#my optimistic ass strikes again

[imomnba-x07]

Really hope the only thing getting reshot and cut out is Sabra or whatever tf her name is. And maybe some of the hulk stuff idk.

I just know that every marvel movie (MoM, the Marvels) that has had to go through reshoots like this have flopped and I am terrified of that happening here. I want my baby’s movie to be good cause he deserves that and if these reshoots are successful for once than so be it, whatever it takes to give Sam the score he deserves.

Have the reshoots been going well for marvel? No. Do I believe that this movie can beat those odds anyways? Yes

[wheels-of-despair]

C'mon Pairing: @oneforthemunny's Dom!Eddie x Brat!Reader Summary: Someone is taking too long to get ready for a night out, so Eddie hurries things along. Contains kink and smut, youths get lost. Words: 1.2k

Happy Birthday, Evie! I expanded on this Horny Hours post forever ago and forgot about it but I dusted it off again just for youuu! 😘

"You ready yet?"

"Almost," you answer, trying not to stab yourself with the eyeliner.

"You said that ten minutes ago," Eddie sighs, leaning against the doorframe of the bathroom.

"I lied."

"Oh yeah?"

Shit.

"It was an optimistic estimate."

Eddie snorts, rolls his eyes, and walks away.

Safe.

Dammit, your mascara is uneven.

"Jesus Christ, would you hurry up?" he demands two minutes later.

"I just wanna look pretty for you," you whine.

"You look fine."

"Fine?" you pout.

"Everybody's already there!"

"It's called being fashionably late, ever heard of it?" you challenge, pulling on your dress to display your cleavage a little better.

"It's called a spanked ass, ever felt it?"

"I didn't even do anything," you scoff.

"You're being difficult."

"You think this is difficult?" you laugh.

"You planning on being more difficult?"

"Of course not, sweetie," you smile sweetly.

Eddie narrows his eyes. You stare at each other for a moment. And then he strikes like a cobra, bending you over the bathroom counter and flipping your dress up before you can fight back.

"Eddie, what--!"

SMACK!

"OW!"

Eddie holds you down with a palm to the small of your back, smacking your cheeks with the other until you're surely pink. You kick in protest, and he smacks harder.

And then, he decides he's done, and pulls you into a standing position.

"Good, you're not crying yet. Makeup's fine. Let's go."

"The fuck was that for?" you demand.

"Oh, that was in case you get any ideas. You're already warmed up. Don't think I won't throw you across my knee tonight."

"There are gonna be like, a hundred people there," you complain.

"Do I look like I care?"

"Eddieee," you whine.

"C'mon."

And that was that.

You weren't happy about sitting on that cracked van seat in your short skirt on the way to The Hideaway, but the sting had faded by the time you got there. You milled around, drank a little, chatted with a few people. When you started getting bored, you started getting horny.

And when you get horny, you need Eddie.

You look around the bar for him, seeing the band take the stage. You look at the clock and fume. He said the band he was interested in would start at 8. Which is why you had to leave early. It's 9. This is the opening act. He is such a liar.

But you approach him anyway, under the guise of wanting to listen together.

The closeness of the crowd really works in your favor.

Eddie wraps his arms around you from behind, pulling you into him. You lean your head back against him and sway for a bit to the shitty opening act. And then you alter your movements a little bit. You grind your ass into his cock as subtly as you can, being in the middle of a crowd and all.

"Stop," he whispers in your ear.

"Stop what?" you ask, feeling him harden through a few layers of fabric.

"That."

"Not doing anything," you smile innocently, glancing back at him.

He's not amused. He leans close to whisper in your ear.

"Remember what I told you before we left?" his voice rumbles.

"That I looked fine?" you pout, flexing your cheeks against his cock. "That hurt."

"Know what else is gonna hurt?"

He squeezes your ass cheek, reigniting the warmth.

"What do you think these people would do if I bent you over that table and gave you what you needed right here?"

Eddie's grip tightens, pulling you closer to him.

"That what you want? For everyone to see what happens to brats who don't know how to behave? Show off those slutty little panties you've got on? Want me to pull 'em down and let the crowd watch your cheeks change colors?"

You bite your lip, and he bites your earlobe.

"Good thing I don't wanna upstage the band."

His grip loosens. The fuck does that mean? You look back at him, feeling your stomach flip at the darkness in his eyes.

"C'mon."

Eddie takes your hand and leads you away from the crowd. You stumble, feeling the heat pool between your legs at the thought of what's coming.

You're pulled into a storage room with a flickering fluorescent light. Kegs and boxes line the walls. It'll do.

"Hands on the keg," he orders, unbuckling his belt.

You bend at the waist, putting your hands on top of the cold metal. Eddie stands behind you, nudging your feet apart with his boot. You widen your stance, wiggling your ass at him. He flips your dress up, taking a moment to knead the flesh he's about to batter. You moan.

"Don't think you'll be needing these," he rumbles, close to your ear, before hooking his fingers into the sides of your panties and sliding them down your legs. He taps your ankle, and you lift each foot so he can get them off.

You hear a rustle of fabric. They're in his pocket. The thwip of his belt being pulled from its loops. The clink of the buckle as he doubles it. You tremble. He steps closer. A hand in the small of your back.

WHACK

You rock forward on your toes, always shocked by that first strike. You don't get much time to process before the second, and the third, and the fourth land. How does he make this feel so good?

Eddie's belt snaps against your backside until you start to reconsider how good it feels. He can always tell, just by the sound of your breathing. You start to pant, and squirm, and the lashes stop.

And then you hear the sound of a zipper being unzipped.

You arch toward him, begging him to enter you.

You let out a quiet moan when he sinks into you.

He gives you a minute to adjust before pulling back slowly. You fight the urge to chase him, to beg him not to leave you. And then he slams into your red-hot ass, rocking you forward on the keg. Your hands lose their place, moving from warm metal to cool. It feels nice. Maybe you should sit on this when he's done. Eddie slams into you again, and you try to stay in position, but he's just so strong.

On the next thrust, you lose your balance, and Eddie tries to catch you. Your stomach lands on top of the untapped keg. It's not as uncomfortable as you thought it would be. Or maybe you're too fucking desperate to worry about anything other than getting fucked into next Tuesday. Eddie's hands grip your waist, as if to pull you back up.

"Don't," you beg. "Don't stop."

Eddie pounds into you again, and again, and you slide a little more with each thrust. By the time your walls clench around him, you've got your elbows on the floor. Eddie's fingers dig into your hips on top of the keg, making sure he's buried as deep as he can be when he finally explodes.

"Fuuuck," he whispers when he pulls out.

You're not quite sure how to get up, but he helps. You fall into his chest, resting your head against him. His heart is pounding.

"You good?" he asks, brushing a loose strand of hair out of your face.

"Mhm," you hum.

"You get what you needed?"

"Mhm."

"Good. The band's on in five."

You look up at him with a pout. Does he really expect you go to out there and stand in that crowd with belt stripes across your thighs and cum dripping down your legs?

"C'mon."

[leilani-lily]

~Oh Deer~ (Chapter 1)

... So this idea for an Alastor x reader (kinda?) story popped in my brain, and has refused to leave me no matter how hard I try.

Have I written fanfiction recently? Hell no.

Do I even know how to write for an AroAce character? No but I'm gonna do my damndest to represent him properly (and also relying on outer sources so I'm not offending anyone).

Do I feel like a complete fool for being sucked back into the fanfiction world and re-entering with a freakin Hazbin Hotel fic? ABSOOOO-FREAKIN-LUTELY.

But here we are. The writing gods have spoken. And they have declared that I write this story out so my poor brain can focus on other things like work.

Figured I'd share so it's just not on my computer all lonely. Will be a slow burn so fair warning. Let's be real, the deer boi needs love. But not overly romantic love. Just, someone he ends up really caring about and becoming his favourite.

SYNOPSIS: AroAce! Alastor x Chef!Singer! Reader. The hotel is looking to hire a chef to prepare meals for the staff/guests. Somehow you're hired and you begin your new life. And somehow end up becoming close to a certain Radio Demon. Word Count: 1.8 K

Chapter 1 under the cut. Enjoy I guess? ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ok, deep breaths y/n. Remember to smile.

You felt your lips curl up into a strained grin as if to fight off the nerves in your chest, your grip tightening on the flyer in your fist. This could go either two ways. One, you get the job and are able to live a life of somewhat normality. Or two, you get hung from the tippy top of the building by your own intestines. With your legs chopped off. And one of your arms sticking out of your ass.

Gotta love Hell and it’s creative subjects.

You shake your head out of those terrible thoughts, surely it wouldn’t be that bad?? When you saw the original broadcast on the 666 News, you couldn’t stop thinking how nice the Princess of Hell actually was. And building an entire hotel to help her subjects reform into something better was, perhaps a little optimistic in your opinion, but it made you admire her gumption and her love for her subjects.

So later when you found the flyer in search of a chef at the very same establishment the princess was hoping to fill… well, it somehow managed to get you all the way here. Standing at the doorsteps of the very lonely looking hotel on the hill. 

You had to admit it wasn’t the look you had imagined, but hey, this was Hell. You had seen worse. And everyone has to start somewhere. Including yourself, arm still poised ready to knock yet not yet making the motion.

You felt so stupid, you had been standing here for almost 10 minutes now just trying to get the courage to enter the damn building. You sigh to yourself and shake out the jitters. Alright, let’s just do this. Once again, you smile, puff out your chest and raise your arm high in the air, ready to strike with a newfound courage.

“Well folks, looks like the little lady is finally ready to take the leap! Will she follow through with her actions? Or will she choke and back out of the fight? Let’s tune in and find out~”

You felt your heart nearly leap out of your chest as you whip your head around to look behind you. A tall demon clad in red and ruby eyes stood behind you, a wickedly wide grin filling his face as he points what appears to be a microphone in your direction. You stare at it dumbly, then make eye contact with him again. He remains poised, half lidded eyes seeming to hold a sparkle of impish joy. His eyes flicker from you, to your raised arm, and back to you. After a embarrassingly long time of connecting the dots, you finally extend your arm closer to the door, never breaking focus on the demon behind you (you can't help but notice he raises his microphone even closer to you), and give the door a good solid knock.

“AND SHE’S DONE IT FOLKS, what a display!!” He pulls the microphone back to himself, as you continue to stare dumbfounded “The form, the elegance, it could almost make a grown Imp cry. Let's give her a hand people.” He begins to clap as a roar of applause plays from… somewhere.

You couldn’t tell if this guy was being sarcastic or genuine, but the whole absurdity of it all, plus the bundle of nerves you were feeling earlier, seemed to bubble up inside of you and you couldn't help a little snort escape. The red demon’s grin widened as he ceases his clapping, stepping closer to you as you continue to giggle.

“Ahhh now isn’t that better. A much nicer smile than the one you were faking earlier. Besides, there’s no need to be so shy my dear. This hotel is always happy to accept wayward demons looking for reformation!”

Upon hearing his words, you turn to face him and put your hands up “Oh nono, I’m not here to-”

“Ohoho~! and what’s this you have here?” Before you can finish your sentence, the tall demon ripped the flyer out of your hand and inspected it quickly, before turning back to you. His half-lidded gaze was now round with surprise, his grin becoming even wider (which you didn’t even think was possible).

“So THAT explains the nerves from before! And here I was just thinking you were a timid little thing. But a business woman! Now that I can admire.” He smiles at you almost impressed and leans in closer, your noses almost touching.

“Tell me my dear, can you make a good jambalaya? Or perhaps a hearty gumbo with cornbread on the side~?”

You were so flustered with the speed of everything happening (plus the close proximity of this demon you had just met certainly didn’t help). All you could manage was a jumbled “Uhh, well yes I-!”

“WONDERFULLLL~!" He straightens up again and you sigh with relief. “I’ll be sure to test you on such skills. But for now we should-”

The front doors of the hotel suddenly burst open and a short gray female stands before you, with long silvery hair and an eyepatch. She looks at you for a moment, before turning her gaze at the red demon and giving him a scowl.

“Alastor, what the HELL took you so long, you should’ve been back ages ago. And quit creeping out new potential clients.” Her gaze adverts back to you, expression softening ever so slightly, “Seriously, if he’s bothering you-” “Oh Vaggie my dear, no need to be so hostile. I was simply going over business with our newest chef!” he brings his long fingers up behind your shoulder and pulls you in close against his chest, making you yelp a moment before regaining composure. You could sense this so-called 'Vaggie' demon tense, eyes flickering between the two of you. You felt as if your brain was sputtering to catch up with the current conversation (he WORKS here??!)  before finally realizing what he had just called you. You sneak a look at him, and he gives you a quick wink before focusing back on the female before him. 

“Now be a doll and have Nifty tidy up one of the rooms, preferably one of a reasonable size and close to the kitchen. And call upon Charlie as well, she’ll DEFINITELY want to meet our newest addition!”

The female in front of you shot a glare at Alastor (you quickly noted these two did not seem to get along), but then flicked her gaze back at you. After a moment, she sighed and turned back into the building as she followed the male demon’s orders. You couldn’t help but notice how Alastor’s grip on you tightened ever so slightly as a chuckle escaped his lips, static humming ever so louder in amusement. He himself began to walk into the hotel, guiding you along with him.

"Now then. We’ll have to introduce you to everyone, as well as get you to fill in the proper paperwork, give you a proper tour of the place and-!”

“Wait wait,” you stop walking, causing him to halt. You notice a slight twitch in his eye and his hand squeezes you for a moment. He doesn’t like to be interrupted, duly noted. You take a breath.

“Sorry, uh for interrupting” That seemed to please him. “But does this mean… I got the job?? You don’t need a resume or a test or…?”

Alastor let out a guffaw of amusement “Why of course my dear! As long as you remain true to your word of being able to cook a good New Orleans dish, that’s all the proof I’ll need! There hasn’t been many a demon coming here interested in the job, so I say your timing couldn’t be more perfect!”

Well that was the easiest damn interview you’ve ever done. You felt yourself exhale a sigh of relief as you smile up to the tall demon. 

“Wow, that’s… that’s amazing, thank you so much.” He gave you a half lidded smirk, clearly enjoying being praised “So… does this make you my boss, Mr…?” 

You heard the sound of a record screech as his eyes widened in surprise. Hand finally leaving your shoulder and placing it on his own chest he began to laugh heartilly, a laugh track playing in the background. You stood there confused for a moment before he finally responded.

“Ohhh my goodness me, my mother would be rolling in her grave if she ever heard about this. How rude of me to be so forward without properly introducing myself!” One minute he was standing right beside you, and then the next he had sunken like a shadow into the floor, only to appear in front of you a few steps ahead. With grace and suave you didn’t realize he possessed, he gave a small hand flourish before bowing in front of you.

“I am Alastor, also known as the Radio Demon. I happen to be the Hotel’s Facility Manager, but you’ll find Miss Morningstar is the real ringleader around here,” You notice the corner of his lip twitch at that last remark, but you pay no mind to it. “If you ever have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me.” You smile and dip yourself in your own little curtsy as he straightens up.

“My name is y/n, and I’ll be sure to do my best to serve you and this hotel, sir.” Alastor seemed to hum with approval as he looks down at you. “I guess I just have one more question for you, if that’s alright.” 

“Why of course dear y/n, whatever would it be?”

“Well, I uh…” You feel yourself becoming flustered at the question, and the radio demon seemed to notice. Cocking a head to the side, he takes a step forward, opening his arms into a friendly gesture.

“Come now dearest, you can ask me anything! If we’re going to be working together, we have to be honest with each other~” You look up at him and sigh, knowing he was right. With a gulp you straighten your back and wear a serious expression.

“How long did you see me standing by the door?” 

Alastors face didn’t waver, it was hard to tell what was going on in his mind. Then his smile grew into what looked like an amused, smug expression before answering.

“The whole time.”

You groaned and felt your head slap against your hand, making Alastor burst into laughter yet again at your expense. He was there watching the entire time?? Satan’s Ass you felt like such an idiot. Was he waiting for you to move so he could get in the building?? The more you thought about it the more you wanted to sink into the floor and die, for a 2nd time. The radio demon wiped a stray tear from his eye.

“Ohhhh y/n, what a riot you are. I can already tell that this is going to be fun~”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

First chapter hoorayyy ♡〜٩( ˃▿˂ )۶〜♡ Not sure how often I'll be updating, hopefully soon as I'm currently inspired. Thanks for reading thus far!FIRST (You're here!) PREVIOUS (Doesn't exist ( • ᴗ - ) ✧) NEXT

[ap41cu5]

Overdue Exchanges of Affection (Joseph Oda x Fem! Reader: Smut One-Shot)

disclaimer: this is SMUT VERY NSFW PLS DO NOT READ THIS IF UR NOT COMFORTABLE WITH IT!! also this is my first time writing smut in a pretty long time any and all criticism will be very much appreciated!

a/n: tbh i made this bc i hit a writers block with the rookie detective so hopefully this helps me write the next chapter for it LOL

short synopsis: the reader and sebastian find their way to joseph, where they find him unconscious in the bathtub. the reader had become extremely close friends with the detective prior to entering the STEM system, and was extremely relived upon finding him again. they share a few moments of bonding and finally admit their true feelings to one another, regretting that neither of them hadn't done so sooner.

word count: 4670

You, along with Joseph, Sebastian, and Kidman had all recently (and unknowingly) entered the STEM system after an unexpected detour to Beacon Mental Hospital. You had been working alongside Joseph and Sebastian for about 3 years, and Kidman for only 1. Within that time frame, you inevitably developed strong feelings for the bespectacled detective. Even upon meeting him for the first time, his handsome appearance seemed to strike you immediately, but it was his personality that truly stuck out to you. He was kind, smart, considerate, and charmingly optimistic. You became good friends, best friends even. A kind of friendship that would be too good to lose if he didn’t reciprocate your feelings. But now, if you lost each other before you could tell him how you truly felt, you don’t know what you’d do with yourself.

You and Sebastian had both managed to find each other through the horrors of Ruvik’s petrifying world. You both had just run into an unexpected encounter with Ruvik. Shortly following the horrifying chase up the stairs together, all of the metal supports holding up the platform you both stood atop of seemed to collapse from underneath you. The rattling and shaking of the steel stilts made it impossible to maintain your balance as gravity rapidly pulled the both of you south. While the rushing air flowed through your hair and clothes, your stomach seemed to drop to the deepest pits of your body. The moment your body slammed into the floor beneath you, you felt your breath get knocked out of your lungs as you struggled to even open your eyes.

You heard Sebastian grunt beside you as he struggled to stand up. You laid there for just an extra second longer before you finally found the strength to rise up. The floor felt cold beneath your fingertips as you begrudgingly pushed your body upwards. Your shoes squeaked against the floor as you rested your hands on your knees for a few moments, catching your breath as you finally stood up straight.

“Are you alright?” Sebastian inquired, placing a hand on your shoulder. 

“Yeah.. yeah I’m alright,” you replied, brushing a strand of your hair out of your eyes.

“We should continue on. We really, really need to get out of here, and we need to look for Joseph! And Kidman,” you quickly added at the end.

While you had been busting your ass to make it out alive, Joseph still resided in the back of your mind and you were worried sick. ‘Where was he? How is he? Is he still alive? I miss him!’ Were all thoughts that seemed to swirl through your mind on repeat.

“You’re right. Let’s go, I think I see a door at the end of the hallway,” Sebastian commented, leading the way.

Quickly following behind him, you caught a glimpse of someone behind the bars in the small window of the door. Was that.. dark hair and glasses? 

“Joseph!” You exclaimed, practically shoving Sebastian out of the way to get to the door.

He was lying unconscious in a bathtub, filled with a foggy liquid. You quickly rushed to his side, cupping his face in your hands.

“Joseph, come on, wake up,” you murmured, lightly shaking him.

“Joseph!” Sebastian exclaimed, reaching for a lever beside the tub.

As he pulled the lever, the tub lurched forward, spilling out all of its contents, including Joseph. You immediately rushed to his side, attempting to catch him. Or at the very least soften his fall. He ended up landing on top of you and dragging the both of you onto the floor.

As you quickly rushed to sit up and help him up onto his feet, you noticed he finally regained consciousness. “Joseph! Joseph– I.. I…” Words seemed to escape from you as you felt tears well up in your eyes.

You felt your breath begin to quicken as you debated whether or not you should just give into your desires and tackle him into a hug. But it seemed Joseph beat you to it. He immediately wrapped his arms around you and pulled you closer. You hadn’t expected him to be the type to enjoy physical affection, but you were very pleasantly surprised.

“(First Name)..!  Are you alright? It’s alright. I’m so glad you’re alright,” he rubbed your back as you sobbed into his shoulder.

His clothes were soaking wet, but you could still feel his warmth through them.

Your cries were soon interrupted by Joseph entering a coughing fit. He had to let go of you as he faced his head downwards, not wanting to cough on either of you.

“Thank god you’re okay,” Sebastian immediately commented, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“I.. I don’t know what I am. But it’s definitely not okay,” Joseph added, “you brought me here?”

His shoulders trembled as he began to cough again, his face becoming even more pale than before. 

He turned back to you, looking into your eyes with a look of concern.

“(First Name), I’m sorry, I–” Joseph began, but was quickly interrupted by Sebastian pulling him up off the floor. 

“We need to get out of here,” Sebastian mentioned, pulling Joseph by his arm, “can you move?”

You carefully placed your hand on Joseph’s lower back, trying to steady him as gently as you could. By how he was acting, he was clearly in pain.

“Yeah, I..” Joseph replied, only to fall back to his knees again.

“Joseph!” 

You sighed, lowering back down to his level.

“Here, this might hurt a bit, but this should help,” you suggested, grabbing a medical syringe from your pocket.

He didn’t question your actions. He trusted you unconditionally as one of his closest companions, but let out a sharp grunt as he felt you insert the needle of the syringe into his forearm.

“Sorry about that. But that should help for the time being,” you added, your hand moving upwards towards his shoulder, then near the base of his neck.

“Are you feeling any better?” You asked, looking up at him through your eyelashes.

He turned his gaze to you, his eyes momentarily flickering to your lips before immediately meeting your eyes again.

“Uh, yeah. Thank you, (First Name),” Joseph expressed his gratitude as he tried to stand again.

While he didn’t seem 100% better, he was certainly in better condition than before. He was able to stand on his own two feet without needing assistance.

“We need to get out of here, and fast,” Joseph said, lending you his hand to help you up.

Taking his hand, he quickly pulled you up. He was surprisingly strong, and pulled you up a bit too fast. You weren’t able to catch your balance in time, and you ended up falling on Joseph with a bit of a ‘thud!’ 

He, on the other hand, only stumbled backwards a bit, but was still able to catch you. 

“Sorry!” You immediately apologized, trying to stabilize yourself.

As you tried to regain your balance yourself, you realized that you.. couldn’t. Almost as if you were stuck in place. You were a bit confused, until you felt Joseph place his hand on the back of your head, and his face in your hair. At that moment you could feel his other arm, which was wrapped around your waist, tighten. But he was cautious not to squeeze you too hard so as to not hurt you.

“...Joseph?” You asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

There was a few seconds of silence, before you heard a sniffle from beside you.

“I’m..” His voice seemed to get caught in the pits of his throat as you could hear him sniffle again.

He had to take a few moments to catch his breath before he finally spoke again.

“I’m so glad you’re alright..!” Joseph’s voice cracked as he pulled you in tighter.

You were a bit surprised, to say the least. You always thought you cared for Joseph miles more than he would ever care for you. You were almost sure you were in love with him, but you never thought even for a second that there was a chance the feelings would ever be reciprocated. It was this moment that you truly thought that there may be a chance that his care for you stretched beyond that of a friend, or a best friend even.

Your arms seemed to move on their own as you wrapped your arms around his waist, hugging him back. As you buried your face in his shoulder again, his shirt was soaking wet, but still smelled of him. 

It was in this moment that you regretted not telling him how you felt sooner. What if you never made it out alive? What if neither of you never made it out alive? What if you never escape this hellhole to begin with? This may likely be your only chance to finally tell him how you felt. You couldn’t pass this moment up, you just couldn’t. You wouldn’t be able to live with yourself if you lost your one and only chance to finally tell him. 

“Joseph.. Joseph, I.. I love you,” you confessed, your voice cracking and your heart beating out of your chest.

He pulled back for a moment, but his grip around you never faltered. He seemed shocked, as he took a moment to look you in the eyes.

You couldn’t maintain eye contact, and immediately looked away the moment his eyes met yours. This is the moment I’m going to get rejected? I should’ve just enjoyed the moment. I can’t believe that this– your thoughts were violently interrupted by the feeling of his lips slamming into yours.

Your eyes went wide as you stared at him in disbelief. It took you a long few seconds to process what just happened, before you finally cupped his cheek in your hand and kissed him back.

You could feel him exhale against your lips as one of his hands moved to cup your face while the other gently grabbed your hip to pull you closer. 

“Ahem!” Sebastian loudly cleared his throat as you both quickly pulled away from each other.

You froze. You both completely forgot that Sebastian was there.

“Sorry to interrupt you two, but we need to get out of here as fast as we can. I, uh, I’ll go search for an exit since you both need a few.. minutes,” Sebastian awkwardly shuffled out of the room, shutting the door behind him and quickly walking away from the door.

The second the door shut, not a moment of hesitation was exchanged between the both of you as you both immediately shrouded the other in another kiss. Without even realizing it, he moved his thigh in between your legs and gently pushed it against you. Eliciting a quiet moan, he seemed to grow more aggressive with the kiss, even going as far as you lick your bottom lip, asking for an entrance. You happily obliged, as you wrapped both of your arms around his shoulders. 

You felt his tongue gently intertwine with yours, all the built up love and (somewhat occasional) lust for him all seemed to unleash itself at once. Joseph leaned over your form, bending you backwards slightly as he gently pushed himself against you with slightly more force. You pressed your body as tightly as you could against his as you felt his hands travel south. One of his hands gently gripped your hip and the other remained on the small of your back as he gently guided you to a nearby table. 

One of his arms held the back of your thighs as he hoisted you up onto the table. He treated your body so delicately, never once being too rough with you. He gently rested one of his hands on your thighs, gently pulling it to the side as he stood in between your legs. 

He took a moment to admire your form, his eyes slowly, and carefully scanning your body as you leaned backwards on the table.

“You’ve always been.. so beautiful, (First Name). Both inside and out,” Joseph murmured, one of his hands resting on the side of your face.

“I love you, (First Name). More than I could have ever imagined. If only I had.. told you sooner. Then we would have been able to do.. so many things together. I.. I had been planning on asking you out on a date. But now look where we are,” Joseph whined, suddenly growing sad.

“Joseph, my love,” you gently guided his head upwards to look you in the eyes, “we’re going to get out of here. And when we do, we can do anything we want together– go on as many dates as we want to. I promise.” You smiled at him, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

“Yeah, yeah you’re right,” Joseph replied, his hand gently pushing your head back towards him for another kiss.

As he deepened the kiss, he unconsciously moved further towards you. You could feel him press his bulge against your clothed heat, making you squirm. You pushed yourself onto him further, wrapping your legs around his torso and resting your arms atop his shoulders.

You could feel him pant against your lips, stifling a moan as he pulled away for air. In that brief moment, he began to trail kisses across your body. Starting from just the corner of your mouth, to your cheek, down to your jawline, then the base of your neck. First removing your vest, button by button. His fingers just barely grazed over your breasts for a moment before he gently tugged on your tie, pulling you in for a kiss and loosening it at the same time. Once he pulled your tie off from around your neck, he undid the top few buttons of your white button-up shirt, pulling it loosely off one of your shoulders.

He continued his gentle kisses, occasionally nipping your skin with his teeth. His touch was immaculate, each kiss sending a shiver down your spine as he continued to treat your skin like it were porcelain, and he was the sculptor. 

You could feel each moan erupting from your chest uncontrollably as he pressed his bulge against you as he continued to unbutton your shirt even further. 

“Joseph..” you moaned as you threw your head back, feeling his hand travel to your inner thigh.

Carefully removing his lips from your shoulder, he looked up at you as his glasses slid down his nose. You adjusted his glasses for him, pushing them back up his nose. Not wanting to remove his other hand from your thigh, he settled for using his teeth to take off one of his gloves. As he bit down on the fingertip of his black leather glove, quickly discarding it, he rested his bare hand on your face again. This time, his thumb caressed your lower lip, gently pressing down on the soft flesh.

You parted your lips upon the contact as he slowly inserted his thumb into your mouth. Locking eyes with him, you swirled your tongue around his finger, grabbing his wrist and pulling it further into your mouth. He let out a soft moan at the sight, his lips parting and his eyebrows raised as he added his index finger into your mouth as well.

The feeling of your tongue around his fingers and that submissive look in your eyes was driving him mad. His pants felt even tighter than before as he used his other hand to adjust himself in his slacks. At this point, he wasn’t sure if he was adjusting himself or borderline masturbating to the woman in front of him as she sucked on his fingers. 

“Fuck, (First Name),” he panted, pressing his hand against his bulge.

You moaned in response, pulling him in closer with your legs to grind on his extremely obvious arousal. He immediately let out a soft groan as he took his fingers out from your mouth, licking your saliva off of his fingers before quickly licking his lips again. You felt his hand travel to your bottom, carefully squeezing your ass as he pulled you closer to him as he grinded on you. The sensation was absolutely sinful, like he was fucking you with your clothes on.

With a moan of delight, you pulled him in by his tie and encapsulated his lips in another kiss. He couldn’t keep his hands off of you, one of his hands roamed your inner thigh and the other found its way back to your buttons. Pulling away to get a better look, Joseph rested his forehead against yours. He panted against you as he finally finished unbuttoning your shirt. Quickly discarding your clothes and setting them carefully beside you on the table, he couldn’t take his eyes off of you. He stared in awe at how beautiful you looked with only a bra on. 

He gulped, his lips slightly parting again as he quickly adjusted himself in his pants before going straight for your belt. He struggled for a moment, but you helped him pull it off of you and you tossed it on the floor, the buckle making a loud ‘clink!’ upon impact.

As he unbuttoned your slacks and pulled them down to your ankles, he couldn’t help but take a moment to admire you. You looked absolutely delicious, your pink lacy bra and your matching colored panties just did it for him. He could see how soaked you were through your underwear. He quickly pulled off his other glove as he placed one of his hands back on your shoulder as it slowly moved south. His fingers were slightly calloused, but still gentle and soft. The back of his hands had a few veins running down them and into his forearm, and his fingers were long and nimble. 

He seemed to hesitate for a moment.

“M-may I..?” He asked, his hand hovering over one of your breasts.

“I’m all yours, Joseph,” you replied, gently taking his wrist and guiding it down to your breast for him.

He quickly took a shallow breath upon the contact, and you could see his other hand find its way back to his clothed erection as it twitched in his pants. He pressed himself against his hand, never taking his eyes off of you.

“Fuck, Joseph,” you panted.

You quickly went to unbuckle his belt, you couldn’t stand it anymore. He looked delicious, and you could see how big he was already. His bulge pressed tightly against the confines of his slacks, creating a long thick bulge that was begging to be released.

He quickly moved his hands to assist you. His pants felt tighter than ever before as he quickly discarded his belt as you immediately went for his pants and unbuttoned his slacks, pulling down the zipper. 

The gray boxers he wore strained against his throbbing erection, a wet spot present at the tip with precum. He was much bigger than you thought originally as you stared at it. He was maybe.. 8 inches? A scary length, and you could already imagine the initial pain it would cause. But it didn’t matter, as long as it was him that you got to share such an experience with.

“Fuck,” he panted, loosening his tie and undoing the top button all with one hand.

You rushed to take his tie off for him, pulling it down from around his neck as he quickly unbuttoned his white button-up shirt. You helped with his vest, quickly undoing the few buttons and pulling it off from around his shoulders. You never took him as the type to work out, but you would always wonder. His broad shoulders seemed to slightly give it away, but with how bulky the KCPD uniform was, you were always unsure.

You couldn’t wait any longer, you were aching for him at this point, wanting to feel any kind of friction. 

You hastily pulled his boxers down for him as you looked back up at him through your eyelashes with a pleading expression painting your features. 

“Fuck, (First Name), don’t look at me like that..” Joseph muttered under his breath, as he pushed himself further between your legs.

“Why not, Joseph?” You teased, your index finger gently running across his collarbone.

He couldn’t find the words to respond, only began trying to fiddle with your bra clasp to get it off of you. You lightly chuckled in response to the slightly frustrated look on his face as he struggled. But you finally gave in, and helped him unclasp your bra.

As it hung on by the straps on your shoulders, you pulled it off painfully slow as he watched in anticipation. The moment you were fully exposed to the cool air, he immediately took one of your breasts in his mouth, his tongue swirling around your nipple as the other moved underneath your panties. His fingers were warm against your heat as he used his thumb to gently run over your clit. You winced at the contact, your thighs squeezing his hand as he teased your entrance. You unconsciously rolled your hips into his fingers, begging for more.

He attacked your neck with kisses as he slowly curled his fingers inside of you, his fingers creating slow waves. The pleasure hit you like a truck and all you wanted was more, his fingers were like magic.

You panted into his shoulder, your fingertips digging into his back.

“Fuck, Joseph! I.. I need you,” you begged, squeezing his torso in between your thighs as you pushed yourself against his bare cock.

He winced at the contact, a small moan escaping from his lips at your warm liquid lightly touching the tip of his erection. As he pulled his boxers down, one hand lightly rubbing the base of his cock, he gently lined the tip up with your entrance. He rubbed the tip lightly around your entrance, just lightly grazing your clit.

Your thighs clenched together at the blissful sensation. 

“P-please.. Joseph..” your nails dug into his back in anticipation, “I need you so fucking badly.”

“God, (First Name). I love you,” he called out your name as he gently began to insert himself inside of you.

Trying to be as gentle as he could, he slowly began to push himself further inside of you, until you noticed him pause for a moment. You looked up at him, scanning his face.

“I.. uh..” Joseph began, his voice slightly shivering.

“I.. I’ve never done anything like this before. So I apologize if it’s.. bad. Or if.. uh.. I finish a bit fast,” he embarrassedly apologized, his cheeks turning red.

His hesitance and inexperience was strangely cute.

“It’s– it’s alright. It’s my first time too so don’t worry,” you chuckled a bit.

“It is?” He looked up at you, seemingly a bit surprised.

“Yeah,” you admitted, “you’re my first.”

He chuckled under his breath.

“I guess we get to learn this together,” he lightheartedly remarked.

He looked you in the eyes again, both of his hands resting on either side of your face as he gently rested his forehead against yours. You could feel him slowly inserting himself, despite him being gentle, his large size made it extremely painful. You winced, grabbing hold of Joseph. Your nails dug into his back, trying to bite your lip so as to not make any noise. You could feel him stretching out your inner walls, until he was finally all the way in.

You panted as you could feel him slowly begin to slowly pull out, then back in again. The sensation as he pulled back out elicited a soft sigh from you, sweet relief washing over your body. He gave you a moment to catch your breath before he finally began to push himself back inside of you again. You could feel him tremble and his cock pulsate inside of you. He was holding himself back just for you, wanting to make sure he didn’t hurt you in any way, shape, or form. You could feel his breath against your bare chest as his erection was finally pushed all the way inside of you again.

The pain made you wince as he filled you up completely, the sensation of him pulling in and out felt so, extremely painful. You could feel tears threatening to spill as you scrunched your eyes in pain. 

He slowly began to pull out again, but this time the pain finally blurred into that of pleasure, and you craved for more.

“F-faster.. can.. you go faster?” You pleaded in between heavy breaths.

His eyes seemed to widen as you asked that, as he quickly nodded in hungry affirmation. 

“Anything for you, (First Name),” he happily obliged, quickening his pace as his grip around your thighs tightened. 

His hand snaked around the base of your neck, gently pushing down on your trachea, lightly choking you. You never took him as the type to be into choking, but you weren't complaining. The feeling shot below the pits of your stomach, as you felt yourself grow warmer at the sensation. You harshly grabbed his wrist and pushed his hand against your neck further, eliciting a soft moan as you tugged on the side of his hair to pull him into a harsh kiss. His tongue immediately intertwined with yours as he bit down onto your bottom lip, this time with significantly more force. The slight twinge of pain only made the moment grow hotter as you squeezed his torso in between your thighs. 

He moaned against your lips as his pace quickened with vigor. The wet, sloppy sounds eliciting from each thrust mixed with both of your barely-stifled moans echoed throughout the empty room. In the back of your mind, you desperately hoped Sebastian couldn’t hear any of the amorous noises louding emitting from the both of you. 

You could see Joseph’s stomach tighten, as his pace slightly slowed down.

“(F-First Name), I’m.. fuck, fuck I’m gonna cum..! I’m.. I’m..” he whined as his breathing grew heavier.

He groaned as he rolled his hips further into you, savoring every last inch of your dripping arousal as he pumped himself into you. Soft whimpers escaped from his lips with every slow, thorough thrust into you. His cock stretched your inner walls and you could feel the knot in your stomach slowly begin to come undone.

“F-fuck! I can’t, I’m.. I’m gonna..” he breathily moans as he quickly pulls out from inside of you.

Had he pulled out a second longer, he would’ve came inside of you. The last thing that any of you would want is an unexpected pregnancy, but luckily his timing sufficed in just the nick of time. 

He continued to stroke himself as he came, letting all of it drip onto your torso and your thighs. You felt yourself finally begin to relax the moment you finished as well, your back hitting the wall as you leaned back. You both shared a moment where you just looked at each other as you both tried to catch your breaths.

Joseph pulled you in for one last kiss before saying, “I love you so much. You have no idea how long I had been waiting to do that,” he admitted.

“I love you, Joseph, so, so much,” you replied, caressing his cheek with your thumb.

Joseph immediately grabbed your button-up shirt, which had previously been discarded to the floor, and helped you to get it back on.

“Come on, we’d better clean ourselves up and get dressed. I don’t know how long we've kept Sebastian waiting for,” he mentioned, picking up the rest of your clothes for you and helping you dress yourself.

You both hastily helped each other get dressed again, both of you desperately hoping that Sebastian hadn’t heard any of what just happened.

You really were lucky to have a man like Joseph in your life. Kind, sweet, gentle, and considerate.

[waateeystein]

Okay y'all I'm doing it, I'm once again analyzing an out-of-context picture from Guillermo De Toro's Frankenstein movie! I am now donning on my "grad student studying scenography" hat lets fucking go!

First off, What are the giant green vats? Is there a significance to having two of them, what step of the creation process are they related to, what's the deal here??? Everything else I can kind of see what the inspiration or reference is, but these green vats are running a big blank for me. I don't immediately hate them, I'm just mostly curious. They are certainly a vibe!

The next thing that is immediately striking is the massive window, and I'm kind of obsessed with it! From the Vanity Fair article we get this very relevant quote from Del Toro, "Gothic romance was born partially out of the fascination with ruins - Sometimes they’re more beautiful than the building complete because it’s the clash of creation and destruction." We have this beautiful gothic-style window contrasting the massive abandoned structure it seems to be inside of. The architecture of it all reminds me of gothic cathedrals, and I don't want to make a call yet on whether or not Victor has set up shop in an abandoned cathedral or church, but I do think that would be funny if it was the case. A bit of extra research taught me that they did use the Glasgow Cathedral as a filming location, I'm unsure if it was specifically for this scene, but it definitely gives us a sense of direction as far as inspirations for the production design.

What is confusing me about the architecture is the metal grates on the ground. It makes me think sewer grate or basement drainage, but the massive window directly next to it says very high above ground, so I don't know what going on with where exactly in the building we are. It makes sense to have it here from a practical "I have a bunch of oozy body parts on ice in here and those juices need somewhere to go" perspective. Idk, it looks neat and it might just be a suspense of disbelief moment.

Speaking of those oozy bodies, holy shit body parts! I honestly didn't fully process the giant piles of flesh on my first viewing of this picture, but damn those are fucking great! It really puts into perspective the sheer amount of matter that Victor would need to make his creation (I mean look at the blood on those sleeves), and how messy that process is. I feel like a lot of adaptations I've seen don't lean into that gorey aspect of the story, so I really appreciate that they are doing that here. I'm especially a fan of the giant ice block cooling what seems to be a head and torso, I don't know who got that big ass hunk of ice on that table but I'm impressed. The set dressing overall is really fucking impressive and is super effective, I really could dive into the details forever!

There are also a lot of big mechanical things happening here, like the massive wheels by the windows for instance. I'm not sure what these are or what they say about the original usage of the space, I was trying to search for what these might be, but because my personal knowledge on this is very limited, I have no clue what to even search to find more information on them. If anyone has any hints for me I'd appreciate some direction! The other mechanical thing we see is the table that the creature is laying on. Looking at the way it's attached to the ground, and the block at the creature's feet, I'm guessing this table tilts upwards to bring the creature to a full standing position.

On the creature himself, I think this was our first look at the creature design! I am cautiously optimistic about this design, but really I think I need to see his face to make a final call on how positive or negative I personally feel about it. This movie, from all evidence I've seen, seems to have a lot of influence from the 1931 James Whale film, in addition to Mary Shelley's original story. This creature seems to be more closely aligned to the book description, but again I don't think we see enough of him here to make a full judgement call on that. At least he's not green!

Overall, this first look is really cool, I'm really excited to see what production designer Tamara Deverell, set decorator Shane Vieau and costume designer Kate Hawley do with Del Toro's direction! This wasn't the deepest analysis ever, it's hard to do it justice when we know so little and everything we do have is out of context. But I'm excited to get more production photos eventually!

[bitchtrxp]

cfmot darkfic time baybeeeee

ummm so

i dont usually post my crap on here or anywhere rlly, BUT i feel it's a bit lame to hoard all my writing to myself so

cw: this fic does deal w/ some heavy topics such as sui, an od is not directly referenced but implied by description and just in general everyone is having the worst fucking time

kratyo is also HEAVILY implied b/c i mean they're cute and i like em (which this fic is NOT)

full fic under cut (it's about 3k in length) and link is here in case y'all prefer to view it on ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/67328809

Seven Words

-x-

It’s been a while. Ever since the reigns of the contest were prematurely transferred to Yoshka, ever since my outburst as the consequence of their conviction, ever since he assured me that, in my absence, everything would turn out just fine, ever since-

“Lord Kratcy! Cheppy has requested for you to partake in this evening’s banquet, if possible.”

Must the Gardener always be so accommodating to me? Cheppy, too. For the past couple of weeks, the two of them have been doing nothing but constantly switching back-and-forth, vigilantly heeding my responsibilities in my place, all while unabashedly dropping by my room every other hour or so. Whether it concerned the contest, my mental state, or simply to offer company in my otherwise pitiable position, it was a guarantee that at one point or another, they’d be there.

Realistically, I should be mad. I should be scolding them for trying too hard to shoulder my burdens, something that should be my job and mine alone. But I’m not. I’m grateful, actually. Because as much of a hindrance it is at times to entertain their optimistic blabber, I’m glad that at least they haven’t shunned me.

“It’s fine. I’ll pass, thanks.” I sigh, fumbling with the tattered ribbon in my hands.

“B-but, Lord Kratcy-”

“No. No ‘buts’. It really is fine,” the memory slips through my fingers as my grip on its probability loosens, “you and Cheppy are hereby dismissed for tonight. Do with it what you will, but make sure that you inform Az in advance before you go and stir up too much trouble.”

No response. Didn’t he catch that? Or could it be, that even he-

“Hehe. Hehehe~!” His whimsical giggles strike a chord within my mind, prompting me to grasp the sheets of my bed and iron myself out as though I’d been pierced by an arrow direct to the ego. Oh, he was not getting away with it this time!

“You know, Cheppy isn’t enslaved to Az,” the Gardener continues as my appal increases at his impish tone, “at least he certainly doesn’t consider himself to be that way.”

Yes, yes, I’m aware! You didn’t have to be so condescending about it, though!

…‘Condescending’? Is that really it? Is my opinion of the Gardener honestly so abyssally in the gutter that I default to the assumption that he’s ‘condescending’ when he dares to correct me? Even after everything he’s contributed to overseeing my wellbeing…

“Thank you very much, Lord Kratcy. Cheppy will be filled in on this development post-haste. In the meantime, I hope you will feel well enough to join us again in the near future.”

Awful. Awful. Awful. You’re awful, Kratcy. ‘Best letter of the Russian alphabet’, my ass. Where were you when Yaori entered the mansion, trembling and stricken with guilt and self-hatred after enduring yet another bout of Az’s prejudiced tirades? Did you even bother to send Yoshka the schedule you yourself agreed to in spite of his protests to handle the contest while you were away? What was the reasoning behind the promise of a ‘schedule’, anyway? On his lonesome… don’t you have any faith in him at all?

“Oh, by the way, sorry to ask so much of you at such a troubling time, but Yoshka is worried sick about you. If you’re able, could you please set aside a few minutes to mail him back? He’s not so bothered by the lack of a schedule as much as he is harrowed about you.”

-x-

“I have no doubt, Yoshen’ka… I have no doubt…”

Kratcy hasn’t spoken much with me since that day. Sparse texts, nothing in the realm of reality, not a single returned call; even when I trek to the mansion every once in a while to check with the Gardener and Cheppy about his condition, all they do is shrug defeatedly and send me off without a fraction of closure on the horizon.

On a marginally lighter note, as the replacement host of Kratcy’s contest, my performance and composure has far exceeded even my own expectations. Though it’s true that I may have had my first minor cry as the pressure of duty multiplied tenfold without Kratcy’s backing, the contestants have not once failed to substitute as my grounding foundation in that matter. They love me, it seems.

But… I’m not happy.

“Yoshka, your cooking is actually sublime!”

“I-I didn’t cook it though, it’s just cat food, as you requested.”

“Doesn’t matter, it tops Kratcy’s in every regard! Seriously, what does that asshole actually eat anyway?”

“Heh, probably dirt. It’s all he deserves, after all.”

“Where he belongs, too, might I add.”

“Knify! Really?! In front of Yoshka?!”

I grit my teeth, burying my urges to retaliate along with the fury accompanying it.

“U-uhm, I understand that the majority of you disliked Kratcy, and I’m not brushing off the validity of those feelings,” I state dryly, “but could you please not talk about him like that? At least while I’m around.”

“Told you so.” Yigroish Bottle departs from the table as hastily as the last of his hesitantly muttered lecture rolls off his tongue. Perhaps it was to evade the nuclear warhead we dubbed Knify’s temper after having dished out a rather uncharacteristic scolding on him, perhaps he was merely fed up of the communion already. Either way, I didn’t care for their bickering. I’m not privy to it, so why should it affect me?

Clearing my throat of the bitter resentment pent up within its walls, I declare, “Anyway, once all of you have finished your meals and vacated the table, we will begin the next contest.”

“Aaaww, another contest already? You’re so cruel, Yoshka~…” Spraysh gathers hers and Yigroish’s empty plates and slinks away dejectedly. Chargery, Socka, Charmy, Putty and Rubbery soon follow suit, each having savoured their respective dishes at their own pace, chatting amongst themselves about various insignificant titbits along the way. Cuppy and Nansensu are among the remainder of those present, presumably out of Cuppy’s lingering disdain driving her to stall long enough for the other contestants to disperse. Eventually, they too disappear beyond the lush foliage, leaving only one…

Knify impatiently pokes at his croissant with his fork, grunting as he miscalculates and flings a section of the torn up savoury snack from his plate, not opting for the ‘five second rule’ – as Spraysh puts it – as it’s discarded to a patch of dirt on the ground.

Dirt.

“Why do you defend Kratcy?”

I don’t even notice that he’d halted his fussing with his food until he projects a question at me. One I’d never have expected to come from him of everyone he competes with. Shaking off Spraysh’s derogatory comment from our previous discussion, I settle to dignify him with a response. I shouldn’t, since nothing I say or do regarding Kratcy will ever move him from his stance of animosity. Nonetheless, I figure it’s worth a shot.

“Hmm, well… I suppose it’s because Kratcy is very dear to me. I’m aware that he hasn’t been the most amiable with you… o-or the others… and trust me, I don’t get it either. No matter how much I press on at him about it, he always stops me short of the topic and tells me not to pry,” I clasp my hands together, unconsciously twiddling my thumbs in the same sense that you’d expect of a character in some cheesy romance flick, “I love Kratcy, though, and I truly believe he isn’t the tyrannical monster you all sized him up to be. I mean, please consider it, Knify: if he was, would I even be here in the first place?”

“And you really feel that way, even in spite of everything he’s done to us?” Knify’s fork clatters to his plate, visibly discontent with my explanation.

“It’s true that he has been horrifically cruel towards those of you who willingly sacrificed their time to participate in his show, and I am angry at him for that, however unapparent it may seem to you. In fact, I still haven’t confronted him about it yet, but I plan to tonight.”

His eyes narrow. Sceptical, I’m sure, but I really do mean it. I’m returning to the mansion tonight on Cheppy’s recommendation anyway. There’s much to discuss with Kratcy regarding his recent standoffish attitude, and I won’t let him pull away from me this time, the ambiguity can’t be allowed to fester any further.

“Never mind, forget I even asked,” Knify suddenly stands upright, almost knocking his chair over in the process, “Charmy can have the rest of this, let’s just start the next contest already.”

With that, he marches off towards the bushes. I huff in frustration.

“Didn’t even take the plate with you… how rude!”

-x-

“Okay, dearies, the next challenge will be to-”

An ominous ringing drains the atmosphere of its serenity in an instant, causing most of the contestants to exchange vacillating glances with one another, each one reading a different emotion than the one preceding it. Confusion, fear, worry… all of it welled up in a concoction of a foreboding omen that was yet to be crossed. Nansensu, of course, was indifferent, an outlier among all of us, as even I was able to instantly identify the origin of the tone.

“A-ah, hold on, I’ll take it. Everyone, please stand by. It’s probably important.”

I anxiously shuffle my way over to the telephone, the thing nearly slipping out of my hand as I discover just how much I was wrack with sweat before lifting it from its restraints.

And I listen.

And listen.

And listen.

And-

I slam the phone into its initial position, startling Yigroish Bottle substantially. Tilting my head around ever so slightly for a fleeting glimpse of the ill-eased crowd, my breath hitches as I vacantly murmur a final declaration.

“O-on second thought, there will be no contest today. Apologies for the short notice, but there’s an urgent situation at the mansion that I must attend to immediately.”

I’m unsure of whether my signature of departure is delivered by sheer habit or excessive resolve. Regardless, as if on autopilot, the words do manage to flit from my lips, if only barely.

“G-good luck to everyone, good health… d-don’t get sick, happiness… and… goodbye.”

-x-

The weight of the air surrounding the mansion was crushing, fraught with dread and discomfort; I’d be lucky if I could choke out any string of coherent dialogue in the midst of it all. Even Az had strayed far from his typical brazen, holier-than-thou demeanour, huddling together with Cheppy and the Gardener as all three contemplate whether to permit the cue for me to enter the premises.

“What in god’s name were you thinking, Cheppy?! Why would you call him here at a time like this?!”

Cheppy shrinks into himself at Az’s staunch opposition to my arrival, as if it even mattered at this point.

“Wh-why wouldn’t I? It’s Yoshka, so if it’s about Kratcy, then obviously I’d want to get him involved!”

Once I’d stifled my arrhythmic panting and collected each and every surviving doubt that had persisted throughout the arduous motions I’d navigated to get here, I rise to my feet and advance towards Az.

“Where is Kratcy? Is he okay?” It’s Az’s turn to waver at my assertive intonation, his expression signing that now he was the one who was backed into a corner, pursing his lips and yielding after a brief pause to attempt to conjure a response that didn’t carry the potential of disrupting the relative coordination he’d assembled any more than he’d already done so.

“…Right. This way, please.” Az leads the three of us through the entrance, the doors having been left partly ajar as to allow freedom in and out of the mansion whenever the residents deem it fit. It’s an alarming contrast to its former purpose, what with the heavily guarded and high-security measures implemented as is common alongside buildings of prominent influential status in the area.

Despite the discrepancy, Az continues to silently usher us up the stairs to the second floor. Many rooms were dotted about the convoluted hallways – mine, of course, bordering Kratcy’s, followed by Zara’s just a little to its side, and finally Yaori’s. The existence of the latter’s abode always baffled me; I was surprised he was even offered one by Az, even if it was shoved into a decrepit corner and was somewhat on the dingy side.

“I believe it’s only fair that I forewarn you, Yoshka,” Az deadpans, “what you’re about to witness in there… it’s not going to be pretty,” he rests one of his palms upon the door to Kratcy’s room, clenching the other into a tight fist, “if I’m not convincing you enough, ask Lastie.”

What’s with the vague statement? And why was Yaori in there? Did he enter on Az’s orders? Why would he trust Yaori with anything relating to Kratcy?

A light tap on my left shoulder causes me to flinch, its source addressing me in a meek whisper, “Don’t do it, Yoshka… please, don’t do it…” it pleads.

“Give it a rest, Yaori, you’re already at your limit…” Zara interrupts, gathering the sobbing heap that was now recognisable as Yaori into his arms. As both fade away into Zara’s room shortly afterwards, I quarantine my apprehension about the situation and reaffirm my intent to press on with Az. Nodding solemnly, he breaches the door, introducing me to an entirely new world of agonising horror.

Kratcy’s formerly well-organised and elegant domain had been reduced to a bleak cesspool of unsurmountable sorrow and littered regrets. The curtains tattered, limply swaying on its supports due to the prominent draught seeping through the cracks in the window; an array of discarded wrappers, crumpled bundles of paper and deteriorating consumables scattered around unorthodoxly on the carpet; his duvet tossed to the side in disarray. Surely, it was a reflection of his turbulent mental realm, his innermost turmoil back when we parted ways. And I was too blind to comprehend it.

Az treads over to the ensuite bathroom as the epiphany of just how dire the situation had gotten barely even begins to resonate with me.

“I’ll ask you once more,” he begins, “are you absolutely, positively sure that you want to see this?”

I scoff at his ignorance. See what? Kratcy? Yes, I’m sure, alright! On what basis would I otherwise even be here for?!

“Please, Az.” Again, I confirm my unwavering determination, scoring a doubtful, yet complacent, nod from Az.

“Very well,” Cheppy and the Gardener interlock their elbows in panicked silence, both fumbling with their tie and apron respectively as they await the fated conclusion of the past few months they’d spent attending to the troubling circumstances surrounding Kratcy, and my subsequent reaction to the revelation, “if that’s truly what you wish.”

Az exhales, lightly tapping the surface of the ensuite bathroom’s door in what, if I had to guess, was probably a meagre attempt at stalling my decision in expectance of a second thought on my part. However, he wouldn’t be graced with anything of the sort, not even at the mercy of mother nature, as a rather ill-timed gust of wind jostles him off-balance, urging him forwards in a gesture that indirectly badgered at him to ‘get on with it’, if you will.

…Seems as though there’s no going back now.

With one final tentative shove, Az shatters the boundary beyond normality, subjecting me to a scene I’d so naively convinced myself would never happen, never in my most abhorrent, reprehensible nightmares…

But that’s the thing about nightmares, isn’t it? No matter how difficult it may be to discern the line between fiction and reality in the moment, it is just that. It’s not real. Sure, you might stumble over hidden meanings and the debate of what could’ve been during the lapses of self-doubt preceding your departure from the realm of the unconscious, but once it’s over, it’s over. It’ll rarely stick with you.

This, though?

…

It’s a scar you’ll shoulder to your grave.

“Kratcy?!”

It’s not even the scene itself that stings the most. It’s the irrefutable, damning fact that I should’ve known. I should’ve seen it coming from a mile away.

“Oh, Yoshka, I’m sorry… I’m so, so sorry…” Cheppy’s mournful sympathies are nothing more than a grating distraction to me as I rush to Kratcy’s side, positioning him upright and promptly cupping his cheek with my left palm. Given his current presenting condition, I suppose it was somewhat shallow of an effort. His eyes… oh god, his eyes… so dull, so vacant… the once brisk and vigorous spark that, in all the years I’d served by his side, was a feature so constant I never would’ve pictured it stripped so cruelly from him like this.

It was gone, though. Everything was gone. And, even with its harrowing implications, the truth was that he was gone, too. It wasn’t a reality I could dispute, despite how much I sought to prove it otherwise.

I sharply divert my own eyes from the sight, unable to foster the ever-multiplying guilt as I thumb away the stray moisture still clinging to his lower eyelids.

“I just don’t get it…”

In the midst of it all, I catch the Gardener questioning Az, biting his lip as he does so almost a little too firmly as a few droplets of blood spring to its surface, much to his obliviousness.

“He was fine this morning, wasn’t he?”

“Slightly dishevelled, by the looks of it. Although for the most part, yes,” Az concedes. “Are you sure that the last you ever heard from him was at breakfast? And what of the others? Were any of them in any contact at all with Kratcy over the past few hours?”

As one of only a couple prominent authority figures residing in the mansion, I get that the responsibility stirred by such a major incident must be weighing on his conscience more than ever right now, but… God, does he always have to be so matter-of-fact about it?

The Gardener scrunches his nose up in what I could only describe as outraged repulsion to Az’s blasé attitude. I guess he noticed too, huh.

“Az, could you please spare us the logistics for once and, at the very least, read the writing on the fucking wall?” he spits, his tone laced with an abnormal venom for someone of his subordinance. “Kratcy is dead. Isn’t that something you’re upset about? Correct me if I’m mistaken, but you two were friends, were you not?

‘Kratcy is dead.’

I’m sure it wasn’t the Gardener’s intention to come across as such, but the way in which he just states it so adamantly is nothing short of unforgiving.

My vision shifts back to Kratcy himself, unsure of why I did so or what I was expecting to gain from revisiting the tainted image of someone who no longer even remotely resembled the energetic and iron-willed friend- no, more than a friend. Kratcy was someone I always assured myself I could rely on; someone I was eternally indebted to on account of the unremitting kindness and support he’d displayed on my behalf. I didn’t care how much Knify insisted otherwise, I really didn’t. Because to me, Kratcy was much more than his bitter exterior, he was certainly more than this… hollow shell he’d been reduced to, his expression contorted into one of unfathomable anguish, dried specks of crimson lining his nostrils and the corners of his mouth, a sickening violet hue to his skin that might not have been so out-of-pocket on me, but on him?

“I-I’m so sorry, it must’ve been so painful…” I sniffle between my unconscious ramblings to him, unbeknownst to the tears that had now finally begun to pool beneath my eyes, “it’s all my fault… this wouldn’t have had to happen to you if I’d just ditched the contest right then and there. Continuing without you… I should’ve known better… it’s not really what you wanted, was it?”

Az and the Gardener’s heated argument seems to have subsided with the emergence of my hysterics. I’d mostly tuned it out since I lasered in on Kratcy, to the point where it was merely a background inconvenience at that point.

Expectedly, the Gardener had assumed the more proactive role of the two as he steadily approaches me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders ever so tenderly as to avoid startling me into intimidation. I could sense a secondary presence behind me alongside the Gardener’s, presumably Cheppy’s, since Az was so far from the threshold of potential that it wasn’t even worth conceptualising.

“Deep breaths, Yoshka. I’ve got you,” the Gardener’s efforts to console me were commendable at best. However, as I bury my face into Kratcy’s still chest, I reckon even he knew that I wasn’t about to be moved that easily.

“What you really wanted… was for me to be there… when you had no one else,” I sob, “and I failed you.”

“Wait- …hey, Az! Where are you going?” Cheppy cuts into my one-sided conversation with Kratcy, inferring from the hasty footsteps and disgruntled groans that Az, assuredly having had enough of the dysfunction within the atmosphere, had solved to distance himself from it. For that, I honestly couldn’t blame him.

The future is overcast. I can’t, and won’t ever, say that everything is going to be okay. That we’ll make it out unscathed and our lives will continue as usual. I’ll try, and try… and try, and try and try andtryandtryandtryandtry… but nothing will ever come of it.

A vibration in my shirt pocket causes me to jolt upright.

…Why now, of all times?

I reach into that pocket with trembling, clammy fingers, retrieving my mobile phone from within. Peering at the notification on its screen, my frustration with the interference is absolved, replaced with pangs of gut-wrenching sorrow as I realise that with it, I could’ve done so much more.

It’s from Kratcy. Seven words in total. The chilling finality of someone with nothing more to lose.

Ignoring the substantial delay in its timing, I glance over the message.

I’m sorry.

I love you, Yoshen’ka.

Goodnight.

[satorulovebot]

cursed seas chapter two | help wanted!

pairing — gojou satoru x fem!reader

genre —heavy angst, pirate au, 18+ 

summary — all your life you’ve been taught to hate pirates and the sins they have committed against god. you've always strived to be a good citizen upholding the law and avoiding the lawless, but when you meet the infamous captain gojou, known to be dangerous and cunning, you realize that survival in this world often requires sacrifices. sometimes, that sacrifice is your sanity.

word count — 10k

warnings — 18+, stalking/harassment, alcohol use, suggestive content, weapon usage, murder, + please read at your own discretion

author's notes — tried out this new theme. lowkey looks like ass but i don’t want to fix it. anyway enough of my bitching and moaning here’s another chapter of cursed seas. she’s not the sharpest tool in the shed btw and again there is murder in this chapter. please tread carefully my pirates :)

prev. the rouge captain | next. long story short

general masterlist -> series masterlist

The sun was already high in the sky when you stepped out of your home and onto the bustling streets of the city. The marketplace was filled with vendors and people going about their daily activities. You planned to take a trip down to the docks to see if you could find anyone willing to help you. You weren’t the most optimistic about the idea, but it would have to do for now.

The memory of the man from the ball still lingered in your mind. You had expected that the news of pirates of all people—crashing the legendary Merchant's ball would be the talk of the town, but to your surprise, there had been nothing. It was clear that the events that had taken place, just two days ago, had been kept quiet. Somehow. But you pushed those thoughts aside and focused on your main concern. Finding someone who would be willing to help you.

You were hoping and praying to any god that you would not have to see that man with the white hair anytime soon and the docks seemed like a place a man like him would be. The more you think about him, the more you feel like you have seen his face somewhere, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it.

As you made your way through the crowded marketplace you could hear the vendors shouting out to anyone that would listen, the smell of fresh produce, and the occasional clink of coins. It was a typical day in Elysport, yet you couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that you have had ever since that night at the ball.

Every step you took toward the docks was weighed down by the memory of that man. The image of his striking white hair and the utter insanity in his eyes refused to leave your mind. It was frustrating, trying to recall where you might have seen him before, but every time you came close to remembering, the thought slipped away like sand through your fingers. You shook your head, trying to focus on your current objective: finding a crew.

As you neared the docks, the air grew saltier, and the distinct scent of the sea mixed with the briny odor of fish was present. The sound of seagulls could be heard crying overhead mixed with the creaking of wooden ships and the shouts of sailors. You scanned the area, your eyes searching for anyone who might fit the bill—a capable sailor or perhaps in the worst-case scenario a seasoned pirate—someone with the skills and knowledge to help you.

Looking around, you saw all kinds of sailors young and old. But there was something strange about one of them. He was staring right at you and he had the same look in his eye that the man two nights ago did. He had black hair that was half up half down, a navy blue bandana, and a small hoop earring in his left ear. You paid no mind to it because being stared at by weird men is a normal occurrence for you.

Your gaze fell on a group of rugged-looking men huddled together near one of the larger ships. Approaching them felt risky, but your options were limited. You took a deep breath and began walking towards them. One of the men, a tall figure with a missing hand and a patch over one eye, noticed you approaching their group. With a raised eyebrow, he asked, “What’s a lass like you doing around here?” he asked, his voice rough but not unkind.

You hesitated for a moment before replying, “I’m looking for someone who can help me find a crew. I have… a job that needs doing.”

The man exchanged glances with his companions, who murmured among themselves. “A job, eh?” he repeated, “And what kind of job might that be?”

You bit your lip, debating how much to reveal. Finally, you decided to keep it vague. “It’s a task the requires experienced sailors who aren’t afraid to take risks. It could be dangerous.”

The man chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest. “Dangerous tasks are our specialty. But nothing comes for free, lass. What’s in it for us?”

“I have a map,” you replied, lowering your voice. “It leads to something valuable. Very valuable.”

The man’s interest was piqued, and the others leaned in closer, eager to hear more. “A map, you say? Well now, that does sound intriguing. But how do we know you’re not just spinning tales?”

You reached into your bag and carefully pulled out the map, keeping it partially concealed. “This is all the proof I can offer for now,” you said, “If you’re interested, we can discuss terms.”

The man eyed the map with keen interest before nodding. “Alright, you’ve got our attention. Meet us at the tavern tonight, and we’ll talk more. But be warned, lass—if you’re wasting our time, you won’t like the consequences.”

You nodded, feeling relieved. “I understand. I’ll be there.”

As you turned to leave, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were being watched. The docks were busy, but there was something about the way the hairs on the back of your neck stood up that made you uneasy. You cast a glance around, but no one seemed to be paying any attention to you. Still, the sensation lingered and you were eager to put some distance between yourself and the docks.

Making your way back through the marketplace, you tried to push aside the worry that had taken root in your mind. The meeting tonight could be the first step toward finding a crew and setting sail. But even as you tried to focus on the task at hand, the memory of the man with white hair reappeared, more vivid than before.

As night fell, the city’s atmosphere shifted. The marketplace grew quieter, the vibrant energy of the day giving way to a calm environment. You decided that you needed to prepare for the meeting at the tavern, so you packed a small bag with the essentials: the map, a few coins, and a dagger—just in case. The dagger was a gift from your father, one you hadn’t had to use yet, but tonight might be different.

You wrapped yourself in a cloak and stepped out into the cool night air. The streets were less crowded now, with only a few stragglers making their way home or heading to the taverns for a late-night drink. You kept to the shadows, avoiding eye contact with anyone who passed by. This meeting could change everything, for better or worse.

When you reached the tavern its wooden sign was creaking in the breeze, and you hesitated at the door. You could hear the sound of raucous laughter and the sound of cheers from outside. Taking a deep breath, you pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The tavern was dimly lit, with a haze of smoke hanging in the air. The scent of stale ale and sweat made you scrunch your nose, but you forced yourself to move forward, scanning the room for the men you had spoken to earlier. You eventually spotted them seated at a table near the back.

You made your way over to them, weaving through the patrons of the tavern. The tall man with the eye patch noticed you first, nodding in your direction. “You’re here,” was all he said.

“I’m here,” you confirmed, taking a seat across from him. The other men at the table were watching you closely, their expressions unreadable.

“Let’s get down to business then,” the man said, leaning forward. “Tell us more about this map of yours. Where does it lead?”

You hesitated for a moment before unfolding the map on the table. The men leaned in, their eyes scanning the intricate details of the map.“It leads to an island,” you began, pointing to the mark on the map. “An island that’s said to hold unimaginable riches.” 

That wasn’t the only thing the island held, but they didn’t need to know that information.

The men exchanged glances, their interest piqued. “And how did you come by this map?” one of them asked.

“It was passed down to me,” you lied, keeping your voice steady. “My father was a sailor who spent his life searching for this island. He never found it, but he believed it was real, and he passed the map on to me before he died.”

The men seemed to accept your story, at least for now. The tall man with the eye patch leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin. “And what do you want from us?”

“I need a crew,” you replied. “Sailors who know the seas, who aren’t afraid of the risks involved. I’ll share the treasure with you if we find it, but I need your help to get there.”

The men murmured among themselves, weighing their options. Finally, the tall man nodded. “Alright, we’re in. But remember this, lass—if you’re leading us into a trap, you won’t live to see the treasure.”

“I understand. But I assure you, this treasure is real. And I intend to find it.”

With the deal struck you knew there was no turning back now. You had a crew, or at least the beginnings of one, and a map. But as you left the tavern, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were being watched again, that someone was following your every move.

The streets were nearly empty as you made your way back home, the only sound being the soft echo of your footsteps against the cobblestones. You quickened your pace, your hand instinctively moving to the dagger at your side. The feeling of being watched was growing stronger and you couldn’t ignore it any longer.

Just as you turned a corner, you felt a presence behind you. Before you could react, a strong hand clamped down on your shoulder, spinning you around. You gasped, instinctively reaching for your dagger, but the sight of who stood before you made your blood run cold.

It was him—the man with the white hair.

He stood there, a dangerous smile playing on his lips, he had a wild almost predatory look in his eyes. You could see now that his face was more than just familiar—it was infamous.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you locked eyes with the man standing before you, the dim streetlight barely illuminating his face. A shiver ran down your spine as you instinctively took a step back, your hand gripping the dagger at your side.

"Going somewhere?" His voice was smooth. It was almost teasing, but there was an underlying threat that made your blood run cold.

You tried to maintain your composure, but the intensity of his gaze made it nearly impossible. "W-what do you want?" you managed to ask, your voice trembling slightly despite your efforts to keep it steady.

He tilted his head slightly, his smile widening. "Oh, I think you know what I want," he replied, taking a step closer. "You’ve been quite the busy little bee, haven’t you? That map of yours has caused quite a stir."

"I-I don’t know what you’re talking about. I never showed them the map," you lied and you tried to sound convincing, but the way his smile only grew wider told you he wasn’t buying it.

He took another step forward, his hand still resting casually on the hilt of the sword at his side. "Come now, there’s no need for lies between us," he said, his voice almost soothing in its softness. "I know you have the map. And I know you’ve been talking to some rather unsavory people about it."

Your mind raced, trying to figure out your next move. Running seemed futile—he would catch you in an instant, and you doubted you would fare any better in a fight. The only thing you could do was stall for time, though you weren’t sure what good it would do. "You never answered my question the other night! What do you want with the map?" you asked, trying to keep him talking.

He let out a soft chuckle, amused by your question. "What does anyone want with a treasure map? I want what’s at the end of it, of course. And I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get it."

There was no mistaking the threat in his tone now, and you realized that there was no talking your way out of this. "You’re not going to find the treasure," you said, hoping to provoke him, to get him to make a mistake.

But he only smiled, his expression turning cold and calculating. "Oh, I think I will," he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "But first, I need to tie up a few loose ends."

Before you could react, he moved with lightning speed, grabbing you by the wrist and pulling you close. The dagger slipped from your grasp, clattering to the ground as you struggled to free yourself from his iron grip. "Let go of me!" you shouted, panic rising in your chest.

But he only tightened his hold, his smile fading as his eyes darkened. "You’re coming with me," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument. "There are some people I need to have a little chat with—and you’re going to watch."

With that, he began dragging you down the narrow streets, his grip unrelenting despite your attempts to break free. Your heart pounded in your ears as you were forced to follow him, the dagger you had so carefully packed now lying useless on the ground behind you.

You didn’t know where he was taking you, but you had a feeling that it had something to do with the men you had spoken to earlier.

The narrow alleyways twisted and turned, leading you both through the darkest corners of Elysport. Despite your fear, you took in your surroundings to try and remember a way out if the opportunity arose. But the way the white-haired man moved left you with little time to think, let alone plan an escape.

Before long, the two of you reached the outskirts of the docks, where the tavern from earlier came into view. It was quieter now, the late-night celebrations had died down, leaving only a few people loitering outside. The man with the white hair stopped suddenly, pulling you to a halt beside him.

His gaze shifted to the tavern, his expression darkening with a mix of disdain and anticipation. "Wait here," he commanded, releasing your wrist but positioning himself between you and the only exit.

Without another word, he strode toward the tavern entrance. Your heart hammered as you watched him disappear inside, your body frozen in place. What was he planning to do? The men inside had no idea what was coming, and you felt a pang of guilt for leading them into this mess.

But there was no time to dwell on that now. You had to do something—anything—to prevent what was about to happen. Yet, even as you went to follow him inside, the door swung open, and the man emerged, dragging one of the sailors behind him.

It was the tall man with the eye patch, the one who had seemed so confident and in control earlier. Now, he looked terrified, struggling weakly against the iron grip that held him.

The white-haired man cast a glance back at you. "Watch closely," he said, his voice low, "This is what happens to those who try to cheat me."

With a swift motion, he flung the sailor to the ground, drawing his sword in one fluid movement. The sailor scrambled to his feet, fear etched onto his face as he backed away, his hands raised in a futile attempt to protect himself.

"Please," the sailor begged, his voice trembling. "I don’t know what you want, but I swear, I’ll give you whatever you’re after. Just don’t kill me."

But the white-haired man was unmoved. "You made a mistake, thinking you could bargain with something that doesn’t belong to you," he said coldly, advancing on the sailor. "You should have known better than to cross me."

Before the sailor could respond, the man lunged forward, his sword flashing in the dim light. You gasped, turning away as the blade struck, but the sickening sound of steel cutting through flesh reached your ears, making you feel nauseous.

When you dared to look again, the sailor was crumpled on the ground, blood pooling beneath him. The white-haired man stood over him, his expression unreadable as he wiped the blood from his sword with a piece of cloth. His movements were calm as if this were just another routine task for him.

He turned to face you, and you couldn’t suppress the shudder that ran through you at the sight of him. His eyes, which had seemed almost playful before, now glowed with a dangerous intensity that made your blood run cold.

"Let that be a lesson to you," he said, "I don’t take kindly to betrayal. And if you think you can outsmart me, you’ll end up just like him."

He gestured to the lifeless body at his feet, and you swallowed hard, the reality of your situation crashing down on you. This man—whoever he was—was not to be messed with. He was unpredictable and utterly ruthless.

Your thoughts raced as you tried to make sense of everything that had just happened. The man at your feet had been your one hope of assembling a crew, and now he was dead. The others in the tavern might still be alive, but if this white-haired man had anything to say about it, they wouldn’t be for long.

You had to act fast, but you were trapped. Your mind screamed at you to run, to escape while you still could, but your legs refused to move. 

He sheathed his sword, taking a step closer to you. "Now," he said, his tone suddenly shifting to something almost lighthearted, "I think it’s time we had a proper introduction, don’t you?"

You stared at him, too shocked to respond. He smiled again, that same smile from the ball.

"The name’s Gojou Satoru," he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "Captain Gojou, to be precise. And you, my dear, are in way over your little head."

Your breath hitched as the realization hit you. This was the infamous Captain Gojou, the man whose name struck fear into the hearts of sailors and pirates alike. The man who had haunted your thoughts since the ball, the one who had promised to find you no matter where you went—and now he had.

Even as the fear threatened to overwhelm you, there was another emotion bubbling beneath the surface—anger. Anger at everything that had happened, at this man who had turned your life upside down, and at yourself for being so helpless.

"What do you want from me?" you asked, your voice firmer than you felt.

Gojou’s smile widened, "I want what you want," he said simply. "The treasure. The map. Everything. But more than that," he added, his tone darkening, "I want you to understand that I’m the one in control now."

You swallowed hard, trying to keep your composure. "You think you can just take it all for yourself?"

Gojou tilted his head slightly as if considering your words. "Yes," he replied, his tone casual, as if the answer was obvious. "And you’re going to help me."

The audacity of this man!

"And why would I do that?" you shot back. "You think I’d just hand everything over to you after what you just did?"

"Because," he said, stepping closer until he was only inches away from you, "if you don’t, you’ll end up like him."

He gestured to the lifeless body of the sailor without even looking at it as if it were nothing more than a piece of trash. The sight of it—the blood, the stillness—made your stomach turn, but you refused to show any sign of weakness.

"You’re a monster," you spat.

Gojou’s smile faded slightly, “Perhaps," he said softly, "But I get what I want. And right now, what I want is for you to cooperate."

"And if I don’t?"

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against your ear. "Then I’ll find other ways to make you," he whispered.

You can’t just force me into this!” you shouted, "There are others who know about the map. If anything happens to me, they’ll—"

"They’ll what?" Gojou interrupted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Come after me? Try to stop me? They won’t get the chance."

He straightened up, looking down at you. "But you’re smart enough to know that, aren’t you? You know no one can help you now. No one but me."

The truth of his words hit you like a ton of bricks. He was right—there was no one else. The men you had spoken to earlier were either dead or too scared to cross him. You were alone, and he knew it.

But you weren’t ready to give up yet. You might not be able to fight him, but you could still try to outsmart him. "Fine," you said, your voice cold. "I’ll help you. But on one condition."

Gojou raised an eyebrow, "Oh? And what’s that?"

"You let me keep my share of the treasure," you said, the words coming out a little more confident. "I won’t be your lackey, and I won’t just hand everything over. If I’m going to help you, I want something in return."

For a moment, Gojou said nothing, simply staring at you with those unnerving blue eyes. Then, to your surprise, he chuckled. "You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that."

He seemed to consider your proposition for a moment, then nodded. "Alright," he said finally. "You can have your share—if you survive long enough to claim it."

"Deal," you said, extending your hand.

Gojou looked at your hand for a moment, then grasped it firmly. His grip was strong, almost crushing, but you didn’t flinch. "Welcome to the crew," he said with a smirk, releasing your hand.

As Gojou turned and walked away, you couldn’t help but glance down at the sailor’s lifeless body once more. You hadn’t wanted any of this, but now that you were in it, you had to survive. And if that meant working with Gojou, then so be it.

But you silently vowed that you would find a way out. You would find a way to get the treasure, escape Gojou’s grasp, and make sure that no one else had to die because of it. 

Gojou might think he had the upper hand, but you weren’t going to let him control you. Not forever.

The night was far from over, and as you walked through the darkened streets. With every step, you knew that you would never forget the sight of Gojou killing that man—the cold, calculated way he had taken his life without a second thought.

Whatever happened next, you were in it now. And there was no turning back.

The night air was thick with the smell of salt and fish from the harbor as Gojou led you back toward the docks. The streets had emptied, leaving only the occasional flicker of a lantern in a nearby window and the distant sound of waves crashing against the pier. 

As you approached the docks, Gojou slowed his pace, his gaze scanning the area. He seemed at ease as if the murder he had just committed was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. It was clear that this was a man who was used to getting what he wanted, no matter the cost.

Finally, he stopped in front of a small building near the water’s edge. The structure was plain, with no sign or markings to indicate what it was, but the dim light seeping through the cracks in the shutters told you it was still open for business.

Gojou turned to you, his expression as unreadable as ever. “Wait here,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I have some business to attend to.”

You nodded, though you couldn’t help but wonder what kind of “business” he was referring to. But before you could ask, he was already walking toward the building, his long coat billowing behind him in the wind.

You watched as he pushed open the door and disappeared inside, leaving you alone in the silence of the night. The door creaked shut behind him, and you were left standing in the darkness, leaving you with the distant sound of the ocean.

Inside the building, Gojou was greeted by the warm glow of candlelight and the soft murmur of voices. The interior was modest but well-kept, with rich, dark wood furnishings and plush cushions strewn across the floor. The scent of incense hung in the air, mingling with the subtle perfume of the women who lingered nearby.

The brothel’s madam, a woman in her late forties with sharp eyes and a knowing smile approached him. She was dressed in a silk robe that clung to her figure with her breasts spilling out and her hair piled high atop her head in an elaborate style that spoke of years spent mastering her craft.

“Captain Gojou,” she purred, “What a pleasant surprise. It’s been too long.”

Gojou offered her a charming smile, “Madam Iris,” he greeted, his tone polite but distant. “I’ve had a busy night, and I’m in need of a… distraction.”

The madam’s smile widened, and she gestured toward the stairs leading to the upper floors. “Of course, Captain. We have just the thing to help you unwind.”

As Gojou walked up the stairs, he took in the familiar sights and sounds of the brothel. The laughter of women and their companions, the low murmur of conversation, the soft moans of women, the soft rustle of silk and lace—it was all a part of the carefully curated atmosphere that Madam Iris had cultivated over the years. It was a place where men could forget their troubles, if only for a little while.

At the top of the stairs, a young woman awaited him. She was delicate and beautiful, with long, dark hair and wide, doe-like eyes. She curtsied as he approached, her movements graceful and practiced. “Captain,” she greeted him, her voice barely above a whisper. “Madam Iris said you might like some company.”

Gojou studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. “What’s your name?” he asked.

“Lila,” she replied, her gaze flickering up to meet his before quickly darting away.

“Lila,” he repeated, tasting the name on his tongue. He reached out, gently tilting her chin up so that she was forced to meet his eyes. “You’ll do.”

He released her and gestured for her to lead the way. Lila nodded and turned, guiding him down the hallway to a private room. The room was small but comfortable, with a large bed draped in silk sheets and a low table set with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

Once inside, Gojou shrugged off his coat and tossed it onto a nearby chair. He moved the way a man who had done this countless times before would.

Lila poured them each a glass of wine, her hands steady despite the nervous energy that seemed to buzz around her. She handed him a glass, and he took it, his fingers brushing against hers for the briefest of moments.

“You seem tense,” he observed, taking a sip of the wine.

Lila hesitated, then nodded. “It’s just… you’ve got a reputation, Captain.”

Gojou raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “Do I, now?”

She nodded again, her gaze fixed on the floor. “People talk, you know. They say you’re dangerous.”

“Is that so?” Gojou set the glass down on the table and stepped closer to her. “And does that frighten you?”

Lila’s breath hitched slightly, but she didn’t back away. “Should it?”

He didn’t answer right away, instead taking a moment to study her, to take in the way she stood before him—nervous, yet curious. Finally, he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Only if you give me a reason,” he murmured.

For a moment, they stood in silence, the tension between them thick. Then, with a soft sigh, Lila reached up and placed her hand on his chest, her touch tentative. “I won’t,” she whispered.

Gojou smiled, though there was something predatory in the way his eyes darkened. “Good girl.”

With that, he pulled her closer, his grip firm. Lila responded instinctively, her body melting against his as if she had done this a thousand times before. It was all part of the game—one she had been trained to play from a young age. But there was something different about Gojou, something that made her heart race in a way she hadn’t expected.

He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “You can relax, Lila. I’m not here to hurt you.”

The words were meant to be comforting, but there was an underlying edge to them that sent a shiver down her spine. She knew better than to let her guard down completely, but for now, she would play along.

Lila tilted her head up, offering him a tentative smile. “Then what are you here for, Captain?”

Gojou’s smile widened, and he leaned in, capturing her lips with his in a hungry kiss. As his hands roamed over her body, she found herself responding to his touch, her initial fear melting away under the heat of his gaze.

For a moment, the world outside the brothel disappeared. In that small, candlelit room, there was only the two of them, locked in a dance as old as time itself.

But even as Gojou lost himself in the moment, he knew what he was doing, and knew how to take what he wanted while keeping others at arm’s length. Lila might be beautiful and skilled, but she was just a temporary distraction—one he could enjoy before the real work began.

When their lips finally parted, Gojou looked down at her, “I’m here for a good time.”

Lila smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. She knew better than to expect anything more from a man like him. “Then I hope I can give you that,” she whispered.

Gojou didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled her onto the bed with him as she began removing his shirt and breeches. As they lost themselves in the moment, the outside world seemed to disappear, leaving only the soft sounds of their breathing and the flicker of candlelight against the walls.

But no matter how much he tried to distract himself, the thoughts of the treasure, the map, and the girl waiting outside the brothel lingered in the back of his mind. He had plans—big plans—and nothing, not even a night of pleasure, could make him forget that.

When morning came, Gojou left the brothel without a second glance. Lila watched him go from the window of the small room, a longing look in her eyes. She knew she would likely never see him again, but that was the way of things in her world.

As Gojou stepped out into the early morning light, the smell of the ocean and the sound of the docks greeted him like an old friend. He breathed it in, letting the cool air clear his mind. There was work to be done, and now that he was satisfied, he was ready to face whatever the day had in store.

He couldn’t help but smirk at the thought of you waiting for him outside the brothel. You had no idea what you were getting yourself into, but that was what made the game so much fun.

Gojou adjusted his coat, the fabric settling around his shoulders like a second skin and began to walk toward the docks where you were waiting. And he couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out.

The morning sun rose higher in the sky, painting the harbor with a golden hue as you made your way back to the docks. That asshole had told you to, “stay there” and never came back out and so you decided to head home and come back the next day with a packed bag.

As you approached the gangplank, a figure stepped into your path. The man was tall and broad-shouldered with a stoic expression.

“State your business,” he demanded, his voice low.

“I’m here to join the crew, I believe Captain Gojou should have mentioned me.”

The man’s gaze lingered on you for a moment longer before he gave a curt nod. “Name’s Nanami,” he said, stepping aside to allow you to pass. “Welcome aboard.”

As you took in your surroundings, another figure approached, his demeanor more relaxed. Then it hit you, he was the man staring at you the other day! You should have known he worked for Captain Gojou with that creep behavior.

He was tall, with long, dark hair that was half up half down. “You must be the new recruit,” he said, a small smile playing on his lips. “I’m Getou. The captain mentioned we’d be having a new addition.”

You nodded, offering a small smile in return. “It’s nice to meet you, Getou.”

Getou gestured for you to follow him as he led you further onto the deck. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to the rest of the crew.”

Getou led you to a group gathered near the ship’s wheel, their conversation halting as you approached. They turned to face you with guarded expressions.

“This is Shokou,” Getou said, nodding toward a woman with short, tousled hair and a cigarette dangling from her lips. Her sharp eyes raked over you, seemingly assessing your worth.

“Welcome,” she said simply, her voice roughened by years of smoking and perhaps too many nights spent at sea.

Next, Getou pointed to a man standing off to the side, his arms crossed over his broad chest. He was tall and muscular, with a scar running down the side of his mouth.

“That’s Toji,” Getou continued. “He’s the muscle around here.”

Toji’s gaze narrowed as he began to speak, “Hope you know what you’re getting into.”

“I do,” you replied, though you weren’t entirely sure you believed it yourself.

“And these two,” Getou said, gesturing toward a pair of younger men, “are Yuuji and Yuuta. Don’t let their age fool you—they’re damn good at what they do.”

Yuuji grinned at you, his boyish charm instantly putting you at ease. “Hey there! Glad to have you aboard.”

Yuuta, on the other hand, was more reserved. He nodded politely but remained silent, his gaze flickering between you and the others as if trying to gauge how you fit into this dynamic.

“And finally,” Getou said, his tone shifting slightly, “this is Ino. He’s our lookout.”

You glanced up to see a man perched high above the deck, sitting casually on one of the ship’s crossbeams. He gave you a cheeky grin and a two-fingered salute. “Nice to meet you!” he called down.

Before you could respond, a young boy appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. His dark hair was tousled, and his blue eyes were sharp.

“Who’s this?” the boy asked, his tone direct.

Getou smiled down at him before speaking again, “This is our new crewmember, Megumi. She’ll be joining us on our next voyage.”

Megumi’s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked you over. Finally, he nodded, as if coming to a decision. “Fine,” he said, “Just don’t slow us down.”

You couldn’t help but smile at the boy’s bluntness. “I’ll do my best.”

“Don’t mind Megumi,” Getou said with a chuckle. “He’s a good kid, just a bit rough around the edges.”

Before you could reply, a familiar voice rang out from behind you, making your heart skip a beat. “What’s all this fuss about?”

You turned to see Gojou striding across the deck. His white hair caught the sunlight, making him look almost ethereal in the morning light. 

“Ah, Captain,” Getou said with a nod, his tone respectful. “Just introducing our new crewmember.”

Gojou’s gaze flicked to you, and a slow smile spread across his face. “Well, well, if it isn’t my little map-keeper,” he drawled, clearly enjoying the way your cheeks flushed at the nickname.

The crew exchanged glances, intrigued by the dynamic between you and their captain. It was clear that Gojou held the authority among them, but there was also something more—a bond that went beyond the usual captain-crew relationship.

Gojou sauntered over to you, his gaze never leaving yours. “I trust you’re ready for what’s to come?”

You met his gaze head-on, refusing to let him see the doubt that gnawed at your insides. “I am.”

His smile widened, “Good. Then let’s not waste any more time.”

But as he turned to address the crew, you caught a glimpse of Getou watching you. Something was unsettling in his gaze, something that made your pulse quicken. He didn’t threaten you outright, but his presence alone was enough to keep you on edge.

“We set sail at first light tomorrow,” Gojou announced. “Make sure everything is in order by then. We’ve got a long journey ahead of us.”

The crew nodded in unison. When Gojou gave an order, it was clear that it would be followed without question.

As the crew began to disperse, Gojou lingered for a moment, his gaze once again settling on you. “Remember,” he said, his voice low enough that only you could hear, “you’re under my protection now. Don’t do anything to make me regret that.”

“Understood.”

Before you could say more, Getou stepped closer, “You know,” he began, “the captain isn’t the only one you should be careful around. We all have our own… quirks.”

You swallowed hard, unsure how to respond to his cryptic words. There was something about Getou that made you feel like you were constantly walking on eggshells—always one misstep away from falling into something dangerous. But you also sensed a strange camaraderie between him and Gojou, one that wasn’t easily understood by outsiders. It was as if they were two sides of the same coin.

Getou’s eyes bore into you though his smile never reached them. “You’ve got a lot to learn,” he said softly, almost as if he were speaking to himself. “But don’t worry. We’ll make sure you’re... properly educated.”

His words sent a chill down your spine, but before you could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving you standing alone on the deck. You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. 

As you tried to gather your thoughts, Shokou approached, her cigarette hanging loosely from her lips. She leaned against the railing beside you, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “Don’t let them get to you,” she said, her voice calm and steady. “They like to play mind games, especially with new recruits. It’s how they test you.”

You glanced at her, surprised by her comment “Is it always like this?” your voice barely above a whisper.

Shokou took a drag from her cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke before answering. “Pretty much,” she replied with a shrug. “But you’ll get used to it. Or you won’t. Either way, you’ll figure out how to survive. Just keep your wits about you, and don’t show fear. They respect strength.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” you said, forcing a small smile.

Shokou gave you a brief nod before pushing away from the railing. “Good. We’ll see how you fare when we’re out at sea.” With that, she turned and headed back to her duties, leaving you alone once again.

Despite his lighthearted nature, it was clear that Yuuji was highly skilled in his duties. He moved with the confidence of someone who had spent years at sea, and his knowledge of the ship was impressive. His easygoing demeanor helped to ease some of the tension that had been building within you, and you found yourself relaxing slightly in his presence.

“So, what made you decide to join up with us?” Yuuji asked as he showed you how to tie a particularly complex knot. “It’s not every day we get someone new on board, especially someone like you.”

You hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. “Let’s just say I’m looking for something,” you replied carefully. “And I believe this crew can help me find it.”

Yuuji raised an eyebrow, intrigued by your vague answer. “Well, whatever it is, you’ve got a good group to back you up,” he said with a grin. “Just be ready for anything. Life on this ship is never boring.”

You smiled, grateful for his friendliness. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As the day progressed, you found yourself slowly beginning to acclimate to the ship’s rhythm. The crew was a motley assortment of individuals, each with their own quirks and personalities, but they all shared a common goal—to survive and thrive in a world that sought to destroy them.

Nanami, with his stoic demeanor, kept a watchful eye on the crew, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Toji, though intimidating, seemed to have a grudging respect for those who prove

Eventually, you found yourself drawn to the stern of the ship, where the vast expanse of the sea stretched out before you. The waves lapped gently against the hull, their rhythmic motion almost soothing in its constancy. You leaned against the railing, letting the cool sea breeze wash over you as you tried to calm your racing thoughts.

But the peace was short-lived.

“Lost in thought?”

You jumped at the sound of Getou’s voice, whipping around to find him standing just a few feet away. He was leaning casually against the railing, his arms crossed over his chest, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.

“I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said, though the amusement in his eyes suggested otherwise.

You forced yourself to relax, though your heart was still pounding. “I was just… thinking,” you replied, hating how weak your voice sounded.

Getou’s smile widened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied you. “Thinking can be dangerous out here,” he said softly, his tone almost conspiratorial. “You never know what might come of it.”

You swallowed hard, trying to maintain your composure. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

For a moment, there was a tense silence between you, the air thick with unspoken tension. Getou’s gaze was intense, and you couldn’t shake the feeling that he was searching for something—some crack in your armor, some sign of weakness.

Finally, he pushed away from the railing, his smile fading into something more serious. “We all have our reasons for being here,” he said quietly. “Some of us are running from something, others are searching for something. But whatever the case, we’re all bound by the same fate.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. You could sense the darkness that lurked beneath his calm exterior, the madness that he kept carefully contained. And yet, there was also a strange sense of camaraderie, as if he was offering you a glimpse into the twisted reality that bound them all together.

Before you could respond, Getou straightened up, his usual carefree demeanor returning as he flashed you a grin. “Well, I’ll leave you to your thoughts,” he said with a wink. “Just remember—out here, nothing is as it seems.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving you alone with your thoughts once again. But this time, the weight of his words pressed down on you, making it harder to breathe. You had known from the start that joining this crew would be dangerous, but now, you were beginning to understand just how deep that danger ran.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the deck, you realized that this was only the beginning. The true test lay ahead, and you would need every ounce of strength and resolve to survive what was to come.

You took a deep breath, steeling yourself for the journey ahead. You had come this far, and there was no turning back now. No matter what challenges awaited you, you were determined to see this through to the end.

And as the ship’s crew prepared for the night, you couldn’t help but wonder what new horrors the darkness would bring.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the deck in a warm, golden glow. The crew moved with a sense of purpose, their faces hardened by years at sea. You had spent the day learning the ship's ropes, trying to familiarize yourself with the various tasks that would soon become part of your daily routine. But despite the activity around you, you couldn’t shake the tension that hung in the air, the unspoken understanding that this crew was different, that you were now part of something far more dangerous than you had imagined.

Gojou was nowhere to be seen, and while a part of you was relieved, another part of you couldn’t help but feel uneasy. His presence, or lack thereof, cast a shadow over the crew. Everyone was on edge, waiting for his next unpredictable move. It was clear that his control over the crew was absolute, his authority unquestioned, but it was also clear that this control was maintained through fear and the sheer force of his personality.

You spent the next few hours familiarizing yourself with the ship, trying to learn the ropes—both figuratively and literally. Yuuji, with his infectious enthusiasm, took it upon himself to show you around, explaining the various parts of the ship and introducing you to some of the other crew members.

As night fell, the crew gathered around a makeshift table on the deck, sharing stories and rations. You joined them, trying to blend in, but you could feel the tension in their ir at your presence. Getou sat across from you, his gaze never leaving your face. It was unsettling, to say the least.

“What’s the matter?” he asked, his voice low and filled with a dark amusement. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Just trying to get used to everything,” you grimaced.

“You’ll get used to it, or you’ll go mad trying. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see how you fare.”

The crew’s laughter and banter faded into the background as you focused on Getou’s words. And you would find out just what kind of person Gojou Satoru really was, even if it meant facing the darkness within yourself.

By the time dawn broke the sky was painting the sky with streaks of pink and gold, you had barely slept at all. But there was no time to dwell on your fears. As you climbed out of your bunk and stepped onto the deck, you were greeted by the sight of the crew already hard at work. The air was cool and crisp, the scent of salt and seaweed filling your lungs as you took a deep breath and tried to steady your nerves.

You were determined to prove yourself, to show the crew—and yourself—that you had what it took to survive in this world. But as you made your way across the deck, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were being watched. Again. The hairs on the back of your neck stood on end, and you glanced around, searching for the source of the unease.

It didn’t take long to find it.

Standing near the bow of the ship, his tall figure silhouetted against the rising sun, was Gojou Satoru. He was watching you with an expression that was impossible to read. For a moment, you were frozen in place, caught in his gaze like a moth trapped in a spider’s web.

Then, with a casual wave of his hand, Gojou beckoned you over.

Your heart skipped a beat, but you forced yourself to move, your legs carrying you toward him as if they had a mind of their own. The deck seemed to stretch out endlessly before you, every step heavy with the weight of your fear and uncertainty.

When you finally reached him, Gojou smiled—a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Good morning,” he said, “Sleep well?”

You hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The truth was that you hadn’t slept well at all, but something told you that admitting that would only amuse him. So instead, you simply nodded, forcing yourself to meet his gaze.

“Good,” Gojou said, “Because we’ve got a lot to do today, and I need everyone at their best.”

He gestured to the horizon, where a small, rocky island was just beginning to come into view. It was shrouded in mist, its jagged cliffs rising up like the teeth of some ancient beast. “That’s our destination for today,” he explained. “We’ll be making landfall in a few hours. And I expect you to be ready.”

By mid-morning, the ship was closing in on the island, its rocky shores growing larger with each passing minute. The mist clung to the cliffs, giving the place an eerie, otherworldly quality, and the crew fell silent as they worked, their usual banter replaced by a tense, almost reverent quiet.

You found yourself standing at the rail, staring out at the island as it loomed closer and closer. But before you could dwell too much on the uncertainty of what lay ahead, a voice broke through the silence, low and steady.

“First time heading to an island like this?” You turned to find Nanami standing beside you. 

“Yes,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve never been anywhere like this before.”

Nanami nodded, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. “Most haven’t,” he said. “These places... they’re different. Dangerous. But they’re also where the greatest treasures are found. That’s why we’re here.”

“Stick close to the crew,” Nanami advised, his tone more serious than you had ever heard it. “Trust your instincts, but also trust the people around you. We’ve been through this before, and we know what to expect. But that doesn’t mean it will be easy.”

The island was just ahead, its cliffs towering over the ship and the crew was already preparing to lower the anchor. As the ship drew closer, the mist began to lift, revealing more of the island’s rugged terrain. The cliffs were dotted with caves, their dark mouths gaping open like the jaws of some great beast. The water at the base of the cliffs was churning as if something below the surface was stirring, waiting for its next victim.

Your heart pounded in your chest as the crew moved with precision, each person knowing exactly what needed to be done. The anchor was dropped with a loud splash, and the ship came to a halt just off the shore, the waves crashing against the hull in a steady rhythm.

Gojou appeared at the bow, then, with a sharp nod, he turned to the crew. “We make landfall in ten minutes,” he announced, “Be ready for anything."

As the crew began to prepare the rowboats, you found yourself standing on the deck, staring out at the island. You knew that this was the moment of truth, the moment when you would find out if you truly had what it took to survive in this world.

But as you stood there, your thoughts racing, a hand suddenly clamped down on your shoulder, snapping you out of your reverie. You turned to find Getou standing beside you, his expression one of amusement.

“Shit! You scared me!” you gasped.

He chuckled lightly and asked, “Nervous?”

You swallowed hard, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. “A little,” you admitted.

Getou chuckled, his hand squeezing your shoulder in what was probably meant to be a reassuring gesture. “Don’t worry,” he replied, “Stick with me, and you’ll be fine. Just remember—no one makes it through this life unscathed. But that’s what makes it interesting, don’t you think?”

You nodded, though his words did little to ease the knot of anxiety that had formed in your stomach. But before you could say anything else, Gojou’s voice rang out across the deck, signaling that it was time to go.

The crew began lowering the rowboats into the water and preparing to make the journey to land. You followed their lead, as you climbed into one of the boats, trying to steady yourself as the small vessel rocked beneath you.

Getou was right behind you, his presence was slightly comforting. As the crew began to row, the island seemed to get larger and larger, its cliffs rising like the walls of an impenetrable fortress. 

The rowboats eventually made landfall as the crew pushed them onto the shore and began walking inland.

As you ventured further inland, the mist began to dissipate, revealing more of the island's rugged terrain. The path ahead was narrow, bordered by cliffs on one side and dense, twisted foliage on the other.

Gojou led the way as if he had been here before, though you knew that couldn’t be true. The island was uncharted, its secrets known only to those who had dared to venture here in search of its hidden treasures—and those who had survived to tell the tale were few and far between.

Despite the intensity of the situation, you couldn't help but notice how the crew operated. They moved as one, each member knowing their role, their place in the hierarchy clear. You were an outsider here, but their union was a testament to the strength of their bond. It was a bond that had kept them alive through dangers that would have broken lesser men.

As the group moved deeper into the island, the path began to climb, the terrain growing more difficult with each step. The cliffs loomed high above you, casting long shadows that stretched across the ground like grasping fingers. The vegetation grew denser, the trees twisted and gnarled, their branches reaching out like skeletal arms.

The atmosphere became thinner and it made it harder to breathe. The island felt alive in an almost unnatural way as if it were aware of your presence. It was as if the island itself was a living entity, watching, waiting.

Gojou paused at the top of a particularly steep hill, his gaze fixed on something in the distance. The rest of the crew stopped as well, their attention shifting to whatever had caught Gojou’s eye. You followed their gaze, squinting against the harsh light of the rising sun.

At first, you saw nothing out of the ordinary. Just more rocks, more trees, more shadows. But then, as the mist began to clear further, you saw it—an ancient, crumbling structure, half-hidden by the overgrowth. It was a ruin, its walls covered in moss and ivy.

“This is it,” Gojou said, his voice filled with an almost childlike excitement. “This is what we came for.”

It didn’t look like much—a forgotten relic of an era that was long gone, abandoned, and left to decay in the middle of this god forsaken island. But the way Gojou spoke, and the way the crew reacted, made it clear that this place was important. 

“Everyone, stay sharp,” Gojou continued, “We don’t know what’s inside, and we don’t know who—or what—might be guarding it.”

The crew nodded in silent agreement, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons. The air was thick with tension, the kind that precedes a storm. You could feel it in your bones, a deep, primal fear that made your skin prickle and your stomach churn.

But there was no turning back now. The closer you got, the more you could see the details—intricate carvings in the stone, eroded by time.

The entrance to the ruin was a gaping maw, its stone archway cracked and crumbling. The darkness was the kind that seemed to swallow any light that dared to enter. You hesitated at the threshold, your instincts screaming at you to turn back, to flee from this place, and never look back.

But before you could act on those instincts, Gojou stepped forward, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him. “Stay close,” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. “We go in together, and we come out together.”

With that, he led the way into the darkness. The crew followed without hesitation, their trust in Gojou was evident in the way they moved as one, their footsteps echoing through the silent ruin.

You took a deep breath and stepped inside, the darkness swallowing you whole. The air was cool and damp, the scent of earth and decay filling your nostrils. The walls were close, the space narrow and claustrophobic, the only light coming from the torches carried by the crew.

The further you went, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. The darkness seemed to press in on you, the weight of the earth above bearing down on your shoulders. You could hear the sound of your own breathing, the rapid thud of your heart in your chest. Every step felt like a descent into the unknown, into a place where the rules of the world no longer applied.

The crew moved with caution, their eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger. Gojou led the way, his torch held high, casting flickering light on the walls around you. The carvings continued, more detailed and complex the deeper you went, telling a story that you couldn’t quite decipher.

But then, the path began to widen, the walls falling away to reveal a large, open chamber. The ceiling was high, disappearing into the darkness above, the floor uneven and littered with ground roots amongst other things. In the center of the chamber was a large stone altar, its surface covered in ancient symbols that glowed faintly in the torchlight.

Gojou approached the altar, his expression one of awe and reverence. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the surface of the stone, and as he did, the symbols came to life, glowing with an intense, otherworldly light.

But before anyone could react, the ground beneath your feet began to shake. The walls trembled, dust and debris falling from the ceiling as the very earth seemed to come alive. The altar pulsed with energy, the light growing brighter, and more intense until it was blinding.

You threw up your hands, shielding your eyes from the searing light. The hum grew louder, the ground shaking violently, and you felt a surge of panic rise in your chest. And then, just as soon as it had started, it stopped.

The light faded, the ground stilled, and the chamber was plunged back into darkness. The only sound was the ragged breathing of the crew.

Gojou was the first to move, lowering his hands and turning to face the crew, there was a glint in his eyes, a hint of something that made your blood run cold.

“Well,” he said, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife. “It looks like we’ve found what we were looking for.”

cursed seas taglist: @jaegersity @moonlightlexie @sorcerersseestars

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[cubansinmiami]

Adventures in the Land of Miami Cyber Patriotism: A Galactic Quest for the Trump-Adoring Cuban Clown

Once upon a time, I felt lower than a gopher's basement. Deep inside, I realized I hadn't lifted a finger to support my fellow Trump-loving Cuban patriots, who didn't have a penny-pinching web's napkin sketch to let the world know how much they venerate Trump's lighthouse and spiritual guide, Fidel Castro. I swear, I'd looked everywhere! I scoured the web high and low, but it was like searching for a grain of sand in a digital desert. Zilch. Nada. I couldn't find a Trump-loving Cuban in cyberspace if my life depended on it!

The Trump-adoring Cuban diaspora vegetates in an unfathomable, pitch-black cybernetic darkness!

One rainy day, I woke up to the sound of thunder and decided to right a wrong. I had to do something because, damn it, my fellow Cuban wannabe dictators deserve a chance to let the world know that they are fourth-class clowns! It is a matter of principles and patriotism!

Thus, I said to myself: Let's build a Trump-ass-kissing website that the Cuban patriots can use to bow down to Donald Trump, their new master of choice, as well as to be reminded that they couldn't get enough of their former master of choice, Fidel Castro.

Some venture it was!

I am usually busy, but pulling the Cuban Trump-loyalist pretenders out of the twilight zone was a religious commendation, and I felt compelled to fulfill it.

I took a deep breath and made up my mind. Let's fight to make our Miami Cuban Trumpist jingoists famous in the world of the internet!

First, of course, I had to actually make sure that the Trump-loving Miami Cubans were not even listed in the free Yellow Pages. Next, I rushed to my computer and started searching online, in English, of course. Wait, I know, I know! Don't jump to conclusions just yet. I know that the Miami Cuban Trump-patriots are diehard republicans and have issues with Mary being a boy and Tom being a girl, but English is, I believe, what Donald Trump jives with.

I tried Cubans for Trump to begin with because I was almost certain I would bring home the bacon, and BINGO, I landed on a page that sells premium domains!

WOW! THERE WAS A 305 NUMBER TO CALL AND A GMAIL ADDRESS TO MAKE AN OFFER! LOOK AT THIS! ANY OFFER! THEY ACCEPT ANYTHING!

Hold your horses! Did I say Gmail? Are you kidding me? They sell premium domains and can't spare a few bucks for a decent email address?! What a joke! I was off to a rough start.

I didn't desperate. though. Actually, I tried again. But, this time, I looked for Cubans 4 Trump with a 4, because the original patriots who blocked me for calling them, well, idiots, used the number 4.

Strike two! This one is even worse. It doesn't even open, and even Google gets scared. "Don't open it!" screams the alert.

Is it going to work in Spanish?

It looks like English doesn't always work in America. So, I decided to try my search in Spanish, which should have been my first option since Spanish is our mother tongue; but, you know, Trump-adoring idiots are weird, and you have to let them be.

I went to the search bar and tried everything that came to mind. Nothing. Zero. Nada. Cuban patriots are nowhere to be found! A sad reality just hit me in the face.

I had the answer to my doubts. Nobody hears my fellow Cuban patriots screaming louder and louder for Trump because they are cyber-invisible in the 21st century, mind you. And, that bothers me because, yes, it's true that the most ardent Cuban nitwits cheerleading Trump can hardly pay for a croqueta at the Versailles restaurant, but they could, at least, pretend a little harder and come together with a few bucks to pay for a moderately decent website, which doesn't cost that much. Is it patriotic stinginess, is it?

At this point, I wasn't feeling optimistic at all. The situation was rather depressing, and I felt it wasn't fair.

My time to shine had come!

I've dedicated part of my life to helping others, and the Trump-heart-hugging Cuban idiots are, well, that, but they are human beings and, on average, Cubans like me who need to express themselves.

I bought a cheap domain and designed a starter webpage to give them a space. It's the least I could've done in the name of freedom of expression and democracy.

[nothingunrealistic]

Throughout the course of Billions, characters have conspired to take down their enemies with comically elaborate schemes. It’s only natural, then, that the series finale, “Admirals Fund,��� hinges on one last con. With self-made billionaire Mike Prince (Corey Stoll) shaping up to be the next POTUS, longtime adversaries Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) work together to take away the one thing that legitimizes Prince’s candidacy: his wealth. As Prince goes to meet with the current (albeit unnamed) president at Camp David—a tacit acknowledgement that he’s the front-runner in the upcoming election—Chuck and Axe set about orchestrating his downfall. At the Southern District of New York’s offices, Chuck tells his staff that they’re now investigating six of the United States’ largest national gas companies for potential collusion with China, Russia, and Iran. Meanwhile, Philip Charyn (Toney Goins), who has the final say on all trades at Michael Prince Capital and has secretly soured on his boss, goes about putting all of the company’s funds into the natural gas sector. Once the SDNY’s investigation is leaked to the press as Chuck intended, the stocks crater and MPC’s risk-management algorithm sells all of the natural gas positions once they become worthless. (Since Prince doesn’t have access to his phone at Camp David, he’s oblivious to all of this going down.) By the time Chuck holds a press conference announcing that the investigation amounted to nothing but hearsay—thereby allowing the natural gas stocks to rebound—Prince’s entire portfolio has been wiped out. As for Axe, he ensures that his former Axe Capital employees are spared from the carnage by siphoning their money into a secret internal fund. In one fell swoop, Prince loses his throne. With that, Billions arrives at its own version of a happy ending: Chuck reclaims his dream job at SDNY, Axe revives his hedge fund, Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff) embraces a new challenge as the CEO of a telehealth company, and Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon) leaves the world of finance for philanthropy. (While Prince’s company is destroyed and his presidential aspirations are extinguished, his consolation prize is the $100 million he tucked away at Black-owned banks to secure Killer Mike’s endorsement.) Still, even as Billions ends, it’s hard to imagine these characters ever winding down—in the spirit of the show’s innumerable pop culture references, the action is the juice. Of course, the world of Billions isn’t going anywhere: as Showtime announced earlier this year, as many as four spinoffs are in development. (The working titles for two of these projects: Millions and Trillions; I’m not kidding.) With the Writers Guild of America strike only just ending—and the Screen Actors Guild still negotiating with studios—there haven’t been any meaningful updates on these spinoffs. But for the time being, series cocreators Brian Koppelman and David Levien are more than happy to break down all things Billions. Below, we discuss the challenge of ending a show with such a deep ensemble, what goes into executing a long con, and the celebrity cameos that could have been.

Good to see you guys again. Brian, I haven’t seen you since you kicked my ass in tennis, but I’ve been trying to work on my game since. Brian Koppelman: Yeah, how’s that been going, man? Actually, it’s been going well. I won a tournament in Brooklyn last month, but it felt very fluky. It didn’t have any heavy hitters in the draw. Koppelman: All deep respect to you, but I’m not optimistic about your chances against me.

[Laughs] Fair enough. First of all, congrats on the finale. When you guys started Billions, did you already have an idea of how long the series would go on for, or were you taking it season by season and assessing after that? Brian Koppelman: I think the only way one can think about this is: Do you think at the beginning of something like this, it sets up to be the kind of story you could tell over a long period of time? Do the characters have enough of a charge in them, and does the world suggest the possibility for enough conflict and story and resonance to the society that you’re living in? For us, the answers to those questions were yes, and so it was like, well, let’s try. Each season, you empty the clip. Each season, you try to tell the absolute best story you can—you don’t save ideas. That’s what David Chase said, and that’s what Matt Weiner said, and that was our approach. But we did it weirdly, we had the first three seasons and we knew, if we can do it— David Levien: The broad strokes were mapped out. Koppelman: So then as you’re doing that, you start to think, OK, two more seasons out, and two more seasons out. In a way, yes, we certainly never felt like more than seven seasons was the right answer. At a certain point, Billions watchers were not casual fans. They were people who watched the show more than once and really invested in the canted world that these characters live in. Getting that kind of response, knowing that if we had a character have an odd enthusiasm or interesting reverence, that there were a lot of people out there to catch what we were throwing, that really does act as fuel.

With a show like this, what’s the biggest challenge in landing the plane? My mind goes straight to just how loaded and talented the ensemble is, and trying to give every character a worthy sendoff. Levien: Yeah, that was a big part of it. We wanted to have a good resolution for so many different characters. Over the course of the final season, we wanted to revisit tons of guest stars, and then for the core group, we had a good amount of people that needed a moment. Also, a lot of different pairings of people that needed to have resolution. It was a question of balancing that valedictory stuff with wrapping up the plot in an exciting way, so that you weren’t sitting there, having stopped moving, basically for the goodbyes. That’s what we spent the most time on: balancing in the final episode how to unfurl the big plot moves, and filtering in all of the more emotional stuff.

The public perception of billionaires has evolved quite a bit since the start of the series—there’s more scrutiny, and even animosity. Did that affect not just your approach to the series, but how you introduced a new foil like Mike Prince? Levien: Yeah, I mean that totally informed it. When we started, we were very focused on these hedge fund billionaires who really didn’t like to be in the spotlight, and they didn’t really advertise that they were building anything for the good of humanity. They all generally did some philanthropy, but even that wasn’t super public. But then after a couple of years as we were into it, we started to realize that there was this new kind of a billionaire who maybe came from venture capital, or was an inventor, or in private equity or something, and they were bringing these ideas to benefit mankind and help everybody. Koppleman: But putting air quotes around [benefiting mankind], we didn’t find that credible. Levien: Maybe they tried, but the idea that by virtue of all the success, they had all the answers in every field, and that politics was a natural extension of that. So yeah, Mike Prince got introduced as this wonderful guy who had all the answers and didn’t even show you that he was competitive. Because he was so warm and cuddly, like a cuddly monster as he calls himself. But then as you spend more time with him, you start to see the darker hues that everybody gets alarmed by. Koppelman: But also, Miles, your question is interesting because it comes from a very particular point of view—of geography, age, profession. In fact, it’s not true, right? It’s true in the microcosm, it’s completely not true in the macro. I mean, look at Shark Tank and Mark Cuban in the world, and yes, one may decry Elon [Musk], but just go online today and say something bad about him. It’s interesting that you asked the question. I would ask you to actually probe that because you stated it like it’s a fact, but it’s a fact for a group of people who feel a certain way. Perhaps we’re in that group of people with you, who have a jaundiced eye toward that kind of power. But one of the things we learned in making the show was that in our minds, Axe was never the hero of the show. From Episode 6 of the first season on, we slowly reveal that Axe is essentially the kind of utilitarian who would let a guy die for a little more money and security. And we were shocked that the audience loved him even more. Levien: They thought he was a badass for that. Koppelman: We were revealing that, yes, this guy’s charming and powerful and charismatic and has great verbal skills and is a winner. But you—us—should regard him with huge amounts of suspicion, and a huge amount of awareness for the destructive power that’s on the flip side of all the gifts. At the same time, that’s when the country elects Trump—at the end of the first season, that’s when that happened. We were watching the culture in a wrestling match about this question. Perhaps for you it’s settled, but I don’t think it’s settled for most of America.

I guess I would counter that with the guild strikes. Obviously, it’s more specific to our industry, but the last time the writers were on strike, there wasn’t as much public support for it. When you lay out the facts for people, fewer will side with the studios and these wealthy executives. We don’t have to get into all that, and maybe it’s not a true consensus, but I feel like— Koppelman: That’s the media. I mean, fans of the show couldn’t help getting some kind of wish fulfillment thing going with Axe. It’s like Tony Soprano or Walter White. People might not get the right message from it. They might just idolize these people. Koppelman: I’m really interested in what we’re going to discover about these kinds of people. I understand why we all would decry them. I’m really interested in why they’re effective so we can learn from it as a society. It’s fascinating to explore it, for me, with curiosity.

Diving into the finale—hopefully it goes without saying that this is a compliment—but seeing all the characters and the way they orchestrated Prince’s downfall, it almost felt like something out of an Ocean’s movie. These long cons—and seeing how all the pieces fall into place—have been one of the show’s biggest calling cards. As the creative architects behind these moments, what goes into making a long con and executing it well? Koppelman: Imperfect information. Levien: To the audience. Koppelman: Right. The thing that makes someone good at poker is understanding how to look at imperfect information, and if you’re telling a story, it’s how to distribute information with holes in it that might lead somebody a certain way. You know, it’s this old [Quentin] Tarantino thing, where he talked about the challenge of audiences being so sophisticated. They’ve ridden the roller coaster so many times that they start leaning left before the roller coaster banks left. Quentin’s point is that, as a creator, you have to find a way to get them leaning left and then whip right.

One thing that struck me this season was the emphasis on self-improvement from the characters. For instance, Chuck chose to help Ira with the cellphone sex tape scandal instead of throwing him under the bus. Characters didn’t necessarily change who they were as much as becoming better versions of themselves. What inspired that shift? Levien: There has to be some kind of evolution. For some characters, they can change more. Taylor can take a stride and finally deploy money in a way that’s going to be philanthropic. For someone like Chuck, he’s not going to change completely elementally, but he can still take steps—small steps. That reflected a reality to us and yet it stayed true to his character. It’s an interesting contrast to Prince. The other characters are willing to acknowledge their flaws and work on them, whereas Prince can only choose to believe that he’s a righteous person. Levien: That’s something that we were working with, which is that the main characters ultimately looked at who they were and knew who they were. He was the one guy who was in denial, and that was his fatal flaw.

The characters on Billions have been driven by constant schemes to acquire more power or money—or both—and it’s hard to imagine that stopping just because the show is ending. Have you put any thought into where you see characters like Axe, Chuck, Taylor, and Wendy in five or 10 years? Koppelman: It’s real intentional what Axe’s last lines are. We don’t really talk in terms of statements we’re trying to make. But he’s someone with all those options in life, all those tools, all that money, all that ability to buy freedom, to have freedom. Yet the only place that he feels really alive is talking to this group of mostly men and saying, “Let’s make some fucking money.” There is something about that that we wanted to leave you with, and have you think about. We hope you’ll consider why that made you feel the way it made you feel. We watched [the finale] in a theater recently and [the audience] was cheering [for Axe], and it’s like, well, why? What are you cheering for, exactly? We’re really interested in that question.

One of the joys of Billions is seeing all the celebrity cameos, and this season you got the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Triple H, and Killer Mike. Are there any celebrities at the top of the wishlist who didn’t appear on the show? Koppelman: Tiger Woods was the only clean turndown. With Tiger, there was nothing we could do. [Woods’s longtime agent Mark Steinberg] just wrote back, “No.” We know from someone that Tiger watches the show and he likes the show. But the answer was no. There is one heartbreak, and we haven’t said this to anyone, but we were really close to getting the great Steve Harvey on our show. Really? Levien: He was extremely difficult to get to. Even considering all the people that we got, he was the toughest. Koppelman: We had a really special thing we’d written for Steve Harvey and we could never quite make it. Sadly, there was a scheduling snafu and he was on a Zoom that we didn’t know about, waiting for us. And you do not make a man like Steve Harvey wait. It’s crushing to us—we hope that whatever we do next, we can find a way to get Mr. Harvey to show up just one day. One day with Mr. Harvey and my entire life would be better.

Showtime already told me that you don’t have any updates on the Billions spinoffs. Instead, I’ve got a pitch for you guys: I’m thinking Maestro Scooter at the New York Philharmonic going full Lydia Tar. Levien: When Scooter gets the baton in his hand, he starts to become a driven maniac. Koppelman: I think you’ll understand, Miles, that under normal circumstances, of course we would welcome you into the writers room. But we can’t poach from Bill Simmons, and that’s the only reason. Otherwise, we would tell you to create that for us under our umbrella. But we have to close that umbrella because we’re under Bill’s umbrella. (Editor’s note: Koppelman and Levien hosted a Billions podcast with The Ringer during Season 5.) Of course, the separation of church and state. I understand. I just wanted to throw it out there, and obviously you’ll be hearing from my lawyers if Maestro Scooter does happen. Koppelman: I feel if you write this without acknowledging the tennis loss, you’re not including your bias in the piece. Levien: It’s going to be one of those profile-y things where it’s like, “Koppelman likes to bully about his tennis.” Wow, you had to bring up the loss again. Koppelman: I think of it as a win.

[survivor-marieta-islands]

Episode 1: "Why do I hear Boss Music?"—Zee

Antigua

Steven

Hey y’all!!! I’m just your average line cook that is sweating his ass off in the summer heat. If I’m not working then I’m probably watching reality tv or playing something Pokémon related.

Ellie

HIIII have y'all missed me?? the original idol and immunity giving snake queen has returned to her throne of ninth place. I have missed this omg, I haven't been super active bc of college and shit but thankfully i am in an alliance (hate the feeling of not being in one) with my bestie baes Raffy and Colin called chaos CREw (see what we did there) I genuinely want to play with them and have us be f3 just bc i think it would be fucking hilarious!!! bye party people, ttyl

Jinx

AUGUST 10th, 2023 (2:22PM) CURRENTLY: Watching two GAY PEOPLE play Phasmophobia while queueing a playlist of 557 KPOP songs. BACKGROUND: This season Jinx wants to try to focus more on written confessionals as it’s what is most accessible for the majority of people and they did tell people in their intro that they’re a writer, afterall. In an effort to bring some humor, honesty and flair to their Survivor Stings ORG experience they are trying to adopt their detective persona from Raccoon City in the voice of Noir Spiderman from Spiderverse (with some Barbie energy tbh). It is very very likely that they’ll abandon or forget or just be completely against this persona fearing it is cringe beyond measure – but they may also keep it up as it’s kinda fun. Either way, they’re writing and that is a feat. A writer who doesn’t write is simply a flop.

LMAOO ANYWAYS I don’t know how to be serious in this type of way completely but I was feeling myself when writing the above so I will accept it and move on. If I’m not consistent with it, at least I tried! Which is really what this season is about on a personal level for me. It’s about meeting myself where I’m at. I expressed to Jay in my confessional that I’m frustrated at the current state of personal affairs even if it is temporary.

Coming into this season of Stings, I feel like I have a lot to give back and a lot left to express. Two seasons in a row, while I have nothing to regret about the games I have played – I have regrets about the personal relationships I have failed to maintain and the ones I failed to cultivate. I remember everyone from both seasons, I actually do care about them, I also know that these personal feelings may not align with others personal feelings about me. That it might not be what other people feel from me due to my absence. Due to my inability to have a good social game particularly last season. Saying yes to Stings this season, I was optimistic about the direction my life was heading and still am. More so, about the environments, the time I’d have, the attitude I’d come in with. It wouldn’t be burdened with the same struggle I have come into the last two seasons with and in a way – it isn’t.

In a way, I am simply sick of my own shit which may add to the judgment I am placing on myself. Not only judgment but the idea that my presence was really of THAT much importance to anyone in or out of game. I wanted to be much more confident and self assured that I would be different this time, not just disappear post season because of life circumstances as if not everyone has life get in the way. I know now I am still being kinder to myself than I have in the past – I do not write this with actual anger towards myself, striking disappointment, deep frustration but with a heavy sigh of here we go again. Though, with this awareness I know I can change my actions for the better. Even if I fail, I can try again. There’s an air of compassion that I’ve cultivated with and for myself. It’s definitely different than over a year ago when I first played Stings.

When I first played Stings – it was because Amy begged me to. Around six people had dropped out and she just needed a body, someone to play and be there. Paired with Raffy hosting – it was an easy sell. When falling down the rabbit hole of Survivor Stings, I didn’t expect to love an ORG or an environment or cast this much. I had just moved out, I was a mess on a level I knew of but never was allowed to investigate due to not being in a safe environment for so long until then. As I investigated, I was playing Survivor Stings. It’s weird to think that I am such a different person than I was even a year ago because as I’ve written this I don’t think I’ve given myself any faith, credit or hope that I am. I don’t even think I’ve expressed the changes and turns my life and myself have taken. I am so used to the disappointment that comes with failing that I forget how much I’ve succeeded and how far I’ve come. These are old narratives we sometimes tell ourselves when we don’t know how to write new ones. When we don’t know what the new ones will be. When it feels too scary to step into the greatness that we have earned because we are scared we are not worthy of it.

See me? I like knowing. To jump into the unknown always seems like a step back, even if I am of the risk taking variety, I like to take risks that are calculated. Moving cross country the way I have was the most uncalculated risk I have ever taken in my life and while it paid off – for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. This oversight has caused me to feel a fear I haven’t since I moved out, I have seen as I have fallen into old patterns that are just really indicative of what my comfort zone is and why I need it currently. Even though I sometimes sit in doubt thinking I cannot break the cycle, I know I already have many times before. I know that I will, again and again. I wanted to come into Survivor Stings this time without thinking of all this. I guess that was my mistake, to think that playing an online Survivor game wouldn’t unearth something in me as it always does. This time though – I am the least certain of what it (the unearthed) will be than I ever have been. For once, I’m not really sure who I’ll be at the end of this game (because yes, I hope and plan to be at the end of this game) and it doesn’t completely scare me to not know. Maybe I’ll let myself down. Maybe I’ll surpass my expectations more than I could have ever imagined. Maybe I’ll be first boot. Either way, I don’t know and I am not trying to control it. That’s how I’m coming into this game.

I’ve only played one other ORG this entire calendar year – which is a feat for me. I go into ORGs with a lot more intentionality now, though it may seem so serious to me to be writing this all – it’s just how I am as a person. Hyper verbal, overly invested, able to detach quickly and grateful for the opportunity to be attached to an ORG I admire so much. I love these games, no matter how many bad experiences I have (which are plenty), no matter how many times ORGs have made me abuse my Xanax prescription, I will never say I will retire. They connect me to a part of myself that I felt was long gone, they connect me to so many people who have changed my life for the better. I think sometimes the point is to show up for yourself where you’re at when playing these games and not detach from it because we won’t take much from these games otherwise. For me, ORGs are a practice of being present with myself, learning other people, playing a game that is fun and brings out parts of me to overanalyze and understand. To win doesn’t mean getting first place to me – though that would be nice this time around – to win would be to at peace with myself. To know I played the best game I possibly could, that I am proud of the game I played, that I know I rose to the occasion and didn’t shy away from it.

During FTC last season, in my closing speech I quoted something along the lines of: Faith isn’t free – it costs us our cynicism and demands we spend a lifetime practicing it. I have been in constant practice of feeding my cynicism to the abyss, hoping that the faith I cultivate from letting go of it is no longer blind but earned. No matter what, this is what I aim to practice this season. Faith. In myself, my decisions, my intuition and my gameplay. I think it’s time for me to let go of the fears, the imposter syndrome, the trauma and move forward because this is a chance to practice. We don’t get enough chances to practice this delicate process in everyday life. This is what I am protecting, this is what drives me to get to the end of this game. In this current life transition, the knowledge that this isn't permanent and I have the honor of shaping my game, myself, my future in however way I want to. I want to lead with faith. As I write that, I cry. Because I am so scared to put this into practice but that’s exactly why I have to. I deserve to give myself the chance. XOXO, Gossip Jinx

eman

I know I say this every time but this time I really mean it.

It's vibes.

No plans.

I'm gonna let the game carry me.

What happens happens.

Promise.

🫡

Colin

WOOO GO GERIATRIC TRIBE

the game started last night and i'm LOVING this. so many old jokes to be made. and made they shall be. some of these people are so old that I don't even know them, and i've been around since the birth of christ.

pre season i said that if I didn't have a night one alliance then i would have failed. and unfortunately i failed. but i do have the groundwork for several partnerships. Ellie broke the ice by saying f2, so that's a thing. I love working with Ellie but sometimes they're too chaotic for their own good.

I had a great lil game talk with Steven last night. we agreed that we're gonna play this game naturally, and just accept that previous relationships are going to be a factor (i mean its a fucking all stars game). Usually we try to avoid each other because everyone just EXPECTS us to work together, but none of that this time. I'd love to work closely with Steven, I've never gotten the chance to before.

I spent like 45 mins on the call with jinx after everyone else left, we bonded over past org trauma and both of us living in missouri. it was a nice lil meeting. I think I can see myself wanting to work with them. they're very interesting.

and ofc I wanna work with Amy. Amy is an absolute treasure to the community. AND WE LIVE LIKE 30 MINS FROM EACH OTHER??! so we've already planned to attend some tribals together and meet up for some coffee. it'll be such a gag. i'm excited.

thats what I got for first impressions. gonna spend the rest of the day playing flash games and seeing what else I can learn about people and how they feel about the game.

bye bye

Amy

The Olds tribe is ICONIC and I literally do not want to go to tribal so I hope we win. I am also currently playing a two day mini right when this game started so I haven't been great with initial connections. Just banking on the fact that I know most people to get me through for now. This whole cast is iconic. Gonna be a fun one!

Jinx

oh i have GOT to rethink playing orgs and working full time. thinking i need to quit my job -- thoughts? bad idea, right?

Steven

There is a lot of people from T&T here which is kinda stressful since it literally just happened. Will there be drama from last season going to affect this one? Who knows but it’s definitely not what I was hoping for when signing up for this game. I will say that I am thankful to be old. The last few games I felt a need to hide my past in orgs and play down aspects of it but since everyone on the tribe has played them for years I don’t see a need to lie about it. Hopefully with being able to be more free to talk about my past I will be able to connect to everyone easier. Also there is a decent amount of stings winners on the tribe which is also a benefit and since I don’t think I need to hide that I have won in the past as a worry for putting a target on my back. My biggest worry right now is im busy today so im not as social as I want to be. The plan is once I finish work tomorrow is to put my social game into full gear and get everyone to love me. I just need to do it before results are posted so it doesn’t look sus and im just doing to not get booted. From the looks of it though we are up a point (thanks to me) and are on track for two more. Cross my fingers and wish me luck

Maddison

HI HELLO SLUTS (not derogatory) Let's seeee what's goin on. I'm doing a MID job at socializing with everyone tbh I have a total of zero (read: zero) alliances at this point which is ~ not awesome ~ but I've been a busy adult sooooo anywho. Lots of people on this tribe with pre-existing relationships which could play out in a multitude of ways. Raffy is hella consistent with reaching out and is defo social butterflying through this thing right now. Jinx is CUTIE absolutely love them. I'm currently pretending to semi-care about Taylor Swift (i do not) but I think I'm doing a decent job heheh. I've talked to several other people but honestly haven't gotten too far into any discussions and I've had not one single strategy conversation yet. :-) flop era activated. This is so chaotic but I've had three cups of coffee and am just pretending this is my journal. What else uuuuhmmmm one of my biggest mistakes during TDF was not talking to everyone on the tribe at the top. I need to rectify that this go around but haven't gotten there yet. Maybe this evening I can dedicated some time to networking lmfaooo. Okay that's all. Stay tuned folks happy Sunday <3

eman

Remember how I said on day one that it was no strategy only vibes and that I was only gonna see where the game took me.

And how swear to god this time I was serious.

I was a lying liar who lied.

Day two saw me up at the buttcrack of dawn to go to a National park and also trying to get a photo of an alpaca.

It still didn't do any good. We still lost the scavenger hunt.

Thank god we still won as a team for other reasons.

I'm all crankypants about losing the scavenger hunt though.

But at least we're still winning as a team.

And hopefully other team vibes will carry me through. I'm not willing to name names yet.

Yet.

Colin

WOOO WE WON THE CHALLENGE. i'm so glad because I feel like if this tribe of icons was going to tribal so soon, it'd be an absolute toss up. everyone is really formidable and I don't think anyone would be leaving without a fight.

i've been talking game a little bit here and there. i talked with raffy today and we came up with a little plan for securing our spots on the tribe.

we both LOVE amy and jinx, so we're gonna try to align with them. honestly I was wanting to make a missouri alliance with amy and jinx anyway, and i'm certainly not opposed to working with raffy.

i was talking to ellie yesterday and they mentioned the cursed idea of us + raffy + steven. except I dont think it's that cursed. I think i'd actually love to work with all of them. I really wanna make it work between Steven and I, we've never gotten a chance to work so closely before.

SO we're also gonna try to set up a side alliance with those four. I think the raffy + amy + jinx will be my main alliance, but covering all my possible bases is great. the tribe is still pretty big so working with a lot of people is smart, otherwise you'll get blindsided by the people you're not working with.

JG

Steven

Zoe

hi hello WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING BACK HERE IN SURVIVOR I really and truly am a chicken with my head cut off this round I forget how to play BUT I do feel that I'm building good social bonds with a few people which could make for me being an excellent göat xoxo Also thank heck we didn't have to go to the first tribal because I'm positive I would have been voted out lol

eman

Feelings and all . . . where would eman be without feelings. I dunno, man.

Idol hunt started and I found a backpack that had a metal detector and because I'm a Scorpio who can't keep a secret I went running. Why'd I go running to Amy, I don't even know, something told me to and that SOMETHING was right . . .

Cuz Amy had already been idol hunting and she got somewhere that said she needed a metal detector and whadaya know she's now let me in on her idol hunting.

So . . . maybe something's gonna happen . . .

We'll see.

It's weird that I'm pathologically incapable of carrying on a simple conversation IRL and yet incredibly good at the social game in Stings.

This tribe is nice.

Soup to nuts.

Raffy

This game is going to be intense from start to finish. I can feel it. I'm going to have to be extremely strategic to navigate through this mess. Here is my first impression of the cast:

1. Colin: We have never really gotten the chance to work together deep into a game. I feel like when we work together we always end up never going far together lol. Maybe that means I should not work with them, but I will try to feel them out. I can definitely see them being able to play more low-key and navigate easily through this tribe. Definitely not a name that can be thrown out easily.

2. Ellie: It is not a question of "if"; it is a question of "when" Ellie and I will work together. We always manage to get backed into the same corners in games so we also end up being forced to work together. I know if I need someone to flip or give me information, I can rely on them to give me what I need. What will be interesting is if we land on different sides. Though I can see Eman adopting Ellie and Ellie working with Maddison, Jinx, and Zo. Honestly I think Ellie has the most open game on my tribe so I think I want to get on their good side for the time being.

3. Eman: I don't know where I stand with Eman. I'm unsure if they will come for me for being amazing. I'll have to feel them out and get to know them more. However, currently, they are on my shortlist of people to get voted out of this tribe only because I am really unsure where I would stand.

4. Jinx: Jinx is going to be loyal to me 1000% if I am loyal to them back. However, I really don't know if I want to work with Jinx in this game because I like to shake things up and I don't know if our goals will align with who we want to work with. I wanna see who they get on with. I also worry that Jinx will be a late pre-merge boot if they get swap screwed. Though it is incredibly hard to turn down a guaranteed number and safety.

5. Maddison: A person I've never played with before! Her and Zo are the wildcards of the group. I just have a strong feeling they will work with Ellie and Zo. Those 3 kind of give off similar energy. But, I might want to be the fourth in that alliance. I really don't wanna vote her out, but she would be on my shortlist if it came down it.

6. JG: JG is a great guy. He's very loyal which is good. He hasn't been too online for the premiere which is always a worry since people might see you as inactive. But, he has a board game night with his friends so we'll see. I just don't know how JG will fit into any combination of alliances with people so I think he might already be on the outs? But that's just my worry since I do wanna work with him, I just don't see who would want to work with him with me. I'll put him on the shortlist of people too only because I feel like everyone would.

7. Steven: I love Steven so much. Do I want to work with Steven this game? Honestly I am not sure. I love talking to him so would love to get the chance to work with him again, but idk I get the vibe we might be on different sides. I think he'll definitely try to work with Colin and Amy. He might even bring in JG. Maybe that's the side that opposes the Ellie, Maddison, Zo (and maybe Eman) side that I've already conjured up in my head.

8. Zo: I want to work with her so bad. I've only talked with her for like 10 minutes, but I can already tell she's great and will be beneficial. Seems like an easy person to get along with and will be a way in for people I don't talk to. Very social butterfly. Very much how Ellie and I work together. I just hope she vibes with me. I would hate to be on opposite sides.

9. Amy: I fucking stan Amy so hard. I would love to work with Amy in this game. I kind of want to push Amy as my shield and cut her near the end so that I can win. A little bit of role reversal on my part. We'll have to see what her schedule is like though for this game as that kinda determines her activity lol.

Overall, I feel pretty good about this tribe. I think most people will see me as helpful rather than detrimental for the pre-merge phase. I think if I just chill and not game too hard that I'll be able to survive at least all of pre-swap. I'm too valuable during the pre-merge to let go at this point in time.

The other tribe definitely has some characters and threats. I do not trust Clefford, putting that out there. He's a devious little scamp. Trinica is an icon and would love to work with them, but I think we need to work together in pre-merge first because I wanna establish a rapport with them before I work with them in this game. AJ and Zee are definitely on my shortlist only because they are literally so chaotic that I think Ellie would be swayed into joining them. If they made it to merge, it's gonna be Ellie, Maddison, AJ, Zee, and Zo. Oh and Adeline is probably ALREADY working with AJ and Zee so add them onto that alliance too lol. Ellie is foaming at the mouth to work with Adeline again. I already know. Just watch. Love seeing Hairie and Brandi back. I feel like they are going to work together.

Sin Sazonar

Trinica

First impression: FUCK Second impression: DOUBLE FUCK

Basically, all the cool cats are on the oldies tribe, so my little babies tribe is screwed in this first challenge. Clefford wasn't around to pick a category so got put on pro gamers when he doesn't have a freaking computer and then immediately submitted super low scores instead of talking to his teammates about it, Shawn asked to do Popularity but seems to have only posted on social media instead of in VLs, Hairie was on trivia because he was quite literally the only one of us willing to do it who seemed to have seen a ton of Survivor but he lost because Steven is a superfan, and Tanner has now been moved to the scavenger hunt, a challenge he historically flopped on in Trinidad & Tobago. Like he only submitted 2 items and didn't do them correctly so didn't get any points for it. The ONLY section I think we have a chance at is 3-2-1.

It's honestly just hard to fight against the other tribe! They've been playing orgs longer than us, they're more familiar with Stings as a series, they likely have some challenge know-how/strategy that we don't. I have never played these flash games in my life. You know who probably has played them for hours and hours? Colin and Raffy. And maybe JG but I don't know them.

Not just that, this season is basically North Sea Reunion, which puts me at an immediate disadvantage. Maaaybe I'd have a shot if I was with Jinx and Raffy (or Colin and Steven since I've hosted them). But no, I'm stuck on a tribe with Zee who has seen me blindside AJ, AJ who has been blindsided by me, Hairie who has been blindsided by me, Clefford who has been blindsided by me, Arvin who has been blindsided by me, and Brandi who I never played with but who knows I won. Plus Tanner, who is tight with Hairie and AJ, and Del, who has connections to Clefford and Hairie. I just don't see a world in which A) we don't lose, and B) I'm not first boot.

Some may say I'm being defeatist (*cough* Jay *cough*) but I think I'm being realistic. This is a season I am simply not destined to go far in. My only hope is to convince people I'm good at challenges so should be kept until merge, and I'm a good meat shield.

Tanner

I’m feeling connected to Adeline others there isn’t game talk

Zee

Ok so right now I'm kind of feeling like a kid on their first day of school in a new school, I don’t know anyone and I want to make friends but it seems like everyone already knows each other and I’m just the new kid on the block. I am however taking this new game as a new leaf, since I want to play this game the way I should have played my last one, more trusting, giving, and openhearted. Imma slay the same though, the slay levels are remaining how they are now. Oh and I found that little clue in the rules for the idol hunt so I’m interested to see what that turns out to be :p

AJ

Starting this off with an early round one confessional bc why the hell not. Starting out I’m definitely not in a great position, if for the sole reason of I’m on Zee’s tribe. Which is not good. Yeah we say we don’t want to play with each other in the chats and everything, but I’m sure there’ll still be a general assumption/rumor that we’re gonna work together. Given, yk, the whole twin thing.

To be honest I’m not sure if I will be working with her, but we’ll see how alliance making plays out. I think the important thing for me is that she believes I’m playing with her. Given how chaotic she was last season and the somewhat generally negative perception she had, I really don’t think openly being an ally of hers is beneficial, but again, we’ll see what happens.

Also sidenote: I am scared about how many people I do not know on the other tribe.

I think this season I’ll start ranking people’s threat levels to my own game, because again, why not? At this starting point I’m going to just list people, my general vibe and thoughts about them at this point in the game, and also their threat level to my game right now and why I have put them there. (It’s a 1-5 scale - the higher the number the more dangerous)

General thoughts so far. I’m hesitant to work with Trinica bc she’s turned on me in two games now, we’ve got a hesitant thing going with working together for jury but idk if it’ll hold. Worried about Clefford since I didn’t speak to him for 10 months which is literally since we blindsided him. Hairie and Arvin I’m hopeful about. Hairie is a king and we stan. Arvin I kind of lied to constantly last game but he worked with us in the end. He’s probably closer to Trinica or Hairie than me at this point though. Shawn, Brandi, and Adeline I really don’t have any idea about - so I’m hoping to connect with them.

Tanner is the shining light in all of this, because I feel like with a little bit of work I can definitely have him on my side. He’s probably closer to me than anyone else in the game at this point, though I’m not sure who else he’s played with. But he seemed to be on good terms with me when we last spoke so. Fingers crossed we don’t lose and I don’t end up as first boot.

AJ

Talked with Trinica some more, I think maybe we can have a solid Jury pact, I hope so. Hairie I can’t quite trust I don’t think, he’s defs a villain esp given what Trinica is saying from watching his host chat. Him and arvin are an alliance to keep an eye on, and also him and Tanner who are apparently closer than I thought. Hopefully I can get a lot of people close to me. It would be really nice to win one of these things. Esp Stings, esp after last time lol.

Arvin

Hey Stings Fam. I'm back! I am so excited to play again, There's a lot of players from my original season and I wonder who's willing to work with me this time, since we all know how we played last time. I feel confident with our tribe that we can win the first immunity but I'm a bit worried that we haven't lock in our tasks yet. I also don't feel confident doing any of the challenges, so if I have to pick one it would be the TikTok got it challenge but it seems like the twins (AJ and Zee) won't let go of it because of the so called twin telepathy. My other choice would be the Stings classic first challenge, scavenger hunt. So I hope I end up doing it. I just hope for the best.

Clefford

My tribe is obviously The North Sea reunion. I was expecting this tribe to have unfamiliar faces, but I just got disappointed. Well, what can I do? Let's just face them.

CAST IMPRESSION

Good thing is that I have my co-Pinoy here, Arvin. I also know Hairie and Tanner in the ORG community. I'm actually shocked to learn that Zee is AJ's twin. They're both pretty and fun, so I'm putting extra effort to connect with them. I also had a chat with Trinica that I'd like to work with her this time. I'm happy to see Adeline, my Racoon City sister, and hopefully consider working again with me. I'll try to get into Shawn and Brandi's vibes, so hopefully they'll be around soon.

Seeing OLD TRIBE (yes, all caps) is pretty exciting. I would love to stay longer, so that I can interact with them. Unfortunately, Jinx is also playing this season. I don't know, but I'm kinda scared of her just the thought of she'll target me if we meet. I'm too kind to be treated that way *cries*. I wish that it's a clean slate between us.

CHALLENGE

Since I was late in the marooning, I got assigned to be in Pro-Gamers category where I had to play 3 challenges under that, and unfortunately, the challenges weren't designed to be played on mobile and I don't have a Laptop (Dear Santa, kidding) so I had to look an hour for a computer cafe to rent in my area. Premerge, I'm a tribe strong kind of player so challenges are really important for me to win to keep me and my tribe safe.

AJ

Day 2 and I’m already somewhat concerned. I thought I was doing alright, had some decent conversations with Hairie, Arvin, and surprisingly Clefford. However, I was informed by Zee that both today and yesterday all three of them had already been saying how Trinica and I are tight. I’m not sure how true that is/if that’s true - but it does leave me somewhat worried because I don’t want that to be a general perception out of the gate.

Also according to Hairie a lot of people are speculating about the twin thing, and I’ve straight up confirmed to Brandi that Zee and I live together. Which is another thing that concerns me because like, people are going to think we’re working together so much and I really don’t want that. When we’re together we’re always “the twins” and I really don’t want that to be a thing.

Now, despite my concerns, I’m in two alliance chats. One that Trinica created with Zee and I - jokingly titled the same thing Zee’s host chat was called last season. The second one is titled Timezone Hell, and it is just a trash fire (lovingly.) In it is me, Zee, Clefford (who we blindsided in North Sea), Hairie (who I lied to at team captain, and in amethyst, and at merge and then blindsided him), and Arvin (who I lied to throughout the entire swap and merge, up until I eliminated him.) I trust zero of these people.

Do I think I’m first boot if we go to tribal? I worry that that’ll be the case. I hope not, but it’s my fear. I think my only hope is a swap where I can reunite with Jinx (we stan, I miss them), or Raffy, or even Colin and Steven. Eman is also someone I really want to work with, esp with us having a good connection from DnD. But gah, I just don’t even know what to do or who I’m going to work with. It feels like we’re gonna go to tribal already so I’m trying to make a game plan but goddamn if I’m not struggling.

Zee

Why do I hear Boss Music? That’s what’s going through my head right now. Before we got into the challenge we were all like “oh cool Old School vs New School” no, not cool, mission abort. What we failed to realize was that this now means we are most likely going to get pagonged due to the sheer amount of experience in these games the Mega-Time Returneees over on Antigua have. I can feel it, The Pagonging is among us. As far as people go, AJ and Trinica are fun but it does kinda feel weird talking to them considering they DID host my last game. I’d love to talk to Shawn and Adeline more, hopefully we vibe when they’re both back from vacation. Brandi also seems really nice, and like always I’d love to try an all female alliance, but probably gonna hold off on that a bit.

Shawn

So far, the game has already begun and it's starting fast. Everyone is already getting to know each other or they already know each other. I feel like I missed a huge chapter and it hasn't even been 24 hours. I think I might vote Tanner as my least connect. He doesn't seem to put in the effort. But who knows, the game just started.

Brandi

There is no chance of us winning the games part of the challenge no matter who is playing on sin sazonar- if I remember anything Raffy is amazing at the games

Shawn

So I wake up this morning from a text from Hairie saying "you've been away awhile, home you're enjoying your vacation 💕" which maybe it's the passive aggressive in me that read that as passive aggressive. I respond everyday, I'm working on my part, I haven't really been away THAT much. Maybe I'm reading into it, maybe it's just a nice message, but those are my morning thoughts.

AJ

I may have turned something around?? I told Hairie what Zee said about him spreading shit about Trinica and I, I also told him about Clefford being weird this morning. It seems like he’s now super sus of them (hopefully) and may want to get one of them out if (being real probably when) we go to tribal. Which is very good for me. No I don’t have any reason to feel bad about potentially voting Zee out. This is an all star season and that means big moves and taking risks. If that means leaving your twin high and dry so be it.

One of two things is happening. Either she’s being truthful, I’m an idiot, and I go home first. Or she’s doing what was done to her by Kaleigh last season and making stuff up to purposefully keep me close to her. There’s a probability Hairie isn’t spreading Trinica and AJ are close propaganda, and even if he is, knowing Zee isn’t tight lipped about it will definitely make her a bigger threat than me. If I can get him to want to go against them, which he already proposed, I’m golden.

To seal the deal, add a little cherry on top some might say, I also let him know what Clefford said about Tanner as a potential vote, which I already knew Hairie wouldn’t like - since Trinica had already told me about his soft spot/soreness on the topic of Tanner being first boot. I also don’t want Tanner to go - he’s closer to me and Hairie than he’d be to other people, and he willingly tells me about his connections. I also let him know that Zee flat out said we need to eliminate Tanner, which again, had the desired outcome. Now if everything goes well with it - and assuming we attend tribal council, here’s what we could do.

Hairie, Arvin, and I, vote for Zee - we can figure out how to get Arvin on board somehow. Maybe just say she can’t be trusted? That’s a different bridge to cross.

We can tell Shawn that their name got thrown out by Clefford for being inactive despite them being on vacation. Shawn was second boot, and hasn’t played since - thus there’ll hopefully be some, ok well what do we do now. They’ll potentially vote for Clefford. Brandi might still be close enough to Hairie to vote for Zee or Clefford. Trinica will defs be on board to vote for Clefford, because at this point it seems like neither of us trust him. Tanner can get told that Zee and Clefford are both wanting to vote him, and Clefford thinks he can control Tanner.

Adeline knows and worked with Clefford in Racoon City, and knows a lot of people on the other side. That’s definitely something to look out for. We probably can’t tell her about the vote.

Tanner has stated he really dislikes being controlled, by Sam in particular, and will most likely want to eliminate the people spreading his name. We could probably get Clefford out using this method. That’s 4-3 (Clefford-Zee) and is majority either way, even if the other 3 votes are Tanner.

Now this is good because if Clefford manages to find an idol with his early idol hunting access, then he either uses it and Zee goes home in a revote, or he doesn’t use it and goes home. Will this probably change after I have other conversations with other people? Yes. Does this mean that I could potentially get out Zee/Clefford if we go to tribal if I need to? Also yes. So yeah. Feeling tentatively okay about the inevitability of us losing.

AJ

The more I think about it though, the more sense it makes for Clefford to be the one out of the two to go home. Adeline doesn’t want a femme/them to go out first, and I honestly agree, so new idea is finding a way for it not to be me, Zee, and potentially for it to be Clefford.

We’re almost definitely going to tribal so. Time to start scheming.

--

Well results are out. So much has happened since then. Our tribe heard tribal council and really said “bet.” So I guess we’ll go in chronological order of events.

First Zee created a chat for all the non-men without asking half of the people she placed in it. She seems close to Adeline who has mentioned she won’t vote a non-man out first. Which means I should be safe but also means she won’t go along with the plan that’s slowly slowly coming together. Anyway back to the order of events. So Zee has this chat. Shawn and Brandi both say they’re already thinking someone to vote. They say it on three. Brandi says Tanner (big surprise everyone knew he was a name going around) and Shawn says Hairie. HAIRIE. My boy. Anyway I obviously can’t have either of those things. So I’m like oh Shawn idk I’d be more wary of Clefford bc he mentioned your name. Shawn thinks I mean Hairie. And everything hits the fan.

So while I’m running interference of pushing Clefford’s name while trying to look like I’m not pushing Clefford’s name, and making sure Tanner isn’t the vote, and making sure Hairie isn’t the vote - I’m also trying to figure out on the fly how I’m supposed to deal with Hairie’s cryptic but definitely worrying messages in the tribe chat. Shawn seems to have decided to confront Hairie, and clear the air or something, and Hairie was like I’m sorry wtf is happening. Telling Hairie the tea and that his name is out there turns from a soon thing to an even sooner thing out of safety for my own game.

I make it seem like I only said Clefford because he was fine with it earlier and it was that or Arvin who no one would believe. And I made it seem like I wasn’t actively pushing for Clefford. Now, after thinking Clefford was a good choice and telling Tanner it might have been a better choice than voting for Zee, I thought to myself. What if I told Clefford his name was out there. Then I thought, well who would the target be? Zee. Hairie would be on board, I’ve since talked to him about it.

Trinica is allegedly on board. Tanner is on board. Brandi is on the fence but when Hairie wakes up and if he can convince her then that there is five. If we get Arvin that’s six, seven if we have Clefford on board. We may get Shawn - Hairie has mentioned speaking to them about it. If we pull this off it will be iconic and really improve my game in terms of not being seen as a set. Twins are a problem the longer they’re together seems to be the general consensus, if I can play without that being an issue that would be ideal.

And if I get screwed by this oh well. At least I’m attempting to make a big move. At least I’m playing the game. A femmes and thems alliance getting Clefford out is a repeat of North Sea, and I’m not looking to replay that. If this bites me I can’t really be mad though. Hopefully it doesn’t.

TL;DR - Am I the drama? Maybe.

Zee

So Hairie just caused some D R A M A in the tribe chat which is wild, and now apparently my name is out on the table coming from Tanner’s mouth. We’ve also got a Yellowjackets alliance which is very interesting. After the drama I got a pretty passive aggressive message from Hairie and that confused me because I thought we were on good terms, and I didn’t really do anything to him so that kind of made me a bit sad. I’ve really just been trying to be friendly with everyone so that’s kind of very interesting.

--

I have Alex as a guest in my VL! Very exciting, since I feel like his insight is going to be useful, and it’ll be nice to have an outside opinion on everything that’s going on. I think I’ll talk to him about the Hairie situation and see what insight he has.

--

Ok so Alex provided good insight, I was wondering if it seemed strange, how Hairie was acting and all, and apparently he thinks it’s out of pocket too so at least I’m not reading into things. Sadly I really like Hairie he seems like a fun person to work with so I hope I can get to the bottom of all this. :((

--

Wowie. So I just found some big news out from Hairie. I woke up to a message with an apology, but then the boston teaparty of teas happened. SO. Apparently he pushed my name due to some misinformation that was going around. I originally got the assumption that it was Trinica, as AJ suggested that too, and since Trinica did something similar to AJ in North Sea I believed it. HOWEVER my dearest Hairie has said that it was AJ, my own twin, who is spreading the rumor and has been spreading it for days that I’m telling people that hairie is spreading a twin thing and I’m not ok with that. Meanwhile me and Hairie haven’t talked any game, and I never heard a twin convo from anyone. So me and Hairie are now comparing notes, and it’s opened my eyes A LOT. We’re now discussing a vote after our comparison of notes.

AJ

I’m honestly kind of nervous about tribal. I feel like there could definitely be some pull for Zee going home. Hairie, who I do actually want to work with, doesn’t know who to trust. Which is honestly valid but also…man it’s just so tough. I don’t want to lead the charge, but I also feel like it may help me be more trusted? Also as always I’m worried I might go home. I learned last season that it’s so easy to get absolutely blindsided, so these may be my only confessionals of the season lmfao.

Current vibe is, Shawn, Brandi, Trinica and I could have a potential little alliance chat on the horizon. I’m not sure - but if we four work together and pull in Tanner we at least have 5 for a Zee vote. Hairie is allegedly down for that too, which would be an easy six. Seven if he pulls in Arvin. IF - and it’s a big if - I’m not being lied to. God I’m about to be OTT in edgic for SURE. I’m gonna be surprised if I’m not.

Crossing all my fingers and toes that I can pull this off and I’m not bit in the ass because of it.

Zee

So it would seem that the vote has shifted to Adeline. Hairie and I had a call after we compared notes, and we talked it out too, he said I seem very chill and fun, when before he couldn’t tell the tone. We added Clefford to the call and now and just like with Hairie I just decided to be like fully honest. I mentioned how I spoke with AJ about wanting an all non-men alliance, and how she was like “yeah lol create it” and how tbh it was actually my bad because I forgot that one step is actually ASKING everyone if they wanted to be in an alliance so that’s a whoopsie daisy on my part. I have also learned that AJ is HARD PUSHING my name, like girly calm down. I also learned that Trinica apparently asked Hairie to do the trivia since nobody else would step up, which was surprising because when Adeline said that he wasn’t putting effort and he was putting pressure, Trinica didn’t say anything in his defense, so she seems ok with that perception of him out in the gamesphere. Hairie, Clefford, and I all ended up comparing notes, and it seems like we’ve made an alliance, calling ourselves the Chopping Block. I spilled literally all the tea I have to them, so I hope that doesn’t bite me in the ass. I told Hairie that I 100% am voting with him, and for this, I told him to prove it that I’d write a specific phrase as my voting message. This is the one I told him “I just realized that, when it's dark out, the stars shining looks like little jellyfish populating the ocean of the night”. I think I’ll send that in the ChopBloc alliance chat. We need to convince the others to vote for Adeline too, otherwise it’s probably me, Hairie, or Clefford going home.

Brandi

THIS IS SO CHAOTIC

Shawn

Clearly everyone is popping off. Everyone is losing their shit and like I don't even know. This game definitely didn't go like last time. Zee is.. completely unreliable. Not trusting Clefford either. I feel like I've been a little messy too in my Dms and stuff. I'm not sure what to think of this but I know Brandi and Trinica are trustworthy. And my sweet jay, but they are the host. Honestly I'm just hoping my name don't get said, and that I can finish my work day in peace.

Trinica

i'mma do a tier list of most dramatic/chaos-inducing tribe members to least:

1. Zee (duh, who's surprised) 2. Hairie (i actually am surprised) 3. AJ (surprised about her causing chaos, not surprised at her already being a target, we love a predictable queen) 4. Adeline (instinct is to be chill but went to the tribe chat to bring things to the open when she found out zee was saying her name so that's why she's higher on the list) 5. Brandi (leaking everything to Hairie) 6. Clefford (being surprisingly chill for Clefford tbh but also made the first alliance chat i'm pretty sure and also saying lots of names to lots of people, zero loyalty) 7. Me (mostly telling jokes to help defuse tension, also a little bit stirring pots here and there as i get the whim but mostly trying not to say a lot because these people never listened when taylor swift said loose lips sink ships all the damn time) 8. Tanner (literally pre-voted yesterday despite the rule being we can't change our votes lmao, very much outside the drama but also telling a few lies) 9. Shawn (just doesn't want to be boot #1 or 2, staying out of things otherwise) 10. Arvin (calm king, literally sleeping)

Hairie

--

Zee

OK SO SHIT LITERALLY HIT THE FAN. While I didn’t want Adeline to go home, I was willing to vote her if that’s what it took. Ever since the alliance was created it was getting leaked, and I was told that Brandi, Shawn, and Trinica all complained to Hairie about it being made. But regardless, the chat got messy and I think things were being leaked from every alliance chat that existed, so, yeah. Due to this I think it’s highly unlikely that I’ll be kept in this game, but I’ve said that I do want to work to rebuild trust, because tbh I never really meant to break anyone’s trust, and I really did want to work with a majority of the people in those chats. I do think that I could use a good night’s rest though, so I’m going to prevote for Clefford since his messy behavior is what caused all this mess in the first place. I am very interested to know who was leaking information in the beginning-middle of the alliance though, but I guess I’ll see that when all these confessionals do get published in the end. I did end up leaking things when comparing notes, but it was after the alliance was already basically leaked through to entirety, yet still I’ve accepted and acknowledged my part in the alliance chat, so…Anyway this is probably my last confession but we’ll see.

[a-thirst-for-dunmer]

My favorite things about all my Skyrim followers:

KAIDAN

-wicked ass armor and weapon with fucking tigers on it

-realistic cursing in life or death situations

-literally the most realistic male dialogue ever with his corny ass innuendos. ‘This monument, does it remind you of me, love? Just kidding.’

-so goated in battle. Mans can kill a dragon so easy and i don’t need to do anything but look pretty

-ACCENT.

CARYALIND

-his hair is so fluffy. I bet it smells like roses and vanilla bean, what’s your secret bb

-such a sweetheart all the time. No wonder he can’t be Thalmor, he has too much heart for it

-fucking backstory. It’s very Zuko without villain redemption arc, and the fact that he still worries about the LDB thinking worse of him for being Thalmor royalty is just *chef’s kiss*

-ACE REP. I really fucking love how he can dress like a hoe, flirt like a hoe, and look so hot but have no interest in sex. Mmm that’s my jam that’s what I like.

-boob window

-Kaidan interactions! Proving that Altmer can be kind and sweet and not lighting-shooting British assholes

INIGO

-the backstories for everyone are so damn tearjerking but this guy?? Don’t even get me started on this mans scars I will cry

-literally autism. Says everything on his mind. Sir you are me

-blue. And a cat. What else??

-Lucien and him have a bromance that hits so good

-suplexes Nazeem with only his vibes

-sings original songs, where’s his soundcloud

KHASH

-okay first off i was writing a character just like her for the daughter of my LDB and Revyn. Never knew about her but this is Leeta come to life and i crave it

-pottymouth

-Kaidan Big Bro protection dialogue

-so happy when she kills things

-literally exactly what I expected a baby Argonian to sound like. So cute. So grumpy

-her outfit is just on point. If i hadn’t transitioned i would be cottagecore peasant dress woman with cats

LUCIEN

-like Cary, he is just sweet himbo no brain

-kid in a candy shop vibes. He is amazed by the wonders of this world

-the nerdiest mans you know, would probably never shut up about shit with Auryen but i haven’t gotten that far yet

-bottom energy

-AUTISM once again

-also sings!! Can sing ‘Toss a Coin to Your Witcher’ parody!!

AURI

-she is the Moment

-eats people and only meat. Wanna see someone react to ThatVeganTeacher with her as a vtuber model oml

-bullies Lucien (affectionately)

-cool pod

-looks like she could kill you and could actually kill you

-slams ALL haters and unworthy into the ground with her dialogue. Faendal ily but you don’t deserve her

RUMARIN

-a sweetheart himbo

-very Skilled with magic, specifically bound weapons. As someone who uses conjuration as their main line of magic, because dremora and bound bow go brr, I LOVE THAT

-not really good at speaking poorly of anyone tbh

-like lucien, he’s optimistic and fun to be around

-very…earthy. Jank. Grungy. Not what you’d expect from an Altmer, to be living as an adventurer mercenary, and i like that for him

-eats in bed, brain too empty to clean for long periods of time

-polyamorous pansexual King

-says Z like zed, which makes linguistics in Skyrim lore interesting

NEBARRA

-literally me

-sarcasm to the max

-name means ‘foreigner’ or ‘scorned’ or something transgender. anyway, king nihilist shit

-only wants the good wines

-also, the Accent, very good very sass

-Shakespearean insults for days

-also regular insults

-just…insults

-mystery and striking fear into the hearts of all

TALIESIN

-i thought no one could top Revyn in vibes of what Elder Scrolls character i would kin but then ✨he✨ came along

-no idea why Altmer are Brits but with him, i can vibe with it he sounds so good

-giggles evilly in fights

-s a s s

-pansexual!! We are putting queer in the game! (Even tho all vanilla spouses are, in the most Basic sense, bisexuals)

-the spice he can add with Cary as a protector/snarky best friend. I Need their backstory

-afraid of dogs, cat person

-just an absolute bitch to the Dragonborn but like in a way my gay friends are to me

-eyeliner on fleek

HONORABLE MENTIONS FOR SKEEVER AND CROC

-silly voice go brrr

[imomnba-x07]

Alright alright marvel needs to sell new toys hence the new suit blah blah blah

Thus leading to people head canonizing the sambucky divorce cause he’s not wearing the suit he was gifted yadda yadda yadda

COUNTER ARGUMENT

It is actually the same suit, but the vibranium nanites can refrigerate into a new design. We know nano technology is capable of shaping itself into other forms so it’s not so far fetched.

Bam problem solved, no new theories to add to the sambucky divorce cause they aren’t divorcing 😎

I still stand firmly by my theory of Bucky spying on the thunderbolts FOR Sam thus them being in separate projects and I will NOT back down

[thebomb-thebird-andtheburntbitch]

I am obsessed with the idea of Kyojuro falling for someone completely different than him, kinda like in uninterested but in my mind they actually have arguments (nothing major obv) and at first he doesn't have any interest in pushing it to be friends. Then suddenly everything he believes in (that love is supposed to be easy, always sweet, never complicated, recognizable) is shattered as he understands that love can in fact be complicated, difficult, not perfect, and that's okay. Idk if you like the idea but I just wanted to share!

a/n: honestly opposites-attracting, but only after turmoil is such a good trope but so overlooked imo- since i dont consider it enemies-lovers (theyre clearly distinctly different asldkfjasdf). also why is it hard to write like a passive-slightly aggressive rengoku? (it shouldn't be considering when he first met tanjiro his mind was literally 'execute child' LMFAO)

also, slight warning bc sanemi and you get into a fist fight lol (very confrontational y/n)

additionally: im not very happy with the outcome of this, and on top of that it's pretty short but hNNG i couldn't just keep this in my draft so im releasing it into the wild and ruNNING away

-x-x-x-

kyojuru is a certified optimist with the skills to back up his optimism

so when you entered his life with a polar opposite attitude, he tried thinking nothing of it

but your constant need to tell him that his optimism is suffocating or stiffling or even 'unrealistic' really grinded on his gears and even he has a limit

kyojuro is a good man, but he isnt a saint

at first it started with small little jabs to try and appease you when you would start talking about whatever came out of your mouth

"you should focus on training and not speaking so much"

"your pessimism is truly deep-seated, isn't it?"

"y/n, please less talking more action"

then somehow, it escalated

you both would bicker constantly- like a rat testing it's luck against a predator owl

it got to the point the hashira ranks and even kagaya knew of your distaste for each other and even teased you both about it

you both would argue over such simple, stupid things

so imagine his inner shock when he saw you caught in a screaming match against shinazugawa one day

arguing with sanemi was already a deadend road, hes about as hardheaded as a bull and will butt heads until he's knocked on his ass or unconscious

kyojuro wondered for the briefest of moments if you both looked like you did now, up in sanemi's face yelling at him while he yelled back trying to fight for the high ground

however, arguments with sanemi never lasted long- but that didn't mean the situation was resolved. they never lasted long because he almost always start a fistfight

and he will fight you no matter who you are- feminist sanemi says 'equal rights, equal fights'. his fists are rated E-for literally everyone

the moment you swung first- taking the one thing away from him that he had (the ability to strike first) it all just snowballed

you both were scrapping around in the dirt and grass and for some reason kyojuro didn't like it

there was a small scene of familiar faces around, all sighing and shaking their heads at the fight like it was just an ordinary day

but kyojuro strangely felt compelled to act- so he did

he quickly intervened, breaking up the fight between you and sanemi. he yanked you behind him, gripping your wrist and keeping you at his back so you didn't run or try to go after the wind hashira again

while kyojuro was confident he could hold you back, he was less certain he could do that and keep sanemi at bay as well, so he quickly took off. draggin you behind him by the wrist

when you both got far enough away, kyojuro made you sit down in front of him as he inspected your face

typical fistfight injuries scattered your skin and you refused to look at him, a scowl on your face the whole time he was inspecting you

"why do you care?" you had asked him and for some reason, it irked him but also hurt him

was he not supposed to care?

sure you got on his nerves and he wouldn't say he was exactly friends with you, but-

"i do not wish to see you injured, is that so wrong?"

"you didn't care before"

"that is not true!"

he yelled at you, just like he always did when you antagonized him- but this time it was different

he wasn't arguing because you pushed him, he was arguing because you were wrong and he did care

he did and hes finally realizing it

he didn't want you to be hurt and he didn't want you to fight with others- deep down he didn't even want you fighting with him

he wanted to form a better relationship with you- a bond with you like he has with others

kyojuro wanted to try and fix this messed up way you two communicated and he knew it would suck and you'd probably fight him the entire process

then he laughed, loud and long to himself at the though of it

you fighting him on not wanting to fight anymore?

that's just like you-

and he cared about all of you, like it or not

[brightoakgame]

Halloween Short #1 - John Forster

To lead off, here’s a ghostly encounter with our esteemed Sheriff Forster, written in the style of O. Henry’s Western short stories. Extra special thanks to @remnantation​ and @herotome​ for being the quickest-draw editors around. Enjoy!

We’d been shambling along in the dusty purple twilight for several rounds of eternity when finally we crested the top of the hill, the moon peeking over the rise alongside us, fair and full. I was glad to see her, as it seemed likely our detour would be rather more tiresome than I’d hoped for in the optimistic light of day, and in turn she obligingly spread her blanket of silver light over the landscape before us, as if preparing a nocturnal picnic to which Estrella the horse and I were the only invitees in the wide world. 

Scanning the lay of things, my attention was arrested by a smattering of buildings nestled between the hills, and with these sure signs of civilization ahead, I began leading Estrella into a hollow like the cupped palm of a giant’s hand. 

“Easy, easy, chiquita. I know we’d just decided this whole rotten path was engineered by bad fairies, but look--it does lead somewhere, after all.”

A soft whicker beside me offered her doubtful take on the matter.

“Why, yes, I think it probably is long abandoned, as a matter of fact. But that just means we’ll have our pick of shelter, and we can continue down the hill by daylight instead.”

Before us lay the sort of small mining town that once cropped up all over the mountainous spine of the state, appearing almost overnight among the chaparral and oaks like the early summer poppies, only to burn out and collapse again. The sun-bleached facades of the main street stood out in the clear night air like tombstones, and though I am not myself given to flights of fancy, I shuddered slightly as the wind seemed to turn cold and mournful. 

I wonder how long it’s been since--

Abruptly, Estrella dug in, whinnying sharply. The sudden halt nearly jerked my arm from its socket, and set the lantern I carried swinging wildly.

“Dammit, what--”

A pair of stout oak trees flanked the path before us like sentinels, and with a prickling animal awareness, I knew we were no longer alone. 

“Funny sort of time to be out strollin’ the hills, Stranger.”

I whirled, following the semi-rhythmic jingle of spurs to their source: a pair of cracked boots, dusty and seamed leathers, an easygoing stance, a tall white Stetson hat. What moonlight succeeded in filtering through the canopy of the trees caught and snagged on the flash of a friendly grin, a canteen outlined in one hand, the glint of a gunbarrel in the other. I tensed up at the sight of that last, putting up my hands, lantern, reins, and all, but felt my shoulders drop a quarter inch as he raised his head, and a six-pointed star shone out from his breast like a beacon.

“Sheriff…?” I began. As beginnings go, it wasn’t much to be proud of, my voice shaky and hoarse.

The brim of the hat tipped cordially, a grubby forefinger touching it without releasing hold of the canteen. “That’s what they call me hereabouts. Sheriff John Forster, at your service. That is, so long as you ain’t here for the purpose of stirrin’ up some kinda trouble. If you are…”

“I’m not,” I answered, more in the vein of speed than dignity. “Just looking for a place to lay up for the night, so Estrella and I can make our way on to the other side of the mountain by daylight instead of starlight.”

The barrel of the gun buried itself back into its holster, and the sheriff took a tipple from the canteen before holstering that as well. “That strikes me as a fair plan. Always leave m’own horse snug in his stable while I make my night rounds; walkin’ in the dark is a good road to puttin’ a foot in a rabbit hole, but night ridin’ is a sure way to end up ass over teakettle in the dirt somewhere unpleasant. If you’ll pardon my language.”

He waved a hand down twice, slowly, as if gentling an overanxious beast, and I took it as my cue to lower my arms again. Estrella, however, seemed to take great offense to sharing the hillside--or indeed any other part of the world our eyes could touch--with the sheriff, friendly as he was, and continued tossing her head and balking. I figured the wafting scent of him on the wind (whiskey, something like campfire and sulfur) was the source of her restless objections, but being well mannered, I did not give the suspicion voice, merely smiling at him in an apologetic sort of way as she snorted and did her best to tear my arm off. 

The sheriff’s bright, humorous eyes took in the situation at a glance, twinkling as he tipped his head in the direction of the derelict town.

“Nice enough creatures, but not much but hay and oats between the ears, have they? Though I suspect they think much the same of us. Lucifer ‘n’ I are less bosom companions, and more live in a state of uneasy truce. Shall we get that nag of yours to shelter?”

Appreciating his agreeable nature, I nodded, dragging the recalcitrant Estrella behind me. “I have to admit, I’m surprised to find any inhabitants this side of the mountain. Is there a stable in town?”

The sheriff’s easy gait fell in pace with mine, and he nodded.

“Sure. I suppose it ain’t much of a town these days, but that’s all a matter of perspective, ain’t it?”

Looking ahead towards the unprepossessing assemblage of buildings, I was hard pressed not to utter an exclamation of surprise, as I found I’d assigned the designation of tombstones prematurely. The warm light of home fires shone in the windows of the houses before us, plumes of smoke writhing and curling up into the sky like cats broken free from the shackles of gravity. Somewhere nearby, a guitar was being tortured into surrendering a bad likeness of Oh Suzanna, and what I took to be a saloon let a measure of laughter spill out into the street, liberally dosed with lamplight. 

“I guess things look different at a distance,” I muttered, and the sheriff nodded his Stetson wisely by way of reply. 

“Don’t they just. From where I stand, there are those that might not see much life in this place, bein’ situated as we are in the back of beyond--but me, I seen a city or two, and they don’t seem to be for nothin’ but show. Like the back of my own hand, this is, and I don’t want no truck with the back of anyone else’s. That said--and by no means do I intend to sound unfriendly--what brings you to my home, Stranger?”

All this time I had been dragging along my stubborn mare by main force, and my reply came back panting and rather heated. “Pass was blocked--rockslide. Couldn’t make it through. Thought--faster to go over the mountain--than around it. Saw the path--”

The sheriff shook his head sympathetically. “Aye, there are deer paths better maintained than that ol’ ossified and overgrown road. All the same, in the mornin’, you follow her on past the old fort, and you’ll hit Hillsfoot, sure ‘nough. And then it’ll be back to easier trails for you.”

I was flush with gratitude when we came upon the promised stable, and I was able to see the overanxious Estrella to bed in a snug stall, watered and fed and glad to part ways with our new acquaintance. The sheriff waved off my suggestion of payment, giving me an easy shrug.

“No need. Though, if you feel yourself indebted and ain’t averse to easy labor, I’d be glad of your company as I patrol tonight. It’s lonesome work, once the world goes to bed.”

“With pleasure,” I answered, reinvigorated as I was now that feeling was beginning to return to my arm. The exchange of Estrella’s companionship for that of the chatty sheriff struck me as a deal in my favor, given her earlier mood, and I was loath to sleep on such a bright night. “What are we patrolling for?”

The sheriff took another draw from his canteen, which I had since identified as the source of the whiskey-smell. “You familiar with El Muerto?”

Whatever I was expecting, it was not that, and I said as much, adding uneasily that I was unfamiliar with any individual subscribing to such an alarming nomenclature.

The sheriff nodded, his gaze fixing forward again. “Fella was a bad sort, so they say, and when the law caught up to him, they lopped off his head and tied his corpse to the saddle of his poor horse, as a warning to any considering a similar path of sin and poor judgment. Supposedly happened in Texas. Always struck me as a very Texas kinda story, that.”

“Lucky we’re in California, then. Unless you meant to suggest some sequel brought this El Muerto all the way out here?”

His eyes glinted at me from beneath the Stetson, a mild frown caught between his ruddy brows. “You don’t consider that a possibility, yourself?”

I gave an impatient shrug. “Why would a corpse from Texas end up in the California mountains? And what kind of harm can a dead person do, that you’re out on patrol?” 

He chuckled, rich and deep in his chest. “Well, it can frighten children and horses, as it would seem. El Muerto is known to turn up all manner of places he oughtn’t any right to be, as it happens; seems he took it in his head--if you’ll pardon the poor choice of words--he oughta wander all the way over here to California, an’ New Mexico, an’ Arizona, too, as well’s traversing his own home turf. Thought you might like a friendly warning odd things are out ‘n about at night. But you don’t believe in apparitions, I take it?”

I shake my head, bemused. “Not at all. Don’t tell me--are we out hunting for ghosts in the night?”

His smile reached out and met mine in a handshake. “Well, one of us might be. I’m an open-minded sort, take things as they come. Phantasms, spacemen… strangers on a detour.”

“I am not a ghost.”

“Never claimed you was.”

Uneasy, I picked up the pace, easily matched by the clinking spurs beside me.

“So, what? The town is small enough they keep the sheriff up ghost-hunting through the night?”

“That there sounds like judgment on your part,” he observed casually.

“Not necessarily bad judgment, is it?”

The Stetson swiveled, the sheriff’s gaze beneath it steady and amused. “Ain’t the job of the sheriff to do more’n bring in those as would do harm. I’m neither judge nor jury; I’ll leave that to those better qualified. Word is this is haunted land, and that a ghost is on his eternal patrol hereabouts, for good or ill. Me, I’ll stand my ground to be sure that whatever might wander ain’t there to cause trouble.”

 My apprehension eased, and I nodded cordially. “The town is lucky to have you for a guardian, Sheriff Forster.”

The remainder of the night, I couldn’t say with precision what it was we spoke of, but a fair accord was struck between us. By the time exhaustion finally caught up with me, we were closer than common blood could ever have fashioned a pair; he’d tell me ghost stories, and I’d respond with a measure or two of the common sense he seemed to be lacking, and if you asked me, to this day I could call to mind the timbre of his laughter as clear as if I’d heard it mere moments before, echoing in the lonesome night among the oaks and sleepy brushland.

I awakened just before sunrise, laid out on a wooden bench before the stables, the sheriff’s face looming over me. He wore a smile gentle as the dawn to come, apologetic and kind, and smelling stronger than ever of whiskey and brimstone.

“Here, friend. It’s time for me to head on home, and for you to move on down the road apace. Get that nag saddled up before sunbreak, and you’ll reach Hillsfoot by noon without hurrying.” 

I rose stiffly from my makeshift couch, watching as he threw himself astride a sizable stallion, black as the depths of a night with no moon. 

“Farewell, Sheriff Forster. Thank you for providing us shelter and companionship.”

He looked back at me over his shoulder, winking as the sky behind him began to lighten. “I could just as easily thank you for offering companionship, yourself. S’all perspective.”

With a laugh, I nodded, and turned to fetch Estrella.

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

“Stranger, you look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

The proprietor of the Hillsfoot Inn gave me a look of grave misgiving, and I did my level best to assemble a smile of reassurance for him. The result of my endeavor clearly did not do the trick, and he fell back a pace.

“I don’t believe in ghosts,” I replied, more weakly than I might’ve liked.

Observing me closely, he poured me a dram of something strong and clear as ditchwater, passing it across the bar. “Many I’ve heard say the same--though those that come from the hills above seldom believe themselves in saying it.”

I drained the ditchwater in my glass with a sputtering cough, and pushed it back his direction for a refill. “That town up there.”

“Ghost town,” he answered, pouring out another splash of whatever his bottle held, and returning it to me by express. “If it ever had a name, I never knowed it--but it’s been empty some decades now, at the least.”

I nodded, allowing the previous run at a beverage time to fully assault my innards before moving on to the next round. “The sheriff.”

The good innkeep went still, and then cut the middle man and exchanged the glass for the half-full bottle instead. “Met the sheriff, did you?”

I nodded, and the innkeep picked up my glass, downing it himself. “Friendly sort, Sheriff Forster,” I managed.

“I’ve heard. Friendly enough, so long as you don’t mean his town any harm.”

I uncorked the bottle, calling to mind the sheriff’s amiable visage briefly, before it was overtaken by another memory altogether.

“We patrolled through the night. But--just before dawn--”

The innkeep rested his elbows on the bar, and, realizing I had the ear of the entire tavern now, I squared my shoulders.

“Just before dawn, he saddled up and headed off to a hill at the edge of the town, and waited there, as if intending to see me off.  The sun had just peeked up over the horizon. I rode through the empty streets, passing a load of tumbled-down buildings, clearly rendered uninhabitable by time and neglect, though hours earlier they’d felt full of life. And just before I passed out of view--”

I cleared my throat, knowing my voice to be hoarse and uneven, but the room hung on my every word all the same.

“Just before I passed out of view, I looked back, meaning to wave goodbye. The sheriff raised his hat--and I turned and I rode down that mountainside fast as a horse can go.”

I hesitated to give voice to what I thought I’d seen. After all, it could well have been a matter of perspective. Things often appear other than they are, at a distance. Maybe I should’ve taken the time to wave.

“Yep. I reckon Sheriff Forster is kind and fair,” an old-timer down the bar nodded sagely, his rasping voice cutting through the heavy silence. “Good man, and good enough company for a night--but come morning, you realize he’s got no head at all.”

[river-bottom-nightmare]

Nightwing 79 Review

i said i would and i will. i did like this issue! not as striking and attention grabbing as 78, but i think this issue was meant to be a foundation one, laying out the groundwork for the future. overall, pretty good. also there wasn't enough bitewing. as promised, overly extensive metaphors and me reading too much into things under the cut

i know i've talked about this cover before, but this particular thing is oddly important to me, so i'll talk about it again

this is me, once again screaming about how artists put nightwing in traditionally feminine poses and how every time i see it i just get whiplash. i mean, true, the main reason why is because nightwing is a so often sexualized character, and putting him in these poses just increases the objectification, which is a goal that dc producers have. but there are very few popular male characters that do this. the only one i can think of off the top of my head is deadpool, but that was so obviously a critique and a way to make fun of the media industry. when they draw dick like this, they’re being serious. they’re putting him in appealing poses meant to show him off, and that’s something that’s traditionally only been done to women.

it's a very direct and very loud breaking of traditional gender roles in media, especially for a character as high-profile and historic as dick grayson. colour also plays a factor in this. the entire background is pink. i was absolutely shocked when i first saw it, when the teaser came out, because i cannot think of any comic book covers of male comic heroes this high-profile where pink is even just prevalent in the cover, let alone the majority of the cover. the pink does look beautiful: it offsets and highlights the black and blue of dick's suit gorgeously, but does it with more finesse than orange or red. but the fact that the stylistic choice was made to accent and draw this cover with aesthetic and beauty in mind, completely ignoring traditional hard-set gender rules in art, was a conscious choice and one i wholeheartedly support.

just another example of the sexualization i was talking about. i remember seeing harley quinn in this exact pose in suicide squad.

so far, taylor's been pretty dead-set on bringing alfred to the forefront of importance in this series. he wants people to know how much he loves alfred's character, and how much the butler meant to dick growing up. he was dick's father too. but what i adore is how taylor managed to stress alfred's importance in a way that didn't insult or belittle bruce.

this is one of the best bruce and dick interactions i've seen, and it's done in one simple interaction. in this, bruce is tough and harsh. he knocked dick down hard, but then he reached a hand down and helped pull dick back up. let me analyze their dialogue for a minute

on your feet: this is bruce telling dick to get up. he's trained dick, he knows what the younger boy is capable of, he knows his limits, and he knows what dick can do. this is bruce telling dick i know you're strong enough to get up, so get up and prove me right

are you just going to knock me down again?: surface-level, it looks like dick's complaining. he doesn't like bruce's rough training, and he's tired of bruce knocking him down. but look at his face in this. he's smiling up at bruce, knowledgeable and a little hopeful. he knows that bruce is doing this to help dick better himself, he's completely on board with the rough training, because they both know the rewards are incredible. also, he's teasing. he's bantering with bruce. there's an ease in that joking statement, one that belies affection and intimacy. they've only known each other for a little bit, but they're already slipping into a close familial relationship.

it depends on how fast you learn: this is bruce bantering back. this is bruce not being a stoic, unfeeling asshole. instead, he's shown with the dry humor that a good batman writer knows is a staple of the character. he's teasing dick, telling him he'll basically whoop his ass if dick doesn't learn fast enough. it's incentive for dick to train harder, while also being lighthearted enough to tell dick that believes in dick and doesn't want him to push himself too hard.

gosh i love the titans. also it looks like wally's staring at dick's ass.

this was cute. a prod at dick's silly and playful sense of humor, while not dumbing him down for the sake of a laugh. instead, he's joking about food, which is stuff everyone jokes about. this is the kind of stuff that'll actually make me laugh, instead of just making me vaguely uncomfortable.

bludhaven's almost always portrayed as a cesspool of a city. and to be honest, it really is. but this panel gives the city a meaningful history, while also giving us a reason for why dick moved there.

it talks of a time when people still thought they could beat the monsters. that if they fought hard enough, they could win the fight. it was a tentative hope that you could always overcome hardship.

dick's little "i like that it's still standing" shows how he still believes that, despite what the rest of the world thinks. despite everything that he's been through, dick is still tentatively an optimist, and believes he can fight the monsters of the world and win. it's a beautiful testament to his character, and i'm like that they added his signature element of hope back in. it used to be what he symbolized as robin, and despite his growth and character arc from robin to nightwing, this is one aspect of robin that i'm glad nightwing still has.

remember when i said "things that make me vaguely uncomfortable??" yeahhhh,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Shooketh Dick: A Sequel

(the expressions in this series are just,,,,on point)

this was an incredibly sweet and kindhearted thing for dick to do, but i found it kind of,,,,,,,,desperate? maybe that's just me, but let me explain.

dick's suddenly a billionaire, and he has entirely too much money that he knows what to do with. it's also alfred's money, what the man left to him, so dick forever links it with alfred. in addition to that, he's back and bludhaven and looking at it with "fresh" eyes. (at least, from a different point of view since he got shot in the head. then mind controlled.) he's desperate to do something with the money and he's desperate to help the people around him that so obviously needs up, so he comes up with an on-the-fly solution that's a little impractical and a little crazy, but it still helps and still does some good.

to me, dick seems a little lost. he hasn't completely found his balance yet, and he's trying to do things that will. he tries charity, because that's what bruce did and it's what he knows, even though he admitted that he always thought bruce could have done more as bruce wayne than batman.

they have a family group chat guys yall were right.

also, do i think that dick would ever actually get his wallet stolen?? no way in hell, he’d notice someone getting ready to pickpocket him a mile away. but i suppose it’s important to the Plot. 

okay this is getting interesting. first blockbuster, now maroni (+ the weird heart stealer guy). i can officially say that i am intruiged

this particular artistic quirk is shown a lot in this issue, and from this art team in general, but i feel like this panel is one of the best examples of it. it was stunning enough to take up a full page, and it’s well deserved.

the way they show dick moving is absolutely brilliant. as a reader, i like seeing these smaller versions of dick getting clearer and in more detail as they come closer to the screen. not only do they show depth in the picture beyond what a simple 3 dimensional piece of art does, it also shows the passage of time.

in addition, it showcases dick’s skill. dick spots these mobsters running after a group of petty thieves. he then, and follow me here, leaps off the roof of one building feet first, springboards backwards off the side of the adjacent building with his feet, gracefully continues his backflip, rights himself, shoots a line with perfect timing: just in time to soften his landing but not slow him down, execute said landing on top of a moving bus, keep running on the moving bus without missing a beat, shoot his grapple, use the grapple to swing, use the swing to build up momentum, then use the momentum to deliver a powerful blow to the mobsters. and he did all that fast enough to catch up with the mobsters, even though he was a ROOFTOP OVER. 

d a m n  s o n

this panel, the very first in the issue, is also another example of that art style, but a little more distinctive. i love the way they showed dick’s different costumes through the ages, along with him simply growing up. it’s a little heartbreaking, but a lot uplifting to see how far he’s come. thank god he got rid of the red. now all we need is the fingerstripes, and we’ll be golden

discowing my beloved. also i can’t clearly see discowing’s hair but it definitely looks like it’s pulled back. it looks like he put it in a ponytail. guys. guys. dick had a ponytail omg. 

he’s having a Hero Moment

are you talking about the city, dick, or are you talking about you? the kgbeast, the court, the joker. dick fell to each one of them, no matter how hard he fought. he won in the end, eventually and with his family’s help. but i think he’s feeling a little low, a little defeated right now. it’s almost like he needs a win, he needs to feel victorious, he needs to feel like he helped someone (hence the food and the hotel room), just because he needs to remember what it feels like.

these lines were supposed to resonate with you, and goddamn they did.

i looked at it from two ways. first, it’s the girl asking, begging nightwing not to hurt them. bludhaven doesn’t know dick the way gotham does, they’re still a little frightened of him. this child was brave enough to step in front of all of the other hurt and homeless kids and ask, to a strange man in a mask, if he was going to hurt them like the other men had. it’s heartbreaking, but commendable, and an echo of the city itself that dick’s decided to protect. they’re bloody and broken and terrified, but still gritty and brave enough to stare what they fear in the eye and ask it not to hurt them.

second, it’s dick seeing the question reflected in himself. recently, he got shot in the head and lost all his memories. while i think that the way ric reacted was a perfectly valid and human response to the situation, i think dick still regrets how callously and rudely he treated his family. then, he was manipulated by the court of owls, then he was brainwashed with a magic crystal by the joker. dick does have a guilt complex. it’s not a big as bruce’s, but it’s there. and right now, with this girl begging her not to hurt them, dick is probably thinking about all the times he hurt people, in control of his own actions or not, bc he “didn’t have a heart.” 

little ambitious don’t you think, dick?

also just look at the sunset colours loOK at the they could not make this any more obvious oh my godddddddddddddddddddddddd

in conclusion, i need more of her

[pm-my-hubbies]

Who Are You Talking To | C.E

Summary: Reader is fed up with Chris not spending time with her on her week-long break.

Pairing: Chris Evans x Black!Reader

Word Count: 1.8k

Warning(s): None!

A/N: I accidentally shared this through my personal account! I apologize for any confusion if I tagged you the first time!

Chris was ecstatic when I informed him of the dates for my Fall Break.

He planned out everything we would do together. From planting a blanket in the middle of a park for a lovely picnic to strolling through farms for a pumpkin to carve and sit on our porch. He did all of that.

Yet he’s one strike away from me slapping the shit out of him. He’s been blowing me off every second and I’m due to return for work in two days. We hadn’t done any of what he promised we would accomplish together weeks ago. Instead, he handled work business downstairs for the first part of the day and followed that up with indulging in his own hobbies. I wasn’t a part of any of it.

To add on to it, his Zoom sessions weren’t successful and that prompted him to radiate negativity. Dinner time consisted of him giving me short answers or grunts and through it all, I remained optimistic. I figured being positive and not calling him out on his behavior right then would flip a switch in him to acknowledge how he was acting towards me but nothing happened.

My feet connected with the cold wooden flooring, goosebumps rising on the parts of my body that were exposed because of the tank top and pajama shorts I wore. The clock read 11:54 p.m. I’m praying Chris let Dodger out for the last time this evening.

The volume of the television in the living room increased the closer I dragged my feet to where I presumed he would be resting. Turning the corner, Dodger was the first one I spotted as he slept soundly on his stuffed animal right by the entrance to the room. Chris, on the other hand, watched CNN on blast as if he was an old man struggling to hear; his arms were folded across his chest while he laid on his side and blankly stared at the bright screen.

I rolled my eyes at the absurdity of my week spent at home. “Chris.” I called in a firm voice that was loud enough for Dodger to only blink his eyes open and instantly travel back to Dreamland.

My boyfriend only shifted his gaze to look at me. “Hm?”

“Did you let Dodge out one last time?”

“Mm-mm.”

Breathe Y/N, breathe. I let out a soft sigh as I bent down to gently shake the canine awake. “Dodger, honey. Let’s go outside.” I knew from Chris’ response he wouldn’t be letting our dog out anytime soon. The man would probably drag himself down the hall to bed as the sun rose for a new day.

Dodger simply obeyed my soft command by standing and putting on a show of dramatically stretching. As we made our way towards the back door right behind my miserable boyfriend, I made sure to cut my brown eyes at his lounging figure and hoped he could feel my glare.

Once again, my skin tingled as the cool night air caressed my legs and arms. To keep myself warm, I folded my limbs across my chest, rocking on the balls of my feet. My eyes managed to follow Dodger’s sniffing silhouette in the darkness but as soon as he began the squat for a number two, I looked away.

By now, Chris had shut off the loud tv. Finally.

“I thought you said we would be hanging out for my Fall Break?” I questioned with my back facing him as I kept my eyes on the dog.

“What?”

“I thought you wanted to hang out with me for my break. Week-long, might I add.”

“We are.”

“No we’re not, Chris. And you know it.” I sighed as I moved to slide the door closed but ceased my movement to leave an opening for Dodger in case he finished early. With my hands on my hips, I rotated around to stare down Chris. “You’ve spent every single day downstairs taking care of business with A Starting Point and work, which I have no problem with. It’s what you do afterwards that bothers me. Barely talking to me or not at all and then you sit down here to do whatever. I was trying to be positive and give you your space but now—”

“But now your little feelings are hurt, right?” he snapped. “You’re hurt because I can’t devote 100% of my attention to you on your little break? News flash: everything isn’t about you, Y/N. So, stop your whining and actually think about what I’m going through.”

This would’ve shattered a younger version of myself. But after years of reflection, I realized I was always given the opportunity to fight back instead of wallowing in my tears.

First, I glanced to my left. Then to my right. No sign of life. I grimaced at my boyfriend. “You must not be talking to me.” I indicated with a point towards my chest. “You must be talking to this goddamn wall.” I sassed, jabbing my thumb to the wall behind me.

Suddenly, for the first time in the year Chris and I have been together, his eyes were size of saucers as it dawned on him what he’d done. And how I responded.

Tonight, was his first time taking his anger out on me. Yes, we’ve had our arguments, but those moments were different. This happened to be the time where the world was against Chris and rather than rely on me to comfort him (as I usually would), he was victimizing himself. He probably expected my body to rack with sobs at the harshness of his words, but I was through with that shit tonight.

“Since you wanna pull a Karen on me, your ass can sleep on the couch tonight.” I punished him. In that moment, I felt the softness brushing against my legs. Dodger was finally in. I pulled the door closed all the way this time and locked it. “Come on Dodger, your dad is being an asshat. You can sleep with me.”

Chris was frozen in his spot as the both of us moved past him. I made sure to give him a little bump on the way with my shoulder.

While waiting for Dodger to grasp his animal in his mouth, I observed him throw Chris a quick glance as if telling him that he fucked up. Funnily enough, our dog was the first to exit the scene and hold his head high as he trekked to the bedroom.

“I’m locking that fucking door tonight. Don’t even try it. You made your bed, now lay in it.” I dictated.

~*~

Surprisingly, I slept like a baby. Maybe it’s because I finally said something to Chris about his behavior lately. The previous nights, he would slumber away while I laid awake wondering if we would even spend time together before I headed back to work. Calling him out felt right.

I took care of my morning routine before unlocking the bedroom door and calling for Dodger to wake up. What I didn’t expect on the other side was the tray we roll out for sick days to be standing in front of the door.

Dodger was planning on being difficult as he hadn’t moved from his spot. This gave me ample time to study the tray with a covered meal placed on top and a horizontally folded card with my name scribbled on it.

“You were right last night. I have been distant throughout your break and I’m sorry for ruining the plans I promised. It’s a short amount of time left with you but we’re going to get started early. Eat the breakfast I made for you and then freshen up by putting on your favorite dress. Meet me at the car by 11.”

I chuckled at the message but decided to follow his set of instructions, nonetheless.

~*~

As promised, Chris drove us to the pumpkin patch further away from where we lived for more privacy and intimate time together. We spent the whole ride discussing last night’s events and catching up on the conversations we were meant to have throughout my week in our house. When he parked the car, he suggested we snap as many couple selfies but made sure to emphasize the idea of him taking pictures of me.

“They’re for my phone.” He lied through his teeth as I raised a brow at his idea.

The truth: Chris yearned to share pictures of me on his Instagram. At least half of his feed consisted of me, Dodger, or nature and rarely ever himself. I worried he would lose followers for never updating them on how he was doing but he dismissed my worries with a kiss to my forehead and a, “It’ll be fine, who cares?”

For a while, we explored the farm with our hands linked and eyes moving about at the pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. It wasn’t until we’d reach the halfway point did I realize we didn’t have an exact clue as to which type of pumpkin we were searching for.

“I was thinking one of those big, tall pumpkins.” Chris answered after I asked him what our goal was.

“The ones that look like an orange squash?”

“Yeah.”

“Why…?”

“I don’t know, I’ve always wanted one.” He shrugged. His face held a gentle look of content.

“Well, if a squash-lookin’ pumpkin is what my big baby wants, then a squash-lookin’ pumpkin is what he shall get.”

Chris released my hand to wrap it around my waist and pull me closer to him. I felt my cheeks heat up as he placed a kiss to the crown of my head. After all this time together, he still managed to have me acting like a schoolgirl that somehow caught the attention of her longtime crush.

“Thank you baby.” He answered. “I know I already said this twice; through the note and in the car. But, I’m truly sorry for how I acted last night and the days before that. I was stupid in bottling everything up and not confiding in you like I normally do. Doesn’t justify any of what I said last night but I figured you had a lot on your plate and didn’t want to bother you with my own.”

I paused my walking to glance up at him with what I hoped was love in my eyes. “Chris, you could never bother me. As a couple, we talk to each other. Even if we’ve got problems of our own at the same time? I want you to come to me and I come to you so we can figure things out.” I stood on my toes to press a kiss to the underside of his jaw due to his towering figure. “I love you and accept your apology.

“I love you too.”

“You better. Because my ass wouldn’t be helping you find that ugly pumpkin to make you happy.”

“Hey!” he pouted before I shut him up with a kiss.

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