#now people just gather in the living room no interaction no games just looking at their god dam phones🙄🙄🙄

[annakarenina]

We need to bring back assembly and drawing rooms where people just gather and play cards or watch someone play the piano

[furybymoonlight]

See Me (Now) - Part I

Pairing: Trent Alexander Arnold x OC/Reader

Warning/Genre: Age Gap (3 years), Angst, Suggestive Theme, Smut (not yet on this chapter tho’), friends to lovers

Part II

Part III (final)

***

“You’re not my sister.”

“Pfft how dare you? I’ve known you since forever. The least I deserve is to be your honorary si-”

“No, you’re not.”

He cut her off, his stare was sharp, but then it softened as he cupped one side of her face.

“You can’t be…in order for me to be able to do…this.”

Then his mouth was on hers and her mind short circuited.

***

She didn’t know exactly when things started to change.

Their parents had been friends since a long time, so they had known each other for almost as long as she could remember. She first met him when she was nearing six, and he was barely three. His parents were visiting her house for a brunch with him in tow.

She remembered his beautiful doe eyes, in the shade of dark coffee, gazing up at her with a shy smile tugged on his lips.

“Hi Trent, do you want to play with me?”

She smiled and asked the small boy. Her mom had told her the boy’s name that morning and that she should make friends with him.

“Sure!”

His eyes twinkled as she grabbed his smaller hand and led him to her corner at the living room, where she stored her toys and games. Trent ended up as her first living guest in her royal tea party. He refused to wear a crown, but she reckoned he was a much better guest since he was way more interactive than her plush dolls.

They played together almost every weekend. Being older than Trent, she viewed him then as a little brother. They had less playing time when he joined the local football academy but still saw each other often since his parents often invited her family to his football matches, among other things.

She was close to his other brothers as well, but her bond with Trent was tighter. As they got older, they saw less of each other but kept in touch through texts and social media. She went abroad for university as he continued to rise as a football prodigy. Still, they spoke frequently about anything. She told him about her challenges being away from home. She shared his laughter and his heartbreak as he surfed on the top league.

It was almost Christmas, and she was back home for the first time in almost two years, finding her cozy yet modest-sized home filled with people. Her parents had thrown a welcome back party for her in conjunction with friends and family Christmas gathering.

She was swarmed by hugs and questions from all sides. She hugged them back and talked with them, finding the need to take a breather after a while. Her parents were high on the extrovert scale. Her? She was not a recluse by any means, but she found that she needed some quiet moments when dealing with crowds.

Slipping away from the crowds, she had just taken a few steps up the stairs when she slipped, unaware of several car toys scattered around. A yelp left her mouth as she braced for her fall, but it never came. She felt a broad chest cushioned her back as a pair of strong arms enveloping her.

“Careful…”

The masculine voice was so familiar, and she turned around straight away to hug her savior, who also wrapped his arms around her.

“Trent! Oh my God, I missed you! How – whoa, you’re way taller than me now. Do you not stop growing?”

She said as she took in his height. The man just chuckled, looking effortlessly good in a pair of dark jeans and beige sweater.

“Can’t be shorter than you forever, can I?”

His warm chocolate eyes looked at her teasingly. She shook her head, smiling.

“Guess not, and look at yourself now, our very own world-famous footballer. I am such a proud sister!”

Just like that, amusement left his eyes, and he took a step away from her. Tension radiated from his handsome face.

“Trent? What’s wrong?”

“You’re not my sister.”

“Pfft how dare you? I’ve known you since forever. The least I deserve is to be your honorary si-”

“No, you’re not.”

He cut her off, his stare was sharp, but then it softened as he cupped one side of her face.

“You can’t be…in order for me to be able to do…this.”

Then his mouth was on hers and her mind short circuited. Because Trent was kissing her, plump lips moving against her frozen ones. Trent.was.kissing.her and she would have to plead for temporary insanity because at some point of time, she closed her eyes and found herself kissing him back.

Her lips parted slowly to welcome him then he drowned her even more. He tasted like a mixture of coffee, cinnamon, and a hint of spiciness that she couldn’t quite put a name on. He whispered her name between kisses, then pressed her smaller frame against the side wall, carrying on wreaking havoc on her senses. Her lungs burned, but she didn’t have the will to take a breath. All she wanted was more, perhaps so much more.

The sound of muffled yet loud laughter brought her back to reality, reminding her where she was and she pushed him back, or rather he also stepped away. Breathless, she just stared at the younger man, eyes rounded in shock of what just transpired between them.

She opened her mouth, but the fire in his eyes made her lost her words. Then she heard footsteps coming towards them and without even thinking, she ran to her room in a speed that would make even an Olympic athlete proud.

Leaning on the back side of the door, she sighed and closed her eyes, body temperature still running high.

What in the hell just happened?

Author's Note I've been holding myself back not to get sucked into what I called a Trentnado because God knows I have so much to do, but after he posted those summer pics, just had to write..something. Anyway, first ever Trent story. Apology for errors as I’m not a native.

[winxfairyliveshere]

josko is apparently an experimenting cook, which makes sense cause he used to work with his dad in the fish market, and he loves to game and always has snacks beside him. he seems like such a wholesome guy, but deep down i’m there’s a whole different josko with his significant other

wowww actually can we elaboate the last part!? wdym by a whole different? im curious 🤭🤠

After this message i thought what can i write about cook josko,dig into youtube for what can i find.At the end i found a yt video with eng subs which made me so happy. There are so many videos about him but no subs :( I mixed the infos i got into here.

Thank you anon for the idea 💞

As i got closer to the apartment building, i turned off music. The valet was there, i smiled at him and gathered my stuff.

"Hello Miss Y/S/N."

"Hello, thank you so much. Have a nice day."

I walked to the door, personnels were in ground floor interacting with residents. I fastly passed everyone and started to wait for the elevator. The excitement made my legs move. I couldn't stand where i am, walking back and front. Nearly two weeks ago Josko called me and said "I need to take a video for my new partnership. It will be in my house and i want you in it too. To be honest it will be a good memory in the future, like showing it to the grandkids." Those words made butterflies fly in my wholeee body. Even though we are together for two years and engaged for four months, we still have that connection between us, still feel the same way when i saw him for the first time in Split. I was in there for a trip, taking photos of the glamouros Diocletianus Palace and i heard a voice "I can take your photos if you want, the sunlight makes everything beautiful in this hours. You seem you don't need much but." He acted like a real photographer back then, making me change poses and other things which made me feel odd. I felt like i was under of a giant spotlight.

"Thanks, so polite of you." I swiped amongst photos, they were really good. Golden hour making my face shine, freckles that so obvious you can count them.

"I told you." said Josko while smiling. We had a short chit-chat over there. He had a short beard comparing to now, his curls were resting on his forehead so charmingly. He told me there will be a festive in city centre tonight, giving me hints he will be there. I got the message and said to myself "Why not? He is cute." Also do i need to mention his eyes? In that golden hour? This was our beginning. That sun is still up, never set, warms me constantly, making me feel free, enjoying myself. I trust myself more, I know i can do everything because my life won't be in dark, it will be bright always. Ding, doors are open to hall.

I turned my back to the mirror before stepping out of the elevator, fixed my hair and clothes. "Agh, i paid hundreds for this concealer and still looks cakey!"

"Hi!" My eyes got bigger when i saw my fiancee. "Did you download a tracker app in my phone or something?" He started walk towards me, streching his hands out. As soon as i got near him, i jumped on his arms. "So what is the answer?" I picked my phone, held it closer to his brown eyes. "Where is it?"

"I opened the door for taking the trash out. Sound of the elevator stopped me. And yeah, my guts are right, you are here." He hugged me, placed a warm kiss in my neck covered with my hair.

"Aren't you have guests in your house? You forgot to throw your trash out, leaving them alone and hugging me in the hall. What a bad host you are."

We went inside together, "technologhy people" were in living room and kitchen. They were nearly done with setting up cameras, microphones, lights. I stepped over cables a few times. A lady with a brush roll and Josko were sitting under a light. Isn't it just a youtube video? About Josko's daily life? Why all this stuff? Anyway, i am not a expert on this, i should control my face and my inner voice.

✨

"Don't get fooled by him. He only went fishing one time in his life."

"Do i have to fish regularly because my dad is fisher man? What can i do? That is not suitable for me." he expressed himself with a fun voice and gestures. "I went once and it was enough for me."

"He likes eating them not catching them."

"What about cooking? Is he a bad one or?" question was for me.

"Well, i can not say that. When he wants, he cooks quite good. He goes for healhty recipes like umm, cheesecakes or brownies--"

"Yes cheesecakes, you know she never cooked one." I rolled my eyes and stepped in front of him, blocking him with my body. But he poked out his head over my shoulder. "Cheesecakes are challenging."

"But i should give her credit. She cooks my favorite food burek very well."

"It is a Croatian dish i guess?"

"Yes. It's one of my faves also, he likes it with cheese, i like it with potato."

"And she makes them sooo delicious." he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. I caressed them. Long beard of him was digging into my skin.

"Do you prefer your mom's bureks or her's?

He immediately released his arms, turned his back to sink. Everyone, including me, started to laugh loudly. While i was laughing, i put my hand on his back unconsciously.

Josko turned to camera and scratched his beard, said "I think we are done here, let's go to gym!"

"Can you please give us a answer?"

He only moved his lips, no sound. "No."

✨

I hope you guys liked the fic. Feel free to send me your ideas, it can be about Ruben too, or your thoughts about them! We can discuss 💖 Thank you so much! Have a nice day or night or morning 😁

[fafnir19]

A Boyfriend for Christmas

"I'm dreading going home," Anna sighed as we strolled through the twinkling Christmas market, her expression heavy with impending holiday interrogations. "The moment I walk through the door, it's going to be non-stop questions about my love life. And if they find out I'm still single, they'll be lining up potential suitors for me." I gave her a sympathetic pat on the back. "I get it, Anna. Family can be quite invasive sometimes." A mischievous glint sparked in Anna's eyes. "I did hear about this mystical shop that sells clothes capable of transforming people for a limited time. Imagine if we could make you into the ultimate boyfriend just for the holidays." We both laughed at the absurdity of the notion, minding that I was gay.  However, the idea lingered in our minds. As the days passed, the whimsical notion of presenting me as her boyfriend for the holidays turned into a more serious consideration. And with my playful personality, I was more than game to give it a shot.

Walking into the shop, the enigmatic salesperson informed us that we needed to choose an entire wardrobe, as the clothes would determine the extent of my temporary transformation. To regain my original appearance, I would simply have to put my original clothes back on. Jokes and playful banter filled the air as we selected the garments, crafting the stereotypical image of a perfect son-in-law for me. Our choices ranged from a football jersey for Anna's brother John to a skimpy swimsuit to cater to her aunt's flamboyant taste. Each item was carefully considered, from the perfectly tailored suit to the elegant cashmere sweater. The process of selecting the attire felt like piecing together a puzzle, each garment a crucial part of the transformation I was about to undergo. The enigmatic salesperson's guidance and expertise in selecting the right attire filled me with anticipation, and as I donned the final piece—a sleek, tailored coat—I felt an electric surge course through me. In that moment, the air crackled with energy, and as I stepped in front of the shop's mirror, I beheld a stunning suitor reflecting back at me. The transformation was beyond anything I had anticipated. Every piece of attire had worked its magic, molding me into the embodiment of a modern-day prince charming. The clothes had not just dressed me; they had shaped and molded my very essence, infusing me with a newfound confidence that I had never experienced before. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt a slight erection in my pants and said to Anna, "If I wasn't already gay, I would become gay now!" Anna laughed and replied, "Hey, don't forget that you're my boyfriend now, at least for the holidays.”

The Christmas celebrations unfurled as planned, and everyone adored me as Anna's "boyfriend". Twinkling fairy lights adorning the market square and the scent of spiced mulled wine lingering in the air. Families bustled around, children's laughter harmonizing with the cheery tunes of carol singers. As we made our way through the bustling crowd, I found myself embracing the role of Anna's steadfast companion, warmly interacting with her relatives and effortlessly blending into the familial embrace of the season. The crackling fireplace in the living room cast a comforting glow, and the festive aroma of roasting chestnuts and cinnamon-infused desserts infused the air. Laughter and conversations wove a vibrant tapestry of togetherness, and the twinkling Christmas tree served as the centerpiece of our joyful gathering. Throughout the evening, I basked in the warm embrace of Anna's family, each moment adding depth to the fabric of our elaborate charade. To our surprise, Anna’s brother John even invited me for a skiing trip in January.

Later that evening, Anna and I shared a laugh about how crestfallen her family would be when she broke the news of our fabricated breakup.

Once back at home, I seized every opportunity to utilize the magical clothes, transforming into the striking suitor every weekend and reveling in a series of successful  romantic gay escapades.

When John called to extend an invitation for the ski trip despite Anna and my faux relationship, Anna couldn't care less and encouraged me to go. The skiing trip was an undeniable blast for me, thriving on the attention and revelry.

Upon returning home and changing back into my original clothes, I was startled when my attire transformed into a preppy ensemble, yet I remained in my stunning form.

Puzzled, I returned to the shop, where the seller simply shrugged and explained that frequent use could lead to permanent transformations. I was about to argue, but my mind was inundated with new thoughts. Suddenly, I found it impolite to cause a scene and began yearning for a family and children. Before I could dwell on it, John called, inviting me to party with him. I eagerly accepted, pondering the prospect of finding a woman for a future family or at least a fleeting encounter.

As I departed from the shop, the seller slyly made a call: “Hello Gerald, everything went according to plan, Louis is ready for use. Send your daughter Sophie out on the party circuit tonight and I can promise you that Sophie will be married to Louis by Christmas next year. And I assume that at least the first grandchild will be on the way by then.”

[adracat]

G Witch episode 16 thoughts

Or the episode where the real plot thickens. No offense to earth and Guel but these are the sort of stakes and drama I'm weak for. Truly a wonderful present to receive on this blessed of Sundays! Just in time for Walpurgisnacht too

And we start off strong with this heated Prospera and Bel confrontation! Cont. from last time, Bel just learned Eri Samaya is not Suletta Mercury or even alive anymore, but a mysterious 3rd thing-- her biometric code uploaded to the cloud aka Aerial. We learn her immature body couldn't handle it so she perished. Eri is now entirely composed of Permet particles, and without Aerial housing her consciousness she'll dissipate. The Gundam is literally possessed by a child's ghost.

And it seems with a permet score of 8, the datastorm can be extended with Quiet Zero and create a space for Eri to live. Or that's the implication, I gather. How exactly that would happen is a mystery though I suspect it would mean granting Eri a new physical body, perhaps by 'overwriting' Suletta's mind/soul. (Well this is sounding familiar, isn't it 3h fans?)

But amid all this, there's the matter of Benerit's leadership. Without Delling, they need someone to control the various corporate beasts so it's decided they'll hold an election. Awfully democratic of them tbh. Though I wager leadership might boil down to whoever can crush hardest in a Mobile Suit royale.

We know Shaddiq will be throwing his hat in the ring, as will our prodigal failson Guel by the looks of it. Speaking of, I wish he had a bigger moment with his brother but maybe later? Their surprise was pretty good, and I enjoyed Guel's talk with Petra. She's grown up quite a bit from the shallow bully/fangirl of the first season.

Moving on to Mio, I went nuts over this shot. Suletta is fulfilling all her promises!! Even cleaned her disaster area of a room and messaging three times per day. She's unnervingly good at following directions tbh.

Adored this so much too. Lauda is grateful to GUNDARM for their aid and subsequently clears them of suspicion in the terrorist attacks. He goes out of his way to say Mio is free from the dueling games too, but Mio could care less about that petty nonsense. Her heart and mind is set on Suletta.

Quick mention to Secilia for being the most relatable person in the show. She just wants to sit on this god forsaken couch, watch the drama, and see who'll be Miorine's husbando. She's so funny, I swear.

And ofc we get spacian/earthian hostility in the wake of the attacks. You can't blame these kids for being scared and lashing out at the nearest targets but also Earth House was clearly not involved and aiding students during. Even Lauda of all people can understand that. They are grieving for a friend apparently which just complicates the situation further. Sad for all tbh

Martin steps up to defend his housemates, which was nice to see, but it's Mio who is able to shut down their hostility with a clever bit of blackmail. She's so cool and taking no one's guff this season

Nika had a brief interaction with Sabina, but it was insightful. We understand Sabina's loyalty to Shaddiq now as she's an earthian who was taken in by Grassley. Like Nika, she wants to become a bridge for spacians and earthians. Their methods contrast Nika's but they're all coming from the same place. Sabina is anyway. Shaddiq is a bit more inscutable.

Detective Mio is exploring all avenues in her quest and the space assembly league are all too happy to collaborate. They all find Shin Sei and Prospera suspicious, it seems. Valid observation. She does manage to locate Nika, sorta, and brings that information back to the others.

Mio is so adorable when Earth House thanked her for everything. This is probably the first time in years people appreciate who she is on her own merits and formed bonds that aren't conditional or tied to her father. It was just a really wholesome moment. Ah I love her and Earth House! Especially after hearing that first drama cd sketch.

Shout out to Till for shipping these two like the rest of us. Solid wingman right there. Poor Suletta doesn't quite know where they stand after all this time and doesn't want to be a nuisance, but still desperate to show Mio her dedication.

Just look at this pathetic puppy face 🥺

Only a monster could say no to that look, and luckily for her Mio is an understanding and loving bride.

Prospera Jumpcare. Watch out y'all, this one has a mean bite. Her showing up suddenly was unnerving. For the love of all that is holy, never do this again lady. Creeping me out somethin fierce.

HOO BOOOY where to begin? So 5lan was rejected from Aerial immediately, unlike when Eri was humoring El4n and Mio. Is this a sign she's grown in power or just fed up with 5lan's gremlin antics? Could be a combo of both! I take this as confirmation there were multiple failed clones/instances of Eri and Suletta was the lone sucess. The others look Eri's age. 12 of them in total, making Suletta unlucky 13.

I kinda felt sorry for 5lan here, cause he has a right to want to live and not be a tool but also... I don't like him and wish him nothing but misery for being a creep + striking Bel, who I do love. Poor Bel is not having a good week in between Prospera's guilting and now 5lan's.

And we finally arrive at THE SCENES we've been waiting for. It's so wonderfully tense but also tentatively hopeful at the start. Suletta who wants nothing more than to bridge the gap and Mio who wants the same.

Mio starts off with an empathetic apology, stating she understands Suletta's choice in ep12 even if it was traumatic for her. But the reconciliation derailed the moment Suletta declares her mother was right after all. She did the right thing. Run gain one, move forward and gain two.

Mio is galvanized by this logic and hastens to ask Suletta how she can smile at something so terrible. She might understand why Suletta killed for her sake, but she doesn't get how Suletta can just blindly accept everything is ok; that murder was right. Then Mio goes directly in, striving to make Suletta understand. She presses her about her mother, asking if Suletta would do anything. Including giving up her dream for Mercury or killing again.

Her answer, while terrible, is yes. To all of it. Suletta would forfeit the school for Mercury. Would kill again at the behest of her mother. Would do anything so long as her mother said it was right.

Suletta only sees the positives. She got to go to school, have friends, and meet Miorine who she loves. All because she moved forward at her mother's demand. It's horrifying but it makes perfect sense why she would think this way. It's clear from her anxious gestures she's not wholly oblivious to the horror either, but deems her discomfort inconsequential when she gains so much from obeying.

Hearing this speech is the breaking point for Mio who dashes away, leaving a forlorn Suletta to gaze after her. And we're swiftly shown what exactly she has on her mind

This scene was electric from the start. Someone is finally calling out Prospera's manipulation and while she's unflappable as always you have to admire Mio's fire. She wants Suletta to be freed and doesn't care a whit what Prospera thinks.

GOOOOOD this quote. We know Mio loves Suletta genuinely but Prospera only sees her 'daughter' as a tool to be tossed around and used by others. Her phrasing is disgusting in this exchange. 'She's a good little girl, isn't she?' *shivers*

Prospera proceeds to lay her cards on the table and is amazingly forthright, declaring her intent. She reveals her hungry fixation for vengeance and 21 yr long grudge against Delling.

Ngl it's pretty hilarious that Mio doesn't mind the idea of these adults killing themselves fighting each other so long as she and Suletta are left alone. Mio in protective wife mode fr.

It's not that easy however, as Prospera coerces Miorine to help her with QZ. And the first step is to become president of the Benerit group. Miomio for President 2023!! Will she find a loophole from this dire situation? Cast your votes now as we await what becomes of our stellar cast until the next Suletta Sunday~

[infinitebrians]

Favorite Games of 2023 Part 2: Super Mario Wonder

What a weird thing to say but this really is the best Super Mario has been as a 2D platforming game since the Super Nintendo! An overall creatively fresh look on that guy Mario and what he can do when he’s only got two directions to run around in. Just a true delight all the way through, I never had a bad time playing it. The new features like the badges and wonder seeds all gave the game a fun amount of variety and character to the game always keeping a sense of surprise in each area that at their very worst was easily ignored. Also a very lovely game visually that gave character to its characters and a fun new set of weird critters to appreciate.

A unique aspect for my playthrough of Mario Wonder was I insisted on playing through the whole game using my new snackbox leverless controller (arcade stick controller sans the stick). I’ve been wanting to try that controller with a side scrolling game because I kept hearing people play other side scrollers with it and it sounded like a fun perfect test case for that idea. I had a blast playing through the whole game with it. Using it’s button based directions felt entirely natural to play through the entire game with it and I’m absolutely going to be using it for any further similarly structured games in the future. The only time the unique button controls did not feel natural was when I was in situations involving four way direction like the water levels or those surprisingly frequent times where you turn into slime. That controller rules and I always feel bad I don’t like using it too much since I don’t always want to just get absolutely destroyed at fighting games all the time.

The thing though that I will always remember Mario Wonder is surprisingly enough it’s online feature. When this online aspect of the game was announced, a feature while you’ll see and be able to lightly interact with live ghosts of other players who are also playing the same level as you, I joked about Mario Wonder being the second ever strand game. Now having played the game 100%, I am absolutely standing by that statement. I’ve had numerous tiny but memorable experiences with other players with that feature either dancing around, spamming the simple emotes, or even helping each other out through tricky parts of the level. One experience of that in particular, the one this post’s drawing is referencing, happened during the final final challenge level where a Japanese Nabbit player and I were helping (them more to me than me to them) each other through a series of areas in that level. We would emote chirp at each other, cheering us on, and more importantly, wait at the room exits so when we left the room at the same time we’d maintain our online instance together. It happened for a whole checkpoint’s worth of that final level and it would’ve been longer if I didn’t screw up immediately with the infinite sprint badge room LIKE A FOOL. That player was a huge help to me with the few of the toughest rooms of that whole challenge and a very appreciated companion.

These little stories and memories I gathered from such a silly little feature gave me such a warm feeling toward everyone I was playing with in the game, we were all here to help push each other forward. A mechanic that gave people the encouragement to help each other out and feel good in the process of doing it, a fun look at what can be done with online semi anonmyous interaction. I’ll always appreciate that Nabbit player, I hope they’re having a happy new year.

[teine-mallaichte]

Day 8 @augusnippets : prompt - friends.

The staff at the rehabilitation unit feel that 84 may be ready to socialise with the other liberated assets.

Asset 84 masterlist

84 kept their back to the wall, their gaze darting between the door and the windows. The large, unfamiliar room buzzed with conversation and activity as various liberated assets mingled and engaged in animated interactions. The atmosphere was filled with an energy that felt foreign and intimidating. The rehabilitation team had deemed them "ready" to interact with the other liberated assets, and now they found themselves in this strange space with only the instruction to "mingle."

As 84 considered retreating, a voice cut through their thoughts. “So, the newbie finally decided to join the rest of us?” The voice was playful, with an undertone of challenge. A woman with the number "17" tattooed on her neck and wrist leaned casually against the wall beside them, her gaze fixed on 84 with a mixture of curiosity and mischief.

84 turned their head slightly, meeting the woman’s gaze. Her relaxed demeanor and open smile seemed at odds with the chaotic environment around them. They couldn’t quite decipher her intent but found her approach less intimidating than the general atmosphere.

“I suppose,” 84 replied, their voice betraying their uncertainty as they scanned the room again. “I am not familiar with… mingling.”

The woman chuckled softly. “Yeah, it can be pretty overwhelming at first. I remember feeling like a fish out of water when I got here.”

She extended a hand towards 84, a gesture that seemed almost too casual given the circumstances. “I’m 17,” she said with a friendly grin. “I go by Tara now.”

84 hesitated before shaking her hand. “I am 84,” they replied.

Tara’s grip was firm but warm, and her smile remained genuine as she regarded 84. “Nice to meet you, 84. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right away. It takes a while to find your footing.”

84’s eyes flickered as they tried to suppress the twitch in their hands. “You seem comfortable,” they observed, trying to match Tara’s ease.

Tara shrugged. “I’ve had some time to adjust. It’s a process for everyone, especially for… even numbers.”

Tara's observation made 84 feel awkward, though they weren’t sure why. It was true that as an even number their training would have differed from 17 - Tara. They glanced at the door again. John had said he would be just outside, and that 84 could leave at any time. They looked back at Tara. She seemed sincere, though confusingly casual. 84 glanced around the room, their gaze flitting nervously from one group of liberated assets to another. The lively chatter and relaxed body language of the others seemed almost surreal compared to their internal chaos.

“How about I give you a quick tour?” Tara suggested suddenly, pushing herself off the wall and taking a few steps before pausing and looking at 84, seemingly waiting for them to follow.

84 hesitated, their gaze shifting between Tara and the various groups in the room. The prospect of a tour was both intriguing and intimidating. They nodded slowly, taking a cautious step forward. “Alright.”

Tara smiled and started to walk through the room. “After the rehab team deems you ready, you can come and go from this area without needing an escort,” she explained, guiding them to a blue door. “This is the game room,” she said, gesturing to a cluster of liberated assets gathered around a table, engrossed in a board game. “It’s a popular spot.”

84 followed Tara as she guided them through the bustling space, pausing occasionally to explain areas, rooms, or activities. The cacophony of conversations, laughter, and clinking glasses was overwhelming. Tara’s presence was a small, reassuring anchor amidst the whirlwind of social activity.

“And finally,” Tara said, guiding them towards a section with various arts and crafts supplies spread across a large table, “this is the creative corner. Some people find it relaxing to work on projects or just doodle.”

84 glanced around at the concentrated faces, their eyes drawn to the intricate beadwork and colorful paintings. Each piece told its own story, starkly contrasting with the world 84 had been trained for.

Tara clapped her hands together, drawing 84’s attention back to her. “So, that’s the grand tour.”

84 took a deep breath, feeling both overwhelmed and oddly comforted by Tara’s presence.

“Thank you,” they said softly. “I don’t really know what I’m doing.”

Tara waved a dismissive hand. “None of us really do at first,” she said, looking towards one of the quieter areas. “Come on. I’ll teach you how to play cards.”

[thotsforvillainrights]

Ngl kinda craving some moonfish ever since he’s gotten a face reveal

😋😋

(I just love your writing so much!)

(Anon you've given me no detail which has allowed me to do as I please. I will now provide random moonfish entertainment!!! Also, I'm not sure I've been asked about him approaching reader before so I want to take a second to do that just in case.)

~Being Courted by Moonfish~

headcanon|scenario|imagine|match-up|drabble

-Whether you consider yourself joining the league of your own free will, or being kidnapped it doesn't matter. Moonfish has taken an interest in you since you stepped foot into the rundown bar. He was a man of few words. He used his ears to listen rather than his mouth to speak. Besides, his particular bloodlust tended to heighten when he opened his mouth and let his quirk act as he wished anyhow. So he sat most of the time observing you interacting with the group around you.

-Let's say you joined the league rather than having been kidnapped. You spend a good amount of time getting to know each and every one of your colleagues in case you'd needed that information to come in handy during battle. You'd gathered about as much as you could from talking and listening to what your teammates has to say. You'd honestly ended up enjoying getting to know them as people rather than villains as society would have it. Turns out mass murderers and thieves had hobbies and interests. Some of them even had gripping backstories that led you to understand exactly why they'd come down this path to begin with. Some of them had no other options on the plate...

-But others (ahem* muscular) had chosen a more violent path simply because it was 'fun'. When it came down to approaching Moonfish, you weren't able to really read that book. He was silent, to you seeming as though he was annoyed by your presence. Meanwhile he was busy trying to mentally gather himself enough to say something endearing to you. He'd failed when he mentioned something about flesh. You simply smiled nervously and inched your way toward the end of the bar to speak with Compress. That failure lived heavy on his shoulders for about a week while he watched the others effortlessly get your attention and keep it.

-Since he wasn't good with his words he'd instead tried through his actions to get to you. Little by little he did things to try and impress you. Leaving small trinkets by your room door was one of them. Unfortunately the first time Magne had stepped on and accidently destroyed one of them. The second time Toga had found it and thought it was a gift for her from Twice or Magne and kept it. The third time you'd finally gotten the gift and Dabi (who happened to be in the area at the time) lied and said he'd gotten it for you. Moonfish was furious but brushed it off. He'd simply have to try a more direct approach...

-Which he ended up failing at as well.

-He was trying to ask you what your favorite song was. Although he didn't enjoy music much, he knew you did. Therefore, he thought asking you about your favorite song would open the door to more conversation. Instead you'd been stolen away yet again by someone else. Shigaraki this time asking you about your favorite game. He'd begun to lose hope by the end of week 3 when you'd suddenly slid up next to him on the couch and started a random conversation. Even though he didn't know how he was going to explain what he felt about you, he didn't need to ultimately. You'd figured it out in 3 days flat. His face, the nervous looks with the apparent blush was obvious. His stuttering was cute to you, and also the fact that Dabi fessed up to not getting you that gift allowed you to narrow down who it could've been. You'd figured out he was just possibly too shy to speak to you about how he felt.

-No worries though. You'd take the lead for as long as you needed to.

[flower-of-zaun]

CAPTIVATED

CHAPTER 1 | CHAPTER 2

Silco x Fem!Reader A young woman named Xylia, rises from the depths of The Sump, ready to take down the source of shimmer and liberate Zaun. Her plans go awry and is captured by Silco. Her life is now in his hands, constantly controlled, living a life of servitude.

Will she escape the mighty Eye of Zaun?

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT TRIGGER WARNING: Death, violence, dark themes

This is a rewrite of a story I started last year. Enjoy. AO3 Link

Chapter 1: Bottom of The Pit

“Where the Sump Rats gather, trouble tends to stir.”

That is what my mother used to say before I would go outside into The Lanes to play. She forbade me to go into the lower levels. She tried so hard for me to make friends in the upper levels, even getting me into a pristine school in Piltover. Too bad top-sider’s can smell a rat dressed in cheap clothing. I could never fit in up there, but the people of the fissures, they never judged. Mother tried her best to keep me from the darkest parts of the under-city, but that was all in vain. Once the Lung Blight took her from me, I lost everything.

Just another young Sump Rat, left on her own within the darkest levels of the city and her psyche.

“Where the Sump Rats gather…” I huff as I pull up my mask and adjust my burlap tote on my shoulder.

The fumes coming from the pump station were especially strong tonight; they were in overdrive. The tinny scraping of the large mechanical arms echoed through the fissures. The constant hum of the machines usually kept me awake all night, but tonight it brought me comfort; it would drown out the voices of resentment and keep our plans of rebellion to ourselves.

In this area the only audible thing other than the grinding of the fissure gears was the light splatter of my boots on the damp cobblestone. The green haze that generally lingered was thick and low and just walking through the fog made my clothes damp from the mist. It kept people inside where they could stay warm and away from the worst of the exhaust.

A perfect night to execute our plan.

I made my way to my apartment, walking just faster than I normally would. I fought to keep my breath even, but my heart still beat rapidly in my chest and paranoia crept up the back of my neck the closer I got to my front door.

With a quick turn of my key I swiftly step past the threshold and slam the door closed. I rest my back against it and drop my chin to my chest, taking in one long deep breath. As I exhale, the ringing in my ears fades and the grinding of the fissure machines fill my small home once again.

The gathering is soon.

The last before we finally take action.

I pace from wall to wall, clearing personal items to free up chairs and crates for seats. There were about twenty in our team, each of them sick of Shimmer and how it was affecting everything in the under-city. The drug was flooding the streets like plague, ripping apart the delicate ecosystem of the fissures and its people. We had to survive down here. All of the people had looked out for one another, but now the fight for another glowing purple vial seemed to be more important than the fight for your neighbor.

I couldn’t take it anymore. Something had to be done.

A sudden knock made me jump. With a quick glance over the room, I approach the door to let in my first visitor. I looked through the peephole to see a familiar figure standing in the hallway. I rushed to let them in. 

“Ryot! You’re actually on time for once,” I giggle and pull the man in for a hug.

“Wouldn’t miss this for anythin’, Xylia,” he says as he pulls down his mask, “I wanted to get here early, just incase I needed to save ya from gettin’ cold feet,” he grins as he tilts his head forward slightly.

“No need for all that,” I sigh as I push his forehead causing him to smile and stand at full height, “I’m ready, dude,” I reassure him. “Let’s just review the game plan, make sure this is fool-proof.”

I knew I could count on Ryot; he has been there since the beginning. He grew up in The Sump and when it became my permanent home, he was the first one to take me under his wing. He taught me how to fight, to scavenge, to survive in the fissures. He was a long lost brother, gifted to me when I had nothing left, and I was grateful he had my back.

Ryot was also fed up with the Shimmer situation. The both of us had spoken about saving up and getting out of the fissures, climbing to The Lanes, but the drug was working its way up anyway. It was just as bad above us, and that's when we both decided; instead of running away, we would fight the problem at its source.

We would go after The Eye of Zaun. 

Walking into the lion’s den seemed like a deathwish, but we had carefully planned the attack. Months of following leads, sleepless nights of reconnaissance work, just to track down The Eye.

The man was an industrialist named Silco. He had been in power since I was a child. He fed the people of the under-city false hopes of being liberated from Piltover while simultaneously crippling them with a steady stream of Shimmer. If we take him out, the empire he built will topple. It seemed so simple, one person’s life to liberate a nation, but that was just talk. Liberating Zaun would take dedication and cunning.

Ryot had lost himself in the blue prints that were scattered across the table.

I could tell he was worried, his thick eyebrows furrowed as he nervously toyed with one of his long locs.

His golden eyes scan the documents, them flickering as he takes in every last detail, talking under his breath as he scribbles notes.

Sitting beside my brother, I put a hand on his shoulder before working to sort out the last of our plans before the others were to arrive.

It didn’t take long until each member of our team was present and there was a low humming of conversation. I step onto my table and suddenly the conversation goes silent and all eyes are on me.

“Tonight we gather to save our people.” I pause for a moment, trying to find the right words. I falter a moment before noticing Ryot close beside me, looking up at me with an encouraging smile before giving me a single nod. With a deep breath I continue, “Shimmer has become an epidemic, ravaging our city and I am tired of Piltover turning a blind eye. Refusing to help us. Instead, we shall be the ones to save our once great nation. Tonight we strike The Eye of Zaun down from his seat of power!”

As the entire room cheers Ryot helps me down from the table and a few people come and embrace me. 

“Why should we follow you on this fuckin’ suicide mission, aye?” The moment was cut short once another voice from the back of the room cut through the celebration.

“Excuse me?” Ryot turns toward the source of the voice.

“You heard me,” the voice comes again. It’s grovely, but familiar. The pale skinned half-elf pushes past the few at the back of the room and stops at the center. “I get what we are fightin’ for, but if we step foot in that place…” he says as his gaze moves from Ryot’s eyes to mine. “She’ll get us all killed.”

“Devexian,” Ryot says sternly, taking a single step toward him.

The room is silent as every face looks between the two men for their next move.

Devexian straightens his posture and looks down just slightly to Ryot who takes another step toward him.

“Do you remember when those carts of Shimmer would be hauled through our streets every day?” Ryot says calmly, taking another step toward Devexian. “Do you remember how people would crowd them everyday, waiting for one of His men to take pity on one of them and toss them a vial? Until somebody was fuckin’ dumb enough to try to take from them?” Ryot takes the final step to close the distance between the two men. His head is craned upward to make eye contact. 

“Do you remember how many people died that day, Devexian?”

Devexian’s adam’s apple bobs up and down with a loud gulp.

“Do you see those carts around anymore? Hm?” Ryot asks again, but before Devexian could answer Ryot chuckles. “Do you think they just left on their own?”

Devenxian’s silent as his glance shifts over Ryot’s shoulder to me.

“Ahhhh, yes,” Ryot sighs, “You got it,” he encourages before stepping to the side so he is no longer standing between me and Devexian.

“Xylia is why they are gone,” Ryot says in a flat tone, his playful smile gone. “She organized us. She rallied us together and made those Shimmer pushers too scared to use our streets,” he says as he returns to my side.

Devexian nods and looks down before taking a step back.

“My sister is not your enemy,” Ryot says toward him, but then looks around to address the room. “The slimey excuse of a human being that thinks himself big enough to call himself The fuckin’ Eye of Zaun. Is. Our. Enemy.”

The energy in the room spikes. Voices ring in agreement.

Ryot looks toward me with a smile.

“He’s right,” I say and step forward. “We have our target. And our plan. We will fight like we have every single day of our lives down here in the Sump,” I extend an encouraging look toward Devexian and he nods, “and we will win.”

***

The music could be heard outside of The Last Drop, the steady rumble of the bass thumped through the street. Standing beside the entrance, I basked in the glow of the green lights that illuminate the front of the building. I nervously tap my foot to the beat of the music, watching my people slowly enter the bar as I wait for Ryot to join me. He had stayed behind, claiming having to tie up some loose ends and make some last minute preparations, but he was taking longer than expected.

“Typical. He shows up early, but fuckin’ late when its time to get shit done.” I grumble, biting my lower lip as I flick the ashes from my cigarette before taking another long drag. As the minutes pass, my anxiety builds. We had a small window of time to attack and every single minute was indispensable.

During our reconnaissance missions we had noticed that over the past few weeks Silco had been on the move; never staying in one spot for too long. It seemed like he was planning something big, we just couldn’t figure out what it was. Shimmer shipments were moving steadily and our inside sources told us he had gotten the rights for a few more mines. That was normal, which made Silco’s off moves even more unsettling.

Looking down at my watch I let out a heavy sigh. Ryot needed to be here fifteen minutes ago. If we are any later, we have to pull our people out and who knows if they’ll even come back, or worse, Silco could be onto our plans and retaliate before we can regroup.

“Yo, Xy!” A familiar voice calls for me.

I could see the silhouette of Ryot in a nearby alleyway, his amber eyes almost glowing in the darkness. I drop my cigarette to the ground and step on it as I quickly walk up to him, already annoyed with his tardiness. “Where the fuck have you been Ry?!” I hissed.

“Like I said, last minute preps, dude.” He says with a grin, pulling a small device from his pocket.

“What’s that?” I ask while starting to reach for it, but he quickly pulls it away.

“Be careful!” He snaps, shaking his finger at me. “I spent the last few minutes rigging some explosives to the bar, just in case shit gets hairy. We’ll have an escape plan for our escape plan.”

My annoyance instantly melted away and I wrapped my arms around him, “You mean a plan B?”

“Yeah, plan B or whatever,” he giggles, playfully pushing me away. “Now c’mon, we don’t got much more time left.”

We both walk toward the entrance of the bar, “It’s now, or never,” I say brazenly.

“Now or never, sis.” Ryot chuckles, wrapping his arm around my shoulders, ushering me inside.

Walking into The Last Drop, we were immediately surrounded by colored smoke; a thick haze that seems to be consuming the whole building. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust. The green neon lights illuminated the haze, making the patrons into shadow-like ghosts dancing around the bar.

Ryot breaks away, giving my shoulder a comforting squeeze before he disappears into the fog.

I am still a moment, just watching his silhouette moving between the maze of tables before he finally lowers into a seat. Once I saw that he was in position I took a deep breath and made my way toward the bar. Taking a seat, I wave the bartender down. “Oi! Oi!” I try to yell over the music.

The bartender quickly glides toward me, throwing a hand towel over his shoulder as he says, “Wot can I get cha dearie?”

“Whiskey on the rocks, make it a double,” my voice strains as I try to talk over the music, “and open a tab!”

The man began making my drink. I watched him intently, trying to distract myself from the anxiety that was building in my stomach.

He placed the drink in front of me with a smile and began taking other drink orders from the people around me.

My heart pounds in my ears as I look down at the drink in my hand, the beat of my blood rushing through my veins nearly drowning out the music around me. I knew I had to act now or it would be too late. I took a deep breath as I leaned back against the bar, propping my elbows on the marble countertop. I needed to calm down. Anxiety meant impulsive choices and tonight we couldn’t afford any risks or mistakes. 

I was about to take a sip of my drink when something caught my eye; a slender man standing on the upper level of the bar. His eyes scan over the area below as he rests his forearms on the railing until his dual-colored gaze met my own. 

I froze.

Silco, the mighty Eye of Zaun, was looking at me. His fiery eye seemed to burn through my soul. 

Something told me to run; to call the whole thing off, gather everyone up, and bring them to safety. The tension in my body threatened to snap until that fear began to fade. The shaking in my bones calmed and a snarl creased harder on my face as a different feeling began to bubble to the surface.

Hate.

Hate for the man that caused me and my people so much pain. Even though we are already under the oppressive boot of Piltover, he still managed to profit off our suffering and make our lives even worse. I couldn’t back down now. The Eye of Zaun was here, everyone was in position, and we were ready to fight back. He cocked his head as he looked down at me with a curious grin. Anybody subject to his searing gaze would have turned away in fear by now, but I stood my ground.

I will not live in fear of him anymore.

Suddenly his glance shifts away and he straightens himself before stepping back into the shadows. With a smirk I quickly drink the glass of whiskey. I take a deep breath as its warmth runs down my arms and pools in the pit of my stomach before spreading throughout my body. I hold my drink for a moment, tapping my index finger against the glass, before suddenly slamming it on the ground. 

“FOR THE UNDERCITY!” I cry out across the bar. The glass explodes the instant it hits the floor. Conversation immediately stops as nearby patrons turn their attention toward the glass shards at my feet.

“Aye! The fuck ya think your doin’ ya brat?!” The bartender screams.

I reach for the dagger in my belt as I quickly turn on my heel toward the hot breath behind me. In an instant it lodges itself just between his eyes with a sickening crunch, sending the man crumbling to the ground like a rag doll.

Then suddenly, five more bodies drop, their necks cut from ear to ear by Ryot and a few others who had started their movement with the signal of the shattering glass. At that moment, time seemed to slow down. 

It was time to tear this place to the ground.

The room explodes into chaos and the two guards that were standing just inside the entrance come hurtling toward me at lightning speed, much faster than they should for how bulky they are. I raise my arms to brace for impact just before Ryot and Devexian collide with the two large men, bringing them to their knees before snapping their necks in one fluid motion.

In one fell swoop Ryot slips a dagger from his waist and tosses it in the air with a little flourish before catching it and extending his arm just as a woman steps close enough to be caught on his blade.

“Aahg!” the woman cries.

“Xylia! Find Silco!” Devexian commands as he raises an arm to block an incoming dagger. 

“We got it from here sis! Go!” Ryot barks and takes out his gun. He gives me a reassuring wink before shooting bullets into the other guards. 

I proudly smile at him before dashing into the crowd. Bodies and fists are crashing together as people flow through the exits, trying to escape the carnage. As I weave past fighters I duck into a corner near the bottom of a large stairway and turn back toward the destruction.

We are tearing through The Eye of Zaun’s army like paper. With each hit from the opponent, two of them drop. We came with blades and gunpowder and the amount of bodies on the floor proved how unprepared they were for our ambush. Everything is going according to plan. Now was the most crucial step of our plan, a piece that I trusted only with myself; the finishing blow to their leader to end this madness once and for all.

The guards that had been posted at the bottom of the stairs were now bleeding out in the middle of the bar. I take two steps upward, watching behind me to make sure I don’t catch the attention of anybody behind me. With stealth, I make it to the upper level of the bar where it was much darker, but luckily had less of the sickly green haze that made it difficult to see.

Still crouching, I take a moment to adjust to the dim lightning, allowing my irises to relax and further open to let in any and all bits of light. I felt like a predator on the hunt for its prey. With a slow breath in I dash to where I last saw the target, searching for any trace of him.

Searching the area I found a small hallway, barely shielded by thick curtains. Just as I step forward and cautiously bring my hand to the thick velvet…

BOOM

There is a loud blast that vibrates through my rib cage as I fight for balance while the building seems to sway.

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” I hiss as I stand from my crouch to turn around, clutching the railing as I look down into the green cloud of dust and debris. How did things go south so quickly? But I had just gotten up here? We had every guard on their ass! We had done everything right!

Pulling my pupils tight again, I focus on the shadows that push and pull the smoke until I recognize Ryot’s glowing golden eyes near the exit.

He looks terrified. Something was wrong, so very wrong.

I fought the urge to run to him as more of Silco’s fighters blocked their retreat.

Only one bomb had been triggered out of the supply Ryot had rigged, so he must still have confidence in the plan? Right?

My grip on the railing tightened as I watched what was left of my team pull back from the exit as Ryot led them to the other end of the bar, but Silco’s followers were close behind.

“They knew we were coming!” An unknown voice shrieked and my heart dropped into my stomach.

No. We had been so careful not to let things slip. Everyone was a long time friend or trusted acquaintance. There was no possible way they could have known we were coming.

Watching everyone try to run away, sent me into a panic. I needed to act fast. If I didn’t get to The Eye of Zaun now, he wouldn’t just send his men after us. He would spend the rest of his days hunting us down like common vermin until the threat was terminated.

Each of us knew the risks. We all understood that whatever happened in the bar was second only to the ultimate goal. For me to make it to Silco and kill him.

Silco would not triumph. We needed to stay in this fight.

With one last look I turn away from the railing, slipping my hands into the slit of the heavy curtains before darting down the hall while doing my best to keep my footsteps quick and nimble. The Eye was within my reach, the blueprint of The Last Drop almost overlapping my vision as I flit to the last door on the left.

I could finally bring this war to an end. 

This fight couldn’t be for nothing.

I stand before a dark wooden door, and for a moment I hesitate. I know whatever lies behind this door could either free everyone from the Eye’s oppressive grip on the Under City or kill me. I twist the door handle and the clicks open, the pale green light of the neons shining through the crack. I take a deep breath in before I take out my dagger and-

CRACK!

The feeling of metal hitting the back of my head, caused me to lurch forward, falling to my knees. My vision now hazy, so I turn to look at my attacker.

CRACK!

I do not get the chance, I am plunged into total blackness.

***

A bolt of white hot pain flashes across my chest, my eyes shoot open and I try to scream for Ryot, but all I can manage to do is let out a panicked whimper of pain. I look down to see my top stained red. I try to bring my hand to the cloth to check on the wound underneath, only to struggle against the rusted metal clamps restraining my forearms and the rope that kept my calves tight to the legs of the chair.

“Fuck!” I grunt as I try to pull my arms out of their confines, but even my slim hands can’t be pulled through the steel cylinder.  My eyes flash upward. I’m in a small room with a burning torch hung beside the large wooden door. The walls are a mix of stone and metal, dusty and dank. I pull my head as far as I can to my right in an attempt to look over my shoulder and behind me, but just as my chin meets my shoulder my right collar bone cracks. The scream that left my body shook my bones and echoed in the small cellar of a room. I drop my head, panting and trying to stay as still as I can as the fire of my movement dulls to a throbbing ache.

Suddenly the large wooden door swings open and hits the hall behind it, the speed of the movement almost blowing out the torch.

“You’re finally awake,” a deep and grainy voice says as it’s figure ducks under the door frame and lifts the torch from it’s casing on the stone.

“Fuck off!” I spit as far as I can, my loogy making it just in front of the man’s feet. “Where am I!?”

The man closes the door before turning back toward me, his wide gate allowing him to approach me in only two steps. With him closer and holding the torch I can now see his face. His skin is a pale blue and he’s covered in black geometric tattoos. He leans in closer, “The vermin wants to know where she is,” he chuckles and a lighter voice joins behind him.

I gasp and strain against my bindings as another figure comes into view. 

They had short dirty blonde hair that went every which way like they went at it with a pair of sheers and no mirror. Their face is dusty and as they approach the larger figure’s side they grin and show they are missing three of their top teeth. “Hello, Dear,” they grin as their eyes flash purple.

“Where am I!?” I demand again, and try again to pull my arms free only to bruise my wrists even further.

“Yonn, the light,” the smaller figure gestures and the one called Yonn steps closer, holding the torch over my head. I try to look up, but my collar bone screams again. I pant as I continue to pull against the clamps as the blonde reaches into their coat.

“You will refer to me as Nastoen,” they say as they slowly pull out a crystal tagger, the length continuing and continuing almost impossibly long for where they kept it until they swiftly adjust their grip to direct it’s tip at my face.

“What the fuck is going on?” I snap.

“It seems there was an attempt on the Eye of Zaun’s life,” they say as they turn away to pace slightly. 

I remain quiet, hoping they would give me more information.

“I’ve been asked, due to my… skills,” Nastoen flicks the dagger easily in their fingers, “to acquire information from you-”

I spit again.

“Ah, ah, ah,” Nastoen smiles as they move their blade to deflect my projectile with no effort. Their crystal blade glows like a fiery opal where my saliva touched it. It sizzles slightly as the moisture burns away. Then in one smooth moment they were back in front of me, the tip of their dagger an inch from my neck. “You will tell me who was involved in this failed coup,” the blade moves closer.

“I’m not going to tell you anything.”

Nastoen grins and gently slides the edge of the crystal against my neck, the gem glowing as it meets my skin. I cry out, as I feel the strange blade heat up against my skin. Struggling against the chair to try to move away, but my head just hits against the back of the chair as it feels like my throat is being torn apart by molten glass. They pull their blade away and I gasp as I look down, expecting to see my blood pouring onto my lap, but there was none.

“Interesting thing, this crystal,” Nastoen says as they carefully examine the length of the dagger, careful to keep their hand on the stone grip. “Shimmer isn’t the only thing they cultivate in those mines,” they say as they point the top of their tagger at my hand. “There’s a natural crystal down there that when soaked in shimmer, has some interesting properties,” they bite their bottom lip as they rest the tip of the blade on my hand.

I cry out, cursing loudly as opalescent sparks fly from my skin and when they pull away, all that is left is a cauterized gash in my skin. For a moment, I feel like I am going to pass out again, but the blade is suddenly at my cheek and I can feel my skin starting to bubble. “The wounds tend to heal quickly, but I’ve been told the burn,” they say as they push the blade just slightly deeper into my cheek, “is the worst pain one can experience.”

I scream again as Nastoen pushes deeper into my face, making my teeth feel as if they are going to pop out of my skull, before he pulls back again. My head falls forward causing another crack to come from my collar bone, but even now that pain is dwarfed compared to what I had just experienced. “The blade…” I croak.

Nastoen adjusts their shoulders and smirks. “The Sump Rat has something to say?”

“The blade does all the work,” I sigh with a smug smile, I will not let him break me, “You have no skill.”

The last thing I remember is the way their face pulled into a grimace and then the indescribable burn of the blade before everything went black. Each time I came to there were more burns on my hands and arms. I was thrown more questions that I did not answer.

Then darkness, again.

I don’t know how long I was out between each interrogation, but each time my eyes fluttered open the dagger flew to a new portion of my exposed skin until Nastoen started cutting through my clothes to reach the untouched flesh underneath.

“Tell me! Who sent you!!” Nastoen shouts.

So much time had passed that even the torch Yonn still held above me less of a flame and more of a stake that burned like almost dead coal after a fire. I fought to lift my head. I lost count of how many times the crystal blade was held to my skin and how many time’s the world had gone black because of it.

“You know, you really suck at talking to women.” I say through nearly gritted teeth, the pain of talking is almost too much to bear.

“You smart mouthed brat! If you don’t want to talk I’ll just-” Nastoen’s nostrils flared as they lifted their dagger into the air.

I wince, preparing for the searing burn of the blade to cause me to fade away again.

“That’s enough.”

I opened my eyes to see Nastoen still standing with their arm held high, panting as they looked down at me with wild eyes. They slowly lower their arm, never losing their grip of their dagger, prepared to maim in an instant.

The dim light from the torch moved as Yonn left my side and moved away with Nastoen.

“You are quite the survivor,” the voice speaks again as he takes a step closer to me. “Amazing you still haven’t spilled any of your secrets.”

With Yonn’s torch now behind the figure, all I could see was the slim silhouette of a man approaching me. “There are no secrets to tell.” I groan, my throat burning from the deep wound across the middle of my neck.

“That is just fine, darling. Those friends of yours didn’t put up nearly as much of a fight.”

“Don’t you dare touch them!” I growl.

“There’s just a bit more information I am seeking, and I think you can help me.”

“Fuck you.” I seeth.

“Ah, I think you may change your mind. See, I have something that Nastoen here does not. Much more persuasive than a charming little dagger,” the shadow says playfully.

Suddenly a figure is thrown to the floor beside the man; the shadow coughs.

My blood instantly runs cold, it’s Ryot.

“Xy- don’t tell ‘em anyth-” Ryot starts until Yonn’s boot comes down on his back.

Tears well in my eyes as I look back toward the figure. “Who are you?” I demand.

There’s a low chuckle and a small movement before a light that is glowing purple, is pulled from the man’s coat. Suddenly his body is illuminated by the vial of shimmer and my breath catches in my throat as I see him lifting the vial,  a soft, purple glow revealing his scarred face and corrupted eye.

Silco.

I gasp, but before I can speak, the sound of another person being dragged into the small room catches my attention. “Please, please just let us go-” Devexian cries as his body hits the floor.

I fight to hold back the tears, but they suddenly fall down my cheeks. They are all alive, they somehow lived through whatever happened at the bar. I was relieved to see them unharmed, but I knew that would not last long if I didn’t act fast. “It was me!” I yell, a jolt of pain surging through me when I do, “All me!” I cough, trying to keep my voice strong.

Two more large men enter the room with lit torches and toss another body onto the ground, and another. They were piling my friends on top of each other and I blinked through my tears as I scanned over their bodies for any sign of movement. Some of their hands twitched and some of them groaned, but half of them didn’t move at all.

“Please! I talked them into it! I- I told them I’d pay them if they helped me fight,” I lied, trying to keep my voice as even as I can.

“Xylia-don’t do this.” Ryot mumbles from the floor.

I quickly cut him off, “Please let them go. Please,” I pull at my restraints again, but they still don’t budge.

Silco’s posture straightens before he tosses the vial of shimmer to Yonn, I could hear him chuckle, “Good riddance.” before leaving the room with Nastoen. 

I watch as Silco steps over a limp body toward Devexian. Tears stream down my cheeks as I flex against my bindings over and over with no success in breaking them. He grabs the hair at the back of his head and yanks backward, craning it back to expose his neck. “I can't have people who are so easily swayed toward violence with just a bit of coin, running in the streets,” Silco says as he reaches into his coat again, but this time pulling out a dagger.

“We can come to an agreement! Stop!” I cry, my eyes flashing between the dagger at Devexian’s neck and Ryot, nearly lifeless on the floor next to him.

Devexian weakly brings a hand to Silco’s.

“A band of assassins isn't safe for Zaun,” he says calmly as he effortlessly drags the blade through Devexian’s neck.

“No!” I scream, watching his blood pour into the stone floor.

Silco keeps his grip on Devexian’s hair for a moment, watching as his blood pumps onto the ground with the last few beats of his heart, before dropping him back into the pool of thick crimson. He steps over his body and kneels beside Ryot, doing the same; yanking his hair to crane his head back to expose his neck.

“It was me! It was me! It was all me!” I sob.

Ryot’s golden eyes meet mine.

“I paid them off! I talked them into it!”

“The city is safer this way,” Silco says, dragging his dagger through Ryot’s throat.

The glowing ember of Ryot’s eyes fades to a dull yellow.

“You fucking monster!” I scream as I watch the growing puddle of blood under Ryot’s body.

Silco stands, wipes his blade on a handkerchief, and pockets his dagger. “Kill the rest,” he demands, cold and emotionless.

He walks out of the room as his henchmen reveal their own daggers and knives, walking to each body, even those already dead, pulling their blades through flesh over and over again until the smell of iron fills the small room.

“Stop!” I beg, choking on my tears, “Please! Stop!”

With blood still dripping from their knife, one of the large men steps toward me, leaning in close enough that their musty breath fans over my face as they chuckle.

I throw my head toward his, the crack of his skull echoes, calling attention to the other henchmen as they kick the bodies of my crew to the walls and off of the main floor.

Just as their eyes meet mine I pull my arm once more and with a final crunch of my wrist, my arm is free.

In the instant they start stomping toward me I reach for the knife that had clattered to the floor and cut my legs free. I stand and spin, swinging the wooden chair into the closest body coming for me. They crumple to the ground as the chair breaks into pieces, leaving the metal cuff on my forearm, but overall, I am free.

I refuse to die without a fight.

Three of Silco’s men stand before me, readying themselves for me to strike. 

My body aches as I step before them, muscles weighed down by grief and fear. I look down at my boots leaving prints in the layer of blood that had flooded over the stone. Then, the blood fades away. The bodies fade away. I see red as I lift the knife in front of me. The first guard smirks and as they lunge toward me, I easily duck below the swipe of their massive arm, before lodging the knife into their thigh and pulling with all of my strength causing the blade to slice through their femoral artery. They are brought to their knees with a garbled scream, before they fall over, smacking into the wet floor.

The second and third charge at me at the same time. I dodge a punch on the right and deflect a blade with the cuff still on my forearm. Using that moment of their surprise, I thrust my arm upward, lodging the full length of my dagger under their chin. They instantly fall, and as I’m pulling back my arm, I spin and force my knife into the last guard’s gut with all the strength I can muster. Blood spattering into my face as he coughs, before falling to the ground.

Adrenaline is coursing through my veins as I look over my hands, bright red with fresh blood. Then I remember…my brother.

I run to Ryot, kneeling in the pool of blood that surrounds him. I push his shoulder and he rolls onto his back. I hope to see his comforting expression he always has, but his face is pale and cold to the touch.

“Ryot… Ryot please…” I say as I hold his cheeks, his dim eyes staring up at me. “Ryot wake up.” I cry, my tears falling onto him. “Ryot!” I shake his limp body, searching for any sign of life. Pressing my head to his blood soaked chest, I listen for a heartbeat, but I am met with nothing. I let out deep heavy sobs, clinging to his cold body.

I couldn’t hear the steps over my painful cries. Suddenly, I feel a sharp pinch between my shoulder blades before I collapse even further onto the floor.  My vision blurs as I look up to the figure of a large woman looming over me. Here

“Sevika?” I groan as I try to lift myself from the ground. “What the fuck did you do to me?”

“A little somethin’ to keep you in check.” She smirks, before picking me off the ground and tossing me onto her shoulder.

I try to struggle against her, but my limbs feel heavy again. She kicks Ryot’s corpse out of her way before carrying me out of the room, I fight to keep my eyes open as I sway with each of her steps. The woman stops for a moment, I come to for a moment, trying to stay hyper vigilant of my surroundings. 

“What do you want me to do with this one, Boss?” Sevika’s voice is low.

There isn’t a reply at first, all I can hear are footsteps that stop behind Sevika. I turn my head toward the sound and wince as my tired muscles scream at me. I am met with the sight of Silco standing before the both of us.

“Hmm,” Silco hums in thought.

He’s so close. If only I could just move my fucking arms, I could get him. 

I could feel the drug taking effect, making my already worn out body feel even more exhausted. My entire body feels like lead and as blood rushes to my fingertips, I can’t seem to move my arms anymore at all. With the strike of his lighter he looks at me with a humored grin. He lights his cigar and takes a long draw in before exhaling into my face. “She’s got some fight in her, maybe she can be of use to us.”

“You fucking monster.” I  manage to growl.

He lifts his hand and gently grabs my face.

“And she has a smart mouth, too,” he pauses, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “She will come back with us. Maybe she’ll be of use…” his cold gaze meets mine again, “or not, we shall leave that up to her.”

I strain against the weight of my body while Sevika begins to walk out of the building. As she carries me down the street, the sun begins to peek over the edge of the cliffs, warming my skin. I fight to stay awake but the warmth of the rising sun and the rocking of Sevika’s steps lull me to sleep.

I do not know where Silco is taking me, but even as I drift into a fitful rest, fear of what will happen next overtakes me. Last night, this man had taken so much from me, now he threatens to take what little freedom I have left.

*** READ CHAPTER 2 ***

Thank you for reading! For story updates and artwork follow my twitter: @flower_of_zaun Story will be update weekly/biweekly

[narrans]

A Tall and Small Collection | S2.47 | & Everyone Needs a Little Hero :: Crossover :: Epilogue

Was it possible to be so happy? Was it possible to experience this kind of bliss? To think so many years ago that he was the lowest of the low, scraping just to get by. Now, he and his family were able to live comfortably - happy.

They were able to live their lives and then some because they were doing it together.

Soren couldn’t believe his life. It was the best of all worlds, and all because of one terrifying accident so long ago. He couldn’t have known that accidentally getting snapped in that mousetrap could have given him and his family opportunities that no other Borrower was able to experience.

At least, that he was aware of that is.

From the community that blossomed to his time spent with Ashlynn, everything felt better than a dream.

He remembered their moving day fondly.

Moving wasn’t the hard part. It was figuring out what to do with the space since there was so much of it. The attic was the perfect place for the Borrower community. There was sunlight, which many of them hadn’t been accustomed to in a long time, and the vertical space was amazing.

With a little help from Ashlynn as well as a few well thought out purchases, bookshelves were installed and constructed to make apartments and hallways for the Borrowers. Many of them started their own constructions by using popsicle sticks to make cottages and homes in the main area in the middle of the room.

It was agreed that Ashlynn wouldn’t go upstairs to the attic unless invited or scheduled and, naturally, she wouldn’t interact unless spoken to first.

The days of the Borrower community were spent in an unprecedented era of peace. They didn’t always need to borrow food, water, and tools. Some of them found a way to the roof and or the back yard to tend to their own gardens. Granted, they had to be careful when they went outside because of Bella, but her time outside was always predictable and came with a warning of Ashlynn or Theo calling for her to be careful.

If they needed something, they could interact or be as invisible as they always had been. Nothing on that front had changed, but young Borrower children were being told the stories of how they came to this house and how it was with this one, helpful human that it was all possible.

Hero had something to do with those stories. Though the number of humans he could help daily had significantly decreased, he was able to stay in contact with Sam through the game station Ashlynn got him for his birthday. Hero and a few others sometimes went to neighborhood houses to borrow and gather various supplies, which was the opportune time for him to go and help the people they went to go borrow from.

On these adventures, Hero made sure to be careful and, thankfully, he wasn’t seen by any of the neighborhood humans. His days of going out and being seen had grown more cautious. He did frequently miss those days and looked on them fondly, but only when necessary would he reveal himself.

Rey, more often than not, would go on these adventures with Hero. The two of them would go on little camping adventures to the tree in the backyard. Rey, not so secretly, was building a “secret hideout” in the tree where he had additional supplies and places to test his more unorthodox inventions. With Theo in the house, the two of them would venture out there and test some of their more sophisticated devices.

It was also a chance for Rey to practice his flying. Despite the instruction manual saying otherwise, some of those little drones were capable of carrying weight, and Rey happened to fit nicely underneath the whirling blades.

The first time he tried his new toy, he ended up with one whole part of his arm scabbed, but it only fueled him to practice and do better. Within a week, Rey was flying everywhere in a MacGyvered style drone with a controller. In a few words, he was a natural; but not only at flying. Turned out that Rey also had a knack for 3D printing and virtual design. Once Theo showed him how to work the program, he was off to the races.

Not only was he making designs with Theo for their now joined business, he was making things for the girl whose affections he won. Larkspur, the Borrower girl he saved, ended up developing the biggest crush on Rey. It would take months of her asking him to help her readjust the wheelchair he helped construct for her for him to get the hint that she just wanted to spend time with them.

Very soon after, the two of them were spending nearly every waking hour with one another. It would take another month for them to admit their affections to Soren and Ashlynn, but they soon were branded with the boyfriend girlfriend label and they became inseparable.

Turned out, Larkspur was rather adventurous and was always testing the limits once she broke out of her timid shell and was allowed time to heal from her ordeal with Austin. It even seemed like she might be able to walk again with the tips and tricks Theo was able to give her.

That was another thing that was a little different for their new living space – they gained a new basement companion. After some discussion, Theo and Bella did move into the basement of Ashlynn’s home. While Bella wasn’t told the secret of who else lived with them, Theo was more than willing to help where he could, inventing and printing anything and everything the Borrowers needed.

The little coins that Rey and Hero found were, as a matter of fact, actually quite valuable. While some of them merely looked like pennies and dimes, several of those coins were rare enough to pay for Theo’s medical bills as well as the startup for his and Rey’s business, which they worked on frequently.

Dorian’s days were recently spent with his music troupe as well as his own songwriting. His follower count had skyrocketed to the point where many were asking for him to release his own album or music video. It took some convincing and some ingenuity, but the music troupe and Rey came up with the perfect setting and mechanisms to actually pull off his first music video.

Some of the Borrowers who were interested in technology but never had the opportunity spent time learning how to edit videos and photos, working in groups to get phones and other smaller cameras to take the pictures they wanted.

The anonymity of their online presences let them venture into new territory and explore parts of their personalities that even they didn’t know they enjoyed.

Soren and Ashlynn, along with Mayzie, spent most of their time together. Soren and Mayzie more frequently tagged along with Ashlynn to various house showings so they could explore the walls. Now that Mayzie was getting older, she needed to understand how to use the hooks and lines.

Years passed and Mayzie came to know Ashlynn as mom, even calling her that. Though Mayzie knew her mother, Lucy, was gone and Soren made sure to tell her stories about her mother, it was Ashlynn who stepped in and had difficult, emotional conversations with the thumb-sized Borrower girl. Ashlynn made sure she helped train Mayzie to respect the fear that came with interacting with humans while training her, but also had discussions about how different their life was compared to the lives of other Borrowers.

The two of them were thick as thieves, and Ashlynn, Soren, and Mayzie became a kind of three musketeers.

When Mayzie was off playing with the other Borrower children and when Soren’s brothers were otherwise occupied, it was Ashlynn and Soren - as it was in the beginning. For the Borrowers and the humans inside, their world became that house, and that house became their world – and the adventures they were about to embark on were only just beginning.

~~~~~^*^*^*^*^~~~~~

::_____::

A Tall and Small Collection

Thank you so much for reading - Cheers and, as always, stay awesome! ~Narrans

Previous

A Tall and Small Collection | Soren

ASK ME ANYTHING

::_____::

Everyone Needs a Little Hero

Thank you so much for reading - Cheers and, as always, stay awesome! ~Narrans

Previous

Beginning

Prompt

ASK ME ANYTHING

[yesmaddyposts]

I've been writing angst for several days and needed to break up the fog with something happy and silly, so here is a rough draft snippet of part 2 to my Barbie & Her Android Boyfriend Ken AU:

~~

“This is a bad idea,” Barbie says. “This is a bad, horrible idea.”

On the screen of her phone, Kate shakes her head. “What are you talking about? This is a great idea! It’s the perfect opportunity to see what he can do!”

Barbie paces the length of the hallway with her phone in hand. She takes a peek through the cracked open door to her home office. Ken is still in there, spinning slowly in her desk chair and staring up at the ceiling. He’s been at it for ten straight minutes, and she wonders if dizziness was left out of his programming.

She returns to pacing outside the room. “I can’t bring the world’s most expensive android prototype to Gloria’s vow renewal ceremony!”

“Well you should’ve thought that through before you brought the world’s most expensive android prototype home with you,” Kate reminds her. 

She’s right. Barbie knows she’s right. But she’d let her curiosity get the best of her. Ken had been online for three full weeks now, and so far Mattel had only let him stretch his legs to go between the showroom—a large windowless space designed to look like a standard apartment’s living room, complete with a double sided mirror so executives and engineers could look in without being noticed—and the engineering lab. Ken wasn’t being used to his fullest potential, and none of the executives would listen to Barbie whenever she brought up bringing in real subjects for Ken to interact with. 

They were wasting him. They were impeding his progress, and she had no idea why. She’d tried keeping him distracted for a while, going so far as working overtime just to sit with Ken in the showroom watching television with him. Gloria had even been kind enough to bring some board games from home to test out Ken’s reaction speed. They all learned the hard way through several games of Uno and Candyland just how much of a competitive streak the android really had.

But as the third week of movie marathons and board game nights came to a close, Ken suddenly expressed something to her that just about broke her heart. 

“Barbie, I’m bored.” 

So that’s how she ended up here, at home with a platinum blonde android sitting at her desk. It had been embarrassingly easy to get him into her car. He could walk by himself, and didn’t hesitate to follow her to the parking garage. All he needed was a hoodie and some sunglasses to conceal his face from the security cameras, and then they were free. She had every intention of bringing him back, of course. Just after he got a little outdoor time. It was for research! 

“It’s for research!” She says aloud. 

“Exactly! What better way to research his capabilities than by putting him in a social gathering setting?” Kate’s phone shakes as she props it up against something and leans back on her couch. She whistles sharply and Tanner, her golden retriever, jumps up on the couch for a snuggle. 

“Listen,” Kate starts. “Allow me to impose upon you some Weird Barbie Wisdom.”

“I wish you wouldn’t call yourself that,” Barbie laments. Kate waves her comment away with a dismissive hand. 

“You know just as much as I do that Ken needs practice. The investors are going to want to see him in action sooner rather than later, and with the way things are going he won’t be ready. All of our hard work is going to go down the drain if we do things by Mattel’s book.”

Kate pauses to fend off Tanner when he stands on his hind legs to lick her face.

“The executives are a bunch of nepo-babies who don’t know their head from their ass when it comes to robotics. You gotta start taking risks.”

“But what if something goes wrong? What if Ken isn’t ready to be around all those people so soon?” Barbie bites her thumbnail subconsciously. 

A bitter tang hits her tongue and she purses her lips in disgust. She drops her hand back down to her side. Of all the times she’d tried to stop biting her nails, it had been Ken who really got it to stick. Last week while they’d been watching Bring It On, one of her favorite so-bad-it’s-good comfort films, he noticed her nibbling at her thumb. She did it when she was stressed, bored, or deep in thought. At that point her poor thumb was almost completely bitten down to the skin, leaving it red and raw looking. 

Ken had gently grasped her wrist and brought her hand down, interlacing their fingers. She’d turned to him, caught off guard by how careful his touch was. 

“You shouldn’t do that. It looks like it hurts.” He’d told her. 

Two days later when she came into work, he’d been so excited to tell her that he and Gloria had spent all weekend looking up ways to quit the habit of nail biting. He recommended she get bitter tasting nail polish so that she would no longer get satisfaction from biting, even going as far as to spend ten minutes breaking down all the best brands by price, brand, and product reviews. 

“If the whole thing goes tits up, you’ll have me and Gloria there as backup. We’ll get him out of there with some excuse about food poisoning or being late to a self tanning appointment, whatever.”

Kate scratches the underside of Tanner’s chin, and the dog starts kicking his back leg so hard against the couch cushion Barbie can hear the dull thumpthumpthump of his paw through the speakers of her phone.

“But I’m not worried. We did a great job with Ken’s programming. He’ll be a natural.” 

Kate’s general “it’ll all work out” attitude always had a way of convincing Barbie into things she didn’t want to do. She has a feeling this was going to be no different. She sighs, but before she can respond with another excuse not to go through with this, Ken speaks from inside the office.

“Barbie? Who are you talking to?” 

Barbie pushes open the door and enters the office. She turns her phone around to show Ken her screen. “I’m on a call with Kate from work.”

Ken gets up to see her phone better. When he’s closer, his face lights up in recognition and he grabs the phone from Barbie’s hand.

“Hi, Kate from work!” He exclaims excitedly, his wave at the camera a blur of motion. “Love the new mohawk.” 

“Thanks, Ken!” Kate responds just as excitedly. “I was thinking about dying it a crazy color. Maybe half purple and pink, or ombre.”

As Ken and Kate become invested in the topic of hair color options, Barbie shakes her head and takes a seat at her computer desk. Looks like she’s going to have to go shopping for men’s formal wear. 

[summerisfishmen]

Sims 4: zombie apocalypse challenge

A nuclear explosion has resulted in strange zombie like traits infecting billions of people. Help your sims survive in the wasteland. This is just a fun challenge i made up while playing the sims I hope you enjoy :)

Also I might share my builds or sims for this challenge a bit later, I'm very proud of them.

Getting started:

In CAS:

Create a family of 2 or more sims. both big and small families have different advantages and disadvantages in this challenge. Make sure that at least 2 of the sims will be able to reproduce, as you cant meet other sims in the first generation. if the family has children, make sure the heir is a toddler. This family are your survivors. The goal of the challenge is to survive 10 generations, the 10th generation having the cure for the infection. All sims must have two day outfits: a regular one for inside the bunker, and a fully concealed outfit that is used for venturing into the outside world. toddlers and children dont have any appropriate facecoverings, so they cannot be outside for longer then an hour. (unless you have cc) Pets are allowed, but it may make the game more challenging in the first few generations.

In Build mode:

Give yourself unlimited money (unless you want an extra challenge) and build a home. it doesnt have to be furnished, but make sure you have a ladder or stairway downstairs to a bunker. This is where your sims will survive.

Decorate the bunker however you want but keep in mind these restrictions for the first generation:

1. you must make the stairway or ladder in a seperate enclosed room. The air outside is toxic, you cant let it into the rest of the bunker.

2. you may only have 4 rooms starting out, excluding the ladder/staircase room.

3. you must put all the beds in one room.

4. the lot must be off the grid.

5. no electronics, including the off the grid tablet.

6. no carpet or wooden floor. the floor must be dirt, but you can use cardboard or newspaper to cover it.

After you have completed building, exit build mode and set your money to zero. put all sims in the basement and then lock the door to the ladder or stairs room. this can only be unlocked for one sim at a time, whilst they are wearing their outside clothes.

The zombies:

There is two options for zombies:

1. Easy to difficult. Start with 1 household of any number of zombies. each generation of survivors adds an extra zombie household.

2. difficult to easy. start with 10 households of zombies, each generation of survivors deletes one household.

Zombies can look any way, but make sure you can differentiate them from normal sims. if your sim interacts with a zombie, is too near a zombie (you can decide the distance for your own difficulty level) or gains any relationship with one while away from the lot, they will become a zombie, therefore being removed from your household. if all your household members are zombies, you fail the challenge.

Zombies must have one of the following traits:

Evil

Glutton

Hates children

Slob

Gloomy

Loner

Now that you have a survivor family and zombie/s family, you may start gameplay. Remember that sims must survive by gathering vegetables and fruit in the wild. you may also have a garden on your lot. You may only prepare a meal if you have money for it, otherwise gathered food only.

Generation 1: Surviving

This generation believes they are the only survivors. They forage and grow food in their garden outside, but otherwise stay tucked away in their bunker. No sim may have a job or go to school. Money may be earned through selling collected items, or crafting something on a woodworking table. A woodworking table can also be used to create furniture for your sims.The main goal of this generation is to expand the bunker so each sim can live comfortably, ideally having a room to themselves. Wooden floor may be earned by maxing out the handiness skill.This generation is completed once the heir becomes a teenager.

Generation 2: contact

Create another survivor family. place them somewhere in the world.You cannot travel to this families home, but once your family runs into the other family, you can befriend them. This makes your sims realise they are not alone, and you can now bring other sims into your family to marry, as well as having the ability to make friends.This generation ends after the heir becomes a teenager.

Generation three: thriving

Survivors all across the sims world have a tight knit community. bunkers can now have carpet and wood floors with no requirements. sims may visit other sims bunkers if they are low on needs that cannot be fufilled in your bunker for any reason. eg borrowing a meal from your neighbours if low on money and supplies. You may also pickpocket to earn money.This generation ends once the heir is a teenager.

Generation 4: the air is clearing

It is less toxic to be outdoors, the radiation is beginning to clear. Sims may now go outdoors without protective clothing for up to 5 hours. Beware of the zombies. Sims may now have a career as a gardener or labourer. if your sim befriends a zombie at work, they become a zombie. Bring your sim home from work after 5 hours each day.

Generation 5: outside

The radiation is at a liveable level. Sims may venture outside the bunker and live in their house. Make sure all the doors are locked, sims still are only allowed out when you decide. Still no school, but sims may now work as a criminal, and can work for a full day. Your house must still be off the grid.This generation ends when the heir is a child.

Generation 6: back to normal?

Life has returned to a semi normal state. No power or running water, but simkind is making do. Sims can now work as buisness people, lawyers, babysitters, waiters, entertainers, and teachers. Sims may now go to school, befriending a zombie at school means they are a zombie. this generation ends when the heir is a toddler.

Generation 7: a new threat

The government has fallen to anarchy. things were looking up for the world, but something has destroyed it again. your heir must now live in the remains. School costs 50 dollars per day. Sims may only work as spies or criminals. All sims born in this generation must age up with either the unflirty, loner, or non commital. create a household of law enforcement. if a sim runs into law enforcement while any need is below green, they are in the criminal or spy career, or they have anything in their inventory, they will be arrested and removed from the household.This generation ends when the heir is a teenager.

Generation 8: a new hope

Your sim has had enough. They are sick of how messed up the government has gotten. They decide they are going to fix everything. Heir must join the politics career and reach level 10 in the politician branch, becoming the national leader. if you dont have city living, reach level 10 in the spy career. after becoming the leader, things improve. school is free, all jobs are available, law enforcement household may be deleted. You can also move your household to a fancier lot, fit for the president. Unfourtunately, zombies are still a threat to your population, and although you kill them when you can, there is always more hiding where you cant see. Generation ends when the heir is a teenager.

Generation 9: curing the apocalypse

Your sim is living a peaceful life. electricity has returned, they have plenty of friends, plenty of food. but zombies. theyve lost a couple friends or family members to zombies, they desperately want a cure. but no one is working on it. So your sim makes it their life goal to be the one who figures it out. Join the secret agent career. reach level 10, diamond agent branch. (if you have get to work you could also join the scientest career instead) Once this has been completed, visit a zombie household with protective gear and some sort of food item. gift the food item, and "cure" the zombies in CAS.generation ends once sim has completed the career and had an heir.

Generation 10: peace

The last zombies are dwindling out. This generation has no restrictions other then staying away from zombies. if they do become a zombie, they only need to get to the "cure" item without interacting with family. Each week, (if doing easy to difficult) delete or "cure" one of the zombie households untill none are left. if doing difficult to easy, cure the last zombie household. live in peace.

The end! Hope this wasn't too confusing lol

[gt-games]

Why GTGAMES Housie Ticket Game is the Perfect Online Party Activity

Looking for a fun way to bring people together online? GTGAMES Housie Ticket Game might just be the perfect solution! Housie, also known as Tambola or Housie, has been a favorite party game for years. It’s easy to play, exciting, and can involve players of all ages. Now, GTGAMES has taken it to the next level by making it accessible online. This means you can play with friends, family, or even new people from anywhere! Here’s why GTGAMES Housie Ticket Game is ideal for an online party activity.

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Parties are all about having fun and bringing people closer, and GTGAMES Housie does just that. The excitement of marking off numbers, the suspense of waiting for the next call, and the thrill of almost winning make every moment lively. With GTGAMES Housie, you can see who’s close to winning and who needs a few more calls, creating a friendly competition. You can even have a prize for the winners to make the party even more thrilling!

4. Play Anytime, Anywhere

The fact that GTGAMES Housie Cash Game is available from anywhere is among its best features. Your friends and family can join the same game from their own devices, regardless of how far away they live. Being in the same city or even the same room is not necessary. You may start playing with just an internet connection. This makes it ideal for online get-togethers or for maintaining relationships with loved ones who live far away.

5. Real-Time Interaction and Chat Features

GTGAMES Housie makes it easy for players to chat and interact in real-time during the game. This helps make the online party feel more like a real one, where everyone can talk and cheer each other on. You can share jokes, celebrate each win, and even make side conversations just like you would at a regular party. This interactive feature adds to the feeling of togetherness, making it a lively online gathering.

6. Multiple Winning Options

GTGAMES Housie offers multiple ways to win, adding variety and excitement to the game. You don’t have to wait for a full house win – you can aim for one-line, two-line, or other smaller wins that keep everyone engaged. This variety means there are more winners, and every player has a chance to win something, keeping everyone on the edge of their seat throughout the game.

7. No Need for Special Equipment

All you need to play GTGAMES Housie is your phone, tablet. There’s no need to gather game boards, markers, or even paper tickets. GTGAMES handles everything digitally, saving you time and making setup super simple. This makes it convenient and hassle-free, perfect for spontaneous party plans where you want something fun but quick to organize.

8. Affordable Entertainment for Everyone

With GTGAMES Housie, you can enjoy hours of fun without spending much. You can play with free tickets or buy affordable ones for a chance to win real cash prizes. This flexibility makes it easy for everyone to join in, regardless of budget, and enjoy a great online party without breaking the bank. Plus, the possibility of winning cash prizes adds extra excitement!

9. Safe and Secure

Safety is always a priority with online games, and GTGAMES ensures a secure environment for its players. Their platform is safe and easy to use, so players of all ages can participate without worry. GTGAMES uses secure payment methods and keeps players’ information protected, giving you peace of mind as you enjoy the game.

Conclusion

The best online party game for events of all kinds is GTGAMES Real Cash Housie Game. It is a great alternative for entertaining, vibrant virtual parties because of its simple setup, broad appeal, real-time participation, and thrilling winning chances. GTGAMES Housie brings everyone together for an unforgettable experience, whether you're hosting a team event, a friends' reunion, or a family game night. Prepare for excitement, laughter, and possibly even some rewards when you try it for your next virtual gathering!

[danielsiegelalonso]

Progress and Evolution of Live Streaming Concerts | Daniel Siegel Alonso

In a world where, with a few swipes, you can order dinner, match with your soulmate, and watch a cat play the piano, all without leaving your couch, it’s no surprise that live music has also gone digital. From Elvis's groundbreaking live satellite broadcast to today's streaming juggernauts like Coachella and Glastonbury, Daniel Siegel Alonso looks at how live concerts have evolved in ways the King himself could never have imagined.

The Satellite Pioneer

Siegel Alonso rewinds the tape to 1973, when Elvis Presley, clad in his iconic bedazzled white jumpsuit, performed the first live satellite broadcast concert, "Aloha from Hawaii." It wasn't your standard concert; it was a cultural event. Beamed to over 40 countries and watched by an estimated 1.5 billion people, it was a game-changer for the entertainment industry. Elvis wasn't just playing for the crowd before him; he was singing to the world.

In the early '70s, the concept of a live concert reaching such a massive audience seemed like something out of Star Trek. The technology was still in its infancy, and the concept of connecting people across continents through a shared musical experience was revolutionary. Elvis set the stage—literally and figuratively—for the future of live music broadcasts.

The Commercialization

Daniel Siegel Alonso looks at the rise of pay-per-view concerts in the decades that followed Elvis' Hawaii show. This era took live broadcasts and added a profitable twist. Now, you could watch your favorite singers and bands perform live from the comfort of your home and pay a premium for the privilege. The Rolling Stones and Madonna capitalized on this trend, bringing their performances to global audiences—for a price.

Pay-per-view concerts were a sensation because they offered fans exclusive access to shows they couldn't attend in person. Whether due to distance, ticket prices, or a simple case of procrastination-induced sellouts, fans had a second chance to experience the magic. And let’s be honest; it was also a brilliant way for artists to earn some extra cash while expanding their fan base and leaning into the new mediums of video and cable television.

The Digital Age

Enter the 21st century, where the internet has become our stage. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch have revolutionized live music once again. In some ways, Siegel Alonso argues that it even democratized the concert-going experience. Now, streaming a show live wasn't just for the elites; it was for anyone with a stable Wi-Fi connection and craving live performance.

One of the pivotal moments in this digital revolution was Coachella's decision to livestream its festival in 2011. YouTube brought the festival to their living rooms for those who couldn't make it to the California desert. This was a game-changer. No longer were festivals exclusive watering holes for nepo-babies and social media influencers; they were global events accessible to anyone with an internet connection. A simple click mitigated the FOMO, and the festival experience became democratized.

The Pandemic Push

Then came 2020, and with it, a global pandemic that halted live events in their tracks. The music industry faced an existential crisis: keeping the music playing when venues were closed and gatherings were banned. Enter the era of virtual concerts. Platforms like Instagram Live, Zoom, and even Minecraft became the new concert venues.

Artists like Travis Scott took the concept to new heights with his "Astronomical" event in Fortnite. Not only was it a live performance, but it was also an immersive experience where viewers could interact in a virtual environment. This wasn’t just a concert but a foreshadowing: a virtual spectacle that blurred the lines between gaming and live music.

The Future is Hybrid

Moving forward, Daniel Siegel Alonso asserts that the future of live entertainment will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual experiences. The pandemic taught us that while nothing can replace the energy of a live crowd, virtual concerts offer unique opportunities for accessibility and innovation. Artists can now reach global audiences without the carbon footprint of world tours, and fans can experience live music without the logistical nightmares of travel, accommodations, and overpriced festival food.

Take Billie Eilish’s “Where Do We Go? The Livestream.” It wasn’t just a static camera pointed at a stage; it was a dynamic, interactive experience complete with augmented reality and real-time audience engagement. This concert set a new standard for what virtual performances could be, blending high production values with the intimacy of a live show.

Encore, encore

Live streaming concerts have come a long way from Elvis’s satellite spectacle to the immersive digital experiences of today. Each step in this evolution has made live music more accessible, innovative, and inclusive. We can expect even more creative ways to experience live music as technology advances.

So, whether you're jamming out in a sold-out arena, relaxing at home with a live stream, or diving into a virtual world for a concert, don't forget that the essence of live music remains the same: a shared, stimulating experience that connects us all. The stage may differ, but the spell of live music endures, reminding us that no matter how digital the world becomes, we’re all still just here for the music.

[djinnewyorkcity]

Why Zoom Parties are the Perfect Solution for Long-Distance Celebrations

In an increasingly interconnected world, staying connected with loved ones who live far away has become more important than ever. Fortunately, with the advent of technology, virtual gatherings have emerged as a convenient and enjoyable solution for long-distance celebrations. One popular platform that has revolutionized the way we connect with others is Zoom. In this article, we will explore why Zoom parties have become the perfect solution for long-distance celebrations, offering an array of benefits that bring people closer together regardless of geographical boundaries.

1. Overcoming Distance and Barriers

One of the most significant advantages of Zoom parties for long-distance celebrations is their ability to bridge geographical gaps. No matter how far apart loved ones are, they can come together in a virtual space to celebrate special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gathering, Zoom allows participants to join from anywhere with an internet connection. This convenience breaks down the barriers of distance and eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming travel, ensuring that no one feels left out of the festivities.

2. Real-Time Face-to-Face Interaction

While phone calls and text messages help maintain communication, they often lack the personal touch of face-to-face interaction. Zoom parties offer the benefit of real-time video communication, allowing participants to see and hear each other just as they would in person. This visual connection enhances the emotional connection among participants, making the celebration more intimate and engaging. Seeing loved ones’ facial expressions, gestures, and reactions adds depth to the celebration and helps create lasting memories, even when physically apart.

3. Flexibility and Convenience

Zoom parties provide unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Participants can join the celebration from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need to dress up or commute to a specific location. This flexibility is particularly valuable for those with busy schedules or mobility issues. Zoom’s user-friendly interface and intuitive features make it accessible to people of all ages and technological backgrounds. Additionally, Zoom offers the convenience of recording the party, allowing absentees to catch up later and relive the special moments.

4. Interactive Features and Activities

Zoom parties offer a wide range of interactive features and activities that add excitement and entertainment to the celebration. Hosts can utilize breakout rooms to create smaller, more intimate conversations or to organize engaging games and activities. From virtual quizzes and scavenger hunts to cooking demonstrations and dance-offs, the possibilities are endless. Zoom’s screen sharing feature enables participants to share photos, videos, and presentations, further enhancing the celebratory experience. These interactive elements ensure that everyone feels involved and actively participates in the event, creating a sense of togetherness despite the physical distance.

5. Cost-Effectiveness :

Celebrating long-distance often incurs significant expenses, such as travel costs, accommodation, and event arrangements. In contrast, Zoom parties offer a cost-effective alternative that still allows for meaningful celebrations. Hosting a Zoom party requires minimal investment, primarily limited to a stable internet connection and a device with a camera. Participants also save on travel expenses, dining out, and other event-related costs. The affordability of Zoom parties ensures that financial constraints do not hinder long-distance celebrations, making them accessible to a wider range of individuals and fostering stronger connections among loved ones.

Conclusion : Zoom parties have revolutionized the way we celebrate long-distance, offering a perfect solution to bridge geographical gaps. By overcoming distance, providing real-time face-to-face interaction, and offering flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, Zoom has transformed virtual gatherings into immersive and memorable experiences. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion, Zoom parties have proven to be a powerful tool for bringing loved ones together, ensuring that distance is no longer a barrier to celebrating and fostering connections that span across the miles.

FAQ :

Q: How do Zoom parties overcome the distance barrier?

Answer: Zoom parties allow people to connect and celebrate together, regardless of their physical location.

Q: What are the benefits of hosting a Zoom party?

Answer: Zoom parties offer convenience, flexibility, and cost savings compared to traditional in-person gatherings.

Q: How does Zoom enhance the celebratory experience?

Answer: Zoom provides real-time face-to-face interaction, enabling participants to see and hear each other, fostering a sense of togetherness.

Q: Can Zoom parties be as enjoyable as in-person celebrations?

Answer: Yes! Zoom parties offer interactive features, activities, and games that make them engaging and enjoyable.

FAQ: Are Zoom parties accessible to everyone?

Answer: Yes, Zoom is user-friendly and accessible to people of all ages and technological backgrounds. It’s designed to be inclusive and easy to use.

[lifebyyounews]

MAY 7, 2024 ASK THE TEAM Q&A

Rocio and King swapped sessions this week, so below the cut you can find all of the questions and answers from the ask the team Q&A:

Q: Two things, will there be a way to customise which books go into which bookshelves on public lots, and how is your day going? A: Currently, bookshelves have baked-in books, but if you have an empty shelf (which we have a few) you can add books separately if you'd like!

Q: Will there be a "are you sure" pop up when removing mods to avoid accidentally deleting wip mods? In the first Modding 101 video, there was none shown when the staff member removed a mod. A: I wanted to update and say this has been added now!

Q: What is the biggest possible lot size currently? A: Our current limit is 120x120 (since we needed some kind of limit), as we figure that's a good starting point. Based on how you all play and the types of lots you all create, we will take a look and reevaluate during Early Access!

Q: Will there be social services that will complain about children being alone at home? A: Gameplay for children is still in development, so details like this are very much in progress! If that's something you'd like to see, please do add it to the ⁠requests channel

Q: Today's video brought up one thing for me: Will we be able to have actual checkouts in stores? As currently it seems like it's more of a "online store ya have to walk to" situation A: It is currently a "self-checkout" situation. However we have noted folks' feedback and requests on more shopping gameplay and are discussing additions for Early Access-- it's on our list of features to prioritize as folks play!

Q: Just the same question from last time. Is there currently or will there be a way to appropriately fill lots with NPCs for places like a night club to make them busy? Something like pinging them to certain lots or having filler npcs A: Great question! The way the game populates the town is through temporary workers like those that arrive on the bus, however you can add additional randomly generated characters at any time using the Live Edit mode (just keep clicking the + until you get the number you'd like). In terms of essentially "summoning" folks to one location, the way to do that would be through Events! In your example of a Nightclub, you could create a nightly event to gather folks at the club. I hope that answers your question, but please let me know if I misunderstood!

Q: Can we tag certain items to be more popular with people with certain personality traits? So for example, a character with the snob trait will be more likely to buy expensive or rare clothing? A: I think this might be the answer to your question, but let me know if not! Rather than adding tags to objects, you add Trait Appeal to the interactions on those objects. For example, if you have someone who has the lifestyle Active, they are more likely to participate in interactions with high Trait Appeal for Active. Interaction tags are used by traits for other purposes, but you can make your own tags, apply them to Interactions, and apply new or existing Interactions to a Lifestyle's Trait Appeal!

Q: Do the planters only hold one plant each? In today’s video that big planter had one plant each and it looks like it’d hold 3 A: Currently planters hold one plant each-- that said, we want to continue to add planters during Early Access, including some that can support multiple different types of plants!

Q: Can we paint one tile wall only? I'm not too keen on painting the entire wall, Also tying in to this, is there a way to paint the entire room? A: You could paint a section at a time if you create your wall in segments! Alternatively, you can use trim (which you then color/customize) to break it up. As for the full room, we are working on this feature (we noted the feedback in a previous video!), however we're continuing to finetune it as we want to ensure it's painting the right amount of "Room."

Q: Will the Wiki be available in-game like it is in Stellaris? Both Live and in the Editors? A: Currently the wiki isn't available, but if that's something folks are interested in, we'd be happy to take a look at it during Early Access!

Q: [replying to the questions asking about tagging certain items to be more popular with certain personality traits, questions #7] Does this apply to clothing as well? A: To follow up here, this isn't currently a possibility, but it is on our list of things we'd like to add to the tools during Early Access!

Q: I understand that group actions and conversations are not going to be part of initial Early Access rollout next month. These are pretty big features and I'd love to know more about where they are sitting in the developmet process e.g. - They are on a list to be figured out - You are pretty sure how they will work and are just waiting for them to get to the top of the list - There are a few exciting ideas competing against each other internally - They actually are already being demoed in a rough form, just are not ready for public consumption yet - Its something that's going to be tried and tested with the EA players first as we help shape it - etc? A: They are indeed planned for Early Access! In terms of priority we are going to be listening after June 4th to you all to see what comes in at a higher priority, but yes! We can't wait for group convos and actions as well

Q: Are the cloth physics done using physics bones, or Unity's built-in cloth physics system? A: Great question! So hair uses bones physics, and clothing it depends-- Handbags are using bones. Other clothes it depends on the design, but largely the clothes physics system. Our artists would exchange clothes physics to bones if the result was not looking natural, so we've found it's best to play around with it!

Q: Does the music app in LBY (that previously is said to connect to local MP3 files) have local album covers, and if so, are they customizable? A: You can add your own .mp3 files, however it does not display album covers yet! Love the idea though

Q: Have you considered religion system that is made with your own made up religion (like The Sims Medieval) To give players some system we could use. Or do you want to avoid religion altogether? A: We don't currently plan on adding any real religions to the game, however we will have an in-game mythos that will be unveiled over time for players who like that style of gameplay! We hope that this will be compatible and a bit of fun for people of all faiths

Q: Are better cars animation on your list? I mean like entering the car instead of just car appearing out of nowhere with human in A: Yup!

Q: Oh, right. The whole "rarity" system with items&clothing has gotten me an idea: Will we be able to equip a legendary dress or something with a perk? (the whole rarity system makes it feel very RPGy to me) (sth along the lines as that legendary dress making folk wanna talk to ya as to ask where ya got it from&such) A: Great question! So this ties to the same question that tarheelgurl was asking actually. Clothing doesn't currently have tags or interactions scripts, but items do-- so there are items and objects with rarity that do affect gameplay. For instance, if you have a Pointing Trowel in your inventory you will harvest Archaeology items much faster. That being said, definitely still something on our radar, especially as folks like you all are asking about it!

Q: Is the team considering making a custom face and body slider pipeline? A: As far as adding a pipeline or mod tools for sliders, we don't have any immediate plans around adding that. We are glad to add new body/face sliders based on requests, so if you have any, as always please drop them in ⁠requests