome and she readily engaged with it.

It seemed that she was successful in her acquisitions, and Rowan and Khaliun spent a large amount of the tea time listening in to what A'quexta had to say about the Leveilleurs, the forum, and the entire nation of Sharlyan. By the time they were ousted from the study by a beleaguered butler, Rowan felt as though she knew almost everything there was to know about Sharlyan's political situation.

Well, mayhap knew was too strong a word. She wouldn't paint A'quexta as a liar, but seeing as her first friends on Sharlyan soil were those so closely linked to the Leveilleur family she wasn't wont to think ill of them. Although A'quexta herself seemed more fond of the family rather than the Forum...

"Is aught amiss, Ms. Argentas?" Mr. Arugelt asked when they were walking to her cottage after the lunch party was over.

"Oh. Ah... well, I heard something that you may be able to elucidate for me..." Rowan said. "I... how do I put this... What... you and Mr. Waters. And mayhap I should include Mr. Totolymo in this... what is your relationship with the Leveilleurs? My understanding is that Lord Leveilleur was very active in the Studium before Sharlyan's exodus from Dravania. And that you were all his students, or at least recognized by him in a scholarly fashion. Is there more to it than that?"

Mr. Arugelt tried starting a phrase a few times before he could answer. "What thou hast surmised is true. And I shall endeavor to answer thy frankness in turn, but in more secluded surrounds."

"Oh?" That piqued Rowan's interest.

He nodded and they continued to the cottage. "I hath oft admired the glade in thy mother's garden and I feel that shalt serve our purposes well."

Rowan opened the gate when they arrived and remembered the fact that their cottage here was so well situated. With all the kindness she had been shown so far, she wondered if even their living situation had been subsidized by a member of the Leveilleur party. A dark part of her whispered of a time when the shoe would fall and she and her mother would be expected to pay back the debt. But the gentle manner that Mr. Arugelt and the rest of them treated her swept those odious thoughts aside, like how he swept the bench for her to sit on.

"Ms. Argentas, I believe that we hath been trying to give thee a shield of ignorance by not including thee in these matters. But as Alisaie hath so rightfully put it, thou art one of the keenest minds we hath encountered in a long time," he said.

Rowan started to blush. That was high praise from most, and higher still from Alisaie.

"So it standeth to reason that we should include thee in the goings on of our party. Lord Leveilleur, along with the Students of Baldesion, representeth the more active approach to Sharlyan's policies. 'To ignore the plight of those one might conceivably save is not wisdom—it is indolence.' Tis a stance I hath taken to heart as I follow in his footsteps. How familiar art thou in the battle of Charteneau?"

"Fairly. My father and brother were both lost to us in that battle."

Mr. Arugelt's face softened at that. "My condolences. Tis no small thing to lose a loved one, much less two at once."

Rowan nodded. "Thank you, sir. Lately, I find myself more spurred on to help in any way I can... even if it's in a small way. If I can prevent more bloodshed so others don't have to suffer the same way Mama and I have, then I'll gladly take action."

"Tis that selfsame spirit that spureth Lord Leveilleur. Twas through his guidance that the city-states of Eorzea were able to rally against the Garlean threat. And though many were lost, many more could have died that day." He looked at the two moons in the twilight above them. "Our organization - the Circle of Knowing - seeketh to keep the Star spinning on its course."

Mr. Arugelt continued to explain how the Circle of Knowing were able to do so, and what role he personally took before the Battle of Charteneau. All of which left Rowan dumbstruck.

"That was you? All of you seem so capable, so wise! And you think I can prove useful to your organization?" Rowan asked.

"Aye, I believe that thou mayest. If for naught but for thy fresh perspective. From Alisaie's tellings of the Fencing Club, thou art quick-witted and able to devise thy way to victory in seconds."

"That, I feel is an exaggeration, sir..."

"She doth have an effusive tongue for those she findeth worthy, but I have yet to find her judgement wanting," Mr. Arugelt said.

There was something in those gold eyes of his that caught on Rowan's heart. What ever precise emotion it was, she couldn't tell, but he was earnest and honest and true. She found she couldn't handle it and had to change the subject.

"W-would you like to come in for dinner? It won't be anywhere near as elegant of a meal as at the Leveilleur's, of course, but I'm sure Mama would love to entertain you," Rowan offered.

Mr. Arugelt paused for a moment, looked up at the darkened sky and gave a short chuckle. "I hadn't realized how long we hath been speaking. I feel a change in environs for a meal shalt serve me some good."

Mrs. Argentas was more than happy to see Mr. Arugelt walk in with Rowan and offered him to dine with them as well. It wasn't a large meal, but it was one of Rowan's favorites: cold meats, cheeses, and dried fruit. Mr. Arugelt was effusive in the conversation as Mama was, and the three of them settled into a comfortable conversation about food preservation across the various cultures of Eorzea.

Before Rowan could stop her, Mrs. Argentas brought out some of the old Gelmorran wine she brought with them to Sharlyan.

"Oh, Mama, no one likes the Gelmorran wine..." she said as she took the plates off the table.

"I do. You do. Tis a delicacy amongst our kind and I do believe that Mr. Arugelt has a defined enough palate to appreciate it," Mrs. Argentas said.

"I hath not the honor of trying the Gelmorran variety before," Mr. Arugelt said politely. "From what fruit doth the spirit draw from?"

"Mun-tuy beans." Rowan said with a grimace. "Tis a very unique flavor, Mr. Arugelt. I've grown to like it in my adulthood, but I shall pour you a glass of water to chase it."

He let out a high pitched oh as Mrs. Argentas poured him a glass. "Twould not be my first choice for an alcohol, but I am not one to turn away a new experience."

"Oh, that shall make for a good toast. To new experiences!" Mrs. Argentas raised her glass.

Rowan raised hers and saw Mr. Arugelt swallow as he raised his. Rowan took the initiative and took a large swig. She could appreciate the earthy tones because it was part of her heritage. That and it was the first alcohol Mama would let her drink.

"Tis sweeter than I had anticipated," Mr. Arugelt said, reaching for the glass of water.

"Well, the wine makers are wont to add more sugar to ensure fermentation, Mr. Arugelt," Mrs. Argentas said. "Would you care for another glass?"

His face blanched, and Rowan could see that twinkle in her mother's eye she got when she was playing with young men.

"Ahh, n-nay. I must return to the Leveilleur estate. My friend Mr. Waters but recently rejoined us and there is much to discuss, and I would prefer to do so with a clear mind."

"Oh, very well. Mayhap next time."

Mr. Arugelt nodded and rose from the table.

"Oh, I'll see you out, Mr. Arugelt." Rowan almost ran so she could apologize to him.

The pair made it outside before she felt safe enough to tell off her mother's behavior without offending her. Mr. Arugelt took it all very evenly.

"Tis no matter Ro - Ms. Argentas," Mr. Arugelt said, shaking his head. "Pray excuse me, the wine must have been more potent than I thought."

"Ah, ah, tis true that it is fairly potent.  Uh..." Rowan felt her eyes fluttering like she was some sort of novel heroine. "You... you are far more than welcome to call me 'Rowan'."

He smiled in a fashion that caught on her heart again. "I thank thee. If I may, I shall also extend the invitation of the use of my forename, Rowan."

"Thank you, Urianger." Rowan liked how the syllables flowed out of her mouth.

That heart catching smile of his continued for a bit until something pulled him out of his reverie. "Oh, I had all but forgotten..." He dug into an interior coat pocket. "Aether and Anatomy. I did recall that thou wert looking for a text on atherial manipulation, and this tome doth contain some of the more concise words on the subject."

He handed her the book, and their fingers brushed for the merest of moments. Rowan felt a bit of a spark nevertheless as she took the book. She tried to focus on the contents of the book rather than their brief touch.

"Tis more than I imagined... Oh, Urianger, you're my hero!" she said. She caught herself before she wrapped her arms around him.She gripped the book instead.

He didn't seem to notice. "Tis no matter at all Ms. - Rowan."

"I do believe we're talking in circles now, Urianger." She started to laugh.

"Aye, that we are. I do believe it is time to bid thee good night, though I am loathe to do so."

She nodded. It may have been the wine that wanted her to become the tiniest bit improper and kiss him, but it was the thought of her mother's heart that stayed the action.

"Good night, Urianger."

"Good night, Rowan."

[copperbadge]

[ID: Four images; top left is a bright white light mounted on the ceiling of a shower, and the top middle is the remote control for it, mounted sideways on a wall. The top right is an overhead light in my front hallway, which is an unusual shade of green. Bottom image shows a window in the corner of my living room, with a star-shaped lamp hanging in the middle of it, gently glowing with light.]

Ironically, this is all photography of the stuff I didn't intend to do today.

I've been considering getting an offsite storage unit (more on this in another post) and it turns out some good friends who live nearby were also, but neither of us need a TON of space, so we decided to go in halves on the unit. They're a little more prepared than I am to move in, but they also have a car and will help me move my stuff when they move theirs, so for the next week or until the project is done, I'm mostly going to be packing big plastic bins with stuff I'm taking to storage. And all the bins I currently own have my full name on them in big block letters, so I won't be photographing those.

A side-effect of this, however, is that in the "DIY" bin (which will not be going to storage but needed weeding) I uncovered a light bulb that fits my star light, which had been flickering due to a dying bulb. So I got out Darth Ladder and changed the bulb. I figured as long as the ladder was out, I'd replace the bathroom lamp with a remote-control version, and that's a whole comedy of errors, but suffice it to say this one, which has a remote and doesn't NEED good motion sensing, actually has great motion sensing. So while I hung the remote on a magnetic bracket nearby, I probably won't need to use it much. I had to hang it sideways to get it to work, so now it does kind of look like my toilet has a control panel.

I found one other lightbulb in the DIY bin, a Kasa smart bulb -- I bought one for my bedroom floor lamp so I could turn the light on without getting out of bed, but they come in packs of two and I'd just kind of stashed the other one to deal with later, then forgot about it. As long as I was already running around risking death on Darth Ladder, I thought I'd install one in my hall lamp. I have two hall lamps on one switch, but I like to leave the front-door lamp on when I go out so that I don't come back to a totally dark hallway. This way, I can turn the smart lamp (nearer the living room) off so I don't have two unnecessary lights burning.

Also as you can see, it has some rad color settings, so if I want to have a little hallway rave, I can.

I sometimes find listening to new podcasts kind of challenging, so today I had some comfort-listening: The "Art Nouveau" and "De Havilland Comet" episodes of Well There's Your Problem. The Art Nouveau episode is a "bonus episode" you get with a Patreon membership and that episode alone is worth the $2 a month.

[mustainegf]

anything with cliff and reader getting high together and being silly

THIS IS LATE TO BE POSTED CUZ I TOTALLY FORGOT I HAD IT DONE :P

𝟐 𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐎𝐓𝐒 ¹⁹⁸⁵

The sun was sinking below the San Francisco skyline. Normally, the Metallica house hummed with energy, but tonight it was just Cliff and me, in the garage. I mean, the band had been working on new material forever, now it was our turn. Cliff rolled a joint, and we were off and running.

This garage was stuffed with instruments and amps everywhere, with crap all over. Together, the smell of metal mixed with the sweet scent of marijuana. It made me giggle to myself, Lars hated when we smoked in the garage, because it made his drums smell like weed for weeks. I could imagine the Dane getting red in the face, whining that his snare suck like dope.

We were sitting in an old, ratty couch, worn out for sure, but we were laughing and talking on it about nothing and everything.

Cliff dragged on his end of the joint hard, then passed it back to me. His eyes streaming with NOT a care in the world, he said to me, "You know, if I wasn't playing bass, I'd probably be a rocket scientist. I mean, how hard can it be?"

I snorted, nearly choking on my hit. "Oh, totally. You'd be the first rocket scientist with a denim jacket and jeans.”

He laughed again with that deep, infectious laugh I so loved. "Hey, at least with my way, I would look cool.”

I passed the joint back to him and settled back; that warm tingle began spreading through me. "You know, I've been thinking," I said, my words a much slower and softer than usual. "What if aliens are just future versions of ourselves? Like, they're us—a million years from now?”

Cliff's eyes widened, and he nodded wisely. "That makes total sense. That's why they keep coming back… to make sure we don't fuck things up too badly."

We fell into an ocean of giggles, the kind that made your stomach ache and your eyes water. Just then, the garage door creaked open, and James stepped in with an expression on his face that was just plain annoyed.

"What are you two idiots laughing about now? I can hear you from my room," he asked, shaking his head but clearly fighting off the urge to smile at how dumb we were being.

Cliff grinned up at him. "Hey man… You ever seen an alien?”

James raised an eyebrow. "I’m looking at two right now."

I leaned forward, my eyes glinting. "Shut up James… cliff is a rocket scientist..."

James chuckled. "Yeah, and I'm the president."

"No way!" Cliff gave me a high five… for no particular reason. "You'd be the worst president ever. All you would do is drink."

James shook his head again, still smiling. "You guys are hopeless."

I took another hit, then handed the joint over to James, even though I knew he didn’t smoke weed, he was more of a cigarette kinda guy. "Come on, join us. We're on a roll here. Next we're going to figure out if Bigfoot is real."

Shockingly, James took the joint, a rare indulgence, and took a small, weak puff. "Alright, but only if you promise not to make fun of me."

Cliff and I exchanged a look, then burst out laughing.

James plopped down on an amp, relaxing a bit. "So, what's the deal with Bigfoot?"

Cliff leaned back, seemingly to consider it. "Well, obviously he's real. He's just really good at hiding I guess... Like, world champion or some shit."

"Yep," I chimed in, "he's probably just hanging out in the woods, laughing at us as we try and find him."

James shook his head in disbelief, laughing. "You two are nuts. This is why I don’t smoke.”

Cliff put an arm around me and pulled me close. "That's why you love us, man."

James hit the joint again and passed it back to me. "Whatever, no more rocket scientist talk. I can't handle it."

Finally, James stood up and shook his head, almost for the final time. "Alright, I'm outta here."

He left, and Cliff and I burrowed back into the couch, still giggling. "You know," he said in a low voice, "I love being an idiot with you."

[vampir3bitez]

JSE PUPPET AU EGO REFS!!

I've had these done for a while now i totally forgot to post them here 😭😭😭

More below!!! VVV

these contain my personal headcanons + some fun facts/important details about each character!! I'll be uploading a overall rundown of the lore and each characters backstory over the coming week along with some art I've already done for the AU!!! I hope everyone who's sees it enjoys it :3

[s-sturn]

𖥔 SLUT!

summary: Matt ends up reuniting with his ex-girlfriend, making some feelings come back to the surface, but he was already dating Y/N.

warnings: cheating, kissing, sad, crying, ANGSTT!, there’s no happy ending, cursing, threats!!

part 2 (coming soon…)

masterlist!

THIRD PERSON POV

Matt walked the streets of Boston, taking Trevor for a walk.

He hummed small songs, until he bumped into someone very recognisable, Leah, his ex-girlfriend.

The brunette was in a relationship, but the feelings his heart felt when he hit his eyes on the blonde-haired girl was an emotion he never felt with Y/N.

The two started talking a lot, exchanged numbers and scheduled to leave to see each other again. As the week Y/N went by, he realized that Matt was on his phone a lot, laughing, and ended up forgetting his own girlfriend.

The brunette felt upset during the days she saw seeing Matt, who practically didn't care about Y/N. As the weeks went by, Matt started to leave the house a lot, something that was not normal for the boy, after all he hated to leave the house.

The light-eyed boy never let Y/N, who was his own girlfriend touch his phone again, which made the girl very suspicious of it, after all, Matt was never like that.

This weekend, Y/N would go again to the house of the triplets, at this time the brunette and Chris were extremely close, and this was good for the girl who overnight stopped receiving attention from her boyfriend, who before wiped her tears and today is the cause of them.

Matt had invited Leah to go to the boy’s house, which was dangerous, but the two did the same way.

The blonde entered hidden inside the triplet house, the fact was that Matt forgot that Y/N would also be there. As always, Y/N went up the stairs going to greet her boyfriend, if she could call him that. But when he opens the door he is faced with the scene that broke his heart, Matt kissed his ex-girlfriend on his bed.

━━ What the fuck is that? ━━ Y/N's voice came out crying, while the girl looked disappointed at the boy, as well as his brothers.

━━ Y/N! Fuck! I can explain! ━━ Matt quickly walked away from Leah running after Y/N but his brothers tried to stop him

━━ Explain what? That you were kissing your ex? I've already seen that! ━━ Y/N's eyes teared as she tried her best to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.

━━ Slut, didn't you see that you got in the way of my moment with my future boyfriend? ━━ The girl with blonde hair mocked.

━━ Bitch, go fuck yourself and shut up your rotten mouth. ━━ Nick told Leah totally angry with her and Matt.

I leave the house quickly, hiding the tears that finally fell, Matt ran after me calling me, I just ignored him going away to never look him in the face again.

A few weeks after the breakup, Matt and Leah finally took over the return of their relationship, which broke my heart.

Soon I get a message from Chris, asking if I would like to go to the ice cream parlor with him, which I am afraid of, but I end up accepting.

We spent the day having fun, and I ended up being distracted for a few moments about everything that was happening.

A few minutes after I arrive at my apartment, I see the publication of a gossip page, saying that after Matt takes over his relationship with Leah, Chris appears in an ice cream parlor next to me.

I opened the comments of the publication coming across several people cursing me as a slut, whore and even home destroyer, saying that Matt separated from Leah because of me and that now Chris and Matt have moved away because of me too.

I opened my dm, coming at threats from several people, calling me a traitor, without me having done anything.

That killed me once and for all, that I'm literally being hated, for having liked a boy.

tell me who I am, guess I don’t have a choice

all because I liked a boy.

taglist.

@junnniiieee07

answer this post if u want to be in my taglist!

[pickmedolls]

𓉸ྀི ݁ ˖ ◜ PICK ME...OR SHOULD I SAY YUE & KIKO @ FICFEST '24 (WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?)

Despite being listed as official guests and even confirmed for a performance, the hottest group of the moment, Pick Me, was a no-show—well, sort of. This year’s FicFest Awards (@thatsofic) only saw two of the group’s members: leader Feng Yue and main dancer Kiko Mori, both there just to present awards. So, where were the other three? And why were Yue and Kiko strictly forbidden from mentioning Pick Me, not even to introduce themselves in their interviews? We’re all itching to know the truth, so let’s dive into the latest gossip, shall we?

First things first: as most of you already know, rumor has it that Pick Me is set to have a comeback in the next few weeks. But given all the chaos surrounding the promotions for their last mini-album, DOLL SUMMER, and the infamous drama between Yue and two of her members, Rosie and Jules, it’s no surprise Heartbreak Entertainment might want to keep Pick Me out of the limelight for a while—especially at a huge, high-profile event like FicFest.

What started as unproven accusations now seems an undeniable reality: there’s some serious friction (or dare I say, bad blood?) between certain members of the group. Not that it's entirely a bad thing, though. This shows the girls as real people with real personalities that, apparently, clash more than Heartbreak would like. But here's the thing: this inner tension is starting to take a toll on the group’s general image and promo work, and even Heartbreak Entertainment—famously lenient and transparent with their idols—seems to have finally hit its limit.

So, was keeping them out of the spotlight really the best move? I mean, look at us now—still talking about them, all because the full group didn’t show up at the awards.

But hey, as they say, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth! Even though Pick Me’s absence as a full group was definitely felt, Yue and Kiko totally held it together at the awards, avoiding any major drama and, shockingly, sticking to the Pick Me ban—well, mostly. The duo arrived together, both dressed to the nines and effortlessly stealing the spotlight from some of the nominees.

They rocked the red carpet, stopping to chat with Cleo and answer some fun questions, and snapped some photos at the photocall. Throughout the ceremony, they sat side by side, singing and having fun during some performances, while also mingling and taking selfies with other idols at others. When it came time to present their awards, they both delivered memorable moments. Yue dazzled everyone with her signature charisma, and Kiko was as sweet as pie, practically glowing when she handed the award to none other than the girls from Venus.

But you know what they say: a picture is worth a thousand words, so imagine twelve (three of which are high-quality videos!). Let’s dive into the girls’ posts!

YUE+FINN COLLAB (@bluwavez)

There’s nothing Yue loves more than putting on a good show, and what better way to do that than by posting a pic with none other than the officially recognized and award-winning it boy, Finn Lee? And what a photo it is! They’ve completely broken the internet with their posts, and fans are absolutely thrilled about this iconic duo. Don’t be shocked if you start seeing this particular pic as the profile photo of your Twitter moots—I've done the same.

Oh, I almost forgot! This pic was taken during EVERMORE’s performance. Very on brand for Yue, I must say.

CHIT CHAT WITH CLEO (@hausofanya)

Yue has decided to share a sneak peek from her interview with Cleo. Think of it as a little teaser before the full interview drops! While we don’t know exactly what she was asked, here’s what Yue had to say in response: “It is what it is, right? Not everyone has taste. But don’t worry, there are plenty of other awards we’ve been nominated for, and I’m sure we’ll win some of those.”

Okay, I guess it’s not too hard to guess what the question was. But what she said! Don't forget to vote for Pick Me in all those other awards we all know about.

BEHIND THE SCENES

This third photo is pretty self-explanatory. Just take a moment to appreciate her beauty and her talent for looking effortlessly gorgeous in every shot!

OUTFIT APPRECIATION

According to Yue herself, this stunning dress is from Fancì Club. It’s not the first time she’s collaborated with this brand, which has become such an essential part of her identity as an artist. It’s just so Yue! The color, the shape of the dress, the flowers—absolutely fabulous!

#YUKO 4 EVER!

You can't have a recap of the night without a pic of our two dolls! Once again, the photo speaks for itself. What’s interesting, though, is that unlike Yue, Kiko hasn’t posted any photos with her friend and leader. I wonder why.

...ANTIVILLAIN'S HANSE? (@disgracefiles)

I have to admit, this photo has left me the most shook of the six. Here we have none other than one of the hottest boys of the moment, Choi Hanse, who just so happens to be Jules’s ex-groupmate from 2LUVU. So, I guess it shouldn’t be a shock that these two know each other and seem to get along. Or should it? Given the recent tension between Yue and Jules, things are a bit muddled—especially with that half-heart gesture Yue is throwing at him!

PINK (BY PINK) MENTION

I love this little clip of Kiko's outfit! Since there's no audio, I’ll share the transcription of Kiko's response to Cleo about the dress: “I’m wearing Pink by Pink. It’s my groupmate’s very own brand, she’s literally so talented! We worked together on this dress for the last month, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I think it’s so me, and I really like that.”

PD48 REUNION (@snspice & @ratedstar)

No, this is not a drill! We’ve had a Produce 48 reunion at these awards, and it was absolutely heartwarming! If you found yourself tearing up when you saw it, you’re not alone—I did too! It happens to the best of us.

Several clips have captured Kiko, SNS' Nami and Jellib's Jooe wandering around the event, hand in hand, beaming with joy. This particular photo was snapped on the red carpet, right after Kiko and Jooe sprinted over to Nami, who was busy posing with her group. They enveloped her in a hug filled with laughter and happy tears. I adore these three so much, they hold a special place in my heart!

SHE'S JUST A FANGIRL (@venusvity)

Despite everything, this has to be my favorite photo. No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you—it's a pic of Kiko holding a snapshot of our favorite it girl, Baebi. But it’s not just any photo; it’s signed! Rumor has it that Kiko approached her during one of the commercial breaks at the awards and shily asked her to sign it right then and there. Witnesses say the interaction was absolutely adorable, and Baebi was the sweetest, even inviting both Kiko and Yue to the after-party that Venus was hosting after the awards. Kiko is truly a ray of sunshine and must be protected at all costs!

EVERYONE'S FAV PRODUCER (@allta1k)

Not surprisingly, here’s a photo of Kiko with her favorite producer and friend, Heidi from Girls Talk! At this point, we all know these two get along fabulously, but fans have been over the moon to see this picture. They both look stunning and so happy to be together! Speaking of the possible future comeback of Pick Me, could Heidi be behind the upcoming songs? We certainly hope so!

BOO BORING!

There’s not much to say about this photo. Just an attempt at an aesthetic shot from the moment Kiko presented the award for Best Discography. Boo! There were a thousand ways to make this picture more interesting, but hey, nobody's perfect!

MORE PD48 (EVERYBODY SAY THANK YOU KIKO)

We’re wrapping up this multimedia recap with a little clip of our three Produce 48 girls sitting together at the start of the awards. Emphasis on "start" because they later had to sit in their respective spots with their respective groups. Still, they gifted us plenty of cute moments throughout the night, from knowing glances exchanged from opposite ends of the venue to sweet little chats during commercial breaks. It’s clear that for Kiko, the highlight of the night was reuniting with her friends. Isn’t that just adorable?

[steamberrystudio]

07/07/2024 Tumblr Devlog

Hallo everyone!  Time for the tumblr update! Whii~iich I think I may have skipped a couple - it looks like I did that annoying thing where I wrote up an update and *forgot to post it*. 

Sorry about that! 

So what have I been doing lately? Well. Lemme tell ya.

I wrote 23,000 words this week, for one. I am ded. ┗( T﹏T )┛

But let's jump into the details because in the most recent update I see, I was still revising chapter 10.

Summary:

Finished revising, proofreading, and formatting chapter 10

Revised Asher ending sequence

Revised Daaz ending sequence

Finished drafting Kav's endings sequence

Finished drafting Noel's ending sequence

Finished drafting Raif's endings sequence

Worked on a ton of UI changes and improvements

Worked on some sprite tweaks

Received some new BG art!

Writing:

So as you can see, lots of writing progress since my last update. 

I finished revising chapter 10 and coding it. It turned out to be 88,000 words coded.

I revised and formatted Asher and Daaz's ending sequences into the game. Those two were already drafted and just needed to be cleaned up and put into Renpy.

The remaining four character still needed to be drafted but I had paused to revise the entire script so I could make some necessary plot fixes before I tried to draft the remaining endings. 

With that done, I've moved into finishing up the draft.

Currently I have Kav, Noel, and Raif drafted and Yren in progress.

And that will be all the main game content complete!

The current un-coded word count amount is 625,000 words. 💪

Art:

So I have completed some CG work since my last update but the main thing I've been working on art-wise is UI updates and changes. 

A lot of small changes to the general aesthetic as well as implementing a lot of small additions I've been contemplating for a while as QoL improvements.

Such as a little indicator that shows when you are in a "character branch" and things like that.

I've also made a few small tweaks to some of the sprites - mostly just making their expressions a little more dramatic since they were reading a bit flat to me. And, of course, adding new outfits. Always new outfits. LoL

And of course, new BGs from both artists.

Background are around 76% complete currently.

Other Stuff:

I guess UI goes in here too since in addition to the "art" aspect, there's the implementation aspect as well.

Once you change the look of something that has to be coded in, of course. 

I ended up deciding that I want to experiment with moving the sprites around a bit more - mostly moving them a bit closer and then further away depending on the scene, what's happening, and how many characters are on screen in a given moment.

There are several benefits to this including keeping the screen from being static for long periods but also, there are a couple of characters that the player will really benefit from being able to see their faces up close (mostly Raif and Yren).

So yeah - in addition to redesigning some of the screens, I have also been implementing those changes bit by bit.

The game definitely looks quite different now. I recently saw a playthrough of the current prototype that's on Itch and was astonished because I forgot how it looked when it was first released. Ha ha. It's gone through a lot of changes. 

Noel no longer matches the ceiling, for one! Amazing.

Upcoming Weeks:

I will be working on finishing up Yren's ending sequence and hope to get that done in the upcoming week - which means another heavy writing week. 

As I've said elsewhere, I have been calling them "ending sequences" but in reality this is the last three chapters of each route which is about 20,000 words total for each character. I have about 3000 words of Yren's done and I'm actually only shooting for about 15,000 for the rough draft because I invariable add dialogue and variations when I edit, which means I have to undershoot the draft so I don't overshoot the word count during revision.

So yeah, I'll be completing Yren's final three chapters, then revising Kav, Noel, Raif, and Yren and formatting them into the game, which will give me the "final" word count for the project.

And then I will be "done" with the writing (in quotes because...you're never done with the writing until it releases. LoL

I should definitely be done with drafting and revising by my next update here but I can't really say what I'll be working on by that point. Probably...UI and CGs. Not sure.

We'll find out in the future I suppose! See you then!

[lonenime]

This is what I thought of Dream and Nightmare how they start to hate each other... After Nightmare eating all the negative apples ( idk what's it called, i don't have the knowledge of the real story of DreamTale ok!... No hates please! For the love of...)

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

Nightmare: There, there, Now you Rest... I'll take care of everything for you stead, I'll make them pay for it.

Nightmare  embracing  Passive Nightmare after all the suffering he's been through before totally becoming (Goopy Squishy Noot Noot >:3) Corrupted Nightmare. 

Then out of nowhere a familiar voice. Somewhat he can sense how scared and shocked, denial they are as he vividly called him.

Dream: Br-brother...

Nightmare  thought that Dream would  understand him no matter  what, but after seeing how Dream look at him with fear. He can't help but let out a eerie smile that made Dream step back after giving too much negativity. 

Nightmare: It's me, Dream... I've solved the problem, brother. What they all wanted me to do for a very long time. 

       As if Nightmare is celebrating in joy now that his finally free from being contained, cursed, bullied and tortured by the villagers for just they're own enjoyment/satisfaction. Dream can't help but be worried for his brother. But no words came out from him like something is stopping him to help his brother.

       Nightmare put his hand on the trunk of Tree of feelings, a very fresh cut tree. Before going back his glanced into a terrified Dream. 

Nightmare: They won't bother me anymore with this so much magic. (Grinning before proceeding) I must say Mother really doesn't want us taking these apples huh... With how much we could do with it. Think about it brother with the world in grasp of our hands.

       Nightmare showing his hands grasping in Dream direction like his crushing Dream on his hands. This made Dream stiffened like he can't move, so many questions going through his head that he want to speak out to Nightmare but only one word came out of his mouth.

Dream: Why...

Nightmare can't help but to chuckled for Dream still questioning and confusion for all of this. 

Nightmare: Oh.... Dream. You pitiful, pathetic insolent Idiot fool. Can't you see this is ME now! (Putting his hand into his chest. Clenching his shirt as a dark goop drip to his hand and the tentacles aggressively move in his back) I should have done this from the very beginning yet something or someone is holding me back.

         Glaring at Dream like any minute his going to kill him but he managed to calm his self as he thought he had so much time to do it later.

Nightmare: Dream join me let's rule the whole world, with you by my side I'm sure we can conquer it all.

         Nightmare reaching his hand into Dream. Dream can't help but cry with this much of sadness and agony. How he put the villagers first before his brother and putting him aside, forgot that Nightmare needed him.

Dream: You're not my Brother... 

         Dream didn't expect those words came out of his mouth. He got a glimpsed of passive Nightmare as Nightmare heard him said those word from him. Anger burst and Nightmare menacingly glared at Dream how disappointed he is.

Nightmare: I thought you'll understand me, but I guess you'll never changed. This is why I grow to hate you, Dream.

         As Nightmare prepared to attack Dream with his tentacles. On the last second before Nightmare tentacles managed to hit Dream he was turned into stone an unbreakable one even Nightmare can't break through it.

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

(=∆=)// I'm sick cause of my cold, feverish and Procastinating i can't finish a comics that supposed to be post this week POPSICLES!¡!! So here you can have this instead. Bare with me I tried to make it more readable and express how I thought of this... Huehuehue T_T English is not my First language ok.

[conkers-thecosy]

My ask about asks I forgot to send you.

I've seen many posts about people missing how common asks used to be so I have been trying to send about an ask a week. Now I send this ask first anytime I follow someone as I really don't want to bother anyone, so I'd love to know if you enjoy receiving asks and if so what kind of asks. Not having energy for asks or being comfortable with them is perfectly okay.

The categories I have in my ask notebook that I file under are in colour. Please feel free to make your response as long as you want or private (the asker cannot directly respond to private responses).

Self, Job/Work: please let me know what you are comfortable with from eh idk just ask it to nothing personal at all.

Baggishield/Tolkien, Dragon Age, Johnlock/Sherlock, ineffable spouses, other fandom: Please let me know what fandoms. I think my main fandoms and ships are Bagginshield/The Hobbit, Sherlock/Johnlock, Dragon Age Inquisition, {Pippin/Faramir Merry/Eowyn}/The Lord of the Rings and I dip my toes in a few that I currently can't remember but ships I don't engage with the canon of at all are: Good Omens but only for Crowley/Azirapheal, Stranger Things but only for Steve/Eddie , The Witcher but only for Geralt/Jaskier.

OC's you want to talk about

art/drawing do you draw and like to get asks about it?

your writing

blog specific only is your blog specific to a fandom or something that you only want asks about related things

Story snippets ideas and prompts: Do you like receiving them?

Pets: I'd love to know all about them

Garden and Hobbies: What type of gardening and/or hobbies?

Like being tagged in things: If so what kinds of things?

*Asks are sent for fun, no pressure to answer.

Hi there!!

I'm sorry this took me so long to answer - I know there's no pressure (which I appreciate immensely!) but I really want to answer them, I'm just super slow!

Self, Job/Work: Honestly I'm super happy to talk about anything like this! With all my social links on my pinned posts it wouldn't be too difficult to find out a lot of stuff about me and my life anyway! Baggishield/Tolkien, Dragon Age, Johnlock/Sherlock, ineffable spouses, other fandom: Okay so while I enjoy all of these fandoms, and more besides, I get real single-minded about my special interests. Right now it's Bagginshield, and that's really all my brain has room for! OC's: I would genuinely loooove to talk about my OCs, so very much! As I said above, bagginshield is really my main focus right now, but I have two half-written original novels that I really hope to pluck up the courage to share one day. Honestly I would love so much to have the opportunity to talk about them more here, but I know there's not a lot of interest. Folks are here for the bagginshield stuff, and that's totally fair! But, I'm going to write these stories either way and I really would love any excuse to gush about them and my OCs! art/drawing: I don't draw, I'm afraid! I wish I did, I'm always in so much awe of people who have that skill! I paint a bit, but not often and just for fun, and it's always some weird abstract stuff, haha! your writing: Love to talk about writing! It's all that keeps me going some days, and any excuse to chat about what I'm doing, what I'm planning, ro even giving advice to other writers is just so much fun to me! blog specific only: Nah, this blog is a mish-mash of everything! Happy to talk about whatever! Pets: So I have a dog! His name is Wilfred, and he was a rescue! He's my boon companion, and I love any excuse to show him off, haha! Garden and Hobbies: So I do garden, but I'm new to it! I never had a garden before until about 3 years ago, and it's been super fun to learn as I go! Other hobbies are funny, because I do a bit of everything. I'm fairly crafty so I've done pottery, sewing, jewellery making, painting as I mentioned, a bit of knitting, etc. I also used to have my own small business, running a perfumery, so I've made all sorts of bathing products, soaps, bath salts, candles, etc! Like being tagged in things: I do, but you may have noticed, I'm a bit slow at responding! I do try to keep on top of them and I never mind being tagged, but it ebbs and flows, for sure!

Okay, I think that's everything!!

Thank you so much for sending this! I will answer your others at some point, but my alarm has just gone off and now it's writing time, haha!

Thanks again for these lovely asks you send to people, it's really such a wonderful thing you're doing!

[drinkpisser]

HOW IT CAME TO BE, CHAPTER 6 !! 🛸👽⭐️

so,, hi!! :3 I know I went on a whoooole tangent last time about how I was gonna take a break but for some reason every time I do that I end up becoming even more motivated to post/write and this chapter was basically made in almost record time ( ・д・) aaaaneewayz,, I've figured maybe the way to go is to write slightly smaller chapters so I don't burn out so quick 🙏 BUT YEAH!!!! ENJOY AND THANK YOU FOR READING IF U DO !!! <3333 :D🫶

READ THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER !! 🪐

begin reading chap.6 under the cut ‼️

CHAPTER 6: WE'RE NOT JUST DREAMERS

Gerard, Ray, Jamia and Frank had decided to meet up on a brittle Autumn's day. Tragically, they soon came to learn that Gerard being the oldest meant he was the only one able to drive without legal measures obstructing their stride.

What did this cause, you ask?

Well.

"Gee, pick us the fuck up! We're freezing out here!" Frank yells down his cellphone, wind muffling his voice.

Gerard, already exceeding the speed limit, hits the pedal with his foot twice as agressively than before.

"I just got offa' my shift, dude, wait!" He screams back with a struggle.

Thrusting towards the sidewalk with a "skrrrt!" of the car's wheels, Gerard manages to find Frank and J (a nickname acquired for Jamia) waiting outside the local burger joint, munching away with cold hands from holding their XL shakes. Almost instantly after they pile into the back, the car shoots off. J shrieks, a good half of her burger flopping onto her jacket, now glued together with artificial cheese.

Mikey, hiding under his hair, clears his throat as though he is intimidated. Pushing up his cracked glasses and sniffling, he shuffles around in the car seat.

"You okay, lil' brother?" Gee asks, noticing his timid mannerisms.

Mikey nods, "I still don't know these guys very well is all," he sheepishly turns to them.

Frank and J are now kissing passionately in the back of Gee's shitty Golf GTI. Frank briefly sideyes his poor witness, pulling away from J considerately.

"Yo," Frank grunts. J smiles. Mikey waves.

Gerard hits a sudden and sharp stop, turning to the rest of his companions- Mikey nearly flies out of the window, thank god for seatbelts.

"Where's Ray?" Gerard wonders.

"Not at a fucking gas station." Frank stares directly at the camera. What? There's an imaginary camera representing the audience?

"I swear I haven't seen him, since, like, last week. When we went to the skate park." J adds.

"Well, I walked him home and stuff after that but he hasn't said anything about cancellin' on us today," Gerard observes, "I think I'll drive to his house cause he ain't here." He points to the outside of the café where Ray had supposedly arranged to meet about half an hour ago. Gee zooms off once again.

Zoom!

Ray's house can only be described as modern- like your average, run of the mill family home. He hadn't moved out yet, unlike Gerard, so chances are if something is wrong, then his parents will answer the door; Ray always rushes to the door when he knows Gerard is behind it.

Gerard shuffles along, hauling his ass out of the car in a slight panic. Gee knocks three times.

"Coming!" A voice chirps from behind the door. Thank goodness, It's Ray. Opening the door, he whistles unknowingly.

"I totally forgot about meeting up, sorry I'm late! Uh-" Ray stumbles on his words.

"What's goin' on?" Gerard quizzically stares, tilting his head slightly.

"You see, erm," Ray gently grabs Gee by the collar, ushering him inside like its some secret operation that they're gonna go out and get cookies after this.

Gerard wide-eyedly blinks, going along with it.

"Yknow, everyone's in the car." Gerard suggests passively.

Ray opens his bedroom door, kicking away some clothes blocking their entry.

There sat two extraterrestrial beings on his unmade bed. One angelic, however animalistic, and the other slightly grotesque- similar to a guard Gerard had seen on the mothership. Somehow, Ray didn't see the resemblance and just let them right in to his home.

"I made some friends today!" Ray exclaims with joy, clasping his hands together.

Gerard stands gulping in petrification.

"Th-th-the the-" Gee shakily points a finger, as though he is about to detonate.

"What? They're just people, Gee! They asked about you, actually. Rico and Sly ring a bell to ya'?"

"Sly's one word for it," Gerard squints in speculation, "but it don't ring no bells to me." His fear shifting to anger, he stares deadpan at the two aliens who's gazes increase in sincerity.

"Rico" appears to be analysing Gerard's every move, from the way his mouth awkwardly jerks to the left as he speaks to the delayed seconds between each blink of his eye. They've met before. That blinding, white aura radiating off of her skin screams familliar to Gerard like a kettle on a stove. The absence of light makes it easier for Gerard to distinguish her features, just plain old missable stuff- like her blank third eye resting on her forehead, or the scales running down her body. Despite the intimidating presence she gives off, she could easily be percieved as attractive, unconventionally.

All at once, he remembers.

This is a face only he'd see again when his time was due to leave planet Earth.

But why? Why today? What about his friends? His little brother waiting in the car?

"They said something about you needing to go with them? I dunno, family-friend emergency?" Ray informs.

Gerard, his lips beginning to tremble, shakes his head repetitively.

"I can't go yet." He persists through suppressed tears.

"I just can't. Why don't we-"

"There's no need, Gee. Just go." Ray had suddenly begun to act odd, or had Gerard just suddenly noticed?

The more he thought, the more that dawned on him.

Ray isn't this gullible, right? Letting total strangers in, (in our case, aliens) and believing them when they want to whisk Gerard away somewhere unknown? Ray couldn't ever endanger his best friend like that.

"You need to go with them." He adds.

The doorknob behind Gerard had started to insistently creak, before opening with a hustle. Behind said door, entered a paradoxical sight. Another Ray, wearing Gee's striped scarf that he had lended to him, cozied up in his winter coat and his hair tied back under his wooly hat. Behind him, stood Frank, J, and Mikey, who had come along in pure bewilderment.

"I was INSIDE the cafe, dumbasses! It's freezing out there!" Ray exclaims.

"What the fuck... Am I seeing double?" Gerard questions, double taking back and forth between the two Toros, beginning to feel lightheaded and faint.

The three quickly notice the absurdity of this situation, gasping and shrieking at the cloned Toro. Cunning as they are, the aliens always have an instant, emergency resort to being caught. Dissapearing, making Gerard out to be some fool.

The Ray that had lured him into the house begins to disintegrate, it's skin reducing itself to nothing but sands of atomical matter. All that remained of it was an anatomical skeleton hanging on the wall.

Likewise, Gee also begins to dissapear, losing consciousness upon the uncanny sight of his best friend's face melting off, and he flops face-first onto the carpet.

Momentarily, his surroundings cannot decide where they are. Shifting, like a cracked chromatic abberation. Perhaps it's the underlying fear of waking up on that damned ship, lying next to the guilt of unfinished interactions and sayings of goodbyes. Of course, this didn't happen. He just remained. On Ray Toro's carpet.

Without allowing himself a minute of recuperation, he sits up with haste.

"You all saw that, right?!" he pleads.

The three had sat around Gee in a huddle, as though they were whispering away their conflicted thoughts.

"Hello?" he sneers with slight annoyance.

"I told you all that he wasn't lying. I believed him since the beginning!" Ray defends, rushing over to his drawer of handmade tinfoil hats and conspiracy magazines and waving them around enthusiastically.

"Yeah, well, I dearly apologise for not wanting to be involved in some body-snatching shit!" Frank snaps.

"Maybe we should be more concerned as to where he went," Jamia intervenes.

Huh?

Gerard rubs his eyes, soon finding that he was watching from a screen. He struggles to grasp hold of any materialised items, before ripping a virtual headset off of his eyes. The room, if it is one, is dark. Darker than the nights at summer camp, especially without the radiance of the moon keeping him company. Registering the slight malice of the unusual spying eye machine, he tosses it against the solid void, hearing the crash which allowed Gee to confirm the precise proximity of this ambiguous area.

Something taps him from behind, holding a flashlight, visualising the essence of a metal door blocking Gee from uncertain freedom. He hastily turns around in apprehension, before momentarily losing his tension.

"Oh, Lola, it's you," Gerard fails to hold back a slight smile, "You've grown quite a bit."

Lola, who now is less pint-sized and more adult sized, stands up from their sat position, towering over Gerard. Of course, it isn't intimidating at all- moreso, it feels protective and almost reassuring.

"But-" he pauses, growing in upset.

"That means they didn't keep to their fucking side of the deal!"

Lola shakes their head, as though they themself had realised something was wrong with the establishment they'd grown up in. Unsure of any other method of interacting, they open their arms for a comforting embrace.

Gee, disoriented, slowly lies into Lola's thick, fuzzy fur, clinging. Lola truly is the alien-critter depiction of a teddy bear, if there isn't already one. Residing within the two laid an innately strong sense of trust, and by the lonestanding fact that they'd been imprisoned together, it was made clear that their bond was about to strengthen even further.

Tears well up in Gerard's eyes semi-automatically, grateful for Lola's presence but resentful towards the cliffhanger he'd been pushed off from, not being granted a chance to leave the way he had anticipated or had been promised. All he wanted was to say goodbye, leave things in tact. Now, to him, it's all destroyed. Pointless; every friendship that he'd lived around had hit an iceberg eroded by exasperation- and he couldn't even do his usual, futile act of overexplaining the strange phenomena revolving around it.

"Goddamnit," he sniffles, eyes puffy and words slurring, "why can't it just be okay for once?" Gerard weeps into Lola's shoulder.

With their soft paws, they stroke Gee's fluffy ginger head of hair and hold him tighter. They sit together for a little while, not speculating or discussing a plan of escape, but adjusting to eachother's company. Close, but wary. Friendly, but not quite friends yet.

Lost in thought, but on their guard. Perchance they'll escape, or maybe they won't. For now, it's a waiting game. Nonetheless, Gee can't help but wonder from here on out:

How is it going to be?

[claudiajcregg]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Tagged by @mihrsuri. Thanks, Lil! I feel like I've answered these in the not-so-distant past, and might have accidentally ignored one or more tags. Oops. I need to check the Mentions tab and check it out!

(I also started writing this… earlier this week, and forgot about the tab. Sorry this is so so long.)

01. how many works do you have on ao3? 24 fics, though one of them has eight ficlets… So some would count it as 31. (It's still 24.)

02. what's your total ao3 word count? 167,815 words

03. what fandoms do you write for? TWW.

04. top five fics by kudos?

maybe everything's just turning out how it should be

(big gulf here)

say it's here where our pieces fall in place

just your smile lit a sixty-watt bulb in my house that was darkened for days

nobody knows how to get back home

we could be the way forward and I know I'll pay for it 

05. do you respond to comments? Yes! I try to get to all of them, and feel bad when I hoard them (because they're lovely) or they slip through the cracks. (I tend to wait some time before replying to the comments on my most recent fic, so if anything comes in later, it might be immediate or two months late.)

06. what is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I feel like I always struggle with this answer because they're mostly hopeful endings! Which is just my perception and now how it is. Tempted to go check what I've answered in the past.

Most recently, I think what if the way you hold me is actually what's holy has that 'right person, wrong time', on borrowed time vibes. But maybe not! My go-to answer always feels like my post-Portland Trip fic, don't want you to go but I'll be okay, because it feels so final and bittersweet then.

07. what's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Oh, which one should I pick? I think the Cali/Jan 22nd fic from earlier this year (oh, and I will be with you to feel the California sun) is just pure happiness, tbh. Memoir fic (still you never took your hand from mine) also feels like a saccharine, sweet ending! (Could've also picked the literal wedding reception-set fic, lol.)

08. do you get hate on fic? No! Luckily. If I have, I don't remember. I've gotten a weird comment or two, but those weren't about the fics. So no!

09. do you write smut? Nooooo, of course not. (This is the last time I'll beg you to read on main and that's under a cut lol.) Up till now I could say it was mild scenes in yet-to-be-posted fics, which remains true, but I posted a literal smutty fic last Friday, lol. I'm proud of it and myself, for getting out of my comfort zone, and while it's flopping I'm glad those who've read it liked it!

10. craziest cross over? This is the question that undoubtedly makes me go “lol I've definitely done this before.” Because I always joke that I've already seen the craziest canon crossovers on screen. That said, I haven't personally written one, and don't have ideas.

11. have you ever had a fic stolen? No? Sometimes I wonder if some ideas have been borrowed but wouldn't say stolen.

12. have you ever had a fic translated? No! Maybe one day I'll do it myself. (I don't think there's demand for it/Spanish-written fics in this fandom.) (Once again, I'm sure that this answer matches the previous ones.)

13. have you ever co-written a fic before? Sounds fun! No. But anyone interested? hmu.

14. all-time favorite ship? In what sense? I cannot choose, but at the same time… We all know.

15. what's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? I don't like putting this energy out in the universe. It's one thing to post (that's probably a long list) but actual WIPs that are worth it? I want to believe I'll get to them eventually. (But. Unfortunately, the answer is many of them.)

16. what are your writing strengths? Internal world? As in, I am “good” at describing the internal world of a character. idk.

17. what are your writing weaknesses? I write in my second language. I feel like everything's a weakness. (World building, descriptions, dialogue.)

18. thoughts on dialogue in another language? As long as it doesn't take the reader out (and makes sense in the story), 👍 I might have peppered in some Spanish in some of my writing but it feels wrong somehow.

19. first fandom you wrote in? Bones.

20. favorite fic you've written? I cannot pick a favorite child. I can affectionately call them flops because they mostly are, stats-wise, but there's something about them that I love. And I feel like some of my favorite stuff is what's not yet posted! Because it stops feeling “mine” once it's out there.

don't want you to go but I'll be okay · Portland fic · my automatic answer because I felt it was special the second I finished it. So many things came together (that quote, particularly).

we could be the way forward and I know I'll pay for it · St Augustine, a precanon campaign fic ·(Any of the first four (posted in 2021) is super special to me. This one was another one I knew would be special. And it has big “there wouldn't be this if there hadn't been you” energy.

your love is a secret I'm hoping, dreaming, dying to keep · (3+1 fic set in the last third of S7, ft the press corps) · Taylor sang KOMH on N2 because she loved this. I just know it. (I just really love secret relationships/working around that S7 period so much.)

nobody knows how to get back home · itsotg missing scen) · I just like it a lot, and it's also a good candidate for angsty ending. When did it get so many kudos?!

maybe everything's just turning out how it should be · big block of cheese 2008 · felt disingenuous not to include the fic I always knew I wanted to post, even if it's another early one. It's my most popular by a huge margin, and I'm glad.

I so wanted to add fics like the Cali one but this always depends on my mood! So this is the answer that might always change haha.

Shoutout to some unposted ones that I love but won't get published. Or others perpetually in limbo, like the two big multichapters (IM and S5 pregnancy). I feel like some of my best stuff is in What Once Was Ours (the IM AU fic I wrote in 2021), or the S5 Pregnancy AU (which I hope to finish this summer! And I want to start posting once I feel like I'll make that deadline)… And I'm currently really fond of one I've started to call “demons that you know raise hell worse than a stranger.” Coming to you soon, if I get my crap together!

[silawastaken]

May I ask when the next chapter of how the gold bleeds into grey will come out? It's totally fine if its not soon I'm just curious :D

OH YEAH I'm so sorry I forgot to say (I've been really busy all day) but I fell asleep while writing last night 😭 I've been busy enough that I've genuinely only just sat down without something I need to do right now. I am going to finish it tonight and post it, I said in the discord server that it would be between 4-7 but I had completely forgotten that I had my class rep training session today, so now it's 6pm and I'm only just settling down.

I don't know if I'll have much time to write during rehearsals tonight, but I'll fill the spare time with writing. It's show week next week so I've really got to be there to get the set changes and stuff properly down.

With that in mind, it'll probably be closer to 11pm bst by the time I get in and do my chores. (I'll probably get home around 9:30 so once I've done my chores, taken meds, and brushed my teeth it'll be like 10)

So sorry again that I forgot to mention it 😔 I am so busy these days lmao

Thanks for asking I am very enthused by the knowledge people are waiting for chapter and asking about them and stuff 🫶

[c00kiejar]

This song...

I've never really made a proper post before, just shitposts and the occasional art thing. I want to make one to properly express how I feel right now and why this song represents it perfectly. I will warn you first, however, that this mentions a certain YouTuber who was recently completely destroyed on Twitter and my personal experience as a viewer, and may delve into some not-too-happy thoughts

Still here? Let's dive in

It all starts way back when I was still a kid. I was navigating the wonderful site known as YouTube, trying to find videos on videogames and, specifically, I think it was Super Paper Mario. I had no idea how to beat Chapter 2-3 (the Ruby debt one), and I needed help. That's when I stumbled across a YouTuber called Chuggaaconroy (a.k.a. Emile). The way he provided all the information I needed in one video was exactly what I needed. I couldn't subscribe to his channel because I didn't have a Google account, so I just periodically checked his channel, eventually learning he uploaded every day at 5 PM, perfect for younger me. I'd watch his videos when they came out, loving every single one. I eventually discovered his collab channel, The Runaway Guys, and loved that channel even more. He, Proton Jon (Jon) and NintendoCapriSun (Tim) entertained me for YEARS with their content. I even branched out into Jon's streaming community, becoming a semi-regular artist on the booru for a time (you can still find my stuff there under the name TehSm1tty. Not my best work, but I still like some of it). Years come and go, and I have my fair share of mental health troubles, but I'd always find Emile, Jon, and Tim there to brighten my days.

Fast forward to sometime last week. I've been pretty inactive on Twitter aside from my alts, but I decided to see what was popping on main. I log in and get recommended a post with the hashtag "WeStandWithChugga". I had no idea what was going on, so I looked into it. I won't go into detail here, but the jist of it is that Emile was a total creep to many women and even drove wedges between himself and good friends because of this weird behavior. There's a lot more to this than just that, but the point is that it shattered my view of him. I knew he was pushy and that always kinda annoyed me, but the extent of it broke me. For a few days now, I've been having a rough go of it. I mean, my childhood YouTuber just got outed as a complete creep and has some serious allegations of being at least a lolicon, at worst a pedo. I've been down and out for days, and it just wouldn't stop. That is, until I found out that Tim has a Reddit account. I never knew this (or, well, maybe I did and just forgot. Idfk), and was amazed to learn that Tim's been keeping Reddit updated on what he's able/willing to share. Turns out Emile's getting the help he needs at a legit mental hospital and that he's ok. That's what made everything stop. Hearing he's ok. After all the shit Emile has done, he's still a human being and doesn't deserve to have the whole internet turn on him in a fraction of a second. Hearing a fellow human is ok made me feel better. I'm not letting him off the hook, and I do not believe he should ever be forgiven for what he's done, but if he is willing to better himself and become a better person, I am more than willing to believe in that Emile.

Now to come to roughly 40 minutes ago. I decide to boot up Satisfactory and play a bit, but I have no idea what to listen to while I do. I put on a song but quickly get bored of it, and then I see "OMORI | Do You Remember? | Extended" in my recommendations. I put it on and instantly, as if I were splashed in the face by water, I wake up and feel better. I was still stressed about everything going on (I'm set to go to college in September, AND my folks are headed to Mexico in about a week, so I'm stressed from those too), but with the first note on the piano, everything faded. All my swirling negative emotions were replaced with a somber peace. I'm still hurt by the last week's revelations, and I'm never going to truly recover (who could?), but I'm moving on. I think my comment on the video describes how I feel best; "The sad yet peaceful feeling this song evokes in me... It's pretty much how I feel today. I feel at peace... or, well, mostly. There's still pain, and there always will be, but I can move on and I'll live. In the future, I'll look back on this last week and feel sad, but that'll be in the future when this is all over with for good, so I can also look back at before it and be happy that those good times happened. Nothing will ever be the same, but such is the way of the world. Saying goodbye is saying hello to the future, and we all need to do that eventually. Who knows what the future may hold? I, for one, can't wait to see. Hello future, and goodbye sadness".

Chuggaaconroy was an inspiration and a light in the sea of darkness for so, so many, and these revelations have snuffed the light he provided out. What I hope is that Emile takes a long, long break from the internet to become the person we all believed him to be, to truly become that bright light in the dark, rather than just another dark figure holding a flashlight. I don't hope for that as a supporter of him as I don't support who he is right now (as if I haven't said it enough), I hope for that as a fellow human who only wishes to see everyone become the best version of themself.

I think this post was exactly what I needed. I've finally gotten everything out in a cohesive (maybe?) and healthy manner, and I'm ready to become my best self. I will be beginning work on YouTube videos tomorrow, and will hopefully be posting Thursdays at 5 PM (in honor of DatPags whom has not uploaded in a long time).

To anyone who finished reading this post, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Please, go become your best self, but do not do so by putting others down. Better yourself and acknowledge your flaws, overcome them, and do not repeat Emile's mistakes. Learn from those around you.

Yours truly,

Cookie_Jar of Tumblr dot com

[greensagephase]

Alondra!!! It’s been forever since I’ve been on here and first I want to say that I’m sorry for disappearing so suddenly. So much has happened after spring break that I never really made free time out of school and work, and finding jobs after I graduate too (I think I was burnt out but I didn’t want to accept it tbh 😭). But know that I haven’t forgot about you, or Nonviolent Communication, or Tumblr in general!!! I’ve practically written a whole essay’s worth about NC part 13 😭 but I haven’t had the chance to revise what I wrote, also I think I wrote way too much (no seriously, I upgraded to writing on a word doc just for this!) I feel awful not posting or writing anything this past month, but school is almost done and I’ll be graduating May 9th! I really hope you’re doing well, friend ❤️ I know I’ve missed so much since not being on here so I have a lot of catching up to do, but how are you doing? Take care, and I hope to write more soon when I have the chance and finally share my thoughts on part 13!!! ✨

@sunsetdoodler !!!! IT'S SO GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU, FRIEND!!! 🥹Please don't apologize for focusing on your school and work!! I totally understand how stressful the last semester of college is and how difficult it is to find free time with so much going on, so it'd be totally understandable to feel burnt out (I totally was and refused to accept it until it affected my health😭 - I hope you've been well health wise despite all the stress!! 🥺) Also, don't worry!! I know you've been very busy, so I didn't once think you forgot about us here on Tumblr or Nonviolent Communication!! Please continue to focus on your schooling and work, and in finding some relaxation time!! You deserve it!!!! As to your thoughts on part 13 - I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT!!!! You know I love, love, love reading your responses, so I'll read an essay's length response any day (but also the fact you upgraded to a word doc???!! I just know this is gonna be one of my top favorite responses of yours to read so far!! I have an idea of which parts will be highlights in your response 🤭 And also, I'm probably going to write just as much 😭🤣 so be prepared!!)!!! @sunsetdoodler please don't feel bad!! I'm just so so happy and proud of you!!! You're almost at the finish line with just a few weeks left and then GRADUATION!!!! 🥳🥳🥳 May 9th is almost here, friend!!! Just have to get through finals, and you'll be all done with your bachelor's 🥺 I've been thinking about you and wishing you the best of luck and positive vibes your way as you finish the semester!!! I'm rooting for you as always and I'm seriously so proud of you!!! You got this!!!! Also, I've been doing well for the most part (had a few off days but all is good now!!)!!! I really hope you've been well, too, despite everything and that you find time to just catch your breath!!! ❤️ As you finish your semester, please take care and remember to be kind to yourself, friend!!! I truly hope to hear from you again soon!!!! ✨❤️

[mirabai0821]

WIP: Blood and Honey CH...3?

Pairings: F!Tav / Halsin Tags: N/A unless you count a bear popping a boner Word Count: 422 Summary: Scratch is missing. Halsin uses his bear to find him. Utter fucking shenanigans ensue. A/N: BAAHAHAAHAAHAHAAAHA Here's more of Blood and Honey from somewhere around chapter three. With Tav upon his back, the pair wandered away from the party and deeper into the forest. 

“Scratch! Here boy!”

Halsin growled, the rumble of it vibrating her bones. “Best to not,” He cautioned. “We do not know what hunts tonight. I will sniff him out.”

“Don’t you need a lock of his hair or a favorite toy or something?”

“Normally yes,” He answered. “But I don’t think I need to. This creature must be special to you for you to be so saturated with his scent. Did you raise him from a pup?” 

“I…no. I just met him a week or so ago.”

Halsin the Bear still had most of the faculties of Halsin the Elf. He could think and reason and plot and scheme. But the bear parsed the elf’s complex mortal emotions through a bear’s simpler lens. Therefore the admiration he felt at Tav’s devotion to her companion didn’t translate fully and came through as only the bear could make sense of it.

Hunger. 

And not the belly-filling kind.

On his back, Tav shifted and Halsin was made keenly aware she was sitting astride him.

Oak Father preserve me…

Halsin sniffed the air and did his damndest to filter Tav out. The bear noted, rather nonchalantly, that her scent told him she was young, healthy, and very fertile. 

Halsin snorted, hoping the action would expel that particular smell from his nose.

“Everything okay? I must smell terrible covered in all this mud, huh?”

“It’s not great,” he lied, realizing belatedly he just told a beautiful woman that she stank if only to avoid admitting to said beautiful woman that he could smell her ovulating and that it was driving him to distraction.

Halsin, if you don’t locate this dog right now!

“Sorry,” Tav muttered sheepishly. “I feel foolish even asking for your help. You’re an archdruid, it’s kinda beneath you to go looking for lost dogs.”

“It is precisely because I am an archdruid that I am duty-bound to assist. Finding lost dogs, especially ones so loved, are well within my charge.”

“Thank you,” Absent-mindedly, Tav reached forward and scratched behind his ears like did for Scratch and Kanid before him. The pleasurable sensation nearly dropped Halsin to his knees.

“Please, do not do that again!” He growled.

Tav snatched away. “I’m sorry!”

Tav wiggled, trying to get down from his back, rubbing her crotch against him, stirring up more of her pheromones as she blubbered apologies. “I’m so sorry! I totally forgot someone was in there!”

“Don’t move, do not…stop…Tav please…”

Suddenly, the bear scented blood replacing the hunger that made his loins ache with a new emotion.

Rage.

__

A/N: Now that I've better fleshed out a thornier section later in the fic, I have a feeling more snippets from earlier parts of the story will come at a decent clip. Will I ever be done with this story? Perhaps. Good lord willing and the creek don't rise, I hope to have it posting worthy before the end of the year. More Blood and Honey snippets:

Chapter 1 The Old Bear's Still Got It Confession? Go See A Priest Halsin x Tav x Astarion Headcanons: Part 1 Part 2 Tav x Halsin standalone drabbles: Gray Hair Movement

Hmm...Guess I need to balance it out with some Tav x Astarion drabbles. Keep on the lookout.

[luckydoeslanguage]

Weekly Review | 12日5月２０２４年

Writing my weekly check in early(?) this week because i missed my update last week. honestly i totally forgot about it, (which is a shame because i had a really good week last week for studying!) but also because I've had a really bad study week so i want to start fresh today on Sunday instead of waiting til Tuesday which is when i usually do my check in. if you've been following my updates so far, お待たせしました！lets go into my last two weeks then shall we?

Last week: April 30th - May 7th

good week! got 9 hours of immersion in :D

finished Yuru camp season 1, still havent gotten around to my review of that here but we'll get there.

I ordered some books to read!!! I got a kids book, a short kids novel and a copy of Nintendo Dream magazine. (the may addition) they'll take awhile to get here, but im excited to try reading them when they do!

pre-downloaded a bunch of subtitles for anime i want to watch, so they're ready to go when i get to them. a problem i have is spending too much time deciding what to watch, so streamlining the process a bit makes immersion easier for me.

overall a good week!

this week hasnt been as good. partially because I've been kind of out of it emotionally, but also because the fair was in town and i spent time going out to have fun rather than study. I'm trying to be kind to myself about it. not every week can be a banger in productivity! besides, I still got some things done:

started Yuru camp season two! this show is sooo comfy, it makes me really want to go camping. or just spend more time outdoors in general.

Tried writing a letter to Tia in どうぶつの森. Im pretty sure my grammar was all over the place, but i had fun composing it!

did some kanji practice in my journal. made me realize i should practice writing waaay more because i had to look up the stroke order for all (4) of the kanji i used.

My goals for this week is to get back on my routine and watch some more shows. i have Hibike! Euphonium lined up next, so im going to watch it along side Yuru camp for a change of pase from cardcaptor.

i also want to spend some time practising writing! got some awesome input on my last post about it, so i have a better idea how to approach it. Thank you all for that!

okay, thats all for now, see you all next week! またね！