#just felt conflicted about getting back into mario since I was trying to gather my energy for my FNAF AU

[factual-fantasy]

I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE THAT ONE SIDE PROFILE OF THE MARIO BROS NOR CAN I TELL YOU WHY

I DONT KNOW WHY OUT OF ALL OF THOSE DRAWINGS THATS THE ONE I LIKE THE MOST BUT IT’S ALL GREAT WORK FACTUAL

YOU’RE GETTING ME THROUGH FINALS👍👍👍

(Post in question)

STAAAAHP you're gonna make me fall back into my Mario phase!!1! XDD

(FR THO THANK YOU SO MUCH!! :DD I'm glad you liked that doodle! I was rather proud of how it came out😊!!)

[dropoutparty]

shurara corps ark fix-it concept babeyy!!

under a read more bc this shits long LOL

also this is kinda rambly but whatever

when it comes to shuraras motivations here, maybe he could have been another childhood friend of keroros. idk how they could have been introduced, maybe through pururu or just by meeting in school, but ig that part doesnt rlly matter. what DOES matter though is that shurara decided to tag along with keroro, giroro, zeroro, and pururu on one of their misadventures and he gets hurt during it. BADLY. pururu patches him up, and zeroro apologizes like crazy (since he knows how much this sucks), but shurara is left with a strong dislike of keroro and friends. except for pururu, who he still likes (but im not keeping the crush bc it serves no purpose here) and zeroro who he kinda forgives a little bit but just because he apologized so much. maybe this could have resulted in some major physical injury that affected how he lived for a while, or maybe it spawned a phobia, but either way it left an impact.

putata and mekeke are sent in first with the goal of beating up the platoon a little bit and taking the star because they are the most skilled team. shurara doesnt want the star because of some stupid bandaid, but he wants to take it in order to both deeply hurt keroros pride and also to potentially have his platoon no longer be officially recognized, taking away something that means a lot to keroro. they actually succeed in taking the keron star kinda. when they get back to base, they realize that the star is fake, its just a piece of fabric or paper with tape on it (like what happened in the original arcs ending). this way the shurara corps will be established as an actual threat and also the ending will have actual stakes.

gyororo sends word back to base that the keron star putata and mekeke got was fake, so giruru is sent in to ACTUALLY get the real star, as well as punish the platoon for embarrassing the corps like that. this one plays out kinda like the actual episode (bc im too lazy to think of anything else), but all that matters is that he still ends up captured.

after this, the platoon is like ok this might actually be serious so they go on high alert. one day dororo notices gyororo (who was sent in a little before putata and mekeke to scout the place out and gather info) bc hes the only competent member of the platoon and confronts him, outing his presence to everyone. gyororo fights back but he is also captured in the end.

after the platoon has captured giruru and gyororo , shurara plans to capture and torture a member of the platoon as revenge. before he can do this though, dokuku and nuii decide to rescue giruru and gyororo in secret. nuii serves as a distraction to everyone while dokuku goes to rescue the fellaz. theres some minor conflict but in the end the four of them escape. after that happens, shurara is furious about his subordinates disobeying him and doing things behind his back, but he keeps his goal the same.

im gonna change yukikis powers bc they kinda suck and hes confusing. anyways yukiki isnt actually a snowman, but hes the hat! kinda like in mario odyssey, you put the hat on anyone or anything, and it will immediately be controlled by yukiki. he was an experiment done to try to make a sentient object, and he got his name because he was first tested on a snowman (which also makes it the form hes most comfortable taking). anyways, shurara sends in yukiki to capture someone by taking control of them, but hes defeated somehow and returns empty-handed.

im also gonna change robobos powers a bit. with robobo i dont think that he should have the ability to turn people into electronics because thats dumb and doesnt make any sense, so im gonna give him the ability to just control other machines. he also doesnt have a giant form, and can switch his hands between their magnet form and their drill form. anyways, at this point shurara is furious and decides that he doesnt care about capture anymore, he wants the platoon dead. he decides to send robobo for the job because robots dont have the same margin of error that living things do, or at least theyre supposed to. turns out, they totally do bc robobo also comes back with a failure.

after this, shurara somehow lures the platoon to his base (just like in the anime) but this time everyone is waiting for them there in a big empty room together. shuraras disembodied voice gets a monologue like in the anime and the roof opens, lighting the room up because its a bright spring day. kagege then appears and takes control of the platoons shadows like in the anime! all of the shadows are used to fight the platoon, as well as the corps themselves fighting. its an epic fight, but just when it seems like the platoon is all gonna die, the corps suddenly decide to stop fighting. they all tell the platoon about how shurara has been acting worryingly erratic and obsessive, so they agree to spare the platoons life as long as they confront shurara. the platoon obviously agrees, and theyre taken to a holding area so that shurara thinks that theyve won. they give them this offer because theyre not personally invested in killing these nerds, they dont really care. they ARE worried about shurara though, seeing how obsessed with this hes become.

anyways kagege reports to shurara (in my headcanon hes like shuraras right hand man or something like that) and is like "we beat the platoon, but we didnt kill them. theyre our prisoners right now and were gonna torture them before we let you do the honors" and then shuraras like "poggers!!! thats a great idea!!" and then proceeds to drink his choccy milk and play minedcraft. meanwhile, some of the others are actually patching the platoon up and telling them what to do with shurara. they tell the platoon to try to hurt him as little as possible, and DEFINITELY dont fucking kill him, but just try to knock some sense into him and restrain him or something.

the platoon asks why shurara hates them so much and whoevers patching them up doesnt know, but kagege comes down soon after and tells them shuraras motivations. after this, some understanding can be felt by giroro and dororo (bc they were there, even tho dororo is the only one who remembers shirara like at all) and keroro feels kinda guilty but not too much bc head empty. later, the corps has a big celebration feast and shurara declares that hell painfully kill the platoon bright and early tomorrow. in all the commotion, nuii convinces gyororo to sneak down into the platoons holding cells to bring them some leftover food.

the next day, the platoon is brought to the same room that they fought the corps in, and theyre tied up. shurara is talkin abt how hes gonna kill them all super painfully and stuff but little does he know that the ropes holding the platoon are actually not secure at all (on purpose), so the platoon all escapes their bindings and a fight with shurara ensues. when the platoon is in a tight spot, one of the corps will show up real quick and help them out, kinda like a support in a fighting game. eventually, shurara is tied up and defeated technically.

shurara is whining and stuff and calling the corps a bunch of traitors, but the corps talk to him about how worried they all are about him and that this whole thing has gone too far (you rlly think these goobers are worth all this effort??). shurara says something about how keroro hurt him before, so he wants to hurt him and his platoon back. the corps are like ya i get that but killing them is wayy overkill no pun intended. keroro apologizes and maybe dororo can say something about how keroro also hurt him in the past but hes been able to move past that or whatever and shurara is like bro ur right and he starts crying like da babey he is lmao and there u have it!!! the arcs over and everyone is ok and happy!!! found family trope pog!!!!!!

[skylarmoon71]

Leonardo x Reader Oneshot TMNT 2014/2016

Disclaimer: I own my love for fanfiction, nothing more. Enjoy!!

"I don't trust you." To say those words didn't hurt would be a blatant lie. Standing in the lair with all four turtles around, you blinked, determined not to show any type of weakness. Leo's eyes were resolute after the statement, and the three other turtles grew quiet. 

It started with Mikey's casual teasing. You were so used to it, so when he joked about Leo having a crush on you because he constantly gave you the cold shoulder, you laughed it off. Mikey's wasn't being serious. But apparently it struck a nerve with Leo.

"Leonardo." Splinter heard it all. You could see the way Leo's jaw was clenched, and all you wanted to do was punch him in his stupid leader face.

"Raph is right, you really are nothing but a jerk!" you pushed up your glasses, turning on your heels as you stormed off. You knew the moment you got back to your room you'd fall apart. But you could save a little face. You just needed to ensure you didn't fall apart in front of him. You wouldn't give him that power.

Leo's mistrust wasn't completely unwarranted. Your meeting with the turtles was fairly unique. It wasn't in an act of heroism. You had in fact tracked them down. Like Donatello, you were very good with computers. A master hacker. Because of your little hobby, it provided a lot of room for snooping. In middle school you hacked NASA, and they were none the wiser. By the beginning of high school, you were hooked up to every police scan and federal cases. Everything and anything that you wanted to know was right at your fingertips.

Being an orphan probably didn't help with your moral compass. As long as you knew it was always about seeking our own self interest. You were now a junior in high school. Being a New Yorker was pretty much the usual. Grumpy people, busy bodies. What wasn't ordinary was alien invasions. It alarmed you when there were metal boxes floating in the streets, panic throughout the city. What pissed you off was the fact that it was never addressed as to what really happened that day. The government provided some half assed excuse, and everyone just accepted it. Determined to get to the bottom of your newest interest, you'd stumbled upon something quite interesting.

A fellow hacker, almost as gifted as you. Not nearly as careful though. At the time you had no idea it was Donnie. You just followed the informational patterns that strangely aligned with all the unexplained incidents that occured in New York. Intrigued, you kept pushing, and even decided to confront the individuals that you were led to. Safe to say four giant mutant turtles were not what you were expecting. After nearly having a heart attack, you finally solved the mystery of the vigilantes.

A very unexpected development emerged from your discovery. You befriended them. Donatello was impressed at your technical skills, and you were even more with him. You were born with the genes basically, probably from your parents, but they were created. He adapted his intelligence all on his own, and to you that was astounding.

Months passed, and you found that being with the turtles and even assisting when you could, you felt like you were a part of something great. Something amazing. You were helping people with your gift, rather than using it for your own means of living. All in all, they seemed to like you. Even Raph who probably was the least trusting of strangers warmed up to you. The only one who held a general dislike for you was apparently Leo. 

Since your meeting was a bit forced, he was weary of you. As time went by you thought that would fade. It wasn't like you would reveal their secret to anyone; they were your friends. At least that's how you saw them. Leo obviously didn't feel the same. Not that you cared. If he wanted to act like a douche then you would let him. If he thought those words would make you run he was wrong. You will be back first thing tomorrow. After you were done crying a little to day that was.

~The Next Day~

"Don't worry too much about Leo. Ya gotta give him time. " Raph nudged you on your seat on the couch as you were beating him in mario kart.

"I'm not worried. It's his fault if he wants to keep that giant stick up his ass." Raph laughed out loud and you joined, adjusting your glasses quickly so you didn't lose your spot on the course. Someone clearing their throat behind you made you drop the control. You didn't have to turn to know who it was. Raph was already standing, flipping over the couch.

He was probably there because it was about that time for them to go on patrol. Raph ruffled your hair with a grin. "See ya later kid, I'll be back to beat ya."

"Hah, maybe in your dreams!" Donatello rushed past, handing you a computer. "Thanks for the codes, the servers are moving a lot faster (Y/N)." you nod. "Sure thing Donnie, anything for a brother hacker." you showed him a peace sign smiling. Mikey was the last to join, swinging his nunchucks. "Who's ready to kick some criminal butt!" he said excitedly. Raph and Donnie just turned, not really acknowledging the younger turtle's antics. "Really? No one." he followed behind still trying to get a word from his brothers. Leo lingered there, and it took you a moment to realize he was staring at you.

You frowned. "Don't worry, I'm not going to burn down your home or anything, so you don't have to keep watch. " you stood, pushing your glasses up your nose, heading in the opposite direction. Leo knew he deserved the hostility. After the conversation with Splinter, he felt like he really understood nothing about his feelings.

~Flashback~

"Did they forget that she basically blackmailed us just to see who we were. Why am I the bad guy." He was more than a little frustrated. Even Raph was lecturing him on his statement that day. Raph of all people.

"Leonardo, she's young, just like you. I believe there is another reason you're conflicted about her."

"What do you mean?" He couldn't understand what Splinter was trying to say.

"Maybe you have learned to see her in another light. And it's difficult for you to understand. So your mind is telling you it's mistrust, but is that what you really feel?" His forehead creased in thought.

"What I really feel." He couldn't come up with a good answer. His encounters with you were never lengthy. He barely acknowledged you on most occasions. But when he did, he found that he was watching, or more like studying what you did. Your intelligence, humor, and those glasses that never seemed to stay perched up on your face. Leo's eyes grew wide.

"Sensei I..."

"You have feelings for her." Leo wanted to swallow his tongue. That couldn't be.

"There is nothing wrong with what you feel, however you need to be more careful with your words. (Y/N), despite her resilience is still very much a child. " Leo was still in a sense of shock. Splinter walked over, patting him on the shoulder. "I know you will find a way to make amends with her. Just be honest." he said nothing else, walking off with his hands folded behind his back.

"How am I supposed to do that." If you disliked him before, you definitely hated him now.

~Flashback end~

Leo released a heavy sigh. It would take a lot to take back those words. Right now, all he wanted was to let you know that he was wrong. It didn't matter if you detested him. He just needed to restore the trust he should have placed in you the moment he realized you cared for his family the same way he did.

~~~

"Mikey check out my costume!!" you were sporting a pikachu onesie. It was halloween after all, and you were more than excited to show off the cute yellow design.

"Pika pika~" you mimicked the sound your favorite Pokémon with a smile.

"You're so cute!" he gushed in a baby voice. You giggled, adjusting your glasses. The parade was about to start and you didn't want to miss it. Since this was one of the few days the turtles could roam around without suspicion, you were overjoyed. It was the first outing you had with them all together outside. You bounced on your feet when Donatello and Raph came from around the corner talking about training most likely. "Come on guys we need to get going!" you urged. Raph placed his hand on your pointed hoodie. "Alright hold ya horses. Leo's coming too." You puffed your cheeks at that.

"Great, the world's greatest killjoy is joining us." You really didn't want Leo's strict attitude on your night of fun.

"Speak of the devil." He was walking with his eyes in a book. When he saw everyone gathered his eyes raised. When they landed on you, he stopped completely. You knew it was stupid, but you blushed, because of the awe in his eyes as he looked at you. Your gaze moved down as you grabbed at the tail of your costume, fiddling with it. "Dummy, why is he looking at me like that!" Leo was the last person you wanted to make your heart beat that way. You weren't even wearing tight clothing either, so why the hell was he staring like you were the prettiest thing he'd ever seen. Leo willed himself to look away, placing his book down.

"She looks so cute." Of course he didn't say it out loud. Regaining his cool, he folded his arms.

"You guys ready."

"Yeah dude we were waiting for you." Mikey reached over picking you up, you were laughing the entire time.

"Onward soldiers!!" he shouted. Raph just tapped him on the head. "Dude!" Donnie rolled his eyes.

"If you guys start fighting Sensei won't let us go." he informed. Mikey made a zipping motion on his lips. Leo watched his brothers marching away with you. And a tinge of jealousy rushed through his body seeing how comfortable you seemed with Mikey.

~~~

Walking through the streets you took in all the creative costumes. Bands were marching, people cheering, bodies jumping and prancing to the music that blared through the speakers. Mikey was a little ways ahead, easily making friends in the crowd of people. He looked so happy. Raph and Donnie's eyes were also trained on Mikey. The content expressed on their faces was really indescribable. They usually gave him a hard time, and you knew it was just how brothers acted with each other. He was the youngest, and you were positive if anyone tried to hurt him, they would protect him in a heartbeat.

"Hey there, are you all alone cutie." you were so distracted that you didn't realize you got partially separated from the others. The male blocking your way annoyed you. Raph and the others were a short way up the street. If you could just get past this guy you could join them.

"Sorry but I'm with my friends. I've got to go." He moved closer to grab your hand, and you were about to recoil when a hand came down and pulled you backwards. You stumble into something firm, and when you look up, blue eyes are glaring at the man before you. "She's taken." the guy raised both his hands with a laugh. "Alright hulk no need to get mad. You should keep a better watch on your girl." He backed up, leaving, falling back into the crowd. When he was gone, those electric eyes moved in your direction. He was still holding unto you.

"T-Thank you Leo." you weren't much of a fighter, and you would hate it if the turtles first outing got ruined because you couldn't stay close. "Be more careful, guys like that are nothing but trouble. I'd hate it if you got hurt."

That was the nicest thing he'd ever really said to you.

Wait a minute.

"What did you mean I'm taken? " you raised a brow. Leo let you go, taking a step back.

"I was just..I didn't want him getting any ideas." He wouldn't look at you. "Sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

"N-No it's okay. I kinda figured as much." Why the hell were you disappointed at his answer. You should know better.

"By the way, you're costume it's..really nice." you flush, fixing your glasses.

"O-Oh! T-Thanks." You must have been dreaming. Another nice statement from Leo. What was the world coming to? The both of you stood there awkwardly for a while, neither sure what to do.

This was the longest conversation you had with Leo that didn't end up with animosity on either side. Your eyes caught his hand that was hanging, and you took it softly in your own. Leo looked up stunned. "S-So we don't get separated again." you clarified. Raph and the others were already a ways ahead. It would have been bad if you got into another little scuffle. So you started moving to them, keeping a soft grip on Leo's hand so he didn't fall behind. You kept your eyes forward, because you knew if you looked at him again, he'd figure out just how happy you were to hold his hand.

If only he knew how you felt.

~~~~

"Ugh! I hate these so much." you sighed heavily, massaging your eyelids. "What's the matter?" you almost jumped, startled by the concern in Leo's voice. Everyone else seemed taken in their own task. Mikey didn't even turn from his game at your small yell. "I-It's really nothing, just a code. It's been stressing me out for the last hour. "

 Leo took a seat next to you on the chair, turning you in his direction. You just watched him, waiting for whatever he was about to do. He smiled, reaching out and removing your glasses. You closed your eyes not really expecting the gesture. "You have to stop for a while and..." when his words started to trail off you were confused. "W-What's wrong?" He looked so dazed, it sort of alarmed you.

"It's nothing, it's just your eyes...they're beautiful." he muttered.

"Oh boy."

Since the Halloween party, Leo was being especially nice to you. Now that you thought about it, he'd been doing it way before that.

"You're beautiful.." He was very careful not to voice that, still, he could think it. Because it was true. To him you were breathtaking, his only regret was that he'd didn't figure out his feelings before. Maybe now it wouldn't have been so hard for him to be honest about how he felt.

Your eyes were staring in shock, your mouth slightly agape.

"Did you just...call me beautiful." Leo paused.

"W-What?"

"You said...you said that I'm beautiful." surely you didn't imagine those words coming from his mouth. What was really going on here. Of course you were overjoyed. But didn't he still not trust you? Why was he saying these things, looking at you the way he did. Leo stood in ample time, and before you could get another word in he was leaving hurriedly.

"I-I have to go." He didn't offer an explanation, just bolted like his life depended on it. You sat there, flustered and maybe even a little irritated.

"Why the heck is he pulling me in so many directions."

One day he's telling you to your face that he doesn't trust you, then the next he's looking out for you, complimenting you. It was driving you crazy.

"I hate boys." you groaned.

~~~~

The soft knock on his door had his eyes lifting. He stopped momentarily attending to his bonsai tree. When the door opened, his heart staggered for a fleeting second. You walked in, shutting it. Your hands were behind your back, and you could barely hold eye contact with him. Leo wasn't much better. He placed down the small clippers, shifting on his feet. "Is there something wrong?" he asked, concerned about the surprise visit.

"Y-Yes actually." you needed to get a handle on whatever this crazy thing was between the both of you.

"Why have you been acting so weird with me. I know the both of us we've never really been on the best terms. And I guess I don't help that much. But you're the same. You say things to me to piss me off and I get so agitated! " You were shouting, and Leo's head lowered.

"Then you act so sweet and kind out of nowhere and it completely messes me up because I can't read you at all. Do you hate me or not!"

"I could never hate you (Y/N)." That simple statement the way he said it, the look on his face. It struck you right in the heart.

"Why do you do that.." you lips quivered, and you took a step forward, Leo didn't expect to see the tears that were gathering in your eyes.

"Stop giving me hope and then tearing it from me. Y-You have no idea how I feel about you.." Damn it, your intention was never to break down in front of him. Leo clenched his fists, and you raised your hands to wipe away your tears. When you heard him walking towards you, everything in your body stilled. Leo's hand rested on your cheek, and you opened your mouth to say more, but Leo stole whatever words you had prepared. Standing there wide eyed, you could barely believe the feeling of his lips pressed softly to your own. Because of the height difference. He had to lean down slightly. When he pulled back, his eyes flickered open. The glow of his eyes were somewhat surreal.

"I should have never said that to you (Y/N). That day..I was stupid. Long before I had feelings for you. I guess I was just too scared to admit how I felt, so I kept my distance, and created excuses to keep it that way. I'm so sorry that I made you feel like you weren't welcomed. You're just as much a part of this family as April and Vern. "

"Leo.." so the entire time he cared about you, the same way you did for him. He just didn't want to accept it. Maybe he was terrified you wouldn't see him the same.

"Dummy." you mutter. Leo smiled at that, scratching his neck. "I have been an idiot. As a leader I should have understood better."

"Maybe you should stop expecting yourself to constantly know the answer for everything Leo. Somethings just aren't that logical." He knew that, now.

"There's still so much I need to learn. Will you help me?" you blushed, trying to hide it.

"S-Sure. I am a genius after all." you boasted, nudging your glasses.

"Yes you are." you gazed at him, nibbling on your lower lip.

"Leo..that kiss.."

"I'm sorry! That was definitely not okay. I think I just..reacted." You could tell he was still a bit unnerved by it all. He still wasn't completely sure of your feelings.

"I kind of liked it." you mumble. Leo is still, processing your words. When he takes a step forward, you can't stop the quickening of your heart beat.

"Can I kiss you again?" The fact that he asks permission this time causes your heart to do flips. He's standing right in front of you, and his eyes have already zeroed in on your lips. You stop nibbling on your lips when you feel his warm palm on your cheek. He doesn't make another move, waiting for an answer. When words fail, you simply give a small nod. Leo smiles warmly, that all he needs.

He lowers to meet your lips, and as he does, his forehead lightly taps your glasses. You flush in embarrassment, and Leo just chuckles. "Have I ever told you that you're absolutely adorable in glasses." The comment makes your cheeks darken even more, and as you think of a reply, Leo banishes any chance of you forming coherent thoughts. His lips are so soft. And the way he's holding your face in his palms, it makes you want to melt on the spot. Every movement is gentle and almost calculated.

The right amount of pressure and passion. How does he know to kiss so well? It shocks you, the expert way his lips are clashing with yours. It's possible he's seen one to many movies, and like the prodigy he is, the skill was something he picked up quickly. "Leo.." You can't do much but submit to him, and this time. This time there is no doubt in your mind. Because you finally know  his feelings, and he's aware of yours as well. When he picks you up bridal style, you're a bit taken by surprise, separating for a brief moment. As you do so, his eyes are a lot closer, and you can see everything. All his fears, wants, struggles, desires...

It's enough to overwhelm your heart. But you aren't afraid. Not at all. Because this is Leo. He may be terrible at voicing his feelings, but you know for a fact that he won't hurt you. Not at all. His blue bandana does wonders to highlight the similar glow of his eyes.

You can't look away, and you don't want to. Your hand presses to the center of his chest, and right beneath your palm you feel it. The insistent strumming. The look in your eyes changes to one of surprise, and he immediately knows why. "It's...harder for me to hide it when you're so close." This entire time he's been acting so confident and in control. Yet, he's just as smitten as you, Maybe ever more. You grin at that. "You don't have to." You reach up, reclaiming his lips, and nothing in the world seems sweeter than the taste of Leo's lips. And you know for a fact, nothing ever will.

[croatian-nt]

The Observer (Part One)

Summary: Daniel Subašić  doesn’t really believe things get better with time. Ever since his friend moved out of the country his life went downhill and he blames all of it on Mario Mandžukić, who made his friend leave in the first place. So now, after 5 years, when he meets Mario’s best friend will he try to get back to him or maybe startto see things in a different light. 

Pairings: past Luka Modrić/Mario Mandžukić, eventual Daniel Subašić/Domagoj Vida

Word Count: 2533

Warnings: Depression, thoughts of violence, character acting like an asshole in general

Notes: So after super long time I decided to write a prequel of “I’ll be waiting”(you can find it on my masterlist if you didn’t read it to understand this story better). Just be warned, the story in written in first person and Suba’s action in this part are definitely not good. He is probably going to be frustrating to read. Also as always big shoutout to my beta reader and editor @wordpuddle for making this story readable. I hope y’all will like it(and Suba) more as story progresses :)

It was snowing again. Of course it was, it was winter. I didn't know why I was staring out of the window instead of getting ready. There was an ice skating competition soon. I should do a report about their preparations. I glanced back at the window, watching the snow fall.

I should dress in warm clothes. Wear a winter jacket too, perhaps. But it seemed so unimportant. The cold seemed so far away and I preferred the jacket Luka sent in a package for my birthday. It was a jacket for spring, autumn maybe. Definitely not for winter and definitely not for snow.

It didn't matter in the end, did it? I would be a bit cold, so what? I could picture you frowning at that. You would be angry, you'd tell me not to be stupid. But you-no I wasn’t going to think about you. Luka would probably agree with you, thought. But he also wasn’t here. He moved away and all because of that-stop. That wasn’t a good thing to think about either.

Breathe.

In and out.

I shouldn't be this unreasonably angry after five years. Even Luka had let it go after all this time. Or at least I thought he had. Mario Mandžukić wasn't a topic we discussed. Just a bastard who had broken my best friend's heart.  

I grabbed the jacket and my bag and I went outside into the horrible weather. The snow. I never liked it. Snow just meant another day without sun, another day without the warmth I was missing so much. I started the engine and typed a message while I was waiting for the heating to warm me up a bit. I really should have worn a winter jacket.

We just texted these days, Luka and I. He would take one look at my face over Skype and know I wasn't feeling good. He would ask me to go out, maybe see a therapist. He wouldn't see my face, though. So It didn't matter. I put the phone away and started the car.

By the time I arrived they had already started the practice. There were a few people who also came to watch it. That was usual- wait. Was that? No, it couldn't be.

But I'd recognize that tall figure anywhere. Almost the same haircut too. Mario Mandžukić had decided to come back then. After five years. After he had already made sure Luka wouldn't.

I felt the rage building in me. Slow but steady. It seemed unstoppable. I forgot about my job and I just started to push through the crowd to get to him.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do when I reached him. Yell? Punch him in the face? Or just grab his neck and watch his face turn blue? No.

I stopped dead in my tracks, struggling to breathe. I wasn't a violent person. But he deserved it. I couldn't just ignore seeing him there. Could I?

I was so focused on my inner dilemma I couldn't hear someone running towards me until it was too late. It was a strong impact, both I and the man that ran into me fell down, along with my stuff.

That's what I concentrated on first. The content of my bag. The notes, the research I made, all written down. I used to have it all in my head without having to write a word but it seemed the colder it got, the harder it was for me to remember. Not everything though. I could remember the way Luka would always patch Mario up so carefully, without a word of complaint even though I could see how worried he had been.

I finally looked up, meeting the stranger's gaze. His eyes were sharp and for a second I felt like he knew exactly what I was thinking. The feeling was so intense that I almost flinched back.

"I am sorry for running into you. Are you alright?" he asked and helped me gather my stuff.

It was normal, the polite thing to do. His gaze had lost all its edge, all its intensity. I must have imagined it.

"It's fine." My voice sounded odd, even to me. Like an old, rusty instrument that hadn't been used in ages.

He helps me get up too. I am not sure if he was just fast or if time had slowed down around me.

“You spend all your life inside your head, Suba.“ That's what you would have told me. I could picture your face saying it. All scrunched up and worried. I would almost compare it to the way Luka worried about Mario, maybe with your frown more obvious in his case.

"I apologize once again. I am being late for practice," the guy said, shifting from one foot to another.

I finally observed him more carefully. Long blond hair pulled into a ponytail, his clothes obviously comfortable and for practice. He did look familiar. I must have looked him up too when I had done my research but his name was on the tip of my tongue. Maybe I should have asked for an autograph or something and pretend I knew his name all along after he writes it.

But I just nodded my head instead and gave him something close to a smile.

"Don't be late on my account," I said.

Maybe I should really just go out more and try to talk to people. It's not like I didn't have other friends.

He smiled, smirked more accurately.

"It's alright. I can afford to be late every once in a while. I hope you...will enjoy the performances."

His voice was a tad bit different. Was he flirting with me? Or trying to hint I would definitely enjoy his performance? Or maybe something else? I was never quite good at reading social clues. Before I could decide though, he gave a little wave and slipped down to the dressing room.

Shit. The report. I should be writing something, take some notes at least. [I could research him later if I needed to. Not that it was important. He was not that interesting. We only exchanged five sentences at best. I should concentrate on the practice.

And I did. I even forgot what I was going to do before that ice skater crashed into me.

Until I heard his voice, of course. He was shouting something, but I couldn't make out the words. He was smiling, laughing at something.

Another memory. The three of us were sitting in your living room and he was laughing, his eyes fixed on you. Well if I am being honest, you were there too. It was four of us. He had always been so fixated on Luka, he had seemed every bit as much in love with Luka as Luka were with him. I had always assumed Luka hadn't noticed, that he was oblivious to how transparent he was. Maybe I was the one who was wrong. If he was so in love with Luka why did he tell him to leave? Why did he leave?

I let my feet carry me closer to him. I didn't know what to say. I could still feel the rage right below the surface.

I felt the exact moment he spotted me. His face froze up, his smile vanished. What did he see on my face? Anger? Apathy?  Maybe even how conflicted I felt? He was my friend too, I suppose. Not my best friend, no, that was Luka. But still. We used to hang out and I tried to keep him out of trouble.

He reminded me of how he had looked back then. His face. He had looked nervous, anxious. Had he already known what he was going to do that night? It had been about a week before it happened. He must have. That's why he was so nervous, so on edge. He knew he was going to break Luka's heart. That he was going to leave without a proper goodbye.

"Hey, Suba. I didn't know you liked ice skating," he said, nervously dragging a hand through his hair.

"I didn't know you had enough nerve to come back like nothing ever happened. But here we are." My voice is surprisingly calm, only with a hint of the jab in it.

If there was anything I could do to hurt him, even a fraction of how he hurt Luka, I'd take it. Bastard.

His face twisted and he flinched back a bit. Yes, it hurt, did it not? Remembering the past. I wished I could forget. But I couldn't. And you deserved to remember, for it to hurt you as much as it hurt me. As much as it hurt him.

"I am not acting as if it never happened. But it's been five years, Daniel. What do you want me to do?" His face is almost apologetic. He looked like it hurt him to say how much time had passed.

Maybe he should have thought about it before he walked out without proper explanation.

"I would have you crawl back to whatever hole you have been in for the last five years and make you stay there. You are lucky Luka isn't in the country because if he was I wouldn't hesitate to punch you in the face."

There. I said it. Some of it. I was clenching my fists too like I was waiting for him to say one wrong word to punch him in the face. Maybe I was going to after all. He definitely deserved it.

Mario opened his mouth ready to say something before a voice from the rink interrupted us.

"What's going on here?" The voice was smooth and vaguely familiar. When I turned my head I recognized the ice skater that bumped into me a few minutes ago.

"It's okay Domo. I can handle it," Mario said, staring at him.

It was the kind of a look you give someone who is supposed to get your point, even if the person standing right next to you doesn't.

Domo. I looked at him again and suddenly I remembered his name. Domagoj Vida. Of course. The one with unusual costumes. Yes, I remembered now.

He looked at me and there is that intense, calculating look again. Was he trying to analyse me, see if I was a threat? Good luck with that.

"You are the reporter I crashed into, aren't you?" His eyes were softer now, less calculating. What was he up to?

I didn't feel like talking to him. He was not the one who deserved my anger. Vida smirked. He looks pleased? By what? The thought that I was going to beat up his friend? Not that I could imagine Mario being a good friend.

Well, that was a lie. I could. I just didn't want to. Because he was a good friend up until the end. But he doesn't deserve me remembering him like that. The end is what leaves a trace. The rest is like winter snow. It melts as season changes.

"How did you know I was a reporter?" It was a stupid question I could admit that. Still, I wanted to see where was he going with this.

"I helped you pick up your stuff remember? Most of your research was about me. I must say I am flattered."

I felt my cheeks burning with shame. Why was I so embarrassed? It was just research. I didn't even remember his name.

"You came here to watch the practice right? You know if you don't punch anyone and guards don't have to escort you outside, we could do an interview after I am done."

It definitely sounded like he was flirting now. Too suggestive to be taken any other way. Why was he flirting with me? Did he think that would stop me from beating Mario up? Hardly.

On the other hand, Mario did look deeply uncomfortable with the idea of me going with his friend somewhere he wouldn't be. Why? Did he think- Oh. He thought I would go out with Domagoj just to hurt him through him. Like he did with Luka. Well, that was not such a bad idea. Even if I didn't do it, making Mario uncomfortable and getting him to worry about it? I'd take it.

I fixed my eyes on Domagoj now and smiled. I almost forgot how social interactions worked, let alone flirting. Let's see if I could still do it.

"That does sound like a nicer alternative. Especially if I will see your practice," I said, leaning forward a bit.

 It was a little awkward, the angle, the situation but he returned my smile and winked at me.

"I guess we'll see each other soon then. If you follow up on what you said that is."

And with a stern look and a nod to Mario, he turned and skated away.

I could feel Mario's stare burning holes into my head. Angry, wasn't he? Good. It felt good not to be the one who is always angry. [Hulk Smash. But seriously Suba, please just stop. This is awfully childish.]

"If you hurt him in any way I swear I'll-"

"You'll what? Beat me up? Please. If you were any good at that Luka wouldn't have to patch you up so often. So kindly shut up so I don't have to punch you in the face like I said I wouldn't." I hissed.

Mario flinched a bit at the mention/sound of Luka's name. I liked this plan more and more as the time passed. Mario looked on edge the whole time as if he'd rather have it that I really punched him.

Vida waved at me after the practice ended, signalling he was just going to the dressing room first. I waved back and Mario's jaw looked like it would snap in two if he pressed his teeth together it a bit harder.

 I barely recognized him when he walked out. He let his long hair down and he was wearing a hat. And a jacket. Jesus. A bright yellow winter jacket. Winter jackets were ugly as it was, did it have to be yellow too?

He practically skipped over to where I was standing with a big grin on his face.

"I am glad Mario's face is in one piece. I am sure he appreciates it too." By the look on Mario's face I would disagree but he continued. "So, shall we? There is a nice café right across the street."

I took one last look at Mario's face. It was a mixture of worry, anger and something else. Regret? Probably not. Even now I couldn't imagine him regretting anything. Why would he? It wasn't his heart that got broken.

I shifted my eyes to Domagoj's grinning face and followed him to the exit.

  Looking back, sometimes I wondered if I would have followed him if I knew how different that conversation would go from what I planned at that moment.

But, remembering his grinning face, the way his eyes were almost taunting me, even then, I know the truth. Yes, I would.

Taglist:

@lovren-la-vida-luka

@mvsicbookfrxndom

@kjldrv

@igecko1320

 @lovrenfc

@sad-forest

@roseszymczak

@snakesandcherries

 @domo-no-domo-yes

@asensihoe

@mrsmodric

@lukamodrix

@zadarskabagudina

@tinymodric

@wordpuddle

@childsmokers

@pachua

@flemishyugotalian

@living-lovren

@arduango

@winters-chiid

(I didn’t use this taglist in super long so if someone wants to be added/removed please send me a message or write in the comments)

[zaggitz]

VIDEO GAMES 2017: ONE MILLION GAMES ENTER, TEN GAMES LEAVE.

Well that sure was the best year in video games since probably 1998, wasn’t it? Nintendo put out a new console and 3 major franchise entries, basically every anticipated game of the early 10′s finally frickin’ came out, we got 4 new English Falcom games, 3 of which with good locs, and they made a new Nier? What??? 

What a time to be alive.

Let’s not waste any time getting to the list, lord knows VIDEO GAMES 2017 has already sucked out enough time from me for a lifetime.

Before we begin, here’s my lists for 2015 and 2016.

Honorable Mentions:

Persona 5:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaIo82uT0qs

It’s insane that this game isn’t in my top ten, hell, it’s insane that it isn’t in my top five. It’s less a commentary on Persona 5′s quality and more that the games that did make the list resonated with me a whole lot more. VG2017 truly was too powerful.

P5 is mired with stiff localization problems, but even without the loc in consideration, the thematic through-line of the game gets muddled and becomes a toothless version of the promising rebellious first ten hours the game provides by the time you reach the finish line, which also just happens to come 20 hours too late, in my opinion.

What a great looking and feeling game though.

Tales of Berseria:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYXwD2CfxOs

On the flipside we have this game, the first Tales game I’ve enjoyed since Tales of Vesperia back in 2008. This game has an amazing story and great characters with a thematic backbone that sticks to your ribs after you finish it.

Now if I didn’t hate the act of actually playing it and having to scour its way too big boring empty dungeons and crappily designed world, it’d be a list maker for sure.

OKAY NOW IT’S TIME FOR THE CERTIFIED BANGERS:

10. Metroid: Samus Returns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhQWJG-_Oco

Somehow my least favorite Metroid game got two remakes that both made my list two years in a row?? This game is pretty great in it’s own right though it has a few control scheme imperfections and I could see a switch port easily being the definitive version to get.

The reason this game really makes the list though is because of how it lives up to its title. Finally an official Nintendo Metroid game that comes out and undoes Sakamoto’s vile character assassination of Samus back in Other M. . 

The queen is back, and she has been missed.

9. Horizon: Zero Dawn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD0DByDxJBA

An engrossing open world, great stealth/hunting/gathering systems AND robot dinosaurs are just a part of what makes this first outing for what seems like an extremely promising series great.

No, what really sets this game apart from its contemporaries is how it fleshes out its backstory, culminating in the creation of what might actually be the most despicable piece of shit villain ever put to writing for a video game. And he’s been dead for a thousand years so you can’t do shit to him.

Fuck you, Ted Faro.

8. Night in the Woods

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2UUFFMGcgY

This game hit extremely close to home for me. Forced to come back home to a small, dying town full of people clinging to the good old days instead of doing anything for the generation after them, having this game to play and have it be said out loud that yeah, other people are living this nightmare too, was insanely refreshing.

For as much as we all need a bit of direction sometimes, sometimes what we also need to know being a directionless 20-something asshole trying their best is okay too.

Also Gregg rulz ok.

7. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNgph1g422Q

Great gameplay, great music, fun characters, one of the most fun to explore worlds in an action adventure game. This game truly nails the sense of pure adventure Ys is known for.

It’s a shame then that it’s plagued with one of the most laughable translation efforts in the industry, much of the games personality comes from the fact that even a bad localization job can’t overwrite some character quirks, but this still leaves the rest of the script feeling extremely stiff at best and incomprehensible at worst.

I hope the re-translation patch is good. Until then, Fuck NISA and have a good day.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiU65nQdZE8

I would describe this game as a great first step in evolving the Zelda formula. That’s not even really that accurate, the real first step was in Link Between World’s item rental/no dungeon order systems. 

Nevertheless, BOTW amazes with a sense of scope and exploration no game has ever really come close to, and achieves it almost effortlessly by simply giving you the ability to climb anything.

More music, more proper dungeons, a deeper story and a few durability tweaks are basically all you need to make the next Zelda game the easy best in series.

5. Yakuza 0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYB-D9qEwzI

This isn’t the best game this year, but it is easily, no question, the MOST video game this year. 110 hours in and only 60% complete, Yakuza 0 is the game that keeps on giving, with an enthralling true crime story that reshapes what we know about its protagonists. It’s pretty much a non stop emotional thrill ride to the finish line.

It effortlessly incorporates the best side story aspects from the many games in the series to come out before it, and utilizes them with a fantastical glee that keeps you with a smile on your face for the whole run. This is easily the funniest game I’ve played this year. Thank you SEGA.

4. Hollow Knight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1unm0LS10ao

God I can’t wait for this game to get ported to consoles. I bought a new laptop basically just to play this game and the absolutely enthralling metroidvania world design, hand drawn and animated aesthetic, and fantastic npc characters blew me away.

The encounter designs are tough but fair(except maybe the Colisseum) and the DLC so far has been great. I can’t wait for all the post release content to come out so I can play through it all again on Switch and probably PS4. 

It’s insane only 3 people made this game.

3. Super Mario Odyssey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhciLj5VzOk

Nothing to say here that hasn’t been said by hundreds of others. SMO is pure joy distilled into video game form.

I can’t wait for Odyssey 2 to come out and somehow blow this one out of the water like Galaxy 2 did for Galaxy.

2. Nier: Automata

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKOM3lNFajE

An amazing contemplation on what it means to be alive, and a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to a story that, for me at least, has been told since Drakengard in 2003. Game after game of sad tragic stories with bad endings and characters fighting an imperfect world imperfectly and only making things worse while temporarily making things better for themselves.

And really even in those cases there’s caveats.

Caviats???? Anyway.

Ending E of this game finally brings some semblance of peace for this fucked up world where a deranged killer and his dragon fell through the sky and made things the worst for everyone for literally tens of thousands of years. Finally Devola and Popola can sleep. All is well.

1. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wld2q4mLhYM

Another year, another Trails game at number 1. I’ll be real with you, I’m about to drop a bunch of personal rambly stuff about what this entire trilogy means to me so if you don’t wanna read that, that’s fine. 

This game is basically a perfect epilogue to a game that means a whole lot to me and serves as an amazing capper to an amazing jrpg trilogy.

When I first played Trails in the Sky First Chapter, it was the PC version in 2014. Now in 2014 I was coming off being in college for about 6 years, switching majors a few times and not really being into what I was doing but, yknow, you gotta major in something and then you gotta get a job, that’s kind of what getting started as an adult is. 

So I played this weird little jrpg that was, fundamentally, about a country and the people in it trying to move on from a tragic war years prior, hiding their still fresh wounds in plain sight and just trying to go on with their lives. 

It was an extremely interesting game, for how plot-light it was in the early goings, you got to really feel the struggle of these people and the unseemly past they were trying to run away from or avoid repeating. This underlying conflict builds and builds until we can’t ignore it anymore.

When I played Second Chapter a year later, I had been laid off from a job I got right out of College and had no employment prospects. I hated the fact that I’d spent basically my entire adult life up to that point doing something I wasn’t passionate about and then got let down by the system. 

At the same time, the shame of my situation lead me to close up and not tell anyone about the problems I had, I was broke, I owed two months rent, on the verge of getting evicted, I felt extremely alone.

All this to get to the point that Second Chapter was ultimately a game about pulling out the dark shit we don’t like talking about and saying “it’s okay to talk about this stuff, there’s always someone who will listen.” It got me to get over myself somewhat and actually reach out for help, and I’m really thankful for it not letting me hit rock bottom.

Two years later still, I’m in a much better place, I finally feel happy about where my life is and what I’m doing and oh boy here comes Trails in the Sky the 3rd.

Completing the journey I started back in 2014, I found myself playing a game all about how it’s okay to acknowledge the bad things that happened to us, so long as we learn and move on from them accordingly.

This trilogy has so much heart, and so many memorable characters, and so much to say. It’s so, so special to me, and I was openly weeping when all the characters I’ve come to know and love over 4 years finally parted ways.

Thank you Falcom for making these games, and thank you Xseed for bringing these games to us.

TL;DR

[lemonlilyxx-blog]

Average -Minicat- Part Three, Tyler

It was a bloody massacre. Neither of us expected a protest to fall into a terrorist attack so quickly, and we were least prepared for this. But Evan decided to play the good guy, to go and rescue everybody and be the hero. I didn’t. I kept steadfast mind and looked around for where the camera setup would be. It was doubtful the woman was still there, but maybe there would be something to help us further our vengeance. Although when I spotted the large metal carcass glistening in the sunlight, my heart and stomach dropped. The ground was torn up around it, the camera was on fire, and there was so much blood on the ground it was surprising to not see a body. Anything that might’ve been there was long gone by now. I looked up the sidewalk for anything, anything at all, but to my avail there seemed to be nothing. It was all a battleground.

   I decided against even trying to look for something, and instead further pulled down the plastic pig mask on my head and walked towards the crowd, where Evan had disappeared to.

        “Tyler Daey! Hey! Tyler!” Someone called out behind me. While I doubted they were looking for me specifically, I still turned around and found myself staring down three guys, one palming a gun. “Long time no see buddy.” My mind was going a thousand miles a second. How did this guy know me? Who is this guy? Why does he have a gun? And how could he tell it was me if I was wearing a pig mask? So, I spat out the general gist of my thoughts.

          “What?” The gunman laughed, and his red hat bounced around on his head.

          “Okay, at the moment we’re the ones asking questions. Sound good?” I didn’t give them the satisfaction of an answer, and when they realized this, red-cap just kept blabbering on. “So it’s been awhile, a long while. I haven’t seen you since you were like, eight or something.”

           “No, I wasn’t in town until I was eleven. You’re lying. Now how do you know know my name?” I demanded

          “How do you know I was calling out to you? It could’ve been anyone I was looking for.”

          “You said my last name. How?” This time one of his buddies spoke up.

          “We just wanted to talk,” there was a flash of movement behind red-cap, and then he started shrieking. The other two spun around, one lunging and the other taking the gun and going to help. I stood there for a moment, either planning to run or help red-cap. But it seemed he had already gotten the wood away, and was trying to scramble for help. Then I realized why the two other guys had ran behind red-cap, to grab the attacker. I launched myself forward, going towards the new guy with a gun, knocking him off his feet and grabbing the weapon for my own. I ran towards the other guy, who had his arms tightly wrapped around a man in a tattered suit. One arm wrapped around his neck, he was crazy-eyed with rage.

            “Set the gun down, or I’ll snap his neck,” he yelled, squeezing his arm around tighter, causing the chestnut haired man to wheeze.

            “Fucking run you idiot!” The man being held screamed at me. “I can-” he wiggled around for a moment. “I can get out myself just, just fucking go!” It was so conflicting on what path I should take. But I did what I thought was best in my adrenaline shocked mind. I held the gun by the barrel and squeezed until it snapped. The two stopped fidgeting and squirming, and then the man in the suit tore away from the other’s grasp. He grabbed my shirt and started dragging me towards a storefront, a restaurant to be exact.

            “T’hell are you doing?” I asked him, yanking his hand from where it was tightly grasping my shirt.  

            “Getting you to safety,” he muttered in a familiar accent.

            “I think it should be the other way around.”

            “Oh yeah?”

            “Yeah.”

            “Screw off,” he muttered, basically throwing me inside the restaurant. Before he could walk back out, it was my turn to grab onto his shirt and drag him further inside. And it seemed a waiter had the same idea.

            “No no, you’re staying in here.” The waiter sighed, and the news reporter let out a groan, before slapping both our hands away. The heat inside the place was so drastic with all the bodies pressed together, huddling in fear, my face had already gotten sweaty, likely from the plastic mask. So I took it off and tucked it under my arm, where the waiter turned to me.

           “Hey Tyler,” he greeted casually.

           “Hey, long time no see.”

           “You two know each other?” Craig asked, and I nodded. Sark was a good man, he’d helped Evan and I get away from the facility and then further given us a home until we could legally buy an apartment.

          “Yeah,” I sighed simply. “You’re acting like this is the most surprising and weird thing that’s happened to you today.”

          “Tyler, he’s probably still reeling in shock.” Sark rubbed his balding head.

          “I am fucking fine mind you,” Craig snapped. “I was just.. Surprised.”

          “Yeah. Sure.” Some blood was dripping down his face, probably a reopened wound. “May we should clean you up a little-” I reached to his head, but Craig angrily slapped my hands away.

          “I’m fine, I can manage myself mind you. I don’t want just some random stranger, with likely zero practice in the medical business, touching my face with dirty hands,” Craig harrumphed.

          “You two are getting along swimmingly,” Sark laughed. “Craig, you should just trust Tyler. He knows what he’s doing.” Craig face scrunched up, as if confused about how he knew his name, and why he should trust me. Though it quickly smoothed out when he realized that he was on the TV, a lot, and that he was probably going to suffer blood loss soon.

           “Fine.” Craig cast his gaze down to the ground in defeat. “But, where’s Daithi?”

            “The guy you pulled in earlier? Probably on one of the counters, we’re using them as makeshift cots for any injured.” Sark nodded, and Craig dove straight into the crowd. Then, the older man got right into my face and started whispering something I could barely make over the crowd. “Tyler do you know how stupid you are to be anywhere near here right now?” His eyes casted an angry glint, and I felt like I was twelve years old again, Sark yelling at me for purposely trying my strength in his house. I ruined the doorknob, and he made me buy another one with the money I didn't have.

            “I saw the logo and I just didn’t think and-”

            “Did you talk to anyone? Anyone at all? Besides Craig?”

            “Yeah.” There was no use in lying. “I didn’t mean to but they just kinda were there and said my name and had a gun and-”

            “They knew your name? Goddammit.” Sark moved away, and rubbed his head again. “Tell me, what did they look like?”

            “Well, uh, one guy had kinda puffy hair, brown, and was wearing a red hat,” I began.

            “Was it like a mario hat?” Sark asked urgently. I nodded, and continued.

            “Another one was like, short brown hair and uh, a beard. Not a big one though, but the last guy was tall and he had a long beard and short hair.”

           “If it wasn’t for the mario hat one,” Sark sighed. “I’d have no clue what you’re talking about. But listen to me, okay? Listen. Do not leave this resturant, do not go anywhere without me, get Evan here now, you’re going to my house when we’re done. Okay?”

          “What’s going on?” I asked, nearly shaking.

          “Tyler, you were one of the best experiments they had, now Montoya is striving for perfection and perfection only, and I think he’s achieved it in some experiments. They want you back. They’re planning something big that need super soldiers, and I think this big show in the park today was to draw you in.”

          “And Evan?” I thought to my close friend, who was labeled as a failed experiment and the only reason I was determined to get out. Turns out the biochemical kicked in late.

         “They still think he’s a failed.  But I bet they’ll want him back too, anybody who was one in the lab they want dead so they can’t tell anybody about what they’re actually doing.”

"Right, so-”I was interrupted by Craig nearly plowing into us.

        “Where the fuck is Daithi, he’s not here.” Despite the aggressiveness and stone-cold face, there were tears gathering in his eyes behind shattered glasses, one lens so broken it would be impossible to see out of, and the other missing a glass entirely.

        “I mean, an ambulance did sweep through and grab some people, I didn’t think i saw them take Daithi but they took the most injured first, and your friend was pretty banged up.”

       “No shit,” Craig turned away, about to run, but Sark once again took hold of the feisty man’s collar.

       “Nuh-uh, Tyler is going to clean you up. The staff will take good care of, uh, Daithi. Go straight and there’s a bathroom, you can use the sink there. There is also a medical kit in the closet, which should be unlocked since someone was in there already.” Sark instructed, I gave him a look of pleading before the two of us weaved through the mess of people, it was impossible not to bump shoulders or touch somebody, which made the situation so much more awkward.

        When we finally got to the bathroom, Craig hopped up on the counter and started running the faucet, and looking in the mirror, he began to take off the cloth around his head. It was such a weird point in time, the two of us in an empty bathroom, the man I had admired from the other side of the screen now suddenly depending on me to help him get cleaned up after a terrorist attack, whether he’d like to admit it or not.

[natobeeyo-blog]

When?

This was just a fun little Arin blurb that I did on mobile a while back. I like it, because Arin is my BABY

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Egoraptor x Reader

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    “You fuckin’ got this, dude.” I tapped my chin with my fist as I looked in my rear view mirror. “All you’re doing is playing some video games, you don’t gotta be a little bitch about it! Toughen up, Princess.” It’s so ridiculous, but I have to actually give myself a pep talk before I see him. He’s such a nerd I don’t even know why I’m so intimidated. How could I POSSIBLY be afraid of a guy who collects Transformers? I finish beefing myself up in the mirror and sweep up my purse and keys as I shove out the door, causing it to bounce back and hit me in the knee. “Every fucking time.”

           Walking up the steps to the front door was nothing new, but it always filled me with anxiety, because that was when I would realize every time that I couldn’t turn back and just leave. Even though I didn’t want to leave – or I do? I don’t. I think. Maybe. My internal struggle always churned even after the billionth time I had walked those steps, turned that brass handle, and stepped across the wood floor into my best friend Arin’s house. We didn’t know each other since Kindergarten or anything, we just get along REALLY well. He is a few years older than me, but since I graduated high school it doesn’t really matter to anyone. We pretty much do everything together, he even went to my prom with me. People tell me all the time how they have never seen two people be so meant for each other, and they’re right. You could even say we’re like soulma-

           “YOOOOOOO!” His yell boomed through the house, making my ears immediately feel warm. A smile hit me immediately as he slid into the room in dirty white socks. His appearance is always appealing to me; always jeans, always a T-shirt, never shoes. His hair rested just past his shoulder, a perfect brown with a Caramello blonde streak down the right side. He’s just like a big teddy bear, the perfect big, soft man. “What’s up my OG? You ready to get DOWN?” He curled his arms down into a muscle man flex.

           “You know I’m always ready to get down, you don’t even gotta ask!” I threw my arms over my head and punched the air. A giant proud smile crept over his face, and I knew there was no way I was going to be prepared for what he was going to say.

           “Okay we’ve got two options. We can do the usual YouTube and Mario Kart…”

           “Uh huh…”

           “Or,”

           “Yes?”

           “We could – and HEAR ME OUT…….play Portal 2!!!” He jutted his arms out with the brand new game still wrapped in its plastic.

           “WHAT IT’S OUT I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW?!?”

           “I KNOW RIGHT I JUST GOT IT ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK!!! But listen, I don’t expect you to like, love it, or anything. I just heard it’s amazing and the best game ever and it’s literally THE perfect game to play on a Saturday. If you hate it, I promise we can just go back to Mario! PLEEEEAAASSE Y/N???” It’s really hard to say no to him. He’s just so adorable.

           “ You don’t even have to TRY and convince me! I’m so excited to see Glados again, she’s such a sass ball.”

           “You’re a sass ball.” He vaulted over the back of the couch and almost landed on his face. A small laugh escaped me and I kicked my shoes at the door. I took my phone out of my purse, then chucked the purse at the door with my shoes. I never have anything important in there, it’s usually bobby pins and fast food receipts. I walked over to the soft, black couch and plopped down on the left side. It was like a routine, plopping on the left side, scrolling through Facebook as Arin plugged in the game, then wobbling as Arin threw himself into the right side of the couch. We had both made considerable butt marks in the cushions, even though his was bigger than mine. If you looked at the indents you probably wouldn’t be able to tell anyone had ever sat in my spot.

 “ The amount of ready I have in my body is incredible.” It was so comforting to hear him talk. He’s so unique it makes my heart flutter.

 “Would you say it’s inc-READY-ble?” I snickered at my own stupidity, and he genuinely laughed at the joke. As Arin started up the game I pulled my legs up to the couch and leaned forward onto my elbows to get a better look at the TV. Excitement poured out of both of us as the story unfurled, Arin failing puzzles again and again and getting amusingly frustrated. We laughed so much at his screw-ups because it never really got to him. That’s the fun of gaming though, if it was too easy it wouldn’t be fun.

 He decided it was my turn to try it out, which was not a great decision. The further I got the more irritated I became. And unlike Arin, I was not casually upset. I was angry and wanted to hit things. He tried his best to encourage you, but to no avail. You thrust the controller back into Arin’s hands and crossed your arms.

 “Oooh come on Y/N, you’re not that bad.” He clutched his arm around your shoulder and pulled you to him as a fake comforting notion. “At least you’re the pretty one here.” I loved hearing him compliment me, but I still pouted. It was just  game, I would get over it. Turning to look at him, I stuck my tongue out, and made myself smile. I couldn’t stay mad around him, he was just such a sweet presence.

 He kept his hand rested on my shoulder, his face inches from mine. I could feel my entire face grow red as he looked into my eyes. And then I forgot how to breathe. The look of fear must have been plastered across my face; his eyes quickly widened and he pulled his arm back to himself and gripped the controller to go back to playing. We both stared at the screen while the character jumped through portals and grabbed boxes. Arin paused the game and leaned his head against his hand, looking at me.

 I didn’t look at him, I knew I couldn’t. Too embarrassed, I stood up and quickly gathered my things and slipped my flats back on. “I should go.”

 “You don’t have to…” Arin protested. I paused with my hand over the door knob and debated turning back. What would happen if I did? If I didn’t? I decided against it and opened the door.

 “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I peered back over my shoulder to see him sitting at the edge of the couch watching me, a helpless look in his eyes. My face flushed once more as I panicked and loudly shut the door behind me. My car was uninviting, and the rear view mirror criticized me. I judged it back though, I couldn’t let it win. “I know I have feelings for him so shut up! I’ll tell him when I’m ready! Not now!” Turning the car on, I sped away hoping for a quick drive home. I felt awful and conflicted.

 “If not now, then when?”

[evajellion]

Part 3 of riffing Richie’s fic

Here’s where things become either boring, or really stupid, tempting to skip over this chapter because it’s so “meh” but whatever.

Our next set of Smashers are Donkey Kong and Yoshi, which… seems like an okay team-up, but problem is, Yoshi doesn’t really have any good potential rivalries amongst the All-Stars. 

It’s not like Croc or Gex are in the game after all, nor did Richie even take the liberty to add them or anything. But since we know he would shoehorn Crash and Spyro, then use his versions of them… maybe it’s for the better.

Considering who their rivals are, I honestly think it would have been better to have Diddy accompanying Donkey Kong, even if picking two characters from the same series isn’t fair. You’ll see why.

One day, as Donkey Kong was out getting bananas for his family and friends, he spots Yoshi running towards him as he has some bad news. The Hands are back and seemed to be controlled by an unknown force. And what's more worse, people are gathering together to go after them.

Donkey Kong listened closely to Yoshi's story. He seemed to understand.

Some unknown force? Processing Master and Crazy Hand? Whoever it is, it must be stopped. If not, Donkey Kong would never see his friends again if it is set loose. Donkey Kong asked Yoshi to accompany him on his adventures.

Well, at least this time, Richie writes that the hands are being controlled, and not just “back”, like in Mario and Link’s scenario.

Pretty straightforward, but as for their rival scene…

DK and Yoshi were going along till a small helmeted monkey with red shorts and gloves and holding a pendant came across them. They went up to greet him.

"Hi there little guy. Where did you come from?" DK asked.

"Hey, wanna be friends? We can have lots of adventures" Yoshi said.

So… out of character… with the monologue talking.

These shouldn’t even have to be “translated”, Yoshi and Donkey Kong could have just waved hello, and it would have made more sense, and been just as effective.

OOC Counter: 8

But before the monkey can reply, a huge net came over it and it disappeared, dropping the pendant on the ground. DK and Yoshi watched in horror and turned to see a boy with spiky hair, a white and red jacket and blue jeans was the one responsible using the net. A flat two-faced dog wearing a orange cap, blue vest and trousers came on his skateboard and picked up the pendant. But before he could return to the boy, Yoshi stopped him.

"What's your deal? What did you do to him?" Yoshi asked crossly.

"The deal?" Parappa said confused "Is that monkey stole that pendant from Sunny Funny."

Suddenly, an enraged Donkey Kong ran to attack Spike who dodges out of the way. Yoshi leap back to join DK.

"That monkey was evil, you stupid gorilla!" Spike said to DK "Either you're stupid, or you must be working for Specter too."

"How dare you do that to your monkey!" DK roared "Now you're going to pay for what you've done!"

"Then I guess we have to get through you" Parappa said as he and Spike goes into their stance.

Why does PaRappa understand Yoshi-speak? I think he would be confused at how hostile they are, then point it out to Spike, rather than instantly throw insults.

OOC Counter: 9

"Move now!" Spike said.

"You're gonna regret doing that" Yoshi snarled.

"For all monkeys, you'll pay" DK snarled.

Those aren’t exactly appropriate sound effects for Yoshi and Dong…

How about cried, and shrieked respectively? Switch up the verbs, Richie. Also, some exclamation marks would have helped the scene here.

Same boring Polygon Man scene, practically just filler.

As Yoshi travels back home, Donkey Kong felt happy. And if K. Rool or Bowser would think about messing with them again...

Both DK and Yoshi glowed with blue aura.

...they would think again.

Don’t be repetitive with your words either, this is annoying.

Pretty sure this is plagiarizing another scene in PSASBR also, but don’t really care. Moving on!

–

Now, Spike and PaRappa.

Spike and the Professor at the lab one day found the red pants monkey running out of a portal in the lab carrying a pendant. It ran out of the lab.

"I'd say, where did that monkey come from?" Professor gasped.

"I don't know, but I guess I better follow it" Spike said.

Suddenly, Parappa appeared from the portal with his skateboard.

"Hey, come back with Sunny Funny's pendant, you monkey!" he called as he was about to chase the monkey where the Professor grabs his arm.

"Hold on! Why is that monkey came from your world?" Professor asked.

"I don't know. It just came here and stole the pendant. I promise Sunny Funny I get it back but..." Parappa started but then he saw Spike. "What? You?"

"You again?" Spike was just as surprised as Parappa.

"I'd take it you know one and another then" Professor spoke to Spike.

"Yeah, we crossed paths before and he didn't believe me about the monkeys being evil" Spike said "Look like he does now."

Alright, so far… this is pretty interesting. Rather than blatant plagiarism with Kratos & Sweet Tooth or Sackboy & Toro, we’re presented with a conflict involving PaRappa, thus needing Spike’s help.

It’s not just “oh, Polygon Man is back, let’s stop him”, there’s an actual issue here, where they have a common ground to resolve it.

Parappa smiled at the pendant. "We did it. We got it back." But then he saw something which make him shocked. "SPIKE! BEHIND YOU!"

Spike turns to see an enraged Donkey Kong about to punch him but he dodged out of the way. Yoshi joins DK.

"Phew. That was close" Spike said wiping sweat off his head.

"Are you alright?" Parappa asked as he ran to help Spike up.

"I'm fine." Spike said but then he turned to DK and Yoshi. "What's the deal with you two? Don't tell me you're trying to defend that monkey!"

"I'm glad to tell you that's EXACTLY what we're doing" DK said angrily "You're gonna pay for what you've done to that little monkey!"

"That little monkey was trying to take over his world!" Parappa tries to tell them as Spike glared at them "It had to be stopped!"

"We don't want to hear your excuses!" Yoshi snarled.

"Enough talk! It's plummeting time!" DK snarled as he and Yoshi goes into their stance.

"Wait! You two don't understand!" Parappa tries to reason with them. "You don't know what..."

You know, monkeys are actually super annoying enemies in Yoshi’s Island. I think if anyone would hear Spike and PaRappa out, it would be him.

OOC Counter: 10

Either way, in both cases, it really feels like Yoshi and Dong are the bad guys here. Yeah, Spike can be a little pushy, but PaRappa was trying to get a pendant back, but they didn’t want to hear it.

"What the...? Not that purple giant head man again!" Parappa said looking at the Polygon Man.

"Yes. Me again. Now for this purple giant head man to make you my slaves" Polygon Man said.

So far the only half-way decent interaction with Polygon Man. Meh.

Unfortunately, despite the promising introduction, Spike’s ending is directly ripped from his own Arcade Mode. What about the pendant, will Sunny Funny like it? Why was it taken away? We dunno.

What could have been changed:

Yoshi doesn’t need to be here. Use Diddy maybe, he’s got more in common with Spike. I would keep Donkey Kong as PaRappa’s rival though, because of Jungle Beat, and…

No DK rap joke? C’mon, Richie.

What about the pendant? Does PaRappa give to to Sunny Funny? I kinda wanted to see where that went.

Make DK not talk, just emote with beatings of his chest and animal grunts, so Spike and PaRappa have to guess what his problem is. Would have been much funnier.

… Prepare for some frustration for the next chapter, hoo boy.

[aurimeanswind]

Happy Easter—Sunday Chats (4-16-17)

WOOOOO IT’S EASTER! YEAH!

But for folks out there who celebrate, happy Easter. For everyone who saw family but didn’t celebrate, happy... non-denominational bunny-related holiday, and for everyone else, happy Sunday.

Let’s talk about Pasta Sauce.

Easter Sauce

About nine-ish years ago, my aunt, technically my Great Aunt, Bon, started making Spaghetti on Easter. What was really special about this, other than the separation from the standard holiday fare which I couldn’t care less for, is the sauce. The star of the show in any truly great pasta. It was amazing. Sweet, yet cheesy. Flavorful in every sense of a simple sauce. Not hounded down by tons of spices, but just delectable in every simplistic sense of the word. It stuck with me so much and eventually I’d look forward to Easter far more than any of the holidays just for the good food.

About 6 years ago, after I turned 18, I offered to help my Aunt make the sauce before Easter in exchange for learning the recipe. It was well worth it.

To get me more involved with bringing my own cooking to it, a couple years ago I even made chicken wings as a side dish for Easter, using my own spin on the same recipe Greg Miller taught the whole internet on an old Conversation with Colin.

We didn’t get together this year to make the sauce because of my work scheduled, but still, it’s a tradition that is really special to me. I’m not super close with many of my extended family members. It’s hard for me to get closer since there is such a political sphere there that is difficult for me to break in, because my Grandmother was part of local Politics for a time, so it’s obviously very important to that sector of my family. It just ends up being a wall I can’t get over most of the time. But this was different.

Getting together, talking about writing, and making pasta sauce together was a big tradition for me, for us, and it’s helped me become a better cook. The memories of throwing the meatballs together while listening to music, letting the sauce simmer, and running out to get Chipotle midday for lunch are all still really precious memories to me.

Plus holy god the sauce is damn good.

Here are some pics. One from a couple years ago the batch we made, and then a couple from today:

Mmm, nothing beats that sweet, sweet sauce.

Easter Conversations

The rest of my Easter was pretty meh though. There were a lot of passive aggressive conversations thrown around. Since my parents split up, and my mom/brother moved to Florida, there is a gap in the O’Neill-clan part of the dinner table. My other brother, who I live with, was also out of town this week because he is off at Coachella, doing god knows what, but having a good time enjoying his vacation.

Because of these recent gaps in the table, my Aunt and Grandmother who usually throw these kinds of events together invite a lot of extended friends and their families. Some of which I absolutely despise.

The person in question, let’s call her Cynthia, lovingly explained how the man dragged off a United flight is running some big scam, and that “he agreed to getting dragged off the plane if need be” when he agreed to the terms and conditions of his flight. Then things were brought up about his past and I decided to take the opportunity to just step outside.

I’m not looking to get into any fights at these kinds of family gatherings. I keep to myself, and though it’s hard sometimes, I just kind of take the brunt of it.

When sitting outside checking on the Twitters, Jackie, a friend who lived up the street from my Aunt came out and talked with me. We had a good chat, but she brought up something super interesting to me. She told me she was about 10 years older than my dad. She told me when she was younger and my dad was 16 or so, he talked ambitiously about starting a place where you could rent and sell movies, that would change the industry forever.

For folks who don’t know, my parents started a local chain of video rental stores called Video Magic back in the 80s, and it was a massive success at the time. A local VHS/DVD rental shop that would eventually be beaten out by the Blockbusters of the world, it was what put them on the map and got them to go to cool events like CES back in the day.

But hearing someone else describe my dad as the kid with wonder in his eyes and a dream to chase, that he achieved for some amount of time. It was... it was odd. My dad is one of those enigmas to me because we’ve never been super close, but after hearing that, I’ve honestly never felt closer to him. We were both kids, with dreams, and we will both achieve them.

That, I know for sure.

What’s On Tap

PERSONA 5 IS STILL SO GOOD YOU GUYS.

But I’ve also been playing Flint Hook, which comes out on Tuesday. My review probably won’t be up soon, because still Persona in my life, but I really dig it. The meta game aspects of Flint Hook remind me a ton of Rogue Legacy, and there is even a bit of Binding of Isaac in the way rounds will play out too.

It’s one to look out for when it comes out Tuesday.

Questions

If this is a subtly-veiled sexual innuendo, then yes.

If not, then yes. Always down with the sauce. Like a true sauce boss.

Aren’t CPAP machines super loud? Like, the sound of a car starting up all the time or something? 

I dunno Cam. What if you got your tonsils removed? That fixes snoring right? Barrett told me I’m not allowed to snore at his place or he’d smother me, but he is strangely okay with the face in my face.

I’m sorry you need a hug Xyger, only in that usually means you’re upset. I miss you too buddy, but presumably you get to see me in both June, and also in July, since I’ll be in Austin around RTX. I don’t know if you’re going to that, but hugs will most assuredly be had.

I liked the part where that bush burned.

#420onEaster

This is a trick, right? They’re the same person, right?

Goddammit Tony. What the hell is this anime shit in my Sunday Chats.

Messing it all up with anime and stuff.

Uh..

Uhhhhhh...

The second one is a better image? Why would you cheat like that?

The first one.

Good question. I like the bunnies in Super Mario Galaxy because they’re super cute. The rabbids are essentially the Minions of video games, but they were around before Minions ruined everything and society, so they’re okay in my book.

Full stop shoutout to Lola Bunny. I’m sure she was in some video games.

Alright kids, the “big fan” thing is cute, but you guys are my FRIENDS. But still. *hugs*

The thing about Persona is the brilliant way its systems interweave with one another. You got a social link with a person you really like, right? Well you have to have that social link up pretty high, so now go get a bunch of Personas, as many will fit in your inventory, and find a way to fuse them to get a Persona of that arcana. You get that arcana boost up really high and you’ll get a mega-powerful Persona out of it by the end. That thing will be able to hold you up in a fight, and your companion characters, swap them out all the time, keep them all up as high a level as you can get them, and fight everything in your way.

As far as time management, accept that you won’t be able to do everything in one play through, and just do the stuff you want to do. You do have enough time to do the stuff you want to, and you’ll get the most out of that stuff anyway.

And finish Marie’s social link ASAP.

Absolutely! Any Persona is a great one to jump into. Persona 5 has the benefit of being a very modern game, unlike Persona 3, which is way harder than the recent ones, and unlike Persona 4, which is still a PS2 game at the end of the day.

Persona 5 has the sensibilities of a PS4 game, even if its looks are a tad dated behind that. 

The game takes a bit longer to get into, but I also think the premise is positioned in a way that is really, really gripping. I think you’d love it Brendan.

I have heard really great things about it! That and Gravity Falls. I just have really fallen off the whole cartoon band wagon. I haven't found anything that’s made me want to get back in. People told me I’d love adventure time, but I tried to watch that and really didn’t get much out of it.

I also haven’t watched any new cartoons that I’ve loved. The adult cartoon series, Arthur, Bob’s Burger’s, South Park, have absolutely zero appeal to me, and I’ve pretty much fallen off of TV shows altogether.

But we’ll see. Should I go for Steven Universe, or Gravity Falls? That’s the question.

The Last Guardian.

Though I think I’d stand by The Last Guardian more than something like a Mass Effect Andromeda. The game is special. It’s something that matters, regardless of what the critics of it say. I don’t think it’d be a better game if it were shorter, in fact, it’s entire point and meaning would be taken away if that were the case. It needs to be grueling and agonizing to some extent because of the payoff at the end.

But even still, in the same family as like a Papers Please or the games of that same ilk, it delivers its meanings and points through its agonizing gameplay. And it works. But at a cost.

It’s a conflicting game, and months later I still find myself trying to narrow down how I feel about it.

Another game like this is Tales of Zestiria, which I’ve talked about plenty in the past, but I think is closer to a Mass Effect comparison.

In an ideal world, the text. The content. The thing you are talking about. But the reality is there could be a super interesting topic discussed by four hosts I don’t know or recognize, and I wouldn’t want to engage with it because I’d have no clue who the people talking were.

That’s why it’s a bit of both. You bring in the listeners, the folks out there, the wider audience, with the topics and conversations. You bring things that are new or at the very least interesting to say to a topic, and people will want to remember you and hear what you have to say about other things. Format is really important for this, and that’s why I like the formats that encourage discussions and digging deeper into conversations than the ones that jump around. Sometimes you won’t find those conversations every week, but you try and bring them to the forefront anyway.

It’s a balance. I know that sentence alone is not at all helpful, but it’s one each show needs to find on its own.

And to that same point, there isn’t one universal length that works for every show. Like, the Comedy Button is great at an hour, but a show like The GameOverGreggy show works at two or three hours just great. Personally, I like the longer show, because I like the narrative. I like the development and the revisiting of old jokes or bits in a single show. That makes that show stick out more as a piece of something, whether that be time, or a moment that that show reflects, like E3 or something like that.

But it also depends on the show, the hosts, and how long its been going. I like IP at 3ish hours because we have conversations, and we have a format that takes us to different places. I like the BrOC as a show that doesn’t overstay its welcome, and we record those three at a time, so it can get a little hazy.

Haha what is with these weird Easter questions?

I actually don’t know. I think there is an Easter Egg hunt mini game from the PS1 Rug Rats game that I really liked. So I guess that means I’m trash, right?

Shoutouts

A huge massive special shoutout to Danny O’Dwyer. Obviously, the dude is killing it, and changing the games industry one documentary at a time. But this week he put out a documentary on one of my favorite games ever, Spelunky.

It’s fantastic, and it’s the first noclip video I have wathced from to back. I know, I’m missing out here, but you should check it out.

Thank you all for reading. As always, I’m incredibly lucky to have you listening, following, and supporting me, and I appreciate every last goddamn one of you. This was a bit more heartfelt than maybe you expected, but I hope you liked it.

From me to you.

keep it real.