#if you were curious to know which one you got!

[goldensunset]

i’ve been thinking about the pokémon memes where it’s like playing off of that one quote that’s like ‘truly strong trainers should try to win using their favorites’ and it’s like ‘ok well my favorite is [something blatantly overpowered]’ and it’s got me curious. how many people genuinely love pokémon that also happen to be really strong competitively?

so if you will. pick a favorite pokémon (for any reason! whether it’s cuteness or strength or nostalgia etc. no judgment) then go here https://www.smogon.com/dex/sv/pokemon/ and look it up

(you’ll see something that looks like this. see where it says tier and has some gibberish afterwards? don’t worry if you don’t know what that means but tell me what the letters/words are)

also if there are multiple forms and the distinction matters to you make sure you get the right one lol cuz the tiering can be different

edit: forgot to mention i mean specifically in SV! which is what comes up by default. rip every pokémon that either isn’t in SV (it’ll say ‘national dex’) or used to be better but has since fallen off relative to new pokémon

[chleem]

Rest of my life

One shot: bf drew x gf yn

Summary: babysitting drew’s niece leads to the realization that you’re the one for him.  

Genre: established relationship, fluff

Warnings: so sweet u get cavities

⋆.˚ please dont copy my work, if inspired please tag me

⋆.˚ this is entirely fictional, if uncomfortable then don't read

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

“Which girl did you knock up?” 

Is the first thing you say upon entering Drew’s apartment, your eyes landing on Drew, who has a baby securely strapped against his stomach in a white carrier, the baby looking over at you with doe eyes. 

Drew freezes for a second, then shakes his head, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he sets a large bag down on the kitchen table. "Oh, y’know, some girl I met on set."

There’s a reason why you and Drew are perfect for each other; the playful banter comes so naturally between you two that it feels like breathing, like there’s no awkwardness in this situation; finding Drew with a baby you’ve never seen before. 

Although, this baby looks oddly familiar. 

“Remember Lils?” Drew asks, as you walk over to him, setting your own bag on the table as well. 

Your eyes light up at the name, recalling the times Drew would show you pictures of his niece. “Oh hi,” you immediately pitch your voice higher, making it soft and playful. The baby, with her big, curious eyes, reaches out her tiny hand, and before you even know it, she’s grabbing onto your finger. 

Her little grip is surprisingly strong, and you can’t help but smile at how adorable she is. “She grew so big,” you comment, looking up at Drew. 

He’s got a soft smile on his lips. “I’know, and I got her for the whole day.”

Your raise an eyebrow playfully at him, “I thought we’re going to the beach today.”

“Yeah, we are,” he emphasizes on that word, his eyes bouncing back between him and Lil. 

Lil lets go of your hand, so you cross your arms at Drew. You roll your eyes, yet the grin on your face gives away your amusement. “Fine. I won’t rob you of your uncle-niece time.”

A chuckle escapes Drew’s lips, and he brings you closer to him by wrapping an arm around your waist. “Lil says it’s okay for you to be there,” his voice, low and playful, as he plants a kiss on your jaw. “Third wheel, you okay with that?”

“Delightful,” you try to sound annoyed at that idea, but really, you looked forward to it. 

Originally, it was a beach date with Drew, but his sister must’ve had some emergency, leading to the sudden babysit. You had no idea that it was going to turn out like this, but you don’t mind. 

Besides, it gives you a chance to see what uncle Drew is like. 

“Aww, don’t be jealous,” he teases, rubbing your elbow, a habit he’s grown into since knowing you. 

“I could never compete with this girl,” you smile down at Lil, whose lips slowly forms an O. You coo at her, playing with her little adorable fingers.

Drew glances down at his watch, snapping you out of the little world you’ve absorbed yourself with Lil in only a few seconds. “Hotdog stand might close. Let’s go.”

“I’m trying the taco one!” You happily chirp, remembering how the last time you went there, a long argument between the two of you resulted in you getting the pizza flavored hot dog. 

“Alright, alright,” Drew assures, taking both of the bags off the table. 

You make an attempt to grab at least one bag from him, but he declines, carrying it all the way to the car himself. 

——

Unknowingly, the whole day at the beach has passed. 

Drew had been so focused on spending time with his niece, he didn’t even notice the way the sky changed. One moment, they were splashing in the shallow waves, building sandcastles, the next, the sun was dipping low.

He walks back to the beach with hotdogs in his hands; buying the snacks now since the crowd has disappeared. 

He replays scenes of today in his mind, thinking about how easy it’s been today. How effortless it felt, spending time with you and Lil. He’d watched you interact with his niece all afternoon—how you encouraged her to explore the sand, showing her the little crabs skittering along the shoreline etc. 

And now, as he makes his way back, he can’t shake the image of you laughing with Lil, your face lighting up when the baby made a funny sound or reached out for you.

He reaches the blanket that the two of you had spread out earlier on the sand, and he glances over your shoulder, expecting to see you playing with Lil. 

Instead, he freezes. 

There you are, holding his niece in your arms. Lil’s fast asleep, her little body relaxed against your chest. 

Drew’s first thought is how cute his niece is. 

His eyes then drift over to you; And that’s when it hits him.

The realization of this moment, the quiet way you’re holding his baby niece, strikes him. His heart skips a beat as he watches you, a quiet warmth flooding his chest. 

The sight of you with her, so natural, so right, feels more profound than anything he expected.

What is this feeling? He thinks.

He tries to shake it off. It’s not just about Lil. It’s about you, the way you make everything feel so simple, so easy. He never expected to see you like this, to see you so gentle, so present.

Is this what love feels like? He doesn’t know. But in that moment, staring at the two of you, something in him clicks. He doesn’t have a name for it yet, but it’s there—this pull, this feeling that maybe, just maybe, everything he thought he wanted was right here in front of him.

“Drew?” 

Your voice is gentle and soft as you call out for him, afraid to wake the baby up. 

Your gaze meets his, and for a second, the world feels smaller. His heart skips again, mind racing around as he scrambles for words in his mind. 

“Hey,” he manages to breathe out, sitting down beside you. He’s careful with his movements, even when handing you your hotdog to your free hand. His lips curl into a soft smile,  almost shy, “she’s out cold, huh?”

He watches as you completely ignore his words, biting down on the hotdog you’ve been waiting for for the whole day. His smile grows; his mind reminded of how easy it is to be around you. It’s not that you’ve said much or done anything extraordinary—just the way you seem to savor the simple things, like food, time spent together—it draws him in every time.

“Good?” Drew asks, teasing hinted in his voice, yet his eyes soften as he waits for your answer. 

“Strange. The pizza flavor’s better,” you comment through chews. 

Laughter erupts in his chest, making you look confusingly at him. You swallow, looking at him with doe eyes. “Let me take her,” he says, his hands reaching for his niece. 

You let him, mainly because of how hungry you are. The exchange is smooth; he now holds Lil in his arms, and you hold onto the two hotdogs, eating away one of them. 

“Y/n?”

You quickly finish the bite, humming at Drew continue talking. He’s looking at you with a soft gaze, almost smitten. He calls for your name, but doesn’t say anything. 

“You want a bite?” You ask, filling in the silence. 

Drew chuckles, and with his free hand, he pulls you by the back of your neck closer to him. He kisses you, slow and soft. You relax under his touch, letting the warm and bubbly feeling flow through you. 

You eventually pull away, needing to catch your breath. Drew’s lips are apart as he stares at you; the look in his eyes making it hard to steady your heartbeat. 

For seconds that felt like minutes, silence lingers between you two, eyes locked into each others’ as if any move, would disturb the calmness of this moment. 

Well, the moment is disturbed, because the smell of poop enters the air, as well as the sound of crying. 

Lil's awake, and in a stinky emergency.

You’re the first to pull away, chuckling as you glance down at Lil. “Shit.”

“Yup,” he purses his lips. You get ready to put the hotdogs down, wanting to help change her diapers, when Drew stops you. “I’ll do it.”

“Do I even have the appetite anymore?” You joke, the smile reappearing on Drew’s lips after hearing that. 

“When do you not?” He comments, setting Lil down and reaching for the diaper bag. 

You hit his arm playfully again, laughter coming out of you. You turn and look out onto the ocean waves, putting the hotdogs down to the side.

This moment right here? You want to remember it always. Remember this beach, this adorable little baby, this hotdog (just important as everything else), and this man, that you’ve found yourself to rely on more than you should. 

You hope Drew feels the same way too; that this moment right now, will forever be engraved in your heart. 

Little did you know; it's already engraved in his, as the moment he fell in love with you. 

The moment he realized, that you’re who he wants for the rest of his life. 

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

word count: 1.5k

ִ ࣪𖤐 a/n: my first time writing something of pure fluff...hope you enjoyed reading! i was in the mode for something sweet, craving a bf real bad T_T

and yes, im a creep that stalked his sister's ig to find the name of his niece. im sorry im sorry im sorry

[fallstaticexit]

Prev / Next / Beginning

TW: Conversion "Therapy" Mention / Homophobia

AN: Sorry this one took a while! - longer than I'd like away!. Coming back from a mini vaca and getting back into work and routine is a nightmare, also my delicate sleep schedule is ruineddd. Anywho, we should be back in business now! :) now, DJ play Good Luck, Babe by Chappell Roan!

Transcript under the cut

Geoffrey: Great job, bud! Tree is looking great!

Malcolm: It’s because I’m a decorator like mommy.

Jonathan: Mom, are you leaving? We’re supposed to decorate the tree too.

Nancy: Save a few ornaments for me to put on there, darling. Mommy has to step out for a couple hours.

Geoffrey: Johnny’s right, you know. Decorating it is apart of the deal.

Nancy: Can’t you spare me an hour or two?

Geoffrey: Remember what I said about being there?

Nancy: That’s not fair. I’ve been doing better, haven’t I? I left work early, which I’m hardly ever able to do and we found the tree together. I haven’t seen Vanessa in 16 years, Geoffrey. This is important to me.

Geoffrey: Yeah, well, this is pretty important to them.

Nancy: Please don’t make me feel guilty about this.

Geoffrey: It’s just you and Vanessa, right?

Nancy: [frowns] Yes, of course. I’ll be back, ok?

-

Vanessa: I’m glad you came.

Nancy: I wouldn’t have miss this for the world.

Vanessa: You look so beautiful tonight.

Nancy: [blushes] So do you. You’ve always have.

Vanessa: [smiles] I wasn’t sure on your choice of champagne, so I hope you don’t mind we have mine. I guess it’s one of the many things we’ll have to learn about each other.

Nancy: This is perfect. I’m sure I’ll love anything you like.

Nancy Narrates: [I found myself unable to eat. Instead, I got my fill of her. I studied her, consumed the sight of her with greedy, curious eyes]

Nancy Narrates: [It thrilled and frightened me the way she took me in too, as if she was trying to recall all those precious details that may have gotten lost in time. Seeing all the ways I could have changed and stayed the same]

Nancy Narrates: [One thing was for certain: my heart still raced the moment our fingers found one another, just like when we were girls. It was a delicate and familiar touch that I could feel from inside, and it was almost as if no time had passed at all]

Vanessa: [softly] Nancy, Nancy, Nancy, the woman you’ve become. I’ve thought of you, over time, what kind of woman you grew up to be.

Nancy: Is it what you expected?

Vanessa: Successful? Powerful? Stunning? Yes, I like to think so.

Nancy: I’ve thought of you too.

Vanessa: Yeah?

Nancy: I thought about what you did, after high school. Who you became. If you fell in love. If you thought about me too. Feels good, knowing you did.

Vanessa: I think holding on to the version of you I remembered kept me sane, after all this time. Do you mind if I smoke? Helps my nerves.

Nancy: As long as I can bum one.

Vanessa: Hey, do you remember our first cigarette together?

Nancy: How could I forget?

Vanessa: Share a light with me. For old times’ sake?

Vanessa: So, care to share all those burning questions you said you had for me?

Nancy: Now I feel like I’m being put on the spot.

Vanessa: Oh, come on. Don’t go shy on me now. How’s this? I’ll ask a question, then you, and so on.

Nancy: Alright. Shoot.

Vanessa: Do you still talk in your sleep?

Nancy: I- what!? I did not talk in my sleep!

Vanessa: Oh, yes you did. Full sentences too. You monologued even.

Nancy: Fuck off, I did NOT talk in my sleep! How would you know anyway? You were practically narcoleptic. I’d be up for hours after you fell asleep.

Vanessa: [murmurs] Still talks in her sleep- in denial about it. Ok. Got it. Your turn.

Nancy: I’ll ask a REAL question this time.

Vanessa: [smirks] That was a real question. I came all this way just to know but ok, ask away.

Nancy: Well, speaking of ‘all this way’. Where do you live?

Vanessa: Here and there. I don’t like to sit in one spot for too long; I get restless. Bored. I’ve spent the last 6 months in Tomorang. Beautiful people. Lovely culture. That’s actually where I heard your name mentioned for the first time. You’ve got quite the reputation over there. You’ve been up to no good, I hear.

Nancy: Christ...long story. Please don’t ask. Are you thinking of moving here?

Vanessa: Ah, ah. It’s my turn. Let’s see...ah! Who’s idea was it to make Geoffrey ‘Mr. Landgraab’. That’s probably the funniest shit I’ve ever heard.

Nancy: My parents, of course. They didn’t want to erase the family name and since they no longer have a son to continue their legacy- well. You get it. Speaking of marriage, are you married?

Vanessa: No, I’m not married.

Nancy: Well. Are you...seeing anyone?

Vanessa: [smirks] No.

Nancy: Children?

Vanessa: No children either. Those counts as a question, by the way.

Nancy: Oops. Ok, ok, you can ask two then. It’s only fair.

Vanessa: I guess I’ll ask a ‘real question’ then. Are you happy like this?

Nancy: [pauses] Like...what?

Vanessa: Married. Married to him. Does it make you happy?

Nancy: [shifts] I care for him very much. He’s the father of my children. He’s a good man and he’s good to me. Why are you asking me this-

Vanessa: Do you still like women?

Nancy: Do you?!

Vanessa: You have to answer my question first-

Nancy: Did you get my voicemail? November 2nd, 1993. I called you and I left you a voicemail. Did you hear it?

Vanessa: Nancy-

Nancy: Why didn’t you call me back? What—what happened to you, Vanessa? Where did you go? Where have you been!? Why, after all this time, am I just now seeing you?

Vanessa: It’s not really the easiest thing to talk about, but I know I owe you closure. [exhales] After I was pulled out of school, my father had me admitted. I received treatments to ‘fix’ me. Every time I fucked up and pissed off my father, he’d pack me up and ship me off until I came back normal and obedient.

Vanessa: There were days I thought I couldn’t keep going on like that, but then I heard your voicemail, and it... scared me. It made me angry. It broke my heart, but most importantly, it woke me up. I finally found the strength to escape my father and live my own truth. It cost me everything—my family disowned me. I relinquished my fortune, but in return, I’m free. I’m free, and I can live the life I deserve. I just... I wish I could have called, but life didn’t work out that way.

Nancy: It should have because I did call you, Vanessa.

Vanessa: I know.

Nancy: [weakly] I said that I loved you..

Vanessa: I know, I know...things were different for me back then.

Nancy: Things are different now! I’m married. I’m a mother!

Vanessa: I know, Nancy. I didn’t come here to break up a happy home.

Nancy: Why did you come here?

Vanessa: Can’t a girl miss her best friend?

Vanessa: Listen. I’ve thought a lot about how I would fit into your life if I ever got to see you again, if this was something you would want at all. That time we shared in our youth was the happiest I’ve ever been. I missed that feeling. I’ve missed you. I’m in a place to explore a friendship with you again, if you want it. If not, then I’ll accept that.

Nancy: I do want this. I want you here. I just...I can’t...

Vanessa: I know. It could be simple. Easy. I miss you, Nancy.

Nancy: [sighs] I miss you too. I’ve missed you so much.

[cicadabooks]

aaaaa finally i feel justified for reluctantly finishing the first Monk and Robot book with a :/ face, and then feeling even more :/ :/ :/ about reading the 2nd book. Which I did not read, and it looks like this was the correct choice, for me.

"Underbaked" is a decent summary of the first book - people (....often white people I feel like....) would recommend the book and how they loved it, and when I finally read it, I was just like.... This author is over-reaching and floundering around in areas she doesn't know much about. (And also this book felt very White Person writing world building to me.) Even the final pep talk by Mosscap rubbed me the wrong way. It was obvs just Not the Book For Me. (Also winning a Hugo.... It's not the worst book, but...? I think people are being bamboozled a bit.)

I remember the author's approach to nature was weird. I remember thinking "people live in nature, we're part of nature, and to just have the two drastically split is disturbing. Also I don't think this author has ever actually walked through the woods, or at least not more than three times."

OP's line above ("The Robot Side is kept wild and humans are discouraged from going in there because humans can't be trusted not to ruin Nature.") is making me specifically remember what I didn't like. :( wtf. Are indigenous people and their land stewardship a joke to you. Where were you when the Dakota Access Pipeline protests were happening last decade. That was a large amount of news. At this point, this is a you problem, Becky Chambers.

Also shoutout to "also tbh I think Becky chambers has also just never gone fishing in her life and was not curious enough about her own concept to research how you're supposed to kill a fish" in the comments section from OP -

Because, as I mentioned earlier, I had the same reaction even in book one!? About doubting if the author actually spent time in nature, or considered nature a lot, or knew much about nature (for a book that... spends time in nature...). Neither the first book's vibes, or this wretched fish thing, are the vibes of people I know who spend time in the wild (as a hobby or professionally).

(Also, I think those people I know, and me, and many other humans, would be miserable being cut off from wild nature. Some things are just in the blood. I was always yearning for the ocean growing up, and I swear it was handed down to me by blood from my mother who grew up on an island. When I finally lived in a place near the ocean and got to be in ocean waters a lot more, I was like YES I AM HOME and happy in my bones. Every time I get too sad it's because I have spent too much time away from ocean and some proper wilderness.)

(and we're not even getting into how much human culture, esp indigenous cultures, have cultural transmissions tied in with nature.)

(Like I know OP's essay was more examining passivity and the implications at large in these books.... Whereas looking back, I think I got stuck on "Humans aren't allowed to go into nature" in book one and I was horrified by this and I never got past this part. This book was a dystopia for me.)

Anyway OP thank you for summarizing the 2nd book, yikes and also that was fun to read.

Also this is all ironic/sad because I actually liked the author's first book! When I read it years ago. (A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet) It was fun! I love me a motley crew of people in space ships becoming friends and having adventures. I had issues with the handling of sex/gender stuff, but at the time I gave it a pass. The rest of the books in that series didn't stand out to me, but I picked up whatever the author wrote anyway. I was disappointed when I picked up these monk robot books more recently. We're not even having, like... having that much fun here :( There's apparently fish dying in bizarre ways.

ykw i am having so much fan watching you be a hater, that i’ve decided to ask for more. PLEASE give us a rant about a book you hated.

Haha aw I'm honored. And uh I hope you don't have any particular attachment to Becky Chambers. Sorry in advance.

But A Psalm for the Wild-Built won a Hugo and I do not get the love. Book 1 was nice enough, yeah. Book 2 had me tearing my hair out.

Sibling Dex is a restless Tea Monk who serves the God of Small comforts on the science-fantasy planet of Panga. I genuinely love the idea of a tea monk - part therapist, part confessor, travels around to the different towns, mixes tea blends for people, lets them talk about their worries and fears and stresses, and gives them, if not advice, then sympathy and a listening ear and some calming tea. This is meaningful work but they're unhappy. After doing this for a while they're still unsatisfied with their life, so they go into the woods searching for self-actualization, and meet a robot named Mosscap, a wild robot that lives in the woods. See, hundreds of years ago, all the robots "woke up" and became sentient one day, then they staged a quiet rebellion against humanity's greed and industrialization by walking into the woods and never coming back. Now, the continent is split in half: humans stay on the Human Side, and robots stay on the Robot Side. The Robot Side is kept wild and humans are discouraged from going in there because humans can't be trusted not to ruin Nature. The rpbots are welcome to come to the Human Side, they just never have. Dex is the first person in a While to venture into the woods of the Robot Side, and the first human since the great walkout to see a robot. Mosscap gives Dex a lot of philosophical pep talks about not pushing themself so hard, about allowing themself to just rest and appreciate the world without feeling like they need to be Providing A Service to justify their existence. It's a nice theme. Underbaked, imo, but nice. Relateable.

Book 2 was a goddamn mess.

Book 1 mostly takes place in the wilderness of the woods, so it's okay if the nice utopian human community Dex comes from was sketchily-built. It Just Works, and everyone Is Just Nice, this is a science-fantasy parable. There were some issues I had with it - like the strict ideological and physical divide between Nature and Humans, and the fact that Dex's religion seems to be the Only Religion In The World, and it's vaguely secular-humanist with the gods being not "really" gods but names given to primordial forces and philosophical concepts, and the religion not really making any demands of its adherents in any way except to become their best selves and devote themselves to what they like... it's potentially interesting, but overall kinda lazy. It felt like Becky Chambers was aware of the idea that having an enlightened-atheist sci-fi utopia is Problematic, so she made there be a central religion, but she also didn't want it to have any of the ~icky~ things religions have, like belief in anything supernatural, or dietary restrictions, or creeds, or codes of behavior, or expectations to make any kind of sacrifice in any way. All the gods "ask" is that humans observe and appreciate the world. But whatever.

In book 2, Dex and Mosscap return to Dex's society, and the book seems to want to explain how the world works, and oh my GOD is Chambers not prepared to do this.

"Observe and appreciate" is all anyone is asked to do. Book 2, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy, is an ode to ultimate virtue of Doing Nothing. There's this attitude I see in a LOT of utopian fiction, where the author is bluntly just not a good enough author to imagine a utopian society where people act like people, so in the world of Panga, utopian society is achieved through 1) homogeneity 2) no one giving a crap about anything.

As far as I can tell, there is the one religion. Most people are Fine with this. Most people are Fine with anything. There are no characters with distinct personalities. There's no money, except there is, except it's not real money and no one will deny you anything if your balance is in the red, even though your balance is available to be seen by anyone - this does not cause any kind of shame or pride or competition in any way, and Dex doesn't understand why it might. There are no hierarchies or governing bodies, people just volunteer to step up when things need doing (this is portrayed as great and not deeply concerning). There are different communities, but in them, everyone is uniformly nice, friendly, and helpful at all times. There are some parts of nature, like the seashore, where people are not allowed to go because they'll ruin the environment, and this is accepted as correct and necessary. Most people live in hippie, pro-recycling, high-tech, end-of-history green communities; there's one group they visit, however, that doesn't trust technology, and lives in a vaguely sci-fi-Amish way. You might think, Dex travelling around with a robot, this might cause conflict! It does not. The people from this community calmly explain their anti-technology position, Dex calmly explains their pro-technology position, and they politely respect each other. "Not bothered either way" is a phrase that turns up in various permutations a lot and is held up as the good, mature, responsible way to be.

There's a scene where they catch a fish for dinner, and instead of killing it, the scifi-Amish guy says "We let the air do that for us, and they let the fish slowly suffocate to death in the air while they all look on solemnly and sadly. This is portrayed as a deep, beautiful moment of them witnessing and honoring the final moments of a living being's life. And not. y'know. them torturing a living being to death so they can keep their own hands clean.

This is what I mean about the valorization of passivity: observing is all you are ever obligated to do. Letting a fish die in the air is better than killing it quickly and humanely, because doing things gets your hands dirty, while letting things simply happen is the Correct way to do it.

At the end, Mosscap and Dex blow off all their promises and appointments and just hang out at the beach chilling out instead, because do what you want forever, you don't have to do shit. This is the happy affirming ending. Mosscap you fucking said you'd meet with the city leaders as the robot ambassador to the humans, did you tell them you were blowing off this commitment because you didn't feel like doing that anymore??? Did you even let them know??????

It is SUCH a baffling book. The theme wants to be "you are more than your job, you deserve to just Be" and ends up feeling like "you don't have to do anything ever, and no one can make you do anything you don't want to do if you don't feel like it, and you don't owe anyone anything and searching for a purpose in your life is just making you stressed out so chill at the beach instead."

The thing that drives me crazy is like. Mosscap cheerfully tells Dex about robots that spend twenty years in a cave watching stalactites form because they think it's beautiful, and those robots are just as much a valued part of society as anyone else. Appreciating beauty and wonder is good enough, you don't need to be productive. And I'm just. fuckin. like. Humans are not robots! Robots don't need to eat or sleep! Humans need food, and clothes, and shelter, and medical care, and if we don't have SOMEONE working to provide that, we Die! Nice as it would be, we CAN'T just all do nothing forever until we feel like it! We can't do that!

And at the same time, the book bizarrely treats wanting a purpose in life as like... almost disordered. If you are seeking a purpose in life it's because you just haven't let go of your guilt and relaxed enough. It's bizarre. Valorization of passivity. Humans aren't meant to be in nature so we just Shouldn't. Doing nothing and having no strong opinions is the most self-affirmed you can possibly be. Letting a fish suffocate is more moral than quickly breaking its neck or spiking its brain. Someone else will do it. Who, if we're all supposed to be resting and only doing what we feel like? Don't worry about it.

"The heart of this book is comfort [...] There is nothing in it that can hurt you." YOU LIAR BECKY CHAMBERS THE FISH SCENE STILL DISTURBS AND UPSETS ME TO THIS DAY

[jasvtsc]

dean winchester x angel!reader — first time.

warnings! mdni! smut. male masturbation. reader catching dean. female masturbation. mentions of oral (both m and f receiving). fingering. praising. first time. dean talking you through it. pet names. unprotected p in v (wrap it before you tap it). graphic language. dean has a breeding kink. grammar mistakes.

word count! 3.5k

you were just… so sweet.

so painfully sweet and innocent. and dean didn’t want to take that away from you. he wanted you to be that innocent angel, curious of everything as long as you could. without being scarred by an ordinary mortal like him. the fact you happened to love him out of all people still baffled him. but he wasn’t complaining since he was absolutely and utterly in love with you.

but then again, you were driving him crazy to the point where the ache in his pants was getting worse and worse, day by day, where now his hand wasn’t enough to satisfy him. at this point, he got cramps in his fingers and couldn’t squeeze them in a fist properly.

he needed you. badly.

and you were so oblivious to the effect you had on him. every time you brushed against his body. or when you were in his bed, curiously watching scooby-doo as you demanded he put it on since he told you it was his favourite show when he was a kid—and you wanted to know all his favourite things. or when you’d explore your boundaries, testing out some physical contact by randomly taking his hand in yours, tucking your head under his arm as you stood next to each other, cuddling together as you went to sleep or kissing.

christ, you were so adorable. he loved you so much.

and you were so good at stirring his cock to life, unaware of what was happening.

which was pretty much the reason for his current predicament. dean was making something in the kitchen, and as the curious little angel that you were, you came closer and snuck under his arm, so now you were placed between the stove and his body.

he inhaled sharply, his eyes widening as your plush ass rubbed against his crotch. it was enough for a red light to light in his brain, and his thoughts beginning to go haywire.

too close. too close. step back. step back, he kept repeating to himself.

but how could he possibly step away from you when you looked so gorgeous, just innocently trying to learn something new from your boyfriend? dear god, was he going to hell. again.

he looked down since you were shorter than him, which was a mistake. his eyes widened, and his mouth watered as he was met with the valley of your perky breasts, a deep cutout in your shirt doing only so little to help his fantasies.

not only that, but he did start wandering where you even get clothes LIKE THAT.

fuck, who was picking your clothes? stupid question, as if he wasn’t the one to do so.

the truth was that dean spoiled you immensely. now, instead of buying the newest copy of ‘busty asian beauties’, he was picking out some magazines for you to read. you’d look at all the pretty pictures—that’s what you’d call them, and point at clothes you liked. and dean would get them for you when you stopped by some shops. how did he know your breast cup size, though?

well, he was experienced like that. and he loved looking down at your boobs when you were sleeping in his arms.

anyway.

to complete the overall outfit, you were wearing those low-cut jeans that nicely accented your plump ass that he loved swatting as you went past him. and the way your white panties were sticking out just made him imagine his fingers slipping under the fabric and making it dampen as he—

he took a sharp breath. again.

dean took a step back after all, only to discreetly palm his crotch as he hummed some kind of response to the question you just asked him. however, he couldn’t think straight. so, making up some lame excuse, he kissed you on your temple and quickly went to his bedroom, sitting down on his bed and resting his back against the pillow, already propped up.

he rubbed the bulge in his pants, groaning at the feeling of his cock straining against the fabric. he couldn’t take it anymore. he fumbled with his belt and pulled his pants and boxers down, freeing his dick. his massive length sprung free, hard as a rock, already leaking beads of precum. he spat on his hand, not bothering to take the lotion out of his night drawer and started stroking himself.

he started off slowly, imagining that it was your delicate hand, your small fingers grabbing his dick for the first time, barely able to wrap around his girth. he imagined you gasping in surprise as you would start moving your hand up and down, letting him guide you through it, so you’d do your best to pleasure him. and you would—he knew it. you were such a good little angel for him.

dean groaned and squeezed harder, picking up the pace of his hand, his pants and moans getting more audible, but he didn’t care about it at the moment. now, he was imagining you taking him in your mouth. at first, you’d be too eager—you’d gag around him and quickly pull back with that sheepish smile of yours when you did something wrong. holy fuck. he’d reassure you, and then you’d try again, slowly, taking the tip first, gently suckling with your pretty plump lips he loved to kiss. then, you’d go lower and lower, your cheeks hollowing as you—

the door to his room slammed open, and his heart stopped. he widened his eyes and turned his head, seeing… you out of all the people.

fuck him (not that he would mind).

you entered the room with that godforsaken curious expression, closing the door behind you. then, you stood by the side of his bed, your head tilted to the side as you looked at him, blinking slowly, as if you didn’t notice his fat, messy cock, tightly gripped in his hand, with skin slightly reddened from the intense strokes.

“are you okay?” you asked softly, and dean wished that something could just kill him right now, his face as red as it could possibly get.

“yeah. why are you asking?” he chuckled nervously, quickly tucking himself back in his pants, even though it was painful at this point. god, he needed to cum so badly.

“i don’t know. you disappeared. and then you were panting and calling my name, and i thought something was happening and that you needed my help,” you just couldn’t be more innocent than that. “i was scared something was wrong,” you admitted shyly, fiddling with your fingers.

and gosh, he’d take your face in his hands if it wasn’t for one of them being covered in precum.

“hey, don’t worry, birdie. i’m okay. just needed—“ he sighed, straightening his back and trying to muffle a grunt. “some relief.”

“from what?” yeah, of course, you’d ask. your curiosity was picked up again.

“it’s nothing that you should stress your little feathery head with,” he smiled, adjusting himself, trying his best not to moan.

and you took a moment to look at him. you tilted your head as your eyes raked over his body, his twitching hand and the massive tent in his pants. you blinked a few times as that familiar feeling you didn’t know started pooling in your lower abdomen. ogling his groin, you rubbed your thighs together, and dean noticed that instantly.

so angels do get horny.

he swallowed thickly, his mouth practically going dry as he saw your face contorting in frustration as you swayed from one leg to the other, trying to get some friction between your legs.

that’s when dean decided that he wouldn’t leave you hanging like that.

“what are you doing, birdie?” he asked, licking his lips.

“i don’t know. i have this weird feeling in my belly,” you scoffed with a small pout. “like i’m excited or something.”

“that’s cause you are. you’re aroused, baby,” he hummed, reaching his left hand out to you. he hooked his fingers under the hem of your jeans, pulling you closer so you were now standing between his legs. he rubbed your hip and smiled softly. “do you know how babies are made?” a stupid question, but, he needed to know that you were aware.

“dean, i know what sex is. i just didn’t think angels could feel that. apparently they can, and i feel like that only around you,” you huffed in frustration while dean couldn’t be more ecstatic than that. you were horny only around him.

“well, have you ever done it?” he asked, almost breathlessly. it felt like the best day of his life.

“no. i didn’t have to,” this matter-of-fact tone only made the older winchester chuckle in amusement.

“birdie, it’s not something you have to do. it’s something you do to feel good. to have some fun with the person you love. it’s not some obligatory task, y’know?” he explained, squeezing your hip.

“like the pizza man?” you tilted your head to the side, and dean sighed. damn, cas, for showing it to you.

“exactly. like the pizza man,” a small smile on his lips as he leaned forward and placed a kiss on your stomach. “but my question is, do you want to feel good, birdie? do you want to do this with me?” maybe, after all, he’d take some of your innocence. but just a little…

you nodded your head, the ache between your legs only intensifying. dean smiled and stroked your cheek with his knuckles.

“good girl,” and then, he pulled you in for the kiss that couldn’t scream hunger any louder.

he was kissing you with a fervour that you happily returned, your fingers tugging on his short hair, making him gasp in your mouth. he’s tongue quickly dominated yours, tasting the familiar cavern of your mouth.

dean grabbed you by the nape of your neck, pulling you on top of him so you were straddling him. he grunted into the kiss, grinding his hips up into you. the massive bulge in his pants rubbed against your clothed heat, making you gasp so sweetly into his lips.

“fuck, i need you so much, birdie. can i have you?” he practically whimpered, looking into your eyes with so much desperation and pent-up feelings.

you smiled and nodded, placing a small kiss on the tip of his nose.

“of course, deano,” and it was enough to make him feel like he was on top of the world.

quickly, he spun you around, your back on the plush blanket as he made his way between your legs. his breath hitched as he fumbled with your jeans, slowly sliding them down. his eyes fell wide open, and he felt as if his heart stopped when he saw that your white panties were practically transparent from how soaked they were.

“you’re this excited, birdie?” he asked with a small chuckle, throwing your pants on the floor. he lay down on his stomach, right between your legs, looking at your dampened underwear as if it was the most beautiful sight in the whole world. “you’re so wet. for me,” he sighed, almost in disbelief.

meanwhile, you felt shy. you trusted dean, but it was something totally new, and you didn’t know what to expect. angels weren’t supposed to feel like that… at all. but then again, you fell in love with a human, so might as well go to hell with it.

dean started blowing on the dampened spot, his warm breath making you squirm, your thighs trembling. you tried to lift them up, bent your knees, but he stopped you, throwing your legs over his shoulders, scooting closer to your needy pussy.

“i didn’t know you were sensitive like that,” he chuckled and pressed a small kiss against your clothed core. you gasped softly, mindlessly moving your hips as if to grind against his face.

you were flustered and didn’t know what to do. which dean noticed and took it as his personal mission to make it feel good for you. he looked up at your reddened face with a soft smile, rubbing circles with his fingers on the soft skin of your thighs.

“i’ll make it so good for you, birdie. i promise,” he panted, and then, he practically ripped your white panties open. not that he was planning on getting rough with you—he just didn’t want to pull away from his new favourite place.

as soon as your pussy was bare to his eyes, he almost gasped in amazement. your pinky folds were covered in arousal, glistening deliciously as if to invite him to bury his face there. he brushed against them with his fingers, and then, slowly parted them open. he inhaled sharply through his nose as he placed his fingers on your clit, already feeling how swollen it was under his digits. he started rubbing it in soft circles, making you gasp and arch into his touch. jesus christ, it was like all his dreams came true in this moment.

“you have such a pretty little pussy, birdie. and you’re already so eager for me,” he muttered breathlessly, grinding his hips against the mattress as he was touching you.

his other hand moved to your entrance, his fingers probing it open, and then, he slowly slid one finger inside. you widened your eyes and inhaled sharply, sitting up and looking at what he was doing.

“shh, shh. it’ll feel good, baby. i promise. watch and learn so you can help yourself if i’m not around, okay?” he cooed, looking up to meet your eyes.

after receiving a nod of confirmation, dean continued. slowly, he started moving his finger inside of you, feeling your soft walls clamp around it greedily. fuck, he wanted to sink his cock inside you as soon as possible to feel you flutter around him, memorize his shape as it twitched eagerly inside of you, ready to spill his thick cum deep inside your womb, marking you as his. but first, he needed to prepare you for it.

then, he added the second finger, moving them in and out but also trying to stretch your tight hole for his dick. it could barely take in two of his fingers, so he was only imagining how tight you’d feel wrapped around his cock—which made it twitch painfully in his pants.

you were making such beautiful sounds—every shy groan, gasp or a whimper, sending him into oblivion as you watched him fingering you like a good little student.

however, as soon as he felt your walls begin to flutter around his digits, he slowly withdrew them, making you whine quietly at the sudden emptiness. he smiled and looked at you while his thumb was pressed against your swollen bud. “i know you want more, baby. but now it’s time for something better, and i want you to finish with me. but i’ll kiss that pretty pussy later and make you feel good again,” he promised, placing a soft kiss on your forehead as his thumb stroked your clit. you gasped and nodded, biting your lower lip as you looked up at him.

“i need you, dean,” you whined so pathetically that he felt he’d cum in his pants right at that exact moment.

he nodded his head, taking his clothes off at the same time, eager to sink deeply into your warmth. as soon as he pulled his boxers down, his cock sprung free, hitting his stomach. you widened your eyes curiously, tilting your head to the side as you watched it throb, precum leaking down from the tip. subconsciously, you licked your lips, your cunt only getting wetter. dean smirked cockily, getting between your legs once again.

“like what y’see, birdie?” he chuckled, stroking himself a few times, spreading the precum on his length.

then, he rubbed the tip of his fat cock against your dripping slit, coating it in your juices. finally, he nudged the head of his erection in your entrance, slowly pushing in, filling your desperate cunt. you gasped loudly, your eyes widening as you felt his cock stretching you out. with a whine, you leaned back on the pillow, your eyes rolling to the back of your head as you let out a few needy whimpers.

dean grunted, feeling your walls flutter around him, trying to accommodate his size.

“you’re so fucking tight, birdie,” he panted, slowly pushing forward, trying to sink in fully, just waiting for the moment his tip would brush against your cervix. one hand was firmly holding your hip meanwhile the other moved to your chest, giving your breast a firm squeeze as he rolled your nipple between his thumb and forefinger, feeling it harden in his touch.

soon, he was fully sheathed in you, the tip of his dick pressed against your cervix, your walls stretching on his girth, already memorizing each throbbing vein. he looked down at you with a soft smile, stroking your hair as he moved some of it out of your already sweaty forehead.

“how are you doing, birdie? feels good?” he asked. he wanted to make sure that it was 100% pleasurable to you, and he’d stop as soon as he noticed even a slight narrowing of your brows.

you nodded, biting down on your lower lip. “yhym. y-yeah. feels good,” you sighed, slowly relaxing after the intrusion.

dean smiled and kissed you lovingly on your lips, beginning to move as soon as he felt that you weren’t so tense anymore. you gasped softly when he pulled out, the head of his cock still nestled in your pussy, and then moved back in. you wrapped your arms around his shoulders, your nails digging into his back, leaving dark crescent marks on his skin. he hissed and groaned in pleasure, picking up the pace.

“you drive me crazy, birdie. feels so good. so wet. i should’ve put my cock in you a long time ago,” he moaned, his hips beginning to slam against yours, the loud sounds of skin slapping against skin echoing through the walls along with the sound of your pussy eagerly slurping him in.

soon, he was pounding in and out of you, your lovemaking echoing obscurely to the point it was heard outside of the room, and you just imagined the look of exasperation on sam’s face as he pondered over getting some earplugs. but it quickly disappeared from your mind, your focus landing back on dean and his cock, basically splitting you open.

he threw your legs over his shoulders, wrapping his arms around your thighs as this new position allowed him to go even deeper. you were holding onto the headboard, moans leaving your mouth nonstop, and as he hit that sweet spot inside of you, you almost screamed, clenching around him.

“you’re gonna cum? huh, birdie? cum for me,” he panted, thrusting into you even harder.

you yelped pathetically, feeling a knot forming in your lower belly, your body tensing up as it was preparing to fall over the edge.

“yeah, that’s it. cum for me, angel. you’re so pretty. fuck, i love you so much,” he panted, freeing your legs and just holding your thighs as he made you wrap them around his waist. then, he leaned forward, crashing his lips on yours in a desperate kiss.

and that was enough to send you over the edge. you clenched around him and then relaxed as your juices started gushing out on his length. he helped you come down from your high. however, his movements faltered as he was close too. he shortly followed after you, stilling in your cunt as he spilled thick ropes of his pearly seed inside your warm womb.

he drew out your climax and finally slumped down, resting on top of you. he cradled you in his arms, his head resting between your breasts as his soft cock was still nestled inside of you, your mixed juices dripping out, creating a mess.

“god, you were amazing,” he said, kissing the side of your breast. however, you quickly slapped his arm, making him hiss and raise his head at you, a small pout on his lips. “ow, what was that for?”

“don’t say his name now!” you huffed, your cheeks red as if you were caught doing something inappropriate. dean chuckled and lifted himself up, peppering your face with kisses.

“okay, okay. i won’t,” he murmured, nuzzling his face in the crook of your neck, just basking in the afterglow of your intense lovemaking.

after a while, he pulled out of you, watching his cum drip out of you. he smiled proudly and scooped some up with his thumb, pushing it back inside.

“just so nothing goes to waste,” he hummed. “we’re definitely going to do it more often from now on,” he grinned at you, studying your face. “you’ll be full of my seed every day.”

and once again, you had that curious expression on.

“can we do it now?”

dean was flabbergasted with how quickly you had recovered. but then again, you were an angel, and his dick was already hardening.

who was he to deny his little angel?

a/n: i didn’t expect it to be so long lmfao😭lmk what you think<3

༄♡ tags: @beausling @deanswidow @titsout4nicholas @a1ecmcdowell @figthoughts @aileenunfiltered @fitxgrld @angelicp0etry @hrtsoldierboy @deansbite @10ava01

[morningstarwrites]

Star I'm curious. Is your version of Alastor written to be demiromantic and/or demisexual? Because he certainly seems like it, with the I've never wanted to be someone's someone line.

Yeah! As I was planning out my story, I was thinking of the most reasonable way for Alastor to fall in love. I just can't imagine Alastor caring about anyone unless the situation was: Lucifer accepts and likes him for who he is, flaws and all.

It's not about instant attraction - I WILL say they really, really hated each other - it's only after the whole journey of getting to know each other that they start liking one another. (got kind of long so more under the cut)

With his asexuality, it had to be really nuanced. It's a part of who he is, so my headcanon is: Alastor's not interested in the concept of sex/relationships whatsoever (indifferent). but he does care immensely for Lucifer, and that kind of emotional intimacy makes him very very veeeryyy into him.

He'll only make exceptions for Lucifer, which you see throughout the story. It's also why I made them from enemies -> acquaintances -> friends -> best friends/lovers. So if he were to do anything romantic, it would only be with Lucifer, right? That's just what I think is most plausible for Alastor.

[deadpresidents]

I’m curious about the friendship between Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter (and presidential friendships in general,) I’d like to know what that looked like for them. Would they go and do things together or was it just a few phone calls a year?

Their relationship is really interesting because during the 1976 campaign and in the years right afterward, Ford and Carter genuinely did not like each other. It wasn't a normal, opponent vs. opponent rivalry, either. They straight-up disliked one another, and that was extremely unusual for Gerald Ford, who got along with practically everybody he met throughout his life, rarely had bad things to say about other people, and was almost physically incapable of being unkind to others, no matter what side of the political spectrum they belonged to.

What changed was when President Reagan sent all the living former Presidents -- Nixon, Ford, and Carter -- to Cairo in 1981 to attend Anwar Sadat's funeral following Sadat's assassination. The three former Presidents all flew together on one of the planes normally used as Air Force One, and there was some tension at the beginning, but the person who broke the ice, oddly enough, ended up being Richard Nixon. Ford then suggested that the former Presidents should drop all formalities and just refer to one another as Dick, Jerry, and Jimmy. As Ford remembered, "I guess we figured we were gonna be in a plane together forty hours, more or less, and in order to be pleasant, it was a good idea to just wipe the slate clean, which we did." Ford and Carter eventually started bonding, partly over the fact that Ronald Reagan was a major reason why each of them ultimately lost their respective bids for re-election.

At the time, Carter was having trouble building his Presidential Library, and he asked Ford for some advice since Ford had just recently opened his library. When Carter mentioned he was having some issues raising money for the library, Ford offered to come down and appear at fundraisers for him, and asked Carter to return the favor and visit the Ford Library for an event.

As Thomas M. DeFrank writes in his 2007 book, Write It When I'm Gone: Remarkable Off-the-Record Conversations With Gerald R. Ford (BOOK | KINDLE | AUDIO):

"Carter accepted, triggering a Jimmy-Jerry tag team match extending over several years. These back-scratching appearances didn't convert them into friends, but the relationship was notably friendlier. They began staying in regular contact, talking on the phone, and exchanging birthday greetings. Their contacts were sufficiently public that some of Ford's closest political allies grumbled that he was spending altogether too much time with Carter -- not unlike similar complaints from [George H.W.] Bush 41 partisans today that he hangs around Bill Clinton too much. Ford brushed off the complaints. Beyond their shared practical interests in Presidential Libraries, another unifying bond was at play. Both ex-Presidents had strong reasons not to like Ronald Reagan, which helped cement their ties even though neither one would ever admit it publicly. To one old Ford friend, the calculation was simple: 'Once you did something for his library or museum, you were a friend for life.'"

As they got older, Ford and Carter would sometimes make joint appearances at Presidential Libraries or universities, or events for important causes, and they even wrote a joint op-ed during the Monica Lewinsky scandal urging Congress to censure President Clinton instead of impeaching him. They felt it was a bad precedent (which it has clearly turned out to be) and would be bad for the country. Unlike Ford, Jimmy Carter wasn't very easy-going or personable, so there were times when their friendship would get a little frayed. Ford once told a friend, "Well, you know Jimmy. He can be a real pain in the ass, but we get along."

Eventually, they promised one another that they would deliver the eulogy if the other former President died first. President Ford died first, on December 26, 2006, and Carter attended every event during the several days of ceremonies, from Ford's lying in state at the U.S. Capitol, to the national funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral, and traveled with Ford's family and the former President's remains to Ford's hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. At the church service in Grand Rapids, Carter delivered his eulogy, and also attended the private interment service when Ford was buried as at his Presidential Library. In his eulogy, Carter repeated the gracious first words he had said when delivering his Inaugural Address on the day he took over the White House from Ford in 1977, "For myself and for my nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land." It was a remarkable relationship between two former Presidents who, again, genuinely disliked one another for quite some time.

[creative-kny-fics]

I started rereading the KNY manga (for the thousandth time) and decided to write some curious facts that I have in my AU.

Warning: There are some ships that I like, if you don't like them, don't read and avoid having a bad time. And if there are any questions, I will answer them. Or in case there is some information that you like and that I also like, I can add it

Ships:

1. SaneGiyuu (Sanemi Shinazugawa x Giyuu Tomioka)

2. ObaMitsu (Iguro Obanai x Mitsuri Kanroji)

3. GenMui (Genya Shinazugawa x Muichiro Tokito)

4. UzuRen x Uzui's wiwes (Uzui Tengen x Kyojuro Rengoku - Uzui x Suma x Makio x Hinatsuru)

5. ZenNezu (Zenitsu Agatsuma x Nezuko Kamado)

6. TanKana (Tanjiro Kamado x Kanao Tsuyuri)

7. InoAoi (Inosuke Hashibira x Aoi Kanzaki)

8. KagaMane (Kagaya x Amane Ubuyashiki)

Before the Final Battle:

1. After Nezuko was accepted by Oyakata-Sama, Giyuu took in both siblings and let them stay at his estate to rest or to feed them.

Some time later, Giyuu left the property to both of them as he started living with Sanemi, but he always visited them to make sure they were okay, so it didn't really seem like he and Sanemi were living together.

2. However, after Nezuko was accepted, most noticed a change in Sanemi's personality.

This was because Sanemi remembered the moment he killed his mother and a guilt came over him. He tried to think of what it would have been like for him and Genya if he had known known that it was not necessary to kill her, but he could have sought help for her.

3. Shinobu and Giyuu became close after Kanae's death as Shinobu began to exhibit strange behaviors and Giyuu noticed.

Many thought that the two were a couple, and they were, but they discovered that they got along better as friends than as boyfriends, and they remained on good terms.

After all, it was Shinobu, with the help of Uzui and Rengoku, who helped make Sanemi and Giyuu a couple.

4. Nezuko's feelings for Zenitsu began when she realized that she was part of his priority and that he stayed taking care of her after saving everyone.

In turn, Nezuko really likes how Zenitsu cares about her, in addition to enjoying his gifts and having them in her box when he is on a mission.

5. Neither Mitsuri, nor Tengen, nor Obanai accepted hearing that Rengoku had died.

When Mitsuri found out, she immediately ran to Obanai and cried for hours because she couldn't believe that her mentor had died and she wasn't able to save him.

Obanai couldn't cry, he didn't know why, but he just couldn't do it, at least when he was awake, he started crying silently when he slept.

Tengen was probably the one who accepted that the best, but his thoughts that he was going to hell increased, nor did his wives manage to console him because he seemed to remain neutral about it in front of them. He only cried in front of his grave, it was the only place where he felt comfortable crying.

6. After the red light district arc, Kanao was the one who stayed by Tanjiro's side the most during his free time, often singing to him or having Nezuko with her to make sure everything is okay.

7. Although Nezuko could speak after the Blacksmith Village Arc, she was wearing her bamboo muzzle for some time.

It was something that Nezuko gradually stopped, even though most of the time she was seen without her muzzle, when she was alone she used a cloth because she felt 'uncovered' and she didn't get used to it.

The girls from the butterfly mansion and Giyuu were the ones who helped her get out of the muzzle, as well as taught her to talk and do other activities so that she stays busy and doesn't think about it.

8. Kagaya knew that soon he would have to die, so he decided to use himself as a sacrifice.

Although he tried to persuade Amane to save herself so that she could take care of her children, Amane never left him and asked Gyomei to take care of her children for them if he survived.

9. Mitsuri cried when she learned that each person was dying, which was reflected in her fight against Nakime, and Obanai was constantly repeating to her and asking her to make an effort so that their deaths were not in vain.

10. The surviving crows informed everyone they knew of the hunters who lost their lives about who won.

Although some parents were happy, others cried, others were extremely angry with the Ubuyashiki, but they did not dare to say anything to them because they were children and because they were escorted by Uzui and Rengoku.

After the Final Battle:

1. Since most of the hashiras died, Sanemi and Giyuu agreed to become their new owners so that they would not lack food.

Except for En, Shinobu's crow, and Kaname, Rengoku's crow, who were left in the care of Kanao and Senjuro.

2. When Sanemi and Kanao met, Sanemi not only gave Kaburamaru, but also a paper with activities, tastes, meals, schedules and instructions to take care of Kaburamaru.

This paper would have been written by Obanai shortly after he became hashira, the only one who knew about this was Kaburamaru, so he was the one who showed Sanemi the hiding place so that he could give it to Kanao.

3. Tengen, Sanemi and Giyuu pay a weekly visit to their comarades and family.

This started because on a visit that Tengen and his wives made, they heard cries and found Sanemi and Giyuu crying uncontrollably, so they began to go back to back to have better emotional support at those times.

4. Although part of Shinobu/Kanae's haori was torn, Inosuke found some fabrics and kept them carefully because it was the only thing left of Shinobu for him.

Upon learning that Nezuko managed to restore Giyuu's haori, he kindly asked if she could do something with Shinobu's, and although she couldn't do much since much of the fabric was stained with blood, she managed to make a small handkerchief.

5. None of the butterfly girls (Naho, Kiyo and Sumi) know that Shinobu is not coming back.

Neither Kanao nor Aoi have the heart to tell them that she died and every time they ask about her, they respond "she's on an important trip, but she asked us to remind you that she loves you very much."

6. Shinjuro left his alcohol problem some time after Kyojuro's death, becoming the father that Senjuro and Kyojuro remembered.

He usually takes Senjuro to spend time with the Kamaboko Squad while he simply observes them, especially Senjuro.

7. When Mitsuri's parents found out about her death and what happened between her and Obanai, they themselves organized the burial for both of them.

They always go to visit them and before leaving, they leave a small plate of sakura mochi for Mitsuri, and a plate of tororo kumbo for Obanai.

8. Although the bodies of Shinobu, Genya and Tokito could never be found, they, like the others, had their place in the bush.

Genya and Muichiro's graves are together, as Sanemi kindly requested that the least he could do to honor his brother is to be buried next to the person he loved, on the other hand, Shinobu's grave is close to that of Gyomei and Kanae.

9. If you remember, the first time Sanemi meets Kagaya, after Kumeno's death, he reads the will that Masachika had left for Sanemi and they let him keep it.

Obanai and Rengoku's letter was given to Senjuro and Shinjuro, Gyomei and Shinobu's to Kanao and Aoi, Mitsuri's to their parents, Genya's to Sanemi, and Muichiro's to Giyuu.

10. Kagaya and Amane's children (Kiriya, Kuina and Kanata) were "adopted" by Sanemi and Giyuu, as they considered it inappropriate for children to grow up without a father and mother figure.

Some additional data:

1. Giyuu, Sanemi and Tanjiro will live beyond 25 years, why?

My theory is that the hunter's mark was similar to the curse of the Ubuyashiki, so when Kibutsuji was defeated, both the curse of the Ubuyashiki family and the curse of the "marked" were removed. Although Sanemi and Giyuu thought they would die when they reached 25, they were surprised that this was not the case and that made them very happy, since they were able to accompany the Ubuyashiki in their childhood and be there as their support.

2. Inosuke didn't understand his feelings, so he initially thought that he was sick or that some BDA had affected him.

Kanao explained that he was just in love and went directly to tell Aoi about what he felt and she accepted it.

3. Part of the names of Uzui's sons were based on their fallen comrades. His wives didn't care and supported him in his idea.

Eeeeem... Uhhhh... Tag list? (Ig): @xxlady-lunaxx @giggly-squiggily @btsforver @giyuusimpblog @beddybites @ticklish-sidekick (I don't want you to do this, just, to read it hehehe)

[laswells-ashtray]

New here but already in love with the way you write Price and Nikolai, so I have an idea for you.

I saw the hybrid COD idea and was thinking about how Price would never show his wings to anyone except those who keeps close(his boys, Laswell, Mac, etc), but he only shows them one because the showing of both wings is something reserved for significant others, which is something John thought he’d never have.

Cue Nikolai coming in and turning his whole life around, and now they’re sitting in one of John’s favorite quiet places and having a drink when the dragon hybrid gets up suddenly and turns to face Nikolai, a look of content and bliss in his eyes as he stretches his wings to their full height and show them to the pilot in all their glory.

At first, Nikolai is stunned because- it had taken damn near years to get this powerful captain to trust him, to be around him, and to learn to love him, and now all of a sudden on a warm evening he’s showing off his wings to him of all people?

Needless to say he’s stunned and immediately wraps John in his arms, large form surrounding the dragon’s easily despite his own large size.

Aaaand.. yeah! That’s all I got.

Awwww, that's so fucking cute and very John, to do it without any warning.

John, watching Nikolai discuss the mechanics of a heli: I need this man in my life forever and I need him in my bed without the next two hours.

I think touching a dragon's wings is a big nuh-uh unless you're someone close to them, or a medic because God forbid John go a single mission without getting fucking injured.

Kate has felt them because despite having a master poker face, John could tell she was curious and he trusts her completely. He just took her hand and rested it on her wing, because she's Kate she asked him if he was sure and he nodded. She ever so gently trailed her fingers across his wing and hummed approvingly. "They're nice... Sturdy." "That stops being a good thing when you clobber them off of something."

The boys have all felt one of his wings. It's grounding for Simon when he needs it, Gaz treats it as something precious; being allowed to feel a dragon's wing is a unique experience and Soap is more often that not the one to tell John that he needs to visit the medic because he's a little scratched up.

MacMillan has felt his wing because John has always been a reckless arse and back in the day, Mac was the only one he'd let patch it up because the medics at the time were a bit too heavy-handed and it was either that or John tried to do it himself. He can't twist at the right angles to patch up his own wings. He has a habit of always injuring the right one, too.

Nikolai? Nikolai spends his mornings lazily drawing the shape of a heli against John's wing when they're in bed together in the morning and the other wing is wrapped around him. He does it so often that John knows just from the touch that it's a heli. "Again?" "You complained when it was a penis." "...You're right, carry on."

Nikolai drapes a blanket over John's wings because Soap joked that if they did it then they could make Price look like Batman and Nik's curiosity got the better of him.

He wraps tinsel around the tips of one of his wings at Christmas just to see if John will let him away with it, John does. And John will, every time.

[knot-ee]

Father and son were easily distinguished in appearance and soon showed in the form of emotion and actions. Pensive, closed off, battling their emotions, and deep down wanting desperately to close the awkward gap between them. If the world didn't know better they might have thought Megumi was raised by Toji to learn all his mannerisms. What they had was in the blood. Even in another ten years and half a world apart, the son would be like his father. For a moment Megumi got a brief inkling of that.

For the first time since reuniting, he saw more than the similarities in their green eyes and black hair but his father, this absent man, took the wind out of those sails when he said GUMI. The nerve! As if his father had been an ACTUAL father. It twisted his stomach in knots but those knots felt loosened when the conversation returned to the serious, bigger picture which lied in front of them. For all either of them knew, this reunion would be just a reunion as either or both of them could die in the fight to come.

Very solemn train of thought was upended and a rush of heat hit Megumi straight in the face. He didn't know why. Was it the heat from the anger that was resurfacing? No, it felt different -- his father was being so brave and commanding. Megumi struggled to swallow when he was face-to-face with his father again and just as he thought about turning away ever so subtly, Toji's fingers were grabbing him. It startled him for half a second. He didn't really think his father would hit him again but he certainly wasn't expecting goofiness or fondness. Now he really felt hot all over.

“ Stop. ”

With his cheeks squished, he sounded muzzled; a wolfdog hybrid being domesticated with love he wasn't sure whether he hated or loved yet. It was similar to all the shenanigans Satoru had pulled with his overly affectionate hugs, hair ruffles, and cheek pinching, but it was different coming from Toji. His true father. Hands quickly went up to smack Toji's hands but it wasn't actually meant to harm his father... if such a thing was possible.

“ I always look like this. I look like--- you. ”

Only like a foolish teenager. Only one percent as good looking and masculine as Toji. Green eyes met green eyes and Megumi decided to maintain the steady eye contact. Part of him was curious to see if he kept pushing this relationship would it drive Toji away despite his claims of sticking around. One thing was saying, another thing was facing your son and realizing there was no turning back. His heart was racing faster and faster.

“ I should shower. I probably smell... bad. ”

For the first time it was Toji looking away. Unable to meet Megumi's gaze. Those big green eyes piercing straight into his soul. He knows the feeling. He remembers baby Megumi doing it to him often. But now it felt even sharper and more painful. He knows he deserves it but still he keeps his gaze towards the window. His expression hardened.

Toji could pretend all he wanted. That he didn't care, even if what he did was for Megumi's own good and even if he was a coward on the end. He can pretend but the truth was it hurt. It hurt having to leave Megumi behind. Knowing his little blessing would never understand, why his daddy that he clung to and loved so much would just leave. Toji had decided to rip his own heart out so long ago. But somehow it still fucking hurt even now. Like everything he tried to ignore and suppress was just slowly breaking free from the depths of which he pushed them down and locked them away. Maybe he needed Megumi keit as much as Megumi needed him. Selfish. He was still so fucking selfish!

He closes his eyes and says nothing. Inhaling slowly before he finally opens his eyes and turns to meet Megumi's gaze. And what he saw made his composure almost crack. He saw his Megumi looking heartbroken and distraught. So many years ago he would have picked Megumi up and hugged him to his chest. He would have rubbed his back and showered him in soft reassuring kisses. Because Megumi had always responded better to physical silent reassurance. Words meant nothing. Only actions. Megumi had to be shown that his father was here and not going anywhere. Is that what Megumi really wanted? He said so but that doesn't mean he needs that. He has to stop thinking like that. Megumi is old enough now. He sighs and rubs his own face in frustration

"Damn it, Gumi."

He stands up and walks towards the window. Staring out at nothing.

"If that's what you want. If you're going to fight. I'll fight with you." More like I'll protect you...

"But that doesn't mean we have to rush in without a fucking plan."

He finally turns towards Megumi but doesn't quite look at him yet as if hesitant. After a moment he finally turns fully towards him a new determined look in his eyes and he walks over to him. Crouching down to be at eye level.

"I already told you I wasn't going anywhere didn't I?"

He reached out to grab Megumi's face with one hand. Slightly squishing his cheeks together and grinning softly, it actually reaches his eyes and he looks at Megumi almost fondly.

"Wipe that gloomy look off your face, kid."

[stardustandmoons]

kitty!gojo gets possessive!

3rd part of a series

wordcount: 744

With time you got to know your kitty. He loved treats over anything else, liked fancy things and playing with toys when you weren't looking and was a bit full of himself, but you thought he had the right to. He was so cute!

You also discovered he was a bit possessive when you came home one day from a friend's house. He sniffed you and immediately huffed and went away, having smelt your friend's puppy hybrid's scent on you. He didn't come near you for the rest of the day, no matter how many times you called out for him.

Even after you showered just before going to sleep and you had washed away the scent, he refused to let you kiss him goodnight.

This had become a habit for the two of you, and even if he tried to act nonchalant about it, you noticed he got a bit restless if you did your usual night routine without any sign of approaching him. And when you kissed his cheek you swear he even purred!

So it seemed he was holding a grudge. You were a bit annoyed with him. Why was he so jealous? You were the owner, you could do anything you want! And you even scrubbed hard at your skin in the shower to make sure you didn't smell like that cute puppy anymore…

Deciding that Satoru was too sensitive and that he would be over it by the morning, you went to sleep.

The next day Satoru slowly walked to you while you were making coffee and he rubbed his head on your back apologetically. You smiled, you were right and he had come to his senses. You turned and scratched the base of his ears the way he likes it.

He hugged you tightly and laid his head on the side of your chest. "Missed you"

"Yeah? Well, it was your own fault"

He huffed and squeezed you a bit.

A week later you arranged a playdate at your home with the puppy, because you thought it would be good for Satoru to meet him and interact with another hybrid. Unfortunately, your friend bailed on you last minute, telling you something had come up, but offered to drop him off for the afternoon, to which you agreed.

Your friend left the puppy at your house in a hurry and you introduced the hybrids. "Satoru, this is Yuta. Yuta, this is Satoru"

Satoru looked at the puppy wearily, studying him with narrowed eyes. On the flip side, Yuta's tail was wagging happily and he was smiling. He got closer to Satoru and, before he could do anything, you warned him. "Satoru, be nice".

He then let the puppy sniff him with a resigned look on his face and looked at you like he wanted to say "You happy now?".

A while later, as you were coming to the living room from the toilet, Yuta got in your way. He smelled you and you were a bit weirded out, why was he suddenly doing this?

That was until he got on his knees, pressed his face into your crotch and sniffed hard. You jumped, letting out a shocked squeal, as Satoru got in front of you and hissed agressively at Yuta. You quickly composed yourself and reprimanded your pet. After all, you had wanted them to get along, not fight.

You slapped his butt while you told him he shouldn't act like that and he gave you an irritated look, but didn't say anything. You explained to Yuta that it wasn't okay for him to sniff there and he apologized profusely, the poor puppy was so scared. You told him it was fine and the rest of the afternoon went on with him innocently bothering Satoru while he acted aloof.

You felt bad because, after giving it a thought, you realized that Yuta had smelled that you had just got your period and was curious of the smell. Maybe your friend hadn't taught him proper manners, it wasn't his fault!

When you closed the door after saying goodbye to Yuta and your friend, Satoru let out a sigh. "Finally"

You looked at him harshly and he acted like he hadn't said anything. You gave him a talk about being friendly and being nice while he looked uninterested.

You were annoyed with him, but you forgave him the moment he got on your lap a while later. He was too cute!

[derpydoteddrake]

I’m actually very curious, how do you think Viktor’s arc will end in Arcane (act3) & also how could it impact his relationship with Jayce ?

Oh wow a question! Hello there!

Since s1 ended my bet was that it will end with: jayce failing to destroy the core, viktor will lose his mind to it and the series will not conclude their rivalry story but kick it off and they end up roughly where they were in lore.

And I always thought the series would use Viktor as a hook for future stories to show that there are still conflicts on the horizon.

One thing that they hinted and definitely gonna come into play is his reluctance to sacrifice warwick, I think even actually he will come around to doing that, or maybe they will do that to him.

And also his resurrection will mess him up further.

So I still think something similar will happen/is happening, however the thing that got introduced that complicates things is:

Viktor is too god damn powerful, currently the series is teasing that by the time he finishes his transformation he will be basically a demigod who can puppet corpses.

I thought they would bulk him up so he will be a more obvious threat, but this is a bit too much. He can not end the series with the implication that he is just vibing in zaun like the og, so I think they way they solve this is either:

-just killing him (would be probably an ambiguous death because of the time travel shinegans)

-seal him away like Viego

-somehow they sever him from the arcane and he wants to get back that connection.

Since his transformation will probably be a last episode thing, I highly doubt his story will conclude 100%, but he also won't be in a state where he can end the series just casually existing in the world like the others.

And how will it impact his relationship with jayce... we don't quite know what's up with him, yet. But by what he is saying in his skin, he is not over the idea of saving Viktor and he is probably trying to find a timeline where the arcane doesn't destroy everything.

I don't think he is above killing Viktor at this point tho, but It's hard to tell what his exact plan is since he just left viktors body there which allowed him to be resurrected, even though it's implied he did this a lot. I definitely dont thin jayce hates him tho, he did look upset over what he has to do.

The only ending I really dont want is the implication that the only thing left for viktor is for jayce to put him out of his misery. What i always like about viktor is how his character could go in so many directions (he could be even actually redeemed, or he could have even become the next big bad of pnz), and taking that away from him would suck imo.

[chrisprincesss]

(This is literally my first fic ever, I’m sorry if it’s bad )

Chris feels like he’s going insane. Never in his life have his thoughts been consumed this much by someone, especially not by an innocent girl at that. Chris doesn’t typically do sweet girls, doesn’t find himself drawn to the all too people pleasing demeanours they present but you’re different — there’s just something about you which he simply can’t stay away from, can’t find himself wanting to steer from your alluring persona.

Quite frankly, the way you originally met doesn’t even make sense to him, at a party which he was sure he could bet his entire life you were dragged to. What confuses him even more though, is the fact that you chose to befriend him. You’re polar opposites yet you seem to get along as though you share all the common casualties in the world. It’s honestly both amusing as well curious.

Still he finds himself drawn to you regardless of the questions circling his mind and when he finds himself in your neighbourhood dealing, he’d be a fool to pass up the opportunity to see you.

“Was passing by doing some deals and i couldn’t not visit,” He says once you open your front door, a surprised look flickering in your eyes as you register the sight of him before a soft smile breaks onto your face, allowing him into your humble abode.

You step aside and let him in.

Chris follows you into the house, hands shoved into the pockets of his sweatpants as a smirk plays on his lips whilst he takes in the sights of your home. “Cute place you got, pretty.” He lets his eyes trail up and down your figure, shamelessly taking in every little thing about you as you close the front door behind him. “What’s got you up so late anyway?”

“Thank you.” you smile at his comment “I was just working on some stuff.” you walk into the living room and sit back down on the floor, back against the couch. you had been scrapbooking all night.

Chris follows behind you, a curious look appearing on his face as he walks over, eyes flickering between the items on the floor, the ones in your hand and your face. “Scrapbooking, huh?” Chris questions, watching you for a few seconds before sinking onto the floor next to you, his back also against the couch.

“Never saw you as someone who scrapbooks,” He muses, leaning back against the couch and stretching his legs out in front of him.

“Well I do.” you softly spoke and smiled.

A hum of amusement vibrates out of his throat, and he tilts his head back to rest against the couch, turning it slightly to watch you.

“Learn something new everyday, don’t I?” He chuckles, his leg gently bumping into yours as he stretches out.

“You do Chris.” you whispered as you got back to doing your book.

“You look cute when you concentrate,” He teases, his arm shifting so it’s propped up on the couch. His gaze remains on you, eyes studying the way you work.

“I’m surprised, never would I have thought that a sweet, perfect girl like you would be up and scrapbooking at 2 in the morning.” He muses aloud.

“You think I’m cute?” you look at him over your shoulder, but your shoulder hiding your smile.

Chris’ smirk only grows larger hearing you play coy. He shifts on the floor, moving until his own shoulder presses against yours as he lets out a soft chuckle.

Head tilting, still propped up on the couch. “You know you’re cute.”

“You’re sweet Chris.”

Another amused chuckle leaves his throat, a smile still very much present on his face.

(lmk if I should make a pt.2 😭)

[bnhaobservation]

There something I don’t really get: Uraraka said to have expanded quirk counseling along with her group, but wasn’t that one of the factors that sent Toga spiraling: counseling only be used to push people with certain quirks to be “normal”? I agree on the surface level it’s a noble cause and the closest we got to specific actions being taken by the characters helping to fix society, but if it’s just expanded on and not reformed wouldn’t it just push people like toga feel excluded again since nothing is actually changed in the system? I don’t remember, but did Toga tell Uraraka her time in quirk counseling?

Let's start in reverse.

No, Himiko didn't tell Uraraka about her time with Quirk counseling. If Uraraka figured it out that it was the people in Quirk counseling that tolkd Himiko to stop grinning, kudos to her.

There's to say Curious knew Himiko went to Quirk counseling, so Uraraka might have also discovered about it later. It would be nice if Uraraka tried to learn more about Himiko even after her death.

Now... what's Quirkc counseling and what's wrong with it?

According to Curious:

CURIOUS '“Kosei” COUNSELING', jita rikai no yugami o kyōseishi shakaisei no suri awase o hodokosu jōsō kyōiku (read: PROGRAM). Mochiron, kanpekina PROGRAM de wa naishi, kojinsa o yori tsuyoku kanjite shimau to iu mondai o kakaete imasu. Chi o nomi henshin suru, umaretsuki motsu sono inō ni yotte anata wa “chi” ni tsuyoi kyōmi o hikareru yō ni natta. Shikashi shin no fukō wa “akogare” to iu dareshimo ga daku futsū no kanjō. Chi to akogare kamiatte shimatta nitsu no yōso wa tōtei shakai ni ukeire rareru MONO de wa nakatta. Dakara, anata wa FUTA o shita. Jishin o yokuatsu shi kamen o tsukutta.' キュリオス「『〝個性〟カウンセリング』、自他理解の歪みを矯正し社会性の擦り合わせを施す情操教育（プログラム）。もちろん、完璧なプログラムでは無いし、個人差をより強く感じてしまうという問題を抱えています。血を飲み変身する、生まれつき持つその異能によってあなたは〝血〟に強い興味を引かれるようになった。しかし真の不幸は〝憧れ〟という誰しもが抱く普通の感情。血と憧れ噛み合ってしまった２つの要素は到底社会に受け入れられるモノではなかった。だから、あなたはフタをした。自信を抑圧し仮面を作った。」 Curious "Quirk counseling, it's an emotional education (read: program) to correct distortions in self-understanding and others, and to adjust for socialization. Of course, it's not a perfect program, and it has the problem of making individual differences even more apparent. Your innate ability to transform by drinking blood has made you very interested in "blood". However, your true misfortune is "admiration", a normal emotion that anyone can have. The two elements that go together, blood and admiration, were never going to be accepted by society. So you put a lid on it. You suppressed your confidence and made a mask."

Basically the purpose of Quirk counseling is to help people harmoniously cope with their Quirk and society... but the downside of Quirk counseling is it doesn't really work toward having people accept themselves and be accepted by society, but just tries to remove whatever undesirable trait by suppressing it.

In Himiko's case they told her to stop acting 'abnormal'. I don't know how they handle Heteromorphs but the Heteromorphs have a bone to pick with Quirk counseling as they can't really hide/suppress their appearance.

Now... how expanding it might help something that doesn't work?

It can be that the whole expanding was a typing mistake, early on in chap 22 it was implied all the kids in elementary school receive Quirk counseling, so what does it mean to expand it if all the kids have access to it when they turn 6?

Or it can be that 'expanding' refers to expanding the resources put into Quirk counseling. If more people work at it with more time they might figure out which problems it has and help the children better.

In fact if few resources are put in the program, of course the program will rush to a quick and easy fix that will often not work in the long run. However, if more resources are put in it, people might put more efforts in helping the kids.

Said all this, Quirk counseling was really not well expanded or explained in the story, and mostly tossed in.

It might make sense for Japanese readers as Japanese schools have a counseling program (it seems schools in USA also have it but their own is different) and it turned out this Japanese counseling program needs reform so Japanese readers might see the Quirk counseling program as based on the counseling program of their schools, think it work the same and guess it also have the same problems.

For who's not Japanese, especially if they don't come with a school with a counseling program, the whole thing feels like something Horikoshi tossed in, left it mostly unexplained and generally showed it was bad/poorly working.

We don't see value in it because the story hardly showed us it had value (with Himiko it ruined her, with the Masegaki kids it didn't work, with the Heteromorphs it made them feel worse) so an ending that says 'yay, let's expand it' feels like they want to expand something that makes more harm that good out of nowhere... but again, this might be because we miss the cultural context in which said program is meant to be read.

Still, I really wish Horikoshi had developed it more because while it had potential, it mostly went untapped so it lost it's potential when it got mentioned again at the end of the story.

Thank you for your ask! I love to talk about BNHA! I hope my reply was somewhat of some help!

[fleshengine]

I experienced Mouthwashing last night (a friend streamed it to me because I'm too fucken broke to buy it) and I'm curious to hear your thoughts on it

Anya killing herself with the remaining painkillers doesn't make sense because they were labelled paracetamol which is acetaminophen. Acetaminophen overdose takes days to kill, so unless she was barricaded in medical for a lot longer than it seems in game it wouldn't have killed her that fast. We know it's acetaminophen poisoning as well, because she vomited all over herself. It's the only "plothole" in the story, which is impressive given its multiple POVs and jumping around in time.

I don't understand why Jimmy fed Curly a piece of himself, it feels like cannabalism imagery for the sake of cannabalism imagery. If he's just going to chuck him in a cryopod, and then off himself why bother? Then again, Jimmy's mental state is far from anything I'd even consider calling stable.

Swansea putting Daisuke out of his misery doesn't make sense to me because why not do the same for Curly? This could be handwaved by the dwindling medical supplies or as characterization for Swansea but it struck me as odd.

I can tell what the game is trying to say, and it says it because I've seen other people talk about it at length. Ya know, toxic work culture, guys will back eachother up even if they know the other is doing something terrible, that kinda shit. But some of the surrealist and scary shit just seems thrown in for maximum spookage. I think the game would be better if they cut the scary shit by half and focused more on the actual story they're trying to tell. As it stands, it feels a lot like "hey if there were two guys on the moon and one of them killed the other with a rock would that be fucked up or what?" Obviously I'm being a little reductive, but that's still the vibe aboard the tulpa, I mean Tulpar. Oh yeah, naming your spaceship after tulpas, that was certainly a choice.

Honestly it feels like youtube/gametheory/reaction bait. It starts with big spooks and has surrealist horror sequences so the funny men on youtube can scream and yell. It's out of order so people can make "Mouthwashing in chronological order" videos. It's got a confusing plot so people can make "Mouthwashing EXPLAINED" videos. A lot of the story just isn't told to you and you have to fill it in or find someone to do that for you. You might think "oh well maybe it's 'show, don't tell' done well!" and no, it's not. The game specifically shows you so little, which is nice in a horror game but at the same time, I need SOMETHING to convey the information.

My best example of this is Daisuke in the vent. What happens to him? Dunno, he gets magically fucked up. How does he get the door to medical open while deathly injured? Dunno but he does. I figured we might get a little info when we go into the vent in one of the nightmare vision sequence things, but nope! It's just more random spooks.

Someone could point to me and say "ew stupid gamer needs everything spelled out with yellow paint for her" and honestly they'd be right a little. When it comes to games like this, with complex plots, time jumps, nonchronological storytelling, and abstract nightmare sequences, I would like a little yellow paint occasionally. You can be confusing all you want and I'll enjoy it but when I'm done I want to know what happened.

8/10, I'm glad I watched a playthrough rather than pay for it myself.

[roxygen22]

Sickly Lee from bones and All getting taken care of by reader they have to stay at a hotel cuz Lee feels so sick as they are traveling during bad weather. He doesn’t want to rest but reader is worried about him and they need somewhere safer than lee’s truck. They wait out the storm and lee’s illness until it lets up. Which is a good few days.

Snowed In

"Lee, we have to find somewhere to pull over."

Your words didn't seem to register as Lee maintained a white knuckle grip on the steering wheel, except when he swiped his runny nose with the back of his hand. He stared out into the swirling mass of snow that violently attacked the windshield and blanketed the ground. It was getting exponentially harder to see as day transitioned to night.

"Lee!"

"What?!" he bit back. You startled. He hardly ever yelled at you unless he was stressed. You saw instant regret on his face at your reaction.

"We need to find somewhere to stop. You can hardly see as it is, and it's getting dark," you repeated in a lower register.

"We need to get back to Independence. I've got a job lined up starting Monday. I can make some real money and stay in one spot for a while like you've wanted. We can push through this."

"But we'll freeze to death if we get stuck out here in the truck. The heater is already struggling to keep it warm in here," you retorted, zipping your coat to the max at your neck and throwing the hood over your head. You knew you had successfully made your point when all you heard was a heavy sigh in response.

As if it were by divine intervention, a red vacancy sign glowed in the distance. Lee followed it like a northern star to a third-rate motel off the highway.

"Stay in here. Gonna leave the truck running in case we need to move," he instructed. He bundled up the best he could in his tattered jacket and scarf and deftly exited the truck, barely letting in any of the bitter cold. He leaned into the wind as he walked to the office.

With nothing else to do, you looked around, noticing how the snow was already piling up into drifts on the upwind side of the trees. Being from the South, you'd never seen snow blow in sideways before, so you were both alarmed and mesmerized.

Movement from the office refocused your attention toward the door. A red-nosed Lee quick-stepped back to the truck with a large plastic keychain in hand and nimbly jumped back into the driver's side.

"We got the last room. The lady had the news going on the TV. Radar looks bad. You made the right call, making us stop." He half-smiled and held his hand to your cheek. You jumped back.

"You're freezing!" you shrieked.

"I know," he said, cackling. "And you're hot!" He grinned and raised his other hand as if he was going to put it on your other cheek, but you shoved it away with a playful scowl.

"Alright, alright, let's get inside, and then I can warm you up," you teased. The two of you traveled lightly, so you were able to make quick work of getting to the room. Lee sat on the edge of the bed and wiped his nose again.

"You feelin' okay?" you inquired, worried by the increasing frequency of his sniffling.

"Huh? Oh, it's just the shift from cold air to warm and back. I'm fine. Why don't we, uh, make the most of having an actual bed for a change?"

Lee snatched your arm and pulled you down. "Besides, we'll stay warmer if we're naked," he continued, cheeky grin plastered on his face. After snuggling turned into lovemaking, you both soon fell asleep, finding comfort in the warmth of tangled limbs.

<><><><><>

At some point in the night, you woke to Lee's obnoxious snoring, thanks to his congestion. You were unsure how much time had passed, but it was still dark out. Very dark. A little too dark. That's when you noticed the silence between Lee's breaths and realized that the power had gone out.

Curious, you extricated yourself from his grip and shuffled to the edge of the bed to look out the window. The parking lot was solid white, covered in undisturbed snow except the crude outline of buried cars and trucks. The wind had died, allowing the flakes to gently fall to the ground.

You were so caught up in the serenity that Lee's sudden cough startled you. He stirred but was still mostly asleep, just repositioning to get comfortable. You crawled back over to the middle of the bed and felt his forehead. As you suspected and feared, he was unnaturally warm. He shifted again in response to your touch.

"-t's up?" he slurred almost incoherently.

"Nothing, love. Go back to sleep." He immediately stilled as if you had him under a hypnotic spell. It took all your restraint not to giggle. You settled in next to him and went back to sleep yourself. There was nothing else to do in the pitch black without a flashlight or candles.

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You woke again after daybreak, but it wasn't the sunlight that roused you. Lee was shivering violently, despite the restored power and heating during the night. His red curls were damp from sweat. With no access to medicine or a doctor, you hoped that his body could fight off whatever was wrong on its own.

You slid out of bed again, careful not to jostle him. After quietly padding to the bathroom, you grabbed a washcloth and wet it down. The cold tap was freezing, and the hot tap was only slightly better. Once you wrung out the excess water, you laid it on Lee's forehead. This seemed to soothe him long enough to settle back into deeper sleep.

Knowing you had zero food in your bags, you decided to venture out to the vending machine you saw on arrival while there was still power. In case Lee woke, you wrote a note and stuck in on your pillow. You draped as many layers of clothing over your body as you could manage and bravely opened the door. There was a wall of snow up to your knees.

"I am definitely not used to this," you muttered. Tucking your chin into your jacket, you took a step forward and sank into the powdery mix. You awkardly picked up your feet up and over the snow step by step until you made it to the breezeway that housed the vending machine. Luckily, it was tucked away and spared from drifts.

Your gloved hands fumbled with the coins. You queued up a couple of bags of chips and granola bars and followed your footsteps back to your room. Thankfully, Lee was still sound asleep. He needed the rest.

You breathed on your hands and rubbed them together to warm back up. Once you could feel them again, you ripped open a granola bar only to be disappointed that it was hard as a rock, either stale or just frozen solid. You were so hungry, though, that it didn't deter you from ripping off a few chunks with your canine teeth. Unsure of how long the two of you would be holed up, you rationed the remaining half for later.

The power cycled off again, luckily after you had warmed back up. After making sure Lee was bundled up in blankets, you grabbed a book from your bag and perched in the window sill to take advantage of the ambient light. Right as you started getting deeply absorbed in the plot, Lee's voice startled you.

"Hey," he rasped.

"Hey, sleepy head. How are you feeling?" You immediately stood and brought him a glass of water. He drank greedily, making needy little gulping noises.

"My throat is so dry," he whined.

"That's probably because you breathed through your mouth all night." You took the glass from him and refilled it. "Drink some more water, then you should probably eat something." You pointed to the chips and granola bar.

"You left?"

You nodded. "Just out to the vending machine. I was starving."

"What time is it?" he asked.

"11:00am."

His mouth gaped and he smacked his forehead with his hand. "Dammit. Checkout was at 10:00am."

You chuckled. "Lee, nobody is going anywhere. When you feel up to it, you should go look outside."

He stretched and stood shakily before shuffling to the window. His jaw silently dropped as he took in the scene. "We're stuck."

You detected a hint of anxiety or fear in his voice. You walked over and gently rubbed his back. "Hey, don't think of it as stuck. Think of it as a remote cabin getaway on a snowy mountain, just the two of us."

He half-smiled. "You have a knack for always seeing the bright side."

"Somebody has to."

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