#not to mention the tension

[conceived-angel]

felt crazy when s3 of the bear dropped because it caused so many people to jump ship but it made my sydcarmy obsession worse? am i crazy? 😭

[v7n5]

I feel very obliged to make this one public service announcement: the ABO Laloward au written in Chinese that’s ongoing on ao3 is Damn.Good. You all should turn on your Google translate and read it immediately.

[hansoeii]

1941

[just-null]

Do you ever do requests? If so, do you ever plan on drawing some Yandere with the Hantengu clones? :D hope you have a good day/night!!!

Mentioning an unfamiliar name

yes!! I love yanderes.. and these guys.. these guys are such good material...... nods nods..

I'm not sure about requests..I assume you mean drawing requests? I suppose if it REALLY catches my interest enough, I'd do it, but it'd probably just be line art/sketches.

[mars-ipan]

i’m like shaky

[blorbologist]

Y'know, I think I figured out why the Hells still feel like a new low-level party to me, even though they're level 13 and almost 100 episodes in.

I don't quite think it's the lack of conversations, or the fact half the party's plot hooks are big ties to past campaigns - though that definitely plays a part.

... Bell's Hells still primarily rely on quest givers.

Most of their goals are given to them and do not feel organic to the party, and constantly remind us that the Hells are pretty much never the most powerful people in the room. Which is usually something you see with a low-level party.

NPCs offering jobs is not a bad thing; it's a very common plot hook. Matt has been extremely skilled with using NPC quest givers in those two campaigns. Not only do they provide an obvious plot thread, but they can put the party in the path of others (say, the Nein running into the Iron Shepherds while doing a job for the Gentleman and everything that came of that). And the Hells had a solid start with it too - Eshteross was an excellent quest giver!

The problem is that Bell's Hells have never really not had a quest giver.

Maybe it's a byproduct of the more plot-heavy structure of this campaign? But while prior parties have felt like they decided on their course of action and what they prioritized, Bell's Hells feels less like level 13 (13! Level 13!) experienced adventurers and more like an MMO group clicking on the exclamation point over an NPC's head. Where does the plot demand we go next? Who do we report back to?

They're level 13.

At level 13, Vox Machina had just defeated a necromantic city-state to clear their name and Percy's conscience. And, you know, the Conclave just destroyed Emon. No one was explicitly telling the group to gather Vestiges and save the world (though Matt guided them there), and they were usually among the most powerful people in the room. They chose which Vestiges to prioritize, which dragons to tackle when, even if the over-all plot was pretty clear.

At level 13, the Mighty Nein were celebrating Traveler Con (another PC goal, I'll note) after brokering peace between two nations, accidentally becoming pirates and heroes of the Dynasty. The Nein regularly chose what to do based on personal goals, not grand ones. Though definitely smaller fish than Vox Machina at this level, they were very independent and gaining solid political clout.

While we're at it: level 13 is one level lower than the Ring of Brass, who had a huge amount of sway over Avalir. They ended the world, and also saved it, while in the grand scheme of things being only a smidge more powerful than Bell's Hells are now.

Can you really see the Hells wielding that amount of influence, when they're constantly being told what to do next?

The god-eater might be unleashed, so Bell's Hells have no time to do anything but what is asked of them. No time for therapy unless stolen from Feywild time, no travel on foot and late-night watches. They haven't even had time to grieve FCG. Percy was grieved in the middle of the Conclave arc. Molly was grieved when half the party was still in irons.

Matt is in the very unfortunate spot of not being able to give the Hells the same agency as the other two parties. Not only because of the world-ending plot introduced so early on; they are surrounded by characters they know (and the cast knows) are stronger and wiser than them - the familiarity of the past PCs and NPCs is to their disadvantage.

Why would the party reasonably ignore Keyleth's task that will help save the world and go off on a romp? Why would the cast when they know well Keyleth has to be sensible and with the best intentions in mind? The stakes are just too high.

It means that the Hells still feel like they're running errands instead of pursuing their own destiny. Their accomplishments are diminished as just being parts of a to-do list, and any stakes feel padded by several level 20 PCs/NPCs standing 5 steps away ready to catch them.

This isn't Bell's Hell's fault, nor is it Matt's. It could be amended, I think, if the Hells are really left to their own devices for a long period of time without support and shortcuts (like during the party split)... which would be really tricky to pull off at this point in the campaign.

They're level 13. They're big fish, but they're stuck in a pond full of friendly sharks, so they don't feel big at all.

[aventurineswife]

“Don't Touch Me”

Tags: @lixhizy, Aventurine x Reader, Ratio x Reader, Touch Aversion, Hurt/No Comfort, Emotional Distance, Rejection, Vulnerability, Angst, Psychological Struggles, Unresolved Tension, Hurtcember 2024.

Warnings: Emotional Harm, Hurtful Rejection, Mentions of Trauma (Aventurine's Backstory), No Comfort.

A/N: First time joining a challenge, um yeah... 🧍‍♀️I'm not sorry

You had always admired his intellect from afar—Ratio, a brilliant mind that thrived in the pursuit of knowledge. But today, as you stood before him, his typically confident demeanor seemed at odds with his frayed composure. His hair fell into his eyes, and there was a tense energy about him that you couldn’t ignore. You had grown used to his aloofness, but today felt different.

"Are you going to stand there staring at me?" he asked, his voice sharp, a slight edge to it that made you flinch inwardly.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to… I just thought—"

"Don’t think," he cut you off quickly, his gaze unwavering but cold. "It only complicates matters."

His words stung more than you expected. You could feel the cold distance between you growing, and yet, your heart twisted as his posture remained stiff, his arms tucked close to his body. His usual bravado was masking something deeper, but you could only glimpse the faint cracks in his armor. His eyes darted away from yours when you tried to make eye contact, as if uncomfortable with the vulnerability of being seen.

Without realizing it, you took a step closer, an impulse to offer support, but the moment your hand approached, he recoiled sharply. His gaze hardened as he took a step back, his body language signaling clear aversion.

"I don’t need your sympathy," Ratio snapped, the words laced with an emotion you couldn’t quite read—anger, frustration, or perhaps something more fragile beneath the surface. "Touching me will not fix your problems."

You hesitated, understanding now that it wasn’t just physical contact he was rejecting, but any attempt to bridge the gap between you. His need for control, his refusal to be vulnerable, twisted your chest painfully. You stepped back, unsure how to navigate the sharp divide he had created.

"I’m not here to fix anything," you murmured, but the words seemed insignificant in the face of his retreat. He didn’t respond, only turned away from you, as if dismissing the matter altogether. The silence stretched, suffocating, and you couldn’t bring yourself to break it.

You had hoped for understanding, but all you had found was the harsh reality of how little you truly meant in his meticulously ordered world.

Aventurine’s smile was nothing short of enigmatic—charming, yet distant, as he leaned back in his seat, casually surveying the room. The flicker of his eyes was unsettling, as if he could see through your very soul. You couldn’t help but feel an unease in his presence. It wasn’t just his sharp mind or the way he manipulated every conversation—it was his very presence that made you feel exposed.

"You seem… distracted," he remarked, his voice smooth, like velvet over sharp edges. His gaze lingered on you with an intensity that made you shift uncomfortably.

"I’m fine," you replied quickly, not wanting to admit the growing discomfort.

Aventurine leaned forward, his gaze never wavering. "You don’t seem fine. What’s wrong?"

You wanted to say something, anything to end the tension, but your words faltered. There was a distance between you, an invisible wall that neither of you seemed willing to breach. You tried to break the silence by stepping forward, but the moment your hand neared him, he flinched—just enough for you to notice, like a spark of fire quickly extinguished.

"Don’t," he said softly, his tone carrying a warning. "Touching me won’t make it better. It never does."

His words cut through the air like a blade. You froze, suddenly aware of the weight of the rejection in his voice. You had never seen this side of him before—the cracks in his facade, the vulnerability that he was so determined to hide. He quickly masked his discomfort with a strained smile, but it did nothing to soften the sting.

"You think you understand me," he continued, his voice taking on an edge. "But you don’t. Nothing ever does."

You could feel the hurt in his words, but you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything that might alleviate it. The space between you was so vast now, so suffocating. The man who thrived on calculated risk and manipulation was now someone you couldn’t reach.

You backed away, knowing that any attempt to draw closer would only deepen the divide. The silent rejection felt heavier than any words could express, and all you were left with was the hollow space between you, where the possibility of connection was buried beneath his armor.

[alowkeyclown]

sure i'll go with u to the haunted ruins wreathed in half memories from your traumatic childhood PLATONICALLY COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY PLATONICALLY OF COURSE IM SO CASUAL ALL OF THE TIME DON'T EVEN WORRY

[heynhay]

will you break and take all the words from my mouth?

[br3adtoasty]

Le Chasseur et la Colombe

On the relationship between Juno Tauber and Rook Hunt…

➽────────────────────❥

If there’s one thing Juno is best known for, it’s provoking people. And provoke he did. Not the hunter himself, no, but rather his queen.

It started in their freshman year. The first few times were just small comments that could commonly pass as faux pas;

“Your hair is sticking out a bit to the side, y’know~”

“A little heavy on the makeup today aren’t we, Schoenheit?”

It brought immense joy to Juno whenever he saw a crack of annoyance on the oh-so pretty mask of the housewarden.

Slowly, light jabs turned to insults and personal digs. It was only a matter of time that Rook had to step in before anyone got hurt. Rook, of course, readily defended his queen, and the hostility between the two would only grow from there.

Juno could never grasp Rook Hunt. Ever elusive, shrouding and hiding himself in shadows, there’s just never enough information on him. Not enough to comment on, nothing he can use to attack with, no weaknesses. And that damn smile that never seems to falter... It frustrates him.

Rook, le Chasseur d'amour, admirer of beauty, who sees grace in all things and who could sing unending praises for even the tiniest of being, finds himself at loss for words in the face of Juno, for there was none to be seen. Sure, Juno may be fair-faced, but what good is admiring an apple whose core is so inexplicably rotten?

While they do not outright attack each other when interacting, there’s always an uncomfortable tension in the air whenever they occupy the same room. Their passive aggressiveness thinly veiled in exchanged pleasantries and polite words.

If Juno ever decides to step out of line again however, the hunter wouldn’t hesitate to put the dove in his place.

➽────────────────────❥

Bonus:

[turtleblogatlast]

[ cw: trauma / mind control / separation anxiety / autophobia / ]

Something that kills me is that there’s no way in hell that Raph’s debilitating separation anxiety isn’t infinitely worse after the movie. The trauma of being Krangified like that, all alone, would probably regress him so hard.

Not to mention his worries of getting “weird” would likely get mixed up with his experience while Krangified - aka, he loses full awareness, and when he’s brought “back” it’s to the understanding that he attacked his own family (of course not to his own fault at all, but how much of that does he believe?)

The fear of being alone would take on another layer and become a fear of himself.

[thoughtfulchaos773]

One of my favorite scenes, big reason, is Sydney opening up and Carmy experiencing pain for Sydney.

But another thing the scene points out is they these two are not platonic. If they are the type of friends that epitomize a platonic relationship with a work family that feels closer than a family, he would know this about Sydney. Yet, he doesn’t. Syd still holds back when it comes to Carmy.

To be fair, she held back about her mom with Marcus too. But now that it’s clear that Marcus and Sydney have a platonic relationship, there’s an ease in their getting to know one another. Currently, based on what the show has presented, we see Carmy trying to get to know Sydney, who remains reserved about her mother until she can't find a way to put her guard up.

That's the dance with these two Sydney puts her guard up Carmy tries to get to know her- how is that friendship or how is that even what Donna says in season 4? That they're closer than family family?

Maybe because we are just getting started next season on Sydney and Carmy becoming closer?

But really Why is it so difficult for them to hang out and party together? Why is Carmy so hurt by the realization that in not focusing on the restaurant, he's missing out on knowinh Sydney? If it's really about friendship, why are there so many barriers preventing it from developing?

Why is there jealousy? Distrust? The longing to trust and open up instead of just doing it? Why is it so difficult for Carmy and Sydney to talk about their deceased loved ones, unlike the conversations that Natalie and Richie have, or the ones Ebra and Tina share?

Why is it so difficult for Sydney and Carmy to have a conversation like Tina and Marcus did in season 3, episode 9, where they can truly check in with each other and exchange ideas?

It's not platonic, and as of now, I have nothing to show that for Sydney work, family - Carmy is closer to her than family.

[itslenagain]

What's not to love about Wicked?!?! We've got:

Homosexual tension

A song about how fun it is to be a hater

A goat professor

A song about being besties with your girl roommate who you're kinda gay for

A closeted lesbian pining for a nerdy bisexual who's tearing down the system (and also accidentally stealing her comphet boyfriend who is also bisexual)

Homosexual tension

A song about flying that's also about breaking away from expectations and also kinda gay

An antagonist whose fatal flaw is underestimating a witch's rage

Fighting oppression

A song about how life is better if you don't think too hard about things (like your sexuality, I'm talking to YOU Glinda!!!)

Faking your own death

A pink/green enemies-to-lovers(friends?) duo

A song about how to be cool (but not cooler than Glinda)

Homosexual tension

[yayll]

You give us Rockstar!Dazai and Fan!Reader but i raise you Rockstart!Dazai & Popstar/Idol!Reader who have opposite aesthetics and take over the music industry with a combined album of both rock and pop music 🙌🏾🙌🏾-TeenZai Anon

TEENZAI ANON YA DID IT AGAIN.

this is even better..... can you imagine they collab on the album to call off the rivalry that isn't actually a rivalry (more like frenemies w insane tension hehe) but the tabloids just eat that shit up and ofc Dazai loves to play into it wayyyy more than reader does.

he'll see you show up for a photoshoot a little earlier than scheduled while he's finishing his up and he just glares at you in full on idol pop glam like.

"Oh? I didn't know you'd be here today... looking like that..."

and it's just him CLEARLY checking you out while also being so catty. he can't even match his tone to his words, he sounds like a lovestruck fool. you're so smooth, so calm and collected bc you have proper MEDIA TRAINING lmao

"Well, I do it for the fans, heh. You'll be doing it soon too, we should meet up and discuss the album... That is when you're dressed a little better..."

he just gasps, both of your aesthetics have always clashed, but that's what made the upcoming collab even more iconic. you were graceful, he was a goddamn mess.

"Album? Oh please, we would never-"

then his manager chimes in all quickly like,

"Oh, sorry! I forgot to mention this to you. The label thinks it would do wonders for your image. I'd say it's a great unmissable opportunity."

"My image?! What's wrong with my IMAGE? I'm soooo hot and charming, have you seen my fan accounts? Chuuya must be soooo jealous."

he rolls his eyes, a smug smile manifesting as you and his manager just look at each other, smiling knowingly.

"You're definitely adored by the fans no doubt, but It's no secret you're a bit... Eccentric on and off stage... You know, like that one time when you held up the concert discussing different methods to off yourself? Or when you were an hour late because you spent so much time changing your bandages and then came out black out drunk on Sake?"

Dazai just groans like the bratty manchild he is, as if it were untrue.

"Ohhhhh come onnnn... It's for rock n roll!"

you giggle and lean in, arms crossed as you bat your lashes.

"And now it'll be for Pop. And for me, hopefully?"

"Whatever. Maybe. I don't do anything for you, even if your hair is so shiny and your makeup is effortlessly done... Those insanely flattering outfits do you no favors until you walk out of the dressing room, it's honestly so lame."

he just goes on and on while you just admire him quietly with a wide smile. you know what he means, even if he denies it. you feel it too. before you're called to set, you simply clear your throat and toss your hair over your shoulder, your voice soft and firm.

"I have to go now, Dazai... But I guess you'll just need a time and date to express your grievances further? My manager will talk to yours. Bye for now~"

you turn to saunter away in a whirl of lingering heavenly presence and he just stands there, standing a little taller than usual, cheeks uncharacteristically red. He turns to his manager and mumbles as if still in a trance yet the corner of his lip twitches.

"... I think I have a new idea for a song. Set up that meeting soon? 'kay?"

YOU LEAVE THE MAN SPEECHLESS, ITS NO WONDER YOURE SO ADORED... he's secretly looking forward your little play date. he's been dying to have you one on one despite the odds against you both.

[mychlapci]

Tfp OP receiving massages since he needs to relax, even Primes should have a moment to themselves. Ratchet offers to do it since he's OP's oldest friend, even before the war, and being gentle towards the tired Prime. OP adores the massage that he gets too comfortable that he let his valve panels open. Moments later, he's full on Ratchet's transfluid and is probably carrying a litter of four sparklings.

i love sexy massages. mhmmm. Ratchet using his skilled medic’s hands to rub the tension out of Optimus’ back pistons and tubing, loosening up the cogs and untangling wires…. Optimus’ engine is purring, he’s so comfortable, especially when Ratchet reaches for his lower back and releases all that tension that was accumulated down there. His panels opens quietly, spike only partially pressurized and valve getting wet. Ratchet is very flattered.

Optimus gets flustered, tells him he doesn’t have to bother and that he’s sorry, but Ratchet is already rubbing his pretty valve and telling him how good he is. A little spike and valve massage is good for his health.

Optimus gets fucked nice and slow from behind, valve clinging to Ratchet’s spike, milking it for all the transfluid it has to give. He definitely ends up with a big litter at the end of this. 

[julesonjupiter]

ok are you serious what is it with troy and getting himself into homosexual activities like. "sometimes i think about guys" episode 1, getting wasted with a bear at a bar and wrestling with him episode 2, and "dude, im gonna open you up like a fucking pringles can" face to face with the ROBOT. EPISODE 3. at this rate we are going to have our second ever jrwi fade to black for gay sex in 2 episodes