#not saying i wouldn't want a romance but like its the last thing i'd be thinkin of in life.

[minotaurmilkbucket]

is it normal to want to fuck but not want romance?

[dropsnectar]

Pollen and Potions: Bee-men x afab!reader

PART THREE

This is a longer part than the rest, but its all necessary dialogue so it should be fine. More fluffy and romance than smut, BUT!! Their will be smut in the next section! I know I said this will only be 4 parts, but it may actually be more like 5 or 6. Anyway, hope you like!

So. You were starting to learn that using large batches of magic back to back weren't ideal for a young witch's health. It seemed like you might have overdone it, as when you woke you found you had been asleep for TWO WHOLE DAYS. So. If you were going to do magic, it looked like you were going to have to pace yourself, or perhaps use LESS magic.

You put yourself to learning more about witchcraft. The thing was, your grandmother's books didn't really go into the basics, and as witches were so rare, information was hard to find. Of course, the internet was full of supposed witch spells, or frameworks, but it was like throwing dice. Some spells didn't work. Some spells took up WAY too much energy. Some were just… fine? But not what you needed. 

Next you checked out forum sites. Maybe you could find a community through that way? But all you found were psychics and tarot readers. Nice people, but not what you needed.

Whelp. Maybe you needed to look at the issue differently. The environment used to be a beautiful, thriving area. What had changed between now and then? In order to understand a magic ecosystem, you had to understand ecosystems. So, for the rest of the week you busied yourself with ecology study. It was turning out that this project you had adopted on a whim would need a lot more time and breadth of knowledge then you originally thought.

***

When you met with Rena, under Lyith’s friendly gaze, you found that the magic you had cast hadn't waned at all. The flowers had grown beautifully and continued to give magic nectar that created the best honey. Rena was beside herself. “The elders of the hive say they haven't had honey of this quality since they were children! You are really onto something here, little one.”

Rena had now gotten in the habit of calling you little one. Sure, as a Bee-man she was slightly taller than you, but not by much. Also the constant fluttering and floating didn't help. 

“You've been given permission to test your magic on our other gardens as well. As long as we are careful and continue with caution!” Rena babbled. You gave her a small smile and felt Lyiths arm on your shoulder. He laid his head on your other shoulder, leaning his fuzzy head against yours. 

“Whats wrong?”

You wiggled a little. “I'm just having a hard time brainstorming how to do this. I know I said I'd help you guys, but I might not be able to use as much magic as last time. To be honest, I don't really know much about my mana and my limits…” you explained your situation. Expecting there to be disappointment, you were surprised to find none.

“I can’t help but think… How long will this last? One spell isn’t going to cut it for that long. I want to create something that will last for you guys, but that might take a while… and doing just this took all the mana I had. I want to do better. But I don’t want to hurt myself either, especially when I don’t know how this could affect my health in the long run…” The bee-men seemed to be catching on.

“Of course, little one. We wouldn't want you to harm yourself.”

 Lyith also popped up, his voice almost in your ear.

“Us Bee-men also have something like mana. Our magic is not never ending. We would have fixed this situation ourselves if it was.”

Rena reached forward and grabbed your hand, giving it a reassuring pat. “We don't have to do anything today. We can commence whenever you'd like. Our flowers have spread out beautifully and even this is enough.”

You frowned.

“I may have to do this every spring. Or even redo it in the summer…”

“You don’t owe us anything. You are trying your best to do us a kindness. And our hive knows and sees that. We are beyond grateful to you… Its… We’ve needed…We are truly grateful.” His expression fell at the mention of his hive, his antennas drooping. Rena moved forward and held Lyith, a sad expression on her own face.

There was a pause in conversation that grew somewhat awkward.

How do I make this better? You tried to brainstorm, but only one thing came to mind. 

You went over and gave the both of them a big bear hug. It was a tense one, but you tried to adjust your emotions, instead concentrating on how fond you had grown of the two. You tried to shout it as loud as you could through your brain at them.

This seemed to break the spell, as Rena started to laugh. Lyith looked at you affectionately. 

“I know we haven't known each other long, but I just want to say, you can count on me. If you ever need to talk about anything let me know. I'll listen.”

Rena and Lyith hummed in response, returning your group hug with a long squeeze.

Long hugs. The favorite actions of a Bee-men.

After some quiet reassurances, the two of you decided to idle while the two foraged on the edge of the Wood. You walked with them and asked them as many questions you could think of. How old were they? Were they able to do other magics? You had thought Bee-men to be isolated. How come they knew so much about human culture?

Lyith was the one who answered you most of the time. It seemed that bee-man typically lived double the life of a human, with Rena and Lyith being about 45, and 51, Lyith being the oldest. They were in the same season of life as you though!

Bee-man could do some other magics(they didn't go much into what), but they specialized in making their magical honey, which fortified the health and wellbeing of a Bee-men. 

They didn’t say it outright but it seemed like the dip in magic had affected the nutrition of their food source. They kept their own bees and shared honey, but it still wasn't enough, so they had ventured out into human society to buy fruit when it was necessary. They also did trade with neighboring beast-men, the Wolfmen being happy to share their fruit for their Bee’s wax waste. I 

“What exactly do you guys do for fun though?” You asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Lyith smiled. “Late night flying is fun.”

Rena snorted. “You mean late night spying. Lyith has a habit of looking through people's windows.”

Lyith wrinkled his nose at Rena. “If they did not want to be seen they would have drawn the curtains. It's not strange, I am just curious about human life is all.”

Rena reached forward and pinched Lyiths nose. “Poor thing. So bored he must make mischief.”

You looked at Lyith with surprise. His big eyes grew in concern and he pouted at you.

“You are not going to tease me too are you? I promise, I never see anything scandalous. I'm a good little bee.” He fluttered his eyes at you.

You giggled and pushed his shoulder. 

“As long as you're not spying on me I guess it's harmless.”

Lyiths expression shifted to one of his dopey smiles. It always surprised you how innocent he could look despite his size. Was it maybe…

“So… I may have read that you guys are telepathic right?” 

Renas face changed into a smirk. 

“Yes, and?”

“ Well, have you guys ever… used your powers on me?” 

Rena snorted. Lyith gave you an unreadable expression. “We Bee-man are very particular about sharing our heads outside of our hives. But no. We haven't done anything to you if that's what you meant…”

Oh. He was pouting now.

“No! Thats not what I meant! I just… i feel so comfortable around you guys it's almost supernatural. I just. Idk. Wanted to know. Please I didn't mean anything by it!”

Lyith wrinkled his nose at you and Rena continued to seem amused. You felt helpless and got a bit upset with yourself. You did your best to calm yourself down but you were upset. You had so few friends here and you were afraid you blew it. A wave of loneliness swept through you.

Lyith was watching you the whole time, before sighing. “All will be forgiven if you give us some of those fruit tarts you made yesterday.”

You looked at him, shocked. 

“I thought you said you didn't spy on me!”

“I wasn't spying, I just happened to be foraging by the window, and smelled something amazing. It was all incidental.”

“There's sugar in the crust. Won’t your tummy get upset?”

He just smiled. Rena laughed. “He named his price. For offending us, we must get fruit tarts.”

Finally feeling better, the three of you walked(they let you walk!!!) Back to your home. You served them up your tarts, when finally the questions started coming about you. Why did you move here? Do you have any siblings? What were you like as a child?

This went on until dinner time, at which point you decided to shoo your new friends away. “ I'll be back to do the flowers tomorrow. We… we will see what I can do.” You admitted. The two of them smiled at you, hugging you tight for a good three minutes. They always lingered, nuzzling your face and hair, as if they were getting a whiff of you. You could smell their own perfume and tried not to think too much. Their goodbyes always felt so intimate. 

 Rena decided to pepper your face in kisses before they left. Lyith just rolled his eyes at her. When they drew apart you felt empty, like some piece of you was going with them.

***

As always, Lyith picked you up that morning. This time, you made sure to bring a scarf and hat, alongside emergency snacks in your bag. Where he was taking you next was a little longer of a trip, a whole ten minutes to the usual six. That was a long time when you were hurtling through the air.

You were surprised to drop into a small crowd. There were ten Bee-men present besides Rena, who seemed to be communicating silently with them. The air was full of bee noises; humming, purring, the fluttering of wings. The air smelled amazingly fresh, floral and syrupy. It was an odd smell, but it seemed to put you at ease somehow. And maybe a bit peckish.

A Beeman a whole foot and a half taller then Rena fluttered towards you. They bowed, of which you awkwardly returned before they reached forward and took your hand gently. Lyith started,

“This is Elder Bisou. He is the eldest of our hive. He is showing you respect.”

Elder Bisou smiled at you. “Little Witch, I welcome you to our territory. My human is a bit… unused. Please receive our thanks for your efforts.” He took your hand and leaned down so that it met his temple. You could feel the rush of his magic, like your mind was a fish bowl and he was putting a gentle hand on the glass. You could feel his warmth, his deep gratitude through it. 

Your back straightened and you felt water prick your eyelids. You gave him a slow nod, becoming acutely aware just how serious this whole situation actually was. Rena and Lyith had been dancing around it, but the Bee-men must be slowly starving to death. That was the only explanation for the depths of what you had felt.

“I will do my best.” Was all you could reply. 

Lyith, acting as your translator, took you to each Bee-men he could and introduced you. It seemed that some of the elders, as well as some of those who had free time had come to watch the “little witch” work. Most took your hand gently, and sent you a ghost of what their emotions were. There was a sort of film around the emotions, a barrier of sorts. Whether this was on purpose so you wouldn’t be overwhelmed, or just how their telepathy worked, you couldn't tell. 

You did your best to not let your nerves get to you as you dissected the sections of the field where you would be doing your experiments. You didn’t know how these particular flowers would take to your spell, so it was still best to be cautious. The bee-men looked on with interest.

You did your chants in a loud booming fashion, and channeled in as elegant a fashion as you could. Like always, the magic came, and the spell did its work. These flowers were different, like rainbow colored lavender. Rather than letting the magic gush through you, you let it gently trickle out, pacing yourself. When the deeds were done, you still felt sore, and you still held a headache in your temple, but there was no nausea, so growth! 

Once you were done with your work, there was a large excited buzzing throughout the forest. There was clapping, dancing, stomping of feet, pumping of many hands, whoops from Rena and Lyith. One Bee, a worker named Aidenn held a small wooden instrument in his hands and started to play. This triggered a chorus from the Bee-men. There was a harmonizing among the crowd and they started to circle each other, laughing and dancing. A circle of flying, spinning Bee-men formed.

Rena grabbed you by the waist and hoisted you onto her shoulder before joining in the circle of the dance. You giggled as you spun, feeling the giddiness in the air like it was laughing gas. That same pressure filled your mind and a part of your heart started to soar. It was intimate, but not stifling and you loved feeling so close to everyone.

You lifted your hands and, feeling in the spirit, decided to hum along. At some point Rena had taken you in her arms and held you close as they continued to fly in a circle, spinning and perrying, and switching. It was similar to square dancing, where there was a pattern to it. 

At one point, the tune changed and Lyith swooped down from above and grabbed you out of Rena’s arms. She snorted at him but let it happen, joining hands with another passing Bee-men. When Lyith gathered you in his arms, he cradled you as close as possible, surprising you. One hand was gripping firmly around your waist and the other crushing you to him. He landed on the ground, and the rest of the bee-men followed, causing something of a ballroom dance. 

“You did wonderfully today.” He breathed in your ear, causing them to redden. You pulled yourself back a bit to see his face and he was looking at you with such pride and affection it felt like a weight crushing your chest. You moved your hands from his shoulders to reach his own hands. You were shaky, but you wanted to return his feelings somehow. His palms were soft.

This caused him to laugh, a purring sort of trill coming from his throat. You couldn’t help a silly grin form on your face.

“I’m glad you came to my garden.” Was all you could think to say.

He looked at you, with those big black eyes, then reached forward and kissed you on the lips. It was only a peck, but you could feel his joy through it. 

Something complex within you, a mix of happiness, excitement, hope, all of your feelings rose up into your throat. Unable to find the words to express yourself, you took all of those big heavy emotions, wrapped them all up together and kissed him back, right there, in the middle of your makeshift dance floor.

When you pulled away Lyith looked shocked, his bottom lip hanging open. Adorable as usual. 

Rena hollered from the otherside of the gathering, sending out a big whoop. There was laughter, buzzing and an echoing whoop from some of the younger bee-men. Elder Bisou made some clicking sounds, but the sides of his mouth were slightly upturned.

It occurred to you then that you were in the middle of a group of very telepathic monster people. Your cheeks grew hot in embarrassment and you pulled away from Lyith a bit. Your shoes suddenly became very interesting. 

Lyith eventually turned your chin back up to face him. He held a small peaceful smile, before bumping his forehead to yours. He didn’t share his emotions but the affection was still there.

After you grew too tired to dance, you took a seat under a tree, munching on a granola bar. Another one of the Bee-men, a younger drone named Haven, made his way to sit next to you.

“I don’t know if it was mentioned, but honey production has picked up enormously since you agreed to help us. I haven’t felt this great in… well ever! Thank you little witch!”

“I’m not little, but thank you for saying so.” You were starting to get a bit lightheaded now, and not from the dancing. It was possible that some of the symptoms of mana sickness were surfacing a little late.

“You are strong! That is true! Even elder Bisou has said he hasn’t met a human or beastman with mana like yours!” Haven turned his voice down to a whisper, as if he was sharing a secret, “Your magic smells so much like flowers, really, its a huge blessing! In fact, I would eat you up if I could!” He laughed as if he had made a joke. He sighed and looked up dreamily at the sky. “Alas, I am saving myself for when we find our queen.” He wrapped his arms around himself, as if to fend off imaginary suitors.

You wrinkled your nose. “Queen? You don’t have a queen? Isn’t that super bad for bees, I mean bee-men?” 

Heaven tilted his head at you, reminding you of Lyith. 

“Of course. That's why we are all so small and weak.” You stared at him in shock. He put up his hands. “We are doing well though! It's been 20 years since our queen died but we are still here! Oh! There is a hive up north! Any day now, one of their queens' daughters might descend and bless us! Or.. Or we--”

“Little One! You seem like you're getting sick!” Rena Descended from above and put a hand to your forehead.

“You are far too warm! Haven, mind if I take her out of your wings?”

Heaven looked up at Rena, his face a mask of confusion. He eventually gave in though and stood up.

“I should check on Elder Bisou! He might need something!” His voice was flat, obviously fake, but he ran away- flew away with gusto.

Rena took your face into her hands, tilting your head back and forth. Your lightheadedness turned full on dizzy. Rena’s face screwed up in an annoyed expression.

“You overdid it. And after that whole speech about not knowing your limits too..” She gently put a hand on your back and picked you up princess style. You would have been embarrassed, if your brain was functioning properly. Instead your gaze fixed on Rena’s beautiful iridescent wings. The lights were so lovely and they helped ground you. Honestly, everything about Rena was lovely. Well, maybe lovely wasn’t the right word. She was rough around the edges. A tease and a know it all. But she doted on you so, it made you feel a bit overwhelmed. Your gaze shifted from her wings to her lovely nose, pretty sharp for a bee-men. 

Rena started conversing with Lyith about you, pointing her jaw and humming. Huh. Rena was actually incredibly attractive. You had known that before. Maybe it was something about how dizzy everything was. The last time you had felt this way she had been kissing you, her textured tongue pushing nectar down your thoat-

“Little One”

Your mind immediately focused. She was using a demanding tone. 

“Lyith will take you home. Next time, we will only do one spell at a time.” She leaned forward and placed her cool lips to the side of your mouth. Making you blush. Well your face was already heated so you would have blushed. “I will see you again soon. Rest.” And she was off.

You were in Lyith’s arms again. A place you were starting to get comfortable in. He stared at you for a moment, his lips pursed, then sighed loudly. He held your gaze for a moment.

“I do not like this habit you are forming. You will not get sick again, understand?” 

You nodded at him, mind hazy. Sleepy. You were sleepy. 

You didn’t register the fly home, only that the coolness felt nice. You were carried from the porch, into the living room, up the stairs, and laid on your bed. You were covered in warm, delicious blankets. 

You never saw Lyith leave before you passed out. Probably because he tucked himself in right beside you, the cool air washing over both of you from the open bedroom window.

Part Four

[shiro-s2e2-erukinzu]

Anime only watchers and people who aren't caught up with the Manga, BEWARE... Cuz I'm about to discuss Spy X Family Short Mission 14... You have been warned...! 👌

[SPOILERS AHEAD FROM THIS POINT ON]

Today's chapter was a Short Mission and it was ADORABLE!! 😍

WE'RE GOING TO THE MOVIES WITH THIS ONE FELLAS!! 🗣 So let's talk about Short Mission 14, shall we...? 😄

Just like in Mission 105 before it, Short Mission 14 involves going to the movies in it, but this time...:

...Becky wants to take Anya to the movies!😆

Anya wants to go see a movie called Gobyzilla Vs. King Chihuahua (which looks HILARIOUS 🤣), but the movie that Becky is taking Anya to go see is the same movie that Franky and the Teller saw at the end of the last chapter, Love Distance:

Oh Anya, never change...!! 😂

Anya then tells Becky that she only likes movies with fighting in them, but Becky (who still thinks that Anya has a crush on Damian) insist that Anya will never get with Damian she doesn't learn about romance, which makes Anya think that it's for The Friendship Scheme (AKA Plan B) so she's willing to go now and Becky even invites Yor to come along as well...!! 😄

Once at the theater, it's very clear that Becky is the one that is most engrossed into the film (though they all seem to be enjoying it thus far...!! 😁)

Then, by the time the movie reaches what I assume is its conclusion, THIS is everyone by the end of it...:

I love how UNAMUSED Mathra looks while Anya, of course, IS ASLEEP by the end!! 🤣

Once out of the theater, Becky expresses how much she loved the film, while this was Anya's response about the movie...:

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 YET AGAIN, NEVER CHANGE ANYA!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

After that, Becky starts talking about how she loved the kissing scene in the movie and we get this adorable exchange between Yor and Martha!! 😄:

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH! 💗😆💗

Then, Becky comes to the conclusion that maybe Anya is too young for kissing, while Anya reassures her friend that she did in fact learn something from the movie, that being:

And Anya even states that she rather be a protector than someone being protected!! 👌😎 So then, Becky asks Yor help back her up on the side of romance, but...:

Sorry Becky, but I'd have to side with Yor, Anya and Martha on this one...!! 👌😌

And that was Short Mission 14, a very fun girls day out chapter, AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! 😆 Though I DEFINITELY side with Anya in liking action and cool stuff a lot more, I do love me a good romance like Becky (though I probably wouldn't really call that movie, Love Distance, a good romance 😅) and I hope that she can find someone that shares her love for romance because sometimes, it's really nice to have someone else enjoy the things that you do love as well!! 😁 Also, I always love seeing Yor and Anya spend time together, it always makes me so happy, as well as Anya and Becky hanging out, their friendship is also a favorite of mine...!! 🤗

I believe that's all I wanted to say on today's chapter...! So like always; take care, be safe out there and be kind to one another!! 💗 I'll see you all in the next Mission! LATER! 👋😄

[jolalibrary]

the yearly round up

so, i am not someone who tends to toot their own horn a lot, but i thought i could be forgiven since it's my birthday. if there were a party, i'd maybe give a speech, right? so, instead of talking about myself, i thought id talk about my work and some of my fave things I've written this year and a little bit as to why. for this list, i have not included late night texts purely because i gave it a lot of love on my last secret birthday. and equally, as do me yourself comes to a close during this one, i feel it's having such a hot moment in the sun, i didn't want to bore everyone. also because if you ask me anything about dmy i won't shut the fuck up. to ask anything about these just add an 🍊.

anytime javier p x f!reader

best friends who go to a wedding only to realise they're in love? sounds like jo. this story fell out of me upon seeing a moodboard by /wildemaven and god i love them. i think about them so often and it makes me want to write him like this again. just fun, easy. it helped me find my nerve to tackle him again after a break when LNT finished, so it was nice to hang with him again.

in my room javier p x f!reader

this idea lived in my head for so long, it went through so many variations until we landed on this. i loved writing it because i hadn't written him like this, and how closed off they both were was so much fun. not having a resolved ending was tough to, but it was also really nice?

i like the way you frankie m x f!reader

would it even be a list if i don't include this? it's a work that on the surface might just feel like a lot of fun. and it is, for sure. but also this fic really taught me a lot and helped create a new relationship with sex. i won't bore or dwell on sad things, but even with therapy, a solid and healthy relationship, this fic helped heal some lasting wounds with my relationship with sex. all through the eyes of two friends who were just trying not to confess they loved one another. so very jo.

up sky, low high frankie m x f!reader

im not sure why this man makes me write some incredible smut (IMO, ofc) but he does??? this one wouldn't exist without @morallyinept urging me on, because honestly i wouldn't have had the guts without her convincing me. but, god i think about this fic a lot? i write a lot of lovely romance, but the romance in this with the smut? i never EVER thought id find that balance. and i did, have, yay!

be good, be you joel miller x f!reader

never in a million years did i think this would have been so popular. and that's not why it's on this list. it's on this list because i lived with this fic for weeks. every bit of rain the UK we had, i thought of this. anyone who knows me, knows how much i love bill + frank joel, so this was like giving into an idea that i thought would only live in my head. and now, it's there, and I'm not ashamed to say i re-read it a lot.

meet you once, saw you thrice lucien flores x f!reader

who'd have thought this would make this list? not me. but it has, and god. i really tested myself with this one. creating him was days of churning over interviews of other actors, of finding who he is in the centre of fucking nothing. and then pouring my heart into it for lovely @pedgito and god am i grateful that's the moodboard i was given. i was terrified (ali will attest) but now i am so proud of it. i love it, and him. I'm almost terrified now to see the movie and watch this version die and wilt hahaha.

din and the travelling of planets din djarin x f!reader

not a one shot, but a collection, because i spent longer trying to choose than i did dwelling on choosing the rest and writing this post. i never thought id step back into star wars, but i'm so glad i did. din and his girl, seeing different planets together, letting us see the world through her eyes. there's a lot of my writing I'm proud of, but I'm most proud of the lines in this. because i get to describe in a way where i don't feel its redundant. because we're seeing it at the same time as she is. i also have so much fun each time i get to write him, and that, makes me happy.

[genericpuff]

I dont think snailords is literally going to end the series in 20 episodes. I think he is plotting the rest of the season and has the option to extend it 10 or 20 episodes.

That's not what he implies in his post, though, at all. The wording is very clear:

He's not saying "I have the ending for Death : Rescheduled planned out but I have this one mini arc I want to do before it", he's literally saying "the comic is ending whether you like it or not, but if you give me $1k I'll make sure it's 20 weeks from now instead of 10." He doesn't say he's plotting out the end which is however far from now, he just goes straight into "I'm gonna end the comic in either 10 episodes or 20". And then of course even goes to say "decide whether you want 20 more weeks with Kissae and Kreyul, or 10 more weeks to say goodbye". If he didn't want to give his readers the impression that that meant it was ending within that time range... then why phrase it like that? It doesn't help either that his phrasing is supported by his updates, where he says shit like:

(Also I couldn't find them but there are other screenshots out there of him saying shit like "thanks for showing you love the series" in a way that's frankly rude af because it's basically like he's asking for money for his readers to 'prove' they love him and his work, and that wouldn't be the first time he's done that either.)

If he is saying what you're suggesting, then he's not being clear about it at all because the language is very seriously implying that it's going to be ending when it returns. Which I'd hope it isn't considering what other readers are pointing out that the story has basically just gotten going and I'd hate for this to turn into another Freaking Romance situation, but I don't know how else we're supposed to read "

And, as I mentioned in my post about it, why on earth even contemplate putting in this mini arc that he's asking for $1k as a deciding factor over if he doesn't even have it written? He says he's way more confident just writing the finale arc as is, so why drag it out with an arc he's not completely confident in?

And of course, there's the urgency. If Death : Rescheduled isn't entering its ending arc after it returns from midseason hiatus - if it still has potentially years of storytelling left - then why now? Why suddenly ask your readers to buy $1k worth of merch in 24 hours or less to help you make a decision... if the actual consequences of that decision won't be made apparent for ages?

And at the end of the day, even if it's a possibility he meant what you're suggesting, that doesn't make it any less scammy to hold the comic's potential ending for ransom? Speaking as a comic writer myself of the last 10+ years, getting money from the audience in this kind of way has never ever been a deciding factor in how I write my work. Sure, things like stretch goals and Patreon milestone rewards are a thing, offering bonus chapters or NSFW art or just additional goodies if you hit a financial goal or if people sign into a certain tier, all that makes sense, but if what you're offering is worded specifically to make your audience panic - not saying "hey , you guys get an extra bonus 10 episodes if I hit this goal by this date" but rather "hey, you guys won't get AS MANY episodes if you don't pay me $1k in 24 hours or less" - and ultimately gets your readers an extra 10-15 episodes of an arc you're not even confident in writing ... the fuck is that, even? Just write the story you want to write, why do you gotta make your audience freak over not getting as much comic as they might want only to twist it into "surprise, it was for charity!" in the end?

The whole thing is silly and yeah, I'm calling it for what it is - a scam - because it's not the first time Snailords has taken advantage of his audience and played on their emotions and need for short-term gratification all for his own financial benefit. It's not even the first time he's tanked his own comic from rushing the ending simply because he was done playing with it. So at this point I wouldn't be surprised if the comic does come back and proceeds to spend 10-15 episodes waffling on a directionless mini arc before rushing into a 10 episode finale.

That said, that's all my two cents on it, you don't have to agree with me. I really don't feel like I'm misinterpreting his words but maybe someone else could enlighten me if there's something I'm missing here; that said, considering even his own readers were calling him out on this and that he never actually made efforts to clarify what could be poor language, I don't think I'm an outlier and I don't think there's even any misinterpretation happening. Maybe he'll prove me wrong, but I've yet to see this guy do anything to prove that he's capable of doing the right thing. And frankly, even if what you suggested turns out to be true and the comic goes on for a long while before actually hitting that $1k-funded mini arc (and again, I kinda hope it does just so we don't end up with a repeat of what happened with Freaking Romance) it doesn't make any of this feel less gross IMO.

[slowdrippingnoise]

I cannot stop thinking about Fords dream. Plan sexual? Is this aroace confirmation??

"Attracted to planning" my ass. What happened to attracted to strange and the strange was always attracted to him?? You are a weirdo, except it

I an aroace and i was concerned that Ford will be straight in TBOB but now i am just confused???

I see you want to scream about the book of bill. Please scream at me i need someone else in this madness

OK!!!! so this is an extremely interesting question, and my perception of it is very heavily influenced by this interview being fresh in my mind (you've probably already read/watched but if not go do that it's great) towards the end you can find alex answering a question about ford being interpreted as queer- and basically talking about how ford is written as extremely romantically/interpersonally repressed in general- I won't try to summarize it i genuinely recommend just going and reading that, he describes it all better than I could (and again maybe you already have idk)

I feel like the tbob dream note could be taken a number of ways (and, while I wouldn't actually ask it cause i feel like leaving it up to imagination is actually more interesting in a creative engagement kind of way, i'm desperate to know what hypothetical answers are hiding behind that "usually" oh ford) but the thing that sticks out to me is. i mean it's very difficult to read it as straight isn't it. ford has recurring dreams about being quizzed on "what he's attracted to" and consistently dodges the question (doesn't even give a straightforward answer like "nothing", he misdirects back onto his logical smartguy persona) it's definitely a nod to fans too, sure, but in-character it's no-way-out firmly establishing that his sexuality specifically is on the Grand List of Stanford Pines Insecurities. we definitely got a nod to this way back in j3 of course- the ford&fidds campout conversation- but this i think this new tidbit betrays a much more internal fixation/anxiety than "it's confusing to me and I don't really want to think about it for more that a minute at a time" (<-the vibe his j3 stuff had more of to me) TL;DR whatever he is, i do not think you can call this man canonically straight at all lmao. W

(ok i'm losing track of my own thoughts a bit here. i should've outlined this like an essay lmao. back on track-)

In terms of what I personally believe/headcanon? honestly i'm in a funny in-between place right now- if you asked me last week i'd just say "he's gay probably" but this has me Thinking now in a more "ok, what cooperates best with canon and how I personally view him" way and the "ford aroace" people are making some interesting points. my most recent idea of him that i've been rolling around in my mindscape like a shiny rock goes basically like this:

(putting this under a cut)(also this goes wildly off-topic for a while because i love talking about ford. i promise it is tangentially related and relevant to my argument)

ford is repressed in how he deals with people because people are confusing and often scary (history of bullying and ostracization, we all hc him as some kind of autistic, etc.), and this extends to how he views romance/sex- if you don't see yourself as safe/belonging among other humans it can be extremely difficult to imagine yourself in such intimate dynamics with them (accepted, loved) and ford is very well established to close himself off to keep himself safe. the prospect of "romance" is by default more unsettling than it could ever really be comforting to him (within his ability to imagine it, at least) outside of the rarer "what if i was just normal and nobody bothered me for existing" fantasy, which is its own can of worms,,

another part of this is my (more arbitrary/i know because im right forever/because i lived it) hc that the elder pines twins' parents didn't really love each other by the time they were raising stan and ford, it was more of a "we both pay the rent/keep the family going, we may not strictly like each other and yeah there's a screaming fight or two every few years, but divorce is off the table because it would leave us both financially up the creek, so you do what you gotta do" situation. which has the potential to do. things. to how you think about Traditional Ideas of Couples and Suchlike. take my word for it.

another important part, though i find myself getting technically off-topic for a ways here, my apologies- i've been thinking about ford's Patterns with his attachments, in that he generally has one Main Person to focus on and trust at a time, and for a most of his life these attachments end Badly- throughout his entire adolescence he has stanley as that person, they exist in constant contrast to each other, their own self-perceptions are defined by their existence as a duo, covering for each other's weaknesses (to the extent that they can ignore traits in themselves that "double up", so to speak- stanley is the dumb muscle and ford is the booksmart genius with potential- no way out of that)(their dad affects this too)(oof) he and stan have a really awful falling-out that leaves ford with the belief that his One Person was willing to sabotage his future, completely disregarding ford's own feelings or sense of security and agency, just to get his way. (strike 1.5? against ford's ability to trust people) --- in college he attached to his roommate, fiddleford- and they genuinely get along and compliment each other really well! they're besties for life! yippee! so ford has a Person again, to exist next to, to prop himself up. but their lives go in different directions- they both move on with their studies/careers, and ford winds up in gravity falls, alone, where he has trouble again interacting with the locals and spends all his time wandering the woods, with endless hours for introspection. --- enter- Bill! :) bill becomes ford's 3rd Person, and he flatters ford and manipulates him and validates him and offers him everything he could ever shallowly imagine would solve all his problems and patch up the gaping hole in his self-worth forever definitely (while reminding him of what he remembers/imagines of his brother most likely, ow) bill is also more "safe" than other people, he's an anomaly, a supernatural phenomenon, even, and he lives exclusively inside ford's head. he's a perfect, safe, obsession target. (billford situationship essay for another day)

until he's not, of course.

until his college bestie Person is back too, and he's more Real than bill in a way that's very comforting, but fidds is another strong influence, one for the better, and bill can't have that around, he has to go. after that his relationship with bill also turns sour extremely quickly in a terrifying way, which leaves ford shaken and unmoored and desperate, which leaves... stan.

which also falls apart. (strikes 2, 3 and 1.5-the-sequal in rapid succession)

the 30 years spent multiverse-hopping are interesting to me too in how they affected ford- i think being around so much "abnormality"/being disconnected from his own world's ideas of normal did a lot to mellow him out- but he still couldn't really stick around anywhere to form deeper bonds with anybody, he's a wanderer until bill is dead, which may well end up killing ford in the process, so...

then! he's back home! which is bad! (from his perspective) but gives him the opportunity to try to Attach to a 4th Person- dipper! this was a secret essay on why i think he's Like That about dipper all along not about romance at all haha trick'd'ya! (i'm joking)

anyway you get the idea- fortunately he has a slightly wider support net by the end of the show between stan, fiddleford, and the kids- but to me it's relevant in that ford has a very limited network of people who he is close to at all, considering that his view on romantic relationships seems to orbit around "don't wanna think about that/that's scary, I don't know/etc.", and that for a long time the relationships(platonic or otherwise) that he did have were defined by their ending in trauma, guilt, and shame. it makes sense to me for him to not really be able to figure himself out, how do you dissect all the layers of the bonds you do manage to form, tease out one strong emotion from another, especially when you're always afraid of ruining something because this is all you have?

I guess, given all that rambling, to me he lands within some combination of demi-aroace(attraction of any kind is rare and difficult to distinguish from other emotions, needs a strong base first) and too repressed and deeply, deeply traumatized to really say what comes naturally and what's his brain trying to protect him from being hurt. he knows that something is, by the standards of humanity, "wrong" with him, but it's just another note on a long list of "reasons normal people don't like him". and he's gay.

-----

ok i probably forgot some stuff but i think thats my thoughts on that lmao. anyway BOOK OF BILL this makes me. so crazy. hasnt left my brain for days. i will never be the same i called these shots i CALLED them. but i couldn't imagine. anyway-

while i'm still talking about ford, i love that this book let him be more emotionally vulnerable than j3 did, i feel like there was a harsher impression of ford among fans for a long time (at least, with people who weren't already Obsessed with him) because he has limited time in the actual show for his character to be established, and a lot of j3 either had him on the defensive, or still stuck in "everything ever is my fault" mode. getting a better view both of how bill manipulated him, and how he's still affected by it "postcanon" puts him way more in line with. how i've seen him all along basically!! augh. he's lonely and insecure and afraid and wants so, so badly to connect to people,, "the ego of a king. the insecurity of a circus freak." compare to "my immense self hatred vs my delusional god complex" we were so right.

his last section of the book is. so so perfect i'm so glad we have that- it wraps up what felt like a loose end with other pieces of canon leaving him on "i'm the biggest idiot in the world" which felt. bad. all things considered. but tbob lets him air out that soul-crushing shame in such a beautiful way- both in letting us the audience actually See how it was with him and bill before, and his family reassuring him that they love him and don't carry some massive sense of Blame for him being manipulated... it hurts good man. perfect place to end on. he's gonna be ok it'll be ok.

related- possession pages go crazy. like that is some "i've read fanfiction less fucked up than this" shit and I [the rest of this sentence redacted for my dignity] what was i saying. the dream scene was so viscerally upsetting. the "light switch". the stretching. (alex drop a link to your ao3 account. urgh) bill is so so so scary for that brief moment which is an amaaazing essential addition to the book that actually made me feel horrifically personally sorry for the little bastard for the first time maybe ever. i mean this so genuinely he's the worst he's been he's the saddest he's been it's a beautiful tapestry drawing me in. it's gonna occupy my brain for weeks. maybe months. he's desperate to hold on to ford he's desperate for his plans to work for once and he's pissed as hell but also now he has an excuse to cut loose- he doesn't have to hide his angry, shitty, abusive side from this little human that he's grown so attached to(who he sees himself in)- he can see ford and ford can see him (or, what he's willing to think of as "himself")(where did you all go-) and ford is just living a nightmare that he couldn't have possibly imagined. incredible

i'm practiced at being emo about ford i've been emo about ford since 2015 but the bill thing is new to me (not strictly the lore, i was around for the reddit AMAs/the axolotl poem, but the elaboration-) and it's killing me. he's so fucked. he's hopeless. he's fucked himself up so bad and refuses to get any better because just looking at it inside his head is too much. there's a loud buzzing in his ears and he blacks out for 30 seconds. everyone loved him he was the best baby ever. sixer, it would eat you alive. the doctor says three sips a day will make the visions go away. where did you all go. he's fine, he's fine, he's fine. it's all hitting me fresh like it's brand new, funy nightmare triangle abandonment issues go brrrr-

he wants ford to want him so bad he wants to not be alone so bad. hes awful he ruins every chance he gets and it's all genuinely his own fault. fuck (im not gonna talk about "pain is hilarious" im not gonna be cringe im not gonna do it) blacked-out list of exes love and fear are the same love cage you're my property if lost return to bill cipher covered in blood all alone in the universe-

I was gonna elaborate on those last scraps but. i am running out of brain. big week for ford enjoyers. big week for me being so so sad (/pos) ☀️

[halemerry]

I read your meta on the manipulation the Metatron used on Aziraphale, and it was such a great essay laying out every detail. When I watched the end of the episode it was early morning for me and I was super tired and I missed a lot of those details. What did manage to come through in my sleepy mind, was that I was very confused about Why This Happened? As in, I understand now that Az was manipulated, I definitely agree with that analysis, but I don't understand yet if this decision was foreshadowed anywhere in the first 5 and a half episodes. I haven't rewatched the season yet (too busy reading meta lol) but I was wondering if you had any thoughts on that?

I just feel like, other than Aziraphale saying in the first episode that it's nice sometimes to tell someone about something good you've done, now that he's not reporting to heaven, Az doesn't actually seem to care all that much in the present day about his old allegiance. I wonder if maybe that's part of the point? He didn't want Heaven anymore and so he wasn't thinking about it? After all, the show begins with Aziraphale enjoying his new life. As the interviews said, he's living his best life. Good music, good food, and the love of his life.

Because if that's genuinely the case, then perhaps the point of the season is that the soft gentle romance of the first five episodes is Who They Are, and it's just that Aziraphale was rushed and manipulated into something he genuinely did not want even a little bit.

Or maybe he always thought he could fix it, because of the Before The Beginning where Crowley said, "If I was in charge, I'd want people to ask questions." Maybe that planted a seed in Azi's mind. Maybe Azi does want to run Heaven, only in a way that Crowley could be proud of it again. Fix it FOR Crowley. Even though Crowley doesn't want that (and Azi maybe doesn't understand that yet).

I came into your askbox intending to ask a simple question about your thoughts, but I have instead written an essay and asked for one in return. Consider it a quick temptation lol

Temptation accomplished hehe - though a little later than I'd have liked. No though genuinely I love this sort of thing a lot and really appreciate all of it. Anyone please feel free to do this at any time!

But uh so. Since that first meta I've done a lot of stuff breaking down that last scene here and also breaking down Aziraphale and the minisodes from this season here. Both of these operate ascribing to the idea that Aziraphale has been threatened into pseudo compliance on top of the active manipulation the Metatron was doing to him. I'll admit this is the theory I currently favor. But, while that's something I find more thematically interesting and also in more narrative alignment, I do still think there's narrative weight to this on its own.

And I think in the case you've got it dead on with the idea of fixing Heaven FOR Crowley.

Most significantly I think this is viable in the way Aziraphale views Crowley. Like. We know he thinks Crowley is Good and that he has thought this for a very very long time. Arguably his instincts have been telling him this since even before he could consciously put it into words given that even as early as Eden he was being honest with Crowley - a thing he even then did not feel he could do with God Herself. Despite being Fallen, Crowley is safe. Crowley is right. Crowley is Good.

Despite is important here. Because it is notably not and. The lesson being taught here is not that Hell can be Good. In fact Crowley himself actively encourages this idea. I'm not taking you to Hell because you wouldn't like it. My lot don't send rude notes. I need a weapon that could destroy me to keep me safe from Hell. I'm a demon: I lie. A demon could get in a lot of trouble for doing the right thing. I'm a demon, demons aren't nice- You're an angel you can't be tempted. You're an angel - you can't do the wrong thing. All of these things in culmination with the way Crowley talks about his Fall to Aziraphale - I didn't really Fall just sauntered vaguely downward - sets Crowley up as unique in the way he transcends what he is.

Meanwhile Aziraphale has been learning the hard, slow way that the people running Heaven do not necessarily have good intentions and more critically that they are not in alignment with what God actually wants. The problem is the management. The angel who would become Crowley said as much himself.

He has every reason to believe they fix it together too. He now knows that together they can perform archangel tier miracles while they're both actively trying to hold back. He knows that even when they're making mistakes and fumbling through the apocalypse they can help defy the world ending. He knows that they are perhaps the only two beings alive that even remotely understand God's will.

So here's Aziraphale given the opportunity to put himself in charge along with theoretically the single most Good being he's ever met. Of course that's appealing. You could give the person you love the power to create again - something we are explicitly shown at the beginning of this season to bring the angel that would become Crowley more joy and delight than we have literally ever seen Crowley have on screen - and the power to create a world together that actually deserves to have that person? You could undo something that you've slowly been coming to terms with believing should have never been done to him in the first place? You could be Adam, rewriting the end of the world and making it so the Bookshop never burned. All you need to do is change the color of the paint job.

Because he'd never change Crowley. He loves Crowley. Crowley is Good already it's not about making him better. The bit with the Bentley is the scene this season that encapsulates this sort of worldview most. Aziraphale changes the color of the car (which is being presented to us as literally physically linked to Crowley) but not the model. He changes how it looks just like Crowley changes into angel wear without a second thought. Neither change the core of what they are, just the aesthetics. And Crowley is always trying on new aesthetics without letting them change who he is. From Az's perspective why would this be any different?

He doesn't realize that sometimes even if you make it so a Bookshop never burnt that doesn't mean the memory of it doing so ever leaves. You still line the shop with fire extinguishers. You still swap to battery operated candles. The memory lingers as they always seem to do.

Crowley can't ever go back. Won't ever go back. Because the trauma of the Fall draws a clearer line for him both in his own identity and in his worldview than it ever could for Aziraphale who came to his own much more slowly. And because of that it's easy to see a reading of Aziraphale that can't see the specific way what he's saying eats at all Crowley's insecurities because all he can see is what they're capable of together and how that aligns with the greater good. It's all part of God's plan, just like they've always been.

[kaledya]

Hello !

Oh damn, thank you for the explanation. Of course you explain it properly and in such details ! And it make sense Lucifer's pride is taking a big place because he is the embodiment of Pride, in a way. Even with his daughter its something hard to put away. I have a good foundation for the fundamental of their fight now great !

_

Extra answers :

Oh yes ! I figured that Alastor won't be like this with Constantine at all ! Except if he want to be burn alive. Especially that Constantine could actually just use his royal authority on him and Alastor would be kneeling very fast !

I like the Last Of Us 2 ref. I just like that we are talking in ref ahah. I understand that it would be a long road of forgiveness between them.

Ps : in a way, In that pride "manner of doing things" i think Lucifer look like Constantine in that. The proud royals who wouldn't take shit from anyone because they are THEM and the others are nothing. Even if it would actually benefit them to be more kind. But its Hell so, no ahah.

But thanks to showing me your vision of how things happen in your SS AU like that I can create something between your mind and mine.

_

Yes ! Don't want to spoil but its a huge thing. Constantine and Lolicia. (If my OC wouldn't be here i think i like RoyalFlush a lot, I mean who doesn't like a good Johnlock kind of romance) but let's say I like some sensuality too. (Probably this is why I'm the only one who likes Sherlock and Irene)

I mean do you imagine Constantine and Lolicia first meeting like Sherlock and Irene ? Lolicia (naked) Constantine (confused in a priest costume)

"- Our third guest is in the living room on the left, explains Charlie to her brother, you will not miss it, it has a ocean theme.   - Right... murmur Constantine.

*Constantine walks to the blue living room, watch around and see nobody.*

  - Charlie ? I don't see anyone !

*He sighed and sit on the sofa wondering why he actually left his Palace. That was a mistake. And then he heard footsteps approches.*

- Hello, say a velvety voice, apologies for being late. I was away for a long time, forgive me, what is your royal name ?

- I'd figured everybody would know my name but exceptions are part of the statistics. You can call me, like everybody else, C-...

*Constantine turns his head and see Lolicia stopping at the doorway. His voice fails him when he realizes that none of the hair or the tail or the light he quickly sees were covering the naked body. His jaw drops a little.*

- Oh, it's always hard to remember simple thing when you've had a shock.

*They enters the room stands directly in front of him, then Lolicia reaches out and removes the white priest collar from his shirt.*

- There you go now, they giggle softly, we are both defrocked... Crown Prince Constantine.

*Constantine look up to their eyes, in a normal state of mind again.*

- The Anglerfox, I presume. - Look at those cheekbones. I could cut myself slapping that face. Would you like me to try?

Lolicia smile and put the priest collar between her teeth. Constantine think WTF?!"

I mean yes, It would be funny because Lolicia would be a mess. She has a different way to see emotions too. And Constantine is.. . Well Constantine. Ahah. It was fun.

_

Yes, I agree, getting rid of Val, is a big thing.

Thank you for the storyboard info !

I'm so excited to write all this !

I like Husk and Lolicia too. It was cute the dance and natural to write.

Thank for liking the new outfit! Ah yes Baldur's Gate 3, what a beautiful game, *wipes my tear with Astarion* oh ! Is the moment when Gale says he is horny when we fight with so much energy ??

Yes! And I'm so glad I could help!

-

And again, I'm very happy to hear that you liked the concepts I mentioned. And I completely agree with your ideas

I can't wait to see the story in your mind!

-

OMG! I really can't wait to see it. I really like your writing and I'm very curious how you will handle such a romance!I'm sure you will write wonderfully.

And I'm glad you liked dynamic between Serenity and Constantine too!

And since I've never written anything romance-related for Constantine before, I seriously can't wait to see his dynamic with Lolicia! Sounds like they could have a seriously interesting relationship!

And if you ask my opinion, Irene and Sherlock are a very interesting duo too. After all, Irene Adler was the only woman who takes a place in Sherlock's mind, both in the books and in the TV series and movies.

The Women The only woman who can find a place in Sherlock's full and complex mind. The Women who can beat him time to times with her games

And I loved their interactions in the series, especially in the scene where Irene is in her last moments, she sends a message to Sherlock for the last time, but it was perfect that Sherlock comes and saves her at that moment.

And I really love Irene's attitude as a smart planner and a woman who stands on her own feet, and it is always a pleasure to watch/read the cat and mouse games she plays with Sherlock.

And LMAO yes I can imagine it and I really enjoyed reading the little script you wrote I should draw it sometime.

And Constantine was like:

He gives Lolicia a small glance, "I think my sister was very successful in getting the residents used to the hotel."

"You look very comfortable."

-

And I am very glad that you liked the storyboard. I am happy that I could help you and I wish you good writing in advance.

-And yes, BaldursGate3 is a seriously great game, I proudly spent 200 hours on it. And LMAO!

I think this is you, but the one in your hand is not the hamster, but the bat-shaped Astorion.

No, but that scene was very funny too!

As far as I remember, I think the name Harlep ı dont remember. When we kill him in House of Hope we get that armor. And after wearing that and talk to Gale he will make a comment about our New ✨ armor✨

-----

And now I read all the chapters you posted and they were all great.It was very sweet how Charlie got angry when the hotel guests came up with the topic of helping the hotel financially and O Love how Vaggie talk to her and relaxing her you write them so sweet ❤️❤️. in general I really love how you wrote the team's interactions.

And my god, seriously, Lolicia's duet with Alastor was great, the song and the dialogues of the characters. Your descriptions were perfect.I wish your songs were performed, I would really like to listen to them!

And I really love that the sentences or slang in Alastor's way of speaking belong to the 1920s.Very good for the character And very interesting to see the dynamics of Lolicia and Alastor.And I wonder how the offer of Alliance

will turn out Lolicia's death/dream scene was beautiful, I loved the descriptions and I'm so glad we got some ideas about Lolicia's human appearance! And I can't wait to see how the sentences you use in the descriptions will be detailed in the future.But I need to be patient to read Lolicia's past... 😔

And the popcorn ep where you explained the meaning of the song you wrote was also great. I think you are a really smart writer, all the details you put were great.It's incredible how carefully you calculate and think all these detail you are really good writer 🛐🛐

It was a lot of fun to read that the call that Charlie did to join in the competition. The competition worker's reaction when he found out that Charlie was a princess was also really funny. And I loved the dialogues there, Charlie trying to convince the team members!

Finally, I loved the way you introduced Constantine. The magic scene in the workshop was really beautiful 🤌🤌like perfect in every way it was so Cool too!🛐

and the sources you were inspired by while writing the scene were great. I didn't expect to see Elden ring from there That game has some seriously great art and magic design.And seriously, Constantine's reaction to the photo Charlie took in the previous episode. It was a nice detail!

Thanks again for loving him!

I am looking forward to the chapters you will write in the future!❤️❤️

[cooco-ren]

Hi...if you don't mind, can I ask something from Blue Lock? What do you think are Nagi and Reo’s greatest personality strengths and weaknesses? Why? What do you love about their dynamic? Sorry if you've answered these questions before.....

Hihi and thanks for the ask, really don't think I've answered that here before, but I wanna keep it quick since, for how much I love them, it's so hard for me to put the emotions and feelings I have towards them into words that isn't a story about them.

For Nagi, I really think his greatest strength is how calm he's willing to be in most situations, I wouldn't say for any reason that his steady or emotionally intelligent but I think it's nice he's able to balance out Reo's hyperactivity. His dedication to Reo is definitely something else as well, many Reo haters that claim to be his fans really like to belittle that or make it a weakness where as I really think it's one of his greatest strengths; for someone who used to be so unmotivated by the world around him its amazing to see him grow to cherish someone and their wishes even if it means changing parts of himself that person has already accepted. My feelings for him shift constantly in time to how daft and goofy he can be but every time I remember he's truly experiencing the world for the first time because he chose to follow Reo, i can't help but love the complexity of his character even more.

For Reo, I feel a whole spectrum of things but I believe his greatest strength is his adaptability and charisma; he changes in time to his environment no matter how long it might take, like Isagi to some extent, he's emotional and inspirational but in such a raw way it feels almost unreal. He has everything one could ever need or want, so on the surface many wonder why he tries so hard, why he has to hang on and take the spot of those more in need of it because clearly if soccer doesn't work out for him he has better chances than 90% of of blue lock participants. The thing I think many people that like Reo can relate to his his search for fulfillment and excitement. To Reo, I believe soccer isn't just about the world cup, its what it'll prove once he gets it, what the road to it entails. I think that's beautifully encapsulated in him calling his notebook 'Road to the World Cup with Nagi'. It's wholesome, its beautiful and its such a teenage girl move that its adorable. For all his faults and how I know many can't relate to a rich boy's first world issues it think its safe to say many long for his charisma and wanting to be fulfilled. To feel like you've worked for something and earned the best result while having fun with it.

For both their weaknesses, on both sides I'd have to say it's a lack of communication. We can easily chalk it up to boys being bad at talking but for both I feel it stems much deeper. Nagi's never really had to communicate and Clearly Reo has always had to filter his words to appeal to the masses, he's been raised that way and his more direct side mostly comes out in Blue Lock as far as I've noticed (I could be missing something tho). They both struggle from lack of being as direct as they should with each other, expecting that since they work so well, the other should understand, they're partners after all, right?

Dynamic-wise, I think they can both be detrimental and empowering to each other. in the soccer sense, it's hard to put into words since I'm not much of a sports person but its definitely clear if one depends too much on the other they're plays will become stale and predictable. Nagi from when last I read still greatly depends on other's passing and Reo though a progressive all rounder, is very easy to see through because clearly, seven times out of ten he will pass to Nagi. I love that they plan to evolve and battle together but it's pretty hard for me to see how they will.

Romance-wise, I think they'll do well enough for each other. Reo's personality urges him to seek adventure and i think that's something Nagi can benefit from. Outside that, Nagi's dedication, calmness and optimism will definitely help keep Reo grounded when his mind tends to warp and tell him the worst. Every now and then they might tend to bring out the worst in each other or even have big fights thanks to poor communication but after realizing nothing is done out of malice and learning not to repeat mistakes, they'll surely grow into the most disgustingly clingy couple. I hate them so much ugh.

Well hope I kind of sated your curiosity and sorry it took me a while to get to this. Some time before I wanted to my phone got stolen and losing lots of the ngro fics (and other important stuff lol) on it made me a bit sour towards seeing the characters and ship. I'm doing better now and working on getting a replacement soon.

thanks for reading, hope there aren't typos and bye <333

[justanechoflower]

She listens to his words patiently, sitting there with him as he told her what he felt. Her face softens as soon as she spots his tears. She lets him finish what he wants to say before scooching closer, sitting by his side. Her hand goes to wipe the tears from his eyes before retreating. She's not all that great at advice. Actually, who is? But even more so on her side since she's not that great at iterating her thoughts. Though, she should try, shouldn't she? Besides, she has a little plan.

I'm not... all that great when it comes to advice. Here's what I think, but take this with a grain of salt, alright?

She says first. Simply as a precaution.

You could.. start to tell your secret to people one by one, instead of going straight to everyone. So that it's not too much all at the same time. I would recommend Sans because he's pretty laidback but considering your history with him, I'm not quite sure.

She takes a deep breath. Fake family. Well, that one's tricky to talk about.

Though, about me and the other askers.. Even if you tell your secret, we won't exactly disappear. Until you decide to stop this whole askblog, you're stuck with us. And I'm pretttyyy hard to get rid of.

She adds the last part with a smile, something to lighten things up a little.

Heck, even without the askblog, I'd still be here, looking over your universe.

She can't tell him that she wouldn't actually be able to. The askblog is a beacon, a sign to creators and askers alike that this universe is approved for interaction by its creator. Without it, she wouldn't be able to access the universe. She would be unable to enter or even gaze in the events of the universe.

But she can't tell him that, now can she?

Though, about the fake family thing... In truth, I honestly don't care whatever you choose as the label for our relationship, other than romance.

She cringes at the last word.

It's up to you what you want to do. Because no matter what you call this, one thing will never change. And that is, you are someone I've grown to care about.

She boops his nose.

And who's to say you can't like it here as Asriel? You can be Azzy or Flowey and we'd all still care for you.

...hopefully. She takes a deep breath. She has an idea and she wants to tell him. And she agreed. So this is alright.

...And about the barrier?

She turns her whole body around to face him fully. She dons a serious face, maintaining eye contact.

I can help you break it.

Asriel: You can?! I mean, of course you can, you're practically a god. If you manage to break it with no suspicion, not only will we finally be on the surface, but I'll probably be free of any royal expectations once I reintroduce myself!

*Asriel scratches the back of his head uncomfortably, as if trying to rub away the doubts that won't stop coming.* The problem is you have nothing to tell them except that you're an entity beyond the code and that's how you can break it. Even if you don't say that it'll be too suspicious if some random human comes and easily smashes it. It took a whole 7 powerful mages to make that wall!

If I'm with mom and/or dad again I probably won't be able to talk as much to you all so no one in this world gets all existential crisis-y... I'll still find some time though! I'm not going to be accompanied all the time. And with Frisk or Papyrus- even sans- it's fine to be around you guys.

Except if it's Sans and Papyrus together. They both know and yet they pretend to be oblivious around each other about this crazy game stuff because they don't want the other to worry... It's so stupid.

Oops, got off-topic. For now, give me more details on breaking the barrier! I'm interested.

[wetcatspellcaster]

Out of curiousity, do you have any tips for outlining and how to recover from burnout? 🫣🫣 I haven't been able to get words on a page for two months now.

hey anon!! I'm sorry to hear that.

unfortunately, I'm not the best person to ask about burnout, as I tend to try pushing through it and my current state of being (bad) tells me how well that's going for me lmfao. in response to that, my only things I can say is:

there might be a reason why you haven't been able to write for two months, and that's ok. sometimes the well runs dry and you have to wait for rain. two months is not very long and is not a personal failure.

when trying to get over burnout, i tend to pick something low-stakes, silly, and fun to begin with. either a sillier scene for a longer piece, or a piece that's disconnected from my other /serious/ projects. do something that doesn't feel like work.

As to outlining, I have a lot more advice there! so below the cut!

Outlining tips.

the way I outline my work is as follows:

I put all my big plotpoints in a document - the non-negotiables (e.g. in Pieces this was the soul jar, the nature of what ascendency is, the major character death, etc). these are the things that the story needs, to have internal consistency. if you don't have an end at this point, that's so totally fine, but it often helps if you do, because having an ending guarantees the most internal consistency of all.

I tend to outline the start first, and write to a point where I begin to get the tone of the story (in Pieces, this was up to Chapter 7, and the library, I think you can tell because there's a shift in action in this point), and then once I'm there I begin hammering down the specifics of the big plotpoints I mention above.

My outline is always literally bullet points. I start with bulletpoints of the story and its progression, and then as I begin to write in a chapter format, I might make smaller bullet points going beat by beat in a scene.

I try to give myself as much flexibility as possible, beyond the 'internal consistency' point. So while I may have bullet points for the story progression, I do not hammer down a chapter-by-chapter necessarily, because often as you are writing you find the natural breathing points/cliffhangers that will do that for you. If something ends up being longer, I am happy for it to become a chapter - same if conversation etc. that need to happen end up being too short to stand-alone.

Another type of flexibility is the ability to embellish and ad-lib. I typically outline in 'x happens' or "y talks to [side character]", or in lines of dialogue I want to include if I've been struck by inspiration. But the action is not necessarily determined (unless I've been struck down by visions) until I'm writing it. A classic was in Pieces I knew I need to have romance scenes in between plot happening, so I'd be like "something sexy happens" or "another confrontation here". Another example is I knew Orin was going to confront Astarion in an Honest Lie, and she had some goals (wanted to see if he was weak enough to be manipulated, etc.) but the holy water was added last minute when I realised I wanted more horror. Give yourself breathing room to embellish in the moment so you can have fun with it.

My final piece of advice is: know when and when not to stick to your outline! Pieces was my first popular fic as it updated, and a lot of the comments were positing things I wasn't doing. I kept to my outline then, because I knew that trying to change to please others would just fuck the story, bc the story had always been written with a certain ending in mind. So I just had to tunnel down, even if it made people unhappy - at least then, the ending wouldn't feel cheap.

BUT if you are having doubts or... if you're bored, which is the biggest writer killer, then maybe there's a way to spice up your outline. I know sometimes it's unavoidable (Iron throne, I'm looking at you), but try not to do the whole "I am writing to this one fun scene at the end"... you will probably get bored before you get there. Try to make every scene fun for you to write, if you can!!! Be silly with it, as well!

[apurpledust]

thx for the tag @cadmusfly :3🫶

Last Song: It Should've Been Me by RIProducer

a song about unrequited love and the pain of not being chosen by their love interest😭 sounds like napjuno help

Currently Watching: the last series i watched was the One Piece live action recommended by my twinsie... but as of right now? nothing lol. I wouldn't mind any rec's tho if anyone has any c: usually i'm just watching history yt /tiktok videos lol

Three ships: help the three main ones consuming me right now its gonna be long: napjuno -> nana and juju! intense obsessive love? possessive tendencies? homoerotic devotion? ANGST?? yup right up my alley. junot was forever loving someone he cannot have and that literally hurts my soul 😭 imagine having someone as hot as him pining after your ass ALL THE TIME😭 also reminder that junot loved him more than god (or just as much) and would eat him if he could 💗

btw i'm not dying until at least one of those burnt letters are somehow recovered (;

lannap -> technically my first napoleonic ship! some friends from lofter /ig wrote and drew a lot about them and got me onto the bandwagon. i love how lannes is the only one able to stand up to naps and get away with calling him a harlot lmao. i truly believe a part of naps died ever since lannes left the mortal world in 1809 :'c

napalex -> i would say this ship was mostly influenced on me by my friends~ a summer romance that had them both infatuated for a while... or everlasting.

Favourite Colour: *looks at room and closet* lol it's purple

Currently consuming: the last thing i ate was ramen for lunch :)

First ship: i had a period where i was reaally into les mis so enjolras / grantaire i'd say was my "first" official ship🥺

Relationship status: single but also i'm not looking for one rn😌

Last Movie: Napoleon (2023) lmao it was horrible. i rinsed my eyes by re-watching waterloo a few weeks ago tho

Currently working on: trying to colour my doodle of naps w/ hickies that some friends and i were joking about 🤭 you know it happened😈

tagging: @isa-ko (ik you're already tagged but still :3) @promises-of-paradise @goddammitjosef @oriharaizayadividesintoslytherin @etsu-silly @xinanigans @kafkaifhewasasillygirl no pressure ofc and anyone who wants to do it <3

[neos-schlond-poofa]

Idk your post just gave weird and judgmental vibes like of course irl we wouldn’t want someone like Miranda. she’s fictional and there are certain aspects of her that make her interesting to us. I’m all for the slander but like I need ppl to remember differences between fiction + reality and that Miranda stans are sane (I know, crazy right) and wouldn’t actively seek someone like her irl -💩 anon

Okay, so I'd just like to start this off with, I really don't mean any ill intentions towards Miranda stans. I know most of you guys are fairly normal people who just have an obsession with her.

I will admit, yeah, I am being judgmental. I do find it weird when people absolutely glamorize Miranda and her relationship with MC, and that just fuels my hate for Miranda more. She's already a bad character (in the sense of actions; she's a fairly well written character in both RL and RE universes, and I always will admit when a character I don't like is still well-written), and the fact that the fandom kind of... doesn't accept that worsens it. Like, yeah. Most are like "she's so evil BUT she's my wife too" but then continue to ignore how evil she is!! She throws pens at MC!! I'm never getting over that I'm so sorry.

But. IF YOU GET WHAT I'M SAYING LIKE. Her evilness is never acknowledged properly, it's ignored, which leads to the romanticization of her and her route. Does this make sense??

When I see Miranda stans just absolutely adoring her, it does come off weird too. You say fiction isn't reality, but to see people cherish a toxic partner in media? It does come off weird. Like. If she wasn't even related to romance too (like if Miranda x MC didn't exist), wouldn't be as much of a problem. But she is. She's literally (and sadly) destined to be with MC, and people love that, they wish they were in a relationship with her too (FICTIONALLY. I KNOW ITS NOT IRL, BUT LIKE, YOU GET WHAT I MEAN??).

Obviously, not going to get into details, but I was in a toxic relationship before with someone who is literally a Miranda. And it does come off really weird to see people be literally in love with the idea of a relationship with her. I'm much more neutral on RE Miranda; that's just silly slander, Ethan's not trying to get with her. That's just a villain. But RL Miranda is quite literally just a toxic partner. I will go into a deep-dive one day about it, and I have to be honest, I do judge some Miranda fans for the things they say about her. I get y'all won't actually seek out a relationship with her in the real world but... fiction still DOES affect reality. And her glamorization of a toxic relationship and partner is very much present in this fandom and it will add onto my slander for her. I don't mean to actively hurt the feelings of any Miranda stans with my post; it's just me being a hater towards Miranda, and I don't want my ideals to be misinterpreted. I get how the caption for my last edit does that, I will admit that. But all my hatred is really just targeted at her.

So basically, no hate meant to Miranda fans, I get fiction isn't reality but it DOES affect it (I've spoke about this before with Donna), and I get you guys don't actually want a relationship with Miranda. This is NOT intended to be an attack on Miranda stans; any negative feelings I harbor are purely towards Miranda.

Toodles, that one anon who's name I can't say because it'll shadowban my post.

[letters-from-dekarios]

[Roux is a human thief who worked for the Guild. He is cold and impersonal on the outside but very affectionate when he likes someone. He romanced Gale but didn't accept the proposal because he had his own stuff to figure out. The letter is written in a scratchy hand, with ink smears and crossed-out letters indicating that it was written rather hastily]

Dearest Gale,

I hope you're doing well. Professorship suits you, I think. I never got to go to school but in my entirely unbiased opinion you make an amazing teacher. I hope you can actually read this, since I know my writing isn't exactly up to snuff, but if you can't then I'm sure you'll spare my feelings somehow.

Baldur's Gate is as busy as ever, although being a hero certainly has its perks. It's weird- people buy me drinks and stuff, now. People know my name and they respect it. Important people want to talk to me, and want my help making decisions.

I don't know if I like it all the time.

Not to be bitter, but must of these nobles would've spit on me a year ago, and the only reason they'll listen to a street rat is because I saved their sorry arses. Oh well, at least I can help some people while I'm at it. Wyll says hello, by the way, but he already writes to you enough, so I'm sure you know that.

I do wonder about your tower, sometimes. Everything you told me made it seem apart from the world, in some pocket of peace that all the chaos couldn't touch. I'd welcome some peace, I think.

I spent my whole life being a sticky-fingered kid, stealing to get by, but you made me feel like more than that. You treated me like a person- a person that mattered.

I'm not good at letters. I know I've been dancing around it for a while, and it only took me so long to write because I was putting it off. I'm sorry about that. But... I still love you. That never went away. I miss having you tell me about anything and everything and nothing at all. I miss having someone hold my hand.

I won't say that I regret my decision- because that would be a lie and I'm trying not to lie so much these days. I needed a little while to figure out who I am what I want.

And... Well, what I want is you. I need you. I need peace. I need to stay in one place, for a while. I understand if our leaving left a sour taste in your mouth. If you want nothing to do with me I won't push you. But if you do want me... Well, I don't own much in the way of material possessions. It wouldn't be that hard to move to Waterdeep.

-Yours, Roux

Dearest Roux,

I am glad to hear from you! It has been awfully too long since we last spoke. At times, I find myself missing the presence you held when we’d camp together. Though I do prefer not having a tadpole to worry of.

Blackstaff is treating me rather well! Though that is no surprise to even the most knowledgeable man. I have taken a quick liking to my work and as most would say, “fit right in”. I walk the halls with the reminder of my history here, and it brings me comfort to remember that I was once much like the very students I teach today. This is about the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever experienced, second only to saving Faerûn.

Baldur’s Gate hasn’t known an ounce of calm peace in decades. But, regardless, they try and feign normalcy after an event as huge as we had conquered. Being a “hero” of sorts is never easy to get used to. I feel as though one can only continue chasing that feeling of “more” as though you must continue with your acts of service to consider yourself worthy of the praise being received.

Nobles spit on anyone they consider lower than they. They’ll even spit on other nobles if given the chance. The opinions they hold in the grand scheme of things should, in all reality, mean nothing. But I do understand the point you draw. It’s an odd experience to have people who’d kill you now kill for you. One does not simply “adjust” to that.

Your words bring a sadness to my heart. The backgrounds of us all were much to be contested with. Look at the likes of Astarion, or Karlach, for example. You, out of all of us, certainly mattered. Without you, I’m sure the rest of us would have either died or been sent back to the hells we came from. I’m sure I would’ve exploded in the midst of the Weave and my memory would’ve long faded without you. I couldn’t be more grateful for your existence and your kindness.

Roux… I have not the words I need to reply to you. What I can say, however, is this; I never stopped loving you. Through it all, I still find myself aching for your presence beside me. I am not mad at you for leaving, I would be a selfish bastard to be angry with you for that. And, quite frankly, I’ve tried to swear off being a selfish bastard after my last consequences.

I cannot blame you for needing time. For needing space. After saving all of Faerûn, it’s only reasonable to need time to understand where you’re at and who you’ve become. It is not within my rights to hold any kind of a grudge after all you’ve done for me. I would wait decades for you, Roux. I would curse the gods for immortality if it meant I’d have you at the end of it all. I would devote my dying breath to your highest altar just to have a glimpse of what could have been.

Perhaps that is idiotic of me. Perhaps you will be thinking I shouldn’t hold onto such a thing for that long. I cannot deny the inclinations of my heart, I never have been able to do that. I cannot tie my heart to yours and cut it off so easily. I am not capable of such an act.

Whatever you have to give, whatever you want to give, all of it will be more than enough. Your association at my side is more than I could ever need in this lifetime and the next. If I am to be reincarnated after death, I shall find you then too. You are all I have ever wanted and all I will ever desire. With you, my breath catches and my heart swells with joy. I have never met a person so comfortable to be around.

You, Roux, will always have a space within my home, my mind, and most especially my heart. Whatever you need, whatever your desire, I shall fulfill it to the best of my ability. However you are, however you come, I will take you in. You are most here in Waterdeep.

And, if it happens to sweeten the deal, Tara misses you, too. My mother has even offered to bake some sweets for your arrival if you do so choose to return here.

I would be more than happy to have you here, Roux. I am not a man who tends to lie on matters of such grave importance, you know that. Write me when you have started your journey to Waterdeep, if you are still interested in coming here, that way I have some time to prepare for your arrival.

Yours in every lifetime,

𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒌𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒔

text reads: gale dekarios

[familyofpaladins]

I HAD A REVELATION

okay so I was thinking about gender. My gender. And my feelings about being a cis girl over time.

When I was little I used to wear all kinds of dresses and wore nail polish and even occasionally makeup (but like. Sloppily as a 7 year old would lol) and how overtime I stopped wearing nail polish and stopped wearing dresses and despised make up. I dont really remeber why I stopped with nail polish. Maybe because it flaked off too easily or maybe I was sick of the few colors we had idk. I know I gradually stopped wearing dresses and night gowns because I was sick of being told I couldnt "put my legs up [up against the wall or just straight up in the air] or that I had to sit a certain way while wearing one. So I wore more and more pants.

I think about how i used to stand in the toys aisles while my mom did grocery shopping and look at "The Boys" section and think how much cooler it was than the girls section.

And I think about how my music teacher told us one day we'd hit puberty and we'd grow and us girls would be like "[in a high pitched voice] OH MY GOSH I LOVE BOYS AND DID YOU HEAR ABOUT SO AND SO" and I looked over at my classmates and friends to see if they were also terrified of becoming annoying teenage boy-obsessed girls.

And i think about how when I was at my friend's house and we were building "tree forts" in the woods i would wish I had a penis for the convenience of being able to just go pee behind a tree, because squatting near the ground was Not Fun and I hated walking all the way back to the house. And I think about how I hated that I'd have to wear a bra once my boobs started to come in

Now you might be thinking. Friend I think you want[ed] to be a boy. But the thing is, i dont.

I may have hated being restricted in dresses but I dont actually hate them. I've gotten a couple dresses in the last 10 years (for prom and graduation and a [not my] wedding) and how I actually did like how I looked in them and enjoyed wearing them for that time.

I think about how I was jealous of the boys selection of toys, but also how I had a ton of barbies that I massively enjoyed and how if I'd been a boy I probably wouldnt have been able to enjoy them (thanks to pressure from society) as well as a bunch of other "girly" items and shows and movies. I think about how I'm actually Asexual and that I wasnt scared of becoming "a young woman", I just didnt understand the obsession with sex/romance/boyfriend&girlfriend stuff.

And while having a penis is more convenient for peeing I also remeber thinking that it would suck to get kicked in the balls and/or that trope of falling on soemthign between your legs that happens in so many movies (not that it feels any better with a vagina honestly). And that if I had been born a boy I'd most likely have to deal with all the toxic masculinity forced on me, and I'm glad I dont have to deal with that.

And while me and my boobs dont always get along, I remember that after getting my first cute bra, I thought. Oh well maybe this isnt so bad. And I mostly wear sports bras now because I do wish they were smaller and I HATE that so many bras (EVEN THE SPORTS BRAS) are already padded into cup shapes, and while I don't mind Having Boobs, i Do Not want to show them off. And sometimes i think that maybe i wouldn't mind chopping them off, but then i think how my figure/outline/silhouette would look with out them, and that seems worse.

And i think about the times I've accidentally been called "Sir" from tired fast food employees when wearing gender nonspecific clothing and felt happy about it. But not "oh it feels right to be called sir/he/him" , but more of "hehe I fooled you! You thought this was a dress but its pants!"

And really this is all to say. I was born a girl and grew up that way so it's what I'm used to. If I'd been born with a dick then I guess I'd be a guy. If you magically stuck me in a male body right now, would I feel like a Guy or feel like a girl in a guys body? I honestly dont know. So am I non binary? Maybe that that doesnt quite feel right either.

Being a girl is what I've grown up as and into, and it's what I'm used to and going by anything else is… odd. Maybe itd be better and maybe it wouldnt. It's like an old blanket. You've had it forever and maybe its frayed and patched maybe a little too small and it's not what people expect you to have for a blanket, and maybe you could do with a new one. But nothing feels right with out it. No other blanket feels the same. It's what you're used to and its familar. It's a comfort blanket.

And that's why being a [cis] girl is my comfort gender.

[the-bar-sinister]

Bleeding, Broken, Mended (91671 words) by VickytheSnake, thesavagesabretooth Chapters: 17/17

Summary: Law is certain that he was 'rescued' just so Doflamingo could kill him himself, but Doffy has other plans. As far as he's concerned, Law's decade-long quest for revenge was nothing more than a sad misunderstanding. He wants to remind Law how things used to be. He wants to find a way to bring Law back into the fold-- back to him-- forever.

Final Chapter Author's note: Moving on from this fic is a little sad for me, even though I'm glad that it's completed. It's one of the 'easiest' things I've ever written– it flowed very naturally without ever getting really stuck, and it gave me a warm feeling to write, every time. 

I know it's an unusual tone for Doflamingo x Law fic, but I really hope you enjoyed it even half as much as I did. It was important to me just to be able to wallow in them romantically for a while. Thanks for coming on the journey with me.

We'll see more of Law and Doffy— and Law's next encounter with Luffy– when we hit Deicide: Red Shift.

catch up here

-

They had missed dinner— of course they had missed dinner— but there were plates put aside for them in the galley, and Baby 5 and Komurasaki were still there finishing the after dinner cleaning when they got there.

Law and Doflamingo had missed dinner together. There was little hope that the family didn't very much guess what that meant.

"They were clearly fuckin'." Baby 5 said as she washed the last of the big pots "I mean, that's obvious, right? At this point I know it wasn't killin' one another behind everyone's backs. Not with your cap finally bein' Corazon, an' all." 

Doffy paused as they came in the doorway with the biggest shit eating grin on his face and put his hand over Law's mouth, listening in.

"No, killing one another seems very unlikely at this point," Komurasaki agreed. "The story the captain told did seem like a tragic romance that would end such a way— but 'the young master' seems to have managed a last minute reversal of fortune."

Law was sputtering, muffled entirely by Doflamingo's massive hand. Of course they were gossiping. Baby 5 was a damned incorrigible gossip and Komurasaki was an absolute fiend for drama and interesting trouble.

He should have expected this. He should have known. But it still it was embarrassing to fucking walk in in.

"He's good at that, ya know," Baby 5 was saying, he saw her bump Komurasaki's shoulder with her own. "Nothing in the world is impossible for Doflamingo or his family. Even convincing a moron like Corazon that they don't gotta kill one another in a torrid fuckin' romance." 

"I do agree with the sentiment, but I'd appreciate if you wouldn't call him a moron," Komurasaki chuckled, bumping her back.

"Evening, ladies," Doffy purred, finally releasing his hold on Law's face.

"Aww, but I've been calling him a moron for a—-" Baby 5 suddenly froze, dropping the pot and squeaking out in utter surprise. "Young masterrrr???"

Law snorted. "And the moron. Evening to you too, Baby 5. Hey 'Saki. Sounds like you two were having a good conversation." 

"Baby 5 is quite the talented conversational partner," Komurasaki agreed, turning around to smile in his direction. She bent down and scooped up the pot that Baby 5 had dropped, checking it over for dents. "I hope you were having a pleasant evening as well."

Doffy was half doubled over, giggling.

"Corazon!!??" Baby 5 had finally turned to see the both of them, wringing her hands together with a smile that threatened to drop her cigarette onto her askew apron. "Hahahh…w-well, you know. I wanna impres— I mean, entertain our new crewmate is all!"

Law raised his eyebrow with a snort, before he gave them both a lazy grin. "You mean she's a notorious gossip , Saki. But that's a talent in its own way. Good to see you're getting along, even if it's to gossip about my love life." 

"I'm afraid it was a common topic of discussion at dinner, captain," Komurasaki nodded.

Doffy caught his breath and leaned on the table. "Of course it was. Did anything else get talked about, or just that?"

He pulled out a chair for Law with his strings as he sat down in the one beside it.

Law took a seat with a grumble, flushing brilliantly. "Fucking gossipy ass Donquixote family." 

Still, that casual, informal air…

He'd missed it. Sure, the Heart Pirates had it, but there was always that barrier. They weren't as chaotic and unfettered as the Donquixotes were. He missed the Heart Pirates still— his heart panging for a moment over them— but it was good that at least there was this familiar comfort to cling to.

Baby 5 tapped her chin as she bustled over to bow her head to Doflamingo. "Can I get you anything else? Drink? More food? Back rub? Anything you like, young master! There was a lotta talk. Lots about that. A bit about Uta's concert. S-some other stuff." 

"A drink, please, Baby," Doffy purred, scooting his chair closer to Law's. "Did the navigators bring up the marine situation at all?"

"Bepo did mention it," Komurasaki nodded. "It sounds like we're going to see some fighting tomorrow."

Baby 5 grinned brightly at him before she scurried to pour him a drink, "I'm so excited sir. I haven't been able to kill anyone for days, and I'm starting to feel itchy about it."

Law poked at his food before he called out. "A drink for me too, thanks Baby. heh…" He closed his eyes. "Honestly? I'm really excited to take out a few marines too. Didn't get a proper fight with Blackbeard…the bastard." 

Doffy patted Law on the back and squeezed his shoulder. "Not yet. We'll have a chat with ol' Croc about that. I'm getting really tired of seeing that bastard in the papers. And now the family's got a standing grudge with him."

Baby 5 grinned widely "I wanna blow his sniper's head off from a couple of miles away. You know. To prove I'm better."

Law leaned into his touch. "Heh, yeah. You know that sounds good to me. We'll rally Cross Guild and take our grudge to the bastard to finally take him out when the time's right." 

"Damn right," Doffy growled. "And we'll pay him back in blood. That'll be a real fight. Tomorrow's just a bit of exercise."

Doflamingo's leg rested against Law's under the table. He'd always known how physical Doffy could be— now it was back in full force and certainly not letting up any time soon.

He sighed good naturedly, leaning his leg back against Doflamingo's as he poked at his meal.

Baby came back with two drinks, placing them down in front of each of them before she chirped "I wanna see how Saki fights!" 

"I'm sure I have a lot of people to impress," Komurasaki said. "You included. The captain— Corazon— hasn't even seen me fight yet."

"What a shame," Doffy purred, rubbing his knee on Law's. "Let's consider it a chance for everybody to show off."

A few minutes of idle chatter later, Komurasaki and Baby 5 had finished up the cleaning and headed out for a smoke, leaving Law and Doffy to finish dinner and their bottle of wine together. Law raised his filled glass to Doffy, a subtle smile on his face. It was nice, just the two of them in the aftermath of a chaotic reunion. Sharing a drink, some talk of things to come.

It made him feel right at home. For the first time in a long time. 

Doffy smiled widely and clinked his glass against Law's, his large body so close he was half on top of him even though they were in separate chairs. "Cheers, Corazon. To a fresh start."

-

On deck, Komurasaki leaned over the railing, her pale green hair flowing out behind her like the sea below.

Baby 5 leaned on her hand, propped up against the railing as the smoke curled from her cigarette to the sky above. The sea was beautiful, sure— but she couldn't tear her eyes from the way Komurasaki's hair drifted in the wind. It was just as beautiful, if not more so; absolutely more so. So much had happened in the last day, but her private wish had come true. Law was their Corazon, her close and beloved childhood friend wouldn't leave them again, especially now that they were the only two from their cluster who were left. He'd be here with them— screwing Doffy, playing around with the gang's jokes and chaos, and staying close. Just like she'd wished.

His crew; the navigator Bepo and Komurasaki, the woman as beautiful and deadly as the sea, were gonna stay with them. As part of the family. Part of the gang, no longer held at arm's length as guests or possible enemies.

They had time now, time to get to know one another. She chewed the end of her cigarette with a subtle flush.

"Looks like things with the young master and Corazon have really settled, huh? Means you guys are officially part of the gang officially one of us, without the fear of Corazon backin' out at the last second." 

"So it seems," Komurasaki chuckled beautifully, still looking out to sea. "I'm far from displeased."

She turned and smiled at Baby 5 with that strange, distant look of hers. "Could I share one of your cigarettes?"

Baby 5 grabbed her pack immediately, pulling a cigarette out with a few soft taps and offering it to her with a bob of her head. "Course ya can, here— I'll light it off mine, Saki." 

She took the offered cigarette and cocked her head with a little smile. "Show me how that's done."

Baby 5 chuckled. "Alright, put it between your lips, and take short little puffs off it, first of all "

She loved smoking, her earliest vice since the day she bummed one off of Dia and a calming habit that often stymied her nervous nature. That was to say nothing about the social aspect— the moments on the deck with another as you shared a cigarette and talked. 

Komurasaki put the cigarette between her soft lips, holding it there as was becoming increasingly common. She had refined features, and deep eyes, but with the cigarette in her mouth, she looked more sharp— more rebellious. 

The sharp, rebellious Komurasaki…she belonged with the Donquixote family. She had the right edge to her, the right spirit. Baby 5 was like a moth to the flame as she leaned in closer and placed the tip of her cigarette against Komurasaki's without breaking eye contact.

The flame started to pass, flaring in time with Saki's intakes of breath. 

Komurasaki did it exactly right, inhaling in sharp little puffs until the tip of her own cigarette was lit, her face quite close to Baby 5's. She felt a hand brush her hip.

Her face flushed as the flame lit up, the flickering embers casting light in both their eyes as they leaned close. She didn't flinch away from the hand, even with her flustered surprise. Instead, she raised her own hand to rest against the curve of Komurasaki's side.

"See, nice and easy. Best way to light a cigarette."

"I can see why you'd say so," Komurasaki agreed, taking a long puff and turning her head to blow the smoke out to sea, before bringing her gaze back to catch Baby 5's. All the while her hand lingered on her hip. "I appreciate your wisdom. And your company."

Baby 5 smiled, warmth blooming through her at the complement. Wisdom, and company. She had never really been called wise and so many people didn't care as much about her company as they cared about what she could do for them.

She liked Komurasaki's company a lot. The woman, with all her subtle mysteries and her reserved air, was a powder keg of rebellion and excitement. Beautiful, deadly, fascinating, kind…

Baby 5 blew her smoke towards the sea as well, her thumb brushing against Komurasaki's side as she chuckled. "You can have my company whenever you want it, Saki. Happen to really like yours too. Don't think I've ever met anyone quite like you.." 

"The same for myself in regards to you, Baby 5," she chuckled softly, shifting so that they stood shoulder to shoulder. "The winds and tides have brought me to a strange place since I cast myself off to them. I'll be happy for the opportunity to get to know you better. You can teach me about the world out here."

Baby 5 rested against her with a tilt of her head. "The island of Wano's real different from everything I'd ever known, Saki. The world you talk about ain't anything like the places I've lived…the North Blue, Dressrosa…"

Her hand shook a little as she dared to loop it around behind Komurasaki's back, holding her as they smoked against the railing. "You can count on me…I'll make sure to teach ya everything I can about the world, or anythin' you want." 

Komurasaki leaned her cheek against Baby 5's as they stood together on the deck of the ship. She didn't say 'I need your help', she didn't echo that she'd be counting on her. She just said, "Thanks."

And the way she smiled, Baby 5 knew that she meant it.

Baby 5's heart melted more than a heart of bullets and blades ever should. She smiled brightly around her cigarette and looked out on the infinite sea as she exhaled curling smoke into the night air.

"Any time, Saki-baby." 

-

Bepo cuddled half on top of Law in the cot in their cabin after the work was done for the evening. He was a little surprised Law was there, and not dragged off by Doflamingo, but he wasn't complaining.

Law lay against him, arm draped over his furry chest and face nuzzled into his side. He looked comfortable, relaxed…and above all, happy. 

Bepo nuzzled him and snuffled his hair. He couldn't help but chuckle. "This is going to take some getting used to. You smell like Doflamingo."

Law sputtered against him. "Yeah he has a way of rubbing his fuckin' stink on people," he muttered, glancing up at him with a grin. "I'm sure we'll both get used to it pretty fast." 

"I'm sure," Bepo chuckled again. He gently thumped the top of Law's head with his chin. "We can get used to pretty much anything. Even if this isn't what I expected at the beginning of the year."

It reminded Bepo of the way they had met— unexpected and tumultuous, all snap decisions and 'I guess this is what we're doing now. Bepo had never regretted it, not even a little bit.

"You know me better than that, Bepo. Never expect anything at the start of the year. It ain't ever going to go according to plan. I'm Dr. Impulsive Decisions, remember?" 

"Oh trust me," he huffed, grumbling and pulling him closer. "I know. And I'm not complaining. I think this is the happiest I've ever seen you. So. I'm happy."

Law flushed, looking up at him with his chins till nestled in his fur. "It is huh? I was wonderin'. I'm glad it makes you happy, Bepo. I'm glad you're gonna come with me on this." 

"On any and every adventure, captain. No matter where it takes us, or who we turn out to be."

Law kissed his cheek, half crawling on top of him to hug him tighter. "Damn right, Bepo. You've always been precious to me, hope you know that."

Bepo rumbled embarrassedly in his chest as he remembered the other night, when Law had called him his 'greatest treasure. 

"I know it. Without any doubt, captain. And you're just as precious to me."

Heart Pirates, Donquixote Pirates, or even on their own. Bepo decided it really didn't matter to him, as long as Law let him come along. And he trusted that now he always would.

-

The encounter with the marines was exactly like Doflamingo said it would be— less of a fight, and more like exercise. It was a bloodbath. Thanks to Violet, they came into it knowing all of the enemy's positions, numbers and major weapons, and it was used to full advantage.

They swept in like a goddamned tidal wave. For all their quirks and their ridiculous bullshit— the Donquixote Family were a terror in battle. A force of nature that plowed down anything in their way in a cackling bloodbath of violence anderror.

Law and his crew moved among them,crashing through a port fortification with his power in full effect. Cannonballs and bombs meant for them wound up back in the thick of bunker encampments, detonating and shredding the marines inside. Limbs flew, replaced with explosives, and hearts were torn from their chests as they fought deeper into the island.

It felt good— damned good— to be fighting with them instead of against them. Pieces of the landscape warped under Giolla's power, becoming strange and twisted art, as men fell to the cackling Derringer and his sharpened heels. Baby 5 moved like a dance of death, shifting and twisting her form into all manner of deadly weapons just like he remembered to execute whole groups without breaking a sweat.

This was the power of the DQ family, the fact he'd beaten them in Dressrosa was almost a miracle. The other executives were making a terror of themselves— the ground rippling under enemy feet, tossing marines to the ground where some of them writhed like insects in Trebol's glue traps. Pica was already rebuilding his shrunken body with stone from the fortifications on the island while Vergo intercepted the more powerful haki users among the marines.

Doffy of course, was doing what he did best, standing and laughing as his threads sowed chaos in the form of enemies appearing to fight one another— none knowing where the next attack would come from.

Law's crew were just as terrifying, too, Komurasaki watching Baby 5's back, her swordsmanship with shusui a terror to behold. And Bepo protected Law's flank, powerful and opportunistic. 

At the end, the commanders rallied for a last charge against them, which was met with enthusiasm. Almost too late however, it turned out to be a distraction for a sneak attack. In the flurry of combat Law heard someone behind him almost too late— and then a choking sound.

Law turned to find that Doflamingo was garrotting a huge marine who'd had the tip of his sword nearly between his shoulderblades only a moment before.

Doffy hovered over the battlefield, grinning. "Take it away, Corazon."

Law stared for a moment at the marine, whipping around with a fury in his eyes. 

"Thanks Doffy," he breathed for only a moment before he formed a glimmering green gamma knife in his fingers and hammered it home through the marine's heart.

The green fire flared through the man for a moment, the waves of energy liquifying him from the inside as Law held his hand to his chest before shoving him away to collapse in a bleeding heap. 

The Donquixote pirates were the only ones still breathing in the aftermath of the violence, and Doflamingo leaned down to sling his arm around Law's shoulders when all was said and done.

"You looked good out there, Corazon," he purred, smiling. "Did good, too."

"You weren't half bad yourself, Doffy." Law flashed a wicked grin up at him. "Feels good to have gotten a little exercise." 

Doffy chuckled. "I'll bet. It was fun to see you cut loose like that— on somebody else," he teased. "I'll be excited to see you face a real challenge with us."

He cracked his knuckles, looking out at the devastation. No doubt the rest of the family would collect the bodies, and the identifying marks they needed, and bring them back to Cross Guild for the payout.

"Probably after this Uta thing. Can't imagine that's gonna turn out to be much of a fight at the end of the day." 

"Brawl at an Uta concert?" Doffy laughed. "I sure fucking hope not. But that should be fun anyway."

Strings wrapped their way around Law's wrist and hauled him gently against Doflamingo's chest.

"Hey, Law." He saw himself reflected twice in Doffy's glittering lenses. "I missed you."

Law leaned up against him with a quiet chuckle. "...Few weeks ago I wouldn't have believed it but…I missed you too, Doffy." 

"I believe you, Corazon." Doffy chuckled and licked his thumb, wiping a spot of blood off of Law's face. Then he pulled him into an eager kiss.

Law kissed him deeply, melting into his arms as the remains of the battlefield calmed around them. 

His life had never quite gone according to plan. The loss of his sister, the death of his hometown, his attempted suicide, his life with the Donquixotes and his way Rosi took him away from them and sent him on a quest for revenge he fully expected to die right after.

Somehow, Doffy was at the center of so much of that— drawing him back in. Saving him, loving him.

Somehow, life had taken him right back to Doflamingo. Right back to where he seemed to belong.