#nah bro they're PLAYING this is a GAME to us--}

[homagetohers]

Video Games

pairings: Josh Washington x F!Reader, Chris Hartley x Ashley Brown (Until Dawn) type: fluff, too deep into the friendship, mutual pining, subtle flirting summary: Josh and Chris have gaming nights as the only 'geeks' in the group. Chris and Ashley got together and she found out of this 'secret'. Since they knew nobody else would be interested they didn't invite anyone and they knew nobody would care for it regardless. Ashley tells you about it and you join Chris's party and surprising them both. AU: sister's never disappeared, all of them are university students now too. vibes intended: cherry flavored - The Neighbourhood (I personally listen to Odetari when playing competitive games such as Overwatch which will be reference to the video game they'll be playing.) for the best experience: unfortunately we lost interactivefics, but there's another chrome extension called word replacer II; I recommend using it to have this be read in the way it was intended. I will have this on my masterlist at some point, but for now this'll be a disclaimer on every post I make. I hear when people say it breaks the immersion when using y/n and such, but I use the extension above and it gets me more excited to read. hopefully, with this, people can enjoy this piece of work and other y/n works. (i can also make a you / y/n-less version, but i just prefer seeing my name for DR purposes) word count: 2944 part 1 | part 2 | part 3

Chris booted up his computer to get into his and Josh's untimely tradition of playing video games until dawn. Their current fixation stands tall to be a five versus five shooter with each character having unique abilities and are divided into three ranks. Each team has one tank, two damage dealers, and two supports. Chris is a serious tank main while his main damage dealer teammate would be Josh. Josh may sometimes switch it up by taking up the other roles, but it was clear which one was his favorite.

Chris's phone buzzed; the screen lit up to reveal a new-found message from his gaming buddy, Josh. The chat log reads:

Josh: still up for the matches? Chris: yeah im just turning the game on Josh: ok cool i thought maybe bc ash was with u you'd forget Chris: nah bro we had a plan ill stick to it Josh: that tight bod bro, bro we're gonna lose u to it Chris: i dont have a raging libido like u josh Josh: u wound me

As soon as the game loaded up, an invite from Josh immediately popped up on the top part of the screen. He accepted and as soon as the voice chat system on the game connected he could hear screaming on the other side: "YEEEEEEAAAH!" Their names pop up on the left side corner of the screen with a speaker graphic to symbolize them speaking.

Chris's expression turned quizzical, "Josh?" the username 'c0destopher' perked up on the screen while the username 'washingmachine' never left.

Josh, still excited for having his winding down time, kept going. "We're finally doing this since we've been buried under exams. They're OVER! Let's get this party started!"

Josh chose the role queue option which allows players to pick their ranks ahead of time which ensures better play experience as everyone enters the match knowing what they want is given. Chris, without taking much time confirmed only tank. Josh decided on all roles, and since Chris was only tank, he only had the chance to be a damage dealer or support.

Chris's door swings open. Ashley, who was too engrossed in her phone, began to speak. "Hey Chris, I'm going out to the store to get something I'd need for the-" She looks up to realize the dark atmosphere with his computer screaming RGB lights that lit the room in an unnatural way. "You playing with Josh?"

His heart sank from her sudden entrance, but regained his composure. "Yeah Ash, he could still hear us if you wanna say hi." Ashley took him up on his offer and took the headphones off of Chris. She held one ear pad up to her ear to not ruin her hair, but still be able to hear Josh.

Ashley smiled as he greeted her. "What's up Josh?" Chris couldn't actually hear what Josh was telling her, the muffled sounds were whisked away by his thoughts overwhelming him. It'd only been a while back he confessed to Ashley and she excitedly accepted to be his girlfriend. It still feels surreal to him. She tucked her hair behind the free ear and began speaking once more.

"That's good, I'm well. You do this often?" Her eyes looked up unintentionally, as to focus on the conversation. She slightly nods her head from time to time.

She tilted her head and hummed before speaking. "Well, I just wanted to see if Chris wanted anything from the store." Chris's eyes were locked onto her facial features, the way she moved, and her cute mannerisms when she's talking to somebody on the phone.

She keeps nodding out of nowhere and he could hear Josh stopping to allow her to speak. "Oh! I'm getting some stuff I need for my hair, and also some snacks. I forgot some things I needed."

Josh's muffled voice perked up and Chris could hear him going on about the match about to begin. Ashley responds immediately. "The game's starting? I'll get you back to Chris." She places the headphones back on for him, trying her best not to hurt him. The character selection screen opens, but Chris looks back at Ashley as she leaves the room.

Before she closes the door after herself, she peered into the room once more. "I’ll get you some snacks, anything else?" He nods sweetly to her and she smiles and closes the door.

She got her coat from the hanger and wore it. With her purse on her shoulder, Ashley left the apartment and locked the door behind her. She placed her key in her purse, and took out her phone from her pocket. She messaged y/n asking to call her.

A few moments later, her phone rang to see a call premeditated by her own message asking for it. “You won’t believe what I just saw!” Ashley giddly spoke to the phone. She pressed the button to the elevator to signal it to open on her floor.

Her friend responded on the other side. “What happened?”

“I just saw Chris and Josh playing the game you like! This is your moment! Surprise them and join them!”

y/n audibly gasped. “What?! They used to bully me about it all the time!”

y/n continued on, this time mocking Josh’s words to her when talking about the game she liked. “Call Of Duty is the better of the competitive games and not that hero rainbow bullshit!” Her voice went sarcastically deeper and had a few ‘blah blah blah’s splattered around it.

Ashley left the elevator to walk outside. The wind gushing through her as she left the complex. “I know! That’s why I got so shocked, I thought you’d love to know that they got into it so you could tease back. Especially, Josh. I didn’t show that I cared too much so they wouldn’t suspect a thing!”

She took some time to think it through before responding. “I don’t think I should even if I want to show them for teasing me and then playing it. If I wasn’t invited then it’d look bad on me to join their group.”

“Oh come on, y/n. We both know they wouldn’t mind you playing, they didn’t invite you because it’d look badly on them for teasing you about the same game they got themselves into. I even got Chris’s username memorized for you.”

y/n relented and gave in to Ashley’s plan. “Alright why not. I’m down to cause a little bit of chaos.”

“I’ll send you everything right now.” Ashley closed the phone and looked ahead of her to cross the street. She arrived at the grocery store and went inside to escape the cold. Once inside, she opened her phone once more. Ashley spilled out everything she remembered, hoping it’d suffice.

Ashley: c0destopher#5576 y/n: thats actually so geeky Ashley: i know its so stupid y/n: birds of a feather, your username on goodreads reminds me of the one he has on the game Ashley: dont compare me to that when im doing u a favor to get closer to josh y/n: aye aye captain y/n: i friend requested him Ashley: im sure he accepts everyone y/n: and that u are right ab bc he accepted me right away Ashley: ok ill go focus on doing what i have to do update me whenever ill read when i can y/n: okay thanks ash i will let u know how it goes, stay safe

She booted up the game as she friend requested him on the mobile app. Unsurprisingly on Chris's account, it shows a new button: 'join group' and y/n had a long and hard moment of clarity set in that she's going to have to face Josh if she entered. Her face felt warmer, not that they were anything special, but he was special. She regretted relenting to Ashley's plans due to the trouble she went through getting the information to her.

She took a deep breath and entered their group. The bottom left corner displays a party chat message: unforgettable has joined the group.

Josh, not realizing the message, spoke up. "Yeah I think out of the group, y/n stands out the most, you know? The only person that has playful banter back towards me within the group from the girls. Jess and Em both would do the same, but they're too into their boyfriends so they act like they're untouchable. Sam likes to ensure I wouldn't get hurt which is sweet, but it ruins the fun. Like you could tell she's holding back for my sake."

She, who obviously entered a conversation which shouldn't be privy to her, shoved a palm onto her mic to mute it which showed her name with the speaker graphic. She didn't waste time in messaging Ashley.

y/n: I dun goofed. Ashley: what?

Chris realized first that a message showed up in their party chat that isn't accounted for and the voice chat had a third person suddenly. "Wait who is that?" She could see him using his charge attack to stun his enemy into a wall to kill them. When a friend joins a party in an ongoing game, the leftover friend spectates the match. The chat still open on her phone, y/n stayed quiet to just see the chaos begin to brew and to text Ash.

y/n: I seriously fucked up. Ashley: you gotta explain EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!

Josh took a look and was at a loss. "I dunno. Did you invite them?" Josh was playing a character with double shotguns, and his character needed to creep near enemies to deal serious damage. Typical shotguns.

y/n: he didn't realize i heard him neither of them did?????? Ashley: STOP BEING CRYPTIC WHATS GOING ON??????

"No, did you?" Chris, even if nobody could see, shook his head due to habit. His character slashed his hammer at the enemy tank, dealing some okay output, but the reason for this is to create space for his team to do the damage. She realized this quite quickly.

y/n: WELL i listened to u and joined them and i joined them as josh was talking about the girls and he spoke about me saying i was the only one that stood out to him between all the girls since i give and take in his banter with us. Ashley: OMG? THEN WHAT?

Josh answered his question and was about to say something else, "no," but Chris remembered something.

y/n: heres where i fucked up, yk my mic has an external mute button where placing a palm on it would mute? Ashley: yeah so?

He spoke up. "Oh! They added me a few minutes back and I accepted." Score, he remembered her, but didn't realize who she was. She thought to herself. Josh was getting ready to use his 'ultimate' ability since he charged it to the max. y/n got more focused into the conversation with Ashley that her fingers were going to reach the speed of light.

y/n: well i kinda sorta fucked up by being so nervous after i heard what i heard that i literally kind of slapped the top part where the palm was supposed to go and they heard it and realized i was there Ashley: GIRL WHAT SO THEY DIDNT REALZE YOU HEARD THEM OHMYGDOS???? y/n: YUP IMAGINE WHAT THE HELL? Ashley: SO CHRIS KNOWS THIS ENTIRE TIME THAT JOSH THINKS YOIURE SPECIAL NAND NEVER TOLD ME? THE AUDAXITY OF THAT MAN y/n: WHAT LOL?

Josh chuckled a bit. "Why do you accept randos?" He hid on the roof of a high building on the map, then jumped down and used his ability which sent bullets in a good radius in a circular motion, killing three members of the enemy team. He was shot in the head by the enemy sniper after, and thought for a second as he respawned in game. "Kick them out?"

y/n: HES TELLING CHRIS TO KICK ME OUT Ashley: NONONONO ITS GETTING GOOD

Chris didn't skip a beat. "Sure alright."

y/n: YOUR BOYFRIENDS A BASTARD HE SAID SURE TO KICKING ME?? Ashley: SAY SOMETHING OF COURSE THEY DON'T KNOW ITS YOU y/n: OK GTG BGYE

Ashley was right. y/n had to speak up now or forever hold her peace. "WAITWAITWAIT! It's just me." She peeped as if she was a criminal, but all she did was join her friends.

Josh perked up, things were getting interesting. "y/n?"

"The one and only." Her voice getting a little more confident over time.

Chris was absolutely on edge. "How'd you get my username? What? We hid this from you for months!"

"I know! Ash told me about you guys playing. How about Call of Duty being the best game on the market for these types of games?"

Chris got defensive, he didn't belittle her for her choice of games. "Hey, I didn't say that." If anything, Chris sees himself as the most understanding in that aspect. All games could be fun if done right and with the right people.

Josh, sounding sarcastically defeated, sounded like he was raising his hands to surrender himself to y/n's beck and call. "I didn't think the game would be this addictive!"

"I'm officially inviting myself to join you." She continued, she liked how she got Josh back for belittling her.

They could hear the smile come up his face. "Our group is yours, y/n." Josh said.

Chris knew exactly what he was doing. "You couldn't have come at a better time, y/n, we were just talking about romance." He was hoping Josh would take the reins to say something witty.

She raised an eyebrow and smirked against the screen. "Romance, huh? Tell me about it, Josh. We're all friends, right?"

Josh quickly regained his composure after Chris kind of just outed him. "Chris is overdramatizing it. We were just talking about the group and our opinions on everyone."

"Yeah, right." Chris rolled his eyes.

Josh also rolled his eyes at him, he knew he was going to get him for this later. She spoke up which redirected them both back to the conversation. "Oh? What're his opinions Chris?"

Chris spoke up. "I can't share on behalf of somebody else, dear lady."

"Josh?" y/n called out into the cyber void that is their online voice chat. Their game has finally ended now, they queued up for another match where y/n also chose all roles like Josh.

The queue waiting time has begun, and Josh sighed; unsure if he should reveal the truth, but he did anyway. He didn't understand why he wanted to be honest with her even if he could've easily lied. "I was just saying how Emily and Jessica create barriers with the guys after getting boyfriends, it's not the same as before."

y/n nodded. "Mhm... And Ash and Sam?" She heard this story before, but to avoid suspicion, she decided to ask and follow what Chris might've set up.

Josh continued, the conversation being tame enough for him to ride the wave without falling off the board or having to admit something that was specifically between him and Chris. "Sam is a pacifist, we all know that, and Ash could be talked about by Chris for days."

"And..." She trailed off at first, but his words gave her confidence. He already admitted to her unintentionally and that's all she needed.

y/n thought she was being smart about it to get him to confess. "Me?" She would never admit that she heard him though, never, ever.

Josh chuckled and began to tease her. "Couldn't get to you until you rudely interrupted our conversation." Chris chuckled at the banter, knowing that was a complete lie. Josh didn't react to sound as honest as possible.

y/n bought it to keep face. "Uh huh, nice one, Mr. Washington. What a coincidence."

Josh returned. "Yup."

"A quinky-dink." y/n continued.

Josh replied, once more. "Mhm." Chris kept holding in a laugh at the awkward yet funny atmosphere that surrounded them, even if it meant he was the third wheel. y/n sent Josh a friend request ingame, which he promptly accepted.

A match started which changed the topic.

Josh directed his attention to his new friend's banner which would show her selection when she chose. "I never asked you who you played."

She sat deciding what support character she should choose. "Me?"

Josh took a second to try to understand her thought process when asking that. "I mean I play with Chris, I know who he plays."

She realizes her stupidity at this moment in time, but played it off cool. "Right...! I play everything including tank, but it seems like Chris takes the cake for that. I play whatever the team needs."

"Nice. Yeah, Chris likes playing tank." Josh slightly smiles at her comment. "Seems like you'll support our team, what shall you pick, madam?"

"I like playing based on the team when I'm support. I'll see what everyone else picks to best help the team with my choice of character."

Chris always keeps his number one choice unless the other team counters him. Where they'd play a character that makes his own completely useless. "I already know what I'm choosing."

"I'll play this guy this time." Josh decides to try the soldier.

"I see, if you play that then..." She chooses the damage boosting support and their teammate picks a main healer to focus on keeping everybody's health satiated.

Josh smugly replied to her action. "I think I see where this is going..."

y/n rolled her eyes behind the screen. "Not that I have any faith in you, but your ultimate that 100% doesn't miss, would need this to change the tides."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say."

hi everyone! i hope u enjoyed what you've read. i do wanna continue it, but im a bit busy and got too excited to keep it in the drafts, i want it to eventually end with one of them realizing their likeness towards one another. i usually do write longer chapters, 5k-10k, but i have a midterm tomorrow and i couldn't stop myself from writing something. comments, likes, and everything else is appreciated for ur friendly neighborhood budding writer. took about 2 hours to write this.

[crowtongued]

{--If you're not walking down the street with people gawking at you while a flock of 40 crows follows your every step and makes dives right past your head then what are you doing with your life honestly--}

[dan-crimes]

Splatoon is a very interesting game cuz I do really enjoy the game I love it lots it's the game I for sure play the most outta any video games and the most consistently at that, but it's also the game I probably get the most mad at as well and I don't get mad at games basically at all lmao like the problem isn't with me losing a game cuz idc abt that as long as I had fun while playing the game, the issue is a lotta the times when I lose a game in Splatoon it wasn't a fun experience at all lmao

[il-miele-che-scrive]

Go for his brother part 2

Part 1 here

Part 3 here

username1 DOUBLE BETRAYAL 😭

↳username2 wdym bro wtf Arthur is just getting his karma, he CHEATED on Y/n with her best friend

↳username2 and Y/n only got with his brother after the breakup

username3 It's so crazy to me how not long ago Y/n was with Arthur at Charles' race and we could see them all lovey dovey and now she's with Charles 💀

username4 I hope they actually like each other and it's not just something Y/n schemed to get back at Arthur

↳username5 And even if it is, so what? Both Leclercs deserve this if she's doing it for the sake of revenge

username4 What did Charles ever do to you 😭 he's a literal pookie

username6 I am BEGGING to find out Arthur's reaction

username7 I wanna see this on Drive To Survive lmao

↳username8 The most interesting thing in the whole season lol

username9 Exactly! Men driving in circles? Nah, fuck that, give me family drama

yourusername The Art & The Artist

view all comments

charles_leclerc I took way more than these 2 pictures, should post them all

↳yourusername some would get me banned🤭

username1 MY OH MY

username2 What did she say 😐

username3 I'm jealous but haven't decided if I want him or her

username4 Arthur better not read this comment section (I hope he will)

francisca.cgomes Thanks for blessing my eyes ��

↳yourusername You're welcome bestie🫶

username4 it's so nice to see Y/n found a friend who won't steal her bf

username5 You can't be sure, it's Charles Leclerc we're talking about. You think he wouldn't go for his best friends' girlfriend who is now his own girlfriends' best friend after pulling what he's just pulled?

username4 ngl girl I got lost in whatever you're saying

yoursister In your iconic girl era ❤️

↳yourusername I slayed didn't I 💅

username6 Honestly guys I believe it's not just a revenge scheme

↳username5 What makes you think that?

username6 Given these pictures and the pictures from the gossip page they look pretty much happy to me, too happy for it to be fake

username5 Whatever you say, we'll see. They have to get tired of pretending one day

exbestfriend Glowing ✨🩷

↳yourusername 😐

↳francisca.cgomes 😐

↳yoursister 😐

↳charles_leclerc 😐

↳pierregasly 😐

↳georgerussell63 😐

↳carmenmmundt 😐

↳alex_albon 😐

↳lilymhe 😐

username7 Y/N AND HER COMMENT SECTION ARE ICONIC 😭

↳username8 I can't stop imagining them having a gc and she sent a screenshot of her ex best friend's comment like "you know what to do, guys" 🤣

username9 I just know Arthur is screaming crying throwing up because LOOK AT WHAT HE LOST

username10 Lol who's next? Toto Wolff?

arthur_leclerc My favorite love story is ours ❤️

view all comments

exbestfriend So happy we found each other ❤️❤️

username1 💀

username2 Alright they both have the audacity

username3 your love story is cheating on Y/n lmao

username4 Imagine they have a kid one day who'll ask mom dad how did you meet lol

↳username3 I'd be EMBARRASSED

username5 They deserve each other tbh

username6 Hey but... What if this pic and Y/n's pics were taken on the same day...

↳username7 wdym

username6 Arthur wanted to keep and eye on his ex and his brother from afar 😭

username7 it's terrible but possibly true lmao

exbestfriend I'm so sick of people judging us

↳username2 That's what you deserve, the both of you

↳username4 when actions have consequences:😮

yourusername Back at the paddock ❤️

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username1 At least she didn't downgrade right?

yoursister You guys look so good together

↳yourusername Thank you 🫶 ily

↳charles_leclerc Yes we do 😊

↳username2 Y/s/n never commented anything like this when Y/n used to post with Arthur😭

lilymhe It was nice catching up with you when the boys were playing

↳yourusername maybe next time you and Alex could come over so the boys can play some video games together

username3 Pls they're just two single mothers bonding over their toddlers being besties😭

username4 I NEED TO KNOW IF ARTHUR WAS THERE

↳username5 You crazy? Ofc he wouldn't have come, he's too scared of confrontation

username4 Okay but then what if one day Y/n and Charles get married? Will Arthur just skip his brother's wedding?

username5 I think some time will pass before Charles decides to settle down. And not with Y/n, that's for sure

username6 Why not? Y/n makes a much better couple with Charles than she did with Arthur

username5 Charles would never take her seriously lol she dated his brother, Charles is just having fun with her while letting her have her moment

arthur_leclerc Are you wearing the dress you wore on our first date?

↳username2 SHE'S WHAT?????

↳username3 wtf are u doing here

↳yourusername Maybe...

username4 Mother keeps slaying 😭👏

username7 I aspire to be like Y/n fr

alex_albon Lily said we should have a double date

↳yourusername Let's do it then @/lilymhe @/charles_leclerc when and where

arthur_leclerc I just wonder when will you get bored of this

↳yourusername Bored of what exactly? Going to races? You know I've always enjoyed looking at cars go vroooom

arthur_leclerc You know what I mean

arthur_leclerc Of pretending to like Charles just to prove me some delusional point

yourusername You really think I'd waste my energy on that? It's a funny coincidence indeed, but I do like him actually

arthur_leclerc Mhm sure I give you maybe 6 months more, can't keep pretending forever

charles_leclerc A family gathering & the morning after

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username1 OH GREAT HEAVENS

pierregasly Now that's something none of us expected

↳username2 bro speaking facts

username3 They said fuck you Arthur you'll get a proof we're not pretending😭

username4 Well at least the family already knew her

↳username5 Pascale liked Y/n so much she said girl you have my blessing no matter which one u marry

username3 Guys do you think Arthur was there? You know, it's a family gathering, so he had to be there, right?

alex_albon Charles settling down wasn't on my bingo card this year

↳lilymhe Neither was it on mine but I love it

francisca.cgomes Girl you realize there's no going back now? 😂

↳yourusername I hope so😜🫶

arthur_leclerc I still can't believe how disrespectful you both are

↳charles_leclerc Look who's speaking of being disrespectful

↳yourusername stfu arthur maman literally had to kick you out of the party

username3 The way it used to be "Thurthur" and now it's "stfu arthur" 😶

username2 at least the "maman" is the same right

username5 I feel like Pascale likes Y/n more than she likes Arthur

username7 wtf guys PASCALE HAD TO KICK ARTHUR OUT OF THE PARTY 😭😭

↳username8 That's crazy, imagine how's the wedding gonna look like

carlossainz55 Getting engaged after a few weeks? Is she pregnant?😂

↳username9 Not funny

username10 Chill that's just millennial humour from back when pregnancy outside marriage was a disgrace

↳charles_leclerc We've known each other long enough to make this decision 🫢

carlossainz55 Valid point

arthur_leclerc But for majority of this time she was my girlfriend

charles_leclerc On which you cheated

arthur_leclerc @/yourusername did you use me just to get to Charles? Was it your plan from the beginning?

↳yourusername Sure because I have nothing else to do lmao

↳yourusername We've talked about it yesterday arthur, don't start again

arthur_leclerc I just still can't believe Charles would do something like that to me

yourusername And half a year ago I believed you wouldn't have ever cheated on me

charles_leclerc I said it yesterday and I'll say it again, Arthur I will always love you as a brother, but you messed up big time, you can't be mad at us

[patscorner]

PROLOGUE: HIT

pairings: paige x oc

contains: angst

word count: 686

a/n: let's try another shot at this series thing... here we go

JUNE 2020

I dribble the ball between my legs before taking a step back and shooting the ball. It's almost midnight, and the thunder claps should've kept me in bed, but it seems like the last thing I can do is sleep. It's been three weeks.

Azzi already got her acceptance letter to Uconn. We'd applied at the same time, yet hers came almost a month ago, and I'm sitting here empty-handed.

What if they denied me? What if they just forgot to send it, and I don't find out until I'm in the middle of Texas? Sure, it's not common for colleges to scout one school and find what they're looking for. But with us, I feel like they could. It's always been us two- Azzi and I- and even Paige, and although Paige and I aren't speaking, I don't think I'm ready to let that go yet.

I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to let that go.

But here I am, letting them slip through my fingers. Letting her slip from my grasp.

How did I get here? How’d it get like this? It seems like these past few months have been nothing but loss, love, and the bittersweet taste of change.

I’m a great basketball player, I know that. But if any coach was scouting me right now, they’d cross me off the list immediately. The way the basketball clangs off the backboard once more causes me to groan in frustration, throwing my head back. I chase after it, positioning myself at what would be the wing.

Basketball is a mindless game. Something I do well without even thinking about it. The movement of the ball, the way it bounces off the court, the way my wrist flicks when it leaves my hands, the swish of it passing through the net, whatever; the motions are fluid. Subconscious, even. Something I can do with my eyes closed without a second thought. But right now, I'm thinking about everything, including her. And as though I'd summoned her…

“Dude, it's midnight, what the fuck are you doing?” a groggy voice calls. I flinch at the unexpected presence, and turn around to see Paige. She's got her hair down, the blonde locs frizzy from her sleeping position.

The house lights illuminate her hair, the yellowish glow casting a shadow on the cement. Her red plaid pajama pants hang dangerously low on her waist, her Nike Pro boxers peeking above the cotton material. She's wearing a Uconn hoodie because, of course, she is.

I roll my eyes. “Just throwing shots up.” I say, holding the ball on my hip. I could practically hear her eyes roll. “No, no, I can see that, I just mean, why? It's literally about to rain.”

“Why do you care? Why don't you go back to sleep?” I huff, shooting the ball up again.

She scoffs. “I'd actually love to. In fact, I couldn't think of anything better to do-” I wince as the ball bounces off the rim again. “-but when all I can hear is a fucking ball bouncing, it's kinda hard to enjoy slumber.”

I roll my eyes. “Whatever, I'll be done soon.” I mutter as the ball bounces towards her, internally sighing as she picks it up. I hold my hands out, motioning for her to give it to me. She doesn't.

“Why can't you sleep?” She asked, her voice sounding genuinely concerned. That's the thing. She's pretty fucking good at that.

I sigh. “Can I just get the ball, bro.” She can't make anything fucking easy.

She smirks. “Nah. Not ‘till you tell me why you're playing basketball in the middle of the night when it's about to storm.” I groan.

Don't let her in again.

“Nevermind, I'm tired anyway. Court's yours, asshole.” I say, shoving past her and stomping into the house.

There's nothing more I've wanted to do than break down in her arms and tell her everything that I'm thinking, and have her hold me and tell me everything's gonna be okay.

But I've already done that.

And I'm not making that mistake again.

=======================

taglist: @wintersstan @bueckerrss @lilia22hicks @fake-intelligences @girlokwhatever @pbloverr @breeloveschris-deactivated20240 @cosmopretty @hellokittyfeenie @averagelobotomyenjoyer @elliewilliamsthang @chelisbae @angelscovee @st4rrzynight

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for getting high on Guys Night?

I (21M) am a history major in college. I've accidentally befriended a group of 6 guys who I share classes with - most of them are also history majors, and they're all big fans of football and sports in general. They all played sports in high school, as well, and they go to the gym together sometimes and at least one of them is in a frat. I say accidentally because I am not a gym bro or a sports fan - I'm an autistic nerd and never went to any parties in high school (unless you count MTG meetups in my local game store). They're all roughly the same age as me. They invited me to go to a sports bar with them, and they all seemed nice and I still hadn't made any friends since transferring so I agreed.

I know nothing about football. But they were all nice and explained things to me and we still had a great time. We would talk during the slow parts/commercial breaks. It's been a couple months and I still don't understand everything (I stopped asking because I didn't want to bother them) but I still go and try and watch the game because it's still enjoyable and I like spending time with them.

Well, a few weeks into these meetups and one of the guys "Aaron" (22M) and I got there a bit early and he offered me some of his blunt. I'm a bit of a lightweight so I did get high, but it was manageable. I also found that it helped me focus on the game, and it made the loudness of the bar a lot more tolerable. I had a pack of gummies my sister bought and left there (she was visiting and said I could have the rest), so I started taking them when we'd meet up to watch the game. I'll admit, most of the game nights I've been a bit high. On other nights/meetups I don't get high, it's mostly just a football thing.

Well, one of the guys "Brian" caught on and said it was rude and if I care that little about football then I didn't have to come. I said I really enjoy the meetups so I'd stop getting high, but Aaron stepped in and said it was fine. Aaron said it wasn't noticeable that I was high since I didn't smell and I was acting normally and they only knew because I told them (one of them offered me a gummy and I said no and that I had already taken one). Brian kept arguing that it was rude and that I "clearly don't give a shit about their interests" and started raising his voice so I decided to leave and Aaron left with me. Now the rest of the group is torn.

No one in the group has any issues with using substances (after all, a lot of our meetups are at a bar) and all of them have used marijuana at one point (including Brian).

AITA for getting high on game night?

What are these acronyms?

[bluecollarmcandtf]

Becoming the Breadwinner

David has been a real pain since he turned 18. The kid refuses to get a job, skips school, and spends his time playing video games on the couch. The only effort he puts into anything is girls, and even that he quickly loses interest in.

I love my little brother, but I expect more from him than that. When our parents stepped out of the picture, I was the big brother who stepped up. I dropped out of highschool and got a full time gig at a garage. It was grueling work, but I always put in overtime to make sure David could finish school and play basketball.

Now my lazy brother rarely does either of those things.

"David, did you really just sit on the couch all day," my voice rises as I get home from a long day, "You had chores to do around here."

"I'll get to them tomorrow," he mumbles, staring at the screen.

"Are you kidding me right now?" I stomp over to the TV and turn it off.

"What the hell, bro!" he snaps, "Turn it on."

"No TV until you mow the goddamn lawn!" I roar.

"Lay off me, dad." he scoffs sarcastically, "You used to be fun, bro."

"Oh, am I not fun anymore? Sorry, I don't enjoy putting in 7 days of work a week so you can bum around all day!"

"Whatever, bro," he resigns. I can already tell I'm not going to win. He's already staring at his phone, and there's no way in hell David is picking himself off of this couch tonight.

"I didn't want to resort to this," I explain, "But I don't have a choice, do I? You're going to take on more responsibility from now on, and your going to like it," I say firmly.

"Shut up, bro," he rolls his eyes at me.

"No, you shut it! I'm tired of paying for our house, our food, our lives while you refuse to appreciate any of it! It's my turn to be lazy!"

"Your nuts, bro," David groans, but he shifts in his seat, suddenly growing uncomfortable in his own skin.

"Maybe I am, but you can feel it happening, right?"

"What's happening, bro?" my little brother laughs, but his smile lines deepen as the skin on his face becomes more tired and loose.

The kid's shoulders broaden beneath his t-shirt and his legs lengthen as he fidgets awkwardly on the couch. Then his skin roughens before it looks like it's almost inflating. A small layer of pudge fills out his cheeks and then his neck. His entire torso thickens as his metabolism weakens. David's previously flat stomach grows into a paunchy belly that his now heavy pecs can finally rest on.

"What's happening?" David cries, but his voice cracks and the second word is said several octaves lower than normal.

"It's your turn to play dad," is all I say.

"What?" the deep voice in his throat whimpers, as a thick patch of wiry hair bud around his jaw and neck.

"And I'm tired of our lack of finances" I add, ignoring the desperate look on my brother's rapidly aging face, "You work at the bank. Don't you, dad?"

"I'm not dad!" he says firmly, but between his deeply commanding voice and matured body, it was hard to see him as anything else.

His t-shirt eventually transforms into a collared button up as a wide tie rolls down from his thick neck. A heavy brown belt appears beneath his gut, tightly tucking his slacks into his soft body.

David holds a hand to his creased forehead and groans, "Bro, what's going on?"

"Bro?" I laugh emphatically, "Why are you calling me bro, dad?"

David pauses and then let's out an amused chuckle, "I don't know, son. It was a long day at the bank."

"You're such a weirdo, old man," I add, taking on the bratty tone David had previously been using with me.

My new dad let's out an exaggerated groan as he pulls himself off the couch, "Why are you dressed like a grease monkey, son? You finally get a job?"

I glance down at the worn blue clothes that make up my mechanic uniform. I won't be needing these anymore.

"Nah, dad," I laugh, "I thrifted these. They're vintage."

David let's out a chuckle, "You kids are something else. I'll start on dinner. Chicken sound good for tonight?"

"Whatever," I answer heading for the gaming console in David's old room, "I'm gonna play some videogames. Just let me know when the food's ready."

"Sure thing, pal," my new dad feighns a smile as he steps into the kitchen.

I spent the rest of the night relaxing in David's old room while my father cooked dinner before going straight to bed. He had to be up early to shower and shave before heading to the bank.

Meanwhile, I called the garage and quit. David would be taking care of us for a while. It was his turn to bring in the income, and it was my turn to coast off of his long hours.

[misc-obeyme]

am I the only one who doesn't feel represented when it comes creating female lead in general?? i see rare unique and different female mc or characters compared to the typical female lead of interactive choice-based games.

my mc or me personality is more challenging and rebellious, she has that macho attitude and knows how to push someone's buttons. She is muscular and aggressive with a "what's up bro" and "nah fuck that fuck society" vibe, unlike the soft, pale as snow with "cute elegant clothing, long lustrous hair, slender physique and a quiet pleasant personality" typical female lead. there is nothing wrong with cute gals, they cool, they cool, but they're other gals then the submissive ones.

i do enjoy the game, let's be honest, who can survive simeons charm?? but i don't actually feel myself when i play as mc if you get what i mean. this wasn't only for tomboys tho it was for female mc in general who don't find themselves in mc, not getting represented. i gave my example and my struggling.

I think this is an issue for a lot of otome style games. I find that I don't like playing ones that have an actual image for MC. If they don't use the pronouns too much, I can usually gloss over that stuff, but the MCs are so very different from how I identify as a person that I can't self insert at all. (Not that I would if I could, to be fair.)

In fact, I feel like Obey Me is the only game in this genre that hasn't been as bad. (Well, Arcana was pretty good with this too since they let you choose your pronouns but I haven't played it in a while lol.)

MC is gender neutral by default, so they have that at least, which is more than I can say for most otome games. However, the personality problem still exists in OM and really I'd say it's just as bad as most of the others. Generic OM MC has some funny and unhinged lines, but most of the time everybody talks about how nice and sweet they are. I mean, we all joke about them being the demon therapist, but that's really how it is.

On the one hand, it's kind of annoying because you're right. Different types of MCs just don't exist really. And since the default is often female, it's like the one personality they think anyone female can have.

On the other hand, they're going to have to do this at a certain level. They can't give MC too much of a personality. In the end, they're still going for a target audience and I guess they think most female players are going to want to be portrayed as nice and sweet MCs?

All that rambling aside, your feelings are completely valid. To be honest with you, I don't see this changing in otome style games any time soon. So the best we can do is imagine the story differently for ourselves!

So many times I've been given a set of dialogue options for MC and been like... okay neither Ciaran or I would say any of those things. Here is what Ciaran would say if they were experiencing this moment! Then I choose the dialogue that's closest. Or if it's main story, I choose the ones that I think will raise intimacy lol.

Anyway, I don't think you're the only one. I think this is a pretty common feeling. And maybe one day someone will make an otome or dating sim game where the MC has a more rebellious attitude or is female but muscular. It says a lot about how women are perceived when the "generic" female lead is considered to be a nice and meek type of person. It's an unfortunate circumstance of society.

[uummyuu]

im probably not the first to request this but could you do invincible united headcanons? 🫣🫣

invincible united headcanons

unironically you are the first request, so here's me going off about men who should probably be in jail but aren't for plot convenience :))

in other teams' headcanons i call them family/fandom of space nerds but these guys? nah, they only tolerate each other because they keep each other out of jail (or at least vince does).

honestly vince probably just has some sort of mafia like underground connections to keep these guys out of jail, moreover how he even got dooma OUT in the first place.

the only (somewhat) sensible guy i can see in the team is automatic but even he's kinda pushing it. like bro what kinda rage do you hold inside you to be able to throw that hard??? he and dooma are easily the guys who could actually murder someone and get away with it.

dooma's definitely a wall puncher, like his wall has several fucking holes in it from the times he goes into rages. (the team have literally learned to cage this man in his room when he's angry, barrackading the windows included, one time he escaped through them and god—)

dooma's probably taking anger management somewhere but hell it ain't working all that well, his therapist probably needs a fucking therapist.

anyways onto dingaan my sweetie <33, he's just so head empty but loyal in a misguided puppy kinda way i can't help but be endeared to him. but also the way skarra keeps bringing him into his shit is so funny because bro you KNOW dingaan of all people ain't qualified to operate a freaking crane are you insane.

i hope dingaan's happy honestly he deserves it. (probably knows skarra is kinda using him as a placeholder for his long broken friendship with shakes which bums him out a bit but he wants to be there for skarra no matter what).

anyways onto skarra, considering he's the antagonist of the show i don't really have too much of an opinion on him?? probably laments his relationship with shakes (platonically or romantically take your pick) but he's too deep into the schtick of hating him he can't get out of it now. he sees no way out for himself or even a method of how to return things to the way they used to be between them.

oh but i felt pretty bad for him in rookie season when he failed to pass for supa strikas just cause he wasn't ready to die for a couple of people he'd just met. like i dunno i thought he was reasonable for that even though the show kinda pictures it in a "he deserved it after sabotaging shakes" kinda way. alternate universe where both he AND shakes get into supa strikas where they can slowly patch up their friendship and develop a healthy relationship when?

anyways invincible united tried to hold a game night once. keyword tried. they were not invincible, nor united.

dingaan wanted to play monopoly of all games and uh, yeah. didn't end well dooma smashed the gameboard in half when he kept having to pay skarra rent. also landed in jail way too many times. they learned not to do that again, but in the first place they were never really a buddy-buddy type of team.

some players just see it as a job while the others see it as a way to flaunt themselves and prove their skill to the world. football isn't really a dream to this team, more of just a way to show off while making money.

honestly no shame there, whatever works for them and they're clearly skilled enough to have this sort of mindset. but the so-called "beautiful game" is more of a hollow reality to them. get up, practice, play football, win. do whatever it takes.

[halfetirosie]

☠😱🔪 It's all Fun and Games until somebody commits manslaughter!!! 🔪😱☠

(Exercise 17 - 20 React-os!)

1) Wait, he actually heard the story from somewhere???

I assumed he just made it up himself!

2) HOLY SHIT BRO, THIS IS ACTUALLY LEGITIMATELY SCARY!!! 😨😨😨

Not gonna lie; I know it's fake, but this still freaks me out.

It hits me in a psychological sort of way, because we've seen Blade get hurt before; so seeing him badly hurt both feels too-close-for-comfort, and builds on the familiar fear of loved ones getting hurt.

PLUS, seeing Blade acting weird reminds me of when his programming was externally tampered with in ArmyxBloodxOath, so I'm getting a wee bit of war flashbacks...

3) ....I say all that, but then my boi goes and ruins my immersion!!! 😂😂😂😂😂

There's nothing like saying "Lord Jackass" to completely ruin the spooky atmosphere!

4) YOOOOO WTF?!?!?! (⊙ᗣ⊙) 

DAMN, THEY'RE EVEN ADDING SOME BODY HORROR TO THIS SHIT??? TALK ABOUT DEDICATION!!!

Blade deserves a lil' treat after this for giving the performance of a lifetime!!!

(Come to think of it, Blade is actually a really good actor, isn't he? 🤔 I mean, when he's actually giving it his all. Like during Idol Fest when he acted as a "prince" character, he did a good-ass job; and he's doing a good-ass job now, too!!!------Damn, now I really want to see an event where Blade performs in a play or something!!!!!)

5) Ah yes, a masked psycho---the perfect role for Rei!!! :D

Dude, you just know Rei's having a little too much fun pretending to be a serial killer!

"The guy with the bird"??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Not my mans never remembering people's names.... 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ (Shoutout to that moment in Festive Glimmer when he also didn't remember Quincy's name!)

Nah but, shouldn't Dante know Rei's now by now? Rei's hovered around him and teased him on more than one occasion...

6) Hell yeah, Eerie Escapade reference!!!!

I LOVE when the characters reference past events!!!

It just makes the stories feel more substantial, ya know? Like they carry more weight. (I wonder how Vlad is doing? I want an update on him!)

Ohhhhh, I see! So it's not so much the ghost that scares him---after all, he dealt with Vlad just fine---but the scary story that got to him. That makes more sense.

7) HOLY SHIT, KARU ALMOST KILLED MY WIFE!!!! 😱😱😱😱😱😱

IMAGINE IF HIS CLAWS WENT IN JUST A LITTLE FURTHER!!!

HE COULD'VE SLASHED EDMOND'S FUCKING THROAT!!!!!

JHBHQBR#$*#$FO!IJVNKJNW@##@!!!

!!!!!!!

*static*

🎶 We are experiencing technical difficulties. Please wait for us to fix the problem. Thank you for your patience. 🎶

🎶🎶🎶

🎶🎶🎶

*static*

Fuck, dude.....

....On a lighter note, it's very entertaining to think about Edmond running around with a sheet on his head, taking his silly task as seriously as ever! :D

8) Damnnnnn, Olivine! Back at it again with the smart-ass ideas!!!

Olivine is seriously CRUSHING it this event!

9) Wait, did Eiden actually understand what Topper was saying here, or was he just assuming?

Because, like, it is canon that Eiden ocassionally understands what Topper says, and he might slowly be learning his language, you know?

I just bring this up because I really, really hope Eiden did understand Topper, because I desperately want Eiden to eventually be able to have full conversations with the lil' homie!!!

10) The heroic return of

🐍 YAKUMO-JUMPSCARE!!! 🐍

BRUH, this is the second time one of the clan members almost fucking DIED because of their prank!!!

That is pretty true-to-life, tho. Like, it's not uncommon for irl-pranks to go very wrong because the fight-or-flight response of the prank-ee happened to be "fight." Like when they jump out to scare someone and end up getting reflex-punched.

11) Classic Introvert Dad Quincy, with absolutely no fucking clue how to handle a Distressed Yakumo---

---Although, in fairness, I feel like many of the clan members wouldn't know how exactly to handle Distressed Yakumo, either.

Hell, I probably wouldn't know what to do!!! Like, look at this sobbing string-bean of a boy!!! He's inconsolable even in the best of times!!!

(ᵕ—ᴗ—)

12) An accurate description, tbh;

Foxy Grandpa over here has been slacking off since the Grill Competition, and now he makes Yakumo do all the heat-lifting!!!

Rude. 😡

13) "The emotional range of a log"

PFFFT!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I CAN'T---!!!!

DUDE. Rei's insults are always immaculate, I swearrrr!!!!

He would be SO GOOD at making diss-tracks!!!

14) ��🚨🚨 SOFT KARU!!!! 🚨🚨🚨

Karu's so on-guard and fierce all the time, so seeing him act so affectionate (in the beloved Tsundere Bullshit™ flavor, or course) is such a treat!!!

Just look at that face!!! I wanna squish his cheeks!!!!! ♡♡♡♡♡

👻 End of report! 👻

[simmer-until-tender]

Sims tag

Thanks to those who tagged me~

1. what’s your favorite sims death?

satellite. It's so sudden and random and weird. Death be that way sometimes.

2. Alpha CC or Maxis Match?

whatever makes my game look like a dog ate a box of crayons and vomited all over everything

3. Do you cheat when your sims gain weight?

hell nah, I have too many skinny bitches in my game as it is

4. Do you use move objects?

religiously, and then I yell at my sims when they throw routing errors

5. Favorite mod?

whichever one makes the hobby NPCs go fuck themselves

6. First expansion/game/stuff pack you got?

I got university from the library lol but I think the first one I owned was open for business, which was a revelation at the time. I always wanted nightlife but was too afraid to ask my mom for it cause it looked SEXY. now, as an adult, can confirm nightlife is the best one. but I am a sexual deviant, so.

7.  Do you pronounce “live mode” like aLIVE or LIVing?

in my head it's like "aLIVE" but from a linguistic perspective I gotta concede that the "LIVing" pronunciation makes more sense because it's consistent with the other modes (buy/build) which are verbs not adjectives

8. Who’s your favorite sim that you’ve made?

I hate all my loser sims I guess I have a sweet spot for a child sim I made back when I was a child. She lived in a trailer, had big droopy eyes like Brittany Spears, and was named Miami.

9.  Have you made a simself?

yeah I basically always have one but she's a townie. to play her would be weird. here's the bitch

10. What sims traits do you give yourself?

sloppy and lazy yeeeeeee

11. Which is your favorite EA hair color?

the custom mohawk colors bro

12. Favorite EA hair?

this bitch still has a hold on me

13. Favorite life stage?

I like teens, they're so sassy, getting them to do their homework sucks but also unlike children they can just get bad grades, nobody cares

14. Are you a builder or are you in it for the game play?

I'm a builder but I'm trying not to give up on gameplay. It's not working.

15. Are you a CC creator?

not really, I like recoloring things to look like an 80s train-wreck though

16. Do you have any simblr friends/a sims squad?

.....there are sim-cliques?

17. What’s your favorite game (1,2,3,4)?

sims 3 is hideous (sorry bout it), sims 4 has lovely landscapes but the gameplay is akin to watching paint dry. I'm sure I'll love the sims 1 once I get around to playing it. I like creepy weird stuff.

18. Do you have any sims merch?

i wouldnt let myself be seen dead in sims merch also fuck EA

19. Do you have a youtube for sims?

I have too much CC to also run a screen recorder without tons of crashing lol I have no self control

20. How has your “sims style” changed throughout your years of playing?

with every passing day i am more of a builder and more of a maximalist also i keep making animal sims now like some kind of furry *shudders*

21. What’s your origin ID?

lol just say no to origin

22. Who’s your favorite cc creator?

who made the baby bbq? them

23. How long have you had a simblr?

since 2017. I was a baby in undergrad then. making sims stories was like my therapy. now im an adult with real therapy.

24. How do you edit your pictures?

I churn them mindlessly through photoscape generally. anything else is too much work.

25. What expansion/game/stuff pack do you want next?

SIMS 2 REMASTERED

SIMS 2 REMASTERED

SIMS 2 THAT RUNS WELL ON A MODERN COMPUTER WITH SIM HANDS THAT ARE MORE THAN 7 POLYS PLZ

I'm not sure who has/hasn't done this. I'll tag @sicksadsim, @pixelatedpanic, @letomills, @snapdragoned, @ivycopur, @bubuthejedi, @lifetime-want

[javaghoul]

What do you think what kind of brother would Tsukiyama be?? I mean I feel like it would really depend on their siblings age and character but honestly I love the idea of Shuu’s younger brother who is the opposite of him and his family. They are all pretty much eccentric predators with no problem of killing and that one younger brother who is just sitting there while Shuu is making a huge show of feasting on someone and be like „yeah nah, not gonna do that” and turning to the door with embarassed expression. And the fact that he would not want to use his kagune or simply kill others would make it much better. Mirumo would probably support and encourage his son but Shuu? I feel like he would get annoyed with him at some point

Anon, I think this is a brilliant ask? Scenario? Imagine? Idk, but it's really good and it made me smile reading it.

To answer the first part: I think it would depend on how close they are in age. I reckon Shuu could be the competitive type, so if they're close in age, they may not be close as siblings. More rivals.

Buuuut i think he would appreciate being an older brother. He has that "lemme take you under my wing" vibe about him, and a younger sibling that looks up to and admires him is something that he would love.

I wonder whether he would've turned out as a happier character if he had a younger sibling to take responsibility of 🤨? I think his storyline would've shifted...

Ok so Shuu's younger bro being the polar opposite of him and Mirumo (again, I love this). Shuu has tried his hardest to teach his brother culture, sophistication, the artistic sensibilities of performing vivisections on humans for sport, and... His brother isn't interested.

Not even disgusted by it - which would imply FEELING - just indifferent.

Shuu will try all manner of tactics to encourage him using his kagune, and his brother is like "meh".

You're right about Mirumo; he would be supportive and proud that both of his sons have the chutzpah to be individuals. But Shuu takes it as a blow to his ego that his brother doesn't want to be just like him.

Shuu calls his brother "the family vegan".

Bonus points if the brother hates books and plays video games all day.

Extra bonus points if he's a jeans and hoody guy.

Extra extra bonus points if he SCAVENGES his food.

[harleyacoincidence]

OC Interview Tag Game

I was tagged by @illarian-rambling for an OC Interview tag game! The post I was tagged in is here. For this, I feel like being borderline-spoiling, so I'm pulling out a character from The Devoted Musician. Everyone, please welcome Hacer Clemente! He's pretty much the only character I can talk about without giving away too much.

Tagging (with no pressure) @olivescales3 @kyofsonder @fire-but-ashes-too @stesierra and anyone who would like to join!

Are you named after anyone?

Not as far as I know! My name's pretty unique, and I pronounce it differently than most. It gives it that spark of originality, you know?

When was the last time you cried?

Years ago, before I died. I don't remember when.

Do you have kids?

No? Why are you asking...?

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Oh yeah, all the time. It's one of my special talents.

What's the first thing you notice about people?

Honestly, whether or not they're dead. As a ghost, it's kind of important to recognize.

What's your eye colour?

Blue! I've always liked my eyes.

Scary movies or happy endings?

Honestly, it depends on the day. I love a good horror movie, but happy endings just feel right.

Any special talents?

Buddy, you don't want to know. Just remember that being a ghost comes with benefits...

Oh, okay, fine. I can go through walls, and stuff. That's all I'm telling you.

Where were you born?

Beats me. I can tell you exactly where I died, though. Not sure you'd want that information, but it's available if you want it.

Do you have any pets?

Nah. I used to have a dog, though. I miss Ferrel.

What sort of sports do you play?

I used to do soccer, but I gave that up. It was never my thing. I prefer volleyball.

How tall are you?

I'm 5'7".

What was your favourite subject in school?

I loved biology. Funnily enough, gym was my least favourite subject.

What is your dream job?

Bro, I'm already living (ha) the dream! And I'm not even employed!

[und8e2ff]

When it comes to writing family dynamics, can we PLEASE see more than just sibling dynamics and parent-child dynamics?

I love to see them, I really do, but are yall familiar with the concept of extended family?

Not just the concept, but THE REALITY ITSELF?

I'm an only child but I grew up in a multi-generational household.

a POOR multi-generational household

I had to share rooms (I didn't always have an actual room), clothes, belongings, etc. until I was about 17.

And that was purely because everyone was getting older and finally moving out to do their own thing.

nah, like that place really had anywhere between 7-10+ people in it at any given time-

FAMILIAL LOVE EXISTS OUTSIDE THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY

Close but not necessarily sibling-like relationships exist between extended family members, especially when they live under the same roof, share the same room, sometimes the same bed, play games together, Borrow™ each other's stuff (it was literally just sitting there. you wasn't mad until I started using it-), and the like.

Representation has progressed a lot and while I know multi-generational households aren't all that common in the US, I want to see more stories with these kinds of families.

I adore found family. I understand found family has a lot of dynamics that cannot be cleanly or clearly defined like they can in blood-related families, but I'm not talking about that right now.

I'm also not talking about stories with extended family where them mfs canNOT STAND each other. The evil aunts, mean step-parents, weird uncles, etc.

I would really like to see more stories of extended families living together. As in they're actually close and actually getting along with less of the... idk how to say it, "tribal division" where instead of being an extra-large family, it's just a bunch of small families stuck together for one reason or the other who only really give af about their own?

Maybe I'm not running in the right content circles but most times when I see extended family in media, it's either a one-off, they're passively mentioned, they did something off-screen, or they're an antagonist if not THEE antagonist?

idk man, just-

Like, "Oh cool. You have the standard nuclear family going on. What room is Aunt Tabitha and her daughter Dolores staying in?" Or, "Hey, you're a single parent? Let's write you living with your sibling or even a cousin of yours that's also a single parent."

Let's have that with little to none of the, "But the extended fam is annoying and cruel and evil and they're the problem in the whole story."

nah, liek... The whole family -THEE. WHOLE. FAMILY.- can get along and the problem can be outside of them, NOT them.

I'm bothered.

In closing...

bro- I canNOT TELL YOU the amount of times mfs be havin sad backstories where they're orphaned and all alone but they literally come from a rich, well-connected background and I'm wonderin where tf lil dude's cousins and grandparents is at- LIEK- I KNOW YOU HAVE LIKE 7 SISTERS ALL MARRIED OFF TO RICH DUKES IN FOREIGN LANDS AND SHIT. HOW ARE YOU THIS FUCKING ALONE MY DUDE- ACTUALLY WHY??? WHERE TF GRAM GRAM AT- TAKE AN ANCESTRY TEST AND FIND SOMEBODY- LITERALLY ANYBODY

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1121: Extraterrestrial Date Night (Persona 5 x Sonic x Bayonetta)

8:23 p.m. at the LeBlanc Café.......

Futuba: Nyheheheheheheheheheheheee!~

Morgana: (Watches Futuba Giggles at her Computer Along With Lavenza and Omega) There goes that laugh again.......

Lavenza: I wonder what has gotten her to a laughing fit?

Omega: Perhaps a new video game that peaked her interest, has been announced?

Morgana: (Shakes his Head) Nah. That's whenever she does her "Ah-Ha!~" laugh. Her "Nyhehehehe!~" laugh is more on thr line of her scheming something. (Shivers a Bit) And I'm already dreading on finding out.....

Lavenza: Yes, me too......(Smiles Brightly) Shall we play Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide which loser gets to ask her?~

Morgana: (Shrugs) Sure.

Omega: Affirmative.

Morgana/Lavenza/Omega: Rock. Paper. Scissors. SHOOT!

Morgana gets Rock while Lavenza and Omega both gets Paper.

Lavenza: (Happily Cheers) V for Victory!~ (Gives Omega Double Hi-Fives)

Omega: Victory obtained.

Morgana: ('Groans in Defeat') Dang it! Thought I had it that time.....

Omega: (Points at Morgana) You assumed wrong, human, feline hybrid!

Lavenza: (Places her Hand on Top of Mona's Woth a Reassuring Smile in her Face) You've put up a valulent effort and we couldn't be any prouder. (Gives Mona a Peck on the Cheek)

Morgana: (Rolls his Eyes While Blushing a Little) Yeah, yeah, let's get this over with already......Hey, Futuba?

Futuba: (Turns to Morgana with Gremlin Like Grin on her Face) Yes?~

Morgana: Mind telling us why you were laughing like that?

Futuba: Ohhh it's nothing too special~ Just the fact that I've found myself the BESTEST NEWS OF EXIST!~ (Shows the Trio A NEWS Article on her Laptop) CHECK IT!

Omega: (Leans Himself Closer to the Screen and Reads Out Loud the Following) Alien Lifeforms on Plain Sight: Sources stated that they have witnessed an extraterrestrial being located at a plain, empty grass field, far away from Shiyuba City.

Futuba: (Now Forms a Bright, Cheeky Grin on her Face) That's right, Lady and Gents!~ Aliens exist in our world and we are SO BACK BABY!~

Sojiro: (Walks Out From the Kitchen) Aliens? I thought they already debunked those kinds of news stories?

Futuba: Perhaps....Or maybe they want you all to BELIEVE they're fake to prolong the truth of their existence!!

Morgana: (Raises an Eyebrow) You're really gonna believe every word that news article says?

Futuba: (Turns to her Kitty Bro) Uh DOY! It's one of the most trusted news site every crafted on the internet!

Lavenza: Umm....Futuba-Chan. (Shows Futuba Something She's Pointing at on her Laptop) You might want to see this.

Futuba: (Straighten Up Her Glasses and Takes a Look at What Lavenza) Please note that this article in particular is 90%- (Eyes Begins to Widened in Complete Shock) INACCURATE TO THE SOURCE MATERIAL!? I WAS LIED TO!?

Sojiro: (Takes a Look at Article as Well) Seems like it. I don't even think the alien in that photo looks real to be frank with you

Omega: Your theory correct. (Points at What Else is on the Screen) Take a look at the visible watermark below.

Futuba: Photo taken in 2009- (Closes her Laptop Down in Frustration) That's it, I'm done. My disappointment is immeasurable and the rest of my evening is now ruined!

'Door Opens and Bells Ringing'

Tae: (Walks into the Café Along with her Girlfriend, Sae Niijima) Salutations, my fellow coffee enjoyers~

Futuba: (Immediately Smiles Brightly Again) Nevermind. My evening's now saved. (Got Up From her Seat and Greets the Couple) Welcome to our lovely establishment there, lovebirds!~

Sae: (Casually Rolls her Eyes) Hello to you too, Futuba-San. I take it you're doing well tonight.

Futuba: (Shakes her Hand Back and Forward to the Side) Ehh....Somewhat. (Crosses her Arms While Pouting) It WAS going great till I found out one of the most reliable news source was nothing but money grubbing liars!

Morgana: We just found out that the latest aliens related news was just another hoax.

Lavenza: Which is a shame really. I wouldn't particularly mind seeing one in real life.

Tae: (Smiles Softly) Same. It's already been one of my dreams to examine one up close. Maybe even dissect it for good measures.

Futuba: Right!? (Eyes Begins to Sparkle in Excitement) That would've been sooo cool to see!~

Morgana: That sounds more messy if anything....

Sae: And potentially dangerous. Their bodies could be made out if the poisonous acid for all we know.

Tae: True. But I'm sure the process will go smoothly so as long as I proceed with precise caution. (Turns to Sae With a Playful Smirk on her Face) Why? You worry about little ol me?~

Sae: (Turns Away While Crossing her Arms Together) ('Scoffs') As if. I was just....(Blushes a Little) Making sure you know what you're doing is all.

Tae: (Gently Tilts Sae's Chin Back to her Viewpoint) Which I appericate very much, my sweet honey pie~

Sae: You better~

The two ladies share a simple, yet very loving kiss on the lips together.

Futuba: HOHOHOLD ON NOW!~ (Forms a Her Signature Gremlin Grin on her Face) Sweet Honey Pie?~

Sae: (Sighs While Facepalming Herself) And so it begins.....

Lavenza: (Smiles Brightly) Is it a nickname of sorts?~

Tae: Yep. It's one of the many nicknames I've given to her as of late. (Chuckles Lightly) She gets real excited when call her "My Empress"~

Sae: (Immediately Glares at her Girlfriend While Blushing Bright Red) D-Don't tell them that!!

Morgana: (Forms a Cheeky Grin on his Face) Empress you say?~

Sojiro: (Chuckles Lightly) You are definitely Makoto's sister alright.

Tae: What? Does the Guinea Pig calls her that too?

Futuba: Nah. He calls her his Queen. Even treated her as one too.

Tae: Really?~ (Turns to Sae) And you're fine with that?

Sae: It always managed to put a smile on her face, so I'll allow it. For now.

Futuba: You know, I've been wondering this for a while now, but why do you always call Ren-Ren your Guinea Pig?

Omega: Was he a test subject of any kind?

Futuba: ('Gasps') An extraterrestrial test subject?~

Tae: (Snickers a Bit) Far from it. He's been helping out around the clinic 'till it was time for him to graduate. (Smiles Softly) Despite his wise cracking antics, he's still turned out to he fine young man at the end of day. Kinda makes me wonder what he been up to right now.....

Sojiro: He's a bartender in training.

Tae: Really now? I didn't know he was interested in that type of profession.

Sojiro: I don't think any of us did either. (Smiles Softly as Well) But he's been doing a pretty good job there so far, so I couldn't co-

A giant ring suddenly appears inside the café revealing a bruised, slightly messy Ren Amimaya walking out it.

Ren: 'Sup, my peeps.

Lavenza: (Let's Out a Loud Gasps as She Covers Her Mouth in Horror)

Futuba/Morgana: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock Along with Everyone Else in the Room) REN!?

Sae: Oh my god!

Sojiro: What the hell happened to you!?

Ren: (Rubs the Back of his Head Back and Forth) I got dragged into my very first bar fight. I was doing fine holding my own, protecting the fort amd what have you, 'til some big, round guy with horns came right out of nowhere and sucker punched me hard enough to send me flying towards the counter, making me break almost every expensive bottles of wine and any other alcoholic beverages were hanging up there. ('Sigh') Some of them reeks of being expired for decades now......(Notices the Very Worried Looks Staring at Him Right Now) B-But that's okay! I'm back home, slightly fucked up, but I'm safe now and Uncle Rodin is handling the matter right now as we speak.

Ren grunts a bit in pain as he steps aside and shows everyone a portal recording of Rodin ruthlessly beating down the big horned demon to the ground on the other side of the Dimensional Ring.

Rodin: DON'T YOU. EVER. LAY. YOUR. NASTY. ASS. HANDS. ON MY. NEPHEW. EVER AGAINNNNN!

Rodin then let's out a demonic, rage-induced scream as transforms into his devil form before ring suddenly begins to reduce back to it's normal, tiny size, ending the transmission call completely.

Ren: (Puts on an Awkward, Yet Reassuring Smile on his Face) See? Everything' handle.

'Silence'

Ren: (Smile Falters into a Frown) This won't convincing you guys to stop worrying, will it?

Tae: Honey, you came out of a giant ring, beaten up, I don't think that's anything to get over that's easily. But that's neither here or there right now. We need to patch you up.

Sojiro: (Nodded in Agreement) That's exactly what I've been thinking. (Turn to the Two Kids Beside Him) Mona, Lavenza, come help find the first-aid in the back for us to use.

Morgana/Lavenza: Yes sir! (Follows Sojiro to the Back Room of the Café)

Futuba: I wanna help out too.... Have you eaten anything before you've gotten here, Ren-Ren?

Ren: I ate a bag of beef jerky on my lunch break, but other than that, I haven't eaten anything else yet.

Futuba: (Puts on a Determined Look on her Face) That won't do at all! (Turns to her Robot Companion) Omega-kun, come with me! We're making some curry tonight!

Sojiro: (Still in the Back) Don't go near that stove until we find the kit, young lady!

Futuba: Right after Sojiro comes back with the kit!

Omega: (Salutes to Futuba) Direct order received.

Ren: Look, guys, relax for sec, alright? I'll be just fi-INE!? (Suddenly Gets Pick Up into Sae's Arms)

Sae: (Gives Ren a Soft, Sisterly Glare) And we're going to make sure we keep it that that. (Accidently Sniff the Smell of Alcohol Drenched in Ren's Clothes and Instantly Regrets It) Ugh....You weren't kidding when you reek of expire alcohol beverages

Ren: ('Sigh') Yeah, I need a shower.....

Tae: And a new pair of clothes. Are there any in your room, wherever that is?

Ren: The bath and my old room are upstairs right next to each other and I think there's some inside the drawers. Been a while since I've worn any of them, but I think it'll still fit me. Hopefully.

Tae: Then upstairs we go then. Try not to break your back when you start climbing up there, okay 'hon?

Sae: (Simply Nodded to her Girlfriend) I'll be careful.

Ren: (Eyes Begins to Widened in Genuine Surprise) Wait. (Points at Sae) You? (Then Points at Tae) And her-

Sae: (Rolls her Eyes a Bit) Are dating? Yes we are. Now let's get you situated already.

To Be Continued

@princekirijo

@cyber-wildcat

@keyenuta

@albion-93

@theweebmaster31

[sonneillonv]

I deserve a fucking medal for tonight.

Player has been constantly on their phone during game, ignores the map and then doesn't know what's happening when it's their turn, doesn't understand their spells or abilities, never uses their staff of healing to actually heal their party, and to top it all off, fireballed the fighter for shits and giggles (and also smashed several useful potions in the process). They then got back on their phone, told their partner what they'd done, and announced to the whole table their partner thought it was hilarious, so like... this was not an "Oops" situation.

The characters are trainees/squires for a knightly order, so the fighter sent a complaint to their training officer. Today I, the DM, got to pull that PC aside for a chat as the training officer.

IC: "So I'm concerned about these behaviors, and your teammates have expressed concern. I'd like to go over the code of conduct and make sure that you understand the expectations, and that you can ask me any questions you have, because if your teammates can't trust you it's hard for them to go into life or death situations with you."

Player proceeds to argue that they shouldn't have been able to cast that fireball into that space so it was really not their fault that I let it happen (bro, you said "I fireball the room").

Player tells me I'm always taking them too literally (like when they say "I fireball the room"? and then they roll damage dice? And then the fighter takes damage? Were we not supposed to take the 8d6 literally?).

Player tells me they never know what's supposed to be IC vs OOC and they're just playing around and joking (then you say, "nah, I don't really fireball the fighter I was just kidding". You don't roll damage dice.)

Player feels they're being targeted by me because see, this one time, they cast Speak with Dead and I (trope as old as time) got them to waste a question (because that never happens when PCs encounter oracles or get three wishes or come into possession of a monkey's paw and it definitely didn't LITERALLY HAPPEN IN THE D&D MOVIE WHEN THE GROUP CAST SPEAK WITH DEAD). Player has brought this up THREE TIMES since it happened. Everyone has explained the trope to them. They continue to use this as a reason why they are being grossly mistreated and misunderstood and I'm clearly just trying to entrap them into doing things that piss the party off.

(It's important to note that no one is pissed off about the wasted question. They're pissed off about other things which this player is doing voluntarily. Like fireballing a room with party members in it and shattering a potion of necrotic resistance in a dungeon full of wraiths.)

Player blamed me for giving them bad advice on how to play their cleric. (One of the PCs has a follower who is a giant rat. The giant rat doesn't do anything except run around rubbing Keogham's Ointment on fallen PCs with its little rat hands. The rat is a better healer than this player's full-classed cleric with a staff of healing. This is a skill issue.)

Y'all, I am still in a state of disbelief. But I kept my temper, I focused on constructive solutions and what could be done to improve things going forward, and we managed to get past it, despite how much I really wanted to give this player a piece of my mind.

Like... jesus christ. You fireball a teammate and get a very, VERY mild talk from your gentle and understanding training officer who does not yell at you or raise his voice, and this is your response???