#or at least that's what i did with the other games i tried. but with fear and hunger it just. had controller support?

[dellerose]

guys it's 4 in the morning and I'm plagued by thoughts but I think I fucking connected the dots. I think I know why gaster/mystery caller/whoever cut spamton off

I call it apostate lover theory

so I was watching this video (ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT VIDEO GO WATCH IF YOU HAVE THE TIME) but to summarize it mentions the theory that spamton was originally going to give tenna the NEO body. and at first, I thought this was a stretch. but...

why DOES tenna know the word NEO?

seriously. as far as I know within the game the ONLY other person besides spamton who talks about the NEO body is swatch, and you could MAYBE extrapolate that the swatchlings and probably queen might know about the NEO body but would have no reason to tell anyone else about it. swatch made it clear that they tried to keep the thing hush hush. and, of course, the obvious person who we KNOW was talking to and working with tenna was spamton who literally prayed to the NEO body nightly while still staying at queen's mansion. he would be the obvious person to tell tenna about it.

why?

why would spamton tell him? why would spamton tell tenna about the NEO body, something he was obsessed with and which we are led to assume he only sought after for himself?

maybe because he did, indeed, want it for tenna, and not himself.

it's important to note that spamton himself says he was never a salesman for the money but for the freedom. particularly freedom from fate.

I can't think of why else spamton would tell him about the NEO body, a body with grand power, created by someone with the desire to be a grand entertainer, which you can upload your consciousness to.

and we know spamton knew of the prophecy, at least the part connected to tenna.

And though people speculate when Spamton knew this, I don't think this is what he was told at the last phone call. Spamton knows so many things about the world of Deltarune that he shouldn't. Parts of the prophecy fit into that. I think he already knew. But wouldn't it tear him apart? Eat him up inside?

Unless he thought that he could circumvent the prophecy by helping Tenna leave TV World.

Spamton spent all his time down there, praying to the NEO body, where he originally found the Shadow Crystal. Why would he be praying, if he was already in communion with a higher being who knew the ins and outs of the world? Almost seems blasphemous. An act of idolatry. Like he was putting his hopes and dreams into the NEO body, hoping it could defy fate. Which is ultimately what he wanted to do once he got the NEO body for himself after losing Tenna.

This is why the phone caller cut him off. Spamton was already defying the natural order, regularly going between dark worlds, promising to teach Tenna technology which would go against his nature. Spamton wanted to defy the natural order just for Tenna. The same man he worked side by side with. Compares himself to. Reminisces about nonstop and wore matching suits with. Who he also wanted to be, which would be so fitting that he took something intended for his partner, who he wanted to be, and took it for himself to try his hand ad vengeance and to show everyone he's better. Wouldn't trying to use the discarded dream of a lightner's desire to be in the spotlight, something basically seen as a sin to emphasize your own feelings over lightners', fit that oh so well?

This is why Spamton is so bitter. This is why he couldn't contemplate kindness or friendship until after being spared in the NEO fight. He tried to love someone so hard it tried to defy the rules of reality as set by the one in charge of this world, for Tenna, and he lost everything because of it and Tenna wrote him off as a liar and a cheat. I would be afraid to think of love as real after that, too.

As the video also points out, there's this moment with Tenna after saying everything is Spamton's fault. This comes right after saying "And where is HE!?" As pointed out, the ellipses here are notable. It could just be a line reaffirming the prior sentences where Tenna is angry, but Toby loves vague ellipses. What if he was saying if only he could get his hands on the NEO body and escape obsolescence, if that's what Spamton had offered him?

I will leave you off with this dialogue from the Spamton NEO fight which may I remind you is full of all sorts of reminiscing about Tenna.

Almost as if he's recalling what he proposed to Tenna. A leap of faith to give him his chance. In a fight where he's trying to rip out Kris' soul for his own... the "I won't force you. I can't. I can't force you." is ever so reminiscent of a caring, genuine question about something significant and important. A life changing decision. A decision to leave together, and never look back. Something Spamton can only conceive of doing for himself now, as an act of vengeance, accomplished through violence.

It wasn't just doomed. Trying to evade being doomed is what destroyed Spamton and their relationship.

[vampyrixdarling]

KISSING LESSONS┆Chance x GN! Reader

— After being given a romance novel from one of Chance’s family members, you couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to experience your first kiss. Your childhood best friend offers to teach you. Kissing your best friend has never hurt anyone, right?

C.W: Itrapped mentions. Also not proofread. Possibly out of character towards the end but I tried my best.

Word count: 3.5k

Note: I would've wrote more but lowkey I just wanted to get this out there plus I was running out of motivation (that's why the making out scene was scrapped... maybe another day),, this is self indulgent and also my first time writing a kiss scene so enjoy <3 Also how are we enjoying the new display?

Cool. Calm. Easygoing. 

Spoiled. Cocky. Arrogant. 

But nonetheless, a charming young robloxian who could smooth-talk his way out of quite a few things if he tried. 

At least, that’s how people would describe Chance.

Growing up, you had always known Chance as this cocky, overconfident person who lived life for the thrill. Since birth, their every need was met immediately, given that they were born into an extremely rich family. Your parents had been good friends with his family, so it only made sense that you two would eventually become close. And after a long while of hanging out and constantly being around each other due to events and such, you two did actually become close. 

His parents owned a casino that he was never allowed to gamble in, despite him showing clear interest in the games and how everything worked. And also the fact that he wasn’t allowed in. But when he finally turned the legal age, you were there to celebrate his first win. And ever since then, you discovered something new about him: he really didn’t know when to stop gambling. 

As a child, you were, to put it bluntly, a shy and nervous person. You always have been. That was one of the things that set you and Chance apart. He was friendly and outgoing, while you leaned more towards the introverted side of things. But he didn’t mind that. Despite you being reserved and a little awkward, he somehow found ways to bring you out of your shell. 

Honestly? He found it amusing every time you’d fiddle with your fingers, pick or bite at your nails, avoid eye contact, and your absolute refusal to talk first. But that wasn’t a problem for him. He’d take the lead in most of your conversations at the start, rambling on and on about nothing as you’d sit beside them on a park bench, your hands gripping the worn-out wood and your eyes trained on your shoes. But… It wasn't so bad. You enjoyed hanging out with Chance.They were your first real friend. Your only friend, aside from a select few. And being best friends meant doing best friend activities.

You’d force them to make friendship bracelets with you. Your bracelet had a letter C charm on it, while theirs had your initial. You’d have sleepovers at their house and hide in blanket forts you two would spend all day making, eyes on the screen of your laptop in front of you two and hands reaching for the bowl of popcorn in between the two of you. None of you said anything when your hands touched. 

During your decades of friendship, he was with you during all of your highs and lows, all of your important milestones. He celebrated with you when you got your driver's license, celebrated with you when you finally graduated from university and were able to afford your own apartment (even taking you out to this ridiculously fancy restaurant that made you remember how much you missed foods that weren’t instant noodles and other disgusting abominations that would belong in a Uni struggle meal TikTok slideshow. He paid for it all despite your insistence, by the way). You were honestly quite grateful that your friendship lasted all the way to adulthood. 

Your social anxiety never proved to be that much of a problem when you were around Chance. Of course it’s gotten better since childhood, but it was still present in your life. You could recall a few instances where Chance would take the lead in things you weren’t too comfortable with; such as talking to cashiers, politely telling waiters and waitresses that they made your food wrong if you weren’t happy with it, all you had to do was look at them the same way you always did when you got a little too overwhelmed and they wouldn’t hesitate to do the talking. You could also recall instances where he’d subtly encourage you to try talking on your own. Chance’s plan started with cashiers. flashing you a smile or giving you a thumbs up while he stood a safe distance away; far enough for you to be independent but close enough to swoop in if things got too much for you. 

Of course, you had your fair share of quarrels, but you two normally managed to get over it with apologies from the both of you and promises to do better. That’s what you liked about your friendship; you’re always able to move past it. You’re always able to have the hard conversations. 

You’ve talked to Chance about things you could never say to anybody else, and so did he. You couldn’t recall just how many times you two have slept on call together, with just the presence of each other being enough to soothe you. Needless to say, you were great friends. And that never changed. 

Even when he introduced you to somebody he met at his Casino. 

“He’s a really great guy,” he enthused. “You’ll love him!” 

You had a bad feeling ever since you first met ITrapped. He was a tall Robloxian with long yellow hair that matched his skin that had a faint blue hue. His long hair looked shiny and soft - you had to hold yourself back from asking him about his routine - and was styled into a braid that hung on his right shoulder, and the bangs that framed his face were pushed messily to the sides. Atop his head sat an ice crown, and he wore blue earrings. His clothing consisted of a victorian-like fashion; a dark blue vest with a white dress shirt underneath, along with dark green pants. Over all of it was a dark blue cape lined in a thick layer of white fur. 

Everything about him seemed stunning, yet calculated. But something seemed off about him. Something about him seemed too good to be true. Maybe it was how snobby he appeared; like he thought he was somehow superior to his peers and those around him. Or maybe it was that smile that never seemed to reach his eyes; those cold, blue eyes that seemed to stare into the darkest depths of your soul. 

Regardless of the reasoning, he left a rather sour taste in your mouth. But you decided to be the bigger person and put your feelings aside rather fast after seeing Chance’s eyes dart between the two of you. They must’ve been waiting for one of you to break the silence; to introduce each other, shake hands, anything. 

And so you two did. Not fully by choice, but rather the unwillingness to dishearten Chance. At least, that much was true to you. 

From that day forward, iTrapped began to hang out with you two a lot more, and the tension between you and him began to get more noticeable. Not by Chance, though. 

You didn’t fully understand why you felt this way for him - or really what you felt. Was this jealousy? Insecurity? No matter what this feeling was, you knew one thing for certain. You didn’t trust him, not one bit. You tried to tell yourself that you weren’t jealous; that Chance was allowed to be friends with anyone he wanted. He was allowed to date or hang out with anybody he pleased, it would just be ugly and possessive of you to argue with that. But no matter how hard or how much you attempted to argue with yourself, you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to ITrapped than what meets the eye. Part of your gut was telling you that your best friend was being taken advantage of, the other was screaming... something. ITrapped always knew just what to tell Chance, always knew how to sprinkle in passive aggressive remarks that you could tell left an impact on Chance. You even found yourself comforting Chance after a few of those incidents. 

But they stayed. You didn’t know why. You didn’t know why even after everything, Chance still found it in their heart to forgive ITrapped; to open their arms once more and laugh with his other ‘best friend’ once more. You wished you had enough guts to bite back at ITrapped, but you had a gut feeling that Chance wouldn’t like that. But you also trusted Chance. He wasn’t stupid; he knows when people are trying to con them. So maybe you should trust them on this...

So you stayed silent. You wished you knew why.

Needless to say, you two didn’t like each other. One could even say you had a little bit of a rivalry between the two of you. Which is why you felt a tad bit guilty for feeling so relieved that he wouldn’t be hanging out with you two this time. 

You two were in Chance’s room in silence, each of you doing their own thing. You were on their bed, huddled up in one of their spare blankets with an open book in your hands. It was a romance novel. Romance was never your favourite genre, much less your go-to, but one of Chance’s family members bought you it on your birthday and you didn’t have the heart to correct her. Why did she make such a purchase for you? She may or may not have overheard a conversation between you and Chance where you had admitted you liked to read, and she may or may not have practically cornered you in his kitchen later that day and asked you about it. It started innocently enough; novels or comics? What authors? Series or not? 

That was until she reached the dreaded question, “What’s your favourite genre?” Fuck me, you thought to yourself. Not only was it totally nerve-wracking to talk to one of Chance’s family members alone in the kitchen late at night, but she was asking you about your interests. When’s the last time somebody ever asked you that? 

So you may or may not have stuttered; may or may not have panicked a little bit. May or may not have said the first thing that came to your mind. 

“Oh, uhm, uh... Romance.”

I’m going to kill myself.

She seemed to beam at that. She smiled ear to ear, nodding. She finally let you go, waving you off as you made your way to one of the guest rooms. You chalked the strange encounter up to her just trying to be nice and show interest in what you like. You know, with you practically already being part of the family. Thinking nothing else of the situation, you assumed that she’d forget about it and it wouldn’t be brought up ever again.

She’s been giving you those kinds of books ever since. At least you’re reading one of them now, you suppose. Better late than never. And this particular book was expensive...

You flipped the page silently, your focus solely on the novel and occasionally the tea that sat on a coaster on Chance’s nightstand. His bed was comfortable as you lay on your back, your eyes flickering between the words on the paper, their ceiling fan which also had a light, and Chance who was currently playing video games not too far away from you. You were, admittedly, a little tired; occasionally letting out quiet yawns and eventually grabbing your bookmark in the novel and closing it, putting the book back on the nightstand.

The room was dead silent, aside from the TV. The silence wasn’t awkward in the slightest; it never was. It was nice how you and Chance could just coexist in the same room - how there didn’t even need to be any talking between you two. Just your presence was enough for each other, and you really valued that. 

But the silence had to break eventually. Chance soon set the controller down, standing up and walking towards the bed. The TV screen was still on, displaying the menu screen. The mattress sank on the other end for a few moments before Chance fully laid down, his shoulder accidentally brushing against yours. Your face heated up, a light blush spreading across your cheeks as they got comfortable beside you. 

“So? Decided you had enough of reading?” They asked you, their tone low and gentle; it always got that way when you two were alone. You glanced at him and hummed in confirmation. “It’s good so far. A little irritating at times, but other scenes and some of the comedy bits make up for it.” You explained. They tilted their head slightly. 

“Yeah? Irritating how?” Chance questioned, taking one headphone off of his ear. You shrugged, your focus on the ceiling as you tried to find the words. “The author keeps, like, adding scenes where you think the main character is going to kiss the love interest, but they never do. Ever. It’s kind of annoying, actually.” He nodded, staying silent and allowing for you to continue. “The first few times it happened, I could understand it. Most people love a good slow burn. But it- um... Gets to a point, you know? Like, I’m over halfway through this novel, the main character has so many other good love interests, and I’m honestly losing hope that they’ll ever kiss.” 

They nodded, snickering. That got your attention, and you looked at him quizzically. “What’s so funny?” You asked, your brows furrowing in playful frustration. He grinned, lifting his hands in a defensive manner. “Nothing, nothing! You just... Don’t really strike me as the kind of person to read that kind of stuff.” “I wasn’t, until your lovely relative - bless her heart - practically forced an answer out of me when it came to what my favourite genre was.” You explained, cracking a smile. You yawned once again, your eyelids lowering just a bit. 

“Tired, huh?” Chance asked. You nodded. They seemed to understand, and you two laid together in silence. 

“...So, uh... Have you ever kissed anyone before?” That question was enough to catch Chance off guard. Their eyes darted to yours, and your gaze was locked on each other. He seemed genuinely surprised, and a little red in the face. Nonetheless, he coughed into his hand and broke eye contact, opting to look towards the TV instead. “Wow,” they eventually said. “That was forward. Where’d that come from?” 

You shrugged.  “I don’t know. I’m just... curious, I guess.” 

Chance stayed silent for a few moments, processing the question before eventually coming up with an answer. “...Maybe a few times, yeah. But it, uhm, wasn’t really anything serious. You know?” He confirmed. 

“What about you? Have you ever kissed anyone?” They asked. Your mouth opened as if to say something, only for nothing to come out. You were silent for a few moments as you tried to come up with an excuse that did not make you sound like a total bitchless loser. But unfortunately, you found none. Looks like you have to bite the bullet. 

“Mmm... No. I, uh, haven’t.” You sheepishly admitted, nervously taking your gaze off of him. 

He looked genuinely surprised at that. “Wait, seriously? Never?” They asked. You shook your head once more. 

“Never.”

“...Wow.” You playfully punched his upper arm, causing him to wince and rub at it. “Jerk.” You scoffed. Chance was quick to go red in the face, shaking his head in an effort to defend themself. “Ow-! No! I mean- I’m just surprised, that's all! I didn’t mean it like I was making fun of you. I’m not.” You knew they were telling the truth, but you couldn’t deny that you found the slightest bit of enjoyment watching them try not to fumble over their words while attempting to explain themself. 

You smiled, rolling your eyes. “I know,” you assured him. “But still... What do you mean ‘surprised?’” 

“You know. You’re just... really pretty. And thoughtful, and kind... it’s a miracle nobody’s tried yet.” He confessed. “If you’re up for it, I guess I could... teach you how.” their offer almost made you short circuit. You had a pretty good feeling that they were really nervous as well, judging by their hesitance to make eye contact with you. They seemed to notice your hesitance, as they were quick to add onto his sentence. 

“Of course, we don't have to. The last thing I want is to make you feel uncomfortable, or pressure you into doing something you don’t want to. It’s just that... We’re best friends. It’s the least I can do for you. It’s totally cool if you, uh, don’t want to, though.” They assured you.

Wait, was he being serious?

...ITrapped wasn’t here to ruin the moment, and you weren’t sure if this opportunity would seek you out again, so why not?

--

Your heart raced as they leaned in, lips parting like a question - or most likely an invitation. An invitation to succumb to your deepest desires; to give into temptation and walk the thin line you’ve both been dancing on ever since you’ve started feeling that loving ache in your chest. Or maybe it was more than that. Maybe it was more complex than that. The closer he got to your face, the more his eyes closed. You didn’t even fully remember tilting your head ever so subtly, leaning into their addicting touch that sent a spark igniting in your warm chest. 

“Do you want this? Are you sure?” They whispered, their eyes glancing at your lips as if trying to memorize them, and then back at your eyes. Those same eyes that they swore they could get lost in. 

“Yes,” you breathed. “Please.”

And so they broke the distance, their lips brushed against yours ever so softly; like they wanted to savour every moment that they had with you. Your hand brushed against his, and it wasn’t long before your fingers interlocked. You could feel their hot breath against you, and you couldn't stop yourself from resting a hand on the back of his head, their soft hair between your fingers.

His lips felt soft and warm as they locked with yours, the lingering taste of those chocolate Pocky Sticks evident on his breath. Those were one of their favourite snacks.

It wasn’t rushed. It was passionate. He took his time with you, constantly checking in on you to make sure you were okay; that you were comfortable. 

The room was silent, aside from the noises that came from you two every time one of you even slightly pulled away, only to go right back to where you left off. It was... peaceful. Passionate. Nerve-wracking. 

You weren’t sure what you were supposed to be doing; with your hands, with your breathing. But it wasn’t long before Chance gently grabbed your free hand, giving it a subtle yet reassuring squeeze. Then he whispered something to you under his breath. 

“It’s okay, relax. You’re doing fine. Just follow my lead, okay?” 

Even just the touch of his hands made you feel like you were going to short-circuit. You wanted to open your eyes. You wanted to bear witness to Chance; you wanted to see him at his most vulnerable. Sure, you’d seen him cry many times, but this just felt like pure intimacy. The kind of intimacy you were only capable of dreaming of prior to this. 

Every move, every touch, every breath filled you with euphoria. They were so gentle with you; as if one wrong move would leave you broken or shattered. Their hands travelled to different spots of you, and your hands did the same. Every touch and every whisper sent waves of shock throughout your body.

Though every good moment must end eventually. 

When they pulled away at last, their cheeks were a dark - yet beautiful- shade of red. “...Oh weasel diesel.” Their breaths came in rushed and heavy, staring at you as if you were a divine being blessing them with this opportunity. Truthfully, it should’ve been the other way around. But could you really blame them when they love you so much?  

Though admittedly, you weren’t any better. Your heart felt like it was beating a thousand miles a minute, your face felt like it was going to melt off, and you hid your face in your hands. This earned a smile from Chance, and a light chuckle soon afterwards.

“You did... good. That was good.” He praised. “And for your first time, too. Quick learner when faced with a professional, huh?” He joked. You rolled your eyes at him. It felt like his lips were still there - or maybe that was just you trying to not let go of the feeling. It was really hard to tell. “Yeah, a ‘professional.’” You teased. “You know, since you’re so confident, why don’t you teach me some more? You know, since you’re so experienced.”

Holy fuck what possessed you to say that? 

Was it years of their arrogance rubbing off on you? Years of them helping you grow bolder and less ashamed of every word you said? Or maybe it was your longing for more - the inappropriate yet thrilling intimacy being shared between you two?

...Yeah, that seemed right.

His eyes widened, and for once they almost seemed to be at a loss for words. Ironic, really, considering how he’d always act. But he was kind of cute like this, was he not?

“Oh! Uh.. Yeah, sure. Definitely. If you want to” He scratched the back of his head nervously.

Glorious (inside joke) image by Batterizzz on TikTok

[deerspherestudios]

Asking about Mycheal’s sense of morality and thoughts on kindness sort of got me thinking - what are his thoughts on justice?

Some examples on what I mean (that you do not have to specifically address!): If someone has harmed someone else, does he think that justifies hurting them back in any sense? And if someone in power continually abuses that power, does that justify hurting or killing them to prevent more harm in his opinion? Does it depend on the degree? Where does he draw the line? Or is it completely unacceptable - does he think we should always try to use mercy to solve conflicts? What about in situations where mercy can’t be used? And how does what he’d say verbally on the matter differ from how he’d actually act in a satiation where justice might be needed (eg. he says that he would never hurt anyone in any situation, but in reality there might be situations where he’d bring harm - or he says that he would hurt someone to prevent more damage but couldn’t bring himself to in reality). I’d be interested how his isolated upbringing impacted his thoughts on right and wrong as well - I’d imagine he prioritizes interpersonal relationships over the good of the whole (of any group he’s been rejected by especially), but, if so, by how much?

Again, these are just examples of generally what I’m going for by asking for his take on justice, please don’t feel pressured to answer any of the questions in that wall of a paragraph specifically! I’d love to hear your thoughts on his opinions in the area of morality in general - whatever comes to mind, even if it doesn’t relate to any of my example questions or the points I brought up. Thank you so much for your time and the love you pour into your work, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Oo now this is a doozy of a question, from an anon no less :-0! I actually love these kinds of questions, but save them in my draft for months until I'm up to answering since I wanna do my best for them haha. Now's the time for this question to shine!

Long!!!!!! (possibly mad?? character opinions about justice and morality???) ramble below:

Regarding justice, I find myself struggling to answer to be honest! While I, the creator, have my own views on it, I'm not sure how someone like Mychael would feel about the concept of justice. This kind of thing warrants a society, of which he is isolated from. You don't really bother to be justified if something you did was wrong unless it's in the eyes of someone else, if that makes sense? Otherwise you'd end up arguing with yourself. And when stuck between committing a crime to survive or moral righteousness, it's obvious which one he would go for.

From your example, he's not really the type to believe in "an eye for an eye" as he's a pretty forgiving person. But of course, an extreme situation would change his mind like any of us!!

Now morality is a pretty nuanced topic, but after digesting the question a bit and gathering my thoughts, for the sake of conversation, I think his sense of morality can be simplified into a few traits:

First, he tries to be kind in all situations.

In the past, he's seen cruelty and kindness, how humans are capable of both, and the effects of those actions. Whether it's towards himself or others, he obviously prefers the latter treatment over the former. No matter what, he'll try to do the good thing (or at least, what he perceives to be the good thing) in most situations. He's aware it's naive to think so, but when you claw for something to live for, he insists "kindness above everything" is the best he could hold on to without losing himself.

Second, at times, he will be self-serving.

Just because he tries to be kind, doesn't mean there aren't moments where he'll be selfish. While his self interest isn't his top priority, in the rare instance he wants or needs something for himself, he'll likely skew odds in his favor. This is kinda clear from the game itself with how he treats MC when they start pulling away from him (another example is how he got his chickens and it's implied he does shoplift groceries/supplies no matter what he wants you to think.)

And finally, mercy is a tricky thing.

Let's say we equate mercy to forgiveness or compassion. Already in the game we see Mychael being callous towards the injured rabbit but also refuses to kill Rosie even though she doesn't really serve a purpose anymore other than being an attachment for him. With that said, you are definitely correct in saying "he prioritizes interpersonal relationships over the good of the whole" since with his background, interpersonal relationships are few and far in between. He might forgive a lover of his for murdering someone in front of his face, but wouldn't do the same for a stranger. He doesn't have the same sense of a judicial system like us humans, so with the above traits combined, he'd brush off the frankly heinous crime easier than most.

I hope that answers the question? Re-reading my answer a bunch I'm not even sure if I gave the points you're asking for but mmMM I spent spoons on this so have it like so 🫴❤️❤️❤️!!

[peachhcs]

could we maybe get a glimpse of younger matt & bella or maybe their first kiss?

admitting feelings during truth or dare is kind of cliche but i feel like that's something that would've happened that led to them finally admitting their feelings HAHA

au masterlist

they'd been dancing a weird in between since school ended and now it was august and matt was leaving for erie in four days with no further progress made in their relationship. his friends kept telling him he needed to make a move or else he'd go to erie and she'd find someone else, basically pressuring and fear mongering the boy into asking bella out before someone else could. he knew their teasing was stupid, but a small part of him worried that what if it actually did happen?

what if some other guy asked bella out and she liked him more than matt because he'd be around more?

matt tried not to let himself think that though because him and bella did have something going it was just a matter of taking the next step to ask her out. the hockey player just didn't know how to..

bella was witty and liked things that were funny, always mumbling sarcastic remarks about homecoming asks, so matt wasn't sure if he did something similar that she would even like it. he wanted her to like it and his time was running out.

they sat in his room together while she helped him pack up his clothes. the only sound was the soft hum of music coming from bella's phone because she hated doing things in silence, always needing to listen to some type of podcast or music which was a bit ironic considering she was a tennis player and played most of her games in silence.

matt kept stealing glances at her from across the way, his mind replaying every scenario that would lead to him asking her out, but anytime he thought he had a good idea, he chickened and got scared to actually do it.

"you're really bringing all of these shirts?" bella raised her eyebrow after folding what felt like the 10th collared shirt matt owned.

"i mean i kind of have to. i'm a hockey player," the boy defended and bella slowly nodded.

"right. you have as much clothes as i do," she laughed. matt rolled his eyes though.

"i do not."

"yes, you do. you already have two full suitcases," they looked at the two big suitcases up against the wall. the hockey player flushed and then shrugged.

"it's all my suits. i have to have style for the games," matt defended, but bella wasn't buying it. she just smiled though as she continued folding and they fell into another comfortable silence.

the whole thing felt impossible even though it shouldn't be. matt knew bella like the back of his hand yet he had no idea how to ask her out.

the doubt clouded his mind faster than he could stop it. what if he really didn't know her? he cursed internally, shaking his head. he couldn't think like that. he did know bella.

"so are you excited or nervous or what?" the girl talked again, her eyes landing on the boy on the other side of the bed.

"maybe both? i'm excited to play but nervous to leave home," matt admitted.

"at least you're not too far away, so if you did need something it's really not that far from home," bella said and the boy nodded. that was the bright side of it and he was glad he wasn't going far, far from home. 3 hours was nothing.

"yeah, right. i'm excited for the experience though. i can't wait for you to come see me play," matt grinned and bella flushed.

"you better save me a front row seat. is that how it works?"

"i'm not sure, but i'll see what i can do," the two shared a smile and matt swore his heart felt like a firework anytime bella smiled at him like that. it was so sweet and soft, so much more softer than how she smiled at everyone else like he was her soft spot.

after another eon of packing, matt suggested going for ice cream at the local place down the street. him and bella walked side by side, their hands nearly brushing as she talked on about her summer intensive she was going to next week.

"charlie's gonna be there so i'm excited to see her. i may even go see her over in vancouver before school starts again," the tennis player beamed.

"that should be fun if you do it. i don't think i've been to vancouver in awhile," matt hummed. he kept eyeing bella's hand that was dangerously close to his, wanting to just intertwine their fingers but taking that jump seemed way too scary in his mind.

he was gonna be in erie by the time he got the courage to finally do something about these feelings.

bella got her usual moose tracks while matt stuck with plain mint. after paying, they sat at one of the benches, soaking up the warm weather and people watching. bella loved people watching, always having some type of story to make up about each person that walked by.

"i think it's their first date," she muttered quietly when her and matt looked over at two teenagers around their age at the next table over.

"what if they're like us though and just friends?" the boy wondered and the girl shrugged.

"maybe, but it's giving first date. he's all nervous and trying to impress her by talking about the goals he scored," bella hummed and matt eyed the two again.

now how did that guy gain the courage to ask her on a date? matt was desperate for some of that courage.

"she definitely looks like a newly divorced mom trying to keep her kids happy," bella pointed out another woman who just rolled up into the parking lot.

"i don't know if you can say things like that," matt said but the girl shrugged.

"do you think i'm wrong?"

he looked at the mom getting her 3 kids out of the car. the baby was crying and the other older two were tugging on her shirt impatiently.

"no.."

"exactly. i'd hate to be a mom stuck with 3 under 3 and no partner. like, that's my hell," bella shook her head.

"do you think you would be in a position where that would happen?"

"well, no. i hope my partner would never do that to me, but you never know. i could marry a man that hates me," matt blinked at her words. he was definitely certain that he wouldn't leave her, but he was getting ahead of himself. he hadn't even asked her out and he was already thinking about their future with kids.

"well, i hope you don't marry a man that hates you," matt mumbled and he missed the way bella eyed him as if she was trying to get him to take the hint. unfortunately, the boy was a bit blind when it came to that kind of thing.

the sat there for another half an hour just making up funny stories about people that walked by before deciding to head back to the house where the hockey player had a few more things he needed to pack away. bella mentioned how she needed to do her own packing and told matt she'd see him later when they hung out with some friends.

the brunette was a bit bummed, but that meant more time to devise a plan to ask her out. he sat with his thoughts while packing, testing out loud different things he could say but all of it seemed a bit corny after hearing it leave his lips.

"hey..brought this up. are you..talking to yourself?" johnny stuck his head into his little brother's room. matt's face burned in embarrassment.

"uh thanks and uh..no. i wasn't."

"are you asking bella out?" johnny being the older brother he was just had to poke his business into everything.

"uh..yeah," it was useless to deny it.

"i fucking knew you two would get together. i called that shit from a mile away. kind of bad timing though since you're leaving.." johnny came further into the room and his brother rolled his eyes.

"yeah, don't remind me. i've been trying to think of something clever but it's just..it's not sounding right," matt hoped his brother would have something better than what he was planning.

"well she's never liked anything extravagant, so you don't need to make it big. the best experience i've had is when nothing is planned and it just comes out on a whim. that's how you do it."

"yeah, but that's you. that's now how i do things," the younger boy rolled his eyes again.

"i'm just saying though. sometimes being unprompted is the best way. you're hanging out again tonight. maybe it will just come out then," johnny shrugged.

"i doubt it. i'd rather just stick to planning it out," matt said.

"okay, whatever you think, but don't be surprised when it just rolls off your tongue," johnny left the room much to matt's relief because he was actually being no help and the whole asking bella out thing was starting to feel hopeless.

maybe he really did just need to let her find a guy here that would be around and had more courage that matt did right now. the hockey player cursed to himself again, his thoughts sour.

jen made everyone punch and cut up some fruit knowing how much the kids liked to snack. matt paced back and forth across the kitchen, his mom eyeing him every time he passed the counter.

“what’s up, schaef?” she finally asked.

“it’s nothing,” matt shook his head but his mom knew him better than that. she raised her eyebrow.

“you’ve been pacing for five minutes now. is something wrong?”

“no, nothing’s wrong. just thinking,” the taller boy mumbled. jen didn’t usually pry and always wanted her boys to tell her things on their own time, but she hadn’t seen matt look so distressed in a long time, so she wanted to try and get something out of him.

“are you nervous about leaving?”

“like sort of,” he shrugged.

“i get it. it’s sad to leave all of your friends, but erie isn’t even that far from here. i’m sure everyone will wanna come down to see you,” jen assured and matt nodded.

she knew she still hadn’t gotten to the root of her son’s quietness though. he was a bit spaced out standing at the edge of the counter so jen kept talking, "when does bella leave for her summer intensive?"

matt's head snapped back to his mom at the mention of her, "uh..like a few days after i leave."

"is she sad you're leaving?"

"i think so, yeah. i dunno. she probably doesn't want me seeing her sad," the boy chuckled and his mom nodded.

"she's always been strong like that. you two have been hanging out a lot this summer."

"i mean we always hang out a lot," matt shrugged, not sure what his mom was getting at.

"i know, it just seems like more this summer. her mom and i always talked about how you two might end up together," jen was teasing but she quickly realized maybe the teasing was true because matt went quiet again. he looked at his mom and she raised her eyebrow.

"did i hit a nerve?" jen wondered and the hockey player flushed. he hid his face in his hands for a moment before nodding.

"we've been like..i don't know. figuring stuff out? we've been like..dancing around each other all summer and now i'm leaving and i just don't know what to do," matt admitted. his mom's expression softened out as she paused what she was doing to walk around the counter and hug him.

he folded into his mom's arms like she would just tell him everything would be okay.

"i get it. liking your best friend can be scary, especially when you're leaving, but if you really her then the distance doesn't matter."

"i know, but i just..i don't know how to like..ask her out. she's not the kind of girl who likes really showy things so i don't wanna disappoint her or something," matt frowned as he pulled away from his mom's hug.

"sometimes the best asks come when you're least expecting them. don't pressure yourself, okay? whatever happens, i know she'll like it," jen smiled.

"that's what johnny said. i just hate going with the flow. i'd rather have a plan and stick to it."

"and that's okay too, but i promise it will work out. don't worry," the older woman squeezed his arm. matt nodded, still feeling the same way he did before he told his mom what was going on, but this time he decided to take the advice and just hoped something would come out of his mouth by the end of the night.

—

"truth or dare, matt," bryce looked at the hockey player, a smirk on his features. the boy flushed and eyed his friend with a look that said "don't try anything" because he knew his friends would say something stupid.

they'd been playing truth or dare for the last hour, most of it being stupid dares like posting something embarrassing on a story. it was all lighthearted but matt knew his friends loved to stir the pot and with them knowing he'd been trying to ask bella out...they were bound to try something.

"truth," matt said, watching how bryce leaned back in his chair and looked at their other friends.

bella sat on matt's other side oblivious to the looks being shared.

"is it true you have a crush on bella?"

the entire group fell silent. matt’s face reddened and he didn’t even dare to look over at bella beside him. god, he should’ve known his friends would say something like that. bryce was snickering with the others and poor matt was too red in the face to say anything.

this was not how he planned for things to go.

“come on, matty. answer the question,” bryce urged but nothing fell from matt’s lips. he was frozen in fear and embarrassment.

“i’m gonna get more snacks,” bella determined, swiftly standing up and turning on her heel before matt could even look at her.

he watched how she went inside and then he glared at his friends when he regained his composure.

“dude,” he looked at them.

“what? it was about time,” bryce mumbled.

“why’d you chicken? you could’ve told her!” nathan exclaimed.

the hockey player shook them off, quickly standing to go find bella and apologize for whatever just happened. he ignored the way his friends mumbled things under their breath as he walked away.

when he slid the doors back open his gaze flicked around the kitchen in search of her. god, what if she hated him now?

he heard rustling coming from the pantry. matt carefully poked his head in, relieved when he saw bella reaching for a bag of peanuts. she was on her tiptoes, her fingers brushing the bag but she kept missing it. she turned when she felt matt’s presence.

“can you help?” she motioned to the bag.

“oh, yeah.”

he easily reached the top shelf. when he handed her the bag he studied her face for any hurt or whatever from bryce’s comment, but there wasn’t anything.

“what?” she laughed when she noticed matt staring at her.

“i’m uh..i’m sorry for..bryce. he was just being stupid,” matt shook his head but bella raised her eyebrow.

“why are you apologizing? it was funny.”

the hockey player blinked. he studied her face for another second and still, there was no hurt or anything in the expression.

“you thought it was funny?”

“well, yeah. i mean i know bryce is always joking with that stuff so i didn’t take it personally. plus, i don’t need bryce telling me you have a crush on me for me to find out,” she laughed again and matt was speechless.

she knew? the whole time?

“wait you know?” he muttered and bella nodded.

“for the record, i like you too and i know i wouldn’t marry a man that hates me because i know you could never hate me.”

there was so much that just happened in the last thirty seconds. bella was staring up at matt still while he tried wrapping his head around everything.

“is this the part where i ask you out?” it was all he could think of, his cheeks reddening but not out of embarrassment this time.

bella giggled, “if you want it to be.”

“would you wanna be my girlfriend?” he smiled and bella did too.

“i thought you’d never ask.”

it happened so fast. matt leaned down to close the space left between them, his lips on bella’s in seconds. it was cliche to kiss in the pantry, but it was also perfect.

sure, matt never had a full plan, but this was probably the best outcome he could’ve gotten.

when they pulled apart there were big smiles on each of their faces.

“ask me the truth or dare next and we’ll go shock them,” bella smirked and matt laughed.

they went back outside where the others watched them carefully. bryce raised his eyebrow, wondering if anything happened. matt didn’t say anything as he pretended to ponder who to choose next.

“okay, bella. truth or dare?”

“wait, wait. you didn’t even answer yours,” nathan cut in.

“no, it’s not true,” matt tried to hide the grin on his lips while his friends rolled their eyes.

he looked at bella who raised her eyebrow.

“truth or dare?”

“dare.”

“i dare you to kiss me,” matt said and without hesitation, she reached forward to capture matt’s lips in hers.

they could hear the gasps leave everyone’s lips watching them kiss.

“hold on a minute,” bryce spoke up, confusion written all over his features.

“oh something totally happened between them when they went inside!” nathan exclaimed.

matt and bella didn’t say anything except smile at each other when they pulled apart.

[rosygames-archive]

I’m finishing a few things before I post the new demo (just the prologue, around 2k words) on the new account (will link it here later). So, this will be my second to the last post here (last post will be linking the new account).

I know I said “last post here” like maybe three times (I guess it’s hard to let go, but also life was a bitch to me this year lol) but this really is it. It’s… weird, isn’t it? I can officially say this is a goodbye to the first The Rosy Ones. Allow me to… grieve it a little.

I started writing The Rosy Ones with a general idea of a story and an overwhelming desire to create Interactive Fiction. I have always been a big fan of it—from Choices, to Lovestruck, to finding my way over to Choice of Games/Hosted Games. I made a lot of haste decisions that ultimately ended up being scrapped when I actually sat down and thought about the story I wanted to tell. For those of you who weren’t there at the very start, it might come as a surprise that I first planned to have “houses” for the university, where the MC (not yet Rosetail) would be sorted into a certain house depending on their qualities. There was also a time when I was planning to let the readers choose what magical race their Rosetail is. For some time, the game only consisted of Geishehl’s death and Rosetail’s mother’s absence. Rosa wasn’t there yet, the Angel Guards were a last minute addition, and I only had a vague sense of romantic options in mind.

Then, I tried to actually plan and a bunch of those ideas were scrapped. It felt like using the Greek Gods to be the deities was too restricting, so I spent months trying to figure out whether I wanted to actually commit to creating new deities or not, then months more creating the lore and the new deities. It’s actually crazy to me now, as I look back on everything I’ve changed and redid. But to be perfectly honest? I don’t regret a single thing because I know I would’ve burned out of that previous demo and let go of the game if I didn’t take the risk and change it. I want to share that my adviser for my final project for uni had asked me, at the start of our relationship as adviser and advisee, to be courageous and honest with my work. She told me to allow myself to write whatever I wanted to write, regardless of how it might be received by others. This book is going to be heavily inspired by PH history, and I was honestly a little scared at first to lean so heavily into it because… well, it was actually a little dangerous back then and I also didn’t want to alienate any viewers. My adviser had made me realize that no matter what, some readers just won’t click with my game and so I should do what I want to do and not worry about any “alienation”. This is me doing that.

I have been MIA for so long—life just wasn’t kind at all. I am diagnosed Bipolar and I do not medicate because the medication made my life worse. This means that sometimes, I cannot control how my mood is and how it reacts to what happens around me. With several life-changing changes and revelations over the past two years, it’s actually a wonder that I’m here right now and posting the prologue to the new demo. I actually did it. It might seem small and insignificant to others, but I will not be embarrassed by the amount of effort it took to get here today.

I also want to thank everyone who read The Rosy Ones, even if you don’t join me in the new account. The support I received throughout the years has… basically saved me. I don’t know if I’ve ever said it here, but I badly burned out from writing before TRO. It had been years since I last wrote something of substance, and it felt like I was relearning writing. To see so many people say they liked the story, they liked the characters, and they thought I was at least a decent writer did wonders to my belief in myself and my writing. There are also those who believed in me enough to commission me to write for them—I remember y’all and I’m eternally grateful for the help and the support. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The next chapter is a little scary, to be very honest. Anxiety is taking over me at the moment, and I feel jittery all over. I don’t know what’ll happen next, but I really, really want to finish this game and let you all in on the vast little world I’d made up in my head. I want you all to meet all these new characters—important and insignificant ones, and to visit all these magical, fictional places, and to go through all these emotions I’d gone through as I was writing and planning it all. I am so excited, and I am so scared, but I’m doing it anyway.

Thank you to everyone here, and thank you to everyone who’ll join me on the next account. I hope this was a good experience, and I hope we’ll have more good experiences together (or not together!)

Goodbye.

[junplusone]

don't lie! a svt interactive series | ROUND 4

chapter warnings: language, main character death chapter word count: 1.2k

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TAGS: @ppyopulii @callis-corner @kkooongie @nerdycheol @helloiliketits @asyre @taesungx @imhereonlytoread @starshuas @avyskai @mochacoda @supi-wupi @purple-eustoma @wondering-out-loud @wooahoe @hanniesrock (fill out this form to be tagged!)

author's note: happy birthday to my dearest jay !!! also rae and calli bro ... u guys scare me /withlove

005 | SOONYOUNG: Why do I have a bad feeling about this? Did we all just get tricked?

012 | SEUNGKWAN: Probably not. Nobody in their right mind would have voted for him on just a hunch.

008 | MINGHAO, under his breath: You seem to have a lot of faith in all the wrong people.

[SEUNGKWAN hears this, despite MINGHAO’s quiet words. He rolls his eyes.]

012 | SEUNGKWAN: Hyung, don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll make it out of this game.

006 | WONWOO: We’ll see.

“THE DISCUSSION PERIOD HAS NOW CONCLUDED. PLAYER 006, A MAFIA, HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.”

005 | SOONYOUNG: What the fuck?

[WONWOO just bows his head. Guilt hangs over him like a cloud. SEUNGKWAN seems to freeze, lips moving but no sound coming out.]

012 | SEUNGKWAN: Hyung… you?

[There is a collective relief among the others that they’ve finally managed to eliminate a mafia member. However, nobody says anything. It had been clear how close WONWOO and SEUNGKWAN, and even CHAN, were from the very start of the game.]

006 | WONWOO, helplessly: I…

[SEUNGKWAN lunges at him, grabbing his collar with no hesitation. Alarmed, JOSHUA tries pulling him away, but to no avail.]

012 | SEUNGKWAN: How could you?

006 | WONWOO: I didn’t know! I didn’t know, okay? The sign said it was a game! How was I supposed to know we were all going to drop dead one by one?

[Something clicks. SEUNGKWAN loosens his grip slowly.]

012 | SEUNGKWAN: You chose Chan, didn’t you?

006 | WONWOO, desperately: I didn’t know–

012 | SEUNGKWAN: You chose Chan.

[WONWOO wipes a tear away just as SEUNGKWAN turns so he doesn’t have to look at his friend.]

004 | JUNHUI: Seungkwan, he didn’t know. He didn’t have a choice.

012 | SEUNGKWAN, bitterly: I wish you hadn’t said anything. I wish I just didn't know. Somehow this is worse than getting lasered into oblivion.

008 | MINGHAO: But it’s not exactly Wonwoo’s fault. It never is.

003 | JOSHUA: But that’s the worst part, isn’t it?

[SEUNGKWAN puts his head in his hands, doesn’t look at all when WONWOO’s body hits the floor, joining the casualties from the previous rounds. All friends, all held dear, all dead. Only JUNHUI and MINGHAO sit motionlessly. It’s a sight they’ve become accustomed to.]

010 | SEOKMIN: Well. At least we know Junhui’s hunches are infinitely better than Soonyoung’s.

005 | SOONYOUNG: Yeah, how did you know?

010 | SEOKMIN, at SOONYOUNG: Hey, sit down. There's still two more mafia. Just because we got one doesn’t mean you’re off the hook yet. 

003 | JOSHUA: Or you – [he points at JEONGHAN] – for lying through your damn teeth about your role.

002 | JEONGHAN: Oh, forgive me for trying to provide some comedic relief in these trying times.

[He is met with blank expressions, and throws up his hands in defeat.]

005 | SOONYOUNG: Guys, listen to me. It’s really not me. I promise!

010 | SEOKMIN: I don’t know about the rest of you, but I really don’t trust him.

008 | MINGHAO: You only think that because his lunacy meant your friend had to die. Do you have a more valid reason than that?

010 | SEOKMIN: Do I need one? You’d feel the same way if someone got Junhui voted off and he turned out to be innocent.

[MINGHAO frowns deeply.]

008 | MINGHAO: I’m not letting that happen. And he is innocent.

010 | SEOKMIN: And you know that for sure?

002 | JEONGHAN: Guys, let’s not fight. It’s not helping us at all. 

011 | VERNON, to JOSHUA: I think I’m developing a headache.

003 | JOSHUA: You think we can find aspirin here, wherever here is?

011 | VERNON, with a tiny smile: Let’s survive this sick game and then we can find out.

[SEUNGKWAN has not said a word this whole time. In fact, he has not moved an inch. But he has been observing one player in particular as everyone talks.]

“NIGHT HAS FALLEN. EVERYONE, LOWER YOUR HEADS.”

005 | SOONYOUNG, to himself: How am I even still alive?

“MAFIA, RAISE YOUR HEADS. ON YOUR DEVICE, SELECT ONE PLAYER YOU WOULD LIKE TO ELIMINATE.”

[The two remaining mafia lift their heads and lock eyes with each other. They nod, apparently in agreement, but they end up selecting different players to eliminate.]

“MAFIA, LOWER YOUR HEADS. DETECTIVE, RAISE YOUR HEAD AND SELECT ONE PLAYER ON YOUR DEVICE WHOSE IDENTITY YOU WOULD LIKE TO REVEAL.”

[A green light blinks on the screen. The detective is only mildly surprised, then wonders if he’s wasted his ability this round.]

“DETECTIVE, LOWER YOUR HEAD. DOCTOR, RAISE YOUR HEAD AND SELECT A PLAYER ON YOUR DEVICE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAVE.”

[The doctor is quick with this decision, certain he’s done the right thing.]

“DOCTOR, LOWER YOUR HEAD. MORNING HAS COME. EVERYONE, RAISE YOUR HEADS.”

[Everyone seems anxious, and with good reason. Any of them could be the next body on the floor.]

“NO PLAYER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. EVERYONE, YOUR THIRTY MINUTE DISCUSSION PERIOD BEGINS NOW.”

002 | JEONGHAN: Wow, doctor. Your instincts must be real good.

011 | VERNON, to JOSHUA: Hyung, good job.

005 | SOONYOUNG: How am I still alive?

011 | VERNON: Yeah, how?

008 | MINGHAO: If you keep saying that, you’re going to die next round. Don’t jinx yourself.

[The players look a little relieved. However, the mafia shoot each other confused looks, wondering where they possibly could have gone wrong.]

004 | JUNHUI: Doc, did you save yourself?

003 | JOSHUA: Yeah, I had to. No way was I gonna live after exposing my role like that.

010 | SEOKMIN: Well, we need to vote now, regardless.

004 | JUNHUI, pensive: I’m still really suspicious of Soonyoung, honestly.

002 | JEONGHAN: Should we just do that and hope he’s right again?

005 | SOONYOUNG: God, can’t the detective just check me already? I can’t keep defending myself if you’re all going to corner me like this!

[The argument becomes more heated as everyone’s voices rise. At around the twenty minute mark, they decide to space out and avoid a larger conflict between themselves. JUNHUI and MINGHAO sit with their backs against the wall, contemplating.]

004 | JUNHUI: We really need to get this one right this time. It’s already the fourth round.

008 | MINGHAO: Hmm. I do wonder, though, how Soonyoung is still alive. Crazy, isn’t it?

004 | JUNHUI: Yes.

[JUNHUI shifts so his head rests on his cousin’s arm, a more comfortable position from earlier.]

004 | JUNHUI: Thanks for encouraging me to speak up. About Wonwoo, I mean. I didn’t want to. I was worried I’d get targeted, like Soonyoung.

008 | MINGHAO: That’s all right. That’s what I’m here for. And for what it’s worth, your instincts have always been good.

[JUNHUI chuckles. Across the bar, JEONGHAN speaks urgently with SEOKMIN.]

002 | JEONGHAN: We have to vote right this time. And next round. Then we can find a way to get out of here.

010 | SEOKMIN: Where even is here? Were Junhui and Minghao right? Are there more games?

002 | JEONGHAN: I don’t know.

[SEOKMIN sighs, clearly distressed. He tries his best not to look at the bodies on the floor and worry about he could be the very next one. He has never done well in situations like this, and he is more thankful than ever that he has his close friend by his side.]

002 | JEONGHAN: Seokmin, it isn’t you right? You’re not the mafia?

010 | SEOKMIN, horrified: No, hyung. God, no.

002 | JEONGHAN: Okay, good. I think I have a vague idea of what’s going on. I just needed to hear that from you.

010 | SEOKMIN, carefully: Are you sure about what happened during the role assignment, hyung? Tell me honestly. 

002 | JEONGHAN, a bit miffed: Yes, Seokmin. I am. I told you already.

010 | SEOKMIN, doubtful: Right, right…

[JEONGHAN and SEOKMIN lean against the cool granite, surveying the bar. Eight players, two mafia, and three regular civilians. How to tell them apart? How to win the game and make it out alive?]

“THE DISCUSSION PERIOD HAS NOW CONCLUDED. PLEASE PLACE YOUR VOTES ON YOUR DEVICES.”

005 | SOONYOUNG: Whoever votes me better get voted off next. I swear to god…

008 | MINGHAO: Well, don’t swear. You might have better luck then.

010 | SEOKMIN: Guys, come on. We got one mafia already, we can get the rest!

[JUNHUI nods in agreement. SEUNGKWAN sighs, finally moving himself to grab his device from the floor so that he can vote. He has made up his mind.]

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[driftvoid]

Time, they would have plenty of. Any complicated questions could at least wait for another day, and it was easier to keep the conversation going, talking about things that might not have seen important at first glance, and yet still made them individuals. It meant, he learned something about Luke; what interests and hobbies he had like any normal teenager his age. The death of Sarah Jane didn’t have to be anything they talked about, even if it was still hanging over them.

Another chip vanished from his plate, while he listened to Luke’s answer, and then nodded to show he had been listening. “ – Glad it gives you some time to think. Usually, I also know when it’s best to stop talking. In contrast to me mum, who can talk your ear off if you just let her. But she means well. Always was a people person, and I think I’ve got that from her, too.” Perhaps the job in admin wouldn’t be the worst pick after all? He was good with people; he had been punished for insubordination plenty of times and was familiar with forms, documents and UNIT’s filing system. It started to sound, to him, as though it was just meant to be. Sooner or later, he would have chosen a new position rather than retirement anyway. He knew himself. He knew he couldn’t get out of this job, meaning UNIT, if he tried.

He smiled at his own thoughts and about Luke asking him the same questions back. “ – not science. Or maths. My favourite subject was always history. I did my A-levels in history. Among other subjects. Like French. That comes in useful if you travel a lot. – And for sports, I’d say I’m somewhat interested in football. My brother was always the bigger fan, but I used to take him to any match I could afford tickets to. – So, it’s my turn now again? Favourite colour? Any hobbies beside video games?”

Luke slipped more chips into his mouth at Ed’s prompting, and as he listened to what he had to say. “You do talk a lot,” he confirmed, “but it gives me time to think. I will sometimes leave silences hanging, making the conversation feel awkward. It only really happens when I am unsure what to say next.” This conversation gave him plenty of thoughts to expand on.

He grinned at one of the simple questions, having an answer immediately. “Science, specifically physics. Maths is a close second.” The second question got an amused sigh and a shake of his head. “No sports interest me, though I do enjoy video games.” These questions did not bother him. He knew bothersome questions were coming eventually, but he had time. 

“You asked me, now I want you to answer those same questions.” He wondered if he could find some common ground. After all, the man did work for UNIT.

[seiwas]

sellllllll it's meeeeee. hehehehehehehehehhehe

so for ur writing exercises.... deku + light? please? pretty please?

:3c

heheh heheh hehe niku. this will be the death of me. me writing izuku for the first time 🥲 i will only do this for you </3

contains: established relationship, spoilers for the end of the manga, aged up deku but sometime in between the final outcome (he doesn't get the h*** s*** from bakugo yet), mentions of sex and scars

deku + light

izuku only sleeps with the lights off.

it isn't uncommon; many people you know can't sleep with even just a sliver of light turned on somewhere in the room. but the difference with izuku, you learn, is not that he's unable to stand the light―it's that he refuses to.

you quickly pick up on it the first few times he sleeps over.

he fidgets in bed, pretty badly, actually. the nightlight you sleep with glows a warm yellow, illuminating the side of your face and coating him in its afterglow. you chalk it up to nerves, how he pulls at his sleeves and adjusts his position constantly; he is, after all, one of the most anxious people you know.

and this relationship―it's new. heck, even you feel a little jittery with his arm wrapped around you.

the rhythmic tapping on your hip only increases pace. you don't think he realizes it, so your hand gently reaches for his, intertwining your fingers as you turn around in his arms.

he's close, nearly touching you nose-to-nose; the proximity leaves you fuzzy, a little ticklish, so you giggle, a soft "oops," as the freckles dusting his face almost glisten under the warm light.

"hi," you whisper, meeting his eyes; they stare back at you wide in surprise, "can't sleep?"

he looks almost guilty at your question, as if you’ve caught him with the one thing he's been trying to keep from you.

"just—" his voice comes out louder than intended, prompting him to chuckle nervously as he readjusts his volume, "just winding down, sorry."

you inch closer, nuzzling his nose lightly, "it's okay."

"did i wake you?" he asks, cheeks flushing pink as his eyebrows furrow in immediate concern. his expression is something caught between stifling a grin and feeling sorry.

you shake your head against the pillow you share, strands of your hair tangling with his. "just winding down," you tease, watching as his gaze turns softer, eyelids drooping heavier.

sometimes, you think, izuku holds the world in his eyes―a deep, dark green, the color of life. most times, they look at you with wonderment, bright and alive; photos from inko tell you they're the eyes of his inner child.

on nights like this one, however, they hide a depth in them weighted by what you can only assume is time, and all that has happened to him in such a short span of it.

you try your best to understand what lies beneath them, knowing full well he'll never tell you outright what truly bothers him.

"is it the light?" you bring up, some time after laying in silence.

"hm?" he clarifies.

"do you have a hard time sleeping with the nightlight?"

his eyes widen briefly once more, as if shocked that you've caught him again. these split second reactions are ones you've learned to be attentive to when it comes to izuku.

"no," he tries to lie, but you know better as you turn to your nightstand and reach for its switch, "you don't–"

"it was hurting my eyes," you quickly make up an excuse, tucking yourself closer under his chin as you cut off his attempt to deny it again.

finding out that the light was the problem was the easy part—

you'd begun to notice much earlier on that izuku was barely rested on the nights he'd spend at your place. it was only when your old nightlight broke that you began to notice him waking up much later than you did, groggily rousing from a deep sleep.

—what was hard, was figuring out why.

at first, you suspected it was his scars.

"s-sorry, it's not—" he'd warned you, right as your hands gripped the hem of his shirt the first time you were about to have sex, "—it's not nice."

you didn't care though; you still don't care, and you've made that abundantly clear to him since. you love izuku and all his parts―all the nicks and jaggedy pieces of skin that make up who he is.

when you eventually ask him about it, with a request that he be honest with you for once, he tells you that it is and it isn't―the reason why he exclusively sleeps with the lights off, that is.

it's an odd, comforting relationship he has with his body—that he is simultaneously grateful and sorry for how its become a canvas, both painted and marred to symbolize japan’s historic last stand.

you find out the real reason when you catch him staring at his hands.

he does it often, when he thinks you aren't looking—his fists bunched up in the same way he used to watch the power of one for all course through his fingertips; the same way he used to prepare them in battle.

there’s a faraway look in his eyes that lingers, you notice—a little wistful if anything.

“do you miss it?” you finally ask. he gives you the same shocked look he does every time, as if he’s been caught with a secret he’s been trying to hide.

he’s learned a fair bit about you now, too, though—lying to you is futile when you’ve perfected reading his truth. he stares at his fists again as you take a seat beside him, moving to give you space. you rest your head on his shoulder gently, waiting.

“sometimes,” he admits, but you know it’s an understatement.

“i think about the vestiges a lot. i miss them the most, i think,” he continues, clenching his fists tightly, “i always try to reach out to them, but i guess it doesn’t work that way.”

“i… i try to replicate the right conditions every night, but…” then he lets go, stretching his fingers out wide. the scars on the surface ripple through his skin, telling its own story.

you hum, acknowledging what he means. silence sits with the two of you as you take his hand in yours, slowly unfurling his fingers until his palm reveals itself to you. it’s rough to the touch, seasoned with hard work and all that he’s been through.

“is that why you prefer the dark?” you ask softly, after some time.

it's not often that you stay up later than izuku does. when you do though, you catch him shifting in bed, moving from side-to-side. you pretend you aren't awake, but you hear him mumble their names, dwindling in volume as he dozes off to sleep.

he stares at his palm for a moment before he admits quietly, "yeah." his brows furrow as if contemplating whether to say more, but he shakes his head, dark green strands swaying to the beat of his embarrassed chuckle, "nevermind, it's silly."

"it's not."

you intertwine your fingers, sandwiching his hand between yours. a slight sheen glosses over his eyes as he tilts his head up to look at you. he draws in a breath, before it spills over.

"it's..." he finds the words, and you squeeze his hand in comfort, "it's easier to believe it was all real when the lights are out, and that maybe it can happen again."

[vaguely-concerned]

for various rl and depression reasons I haven't actually gotten to play da:tv for quite a few days now, and I cannot adequately convey to you the sheer hilarity of the effect hearing lucanis' voice again just had on me. I was fully in the deepest trough of a depressive slump, still breathing but by no means what I would describe as 'alive', heard him Say Something (as he does), and immediately something in my soul went 'oh yeah no this changes everything actually I just forgot for a moment there sorry for the inconvenience'. like my depression is not healed or anything (it never is :') ) but it did lift its crushing weight from my entire being by a significant amount and let discernible light in where there had been pitch dark unshifting misery before. this is so funny. no real life human contact or warmth, no high ideals, no wise words encouraging hope, no awe nor curiosity over the infinite complexity and wonder of the universe has managed to do what lucanis dellamorte breezily coming to terms with the grand necropolis by grasping its role in nevarra's financial system just did in an instant, 'what like it's hard' style. no one is more baffled than me to find that it's not even a bit he just does that to me. that literally just happened. mary kirby I unironically kind of owe you my life

[sanchoyoscribbles]

maybe link should consider that I filled my inventory with salted milky smoothies right before the fight and spent all that time leveling up the sword and energy gauges tho ...🥲

[yellllowstar]

slowly I'm recovering the beauty of discovery

(creature by half•alive)

(textless + timelapse below cut)

[smile-files]

guys. i need your opinion of this. because i'm genuinely so confused now

what time period is the professor layton series in?? the prequel trilogy and the main trilogy. when are they supposed to be taking place

i could've sworn one of the games (though i forget which) mentions that someone's been to the moon already which would put them at least in the late 60s into the 70s going by our world's timeline... but i don't know maybe space travel was discovered earlier in this universe???

[dykedvonte]

I'm probably going to post about this on the MW subreddit, but I still find it pretty hilarious that most fans assume the "struggles" Jimbalaya was dealing with back on Earth were related to criminal acts (usually in order to demonize Curly) meanwhile most of the pieces of clues I've gathered from the HFIM dlc and the QnAs we got about the characters' lives have lead me to believe Jimbalaya's struggles were about poverty.

In the HFIM dlc we're pretty clearly playing a fish version of Jimbalaya, and the whole game is about how a capitalistic system ruins people (fish) and those that climb up help perpetuate the system and those that go down just get eaten. So it's pretty interesting to me that Jimbalaya fish even after consuming other fish and items... keeps going down.

But it was the third QnA that sealed it for me. Curly's hobbies are around a lot of friends and family that he could join interesting things. And of course play snow sports in Winter. Winter snow sports... which let's be honest is a pretty expensive hobby to have. Meanwhile, Jimbalaya can't afford any hobbies other than joining one with Curly.

I think this kinda just adds more fuel for Jimbalaya to both envy yet aspire to be like Curly.

I dunno, it's just fascinating to me watching so many fans claim the "struggles" were so obviously to do with crime when most of the current evidence I noticed seems to point towards money related issues.

-🌟 Anon

I think both are valid and valuable interpretations that’s the MW fandom makes but I think the major problem with it is the severity in which they make Jimmy out to be every factor wrong with men in society.

Like I think it’s interesting to use the idea he has some record, misdemeanors/petty stuff, that has complied to make his life more difficult. It’s all his own doing for his entitlement and general behavior but it can also be used to comment on Capitalism banking on desperation and envy. A lot of his actions are desperate because he knows his crimes on the Tulpar will make it virtually to climb any ladder, anywhere anymore due to their weight. Like in the end the problem is undeniably how the proverbial rat race creates environments that fosters Jimmy’s and creates ineffective systems like Curly represents.

Curly on the other hand benefits from the corporate part of it with his financial freedom, stability and prestige but he too is socially stagnant, deeply unhappy in the identities placed on to him and unrecognizable as anything other than a cog in the machine. I think this goes in tandem with the other members too as the identities placed onto them in the scenario all represent stages in capitalism and class discrepancies: Anya represents largely marginalized identities (particularly women in blue collar fields/harassment) and how they ultimately have to fend for themselves. Daisuke a sort of perception of both a class between Curly and the rest, protected no matter the effects of the establishment due to his home life but at the same time he is the metaphorical future gen, things stripped from him as the older generations squabble amongst themselves in private conversations leaving him unequipped. Then there’s Swansea being sort of those who have lived through it, knowing how it ends but ultimately still lack the skills, resources and want to change it, letting it cycle.

The entire thing with Jimmy circles back to the fandom ultimately wanting easy solutions to the events in the games, a face to blame and a weird black and white thinking to issues that are dangerous to view that way.

[annihilatius]

I just beat Bendy and The Ink Machine for the first time today (finally, I know), and I might make a post talking about my opinions on it more in depth, but the one thing I will say is that I don't get how people can look at the "remember to check in, it could SAVE your job" poster beside the punch-in station that acts as a way to save the game, the "I'm outta here" running gag, the Bertram boss fight + the lead-up to it, and the credits sequence with art of the characters, and genuinely say in response, "This game is a soulless cash grab just meant to capitalize off the genre with no love behind it." Dude, if the Bendy franchise was actually shameless, none of these things would exist, and the sequel wouldn't have bothered to improve on anything that was constantly criticized about the first

[dimiclaudeblaigan]

If there is at least one thing I can credit FE for doing better than Tales in localization, it's not trying to actively go out of their way for an entire game to avoid subtext or direct text between two men that is romantic or implied romantic. Funny when it's so present that the attempt doesn't even work; infuriating that it was attempted to begin with.

So as much as I often have issues with some of FE's localizations, at least they have a leg up on loc Tales for that.

[jellyloveru]

we need more decay girls. NOW