#irreplaceable VI

[withlovemark]

THE LOVERBOY SERIES

“you can be my lover, i can be your love”

𝜗𝜚 welcome to the dream fraternity! seven dreamy boys, seven absolutely cheesy love stories where you’re the main character! warning: you might hate yourself during the process…but what’s love without a little chaos?

contains 18+ content

I. STUPID CUPID

pairing: na jaemin x art major! reader

synopsis -> mr. cupid — anonymous radio host. running the #1 most popular radio show on campus. famous for his thoughtful advice and classified as a true hopeless romantic. na jaemin — photography major, the sweet fuck-boy. described to be affectionate and gentle…but don’t fall for his tactics! once he’s done with you, he’s gone with the wind. your best friend unfortunately happened to be on the receiving end of this. what happens when you find out that the anonymous radio host is none other than na jaemin himself? sweet revenge.

𝜗𝜚

II. FLYING KISS

pairing: childhood best friend! lee jeno x nerd! reader

synopsis -> you and lee jeno go way back, as in diapers and all that. before he was known as the chill fuckboy, he was an all time nerd! just like you! tired of being a loser who can’t even get the guy you wanted, you badly needed tips and a makeover. who’s better to ask for help than your childhood best friend, who has proven that a nerd can be sexy?

𝜗𝜚

III. SORRY, HEART

pairing: friends with benefits! mark lee x tutor! reader

synopsis -> sex helps him focus. focus he needs for your tutoring sessions. it was a win-win for mark lee when you proposed to add a stress-relief session to the schedule. the favorite fuckboy and the girl who doesn’t believe in love equals the ultimate friends with benefits set-up. it’s the perfect dream team! but uh oh…it seems like mark has been shot by cupid’s arrow. will mark survive all of your attempts at pushing him away?

𝜗𝜚

IV. IRREPLACEABLE

pairing: enemy! lee haechan x ex bff! reader

synopsis -> lee haechan, theatre major, absolutely hated your guts. you felt the same exact way. the only girl in this whole university that hasn’t fallen for the most popular fuckboy’s charms. which is why it sucks that you have both landed the main roles in the theater’s upcoming play, romeo and juliet. what was that saying about love and hate being a thin line?

𝜗𝜚

V. MY FIRST AND LAST

pairing: bff! zhong chenle x fake gf! reader

synopsis -> zhong chenle, the lowkey fuckboy, captain of the basketball team, doesn’t believe in romance. flowers? chocolates? handwritten letters? ew. too cheesy. but he can’t seem to shake this crazy girl off of him so he goes to you, his best friend, cheerleading captain, for help. will you be his fake girlfriend? sure. the catch? it has to be believable so for the first time in his life he buys the flowers and the chocolate and writes the handwritten letters.

𝜗𝜚

VI. BREATHING [NEW]

pairing: fuckboy! jisung x convenient gf! reader

synopsis -> park jisung has sworn off love after being cheated on. he’s been doing a really great job breaking hearts and not looking back. the boys are worried that they’ve taken fuckboy101 too seriously and have now created the ultimate fuckboy. this conversation was heard by your group of friends who never backs away from a challenge. and so the bets are on: get the ultimate fuckboy to fall in love with you and you’ll get $125 from each friend. deal?

𝜗𝜚

VII. I HATE FRUITS [COMING ON OR BEFORE JULY 26]

pairing: fake bf! renjun x best friend’s gf! reader

synopsis -> huang renjun, the fuckboy by association, couldn’t care less about romantic relationships. he’s perfectly fine with being single — prefers it, actually. when he accidentally drops a box on your head and you wake up with temporary amnesia, he’s forced to finally take care of a person other than his own self. what’s worse? you think he’s your boyfriend.

EXTRAs: loverboy links (18+ only)

DELETED SCENES: #1.

BONUS SCENES: TBA

authors note: this is a work of fiction only and should not be taken seriously. the way the dream boys are portrayed in these stories are obviously not a representation of who they are in real life. thank you and have fun reading!

this post will be updated along the way -> likes, reblogs and comments are not required but is very appreciated ⏦ﾟ♡︎

if u would like to be tagged when a story is up please do let me know :3

[cowgirlvi]

mdni. sub-bottom vi. fem-top reader. vaginal sex. strap-on usage. rough sex.

vi masterlist

word count: 1.2k

since your breakup with vi, there’s been numerous rumors circulating around campus—stories of her charming girls with sweet, romantic dates, only to take them home and leave them thoroughly fucked. under normal circumstances, it might bother you. except you know vi, you know how tightly wound she gets, how unsatisfied she must be, because it’s clear none of those other girls have put in the effort to actually fuck vi. 

you haven’t heard a single whisper about any of them actually giving vi what she needs, stretching her out the way she craves, pressing their cocks deep inside her tight pussy. you imagine it must be eating her alive. vi’s always had a greedy hole—an orifice that’s bottomless and sweetly pathetic.

besides, you’ve seen them; the women she dates. they’re harmless, prudish, well-mannered, pretty in a conventional way. not one of them could fuck vi properly. they wouldn’t even know where to begin.

so it’s amusing, really—watching vi try to provoke you. the way she flaunts them like costume jewelry, hoping to catch your eye. but you offer nothing in return. no reaction, no flicker of interest or jealousy. there’s simply nothing there worth responding to.

which is why you aren’t surprised when vi appears at your doorstep a week later, shy like an abandoned pet. she’s blushing, trembling, her sea-glass eyes rimmed with guilt and some shadowy element of hope.

“can i help you, vi?” you ask, not unkindly, but with practiced indifference.

”i just—i feel bad about the way things ended between us,” she stammers, the lie crumbling on her tongue like wet sugar.

”mmm, you do?” your fingernails tsk-tsk against the doorframe. “okay then. will that be all, vi?”

when you begin to close the door, vi thrusts her hand against the wood with a thud, face suddenly stricken with shame. “baby, wait i—fuck. i miss you, okay?” she reluctantly admits.

you smile. you already knew that.

that’s how vi ends up in your bed, silk sheets wrinkled like the petals of a crushed rose. her legs are held up to her chest and your strap is buried deep inside her cunt, pressing painfully against her cervix. it’s a fitting consequence for her betrayal—for being such a stubborn slut that she sought out pleasure in other people, instead of coming to you.

”you missed me, huh?” you murmur, thrusting sharply, your voice velvety with cruelty. “that’s funny. i heard you’ve been keeping pretty busy.”

the sight of her stretched open, pussy weeping around you, is so familiar that it nearly bores you. but no, there’s joy in it more than anything. the sadistic kind of joy one only feels when their favorite toy remembers its owner.

vi goes cross-eyed as you slam into her again, a noise halfway between a sob and a prayer tumbling from her open mouth. you touch her slit—just a trace—and she shivers, instinctive and pathetic.

“yes, yes—mmffuck!”

it’s overtly apparent; no matter how many girls vi brought home, no matter how many times she tried to lose herself in someone else, nothing could compare to this. the realization fills you with a sense of pride; a deep feeling of assurance and certainty that you are, in every way, irreplaceable.

”fuck, baby, your pussy’s a mess,” you murmur in astonishment. after all these months, how could you forget what a sloppy, wet hole she has? “bet none of those girls knew how to take care of this greedy little thing.”

vi shakes her head with something like reverence, her voice catching. “ahh, only y-you—it’s only ever been you—hunghh—i swear!“

you meanly grope vi’s breasts, admiring the way her fat tits jiggle. once upon a time, the sight of vi’s naked body might have stirred something possessive in you—jealousy, perhaps, at the thought of someone else witnessing her like this. but now, as you watch vi unravel beneath you, all you feel is a quiet, amused detachment. an urge to murmur something soft and cutting about how pathetic she is.

you know vi—know her body better than she does herself. she needs to be filled, used like she’s a worthless doll, stripped of all purpose except pleasuring you. she needs it hard and unyielding and constant. from the look on her face—wrecked and anguished—you were right to assume that nobody else came close to giving her what she craves.

“you just needed someone to fuck you right,” you coo. “someone who knows what a sick little baby you really are.”

“yes,” she gasps. “please—need it harder, fuck!”

you relish in how desperate she is for you. vi’s so cute when being fucked open; demanding everything from you, whilst unable to give anything back but cries and spasms. it makes you feel delirious—fuckdrunk, even. all you can hear is the wet percussion of your hips against hers, and her high, helpless mewls. you’re hitting all the right spots, striking cords deep inside her gummy walls that make her jolt with electricity. you’re fucking vi in a way no one else will ever be able to replicate.

"fuck, vi... you're so tight," you say dizzily, but you don’t let up; still relentlessly jackhammering your cock inside her.

her pussy is creaming around your strap, leaking down the curve of her ass. her body—that magnificent machine of muscle—is locked up tight, close to tipping over the edge. her abs twitch involuntarily, plump breasts bouncing, arms trembling as she attempts to hold her legs apart for you, and her thighs—those strong pillars—quake like leaves in a storm.

vi squeals suddenly, pressing her hand against the taut plane of your abdomen—a futile attempt to slow your unrelenting pace.

”i’m gonna—gonna—ohhh!” 

her eyes roll, those bright coins of consciousness swallowed by the dark. vi’s tongue spills from her mouth, silly and helpless. her thighs snap shut instinctively but you pry her open again, unwilling to let her escape the pleasure you’re giving her.

“come for me, vi,” you say. “who knows if i’ll ever want to fuck you again after this, so make it count.”

edited (6/2/25)

[sweemmy]

⋆｡ﾟIn their love, they bloom like a dark rose, its thorns only striking those who try to escape. ﾟ｡⋆

— Vi, Caitlyn, Sevika, and Jinx.

VI.

Vi would do anything to protect you, but her obsession consumes her, driving her to see threats in every corner, even where none exist. In her mind, danger lurks in the shadows, always watching, and you are the only one who can escape this threat... even if it isn’t real.

Her irritable nature compels her to act impulsively, before her mind has the chance to halt the torrent of emotions. She doesn’t hesitate to confront anyone, even if they are just a stranger who has approached you out of curiosity, convincing herself that anyone who crosses your path is a danger, no matter how harmless they seem.

Vi clings to her justification, arguing that her control is merely an expression of love, that everything she does is for your own good. But beneath those words lies a dark echo, as if she cannot fathom a world where you don’t need her, where her influence is not vital to your survival.

Her gestures of affection, far from being tender, are invasive and violent. Her hugs, excessive and tight, feel as if she could crush you. The words she whispers in your ear, filled with intensity, steal the air between you, with a fervor bordering on obsession, as if she’s marking you, immortalizing you in her world, only for herself.

Though her exterior is one of hardness, beneath that mask beats a deep fear: the fear of losing you. She knows that without you, her world would crumble, empty, incomplete. “If you don’t want me near, just tell me… but don’t expect me to stand idly by while someone tries to take away the only thing that gives my life meaning.”

CAITLYN.

Caitlyn becomes ensnared in her own whirlwind of thoughts, convinced that her obsessive love is the only thing capable of offering you the care you deserve. She sees herself as the only one who can truly understand and protect you, regardless of the boundaries she must cross to keep you by her side.

With a sharp, calculating mind, Caitlyn weaves invisible threads around your life, orchestrating every detail so subtly that you're barely aware of her control. From the people you allow into your circle to the places you step foot in, everything is meticulously designed to keep you under her sway.

Using her charm, Caitlyn spins a web of carefully chosen words, manipulating your perception with a smile that conceals the darkness lurking inside her. She has no qualms about distorting the truth, lying, and creating parallel realities, all to ensure you remain bound to her, oblivious to the trap you've fallen into.

Her control over you goes beyond the physical; Caitlyn becomes an emotional necessity, feeding your dependency with gestures that seem loving but are, in reality, invisible chains. She makes you feel as though you cannot breathe without her presence, turning herself into an irreplaceable part of your life, a constant shadow you cannot escape.

Anyone who dares to get close is seen as an immediate threat, and Caitlyn doesn’t need to resort to open violence. Her deadliest weapon is her influence, capable of destroying slowly, without anyone suspecting a thing. "Why waste time with them, darling? I’ll handle everything. It’s much better if you follow my suggestions; I promise everything will be fine."

SEVIKA.

Sevika sees you as hers—like a treasure no one else deserves to touch. Her obsession is a dangerous blend of control and overbearing protection. Should anyone dare to put you in harm's way, she will become the shadow that eliminates any threat, without remorse and with brutal precision.

Any intruder who gets too close will be stopped by her mere presence. The intensity of her gaze and the unyielding strength of her stance instill terror in even the bravest hearts. She needs no words: her silence is a warning, and her actions, the verdict.

Believing the world is a deadly trap for you, she begins to build a cage of isolation. Every argument she makes is wrapped in false sweetness: "It’s for your own good, trust me," while the chains of her obsession tighten a little more with each passing day.

Flowers and sweet words are not her style, but her actions speak louder than anything. The moment she senses you’re in danger, she will unleash an inhuman fury, showing just how far she’s willing to go to protect you.

Her emotions are a storm hidden beneath a mask of cold serenity. Every action is calculated, every decision made with precision. "I don’t need to shout to show you how much I love you. You see it in what I do, don't you?" she murmurs, her voice calm yet carrying a weight that leaves no doubt about the intensity of her devotion.

JINX.

Jinx would always watch you with eyes filled with obsession, as if you were her precious toy, meant only for her. Her love is no simple feeling: it’s a wild, unpredictable whirlwind, packed with emotional explosions and flashes of madness. She cannot stand anyone else getting your attention, and her “jokes” toward those who dare to come close often end in a macabre, lethal spectacle of destruction.

Within her chaos lies a desperate search for stability, and you are her anchor, but always on her terms. Trying to pull away or challenge her twisted world only triggers a collapse in her mind and a violent need to reaffirm her control over you.

Her love manifests in disturbingly creative forms: bombs adorned with hearts, explosive devices bearing your name, or "trophies" taken from those she deems rivals. Each one is a sickening declaration of how deep and dangerous her affection runs.

Her greatest fear is abandonment, trapped in the loneliness that haunts her. If she senses even the slightest hint that you might leave, she’ll do the unthinkable to make sure you stay by her side. It doesn’t matter if she has to chain you—literally or figuratively; in her mind, the end always justifies the means.

Jinx won’t hesitate to destroy—even herself—to keep you close. Her desperation drives her to dark extremes, hurting others or putting her own body at risk. “Do you see this? I did it for you. Now you can’t deny how much I care. You’re not going anywhere, are you?”

[bluwavez]

GUILTY is the first FULL ALBUM by NOAH SON, released unannounced on March 12th, 2025, by OFFBEAT RECORDS, the indie sublabel of Mydol Labels. The album has a 12-track track list, all written, produced, and composed by Noah himself.

The album, originally slated for a 2019 release, was shelved by Mydol Entertainment due to a scandal involving Noah and his manager, Lee Hyerim. Despite teasers, promotional gigs, a reality show, and a sampler being posted, Guilty would never be released, becoming the most infamous piece of Mydol's lost media.

Until today.

Released with no promotion and no fanfare a day before "SMACK" Noah's solo debut single was supposed to drop, the internet caught aflame once the album was discovered by sirens who had been waiting years for this album.

Upon its initial slated release, the album only had six songs. The additional six songs were added to the track list while two songs from the original track list, iBLOOM and THE RIZZ, were seemingly removed.

TRACK I. GUILTY is the title track of the album. The track, with the accompanying video that was filmed nearly six years ago. The lyrics and music video showcase a toxic relationship between an older woman and a younger man. The sensual choreography, in juxtaposition to the uncomfortable lyrics, gives the audience an uncomfortable yet captivating listening and viewing experience. Guilty explores the toxic, destructive side of love where power, manipulation, and emotional entanglement blur the lines between passion and harm. The song portrays a relationship where one person knowingly deceives, manipulates, and controls the other, all while acknowledging their own guilt. 

TRACK II. CROOKED is one of GUILTY's most iconic and sought-after tracks. It blends punk rock and hip-hop elements with an emotional, rebellious energy. Fans have been trying to leak the song since 2019 but have often come up empty. At its core, "Crooked" is about heartbreak, loneliness, and self-destruction. The lyrics express the emotions of someone who feels abandoned and lost, choosing to lash out and act recklessly rather than confront their pain. It captures the feeling of masking sadness with wild, chaotic behavior, partying, acting out, and pretending not to care when, in reality, they’re deeply hurting.

TRACK III. DROWNING was not on the original track list but was recorded in 2020. The song explores being consumed by someone through love, lust, or obsession. Its lyrics reflect the feeling of losing control and the metaphor of water symbolizes emotional, physical, and mental overwhelm. The song balances pleasure and danger, portraying the intoxicating yet suffocating nature of such deep connections, creating an intense and hypnotic experience.

TRACK IV. EYES, NOSE, LIPS is another track from the original album that fans have been trying to leak for years but to no avail. "Eyes, Nose, Lips" is a gut-wrenching breakup song about regret, longing, and lingering love for someone who is no longer there. Noah reminisces about a past lover, remembering every detail of her eyes, nose, and lips because he can’t let go. The lyrics are filled with regret and self-blame, as he admits he couldn’t hold onto the person he loved. He doesn’t just miss them; he worships their memory, almost as if they were the most beautiful and irreplaceable thing in his life.

TRACK V. KEYCODE is a song about a private, intimate moment between two lovers. Noah invites his partner to escape the noise of the city and join him on UN Village Hill, a real upscale neighborhood in Seoul known for its luxurious, secluded vibe. The lyrics create a sense of exclusivity and indulgence, making it feel like a private getaway. It’s romantic, a little seductive, and effortlessly cool. Though this track is specific, it has left fans speculating who Noah is referencing and if there's someone special in his life, as it was not originally on the GUILTY tracklist in 2019.

TRACK VI. SHE LOVES ME, SHE LOVES ME NOT was one of the original tracks on the Guilty album from 2019 and was successfully leaked in 2023. The song is about the emotional push and pull of an uncertain relationship. The lyrics explore the agony of mixed signals. One moment, she seems to love him; the next, she feels distant. He’s trapped in an endless cycle of doubt, longing, and obsession, trying to decide whether her feelings are real or fleeting. The song’s childlike title contrasts with its intense, mature emotional turmoil, making it even more heartbreaking.

TRACK VII. TEARS! is a new addition to the GUILTY tracklist, featuring a heavier sound. The prominent lyric, “I feel better when I let myself sink deeper, deeper / I feel better when I let myself see clearer, clearer,” reflects how society makes individuals feel inadequate, prompting them to create barriers for protection. The song opens with a solitary noise before the guitar kicks in, drawing listeners into the emotional depth of the lyrics. It ends abruptly, illustrating the struggle of getting stuck in a loop and the liberation that comes from breaking free.

TRACK VIII. HATE/LOVE is about the complicated relationship with the city he calls home. He explores the contrast between feeling connected and alienated at the same time, much like his personal journey with fame, identity, and growth. The lyrics describe the beauty and loneliness of Seoul, highlighting how it’s both a place of warmth and cold indifference. He talks about how living in the city has shaped him, but at times, he also feels drained and lost in its endless pace. HATE/LOVE is a new track and quickly became a fan favorite for the introspective lyricism and how it showcased Noah's diversity when it came to rapping.

TRACK IX. ILLA ILLA is about hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to move forward. Noah uses the imagery of the sea to represent his pain, isolation, and eventual healing. He describes himself as drowning in sorrow, with waves pulling him under. The phrase "illa illa" is a melodic, almost childlike chant, symbolizing a subconscious cry for comfort, like a lullaby he sings to himself in the midst of despair. The lyrics also progress from being consumed by sadness to slowly accepting and learning to live with the pain, like waves washing away his past and carrying him toward something new.

TRACK X. LIKE ACID is a poignant exploration of grief, faith, and love, presented with raw honesty. The gentle acoustic opening sets an intimate tone for Noah's vocals, which carry the emotional weight of the lyrics. He delves into themes of religious doubt and the search for meaning in tragedy. Vivid imagery and introspective questioning reveal a vulnerability that resonates deeply, especially in lines like "Divinity says, 'Destiny can't be earned or returned'" and "I look for the truth in the back of your hand."

TRACK XI. FILE20171405 is a heartfelt plea for a lost love to return, filled with regret and longing. Noah reflects on the haunting memories of an ended relationship, wishing for just one last encounter, even if only in a dream. There’s a profound sense of helplessness and nostalgia, as he realizes the past is unreachable. The title itself, "FILE20171405" adds to the mystery and personal nature of the track. What happened in 2017? Who was this song for? It feels like a diary entry left open-ended.

TRACK XII. PALETTE FT. CHLOE is both Noah and Chloe's personal reflections on growing up, changing tastes, and becoming more comfortable in their own skin. They wrote the song together, making her the only other credited artist on the album. The lyrics are almost diary-like, listing small but meaningful preferences, how he now likes long hair, bright colors, and the little joys of life, showing how their mindsets have evolved. Rather than clinging to the past or fearing the future, he confidently says, “I got this” proving he's at peace with himself. The song beautifully captures the transition from youth to adulthood, where you stop caring about what others think and start embracing your true self.

TW // UNDERAGED RELATIONSHIPS + GROOMING

Filmed in 2019, Noah is considerably younger looking, being just 20 at the time of filming. The video primarily takes place at a school, seemingly depicting a young girl, played by an at the time 20 Chloe Lee of VENUS, having a crush on Noah. The first half of the MV is pretty innocent, the pair exchanging glances, Chloe blushing when she talks to Noah, them brushing hands as they sit together at their desk. It's very Kdrama-esque, very pure, very innocent, but Noah becomes more and more distracted by something off camera.

It isn't until halfway through the seven minute video does the music cut and it's just Noah silently working alone in a dark classroom. Only the sound of his pen dragging against his paper can be heard then the sound of heels echoing through the empty classroom until a teacher, played by renowned soloist and actress Myrah, comes into frame and sits beside Noah.

Their age difference is stark when they're side by side, adding to the unease of it all. She rests her head on his shoulder and squeezes his bicep. He stops writing and the only sounds that can be heard are their breathing. Noah stares ahead for a moment, clenching his pencil tighter in his hand before turning his head towards his teacher, resting his hand over hers.

"Is this wrong?" He would ask. Myrah looks up at him, moving her hand from his arm to his cheek, a repeating visual throughout the rest of the video.

"Do you feel guilty?" She'd ask, making the music pick back up at the chorus.

The rest of the video is a mix of scenes between Noah becoming more distant with Chloe and peers his age and of him and Myrah sneaking around always at night. By the end of the music video, Noah is walking down the school hallway alone in his school uniform with his head down. He passes Chloe and his former friends as he walks towards Myrah's class where she stands at her open door waiting for him gleefully. Chloe watches with a look of sadness and conflict on her face as if she wants to follow him. However, when Myrah shuts her door, Chloe just watches her do so, staring at the shut door for a moment before she's pulled away by her friends.

The video was praised for the performances by Noah, Myrah, and Chloe, as well as the cinematography showcasing the decline in Noah's mental health the further his relationship with his teacher went on using the lighting and colors of the scenes to depict this shift. Though the video disturbed most, it's been highly praised for touching on such a controversial issue.

CROOKED was clearly filmed much later, persumedly in 2023 judging by Sena and Finn's hair colors, and on a old digital camera by Noah himself. It's really just a fun music video where Noah goes to a MYDOL party and they all go crazy. Every Mydol artist was featured in this video from Venus girls to DoubleTake members, even the CEOS, Son Jinhwa and Kang Jihan, made an appearance once or twice.

Fans loved the video for it's raw yet fun look into the inside of the company as well as how a Mydol party went down or least glimpses of it. Notable scenes include Sena putting on makeup in her bra, Finn lighting Ezra's cigarette with his own cigarette, Junseo of Doubletake just being there in general caused buzz but specifically the clip of him laughing with Taewan in his lap, Klara putting big ass goofy looking sunglasses on Jinhwa, Kiwoo sitting in the corner with a bored expression on his face as a party rages around him, Noah lifting Chloe over her head and her laughing her ass off (never before seen with a man around), and the last scene where the entire company recreates the SKINS UK promo poster.

The music video, released with an announcement unlike GUILTY, would hit 10 million views in 24 hours and is regarded as a fan favorite amongst Mydol fanbases.

Well, it wasn't easy or legal!

OFFBEAT RECORDS, run by the youngest and least controversial Son brother, Daniel Son, has no legal rights to GUILTY or any of Noah's work. Daniel just has access to MYDOL's files and wants to see his nephew succeed. It took a lot of debate, a lot of "what if we just do it?" and a few shots for Noah and Daniel to actually start plotting how they were going to release GUILTY after five years on the shelf.

The original plan was for no promotion. Just drop the album, post the MVS, and pretend nothing happened, but they both knew that wouldn't happen. Once fans caught wind of the album, MYDOL would take it down for a full 24 hours but would inevitably put it back up when they realized how much profit they were going to gain from this. It always boils back down to money for Son Jinhwa once you shove his pride out of the way.

This would spark debate amongst fans on Noah's privilege in MYDOL as he can seemingly do whatever he wants and get away with it. Is it the nepotism?

Of course, it's the nepotism.

This instant of contract breaching with no consequence once again would earn Noah the title of "MYDOL's spoiled brat" a title that is also extended to Baebi on occasion.

The public reception to GUILTY would be the entire reason why the album would stay up and overshadow the release of SMACK.

GUILTY would climb the charts, sitting pretty at the number one spot on BUGS for two weeks before falling to number five. The music video would gain 4 million views in the first 24 hours, which Sirens say is because they were never notified of its release. SMACK would hit it's peak at 20th on BUGS before falling off a week later.

No cared about smack. People were foaming at the mouth for Guilty. Which is why just two weeks after it's release and into the SMACK promotion schedules, MYDOL announced GUILTY would be getting a full promotional run with music show appearances, variety show promotions, and even giving Noah his own variety show "LUNCH BREAK" where him and another idol go on their "lunch breaks" and essentially talk shit for a solid hour.

Notable guests on LUNCH BREAK included Chloe of Venus, Ezra of DeepDive, Cash of Project X, acclaimed soloist Chouka, former Stray Kids member Cleo, Junyeong of Moth Signals, and many more. Lunch Break's ratings would surprisingly skyrocket, leading to an announced second season, coming out later this year.

WATCH LUNCH BREAK'S BEST MOMENTS HERE!

Overall, GUILTY was a success like it was predicated to be in 2019, but now even more so.

idols mentioned ... @venusvity + @hausofanya + @outk4sts + @smokends + @pretty1npnk

[nozomisumino]

In Powder's anguish, Silco sees a younger, mirroring self, prompting a sense of understanding and connection. Aware that his unwavering love for Powder is contributing to her self-destructive patterns, Silco chooses to disregard this, comforted by their shared struggles.

He attempts to deny it, but Silco ultimately acknowledges that he is leading her down the wrong path. The similarities between Silco and Powder create a bond. With her loved ones gone, he takes on the role of her father. Vi's presence notwithstanding, Powder and Silco's fates were inextricably linked. The memory of his past self stops him from hurting her. Silco tries to make amends by caring for Powder, but he still slips up; however, he understands in the end that she's irreplaceable.

[monochromatic-heartzz]

Man. I am in a roll lately.

I've been having so much Sampo on the brain but let's discuss a stupid concept i thought up. This probably won't be long dw. (<- Future Heart here, hi. I lied.)

Could 5 Star Sampo be a Preservation unit?

Now. I know what some of you are thinking. "Preservation!? It doesn't fit him! He should be a very strong dps or an irreplaceable support! Why preservation????" And to that i say, maybe he should be.

But. It's just... i've talked about this in a post before but it was a very short jokey thing that was the first time i'd done an analysis in a while.

Belobog. The planet where its people follow the preservation. They want to preserve humanity and civilization. So they fight to survive, just enough until the Astral Express gives their assistance and they can be free from the pain the Stellaron has given them.

Well, you know, there's a biiit of an outlier in the Belobog cast. And it's, as you know, our old Sampo Koski, Masked Fool who came here to help drive the plot forward. He follows the path of Elation, as all Masked Fools do, and as far as we're concerned there should be no connection with him and the Preservation, and no indication that his views align with it.

WRONG!!!!! Masquerade Duet. Sparkle guesses that the reason Sampo wants his mask back is because of a catastrophe in Jarilo-VI, and judging by his reaction and later words, she hit the nail square on the head.

So?

That's. Kinda it? He wants to preserve the civilization in Jarilo-VI, and all the work he put would be undone if this catastrophe were to happen without interference. All the work he put into helping preserve humanity in this planet. Mmm does anyone remember what happened to an outsider who helped preserve civilization on Belobo- Fire trailblazer.

Yes. It's because they are the protagonist. And they will get every playable path one day, but. Canonically, they become a pathstrider after their views and feelings align with the path.

Let's be real, Sampo loves Belobog. Pretty evident from context clues and dialogue even outside of it. He clearly helped preserve it, though it was from the sidelines and really nothing major.

So. How would he earn being a preservation path thingy?

The catastrophe in Jarilo-VI. His mask.

Gang. I think we found our way.

And yes. Gameplay paths don't equal canon lore paths, we've known for a while. But sometimes narratively ingame paths can be used to deepen a character in one way or another, even if its not stated.

Even though it would be a bummer if he got his big 5 star form and it was a preservation unit. I think it sounds sweet. After probably helping it so much, it would be a nice way to say "Yeah this is more his home than Epsilon ever would be, he has the will of the preservation to show it!!"

I do not know. I am. Once again: spitballing. Don't take this too seriously we have nothing about this guy and im working hard on not crying because i see no new content of him.

This is definitely not a hill i would ever die on. But i rarely see people talking about him being a preservation unit, and i wanted to show the idea a little love

[yes-these-obsessions-are-healthy]

Just hit me that Episode 1, a big seed of insecurity is planted in Powder when she overhears Mylo and Vi arguing about her, but she leaves before Vi stands up for her, and then in Episode 9 she overhears Silco musing about how he has his dream in his hands and all he needs to do is give up Jinx. It cuts away before we see anything happen next but it can be surmised that she knocked him out before he was made aware of her presence.

At her most tenuous and uncertain of who she was—awkward Powder, frenetic Jinx— Fate decided to have her stumble upon important conversations had by those she loved about her worth and value as a person, and understandably she fled before she could hear the final verdict.

In Episode 1, she ran from the door with the impression that her sister thought she would never be strong enough, never be good enough, and any conversation to the contrary were just lies that family tells you to make you feel better. In Episode 9, she knocked out Silco before he could monologue his decision (lol) because she has been this man’s shadow for 6 years. She knows that he values utility, ruthlessness, and his dream of a free Zaun at all costs. No matter how fond he was of her, how gentle or patient or allowing, it all culminated into her being the powerhouse that would land him Zaun, and now he has it, so what good is she now? By all metrics that she herself has witnessed of him, all signs point toward him favoring giving her up.

It’s a mixture of Jinx’s own insecure attachment and Silco’s almost pathological refusal to not define their relationship as her being an exception to his personal policy of cutthroat zig-zagged loyalty that led to Jinx jumping to very logical conclusion that he would give her up to Piltover. Because he delayed having that very important internal conversation with himself about how important she was to him, he had to have that debate right at the finish line instead of, I don’t know, at Singed’s operating table when he was in danger of losing her?? Life comes at you fast and you don’t have time to sort out your feelings, I suppose. The show is very much a whirlwind of everything happening at once, but moving on…

But it also makes sense, because Silco’s love for Jinx is hinted at having snuck up on him without him fully noticing. He thought he was in control of his fondness for her. He must have thought it was an understandable and unavoidable side effect to raising a protegè that you genuinely respect for her cleverness and usefulness. But he grew to genuinely love her in his unfulfilling, disparate way. It filled some holes, and left others bare. The question of unconditional support and love was broken with Vi, and Silco by his nature, his behavior, his endeavors ensured that Jinx grew up in an environment where social darwinism reigned supreme and that faltering or failing rendered you lesser in Silco’s eyes. Silco never outright said it to her. We never see him denigrate or threaten her, but kids don’t need to be told anything to get the general feel of “how things are”. The general air around Silco was one that encouraged her penchant for gadgets and engineering, but left her suspended in a limbo where she felt compelled to be strong, be the best, be perfect, otherwise he would look elsewhere. He would drop her, because the strong eat the weak and he only values her because she is uniquely strong. A gem in his collection, almost. It’s a girl whose abandonment issues have her seesawing back and forth between cavalier “I don’t caaaaare, I’m irreplaceable and you know it” and “Please don’t drop me, I’m strong, I’m good, I can do this, I can, I can, I swear I can” which, in Episode 9 culminated in her Shimmer psychosis as “How dare you. After everything I’ve done, after everything you’ve lectured me about Topside, you want to give me to them? Who do you think you are? I made you. I’m this broken fizzing-wire thing whose sister gave me up for a Topsider, I killed my childhood best friend with a bomb, and now you want to throw me away for your shiny dream city? You think you can throw me away like trash, don’t you dare look away, don’t you DARE THROW ME AWAY”

Like GIRL. I usually hate the “left before they heard the context of someone’s seemingly damning conversation” but it works here because it aggravated therapy-needed Powder/Jinx’s insecurities.

[lina-suniverse]

i offer you my children, my part on our wholesome gertvi legacy

gertvi headcanons!

@mvmnbnv thanks for inspiration ❤️‍🩹

I feel like Vi would have silver dentures to replace some of her teeth, she lost from fights, since she wouldn’t need to hide her Zaunite identity.

Gert and Vi first met when Vi was in her pitfighter arc. Gert saw Vi fighting and thought, "Damn, I gotta talk to this diva!" Later, when Vi was at the bar, randomly starting fights with people, they had a small talk, and Gert got completely rizzed up. sweet stranger helped destroyed Vi to get to her apartment, and who knows what happened on the way... Maybe they flirted a little or something, but it's unlikely

☆૮꒰•༝ •。꒱ა

Gert is a lot more risky than Vi!

Vi doesn’t openly appreciate Gert’s love for the extreme, but secretly, she enjoys killing enforcers and stealing stuff from Piltover’s fancy shops with gf.

︶꒦︶꒷︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶꒷꒦‧₊˚・

Vi gifts Gert more material things, like jewelry she stole from Piltover (it reminded her of Gert’s eyes) or a cool-looking coat she stole from a man at the bar.

Gert's gifts to Vi include well-crafted, artsy postcards. She turns a bunch of trash into a cool-looking book titled "25 Reasons Why You Are Irreplaceable" for Vi.

Vi cries over Gert’s handmade gifts and never, ever throws them out. She looks at them again whenever she’s having a bad day.

Gert can play bass guitar and has to hold herself back every time not to break it at the end of a song.

Vi can sing pretty well, and her talent met its execution in their little duet with Gert.

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

Vi might never admit it, but Gert reminds her a lot of her sister. By being with Gert, she’s trying to regain everything she lost with Jinx.

Gert is that one goth girlfriend everyone desires but no one gets.

Gert draws graffiti a lot.

[spire-of-ink]

Canard VI

Canard VI - Faintly, it moved.

The red suns rose over the western horizon, warming the cloudy sky with a carnelian haze. And on the eastern side, the swirling face of a gas giant consumed it. BB13-183-4 was a bright-blue orb of monstrous, churning clouds, one of countless millions in the galaxy, and as such wasn’t deemed worthy of a name by Empyrean bureaucrats, but the locals called it Enlil. This moon, forested by old terraforming, was also never truly named by higher powers—but to its inhabitants, it was known as Shala, one of tens that orbited the enormous planet.

Lorelei gazed up at it as if asking a prayer. “Please, just…” She glared down and slammed her wrench into the machine’s innards. “Make this damn compressor work!”

It was the core system of a set of automated watering pumps, which normally were in charge of ensuring the endless rows of budding crops on her family’s field were doused. Unfortunately, though the crops could only rustle in complaint, it had stopped working as of this morning, its matching rows of metal tubes dry as the dirt they failed to soak.

She sighed harshly and took a minute to look outwards; down over the cliff her family had anciently purchased and across the great forest in the valley below, where leaves shivered in the faint Summer wind, and animals played through them in their dance of survival. A dance so far apart from day after day on this farm.

Now, Lorelei looked back to her hands, smudged black with oil just as much as her tools, scattered in the dirt, and the circuitous innards of this angular metal box she plumbed with them. She blinked, and after a moment, laughed bitterly, realizing something.

She threw her wrench onto the ground, wiped her hands on her jeans, and stepped off with a wrought purpose.

---

“Stars in void—you can’t be serious!”

Lorelei came close to gripping the lapels on Vaen’s kimono. “I’m a-- I don’t know what I am, but I’m not a fighter!” She looked more terrified than angry, but a scowl still riled her face. “Let alone a librarian! This isn’t my job!”

The doll looked perfectly collected and blank, as usual. “It is not,” it said, “But you are here on our graces. You should oblige your host.”

“Oblige!” Lorelei exclaimed. “You have no-- You can’t—”

From behind them, Evangelus laughed with a reedy bellow. “You would really set such a pathetic whelp against the Knight of a Lord? A stammering child?” He shook his head, gauntlets at his hips.

For now, Lorelei ignored him and locked eyes with Vaen, trying and failing to keep her breathing steady. “Why is he even fighting for a stars-damn book?” She groaned and backed off, picking at her hair anxiously. “Why?”

The Quill nodded once in acknowledgement. “We are a library, and so lend books. We do not hoard knowledge, but liberate it. And some books we hold have great power; be it in knowledge or literal. If one is to be given that power, they must prove their ability to wield it.”

“But me?” Lorelei pointed at herself. “Why fight me? What the hells does that prove!”

“You will see, if you wish. This one does not have the power to make you fight.”

“—Really?” She let out a breath she’d been holding. “So I don’t actually have to?”

“Yes, yes,” the knight tittered, “By all means, do begone, peasant. I would seek an actual challenge, rather than some farm-girl.”

Finally, her eye twitched, and Lorelei wheeled on him. “Is there something wrong with farmers? Do you not like eating?”

“Please,” he said, “It isn’t as if your lot are particularly irreplaceable. Simply tinkering with machines which actually do the job. Why, the only thing more worthless are those which actually detract from the Empyrean,” he drolled. “Criminals, vagabonds, witches…”

Her red eyes flashed. “...Witches?”

Evangelus tisked. “But of course, the lot of demon-worshippers. They destabilize our glorious empire far more than many. Why, I’ve had the honor of putting down my own fair share.”

Memories didn’t quite spark in her, but something did. Something deep in Lorelei echoed through her heart and electrified her blood. “You have, have you.”

“Yes, yes, but enough about my grand accomplishments,” he sighed. “Be out of my way, worthless little urchin. I’ve actual business to attend.”

And that ignited the sparks. “As a matter of fact,” Lorelei said, voice even and piercing as a knife, “The Quill said I’ll be your opponent. So your business is with me.”

The ruby rose under them suddenly cried-out with beautiful light, and the braziers along the wall spilled-over their black fire. The stained glass windows above became bright, all as if the room was readying for the conflict within.

The knight huffed. “Purely ridiculous, but fine. If you wish to die, I shall grant your request.” He drew his blade, a shining white length of metal, plasma-edged in orange star-fire, and pointed it towards her.

Lorelei glanced behind her to Vaen. “Do I get a weapon?”

“You have what you need,” it said, then stepped back. “The trial of Evangelus of Har commences. Let the Stars witness its decision.”

Her eyes widened just as she heard a few metallic steps ring out from in front of her—just in time, she ducked aside as the knight’s blade hissed by her head.

He tisked again, inconvenienced.

Lorelei darted away, fleeing the man, heels pounding against hard stone.

“And so you run. Ever like a peasant.” Evangelus took a slow walk towards her, assured of this battle’s inevitability.

In her head, the Library’s other guest cursed herself. What was she thinking? What the hells was she thinking! Was she even? Why was she incensed enough to risk her life? She imagined the reason must be buried in her still-returning memories; it had to be, or else she was simply a complete idiot!

Lorelei shot behind a pillar, breathing hard and listening to the ominous sounds of the knight’s footsteps. Now what? It was pretty obvious she had to find a way to kill him. But with what weapons? Her hands? No, that was absurd. But Vaen said she had what she needed—what did that mean? Her wits? What wits! All she had in her head was the looming, soul-searing sense she was about to die.

She peered out from the pillar and, in that instant, Evangelus threw himself forward and swung his blade wildly at her.

But Lorelei was quick, throwing herself back in turn and darting again, running to the right and past him towards the room’s center. She stole a terrified glance to Vaen; the doll was just standing there, silently observing, arms crossed.

As she ran, so did her thoughts; clearly this couldn’t just be to kill her. Sure, it looked like Vaen had put her into battle just to die, but that wouldn’t make sense. The Library obviously wanted to keep this book from Evangelus, at least if he couldn’t earn it, so there must be more to this. There must be--

Lorelei heard the sounds of a few great, bounding steps, the knight’s sabatons clashing against hard stone, and she wheeled around.

His blade, plasma slicing hotly through the air, was only a foot from her head. Amidst the bright red lights—now half a foot.

She threw her hands up defensively.

One-quarter foot.

She shut her eyes and waited for her world to end.

And waited.

“...What?”

At him saying that, Lorelei opened her eyes and looked ahead at the Empyrean’s warrior.

His blade was frozen in mid-air, only a few inches from her face. And she wasn’t simply looking at him.

She was looking through a mass of condensed red light, semi-transparent. A shield. A shield that had completely stopped his sword.

“So,” he said, “A witch you are. Now I understand.”

“I…” Lorelei’s eyes widened—and widened, and widened as a rush of memories exploded through her head. She laughed. “I guess I am!”

The newfound witch shot back from him and readied herself, letting information flood her. All magic is the arrangement of emanation, the conceptual energy of things.

“I have stricken your kind down before, and I shall do it again!” Evangelus lunged, cutting his blade at her shoulder.

Lorelei ducked aside almost casually, and began to splay her arms. Umbral, Auroral, and Essential; darkness, light, and material. It is woven together into a new concept, mana, which we enforce on the world.

He yelled and slashed across, down, drew his rifle and aimed it.

She evaded opposite, then opposite that, weaving left and right as her heels danced elegantly against the ground and her arms moved to the motion. First, gather the emanation. The lights in this room are Auroral, and so is plasma.

His rifle roared with a hissing jet of plasma, a bright stream of searing death.

Lorelei danced aside from it, then from the next shot, and next, each movement perfectly-patterned, controlled. Then, weave it together. Define the new concept, the mana, with your words, actions, motions, will.

“Fight, God damn you, fight me!” Evangelus charged forwards and swung up with his blade, far faster than any mortal should be, blade cleaving the air.

And only air, as Lorelei spun away in a pirouette, leapt back, landed, and curtsied with her skirt. Finally, seal the spell. And with the completion of her dance, the spell was sealed and cast.

Abruptly, the gun in Evangelus’s hand shook, grew hot as the room’s scarlet light seeped into it. He looked at it dumbly. “What--?” And then the gun, overloaded with raw energy—exploded, burning metal shrapnel flying and cutting his face apart and plasma washing over his plating, the sheer force of the blast ripping his right side apart and letting the star-fire melt his flesh. He shrieked and fell, gurgling-up blood.

Lorelei took a casual stroll over to him and stared down, fixing the buttons on her dress-shirt. She was pitiless. “You’ve killed us? Well, your turn, now.”

“You…” He glared up ferociously, spitting blood on the floor in front of her. “Goddamn… monstrosity…”

She rose her hand, collecting emanation, and flicked it; a hideous sound from below snapped, his neck bent, and his eyes glazed-over.

Immediately, Evangelus’s body melted into sparks of darkness, vanishing into the aether of the Library.

Lorelei blinked, staring at the ground where even his blood had vanished, and… collapsed to her knees.

“Well done.”

She looked up to see Vaen giving her a small bow.

“And so you have spoken. I have heard from you what I have needed to. Thank you.”

Halfway to retching, Lorelei, staggering, stood up and looked across half the room to the doll. “So that’s why. You wanted to gauge me,” she said softly.

“To know you. And as well, for you to know yourself. Do you see?”

She took out a shuddering breath. “Yes. But I’m not doing it again. Don’t ever,” she said, voice wavering, “Do that to me again.”

Vaen simply bowed again, and said, “Go. You would do to seek the Wing of Reflection next. But this one has seen enough.”

From out of the room’s shadows, Morn stepped up behind her. “C’mon.” It extended a hand as she looked at it. “You did good.”

She swallowed hard, shook her head slightly, and took the doll’s hand wordlessly. As they went to the elevator, a tear broke from the corner of her eye.

[sylvienerevarine]

thanks @moriche for the tag! it's not sundas anymore but shh who cares. i tag @oblivions-dawn, @elavoria, @thequeenofthewinter and @stormbeyondreality

This week Sujamma wants to hear all about your big ideas. What’s a new story idea or OC idea you have? Maybe you haven’t fleshed it out yet - this is a great opportunity!

I've mentioned The Games of Gods a few times, my woefully indulgent post-canon Skyrim fic that Todd Coward will inevitably make into an AU when TES VI comes out and it turns out the Dragonborn got eaten by a sload canonically. Here's the lil blurb I wrote for it.

Ten years have passed since Alduin’s defeat, and Skyrim is at peace…mostly. The civil war isn’t raging so much as grumbling, the dragons are largely behaving themselves, and the Empire is too busy with its own problems to interfere much. But when the Thalmor threat resurfaces, Dragonborn-turned-innkeeper Sophrine Aulette may finally have to pick a side.  Deep in Oblivion, Hermaeus Mora has grown tired of waiting for his reluctant champion–but fortunately, she is not irreplaceable. Who better than nine-year-old Juniper Aulette, who seems to have inherited some measure of her mother’s power? When Juniper’s curiosity finally draws her into Apocrypha, it’s up to her brave older siblings Lucia and Hroar–plus an eccentric Nord monk devoted to the Dragonborn–to rescue her.

[aventurineswife]

Got hit with a burst of inspiration after seeing the letters given to TB by the Stellaron Hunters & the Astral Express in the game. This is what I imagined shepherd!reader would write to him:

My Beloved Star, 

Star light, star bright 

The one whose heart blazes with might;

A beacon at a bleak night, 

The one whom I regard with delight. 

Two years had gone by in a blink of an eye. Who knew we would get to this point so soon? I still remember when you first boarded the Express, gait uncertain and eyes askance. The confusion brought forth by your unusual circumstances, the recent battle you faced shortly after gaining consciousness, and everything else in-between. Now that I think about it, you never really got to rest much after that whole ordeal, huh? You joined March and Dan Heng in Jarilo-VI right after the battle with the Doomsday Beast, came again during the next stop at the Luofu, and then you explored Penacony with the rest of us. Three planets in a row? You must be weary out of your mind. Don't worry. You don't have to constantly be on the go. Sometimes, you can just sit back, recline, and simply be. Your contributions to the planets you explored are monumental and worth all the accolades. I hope you know that with every Aeon whose gaze you manage to draw in, there are also people, mortals—loved ones—who look at you with more awe and adoration than all the celestial beings combined. Please never forget that you always have a place to return to now and that you have become a permanent, irreplaceable fixture in our lives. 

Happy two-year anniversary! 

Star light, star bright

To the one who fights for right—

When your days are riddled with plight, 

Come forth homeward,

and I'll hold you tight.

This is so beautiful and heartfelt!

It captures shepherd!reader's voice perfectly — that nurturing, warm, almost poetic tenderness they have toward TB. The "Star light, star bright" motif you wove in adds such a soft, lullaby-like feeling, which fits their dynamic so well, like a parent or older sibling watching over their precious, wayward traveler.

I love how you highlighted TB's journey too — acknowledging his hardships while gently reminding him it's okay to rest and that he’s loved beyond just the battles and missions.

The ending stanza especially feels like a warm hug after a long, hard road.

You seriously nailed the tone for a two-year anniversary letter between them.

[heliopauseentertainments]

An Unfamiliar Battlefield

Anonymously requested here on Tumblr

Continuity: IDW1 (roughly)

Relationship: Megatron/Hot Rod

Characters: Megatron & Hot Rod

Rating: Teen

Warnings/Notes: AU of an AU, Canon Blending, Past Relationships, Referenced Character Death, Romance, Recovery from Grief, Vignette

Crossposting: AO3 | Dreamwidth

Summary: In which a seemingly unqualified suitor vies for the open Lord Protector position for the Prime of Destruction.

Fic below cut.

Small. Thin armor. Loud paint. Incautious gait.

Megatron could have crumpled him like a frail sheet of foil if he so chose.

Yet in front of him, posed confidently with his hands on his hips at the foot of the impractically tall dark granite dais, beamed some red little fool the herald had introduced as “Hot Rod of Nyon.” Given the obnoxious flames painted on his chest, Megatron thought the mech’s name was a little on the nose.

This scrawny fool, apparently, wanted to be the Lord Protector of the alleged incarnation of Destruction itself. What a ridiculous thought.

Since Orion, Megatron’s previous Lord Protector, had succumbed to early onset cybercrosis more than three decades ago, Megatron had spent most of his time alone.

He, in fact, intended to keep it that way.

Watching his partner waste away against an invisible foe had been more of a punishment than being forcibly ascended to a position of ritualized shame and fear for his crimes had ever been.

The ritual mourning periods of seven months, then thirty months, and then a decade had all passed. The generals and officers who made up his “priesthood”—more like a religious militia meant to keep him in check—hadn’t pressed him to take another protector before the formalized markers of grieving had been reached. It wouldn’t have been proper, for all they, his prison wardens, pretended to care about propriety even when their “Prime” still lit decennial memorial lamps.

Megatron, regardless of his own opinions on the matter, was kept around solely for the fulfillment of ancient laws and summoning his strength in times of war. The First Prime was nominally the Prime of War, but Sentinel spent far too much time playing politician, leaving Megatron as the de facto holder of the purview.

It wasn’t as though he needed protection, not physically. He could protect himself, as was obvious from the battlefields they pleaded that he would drench in spilled fuel, like the arena of banal bloodsport they had unilaterally plucked him from. When Megatron had turned the rare suitor away before, the battle clerics hadn’t objected too strongly.

Usually.

Besides, it wasn’t as though suitors were commonplace. Not many were lining up to consort with a “deity” of death, forced to use his violence as a tool for theocratic control. Orion, before his untimely death, had been an irreplaceable exception. No one is else would or could ever take that place again; it would never be the same.

Starscream, the general who oversaw all the others who allegedly paid Megatron homage, was a sharp-eyed mech with innumerable half-spoken agendas. He relished being what passed for this "Prime's" high priest, chief jailer rather. This was clearly part of some of his machinations.

He stood, smirking, next to Megatron’s throne, arms crossed in front of his chest. His gleaming white wings were held out wide as he swayed side to side, not-so-subtly trying to make his heavily embroidered cape undulate in the artificial breeze.

“Starscream, this is unnecessary,” Megatron said, hunched over with his elbows against his knees. He glowered down at Hot Rod. “You know this is unnecessary.”

Hot Rod was hardly much bigger than one of Soundwave’s mini-bots, who were generally relegated to sabotage work as a result. A Lord Protector, expected to accompany him into the heat of battle, could never be allowed to fill a less combat-oriented position. Hot Rod would end up as little more than shrapnel littering the battlefield.

“Come now,” Starscream said, his slick grin stretched broad. It barely concealed that he was up to something, a fig leaf of pious duty. “It’s been so long since you’ve kept any company but your own.”

They both knew the other role a Lord Protector fulfilled: controlling the sacred monster.

“He’s not—“

"You've been lonely, absorbed in nothing but your work for far too long."

Starscream, of course, would be eager to have someone once more take up that mantle… for the approval of the public rather than practical necessity, given Megatron’s self discipline. That was likely why he had allowed this fragile mech to even put forward a petition. Any tether at all was better for their reputation than a beast with no leash.

“I’m right here!” Hot Rod, speaking for the first time, brazenly put his foot on the lowest step on the dark dais and smacked his tiny fist against his chest. His beaming grin became a frown at the perceived disrespect. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here.”

What a rude little mech.

Talking out of turn, ascending the dais uninvited…. No self preservation to be had. The distance was supposed to be for the protection of any visitors, in case the “god” lost control. More time for the jailers masquerading as devotees to restrain him if the Lord Protector didn’t get there first.

This Hot Rod was clearly on some elaborate suicide mission for some reason. This was far more effort than most would bother putting towards such an end; there were doubtlessly easier ways to go about it.

“Just how badly do you want to die?”

“Not at all, actually.” Hot Rod didn’t back down, a determined look set on his face. “A big shocker, I know.”

Not the answer Megatron had expected, not that mechs tended to be forthright about their deathwishes.

“What exactly is your purpose here?”

“Surely, that’s self-evident.” Starscream’s opinions, as usual, were unnecessary so Megatron ignored him.

He merely repeated the question to Hot Rod, who had begun climbing the dais as though he thought he’d been given some sort of invitation. His bright paint was a stark contrast to the stone, black as the void, giving the impression of a rising star.

Some of the officers, all armed with guns and blades, stationed at various points up the steps began to shift, bristling with unease at the blatant disregard of norms. Several stepped forward, as though to get in the intruder’s way.

Megatron gestured for them to take no action.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure it’s obvious what I’m here for.” Brow furrowed, Hot Rod continued scaling the dais, stepping past the officers as though they were harmless bystanders. Armor clattered in the quiet hall as they made way for him.

Hot Rod’s bravery reminded him somewhat of Orion.

Orion had not climbed to meet him, no, but had lain down his weapons on the floor of the hall and had challenged Megatron unarmed combat.

Hot Rod too was challenging him in a way, but why?

Megatron silently let him approach.

Starscream whispered a reminder to mind his manners, as though he were some uncouth newbuild courting for the first time.

If only Starscream didn’t have wings…. Megatron occasionally considered pushing him off the side of the platform.

Once Hot Rod reached the top level, he stopped just within arm’s reach of the throne.

Megatron leaned forward, as far as he could without overbalancing. Seated, he was at Hot Rod’s eye level.

“What do you gain by asking this?”

Hot Rod’s bright smile was back, this time as a smirk, like he thought Megatron was joking.

“What do you lose by letting me?”

Smart aleck.

“Why are you determined to die?”

“I’m not.” Hot Rod shrugged, as though that were the obvious answer despite all evidence to the contrary.

“So you’ve said before, yes, but that’s the only outcome at the end of the path you’re trying to walk.”

“That’s my business, I think.”

Stubborn.

“So be it.”

Huffing, Megatron waved Starscream over without looking at him. The clicking of thruster heels against black granite told him that the high “priest” had obeyed.

“Yes?” he purred, clearly pleased with himself. He was getting what he had wanted after all.

“Have him trained. Presuming he survives, schedule the ceremony.”

[crimsonxe]

Rewatching through Arcane full-series really is making my love for s2 only deepen, cause its clear how more confident & knowing the writers are about the characters. Don't get it wrong, this is by no means insulting s1 which is great; just acknowledging the subtle (or not so subtle) difference in feel to the characters. Spoilers below the cut:

Jinx isn't breaking down sobbing psychotically or floating in and out of psychotic breaks; instead in s2 she has mental issues & trauma clearly but its way more grounded and GOD do I want to give her a nice warm blanket in s2. She's more humanly fucked up. There's just something I can't put my finger on about her design in s1 vs. 2 where the latter comes across better or more human. I dunno if its the skin texture or something else, but its just a thing that's there that tickles my brain.

Vi is still a badass futch (I've seen it go back and forth between futch and butch so meh ymmv) that's clearly into Cait in s1 as well as tortured over her Jinx; but s2 adds a deeper layer of attraction & connection to Cait and because of how Jinx is handled also makes it way easier to understand her lengths of reaching out to Jinx. She's plenty locked into who she is but also has a lining of vulnerability and doubt as well that's hard to put to words. Also I love s1 Vi, but god s2's design does have an edge on uniqueness if only for that hair style that pops the fuck off.

Cait has more confidence/iron backing, more engagement with events directly, and way more open with her attraction to Vi & comfortability with relationships & sex. I love the purple & white stolen Zaunite outfit, but ponytail Cait from s2 and her tactical gear look are peak.

Caitvi/Violyn not teasing the water but full-on having moments where you see the attraction between the two not it being teased but like the air being thick with it. The fact that the writers had the confidence with it to actually have them separate, then come back together. Things like Ambessa directly stating how Vi has such an irreplaceable spot in Cait's heart, Vi's basically begging Cait not to change + stating how she's lost everyone + "I don't fucking care." to the Maddie bit (which I still stand by as one of the hottest damn parts in the love scene along with Cait's hand moving across Vi's back tattoo). Like I was never calling bait or taking issue at all cause the two did just meet in s1, but its clear to me the confidence level for s2 was higher leading to more blatant moments.

Ekko going from youthful freedom fighter to multiverse technology genius capable of creating a time looper machine.

Mel omfg my queen, I love that s2 has her shift from a more traditional femme styling that leans into manipulation, use of beauty, and elogant look to being more brazen, sliding towards badass, and gaining more of an ability to directly engage in combat with those she's against not try to manipulate them.

Hell I'm not even a huge shipper of them, but Mel and Jayce even get a better feeling dynamic in s2. I still don't particularly ship them, but I can see the appeal.

Even Sevika going from goon/henchwoman to more of an outspoken badass standing on her own name.

And I'm not even finished going through s1 yet (cause I'm in no rush). Its actually got me looking forward to future spinoffs even more cause they'll be carrying forward this confidence to them, especially if there's one following Mel an already established character that there's so much more room to expand on.

[dlstmxkakwldrlarchive]

SHINee Celebrates his 15th Anniversary by Working Hard

SHINee, who celebrated their 15th anniversary this year after debuting in 2008, is making a full year comeback, not only with group activities but also with solo activities.

In June, SHINee held a face-to-face concert "SHINee World VI Perfect Illumination" in Korea after six years and nine months, and made a comeback as a whole in after two years and two months through their eighth full album "Hard."

[...] They captivated the public with a SHINee-style hip hop song, which no one has ever tried before, 'Hard'; the album reached 206,574 first week sales, number one in Korea's Music Chart, swept the top #1 in 40 countries around the world including Germany, Italy, Finland and The Netherlands reaching new 'Career High' on their 15th anniversary.

[...]

SHINee, who achieved significant results through their activities as a group, are showing their various charms through their solo activities and meeting their fans without self-replication.

First, Minho released his first mini-album 'Chase' in December last year, taking his first step as a soloist 14 years after his debut.

Minho swept the global charts with his collection of emotions with 'Chase.'

'Chase' topped the iTunes Top Albums chart in 39 regions around the world, including the United States, Japan and Canada, he also topped the Worldwide iTunes Albums chart and the Daily Albums ranking on the Recochoku Chart.

With his first solo full-length album 'Circle' in March, Onew received global love by topping the domestic music charts weekly, topping the iTunes Top Album Chart in 32 regions around the world, the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart and ranking No. 1 in Japan's Recochoku Daily Album Rankings.

Key made two solo comebacks this year: with his second full-length repackage 'Killer' released in February and his second mini-album 'Good and Great' released last month.

In addition, he's playing an irreplaceable role in many fields, including entertainment, fashion, advertising, and pictorials, as well as music.

Key proved his global fame with 'Good and Great,' which was released on the 11th of last month, topping iTunes' 34 regions around the world, the Worldwide iTunes album chart, and topping the domestic major record charts for Yes24 days.

Following his hyung's strength in solo activities, Taemin will also release his fourth mini-album, 'Guilty,' on the 30th.

[littlekiara96]

Meet Rose, my HSR OC :D

Her kit is based on life-stealing through DoTs and she's part of the Stellaron Hunters :D

I'd love to get asks about her (anything, really) ^^

I've tried to make her kit not too OP because she is meant to be a 4-star but huuuuh... Not sure I managed that...

[Kit, Eidolons (titles only) and voicelines under the cut]

— Ability

Basic ATK: Flying Thorns

Shoots 3 needles out of her umbrella to one enemy target, with a 70% base chance of inflicting them with Wind Shear for 3 turns, up to 5 stacks. Each DoT applied life-steals for 30% of her max health and 10% of her attack.

Skill: Lovely Sacrifice

Heals all allies by downing her own health by 30% of her max health. Each ally receives 20% of her max health.

Ultimate: Sweet Revenge

A blast that hits up to 3 enemy targets, life-stealing for 70% of her max health and 30% of her attack.

Talent: Unbearable Loss

Revives one ally per battle at full health but she sacrifices 70% of her Max HP in the process. She cannot go lower than 1 HP.

Technique: Delicate Touch

Attacks her target, applying one stack of Wind Shear on all enemies at the start of the battle.

— Eidolons

Under the Umbrella

Means to an End

Gentleness Aplenty

Irreplaceable Ire

Love Abounds

— Character Lines

First Meeting: “Hello, darling~ Don't fret; the name's Rose and I'm merely here to help you. Do tell me if anything hurts. If you behave, I might even kiss it better~”

Greeting: “How have you been since last time? Tell me everything!”

Parting: “Aww, don't worry~ I'm not going anywhere without you.”

About Self: “Oh? I’m not all that special! I just take care of the people dear to me, and I make sure nothing bad happens to them. Just what any good friend would do, right?”

About Self - Pendant: “You wish to see…? I'm sorry, but it's very precious to me. It's… a souvenir of sorts.”

Chat - Flowers: "I can't help but like the smell of roses… It reminds me of… old times…"

Chat - Love: "I say I love everyone, but in fact… There is one person I despise. Who? I'm not telling you~"

Hobbies: "I mostly read whenever I have nothing better to do. Do you know about a romance writer from Jarilo-VI? I just love her work!"

Annoyances: “Anyone who hurts my friends, be it physically or not… shall face the consequences.”

Something to Share: “Isn’t life just so wonderful? All the little things that make up the universe… It’s a beautiful, chaotic miracle, don’t you think?”

Knowledge: "Have you heard about the Knights of Beauty? They are quite the interesting bunch. I wonder what they are up to, nowadays…"

About Sam: "Oh, funny Sammy? He's a bit all over the place, but he's always there when I need help with anything. Sometimes, it's like he pops out of nowhere… I whacked him once with my umbrella reflexively. He asked for compensation. What was it? Oh, hum… Heehee~"

About Silver Wolf: "She's a good kid, once you explain things to her like it's a game. She has a passion for high scores and such, so she just needs a feeling of competition and she'll do anything for you!"

About Kafka: "Aaah~ I always go shopping with Kaykay! She has impeccable taste in fashion, and she even helped me train with my umbrella!"

About Blade: "I wish Bladie would stop telling me not to heal him. I don't even want his thanks, I just want him to… Ah! Don't tell him I called him Bladie!!"

About Elio: "Now, now~ If you think I will tell you anything about my boss… You're dead wrong."

About Argenti: “Wh- Why would you want me to talk about him?! N-No, I am not blushing! Who taught you to be so rude to a lady?”

— Combat Lines

Battle Begins - Weakness Break: “Careful not to prick yourself.”

Battle Begins - Danger Alert: “That's a thorny situation…”

Turn Begins I: “Time to reap what you sowed!”

Turn Begins II: “Let’s pluck some petals!”

Turn Idling: “Is there a problem, dear?”

Basic ATK: “Stay still!”

Skill: “Please, don't look…”

Hit by Light Attack: “Just a prick.”

Hit by Heavy Attack: “That one hurt!”

Ultimate: Activate: “Do not interfere.”

Ultimate: Unleash: “The constant flow of change in all that exists… How poetic!” - x2 “The flow of change… Wonderful!”

Talent: "Not on my watch!"

Downed: “Should've been… better…”

Return to Battle: “Did you miss me?”

Health Recovery: “How sweet of you~”

Technique: “Here's a gift~”

Battle Won: “Does anyone need a magic kiss?”

Treasure Opening: “Oh! How nice~”

Successful Puzzle-Solving: “Keeping one's mind sharp~”

Enemy Target Found: “Beware. That flower has thorns.”

Returning to Town: “We can rest whenever you need to.”

[help-help-i-need-an-adult]

In October of 2001, my older brother walked to Chicago from southeast Indiana because he got mad at school. He was missing for 4 days and no one knew where he’d gone. My parents were only finally contacted about his whereabouts when he was found by the Chicago Airport security, on the runway lot watching planes coming in and out of the airport. This was a month after 9/11 happened, by the way. He still wasn’t given a cell phone after this because it was too expensive.

In 2003, my older sister went to a fine arts boarding school in Michigan on a scholarship. It’s a really big campus and was an 8 hour drive away from home. She wasn’t given a cellphone because it was too expensive. Many of her classmates from wealthier families had them, but not my sister.

I was a small child (barely in double digit age group) and alone on college campuses at night without a phone on a weekly basis in the early 2000’s (about 2004-2008) because they were expensive. Literally about 11 years old when this started. By 12, I was alone two nights a week. My parents couldn’t be bothered to pick me up on time and the choir didn’t think to have an adult stay with the kids till they were all picked up. They never dreamed a parent would be an hour late on a regular basis. I think they FINALLY made the rule to have the choir parent stay till every kid was picked up when I was 16 because I’d made the “so your parents don’t love you either?” joke to the wrong kid. After that, the choir parents started to hate me because my parents were never on time and dad always wanted to pick me up at the wrong door.

(Seriously, I have no idea how child protective services was only called on my parents once in 2002.)

Anyway.

When I finally did get a phone, it was 2009 and my high school principal made my having one mandatory in order to attend classes on the college campus. Even then, my parents were reluctant to give me one. I got a long lecture about how it was only for emergencies. Minutes were expensive.

Finally, my mom’s bff gave me one of her kid’s old phones and paid for its service so I could call/text more freely while running around a major city unsupervised.

My dad kept his flip phone under the drivers seat in his car turned off because “he didn’t need it.” An old lady chewed him out for it when my mom and I were in a car accident in 2011 and couldn’t reach him. He didn’t change his behavior over this. Never mind that mom had a concussion and was unconscious and I was 17 and unable to make decisions. He didn’t need it, so it was off and under his driver’s seat.

In 2012, my mom went through 7 phones in a month via multiple shenanigans of her own carelessness, including running her phone over with the car. If I’d broken or lost or had my phone stolen before this point, it would have been “too bad, so sad”, but mom got 7 in a month because by 2012, my parents didn’t have a landline anymore, and it wasn’t so expensive as to be irreplaceable.

My parents were arguably in a worse financial position in 2012 than they were in 2005 for example.

By my early 20’s, flip phones were almost nonexistent because smartphones were now necessary for nearly everything.

Now my phone is something I pay for myself, but work gives me so much money a month to help me keep it. It tells my emergency contacts my whereabouts with the click of a button and vis versa. I use it for everything from social media, to navigation, to work stuffs. I keep it in a case to try not to break it, but have insurance on it just in case that fails.

My point of all of this is phones went from “expensive” and “damn near indestructible” to very easy to break and a necessity in a very VERY short period of time.

something I’ve seen in various fandoms now is young artists will draw flip phones with cracked screens. But in my experience, I have never met someone whose flip phone had a screen crack. Those screens were more like something on a calculator or a nintendo ds than like a smartphone. I was a klutz, and my first phone broke because the front half and back half came apart. Like you’d mayyyyybe see it on some of the later flip phones that only had large screens on the front because smartphones had already made them popular, but it was still way more rare.

If you wanna give a character a flip phone and show they’re clumsy, they’re more likely to have the paint scratched like hell or parts of the plastic chipped off. No more phone charms because the plastic loop broke. If the screen is broken, it would sooner not turn on anymore before the screen would have a crack in it.