#it would have revealed tooooo much

[greenfiend]

ok but that moment where the electricity goes off and steve keeps turning the light switch on and off so robin tells him it isnt gonna work (all while a bunch of bananas hang on the wall right next to him which is a choice, im sorry, it just looks interesting).

which could mean nothing —

(For context, anon is talking about this post. Click it, and have your mind blown.)

Oh it definitely means something, anon. 🤣

In Robin’s presence, Steve attempts to “turn on” the lights- but is completely unsuccessful. There’s no electricity. Just like the “Clarke-Byers Electromagnetic Field”… it’s stable.

But when Mike (secretly) held Will’s hand. BAM! Powers back on.

(Notice how we can see thunder aka electricity in Will’s drawing… shown to us right after Mike holds Will’s hand. Incredible.)

Dear anon, can you imagine how much energy these two will create while they kiss… and more?

Maybe…

[batfam-my-beloved]

AU where Batman has a "no killing" rule but that only applies to Batman

Bruce understands that people have their own form of morality and justice. He's not going to fault a soldier for doing what they have to do to protect people. It's just that he personally would probably never go that far. Not that he can't, mind you, he's fucking Batman! Just that the mental and emotional toll would fuck him up so bad he'd be a danger to himself and society.

So when it comes to his murder happy children his rule for them is: "Wait until you're 18."

Bruce: "Dickie, I know Tony Zucco killed your parents and he deserves WAY worse than a punctured lung, two broken legs, a fractured skull, and a dislocated shoulder. But you're also 10 yrs old and the parenting books say that murder at such a young age is not good for a child's emotional development. So how bout we keep him locked up in jail, good and tight, and if you're still mad about it when you turn 18 then you can have at it. Sound good chum?"

Dick, pouting and kicking rocks: "I guess."

Tim "forever 17" Drake is just counting down the days until his 18th birthday because that mother fucker has a list. He doesn't mind waiting because he god damn knows there are worse things than death one can do to someone.

Damien has been killing since he could walk and hold up a sword, so when he comes to live with his father under the "no killing until 18" rule he is NOT happy about it. Until his brothers start poking fun at him.

Damien, pouting: "It isn't fair! Todd gets to go out and kill people!"

Bruce: "Jason is over 18 yrs."

Jason: "Yeah! And besides, its not my fault you're just uncreative in how you beat up bad guys!"

Damien: "What is that supposed to mean!"

Tim: "It means that there are worse things than death but you're just too dumb to know it."

Damien, furious: "Am not!"

Jason and Tim, teasing: "Are too!"

Damien: "AM NOT!"

Jason and Tim: "Are tooooo!"

Dick, tired: "Guys, stop making fun of him. He's just gunna take it as a challenge."

Damien, determined: "Well I accept this challenge! I'll provide my superiority as a vigilantly by taking out the enemy in non-lethal yet appropriately brutal ways of punishment! Just you watch!"

Bruce, weary yet appeased: "Well at least he's not gunna attempt murder for a while."

Jason didn't come with an automatic kill switch so Bruce didn't really have to worry about it. But then Jason died and Dick got to see first hand as to why Bruce had a no killing rule for himself. The insurmountable destruction, the overall apathy for the harm to others around him, the deep seated rage ready to just destroy everything he comes in contact with. Alfred tells Dick that they need to stop him because Bruce won't just stop at the Joker, he'll go after Jason's mother (in this au I'm making Sheila live for the extra angst factor)and whoever else he deems even remotely responsible for the death of his son. Bruce won't care if it starts wars and conflict across nations, he will NOT stop until he gets his revenge.

So they stop him, practically have to sedated Bruce with enough tranquilizers to put down an elephant 10x over. And then they lock the Joker up in the deepest underground pits of Arkham with a broken spine and enough security measures that it's very much impossible to brake him out least you're the Batman himself. Bruce isn't happy about it at first but Alfred and Dick are there with him through it all and it helps a lot.

When Jason comes back he still doesn't know about the "no killing until your 18" rule, nor does he know the reason WHY Batman doesn't kill. So he's still angry and does his whole thing as Red Hood but when he reveals himself to Batman as Jason Todd Bruce is just so happy to see him again. And Jason is confused cuz like: "I just killed a bunch of people, aren't you disappointed?"

And Bruce is like: "I am a bit mad that you hurt Tim but other than that you are technically over 18 yrs old now so I'm going to assume you understand the weight and responsibility that is put upon you when killing someone."

Jason, softly: "What...the fuck?"

Then Jason quickly snaps back into gear with his plan, demands Bruce to choose between killing the Joker or him and Bruce hits back with: "Oh, I'd like nothing more than to kill Joker but I promised Dick and Alfred I wouldn't after almost starting an international war that one time."

Jason, extremely frustrated that his plan isn't going how he wanted to: "What. The. Fuck!"

So Jason dips and tracks down Dick so he could explain what the hell was going on. And Dick does explain. He explains the absolute monster Bruce almost turned into when Jason was murdered and how Bruce would most definitely not stop at the Joker if given the chance.

Dick: "You don't understand Jay, it was bad! Like really, really bad! He was going to kill your mom!"

Jason, shocked: "The fuck?!"

Dick: "He still has her on a tracker! We found him just before he killed Joker, but he still managed to paralyze him from the neck down!"

Jason, slightly disturbed: "That was him!"

Dick: "He was beating Joker's ass with a crowbar! And even after we managed to sedated Bruce and pull him off the clown we still had to make sure that Joker was locked up good and tight underground because if Bruce even caught a glimpse of him in a photo he'd go into another spiral!"

Jason, horrified: "What....the fuuuuuck???"

[sanvcnblvd]

All the curls are curling, curling ♫

All the curls are curling, curling ♫ All the curls are curling, curling ♫ All the curls are curling, curling ♫ All the curly curls ♫

A quick and dirty art piece because I knew if I stopped and ruminate, I would not actually put it down on paper.

Whoever styled Taylor’s hair for the Emmy’s must have been the same one that did his hair during the sequel reveal screening, and I’ve kinda been in love with it since.

(I’m gonna write this down in parenthesis because I’m not truly pleased with this artwork but I’m gonna post it and be done with jt. Not really liking how muddy the lighting on his skin looks, but my intent was that truly just to showcase how much I love his hair, so I’ll just leave it with that. Not tooooo bad for about 4 hours of impulse drawing I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️)

Song lyrics is a reference to Le Sserafim’s Crazy. Drawing is based of a video posted by Gold Derby on Twitter.

[idkfitememate]

سلام! همانطور که می بینید این تصویر رئیس جدید در آینده است، می خواستم بپرسم واکنش شخصیت به خواننده سازنده که او را به عنوان یک حیوان خانگی همه جا می برد چیست؟🥺💖😂

Fontaine’s New Dragon

૮꒰˶ᵔ ᗜ ᵔ˶꒱ა Pairings : Gn! Water Dragon x Fontaine

૮꒰ྀི∩´ ᵕ `∩꒱ྀིა W.K. : 895

໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১ Tags/CW&TW : Fluff, Neuvillette & Reader implied to be past lovers

໒꒰ྀི˶˙Ⱉ˙˶꒱ྀིა Author’s note : Thank you to the people who helped me translate! ૮꒰ྀི∩´ ᵕ `∩꒱ྀིა

Also fun fact, I reverse searched the image and the literal place I could find it was a Twitter (or X🙄) post that was like “Neuvillette’s furry dragon form dropped?” and got an amazing idea~

Furina was an eccentric woman. That was well known fact all throughout Fontaine.

Another known fact was that you could commonly see her out and about with her Salon Solitaire. That Salon consisting of - of course- Gentilhomme Usher, Surintendante Chevalmarin, Mademoiselle Crabaletta and the Singer of Many Waters.

What was uncommon, however, was seeing her spend so much time at the waters surrounding the Court of Fontaine.

And by spending a lot of time, I mean spending hours at the water. Which sounds weird because she’s the literal Archon of water but… eh.

The people didn’t really bother with what she did unless it pertained to a court hearing.

Neuvillette did care. He was thoroughly confused as to why his Lady was spending so much time near the water with her troupe. He knew she was… well. He didn’t really have a good word to describe the bouncy girl, but she certainly was something.

It wasn’t until all members of higher position in Fontaine were called to the Hotel Debord for a “special announcement” as she claimed.

And everyone did show. Though the dragon was a bit confused when he saw the magicians and their sibling in room. And Navia.

Navia…

He shook his head and looked away from the blonde who seemed to have not noticed him yet.

Taking his seat, he and everyone else awaited the arrival of their Archon.

The lights turned down and a spotlight lit up the stage.

The first to rush out was Surintendante Chevalmarin, filling the stage with bubbles as music began to play.

Next was Gentilhomme Usher, who launched pulses of water into the air, said pulses catching the light in just a way that made rainbows fall across the stage.

And finally Mademoiselle Crabaletta rolled into view, the bubble surrounding her popping and rings flying into the air, being caught by ribbons and hooks in the air.

“Is everyone ready?~”

Heads turned to the back of the room where Furina stood. Jumping up she landed on a bubble, that of which she rode down onto the stage.

Her Salon danced around her as she spun.

“Then I would like to introduce you all to the newest member of my Salon Solitare!~”

The rings that were thrown were then lit up by their own spotlights.

“Please give a warm welcome tooooo….!~”

All four on stage stopped dancing gestured up towards the rings above them.

“Dragon des profondeurs chantant*!~”

Her words were met with a a noise from off stage, before something swooped from above, quickly swinging through the hoops attached to the ceiling.

It was long and cover in royal blue and azure fur, speckled with greens and topped off with gold.

Its body was long and serpentine in shape, long golden whiskers flowing freely from its face.

A crown like structure sat on its forehead, four ears pointedly raised in a regal manner.

Its tail was unlike its body, it ended in a large fin that didn’t match any fish any other had seen before. It looked strong and powerful, one to bend the waves under its will.

The music silenced and the light dimmed as the beast found purchase on the rings above the stage.

Large wings rose from its back, poised in the air like a painting.

And finally, it glowed.

Bright golden and azure fill the room with tints of sea foam green. Its eyes opened to reveal stark white eyes that’s glow was only slightly y dimmer than all the other lights on its body.

Silence filled the room.

Eyes were wide and no one knew what to say. What could they say? Their Archon had just found a dragon, an actual genuine DEEP SEA DRAGON, something that hadn’t been recorded for years! Last known sighting of a being even remotely similar to those was the Hydro Dragon and its description was the…

… Was the exact same as the dragon before them.

If not a bit bigger but perhaps they could change their size?

As soon as this thought went through their heads, you gracefully leapt down onto the stage, a rumbling purr emoting from your throat. You did in fact increase in size, the stage allowing you to reach a point where Furina was the size of one of your smaller ears.

“Hehe! You should’ve seen them when I found them beneath the waves!~”

Ah. Of course. Even that wasn’t your size.

The shocked silence was interrupted by someone clambering up from their seat.

Neuvillette.

He ran forwards towards the stage with an expression none of them had ever seem before. Hopping up onto the stage, he faced the dragon as it turned to him.

The two made eye contact for a moment before the Sovereign held a shaking hand out. You walked forward and pressed your head into his palm.

“…Ma brillante perle des profondeurs..?”

Your throat rumbled in response, a smile over taking your previously blank face.

“Mon très cher poisson-ange.~”

Everyone who wasn’t a dragon jumped at the sound of your rather deep voice.

Neuvillette wrapped his arms around your neck - though with your current size they barely made it one fourth of the way.

And I’m response you nuzzled against him. You’re glowing pulsating in a comforting way.

“Wait wait wait… YOU CAN TALK????” Furina’s voice shattered the silence.

“AND YOU KNOW THEM NEUVILLETTE?!?!?”

໒꒰ྀི˶˙Ⱉ˙˶꒱ྀིა Author’s note : I hope it satisfies! I love my little guys hehe. Because of all the Neuvillette me thinks he may become a new favorite hehe ໒꒰ྀི´ ˘ ` ꒱ྀིა!

Hope you enjoyed!

* Dragon of the singing depths - Furina to You

* My brilliant deep sea pearl - Neuvillette to You

* My dearest angelfish - You to Neuvillette

[sergeant-angels-trashcan]

Im getting into my dc batfam feels and I just want you to picture dc Kate during under the red hood she calls Bruce a pussy and shoots joker and Jason's like i consider that a marriage proposal I honestly picture Kate and robin!Jason being frenemies like omg you are so annoying but if anyone wants to hurt you they have to go through me vibes then when he comes back she gets protective even though he's literally a crime lord and like twice her size

God yes Kate is so fucking mad at Bruce about Jason's death. So what if Bats wanted to kill Joker? He didn't actually do it! Kate and Dick working together to find and kill him. Kate is very aware that this means she will no longer be welcome in Gotham. Worth it.

(Dick and Kate and New Robin Tim hunting down the Joker for Jason???? Dick and Kate looking at each other over Tim's head like wtf did we become this feral creature's parents?. Dick and Kate in their "I'm too young to die but too old to eat off the kids menu, what a stupid age I am!" era. Jason has someone set up a meeting with "the people who killed the Joker" and it's his childhood crush, his not-brother, and his replacement?!?!?! What the fuck. No, seriously, guys, what the fuck?? Jason reveals his identity out of shock more than anything and is suddenly at the bottom of a very weepy puppy pile)

Can also see Kate buying an apartment building in or just outside of crime alley because of Jason and the desire to look out for his neighborhood in his honor.

It takes waaaay too long for Jason to reveal he's Red Hood to her, mostly because she keeps trying to kill him with extreme prejudice. Like, he gets that's Joker's pre-joker name, right? Is this some kind of sick joke? Gets to the point where he pays Poison Ivy to drug her and dump her at one of his safe houses bc he a dramatic ass hoe

Potential for Kate to think she's dreaming or hallucinating Jason amd she pokes him and screams when he's solid which startles jason into screaming at her. I'm a fan of people screaming at each other for no reason.

as bbs they are TOOOOO much alike. They're enamored with the magic/awesomeness of being a superhero, they are the second of their name, both are birds, they're book nerds. Kate doesn't have a lot of fellow rich people friends so I think she'd take to Jason right away, I can see her giving him gala tips etc. I can see them liking each other as civilians and hating each other as superheroes because they are TOO alike which is kind of funny which is frenemies territory. Like god another bird themed superhero??? Getcha own thing. They get kidnapped from a gala and that's when they learn each other's superhero identity? Maybe???

BUT they always laugh at each other's bird jokes in solidarity

Kate was Jason's first kiss. Bbys holding hands!!!! Jaybin is SO bashful and SO respectful of her boundaries ahhhhh I'm dying

I saw a post about how there's a memorial to the second Robin on a rooftop in crime alley because they know he was one of theirs and I am OBSESSED with Kate tending to it with other residents of the area once she moves to Gotham (Kate moving to Gotham is her version of when a cat stares at you and then knocks your glass of water over. Bruce doesn't think she should be here? Oh he doesn't? How interesting. Unfortunately, all of her fucks have been promised to other issues so she has none for you, Brucie)

Kate is who Jason calls after the batarang to the neck incident. He texts her an SOS and she keeps it together to get jason bandaged up and in bed and then she breaks into the Manor and starts screaming and throwing things at bruce. Would she have been able to enter the Manor normally? Yes. Breaking in was to make a POINT. The point was FUCK YOU BRUCE. (VERY funny if this causes a falling out between Bruce and Ollie because the Hawkeyes are pissed at Batman and the arrow heroes have to stand in solidarity? Maybe prompting Ollie and Roy to patch up their relationship because Arrow Heroes. Honestly it's giving WWI vibes. Like, I got no beef with you but my boo does so fuck you.)

Goddddd I love jason and Kate so much

[kaija-rayne-author]

10.1 in review series for Dragon Age Veilguard

70 hours in, 68 actual gameplay

Obligatory I'm not an asshole disclaimer, feel free to skip to the cut.

Something came to my attention. I need to make it crystal clear that I utterly love the diversity in DAV. It's fantastic. I'm also a heavily left leaning, non-binary, queer as fuck reviewer, editor, and author.

I'm on media blackout while I play this, so I'm only getting second-hand info on how awful it is right now in the DA Fandom. Please be safe and take care of yourselves. Arguing with incels and white supremacists is completely pointless. They sea lion worse than an actual sea lion. Your mental health is important.

Though, every single time the anti-queer brigade comes out for a new DA game, I sit there thinking 'have you bozos ever played any DA game, like, ever?' My guess is nope.

Spoilers for Dragon Age Veilguard

Section 9 is here.

I haven't played yet today. I have to take my immunoconpromised ass into a world that doesn't give a shit about my life to get groceries. How do I know they don't care? They don't mask. It's as simple as that. If you care about immunocompromised people, people like me recovering from almost dying, pregnant people, old people, many children, people with immune affecting issues like long covid, depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia... goddess, the list goes on, if you cared? You'd mask. It's the number one way to help us survive. And no, us masking by ourselves doesn't work very well. Everyone has to.

Anyway. Yeah. Gotta risk my life for groceries because I can't afford delivery.

I was just sitting here, and I think I figured out some of the many issues that are bothering me about this game. The great big missing I've been trying to figure out.

They didn't make Veilguard for the adult gamers who have desperately wanted it for so long. They made it for children and teens.

Epler even outright said they'd changed things hoping to draw in a younger section of gamers. (In one of the first q&a sessions after the gameplay reveals.) I wonder if he bothered to do any market studies to see if that demographic would actually be interested?

I can only judge by my two gaming kids because I'm on media blackout while I finish this game. But no matter how much they simplified it for kids, they still have absolutely no interest in Dragon age. They're far more interested in indie games than anything a triple A studio puts out. Their opinions on Triple A studios are so low it's honestly ridiculous. They don't even understand why I love games put out by them.

So, the devs chose to remove things so that parents would be more likely to let their kid play what is still listed as a M level game (ESRB M for mature).

Ooooh, no. We can't have rogues picking locks and doing all the stuff rogues are supposed to be able to do. Why? Because that means kids will be delinquents doing the same! (The trust in the ability of older kids to understand the difference between a fantasy video game and real life is astounding, I tell you. /s)

Everyone is just so... nice. Not kind, that's different. But that sugary, false nice. None of the romanceables have anything tooooo controversial about them.

Blackwall Inquisition was a child murderer and lying about being a Grey Warden. Dorian was a spoiled, enslaving Tevinter rich boy (he did actually have a growth arc in Inquisition). Sera was a thief and a Red Jenny (people who worked against the entitled, rich nobility as needed to protect people without power). Varric (even though you can't romance him) was a thief, liar, cheater, and someone you wanted at your back in a fight because he fights dirty. Cassandra was bigoted, hide bound, and intolerant of any faiths other than Andrastianism. The Iron Bull was a failed Ben-Hassrath double agent. The ben-hassrath are a combination of spies, saboteurs, and assassins, among other things. Whatever was needed to defend the Qun. Cullen was a drug addict and such a horrible person in the previous two games it actually made me physically ill to try to romance him. Solas was, well, Solas. Who we all know had a lot of bad in his background. They've certainly hammered that point home in Veilguard. With a jackhammer. The only romance option in Inquisition that wasn’t dirty was Josey. And if you do Romance her, you find some dirt on her too.

I could say the same for almost every Dragon Age Romanceable in the entire damned series. They've mostly been not the greatest of people and when the writers were doing their jobs right, there were growth arcs for them that made them better people during the game. That's part of the fun of games with Romanceable characters. Picking out which broken bird fits your type of broken to romance. (And we're mostly all broken in some way.)

But all the romance options in Veilguard are... well, boring. They're nice, safe, decent people. And since most people have some darkness in them, it's probably not working for others as epically as it's not working for me.

If they're already nice, safe, decent people (even the fucking assassin!) then there's no room for growth. No room to learn that character and feel like your presence in their lives might give them a light to help them strive to be better people. They've truncated any potential for growth arcs for all of them. I'm a Romance author. When you're designing characters for Romance, they have to have a balance of flaws to good points. Otherwise they're just poorly designed characters with little potential to get hearts throbbing and knickers in a twist.

No wonder the romanceables aren't working for me. None of them have flaws big enough to make them well-rounded characters.

Moving on.

Have you noticed there's no blood splatter? You'll get a slowly creeping puddle around enemies, but somehow it never gets on the characters. I'll check if I have the energy to play after risking my life to get food. But I don't recall seeing a toggle for blood splatter in Veilguard. Like it or hate it, the blood splatter is very much a thing in games like these. They usually have an option to turn it off, but it's usually there. Especially in Dragon Age, blood splatter was a thing. A big thing. Hells, their logo was a blood splatter dragon for at least two games FFS.

And honestly, having my characters coming out of hard fights looking like they've been through a meat grinder is part of the reason I enjoy games like these.

The choices for dialogue are also usually pretty 'nice'. The 'sarcastic' option usually isn't. The angry/strong one isn't either. It's all just... boring. And I'm into Act three now, so I'm thinking my hope of 'maybe the dialogue will get better' is probably an impossibility at this point.

The simplified plot points, the puerile storylines, the lack of dirt on the romanceables, the lack of growth arcs, the completely ridiculous cutting of 90% of the dark horror elements that made these games so good... we've lost all of that because they made this game for kids. And I highly doubt kids will be interested. So they've fucked over, and at least in my case, utterly pissed off the older gamers who have loved Dragon Age for so long, and very likely failed to attract younger gamers, too.

Congratulations on learning the lesson of knowing who your fucking market is.

It's crucial in any kind of content creation to know who you're making the thing for, and to not deviate from those genre expectations toooo much. Otherwise, you just have a mess of a disaster like Veilguard. They shot for two wildly dissimilar markets and failed both. Even the cartoony look of the art style is much more like a game for kids than anything like a dark fantasy game for adults.

And like... it's still listed as a mature rated game. So what, exactly, was the point of ruining Dragon Age like this? Many parents won't let their kids play M rated games regardless.

It's just so depressing. If they'd actually made this game for the people who had been praying for it for so long? It probably would have been phenomenal. As it stands, I'll be shocked if it doesn't sink Bioware. And if it doesn't, I'd think it because of bribery more than game quality.

I do have to say that you can decorate more than I thought. But you have to buy almost everything. And they're themes, so there's no intermixing possible. Like you could have Elven windows with Alamarri rugs and a Ferelden throne in Skyhold? All gifts from either people or cultures you'd helped, which tied it all together and connected it to the world... you can just change themes for the Lighthouse. It changes everything, and again, you have to buy almost everything. That really removes a lot of depth from the game.

People call all the collectibles and gifts etc. from the previous games 'filler'. But, frankly, that's a very uneducated opinion of what that 'filler' is supposed to do in fiction. The 'filler' (which is an actual technical term in writing fiction, and those things aren't filler) collectibles and quests gave depth to the games. It tied the world of THEDAS into the world of the player character. It's called world building in writing circles. And what confuses me is that I don't recall anyone having to do any of that. If all you wanted out of the previous games (especially Inquisition) was a fighting game, you could do that. None of the world building collection parts locked you out of any quests that I can recall. If you did enjoy deeper world building and collecting things, you could collect to your heart's content. There's none of that delicately intertwined, beautiful worldbuilding in Veilguard. It's stripped down to the very bare bones of mediocrity.

At heart, Veilguard is not a role-playing game. It's a fighting game. And not even a very well designed one. My not-a-fucking-rogue should never have aggro. That's not how this is supposed to work.

Why they felt going from a successful history of role-playing games to a stripped-down, poorly world built fighting game a good idea is just beyond me? Whoever made that decision honestly needs to be fired. And you will almost never see me say that. Jobs are too hard to find. But I will say it about Veilguard. The decisions made have ruined Veilguard in my honest, incredibly disappointed viewpoint.

They marketed this as a role-playing game. The expectation was for a role-playing game set in a richly detailed, deeply world built environment. Like most of the Dragon Age games have been. Especially Inquisition.

And we got a fighting game so stripped of world building that it's sad and just... boring.

Oh, heads up if you're disabled with any sort of disability that affects your hand eye coordination or ability to move your fingers quickly on a keyboard or controller. Don't buy this game. Even on the lowest setting with no death clicked on, you need a great deal of manual dexterity to use this crappy new fighting set up they've come up with. They definitely didn't think of physically disabled gamers at all in developing this. I'm just lucky my particular physical disabilities don't affect me that way. Though my hands are in agony from keeping my not-a-rogue out of the dragon on one side, stone wall on the other situation the fucked up aggro set up always puts me in.

They did bring gifts for companions back, which would thrill me if I actually had any desire to romance any of them. Which I honestly don't. And in games like these? It's often hard for me to pick which one. I often have to install a polyam mod so I can see the other romances because I'm usually so hot and bothered and just captivated by a Romanceable character or three that I won't be able to not romance them. Meaning I need the mod if I'm going to see the other romances.

I'm physically and mentally incapable of not romancing Astarion BG3. (I've tried!) Halsin gets me every time, too. Those are markers of excellent character development.

There's none of that in Veilguard.

Emmerich, and (as much as I hated his intro story, The Wigmaker,) Lucanis are the only slightly interesting characters to me. Bellara is sweet and awkward, but they reduced her neurodivergent qualities so much it feels... off, to my neurodivergent ass. In the autistic people on tv way of off. (To date there hasn't been much, if any, good rep of us on TV. It's all inspiration porn.) I don't feel seen in her. And I have quite a few traits she expresses. I feel... pitied. Like someone like me, or Bellara, aren't worthy of respect, love, and trust. It's not a good feeling.

Neve is so suspicious and bitchy that I have no desire to even try to romance her. I want to shove Harding off a cliff.

Davrin is really suspiciously similar to Halsin BG3. Big, more blocky than usual for an elf, wants to do good, carves wood... but where Halsin really works (because of his deep character development and darkness) Davrin, while definitely hot and with an amazing voice... just falls flat.

Emmerich is a doll of prince charming manners and adorable fussiness. He's probably the character next to Lucanis who actually has the most darkness to him.

I really wanted to love Taash. And I like them a lot, but their 'you must choose only one' thing showed up really fucking early in the game. I didn't feel like I knew them yet, so they're just never going to work for my demisexual ass unless I actually replay this (unlikely?) with a polyam mod and basically plug my nose and close my eyes and leap into a relationship with them far earlier than I'm really comfy with.

So, there's some clarity for me on what's missing and why.

Genshin Impact has more draw for me as an adult gamer than Veilguard does. And that is absolutely a game targeted at teens and early twenties folks. It's also an incredibly well designed game with good world building, balanced fighting, and devs who know who their market is.

It's an old saw in content creation. But Know Your Market is a saw for a reason.

Section 10.2 here.

[spookyserenades]

Dana, my darling writer... can I be honest with you? Real quick-

I am *not* ready for chapter eighteen in any type of form that ever exist srsly

I don't know what to expect for this chapter

I don't know even less how Y/N is going to deal at this point toward with how Tae appeared with bunch of hickeys and how they relationship (that is hanging by a thread now) is going to work out

Who is our new boy we going to collect now

Whatever is that thing on the Sander's House

I have so much respect for you for being an author of this fic and be able to write these multiple things that are happening (and they are all soo good ) like- is not everyone that can pull out this type of writing really

Bcs if it was me? I would already let god take the rein and just watch bcs I don't have a single flying idea what's about to happen

Love you for that tho

Mood ? anxiety + stress

Hello my dear 💜

AH! I get you, nothing can truly prepare you for updates, especially when I often throw curveballs at you all 💀 BUT I don't think 18 was full of tooooo many surprises hehe.

Ohhhh Tae :( I feel for Y/N and Tae, they're both really terrible at confrontation. Yoongi/Seokjin didn't really shy away from it as much as Tae does, and Y/N has made herself known as someone who isn't very good at it. Therefore, it's tricky for her and Tae to just cut to the chase and be honest with one another. Additionally, Tae seems to not really have a good grasp on his romantic feelings for Y/N yet, so that's another whole can of worms he's gonna have to sort through.

HEHE so next confession is likely gonna happen in Chapter 20 (August). Not gonna reveal who, but I'm sure I'll get theories from you all 💕

The Sanders 'arc' has been tied up in 18! There has been speculation I believe that things were tied up a little too easily... I suppose we'll see! There are more clients waiting for the trio's help in the meantime 👀

AH stop 😭 You're so kind for saying that my love, that means a lot to me! There are a crazy amount of things to keep track of in an OT7 fic, but honestly it's super fun to plan everything out like a spider weaving a web 💜 I'm really glad you like all the little subplots, too, thank you so so much 🥺

Honestly tho saying 'god take the rein' is sooo real 💀 I usually just sit down and write and see what comes out, which is what I'm starting to do for my new vamp fic too heheheheh..... Love you!!!

[mekatrio]

ok additional thoughts on 4-3..

it was very 🤯🤯 to learn that trucy has a "real father".... who i highly suspect to be shadi smith lol. it hasnt been stated explicitly whether this is her biological father or not and i still stand by the opinion tht wright isnt the type to adopt children he has no blood relation obligations to, so im still under the belief tht shes wright's biological daughter.. tho it wouldnt be super hard for me to believe tht shes actually not his bio daughter cuz wright having a child at 18 would be crazzyyyy. but yeah thats for case 4 to reveal to me so thts exciting.. oh and also im guessing mr. hat is modelled after zak gramarye, so valant = yellow, zak = blue, and trucy = pink/red like she was in tht cute little picture!

klavier's and apollo's relationship is sooo interesting to meee.. i really really like how its completely different from every relationship wright has had w his prosecutors. every prosecutor has been antagonistic to wright, but even tho klavier makes fun of apollo's forehead and is condescending to him in the court, hes still pretty respectful towards apollo. it was really cool how he entrusted apollo to incriminate drayan, it was very reminiscent of edgeworth's trust in wright during the engarde case. klavier is sooo interesting, like hes all here talking abt "finding the truth" which took our previous prosecutors like 2 whole games to reach that point, but klavier has already reached it here. i also liked how bratty and grumpy he was in the concert LOL and tht whole part in his office where hes like "i want to pursue simplicity :)" is so interesting and i bet will get unraveled next chapter hurhuahfksdj. hes so different in such a refreshing way and i really really enjoy it. i also like how nice he is to trucy, honestly its nice that everyone is nice to trucy! shes the games special girl and im glad we all treat her nicely!

and of course apollo has been so refreshingly different tooooo, it was typical game stupidity for him to leave the crime scene unattended but hey, he hasnt endangered trucy at any point so that has been a huge plus for me. i really like how deadpan and level-headed and 'serious' he is. its just really good character writing that he fills out the same role as wright but his personality is still very different. like wright was bizzare and apollo is not. but hes still as entertaining. also his confidence in the court was very coollll i really like this kid. and also its so neat to play as a protagonist whose the same age as me HAHA. and ive already said this but seriously him and trucy are so cuteeee together, maya and phoenix were the best of friends, but apollo is like looking after trucy and its just super adorable.

also at first i was very 🤨 at this case bc it took its time to point out my defendant was BLIND and short and also how could letouse have known lamiroir was a witness if he wasnt facing the small window, so i was irked during the 1st trial bc of this, but then it ended with a WOAHHH when lamiroir accused drayan and then the court started to get criticized and it was just soooooo gooddddd. oh and the part where i had to figure out how the magic trick worked was really funny bc i genuinely had no idea, and trucy knowing but not telling apollo was hilarious and so was the judge's insistence on learning how the trick worked 😭 i really liked that part! im very happy with the game so far and im super excited for the last case, cuz even tho turnabout corner kinda rushed its ending it was still a neat case and i liked alita's personality as a killer very much, all the cases have been very solid. and im excited to finally receive answers to the many mysteries of this game.. tho im a bit worried abt having the time and space to actually play it cuz eid is in like 4 days hejfkwehjkshdagjk but what happens happens!

^i like this line

[farfetchedshow]

Hi my names Icey (she/her) and I'm excited to see your work on this project! I just wanna ask you some questions for a bit: Does this show have any lore?, How would the gang face the terrifying monsters?, Dose Kira have a hidden past and how did Rue meet Kira in the first place? That's all the questions! Thank you have a great day! Hope to see more news!

- Love Icey 💜🖤🤍✨️

Hey!! Thank you so much! Happy to answer any questions people have. We can't reveal TOOOOO much yet, but I'll talk about what I can!

Does the show have any lore?

Lots! Our show is filled with all sorts of magic, science, monsters, mutants, history, and every character has their own history that ties into the story.

How would the gang face the terrifying monsters?

Each member of the gang has their own way of dispatching pesky critters and you'll see lots of that in our comics and ESPECIALLY the pilot so stay tuned ;)

Does Kira have a hidden past and how did Rue meet Kira in the first place?

Kira and Rue's lives are deeply connected, but the exacts on that you'll just have to wait to see more of. Gotta leave a few mysteries for now haha

- 🐰

[lilianlay]

I really liked your fan юfic "Secret weapon" with Lee! AlHaytham! ☺️ I really want to see AlHaytham's revenge on these two(lee!Cyno and lee! Tighnari)

Hello anon! First, I want to apologize for not answering your ask for so long. I had a little creative block and I still struggle with it. But I'm really glad that you liked the first part❤ And I hope you like the second too. Thank you very much for asking, if there are any more suggestions, feel free to write to me☺ Hug^^

Revenge is a dish to be served cold

Alhaitham and Cyno and Tighnari

- Don't you think it's suspicious? - Cyno folded his arms and looked at his interlocutor.

- Oh, Cyno, if you suspect everyone of something, you won’t be able to trust anyone. - Tighnari smiled. - He looks very sincere when he invited us to his place for tea.

- And if this is an excuse for us to avenge the last battle. - the red-eyed raised an eyebrow.

- Well, that's enough already. So much time has passed, I'm sure that Alhaitham has long forgotten about it. - the user of the dendro element grabbed the general's hand. - Come on.

- No, Tig, I don't want tooooo...

_____

The gray-haired opens the door and smiles faintly.

- Oh, I didn't think that both of you would respond to my invitation so quickly.

- I would not respond. - muttered the user of spear.

- Of course! Why not just spend the day with a cup of tea and distracted conversations that are not related to work. - Tighnari smiled sweetly and hit his elbow in the side of the red-eyed.

The researcher let them into the house and closed the door. He led them to the living room, and he himself went to the kitchen to prepare tea.

- There is still a chance to leave. - Cyno looks at the scientist, who has already settled comfortably on a soft sofa and began to examine an unknown plant for him, which was on the bedside table next to the sofa. It was a climbing plant with unusual purple flowers.

- Calm down already. - he took his hands and sat him down on the couch next to him. - He's not going to kill us.

- I would argue. - the user of electro element rolled his eyes.

Tighnari exhaled and began to poke the general's sides and stomach.

- I told you to relax.

- Hehehey, Tihig, stohohop it - he began to squirm and tries to hold back his laughter.

- When you finally understand that we just came here to drink tea, I'll stop.

- Okahay okahay, I gehet it. - the user of spear squealed.

- What did you understand? - the scientist squeezed his sides.

- Heeeek, he cahahan hehehehear!

- What did you understand, Cyno?

- Wehehe cahame hehere for teheheha. - the white-haired's hands tried to hide his sensitive sides.

- And what else?

- Tighnahahari!! - the red-eyed squealed softly, as he managed to cover his mouth with his hands. - Thahahat's enohohough, okahay, I'll relahahax, stohohop it.

- I see you both are having a good time here. - these two were so passionate about tickling, they didn't even hear the owner of the house come here with a tray in his hands.

Cyno blushed even more and covered his face with his hands.

- Oh, I'm sorry Alhaitham, we just...

- No matter! - Cyno interrupted him.

The user of sword chuckled softly and placed the tray on the table and sat himself in the chair across from the sofa. He began pouring tea into cups and gave it to the boys.

- Mm, very tasty! - Tighnari smiled.

- I'm glad to hear that.

All the while, the researcher and the scientist were having a nice conversation while the user of electro element just looked at his tea.

- Cyno? Cyno! - the fox boy was calling him.

- Hm? - finally, he looked at them.

- Are you going to sit and look at your tea? - the bow user's left ear twitched.

- I just think, what if Alhaitham added something to this tea.

- Cyno!

- It's all right. - the grey-haired took another sip. - As you can see, I also drink this tea and I would never spoil the tea for the sake of some kind of revenge.

- See.. Stop, did you say revenge? But Cyno didn't say anything about it. - Tighnari sharply turned to the owner of the house.

- Opps, I've revealed a little secret. - Alhaitham chuckled.

- I told you! He remembers everything, but you didn't believe me! - the white-haired quickly stood up from the sofa and looked at the user of bow. - Although we are in your house, Alhaitham, but there are still two of us, so you cannot defeat us.

- Um, Cyno.. - while the general was talking to the researcher, that same plant with purple flowers began to crawl towards Tighnari and wrapped around his left arm. - Hey, let me go.

- I also have a secret weapon against you two. - the researcher smiled contentedly.

The plant didn't listen to fox boy and wrapped itself around both of the scientist's arms, then began to crawl towards the user of electo element.

- Don't you dare come near me! You hear me! - spear appeared in his hands.

- Oh, are you scared of a small plant and want to use a weapon? - the gray-haired was still sitting in the chair and watching these two.

- Of course not! But you'd better remove that plant and free Tighnari. - Cyno warned and didn't notice how one of the vines got very close to him and grabbed his ankle. - What the?

As a result, this plant completely tied their hand. And right now, Alhaitham finally got up and walked closer to his victims.

- Um.. Maybe we can agree? - Tig tried to free his hands, which were fixed above his head and connected to the vines that held Cyno's hands.

- I'm afraid we can't do that. You should have thought about that before you tickled me. - his fingers began to slowly move up and down the bow user's right armpit.

- Mmhehe - he squeaked softly and began to squirm.

The the user of electro element furrowed his brows and rolled his eyes.

- Do you think I forgot about you? - the owner of the house looked at him. - Hmm today Tighnari tickled you here. - he started tickling his stomach.

- Nohohoho, dohohohon't yohohou dahahare - the white-haired began to squirm and giggle softly.

- Pleahahahase, wehehe ahare sohohorry - fox boy squealed as Al squeezed his side.

- Tighnari, I remember very well that it was your plan to tickle me and for that you both deserved my revenge.

One hand of the taller man slipped under the user of bow's shirt, while the other began to squeeze the general's knee. There was a double scream followed by a burst of laughter. Cyno wiggled very strongly, trying to escape from nimble fingers. Tighnari wiggled less, but his ears were twitching all the time, and his tail was wagging.

- Someone seems to like it~ the user of sword chuckled.

- Stohohohop thahahat! - the user of spear tried to threaten, but when the nails touched the flesh of his back knee, he threw his head back. - NohohOHOHOH NOHOHOHOT THEHEHERE, OH PLEHEHEHAHASE

- Great, I found your weak spot, so Tighnari, where is your ticklish spot?~

The fox boy just giggled and snorted.

Alhaitham drew attention to his ears.

- Hmm.. - he gently touched them and tickled them slowly.

- Oh nohohoho, thehehEHEHey arehehe very sensihihitihiHIHIHIVE - the user of dendro element laughed out loud.

- Found it - the taller man chuckled triumphantly. - Revenge is a dish to be served cold. And that time has come. - he began to tickle Cyno's back knee very quickly and very gentle tickle Tighnari's ears like a feather.

- OkAHAHAHAHY yoHOHOu toohohohok reveheHEHEnge on uhahas, STOHOHOHOP THIHIHIS - Cyno quickly looked at him and almost immediately closed his eyes.

- PLEHEHEASE, I CAHAHAN'T TAHAHAKE IHIHIHT

- Hmm, okay. You both apologize and admit that I won.

- OkahahahAHY fohohohorgihihive us pleheheAHAHASE AlhahahahaHIHIIHithaham - the fox boy began to snort.

- YOHOHOHOU WOHON, YOHOHOU WOHOHOHOHON! STOHOP IHIHIT NOHOHOW

Finally, the owner of the house stopped and the plant freed them and returned to its previous state.

The boys clung to each other and tried to catch their breath and get rid of the ghostly tickling.

- T-That was terrible. - Cyno looked at the user of sword.

- It will be a lesson to you two, never tickle me or I will be worse than this revenge. - he started watering his plant and stroked the leaves.

Tighnari watched the process.

- Can you tell me what kind of plant it is? I see this for the first time.

- Okay, but sometime later, you both need to recuperate. - looked at Cyno, who fell asleep and chuckled softly.

Tighnari noticed this too and made the user of spear more comfortable on the sofa.

- I hope you don't mind. - he looked at the owner of the house.

- You already did it. - he watched as Tighnari stroked Cyno on the head and when he realized that he had finally fallen asleep, he got to his feet.

- Would you like some more tea?

- I'll not refuse. - the fox boy smiled. - Oh, Alhaitham.

- Hm? - he still stood with his back to the scientist.

- Thanks, that was fun. - the fox boy blushed a little and smiled. - I think Cyno liked it too, he just never admits it hehe.

The researcher paused briefly and smiled.

- Glad to hear it.

Maybe after tickling and revenge, these three will spend more time together and even have occasional tickle fights. Time will tell.

[moonjxsung]

holy shit your new story has me in an utter chokehold because i just cried my eyes out like three times reading it I LOVE IT SO MUCH STAR I DONT KNOW HOW TO PUT IT INTO WORDS it's definitely one of my ABSOLUTE favorite pieces of your works now and as someone who loves classical music and occasionally studies music theory and such on my own free time, this piece definitely rooted in my heart. i ended up reading it halfway through then stopping for a break so i could text my friends that im sobbing my eyes out to mozart and then went right back to reading it, and i got texts afterwards ranging from "what the hell are you up to now" to "average day with you"

i listened to mozart's piano concerto no.12 while finishing the rest of the story, and i think the music just engulfed me a lot more into the piece itself and i really fell in love with it.

star, your writing really is a symphony in itself that resonates within my heart because every time i read your newly published work, it feels like im falling in love and meeting your blog for the first time all over again, and it continues to remind me of how grateful i am to have met and stumbled across someone like you.

thank you so much for continuing to write and inspiring me in ways i never thought i could be, and for always providing a safe space and a comforting new world within all your stories. i remember i wrote a pretty long feedback for begged and borrowed, but i just really can't put into words how much im in love with your writing. i said before, but ill continue to tell you about how your sense of words engulf me into a different reflection of myself in another universe and how many times i find myself going through a flurry of emotions from it.

pleaseplease dont stop writing because your talent for it is absolutely incredible, and if i could, i would read your works from the end of this world to the next one because i really truly do love them.

p.s. !! here's some random thing i cooked up while thinking of the whole brahms and clara thing (i wanted to imagine that if mozart and constanze had a letter, brahms would also have one dedicated to clara) "My dear love, my symphony in which resonates deep within my heart. A glass ornament in which I gaze upon that shines down upon the world- so imperfect yet the shards place and root themselves so deeply within my heart I will never be able to part my gaze from your beauty.

A passion burns within me whenever I am graced with your presence. My music and notes will never be able to hold my profound love for you, your everlasting beauty which goes to the moon and back, collecting and scattering stardust over my eyes, enchanting me into your witch's spell that I will never be able to break myself free from.

Oh my love, I hope that death not do us part, and though no soul will ever be able to remember the love I shared for you, you will be able to hold it in your heart as a precious memory from your youthful days. My lady, I would die for you, writing sheets upon sheets and scattered notes which will never truly be able to come close to describing your flawless glamour. You have my heart and soul, and the key to my career, and I hope you will not break it, wishing upon me lament and mournful sorrows, weeping over my very own grave. "

~luv, 《☘️》

I just read this feedback all the way through and then read it like seven more times because I’m so in love with it 😭 where do I even BEGIN…

First of all I laughed so hard at you texting your friends about it LMAOOOO that is tooooo relatable 🤸‍♀️ I revealed to my sister not long ago that I wrote skz fanfic and I’ll text her sometimes to be like wow this is intense I need a break. And I get the same versions of “average day with you” or “what the hell are you writing now” and I don’t even tell her what any of my fics are about so she’s just perpetually guessing 😭

I am so so so beyond elated to hear that you enjoyed reading 🩷🫶 also you’re not the first to say they consumed Mozart’s Sonata no. 12 while reading (highly recommend !!) and it just WARMS my heart to see that you guys pick apart the little details to enhance your reading experience! I try my best to incorporate little bits of media I grew up consuming or that highly resonate with me and it’s so refreshing to see you guys enjoy tiny bits of my life sprinkled into an alternate world I’ve created for you guys. What else can I say except for expressing how grateful I am for every single one of you 🥹 I don’t intend to stop writing any time soon and I’m so inspired to see what little world we can all travel to next in my upcoming work. I hope you enjoy it just as much 🩷

And lastly…. Your poem at the end!!! The inspiration from Mozart’s letters to conjure up your own??? I am in awe with your guys’ ability to move me with your feedback every single time 🥹 my favorite line: your everlasting beauty which goes to the moon and back, collecting and scattering stardust over my eyes” WOW. Are you sure you’re not just Mozart reincarnated and visiting this blog 👀

I LOVE YOU pookie, thank you a million times always and I’m so honored to be able to produce work for you. All my love, always ❤️🫶💕

[hollyhomburg]

⚠️SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS ⚠️

First of all that Hobi moment in the car… “ It was always her” has me in a chokehold. Like to see the ice between the mc and Hobi melt is like the sickly sweet slow burn love that I adore!

Now on too Jimin… maybe I’m just a blind mc supporter but for jimin to question her love an motives kind of mad me sad/mad. The image of the mc in my head would never try and buy and manipulate the packs love. If anything her talk of keeping those properties even though they are soaked in trauma and pain for the pack benefit says it all. In my head she simply wants to take this blood money and bad memories and give those she truly loves all they deserve. I feel like him questioning her actions and motives is purely Jimin’s paranoia. I’m excited to see where this reveal takes mc and Jimin’s love. Because it adds this layer of dose he really love me or is he putting on this show because he doesn’t want to reveal who he really is for the mc and for Jimin its this weary distrust and caution.

Last my question is.. is this secret the reason the mc and Jimin haven’t taken their relationship to the next level? Because she been with everyone but Hobi and Jimni at this point right? Can they really love each other fully if this stands in between?

Ps. I’ve been a silent reader till now and I just want to give you the praise you deserve for this chapter and entire work of art! I mean the secret reveal build up and how you showed the subtle hints throughout was absolutely amazing. Im so deeply invested in this story and the characters you’ve created and I can’t wait to see what you do next. You should seriously be a published author!! Remember to take care of yourself, stay warm and drink lots of water ✨💛

-🍄

I KNOW the hobi mc parts are so fucking soft to me, especially the banter tooooo like- can you just imagine the pack's looks when he says "she always gets the front seat in this car" not only because she gave it to him but because it's /her/ spot to him 🥺 yoongi might get a little jelly of her cuz before it was yoongi and hobi that went on midnight drives.

i keep thinking of all his other little moments "you have to be more careful" and "don't look at the food look at me, i'll set you up" like fuckkkkkk 😩 he's so gone for her and he doesn't even know it yet <3

i agree with you in some ways, the m/c is like- genuinely a good person who has been forced into doing bad things...kinda similar to jimin in a way. if she has any negative tendencies it's only because she feels like she has too! but yeah- it is mostly jimin's paranoia, he's gotta be a little bit paranoid all the time tbh because of his job like- he's always looking over his shoulder both for the people he guards and when he's killin'

i happen to think that this means their love can be more honest. i don't think this is why jimin and the m/c haven't been intimate it's a bit more complicated though- because of the timeline of jimin and tae's relationship- jimin's never been with a girl before (besides tae technically) but you get my point. jimin is also keenly aware of the m/c's trauma and doesn't want to trigger her by making it in any way transactional....

however, jimin is a little bit desperate to at least make sure that the romance side of his and tae's relationship is still alive, and the single best person to teach jimin how to fuck a woman is another woman...and yet, jimin doesn't want to make the m/c think he only wants her for that reason. he's trying to wait until she comes to him....which she might have inadvertently been trying with the underwear scene...just a little... but it's gonna happen in a super sweet way, very slow and very loving! very much not burdened by the secret at all.

thank you for all your compliments too 🥺 i think that trying to get published is going to be the next step for me after bily, i don't know if it's going to be this story but wouldn't that be fantastic if i could manage it? i think so many people have loved the story- with a little help i could really make it into something even more enjoyable. it's my dream to become an author!

[kaitokrush]

My heart is chained to yours; a Junkrat and Roadhog fanfiction

Chapter 6

Preview

Packing ourselves into the truck, Lúcio takes off his hood to reveal dreadlocks with the tips dyed green.

"Uuuuhh Lúcio, is your favorite color green?"

"Hm? How could you tell?"

Turning around to face him, my eyes scan like a machine up and down his appearance.

"Green sweater, green headphones, green hair, green suitcases, green sneakers. Next thing I find out you have green nickers and use green condoms."

"Pfft I guess so, didn't think it was so obvious.”

“What!?!! Come on, I expect you to recite all the shades of green the human eye can see.”

Holland taps my shoulder.

"Jamison, you can talk to Lúcio facing the front."

"Y-yes sir."

Lúcio giggles while covering his mouth making me turn in my seat to talk to him again.

"Oi!!! What's so funny, mate!!!"

"You're practically under my uncle's thumb, aren't you? I didn't mean to be rude if it comes off like that."

"W-well he's nice to me and stuff so-"

Again, Holland taps my shoulder, snapping me to face forward.

"Jamison, how would you like to sit in the back? Talking with Lúcio would be much easier."

"Haha, boy would I?"

We pull over and I switch into the back, bringing my bag.

"Damn dude, your bag is huge."

"Well, it has all my stuff just in case."

I start shuffling around in my bag bringing out stuff in it and putting it back in after I say what they are.

"It has my meds, my knife, extra tissues, money, phone, protein bars, small water bottles, gum in case my breath is too stinky, Bluetooth headphones -"

“Don’t worry, I get the idea, don’t need a bag tour."

"Well, why don't you give me a bag tour of your own?"

"No thanks, dude."

“Siiiigh, alright mate.”

Sinking into my seat, my eyes wander to the window. But I don’t roll it down since I’m not sure if Lúcio enjoys his dreadlocks in the wind. Driving by a group of buildings, I’m able to catch what displays of Lúcio’s phone.

“Moore Park Synthetic Field, Macedonian Soccer Field, Heffron Park Synthetic Soccer…”

“Hm?”

Baffled, Lúcio looks up from his phone at me. My attention then diverts from the window.

“U-um…Do you play soccer or something?"

"Huh!?"

"Sorry, your phone, you're looking for public soccer fields."

"O-oh yeah, wanna join? It's rather boring playing by yourself. I’m sure tio has some footballs in the garage, he’s probably bought some just for me."

Rashly I take his phone and find a field closer to our place.

"The field in Condell Park, that's a bit closer to home."

Handing Lúcio back his phone, he looks a bit taken aback then instantly snaps back to being bubbly.

"Hell yeah that sounds great, I’ll pick you up in tio’s truck."

“Naw, the skate ain’t tooooo far.”

Chatting for the rest of the drive, Lúcio and Holland drop me off at my apartment so they can have some uncle-nephew time. Leaving me with Lúcio’s number in my contacts.

Now available on AO3 + Wattpad

[turtleofdamascus]

SEASON 2 thoughts (spoilers)

When i binged and have lots of thoughts. I might write individual ep takes later. but

OMg lol so before i watched the show i thought I would be getting no soc scenes. ... but i got the opposite ... Idk AHHH I did like the new season a lot. Like I freaked out at all the content for kanej and all the scenes? from soc but altered (prison carriage but with jesper, kanej content, wesper, wylan being a complex character, wylan’s dyslexia revealed, how will you have me, THE BATHROOM SCENE. I feel fed. I also loved things... they ADDED.... like Kaz and NINA ACTING AS A COUPLE. BAHAHA . I can’t with kaz being not into it. That was great and then kaz panicking and inej getting his gloves. WOAH. kinda love it. Love the non-canon stuff they added. That’s pretty intense. LIKE INEJ CARRIED KAZ. Idk... role-reversal AHH. I feel like we don’t get such in moment in the books besides the prison carriage scene. And then kaz just curled up in fear and hugging his cane and INEJ being there. AHH. More this please. More hurt/comfort. Also ah just everything about the way Freddy and amita acted their scenes were perfect. It felt out of the books. It was insane.

ALSO FREDDY’s acting in general! He really got more in the script for him and he put his whole freddyussy into it. The panic attack. The fear. the love in his eyes. the rage. idk the panic attack sequence was so impressive to me. Because i’ve seen him fearful in other shows.. but that scene was terrifyingly good. You could see kaz battling it out to keep his feelings under wraps but he’s falling apart and ahh.  And Jesper yelling to stop the carriage. He cares about Kaz ahhhh and so kind fusjbshwhqh. Idk AHHHH I WANTED THIS SCENE SO BAD AND THEY GAVE IT INT HE FIRST FEW MINS OF THE EPISODE BARK BARK it was like my one wish for the season and it was granted.

But like lol I guess i had a realization... that like ... the soc canon stuff just sort of happened and didn’t reallly have an overarching reason or theme for why these things were happenig. It feels diff from season 1 where it was simple goal of tring to get alina. But this felt like...they were tryign to check off boxes in some ways and the plot was sidelined ... Idk is that too harsh?. Like the backstory of kaz was just...told and idk... I guess idk I was expecting some breakdown or kaz ... being like “I can’t touch” with jesper at least since Jesper witnessed kaz in the carriage...like some outcome of kaz being vulnerable in front of jesper. I guess what i’m trying to say ... it wasn’t as neat as it was in soc? same with kanej. I LOVED the scenes indivdually. But i feel like if i was watching the show from season 1 to season 2 without reading anything... i woudl be confused why kaz and inej are in love. They didn’t really have as much...lead up? or time? LIke ya jesper was in the carriage with kaz and jesper witnessed the pekka rollins scene. i don’t think it’s bad... in fact i love kaz and jesper together and i loved jesper was there to help him there... but like why can’t inej be there tooooo. LOll okay im being so picky here. I loved all teh scenes. AND it’s insane we got to see them. Honestly my love for the crows is honestly overshadowing this thought. I’m so insane for all the scenes with kanej.

lol maybe i wouldn’t have such conflicted opinons if I was told that... it would adapt soc and ck moments... LOL i had this expectation since season 1 from the writers that this was PRE-soc with no soc scenes. I’ve been conditioned to expect no content so it was so crazy when it happened. I shoudlnt’ have prepared myself for no content! I should have been expecting the soc/ck like I did 2 years ago hahah. Oh well.

BUT also... alternate opinion... did the moments in soc itself even have an overarching arc for why the backstory was revealed?? like maybe the source isn’t even like that... lolol.. maybe i hold it in too high regard. like i feel common opinion is that they messed up the soc plotline...cuz of this. but let me think.... like is... really pulling the kanej moments and backstory ... and pulling it out of soc context into sab2 that bad... if you think about it. Like thinking about where those moments were placed in teh ice court plot and ck... the kanej moments like the bathroom scene were more like... little moments of repreive from teh plot. It was something that was separate and could be taken out. Like do those little character revealing moments NEED to be in the ice court context? THey could be in other contexts besides the ice court context if that makes sense. Like when ...is it a good time to reveal that kaz was almost buried in a harbor. It will always come out of the blue lol. Like in some ways... i think it’s okay they’re taking it out of the soc context.

BUt like in terms of....the entire outcome of what they’ll write in season 3/soc season... i feel like the writers set up... a difficult problem lol.LIke what is SOC gonna beeee. LIke soc is about a group of teens that do an ice court heist and excitement is how each one has their backstories that are one by one slowly revealed alongside the heist and you realize they all have their own intentions and things spiral.  Like ... that’s it. like i don’t think it’s bad it’s in the tv show now.. But like... what kind of story wil lbe told in the next season then... like since we know mostly everthing about the characters.

But I actually do have a take that i believe learning kaz’s backstory is early is good thing for story. Kaz is sooo much more of an impactful character to follow when you know where he’s coming from. And why he is the way he is. So much more painful for the reader haha. But like..idk what him beating pekka early will do. I think it will be interesting to explore how he is after revenge... Still grumpy? lost? horny?

Like I know fanfic writers can write fantastic post-ck stuff and top it. But lol can the writers? like.. They kinda took the peak moments that were tucked int between the heist ahhaa. Do the same beats but MORE>. good luck to them. I think... i’m optimistic still because i’m naive. Hmm but There’s still moments to eplxore! (”I would come for you”, kaz carrying inej, Kaz washing himself, ....) hmm maybe there can be more?? They just got a headstart. and i feel the strength of soc is def the characters so they’re given the toys and now they just to write the stories.  But idk... like as evidenced by fanfic... there’s a lot you can still explore and lots of kanej moments you can create that don’t come out of soc/ck. Kaz still has a long way to go! and so does Inej in developing feelings and facing their traumas. And there’s endless scenarios and heists to create just like they did in season 1. But at same time... ahh they lost oppurtunity to straight adapt it. oh well. the price they must pay. LOl watch it not be renewed noooo. oop. Okay at least i got to see all the moments i wanted already.  

Anyways, i love d all the crow moments... but lol in terms of big picture... kind of random? BUT I’m IGNORING THAT. I still absolutely loved it at the same time. LOL wat did i expect from a season 2 of a ya series bloated with 5000 characters.. no they did the best they could. the writers really seem to know what moments the fans love and were like LETS DO IT ALLLNOW> oh i say. LOl and then we fans are like NOOO. Bahah i will be a nice fan and say I love it. bahaha. Even if it was crazy.

[chososcamgirl]

HIHIHIHI IYAAA SOOOO I JUST CAME BACK FROM HANGING OUT W MY FRIENDSSS AND I DIDNT BUY ANYTHINGG (was gonna spend @ Sephora but ended up reasoning with myself and put everything away YAY ME) BUTTTTTT WE DID END UP WATCHING JOKER 2 SOO IM GONNA RANT ABT IT (to make up for the lost check ins) 😈

HOW WAS WORKK??? HOPE IT WAS VERY SKIBIDIIII!!! TELL ME ABTT IT SIGMA ALPHA IYA🐺��‼️

I FORGOT IF I SENT MY ACTUALLY DAILY CHECK IN TODAY (I write them in my notes) SO TELL ME IF U DONT SEE IT AND ILL PASTE IT OVER TO TUMBLR (im pretty sure I did but I THINK I FORGOT TO TURN ON ANON SO IF I ACCIDENTALLY DID A BLOG REVEAL KEEP MY IDENTITY A MYSTERY 🤫 BUT TELL ME SO I CAN RESEND MY DAILY ASK) 

OMG I RENTED A POWERBANK AND ACCIDENTALLY BROUGHT IT BACK WITH ME… ITS NEARLY 12AM HERE SO I NEED TO GO BACK TMRW (im gonna get charged about like $40 SOMEONE SHOOT ME OMFG) AT LEAST I GET AN EXCUSE TO GO TO THE MALL TMRW THO?? 

ALSOOO I FOUND A STORE HIRING NEAR MY SCHOOLLLL I RLLY WANT TO GET A PART TIME SO I MIGHTTT CONSIDER IT BUT THEN I WOULD NEED TO FIND THE TIME TO ACTUALLY COMMIT IF I DO WANT TO PURSUE ITTTT

OMGROIGOJIOJIR REMEMBER HOW I MENTIONED I WRITE IN MY SLEEP?? TURNS OUT THAT LIKE A WEEK AGO.. I FELL ASLEEP WHILE DOING HOMEWORK AND STARTED WRITING ABOUT MY RACE IN MY SLEEP.. AND I DIDNT BOTHER TO CHECK IT WHEN I WOKE UP ON MY DESK IN THE MORNING SO I TURNED THAT SHIT IN WITHOUT NOTICING I RANTED ABOUT MY FUCKING RACE ON MY ASSIGNMENT…. MY TEACHER WAS SO FUCKING CONFUSED ON WHY I STATED I WASN’T WHITE ON MY PAPER AND TOLD ME THAT THEY THOUGHT I MIGHT OF BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS MENTALLY… THE FACT I HAD TO ADMIT IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS SLEEP WRITING??? IM GONNA END IT PLEASEEE THATS SO EMBARRASSINMGGGG IT WAS HELLA FUNNY THO.. I WOULD POST THE PICTUJRE BUT I CANT </3 CUS OF ANON *sighs* 

ITSSS SJAPP WEEKENDDDDDD IM SO EXCITED ITLL BE 5AM WHERE I LIVE SO THAT MEANS I GET TO WAKE UP TO A NEW CHAPTERRRR

SPOILER WARNING FOR JOKER 2 ‼️‼️

.

.

.

.

Okay I was a HUGE fan of the first movie which was why I was excited to see the second one with my friends but honestly… IT WAS SO ASSSSS

First, I DIDNT KNOW IT WAS GONNA BE A MUSICAL like I don’t mind musicals, they can be BANGERS and the first few songs were good BUT as the film progressed the songs just felt so unnecessary and awkward👿😭

UGHHHH OMFGGGG IM SOOOOO PISSED ABGT HOW DIRTY THEY DID MISS QUINN IN THE SEQUEL!!!! I LOVE HARLEY QUINN AND GAGA BUT LIKE HER BACKSTORY IN THIS MOVIE AND HER WHOLE PERSONALITY IS NOT ITTTTTT PLUSSS GAGA I LOVE UR VOICE BUT OMFGG I SWEAR THE SINGING WAS TOOOOO EXCESSIVE ARNTRJNSR THEY DID HER SOO DIRTYY.. GAGA WAS ROBBED.. SHE COULD HAVE BEEN SOOOO MUCH MORE BUT HER CHARACTER WAS JUST.. BLEH..

HONESTLY IF YOU TOOK OUT ALL THE MUSICAL FACTORS THEN THE MOVIE WOULD FEEL LIKE A 2HR LECTURE… AND THE RUN TIME??? TWO HRS IS INSANE FOR SUCH A PLOT 

THERE WERE NO PLANS OF A SEQUEL AND THEY SHOULD OF KEPTTT IT THAT WAYYY OMGGG THIS WAS SUCH AN OBVIOUS CASHGRAB.. THE FIRST ONE CLEARLY HAD PASSION, THIS ONE WAS JUST FOR MONEY THERES A REASON WHY THE RATING IS SO LOWWWWWW

STILL THO, THE MOVIE HAD GOOD SCENES AND ALL THE ACTORS HAD THEIR MOMENTS  .

.

. OKKKK HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY SIGMA NIGHT!!! SWEET DREAMS I LOVE YOU DAWG 💪🔥

- 🐺

HI ALPHA!!🐺

responding to ur most recent ask sent on saturday night hello‼️‼️‼️

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD FUN WITH UR FRIENDS!!! im glad🙂‍↕️ hanging out with ur friends always makes life better even if its for that moment it’s still very much worth it <33 HOORAY FOR REASONABLE SPENDING🎉🎉 u are stronger than me alpha.. sephora and i are in a current battle and i fear she’s winning😰

WORK THIS WEEK HAS BEEN SO GOOD!! i worked 4 days in a row all either opening or closing (or both) but they were all good shifts! i’m just very exhausted from this week though like mentally and physically😭 i slept most of the day away yesterday and im just trying to rest up again today because my throat is actually getting worse which KMS.

NO LMFAO UR FINE!! if u do happen to reveal urself don’t worry i’ll keep it a secret 🤫🤫🤐 WHAT? $40 OH MU GOD what the fuck that is SO EXPENSIVE TO RETURN IT i would just keep it at that point.. but atleast it’s another excuse to go to da mall🤗🙂‍↕️ YIPEE! oooo job searching! that’s exciting. though part time is a big commitment just bc you can’t change ur hours once it’s set in place but if you want to apply for it then i say go for it!! as long as u have the time for it 100%!!

OH MY GOD😭😭 NOT ON THE HOMEWORK TOO PLS that actually made me giggle please. don’t worry abt it though i’ve seen worse!! sleep writing is a talent that u should not be embarrassed abt, you’re good‼️🙂‍↕️

IVE HEARD SO MANY BAD REVIEWS ABOUT THE MOVIE LIKE the fact that they break out into song randomly etc😭 i wanted to watch it but the reviews are making me rethink spending $15 on a movie ticket… ill probably not watch it and watch the substance instead (apparently that’s fucked) BUT ILL LYK!!!

THANK YOU ALPHA!! I HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY SIGMA DAY‼️ ILY🫵🫂

[ajwinter-is-a-nerd]

Le Chat et Le Serpent - Chapter 13

Please note that the entirety of this story is a ****TRIGGER WARNING***** - mentions of child abuse, graphic violence, alcohol use, mental health, suicide, suicidal ideation, self-harm - basically a constant blow of pain towards the characters - as well as some "steamy" moments.

Chapter Summary:

The last chapter revolving around Adrien's birthday party.

Coincidentally, this chapter aligned itself to be Chapter 13 - the unluckiest of numbers. Each section is named after a bad luck superstition (I'll attach the Wikipedia link below if you're interested in more omens).

Chapter 13: Misfortune

Doppelganger Sighting

Even before Felix was on Adrien’s block, the bass pulsed against Felix’s soles. Though the house was not yet in sight, the coloured stage lights atop the roof were visible for kilometres around. 

“Oh my god, is that Adrien Agreste?” A pair of drunken girls squealed in Felix's direction. 

“I told you this disguise wouldn’t work.” Barkk whispered from under Felix’s shirt collar. 

Glaring at the girls who could barely hold themselves up, Felix shook his head, attempting to display his newly darkened hair colour. 

“See, I told you t-that you were tooooo drunk.” One of the girls jammed her finger into the other's chest, causing them both to topple. 

He realised that, with so many years in the spotlight, Adrien would have likely chosen similar articles to hide himself from paparazzi. Deciding that his best bet would be to reveal their differences, he brought his hood down. He pulled his unruly hair into a loose ponytail, tight enough to differ from Adrien’s style, loose enough to allow his hair to sag around the edges of his face. 

To Felix’s amusement, the party goers had left a substantial trail of breadcrumbs, allowing him to pick and choose accessories as he walked along his route. He decided to swap out his reflective aviators with a pair of indigo framed glasses. The tinting of the lenses was only a slight rose, so that it wouldn’t seem odd to wear them inside, while simultaneously offsetting his bright jade eyes. 

“I wasn’t expecting it to be this easy.” Felix mumbled to Barkk as he watched the door. People were simply running in and out without a pause. “And to think I used to despise open door policies.” 

“I don’t have a good feeling about this, Felix.” Barkk continued to shudder. 

“Hey - if anyone catches me, I’m just visiting my dear cousin for his birthday!” He slyly grinned. 

Since the battle, Felix had lived within isolation. Somehow, he had managed to minimise his sentiments of solitude; but once in a swarm of people, he was reminded of his desolate state. 

Why does Adrien deserve this? Why does everyone seem to flock to that spoiled brat? 

“Oh. My. God.” A stunning blonde, with obviously fake breasts, pushed herself against Felix. “I love your beard. You are stunning.” 

Felix reflexively scratched towards his isolation scruff; his face had been bare for so long he continued to forget it existed. “Thanks.” He continued to survey the room for Adrien. 

The blonde, however, was not ready to share attention. She placed her hand so that the base of her thumb grazed his jawline and her fingertips ran against his neck. 

Felix rapidly clicked his jaw, trying to ignore the incredible sensation of human touch. “Sorry, babe. You’re just really not my type.” He tried to maintain a calm tone over the blaring music. 

“Well, at least have a drink with me?” She flirtatiously ran her fingers along his shoulder. 

Fuck. A drink would be good right now, and if she’s desperate enough to grab one, I don’t even have to risk nearing Adrien’s friend group. 

“Grab me two and we will see how it works out.” 

The blonde was flummoxed that he was sending her to fetch drinks, it certainly wasn’t what she was accustomed to. But this mysterious brooding man was too much to pass on, so she obediently made her way to the bar. 

Felix refused to sit. He preferred to stand by Gabriel’s office door, so he could quickly take his moment, should it become available. But every moment that he spoke to Barbie, the crowd became smaller. The sense of urgency began to burn within. 

Directing his attention to Adrien, he was still being a typical Agreste at a party. Speaking with everyone, undeniably formal, even as his gait began to tumble. 

“Are you even listening?” Barbie asked in revulsion. 

“No, like I said, you’re not my type.” Felix robotically responded. 

She huffed in a preparation to storm away, but Felix was quick to grab her hand. “But,” he eyed towards Adrien, “you are his type” 

“Seriously? You think I’m Adrien Agreste’s type?” She asked with both incredulity and flattery. 

“Well, you do resemble his last girlfriend to a tee. Just more beautiful, of course.” Felix’s friendly smile hid the sneer building within. 

“His ex?” She asked, astonished, feeling as if she was getting an inside scoop. 

“Oh you didn’t know? Him and Chloe Bourgeois used to date. He loves it when girls take charge. Especially when blondes take charge.” Or, truthfully, is terrified of letting people down, so will always find himself reverting to a battered dog that can’t leave his owner. 

Kissing his cheek, she thanked him for his ‘good deed’. As expected, the firecracker of a blonde immediately took control of the situation, diverting all eyes to her. Snickering, Felix easily walked through Gabriel’s office door. 

“Bark, on the hunt!” Felix whispered into his shirt, forcing Nooroo to float beside them. 

Being back in Gabriel’s office radiated a sense of despair through Nooroo. It was nearly the same as when they left; the only difference was a thin layer of dust that failed to mask the potent stench of bleach. Nooroo didn’t know how to identify their feeling of sorrow; it seemed to be a mix of their lingering attachment to Gabriel, resentment for enslavement, and mourning for Adrien’s loss. The inability to separate or understand their feelings put them at greater unease. 

Felix immediately pulled Emelie’s portrait aside to check with the safe. All that remained was one of Adrien’s childhood family drawings, adorned with splotches of blood, and a tablet. Deciding that the drawing was useless to him, he tapped the tablet and returned to searching the books within the room. “Is there anything else I should be aware of here Nooroo?” 

Heartbroken, Nooroo silently floated before books that contained any information regarding the Miraculous'. Unable to control himself until he got home, Felix began flipping through the pages of different books. One held the tales of the rings. 

He tapped the book with his ball. 

A smash shattered his attention. “Get the fuck out!”

“Shit!” Felix gasped startled. He could hear Barbie yelling for security to let her go. 

With nowhere to run, Felix prayed that Adrien didn’t know about his mother’s underground coffin. The hidden door shut a moment before Adrien entered the room. 

Guilt began to circulate through Felix as he heard Adrien smashing the office above. He knew sending a desperate and pushy woman his way would likely end in disaster. It was easier to consider it as a possibility than to actually hear Adrien’s suffering. 

“That poor boy.” Nooroo hung their head as they continued to lower into the underground chamber. 

“I didn’t think it was still this bad.” Felix responded honestly. 

“He just went through an incredibly traumatic experience and still needs to abide by the rings. I’m sure it’s only gotten worse.” Nooroo sighed. 

“The control should have ended with Gabriel’s death!” 

Nooroo grievously shook their head. “Unless Adrien uses them himself, he will be forced to continuously follow outstanding orders. And any that come from their new holder.” 

Felix squeezed his eyes shut, attempting to avoid his humanity. “I can’t believe he’s still under that man’s thumb. That’s not fair.” 

He stomped along the metal catwalk to where Emelie rested within her electronic coffin. “You did this! You found the rings! You’re the reason he’s hurt!” Felix began to scream, reflecting the Adrien above him. In a fit of rage, he severed the connections that kept Emelie’s body warm. The lights dimming over her face did not provide the satisfaction he needed. Falling to the ground, he aggressively palmed away his tears. 

Unfamiliar with this side of Felix, Nooroo reached to comfort Felix. “Adrien is a very strong man.” 

“Yeah, but he doesn’t deserve this shit.” Felix spat. 

“May I ask, why are you so bothered? You have taken his father’s place, you are keeping him in the dark, it just seems… strange.” 

“I will always love him.” The truth fell out of Felix before he could stop it, forcing him to once again palm his tears. 

“Sir, may I ask, why did you take Gabriel’s place? Are you hoping to make a wish?”

“I want to destroy the objects that plagued my mother, that continue to ruin Adrien. My wish is that the rings were never created.” 

“Felix, those rings are ancient. A wish like that will undoubtedly unravel the timeline.” Nooroo warned. 

“Whatever it turns to, it would be better than outsiders using the rings to control and abuse those of Graham de Vanily blood.” 

Nooroo may not have agreed with his methods, but within an instant he became more tolerable. No longer was he merely a sociopathic villain, but he had a heart. They understood that Felix had watched for years as the rings tore apart his family. 

Felix hated showing his softer side to the Kwamis. He was certain that Gabriel must have ruled with an iron fist. At least, in his tower, he could ignore Adrien’s suffering. Everything was far too real here. He couldn’t keep up his bravado while Adrien’s torment shook the ceiling. 

“My mother,” he began explaining to Nooroo, “she used to have moments like these too. The rings… they hurt her. She felt so helpless. The people who wielded them�� anyone who wields them… they’re evil. No one should have that much control over a person.” 

“Did your mother get better? Once the rings no longer controlled her?” Nooroo had never known that the rings had been used against the Graham de Vanily twins, only that they had been in their possession. 

“I wasn’t alive when they controlled her, they were worse then… or at least that’s what my dad told me.” Felix’s voice continued to crack. 

“How did she get better?” Nooroo settled into Felix’s lap.

“You don’t remember?” Felix gave the Kwami a soft smile. “Gabriel was Akumatized and given the power to erase memories connected to the ring.”

Nooroo’s eyes popped open in shock. They always assumed it was in fear of Amelie attempting to take back the rings, they hadn’t considered the possibility that with those memories, they were taking away her trauma. “Could we do that with Adrien?” 

“It’s not quite that simple, unfortunately. He has trauma, but he’s still being controlled. Even if the trauma is taken, it will always resurface until the ring has found its next victim.” 

“I hate those rings.” Nooroo’s words were quickly followed by a yawn. 

“Let’s get some sleep, little one. We are going to be here for a little while.” 

Killing a Ladybug

Marinette’s finger throbbed as she avoided her own reflection in the mirror. The rings would help this pain go away. 

“Marinette?” Tikki spoke from the opening within Marinette’s purse. 

“It’s just not fair.” Marinette forced herself to speak. 

“Marinette, I understand you’re hurt, but so is Adrien. I honestly doubt he’s ready for a real relationship right now.” 

“It sure seems like he is!” Marinette became aware of the volume of her voice and took a grounding breath. 

“He hasn’t been able to have people within his bubble for a very long time. You can’t expect him to stay without contact until you’re ready to talk to him.” Tikki was trying to be compassionate, but Marinette was making it increasingly difficult.  

“You’re right. I’m just. I’ll stay here until things settle down.” 

Marinette didn’t realise how tired she was until she opened her eyes. It hadn’t felt as if she slept. If it wasn’t for the drool along her arm, she would have assumed that she merely blinked. 

“How long was I out, Tikki?” Marinette smoothed her hair. 

“I can’t say for sure, I fell asleep too. I can still hear music, so there must still be people here.” 

Marinette’s ears were struggling to hear the soft guitar tune over the lingering ringing. Carefully stepping out, the room was fluorescently lit. Multitudes of liquor, cups, and various garbage covered the floors. Meticulously stepping around the party’s wreckage, the alluring melody finally cut through her temporary tinnitus. 

That sounds like Luka. Is he waiting for me? It wouldn’t make sense… but it would really mean that he is the best choice. His music is so wonderful… I could definitely listen to that for the rest of my life…

The door to Gabriel’s office was ajar enough for her to peek within. Luka sat with his back to her, fingers strumming along the strings. Adrien leaned against the wall, basking in Luka’s musical talents. Marinette was reminded of Alya’s earlier comment about something between Adrien and Luka. Though it seemed ridiculous at the time, Marinette had never seen Adrien appear so exposed. The back of his head was against the wall, but his chin was up, revealing his throat. One leg was flopped straight along the ground, the other leg was bent with his forearm resting upon his knee. The fingers, connected to the raised arm, tapped along with Luka’s beat. 

Adrien was letting Luka see him at his worst, at his rawest. There was no amicable smile, or perfect posture. He wasn’t eyeing for the next social cue. He just was . 

Marinette’s finger began to throb again, calling for a cure to her pain. The siren was quickly muted by Adrien’s shifting. He was starting to get up. Panicking, she ran to hide behind the pop-up bar. Huddled in fear, she watched as Luka followed Adrien to his room. 

By the time Marinette had made it to the door, Adrien’s piano melody reflected her own despair. 

-

Ladybug: Chat, I know it’s late, I just need someone to talk to. 

Ladybug: Please, please be up! 

Ladybug: Chat!!! I will get Akumatized just to have someone to talk to! 

Ladybug sat perched upon the Eiffel Tower. She knew that it was unreasonable to ask Chat to be awake at that time, but there was a part of her that held hope. When they were younger he seemed to have a sixth sense for knowing when she was out. 

That was before he disappeared. Before I lost him. 

-

“Stop, Marinette! Those rings are bad news!” Tikki pleaded as she put herself between Marinette and the rings.

“Listen, we haven’t found anything on the internet, I’ve done my due diligence, just let me have a fucking break!” Marinette was becoming increasingly agitated. 

“Just because you didn’t find anything doesn’t mean they’re safe! You know that’s not how this works!” She didn’t know what the rings were, but the effect they had on Marinette was terrifying. 

“It’s not your choice Tikki.” Marinette hissed as she held the rings in her palm, sending a numbing sensation through her hand. 

“I don’t like what they’re doing to you. I feel like I’m losing you Marinette.” 

“Look, I’ll use the bigger one. We both agreed it has less power, right?” 

Tikki merely looked down. 

“Right, Tikki?” 

Dismayed, Tikki finally responded. “It seems that way.” 

Straightening up, Marinette’s face beamed. “See! I’ll just wear the weaker one. It’s a fair compromise.” 

Tikki held back tears as Marinette leaned back into her chair, her body limping in pleasure. 

A Black Cat in Your Path

Nathalie’s legs shook as she stood her ground in front of Adrien, who barely clung to life behind her. 

“Move! This will be over once and for all!” Gabriel shouted at her. 

“This is not right Gabriel, if you did get Emelie back, do you think she would ever forgive you for killing her son?”

“He is my son too!”

“That doesn’t make it better Gabriel! You know she would never want to wake up to that world. She would never want to live in a world without him in it.”

“I will explain it to her, she will understand.”

“I will move to the side on one condition.”

“What?” he snarled. 

“Take off the ring.”

“How dare you?” 

“I will help you in whatever plan you have - as long as you take off that ring.”

“Fine. Take this stupid thing, it’s not like I need him to obey when he’s dead.” 

Nathalie winced at his cold words, but raised her hand toward him anyway. He barely had the ring off his finger before he collapsed to the ground. Years of emotion drowned him. Turning away his son. Screaming at Nathalie. His son, what had he done to his son? Marks that wouldn’t show, but they always stayed. He threw the ring to the ground and crawled toward Adrien gripping to life. 

“No, no, I am so sorry.” Gabriel took Adrien’s head upon his lap. Adrien’s blood immediately soaked through Gabriel’s thin pants. Gabriel’s loss of extra power allowed the Kwamis to all release. “Help, please,” Gabriel looked desperately to the exhausted Kwamis, but none of them could gather the energy to move. 

“Plagg should be back soon with a holder, Gabriel.” Nathalie kneeled with him. She helplessly applied pressure to the wettest part of Adrien’s shirt. 

“How did this happen?” Gabriel sobbed as he placed his cheek against Adrien’s.

“It was the ring, Gabriel.” 

“Take it away. Destroy it. I don’t care. No one should ever have that power again.” 

“I agree.”

Gabriel held Adrien to his chest, praying that he would make it through. 

Author's Note:

As promised, here is a list of bad luck signs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bad_luck_signs

I hope everyone enjoyed another chapter so soon! I was going to have all of the conclusions of the night together, but there was two big issues. First, I couldn't get Twilight themed titles out of my head. Two, it would have seemed janky. Bonus - because having a chapter of just Adrien and Luka is really nice.

Disclaimer * The characters and original plot were written and created by Thomas Astruc. This writing is merely an interpretation in a sad gay type of way.