#regaining creative fuel

[brightgoat]

so, the billsona trend ey?

[conjured-osteon]

{Gunna be moving into our new place as of next week an I am detERMIND TO START CREATING MORE AGAIN}

{and more time to try making a ref sheet for Marrow's horns cause holy Hell I've been sucking at angling those things :'D I should make a 3D model}

{Phew just popping in, I haven't the foggiest clue if anyone still actively follows dear ol'Marrow/has interest but if so, I wanted to say sorry about being so very uh, dead :'} I'm finding this year consistently unkind but I'm also learning it being of similar vibes with quite the number of folks I know, too. M'hoping to get back here at some point, I really wanna work on m'lad here an some other characters that've only been glimpsed thus far, but I'm being quite set on taking my time with it all.

Who knows I might do a soft ReBoot of things since setting things out to be more Original Works vs Fan Centered.}

[pxnsneverland]

Heartbreak Hotel | austin!elvis x oc (part 1)

(gif source: theresalwaysep)

plot summary: Angel Casteel is a small town girl who lucked into working as a costume designer at a film studio. Unfortunately, her confidence in herself wavers as she is assigned to work with Elvis on his latest motion picture. Overcome by his star power at first, she slowly starts to realize there is a man behind the fame, a man she understands. But as they grow closer, the world grows more turbulent, especially Elvis's world. Will this Angel be able to save Elvis from himself and the people around him? Or will getting mixed up in his word prove to be her downfall as well?

pairings: austin!elvis x oc

word count: 2741

warnings/notes: N/A

Chapter 1: The Costumer's Dance with The King

As Angel Casteel strolled along the winding pathways of the bustling studio, her mind was consumed with a whirlwind of thoughts. Each step she took brought her closer to her latest assignment, igniting a sense of anticipation within her. The air was thick with creative energy, as fellow artists immersed themselves in their respective projects. The vibrant atmosphere seemed to fuel her imagination, as she pondered the task that lay ahead. She found herself transfixed, her gaze locked upon the delicate piece of paper that had been handed to her by the front office. A sense of apprehension coursed through her veins, causing her to momentarily freeze in her tracks. It was in that very moment that the realization struck her like a bolt of lightning, electrifying her every nerve. As fate would have it, she found herself bestowed with a remarkable opportunity - a chance to be a part of the mesmerizing world of Elvis Presley's latest motion picture. The sheer magnitude of this moment was not lost on me, for she was entrusted with the task of personally adorning the legendary icon with his costumes for the big screen. Angel found myself staring at the assignment card in her hands as if hoping to uncover some hidden mistake. As she carefully examined the photograph, her eyes were immediately drawn to the bold letters inscribed on the back. ANGEL CASTEEL. It was as if the air had been violently expelled from her lungs. In that instant, time seemed to stand still, as she struggled to regain her composure. In the grand tapestry of music history, there emerged a man whose brilliance outshone all others - Elvis Presley. With his magnetic charisma and unparalleled talent, he ascended to the pinnacle of stardom, becoming a celestial figure in the realm of entertainment. The world, captivated by his mesmerizing voice and electrifying performances, bestowed upon him the title of the biggest star to ever grace the stage. The weight of his authority hung heavy in the air. Angel knew that one wrong move, one ill-chosen word, could spell disaster for her future in this place. The thought of crossing him sent shivers down her spine. The consequences were clear - a swift and merciless termination, her dreams shattered in an instant. The disapproving whispers of her parents echoed in her mind. The prospect of facing her family, her head held low in defeat, was a bitter pill to swallow. It seemed as though the world was determined to prove her parents right about her ill-fated choice to forgo college and embark on an uncertain journey to the land of dreams. The allure of California, with its promises of opportunity and adventure, had once beckoned her like a siren's call. But now, as reality set in, the weight of her decision pressed heavily upon her conscience.  She felt her body physically tremble at the mere notion of it.

With resolve hardening in her chest, Angel took a deep breath and forced her feet to move forward. She mustered the courage that had brought her from her small town to the heart of Hollywood, reminding herself of the countless nights spent sketching designs by the dim light of her old desk lamp, dreaming of a moment like this.

As she approached the opulent dressing room marked with Elvis Presley's name adorned in glittering gold, her pace slowed. Her hand hovered over the door handle, the cold metal feeling like a threshold to a new world. Taking another steadying breath, Angel pushed the door open.

The room was lavish, befitting a star of Elvis's magnitude. The air was scented with a mix of leather and aftershave, and the walls were lined with mirrors and photographs of famous movie scenes. At the center, seated in front of a vanity mirror, was Elvis himself, his back to her, engrossed in conversation with an old man who appeared to be his manager.

Angel cleared her throat softly, announcing her presence. Elvis turned around, his legendary smile warming the room instantly. “Hey there, darling. You must be the one behind my wardrobe for this film.”

Flustered but thrilled, I shook his outstretched hand, but was unable to make any words spill from my mouth. The old man Elvis had been talking to placed both hands on the top of his cane with a smile that seemed slightly forced. “She’s a pretty one, my boy. Don’t go getting yourself distracted here.”

Elvis glanced back at the man laughing. “Ah, don’t scare her, Colonel.” He turned back to Angel. “Don’t listen to nothin’ the Colonel says. He likes to make jokes. I’m Elvis and this is my manager Colonel Tom Parker. What’s your name, darlin’?”

Angel took a deep breath, her nerves momentarily calmed by the congeniality of Elvis's tone. "I'm Angel Casteel, Mr. Presley," she managed to say, her voice steadier than she felt.

Elvis chuckled softly. "Well, Angel…ain’t that just a fitting name for a beauty like you? And just call me Elvis. Mr. Presley is my Daddy. I ain’t that old yet.”

His laughter was infectious, and Angel found herself smiling, the tension easing from her shoulders.. “You don’t look old at all, Elvis.” His name felt foreign on her lips but she found a strange comfort in it.

“You’re bein’ too nice.” Elvis gestured towards a plush, velvet couch. "Come on over here and show me what you’ve got.”

Angel moved gracefully toward the couch, clutching the portfolio that contained all her carefully crafted designs. As she laid the sketches out on the low coffee table, her hands trembled slightly, betraying her nervous excitement.

Elvis leaned forward, his keen eyes scanning each design with an intensity that made Angel's heart skip a beat. He paused at one of the sketches, a sleek, black leather jacket paired with a high-collar, white silk shirt. "Now, this is something else," he remarked, his voice laced with genuine interest. "Tell me about this one."

Gathering her thoughts, Angel explained, "I wanted to combine traditional rock 'n' roll elements with a touch of modern flair.”

Elvis nodded appreciatively. "I like that. It’s got edge but still classy.”

"I was thinking something vibrant for the dance scenes," Angel said, pointing to a sketch of a shimmering gold jacket. "Something that catches the light and complements your dynamic movements."

Elvis picked up the sketch, his eyes lighting up. “You’ve got a real talent, Angel."

Flushed with pride and relief at his approval, Angel continued to show him other designs, each receiving thoughtful consideration and encouraging words from Elvis. Colonel Parker observed quietly from the side, occasionally interjecting with practical considerations about fabric choices and stage logistics.

As the afternoon wore on, the initial tension that had cocooned Angel upon her entrance gradually dissolved into a comfortable camaraderie. Elvis seemed genuinely interested in her thoughts and ideas, often asking for her opinion on other aspects of his wardrobe beyond the immediate needs of the film. It was a collaborative atmosphere that she had only dreamed of, one where her visions and suggestions were not only heard but respected.

“Angel, you’ve got an eye for this stuff,” Elvis said as he stood up to stretch his legs, “I think we’re gonna make a great team.”

Angel nodded enthusiastically. “I think so too.”

Elvis grinned, clapping her lightly on the shoulder. “Great! Let’s keep this momentum going. Maybe after we wrap up here, we could grab some dinner? There’s a little place not too far from here that makes the best Southern fried chicken you’ll ever taste.”

The casual invitation sent a thrill through Angel’s heart. Dinner with Elvis Presley? The very thought was almost too much to fathom. Hesitantly, she accepted. "That sounds wonderful, Elvis. I'd love to."

Elvis's smile broadened, lighting up his face with a boyish charm that few could resist. "Fantastic! It’s a date then," he said, a playful tone in his voice that made Angel's heart flutter with excitement.

Walking out of the dressing room together felt surreal to Angel. The movie crew, like a swarm of bees, descended upon him, their eager hands guiding him towards the sound stage to finish out the filming for the day. Silently, Angel trailed behind, her eyes fixed on him as he came to a halt. He engaged in conversation with the main actress, the one who portrayed the female lead and served as Elvis's love interest in the film. She stood before him, a vision of beauty. Her face adorned with carefully applied makeup, enhancing her features and accentuating her natural charm. Her luscious blond locks cascaded in perfect curls, framing her face with an air of elegance. Clad in a swimsuit that showcased her long, slender legs, she left little to the imagination. As he flashed a warm smile in her direction, Angel’s heart skipped a beat, and a sudden realization washed over her. It was a truth that had been lurking. Elvis only wanted to be kind. With her jet-black hair and eyes, the color of a moonlit sea, she was nowhere near attractive enough. Her skin was too pale, and her clothing was simply thrift shop finds that suited her well. In the vast expanse of the universe, their souls resided on separate solar systems, as distant from each other as the stars. With a heavy sigh escaping her lips, she trudged forward.

Angel's thoughts churned as she watched Elvis interact with the stunning actress. The way he laughed, the casual touch of his hand on her arm, it all seemed so effortless, so perfect. A pang of jealousy twisted in her stomach, not because she wanted Elvis for herself—she was too practical for such fantasies—but because she feared that their budding professional friendship might suffer from his divided attentions. The stark contrast between their worlds couldn't be more pronounced in her eyes; where he shone brightly, she felt dimmed by her own perceived ordinariness.

Yet, as she lingered by the edges of the bustling set, a soft hand touched her shoulder, startling her from her reverie. It was Elvis, who had extricated himself from the crowd and come over to find her. His smile was still present, but his eyes held a hint of concern. "Hey, you alright?" he asked gently.

Angel forced a smile, nodding unconvincingly. "Yes, just... overwhelmed," she managed to say, gesturing vaguely towards the chaos of the film set.

Elvis's expression softened, a mixture of understanding and empathy crossing his features. "It can get a bit much, huh?" he said, drawing her slightly away from the throng. "But you, Angel, you belong here just as much as anyone else. Look at me. Just a hillbilly who lucked into all this. Most of the time I don’t even really know what I’m doin’.”

His words, warm and sincere, were a balm to her jangled nerves. “You’re doing wonderfully, Elvis. Everyone can see that.” Angel’s voice was soft but firm, her belief in him evident.

Elvis shook his head, his hair brushing against his forehead. "Nah, it's all smoke and mirrors, darlin'.” He chuckled, then his gaze fixed more intently on her. "But you — you’ve got real talent, Angel. Don’t ever doubt that. This stuff,” he gestured broadly to the hubbub surrounding them, “It’s fleeting. But creating something? That’s forever.”

“Thank you, Elvis,” she said, her voice steadier now.

Elvis grinned, the light catching in his eyes in a way that made them sparkle mischievously. “Now, don’t let me keep you from shining today. We’ve got some more scenes to shoot, but how about we meet by the wardrobe when we wrap? Don’t forget about our dinner plans!”

“I won’t,” she promised, feeling the flutter of butterflies in her stomach at the thought of spending more time with him outside of work.

As Elvis headed back toward the set, Angel watched him go, her heart still racing from their interaction.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur for Angel. She busied herself with final adjustments to the costumes, her hands moving mechanically as her mind replayed the warmth in Elvis's voice and the sincere look in his eyes. The movie set, usually a place of overwhelming noise and activity, felt strangely muted to her ears, as if she was hearing it all from underwater.

As the hours ticked by, the set began to wind down from the day's hectic schedule. Crew members started cleaning up, actors removed makeup, and the buzz of activity slowly diminished into a quiet hum. Angel tidied up her workspace in the wardrobe department, folding fabrics and organizing her materials meticulously.

As promised, Elvis was waiting for her by the wardrobe racks when she arrived, his presence commanding even in such an ordinary setting. He was dressed casually now, in slacks and a simple button-up shirt that did nothing to hide his charismatic aura. "Ready to go?" he asked with an easy smile.

Angel nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Absolutely, I just need to grab my things," she replied as she reached for her jacket.

Walking out of the studio together, they found themselves stepping into the cool evening air. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow that seemed almost magical. As they approached Elvis's car, a vintage convertible that gleamed under the fading light, Angel couldn't help but feel like she was stepping into a scene from one of those glamorous old Hollywood films.

Elvis held the passenger door open for her, and as she slid into the soft leather seat, he flashed her a grin that could have melted hearts across continents. "Ever ridden in one of these before?" he asked as he climbed into the driver’s seat.

"No, I can't say I have," Angel replied, her voice slightly shaky with excitement.

Elvis chuckled as he started the engine, the sound rumbling softly beneath them. "Well, you're in for a treat," he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement as he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the open road. The wind began to pick up, sending Angel's hair fluttering around her face, and she laughed, feeling a surge of freedom she hadn't expected.

The drive was filled with a comfortable silence initially, as both seemed content to simply absorb the moment. The landscape blurred past them, a mix of city lights and twilight shadows painting the journey in hues of blues and oranges. Elvis finally broke the silence, his voice thoughtful. "You ever think you would be here in LA?" he asked, glancing her way.

Angel pondered the question, her fingers tracing the leather seam of the seat. “No. I grew up in a one-horse town in Alabama, workin’ as a waitress in the one of the two restaurants the town had. I always wanted somethin’ better, somethin’ different. So instead of savin’ up money to go to college, I saved up money to move to California. My parents thought I was crazy; my friends didn’t really believe in me either.”

“But here I am,” she continued, her voice lifting with a newfound strength. “And every day on that set, even with all its chaos and uncertainty, I’m grateful. Grateful for the chance to be part of something bigger than just serving coffee and pies back home.”

Elvis nodded, his expression a mixture of admiration and understanding. “That’s something we share, you know? I didn’t come from much either. Just a little shotgun house in Tupelo, Mississippi. Most folks thought I’d end up pumping gas or working in the fields.” He smiled softly, his eyes reflecting the streetlights as they passed.

"But here we are, right? Chasing dreams in the city of stars," he continued, his voice tinged with a hint of wonder.

Angel smiled, turning to look at him, the wind still playing with her hair. “Right. I never imagined I'd end up here, and definitely never thought I'd be riding alongside Elvis Presley." Her laugh was light, carefree.

Elvis's smile widened at her words. "I'm glad you're here with me, Angel. It feels like this was supposed to happen. Like it’s part of a bigger plan or somethin’." He turned his gaze back to the road, focusing on the weaving path of headlights before them.

The conversation drifted then to lighter topics — music, favorite movies, and anecdotes from their respective childhoods. Each story shared was a thread that seemed to weave them closer together, bridging the gap between their worlds with laughter and mutual understanding.

Stay tuned for part 2!! Click HERE to view!

[williamsonarssnal]

𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄 - J.F

MAKE YOU MINE ⸻ jessie fleming x bueckers! reader.

warning: enemies to lovers, toxic reader, hoopster reader, ucla jessie. English isn't my first language!

On the bustling UCLA campus, two stars shone brightly: Jessie Fleming, the ruthless striker of the football team, and Y/N, the queen of the basketball court. The rivalry between them was legendary, fueled by barbs and taunts at every chance encounter. Jessie saw Y/N as arrogant and annoying, while Y/N loved to poke the football player's sensitivities, mocking the "weak sport" she played.

Despite their declared dislike, an undeniable tension hung in the air between them. Every look, every word was charged with an electricity that their friends swore was disguised passion. Y/N laughed at the suggestions, finding them ridiculous, but deep down, something bothered her. Was it the intensity of the rivalry, the way Jessie made her feel… different?

Amelia, the girlfriend of one of Jessie's friends and teammate of Y/N, never missed a chance to mock the situation. "You two are obsessed with each other!" she would taunt with a mischievous grin. Y/N would feign indifference, but the truth was that Amelia's words made her uneasy.

On one training day, while Y/N was honing her skills under the basket, Jessie approached with a stern face. "Need some help with that kid's sport?" she asked sarcastically. Y/N rolled her eyes, ready to retort, but something stopped her.

Instead, she just stared at Jessie, their eyes locking for a long moment. An unexpected spark ignited between them, silencing the rivalry and making room for something new. It was a feeling Y/N had never experienced before, a mix of anger, admiration, and… maybe, just maybe, something more.

From that day on, the rivalry between Jessie and Y/N transformed into something more complex. The taunts continued, but now they were laced with a different undertone. They watched each other more closely, challenged each other more intensely, and each chance encounter was charged with an electricity that left them breathless. Amelia, witnessing the change, just smiled with a knowing look. "You two can't deny what you feel," she said, with a playful tone. S/n and Jessie exchanged uncomfortable glances, but deep down, they knew she was right. Night fell over the UCLA campus, and the vibrant energy of the costume party at S/n's frat house filled the air. The music pulsed, the lights flashed, and the students, dressed in creative outfits, let loose and had fun. And of course, Jessie, as the star of the women's soccer team, was dragged to the party with the rest of the team, but her mind was far from the chaos.

As she entered the venue, her eyes met S/n's. The connection was instant, as if an electric spark had run through their bodies. Time seemed to stop, and the world around them dissolved into a blur.

S/n felt her body shiver with excitement, but quickly regained her composure, trying to disguise the intensity of what she had felt. She quickly drank her drink, seeking refuge in the company of her friends. "Why are they here?" she whispered to Amelia, referring to the General and his team.

Amelia just shrugged, not caring much about their presence. She took S/n's hand and led her away from the crowd, towards the dance floor. "Let's have some fun!" she exclaimed, ignoring S/n's protests.

Jessie, still dazed by her encounter with S/n, watched them from afar. The desire to approach the basketball player was irresistible, but pride prevented her from taking the first step. She joined the rest of the soccer team, trying to distract herself with the music and conversations, but the image of S/n dancing with Amelia wouldn't leave her mind. The night went on, with music, dancing and lots of excitement. Jessie and S/n crossed paths occasionally, but their eyes quickly averted, as if they were playing cat and mouse. The tension between them was palpable, fueled by a mixture of desire and fear.

At the end of the party, when the lights came on and the students started to disperse, S/n finally took her courage in hand. She approached Jessie, who was watching her with an indecipherable expression. "Can I walk you home?" she asked, in a hesitant voice.

S/n smiled, a shy and hesitant smile. "Sure," she replied, before turning and heading towards the exit, with Jessie close behind.

S/n and Jessie walked side by side towards the soccer player's sorority. A comfortable silence hung between them, laden with a delicious anticipation. The party was over for them, but the electrifying energy of the encounter still enveloped them.

When they arrived at Jessie's sorority, she turned to Jessie, her eyes sparkling with a mix of shyness and audacity. "Thanks for walking me home," she said, in a soft voice. "It was fun."

Jessie smiled, a genuine smile that lit up her face. "I had fun too," she confessed. "More than I thought I would."

Another silence fell, laden with undeniable tension. S/n leaned in closer to Jessie, their faces just inches apart. She could feel the soccer player's warm breath on her face, and her heart pounded in her chest.

In a sudden movement, S/n leaned in and kissed Jessie. The kiss was soft and hesitant at first, but soon intensified, filled with passion and pent-up desire. Jessie surrendered to the kiss, her arms wrapping around S/n in a tight embrace.

The world around them dissolved, and for a moment, there were only the two of them. The rivalry, the doubts, everything disappeared, replaced by a deep and overwhelming connection.

The kiss ended as suddenly as it had begun, leaving both of them breathless and flushed. S/n smiled at Jessie, a radiant smile that expressed everything she couldn't say in words. Jessie returned the smile, her eyes sparkling with a happiness she had never felt before. She knew that something had changed between them, something that would bind them together forever.

"Good night, Jessie," S/n said, her voice hoarse. "See you tomorrow."

Jessie nodded, still unable to utter a word. She watched S/n go inside, her heart overflowing with emotions.

The next day, the sun shone brightly over the UCLA campus, heralding a new day full of possibilities. S/n, still glowing from the memory of the previous night's kiss, was walking through the park with Amelia, her friend and teammate. A wide smile was plastered on her face, and her eyes sparkled with happiness.

Amelia watched her friend with an understanding smile. She knew what was happening to S/n and was happy that she had found someone who made her so happy. The two were chatting animatedly, sharing secrets and dreams, when suddenly, Jessie and her girlfriend approached.

Jessie smiled at S/n, a timid and hesitant smile. She wanted to approach, wanted to talk, but S/n's distant attitude intimidated her.

S/n, on the other hand, completely ignored Jessie. She pretended not to see her, continuing to talk to Amelia as if Jessie didn't exist. Jessie's heart sank with the rejection, and a wave of sadness washed over her.

At that moment, a tall, elegant blonde approached the group. S/n, upon seeing her, ran towards her and gave her a warm kiss on the cheek. "Hi, love!" she exclaimed, with a radiant smile.

The blonde returned the kiss, her eyes shining with affection. "Hi, babe," she said, in a sweet and melodious voice.

Jessie watched the scene with jealousy. She didn't know who the blonde was, but the closeness she had with S/n made her deeply uncomfortable.

Amelia, noticing Jessie's discomfort, tried to ease the situation. "Jessie, this is my sister, Camila," she said, introducing her. "Camila, this is Jessie."

Camila smiled at Jessie, a friendly and welcoming smile. "Nice to meet you," she said, extending her hand.

Jessie hesitated for a moment, but then shook Camila's hand. "The pleasure is all mine," she replied, in a weak voice.

The conversation continued, but Jessie remained quiet and observant. She couldn't take her eyes off the blonde, and with each gesture of affection between her and S/n, her heart tightened even more.

At the end of the afternoon, S/n said goodbye to Amelia and Camila, promising to meet up later. Jessie watched the scene in silence, her heart broken. She knew she couldn't compete with the blonde, that S/n truly loved her.

In the days that followed S/n's rejection, Jessie found herself immersed in a sea of sadness and desolation. The image of the basketball player with the mysterious blonde haunted her at every step, feeding a feeling of inadequacy and insecurity. The rivalry on the court, which had once motivated and energized her, was now just a cruel reminder of lost love.

Trying to distract herself, Jessie threw herself body and soul into training and studies, seeking refuge in routine. But her thoughts always turned to S/n, to the radiant smile she gave the blonde, to the warm hug that enveloped them. With each passing day, the hope of winning back the basketball player's love diminished, leaving a huge void in her heart.

On a particularly difficult afternoon, unable to bear the pain any longer, Jessie decided to get away from everything and everyone. She grabbed her backpack and walked aimlessly through the streets of Los Angeles, seeking refuge in her solitude. The bustling city streets seemed blurred in her tearful eyes, while her thoughts drowned in a sea of doubts and uncertainties.

As night fell, her feet guided her to a quiet park, far from the urban hustle and bustle. Sitting on a bench, she watched the twinkling stars in the night sky, seeking some kind of solace in the vastness of the universe. The night was cold and silent, broken only by the chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves on the trees.

Suddenly, a familiar voice pulled her out of her thoughts. "Jessie?", it was S/n, her eyes shining with concern and regret. Seeing the basketball player's figure standing there, before her, Jessie felt her heart pounding, a mixture of fear and hope taking hold of her being.

S/n approached slowly, her hesitant steps as if she were afraid of being rejected again. Her tear-filled eyes conveyed a deep pain, a suffering that Jessie recognized in herself. Sure, here is the translation of the text into informal English:

"I couldn't take it anymore without you," S/n said, her voice choked with emotion. "I love you, Jessie, and I can't imagine my life without you."

S/n's words echoed in Jessie's mind like a balm to her wounds. A shy smile formed on her lips as tears welled up in her eyes. She stood up quickly and ran into S/n's arms, hugging her tightly, as if she wanted to hold her there forever.

"I love you too, S/n," she said, sobbing. "I should never have let you go."

The day after announcing their relationship, S/n and Jessie walked through the UCLA campus side by side, hand in hand, as if defying the world with their love. The sun shone brightly, illuminating their smiling faces and infecting them with its positive energy.

Students' eyes turned to them with curiosity and admiration. The news of their relationship had spread quickly, and everyone was eager to see how the two most famous rivals at UCLA would handle the situation.

S/n, always outgoing and confident, seemed to be enjoying the attention. She waved to her friends, winked at the boys who watched her, and cracked funny jokes for Jessie. Her carefree and relaxed attitude was contagious, and soon everyone around her was smiling and laughing along with her.

Jessie, on the other hand, felt a little more nervous and insecure. She wasn't used to being the center of attention, and the idea of having all eyes on her made her a little uncomfortable. She stayed closer to S/n, seeking refuge in her warm and protective presence.

As they walked, S/n stopped in front of a poster announcing the next women's basketball game. She pointed to the poster and smiled at Jessie with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I bet you can't guard me," she said, in a challenging tone.

Jessie rolled her eyes, pretending to be annoyed by her friend's provocation. "Of course I can," she replied, with a defiant smile. "You know I'm the best midfielder on the team."

The two started arguing about who was the better player, laughing and teasing each other. Their friends watched the scene with amusement, already accustomed to the competitiveness that had always existed between them, even now that they were together.

Suddenly, S/n stopped arguing and looked at Jessie with a serious look. "But you know what?" she said, in a soft voice. "I don't care who's better. What matters is that we're together."

Jessie smiled at S/n, her eyes shining with love. "Exactly," she said, squeezing her friend's hand. "Together, we're invincible."

The two continued walking through the campus, talking and laughing, not caring about the curious looks of the students around them. They knew that their relationship was different, that it was marked by a rivalry that had turned into love, but also by a deep and unshakeable friendship.

They were rivals on the court, but accomplices in life. And together, they were ready to face any challenge that the future held.

However, the relationship between S/n and Jessie was not perfect. Despite the love they felt for each other, S/n sometimes displayed toxic behaviors that threatened the couple's happiness. She was jealous, possessive, and controlling, and her insecurities led her to constantly question Jessie's love.

One day, S/n saw Jessie talking to a teammate and, overcome with jealousy, accused her of flirting with someone else. The argument was heated, and S/n's words hurt Jessie deeply.

Jessie felt hurt and confused. She couldn't understand why S/n was so insecure and why she didn't trust her. She wondered if S/n's love was real or if it was just a facade to hide her own insecurities.

S/n and Jessie's relationship was on the rocks. If they couldn't overcome their communication issues and deal with S/n's insecurities, the love that bound them together could be destroyed.

S/n's infectious joy, which once served as a shield for both of them, now turned into a cutting weapon. Her teasing about being the "better player" became constant mockery, belittling Jessie's skills. S/n spent a lot of time with her friends, leaving Jessie on the back burner, and when they were together, S/n's attention was competed for by glances and jokes thrown at other players on campus.

Jessie, initially shy and happy to have won the basketball player's heart, felt a growing weight in her chest. The jealousy, which had once been a momentary insecurity, grew like a weed in her heart.

One day, after a soccer game where Jessie shone on the field, S/n didn't congratulate her. On the contrary, at the end of the game, she approached Jessie and, with a cold look, said: "Well, for a reserve, you did well."

The phrase echoed in Jessie's head like a slap in the face. She finally saw what she had preferred to ignore before: the toxic relationship that S/n cultivated. The healthy competitiveness that once existed had turned into constant disrespect.

That night, Jessie didn't show up for the team's celebration. Sitting alone in her room, she pondered what she wanted for herself. The love for S/n was still there, but the pain of being constantly belittled and disrespected was unbearable.

The next day, Jessie looked for S/n. She found her in the team's locker room, stretching before practice. With a choked voice and a heavy heart, Jessie said, "S/n, we need to talk."

S/n stopped stretching and looked at Jessie, surprised. Jessie, taking a deep breath, continued: "I love you, but I can't stay in this relationship anymore. You belittle me, disrespect me, and that's not love. It's… it's toxic."

The words came out hard and sincere. S/n was speechless for a moment, then tried to roll her eyes, the same old jokes on the tip of her tongue. But something in Jessie's serious gaze stopped her. For the first time, S/n saw the pain she was causing her beloved.

An awkward silence fell over the locker room. Finally, S/n broke the silence: "You're right, Jessie. I'm so sorry."

S/n's "I'm sorry" wasn't enough to mend what was broken. Jessie, despite the pain, knew she was doing the right thing.

With one last look at the girl she once loved, Jessie walked out of the locker room.

So this one got a bit long since I don't plan on having a part two, I got really excited! I ended up taking out Paige's name and putting an OC because I thought it would be easier to write, I was a bit bummed about it afterwards, but I'll make it up to you later. Thanks so much for reading, see you next time

I welcome feedback on my English, kisses

[essycogany]

The Roll Reversal Between Sonic And Amy

In Sonic Prime did Sonic and Amy’s rolls get swapped? Because MAN THE IMPLICATIONS IN THIS SHOW IS BOTH SUBTLE AND NOT SUBTLE AT THE SAME TIME.

The reason I say the two hedgehogs rolls are swapped is because one line in the entire show is the only indication of Amy’s crush on Sonic.

Sonic: “You like me….To some extent.” It’s never hinted at in the original Green Hill. Though a funny and random detail I liked is Amy apparently tricked Sonic into getting into the water (Probably to teach him how to swim) and I thought that would’ve been adorable to see.

Now onto Sonic’s part. Sonic possibly having a crush on Amy shouldn’t be a surprise. First of all the implications in actual canon Game/Modern Sonic is increasing more and more in my opinion. Secondly, this show’s version of Sonic is probably the most emotionally driven and affectionate. He’s not as secretive about how he feels either.

Sonic in episode 8 s2: “We’re all in this together. And I’d really think you’d grow to love them as much as I do.”

Onto the small details. We have short, but not hard to miss moments of Sonic just….staring at the different Roses. Sure, it can be viewed as platonic, but it’s the constant softening his gaze in a bunch of different scenes that didn’t have to be added, but was. It’s all up to interpretation.

Anyways, Sonic and original Amy’s first interaction is with the blue blur coming up to her excitedly and standing in a flirtatious manner. His tone of voice when he says “Got a little sidetracked,” could be interpreted as anything, but how he’s animated makes me pretty sure it’s intentionally flirtatious. That’s just me though.

Then we have the flirting teasing at Rusty Rose in the pirate dimension.

Rusty: “Not that anyone will remember you.”

Sonic: “Now you’re just being hurtful.”

Sonic not minding Black Rose hugging him and might even appreciates it.

And almost all the scenes between him and Thorn Rose was ship fuel for me. With Sonic calling her “Thorny,” as a nickname. He kept the location of the green shard a secret so Thorn could trust him. Sonic stopped himself from fighting Thorn as much as possible. (The Amy Flashback was adorable) Not to mention the last few scenes with Thorn holding onto Sonic was sweet as well.

Sonic even helped improved the sisters lives.

With Rusty finding her humanity and ability to live without her Flikie.

Thorn regained her broken friendship and trust with the Bose Cage Gang.

And Black Rose became the new leader of her Crew. (I say that knowing it was mostly Dreads redemption that helped, but still)

Sonic’s also the reason for all the Roses to gain a sisterhood. Which was one of the most precious part of the entire show. Season 3 has scenes of them running up to Sonic to make sure he’s alright, and helping Sonic twice by saving the last three pirates from No Place and getting him back home.

And here’s my favorite detail. I love how Sonic adores Amy’s way of thinking in Prime. When helping Thorn come to her senses, Sonic mentions how the original Amy would handle the situation. Expressing herself and discussing how she feels. The reason I bring it up is because Sonic finds value for Amy being able to do it without issue. Understanding he’s not the best at expressing himself.

Thorn: “I don’t know. She sounds pretty great.”

Sonic: “Yeah. You are.”

In fact. Sonic thinks so fondly of Amy that the show couldn’t end without having him come to her bashfully and calling her, “Sweet Amy.”

Also the posing with Sonic’s hand behind his back and feet up doesn’t help.

Last thing I’d like to point out is Sonic’s implied crush on Amy is very subtle and despite all of this can be interpreted as platonic which I’m fine with. But the thought of a roll reversal between two characters that’s never experienced it prior to now is awesome to speculate.

Stay Creative! 💜

[mayhem-things]

protective, jealous Euronymous x reader (Rory Culkin)

(828 words)

Øystein and Y/N record his guitar solo in a studio as another , unknown, perfomer joins them in the room. Jealousy gets the better of Euronymous and consumes him completely as a fight between the two men enflames.

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Euronymous, the renowned musician and mastermind behind Mayhem, sat in the dimly lit rehearsal room, strumming his guitar as his girlfriend listened intently. The air crackled with creative energy, their shared passion for music binding them together. Their love had flourished amidst the chaotic and dark world of black metal, where Euronymous reigned as a true icon in her mind.

But on this fateful night, a rival musician entered the scene. Tall, brooding, and mysterious, he was known for his mesmerizing guitar skills and a captivating stage presence. In comparison to him, Euronymous looked like a total poser as he was smaller and not as buff built like the stranger. His eyes lingered on Y/N, her ethereal beauty drawing his attention like a moth to flame. The infamous rival wasn't the first guy who found himself oddly attracted to her yet he was the most outstanding.

Euronymous, ever the possessive lover, felt a pang of jealousy ignite within him. He watched as The tall massive metalhead approached Y/N, his charming smile concealing a hidden agenda. He introduced himself to her while his words dripped with insincere charm, Euronymous tightened his grip on his guitar, his knuckles turning white.

Y/N, though flattered by the attention, remained loyal to Euronymous. She admired Øystein's rivals talent but recognized that her heart belonged to the man whose music had touched her soul from the very first moment. Yet, the intensity of Euronymous' jealousy grew, threatening to consume him.

Unable to contain his emotions any longer, Euronymous stormed over, his eyes ablaze with a mix of fury and insecurity. He grabbed Y/N's hand, pulling her possessively towards him. The tension in the room was palpable as the two musicians locked eyes, a battle of wills silently raging between them. The thick atmosphere was so tense  that could cut through air.

"Euronymous, you're hurting me" Y/N whispered, her voice filled with concern as he grabbed her with such a force it shocked her.

Euronymous took a deep breath, his fingers relaxing their grip. He realized that his insecurities were unfounded, that her devotion was unwavering. He nodded, his eyes softening as he embraced the weak, almost scared voice of hers.

"We go" Øystein uttered to deescalate the atmosphere, ending their session for the day. As the two of them wanted to exit the studio, the stranger raised his voice.

"You're not man enough to satisfy her like i could" The tall blonde brought out to provoke the situation further, in success. Y/N eyed her boyfriend with a concerned look as she knew those words wouldn't leave him untouched.

"Don't" she begged but Øystein just couldn't let anyone talk to him like that as it fueled his burning rage even further. Without a warning, he lunges forward, throwing a powerful punch at his rival's jaw. The stranger then swiftly ducks under the blow, countering with a lightning-fast kick to Euronymous midsection. The impact sent him stumbling backward, but he quickly regains his footing. It was clearly visible that the tall blonde guy knew how to fight. Nonetheless Øystein didn't care as anger controlled him. They continue their fierce dance, trading blows with calculated precision. Each strike lands with bone-crushing force, their grunts and heavy breaths echoing through the rehearsal room.

Euronymous manages to land a solid punch to his rivals ribs, causing him to wince in pain. However, he retaliates with a series of rapid strikes, hitting Øystein. The both of them had bruises cover their faces yet they were so hurt in their ego and tough image of the evil bad guy, they wouldn't budge to accept defeat. 

"Are you two children?! God stop already" Y/N hissed in disbelief of them fighting over nothing, which left the two unbothered as they were focused on each other.

In a final, desperate move, Øystein launches himself at the buff blonde, tackling him to the ground. They grapple with each other, rolling and twisting, each struggling for the upper hand. 

Just as he thought he had the chance they got distracted by the door being swung open. 

In the end the owner heard their sounds of Y/N cursing, questioning their intelligence, and the fighting noises. He wasn't amused about seeing small splatters of blood on his rug and such inappropriate behavior at his place so he kicked the three of them out. The tall metalhead nod with a hint of acknowledgement in addition of him quietly exiting the room, leaving Euronymous and Y/N alone. Together they shared a sigh before packing their stuff and also exiting the studio.

"You're such a jerk why would you even sink to that level?" Y/N brought out as it was a useless fight in her opinion.

"I'm man enough for you, now he knows that too"

(maybe to be continued with another one-shot of her treating his wounds?)

[meteorwhims]

Love's Legacy - A not-so-challenging legacy challenge

Are you more of a storyteller than a gameplayer?

Do you tell the story but ignore the objectives and just say you did because telling the story became the main focus?

Do you dislike when a challenge doesn’t leave room for personalization and creativity?

Well have I got the “challenge” for you!

Let’s get this out of the way, this is more of a legacy “template” than anything. Not many rules, few trait/aspiration requirements. The only rules you’ll see are to help set the narrative of each trope.

If you end up doing this challenge/template tag me @meteoric-whimsy here, meteor.trait on instagram, or just use the hashtag #loveslegacy!

The “Love’s Legacy” is a “challenge” based on some of the most popular romance novel tropes. So if you love telling romance stories, this is the one for you!

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Gen 1: Amnesia

You’ve just started this legacy, what’s a better way to jump-start a story than with not really having a backstory…or at least knowing it right away.

Your sims MUST start out in a relationship at the beginning of the story.

One of the sims (can be the heir or the partner) MUST lose their memories (especially the ones containing their partner)

The amnesia-sim MUST move out/the couple MUST separate

The amnesia sim MUST regain their memories at some point

The couple at the beginning are not required to get back together, you may do as your story sees fit.

Although they are not required to get back together, the initial pairing must be the parents that create the Gen 2 Heir.

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Gen 2: Sunny v. Grumpy

Last gen was a bit of a dramatic one, so now you get to reward yourself with some cute opposites…well of course if you choose to play it that way.

You may choose that your heir be either the sunny sim or the grumpy sim.

Sunny Sim MUST have the Cheerful trait and the Grumpy Sim MUST have the Gloomy trait. The other traits are up to you.

The couple MUST go on AT LEAST 5 successful dates before becoming official (warming up to each other)

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Gen 3: Forced Proximity

What’s a good love story without tension? Not all love stories are “love at first sight”. Some take time to blossom…some take forced time to forcefully blossom.

This one is fairly straight forward and up to you.

Get your sims in a predicament where they are forced to spend a lot of time together (whether that be working together, living together…imprisoned together)

Use your cupid ways and get them to fall in love

***Suggestion: fuel that heat: give them opposite traits to increase tension (i.e hot-headed x cheerful, etc.)

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Gen 4: Best Friends Sibling

Love in familiarity…your best friend's familiarity. Finding love where you least expected it.

Grow up with a childhood friend that has AT LEAST one sibling.

Don’t show any interest in the sibling until YOUNG ADULTHOOD

Have a small falling out with your best friend after they find out about your relationship.

Reconcile with your best friend before you get married.

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Gen 5: Fake Relationship

A lot like “Forced Proximity”...except the love stuff has to happen A LOT quicker…whether it’s real or not…and then it DOES become real.

Another one that is pretty straight forward, but leaves you with room for originality.

Come up with a scenario where your sims need to be in a marriage for any other reason than love.

DO NOT show romantic interest until AFTER marriage.

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Gen 6: Forbidden Love

The only story without a happy ending. An eternal affair.

Get married straight out of highschool (you can love this person, but they are NOT your soulmate and you know that deep down)

Begin an affair with your true love

For obvious reasons you CAN NOT end up with your true love.

You may choose to come clean or keep it a secret.

You may choose to divorce your initial spouse, but you CAN NOT marry your true love, it’s forbidden after all.

Have your true love be the other parent of Gen 7

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Gen 7: Marriage Pact/Arranged Marriage

Having everything figured out early on, maybe even planned for you.

This one can go one of two ways

Marriage Pact: You’ve made the plan for your future

Arranged Marriage: Someone else has made the plan for your future.

You already have your life planned out from a very young age so you just follow the plan.

Get married out of convenience/planning as a young adult.

You can choose if this turns romantic or not as the years go by.

Have one child (adopted or biological)

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Gen 8: Runaway Partner

You can’t always get it right on the first try. Maybe what you’re looking for has been right there all along.

Get engaged to someone you think you love

Leave them at the altar (in game interaction)

Run into the arms of someone close that you never thought you’d have been interested in before.

NEVER get married: the idea of marriage has been ruined for you. (You may stay romantically involved with the one you run to, just no marriage)

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Gen 9: Bodyguard

The one that’s been there for you all along. When did caring for you become a want instead of a job?

You may choose to have your sim be the bodyguard or even the bodyguarded.

Have a big story beat where one of them gets injured and one/or both realize their feelings.

Once the feelings are confessed, the bodyguard MUST quit their job.

You can choose when / if they end up together, but as for previous rules, they MUST parent the next gen together.

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Gen 10: High School Sweethearts

The sweetest and most common one in all of sims-storytelling…unless you don’t want it to be.

While in high school, find your soulmate and begin to date them.

Here you can decide if you want a cute ending or a dramatic one:

HAPPY: You marry that sim soon after high school and you live your fairytale ending together raising your family, maybe preparing for a new legacy challenge

DRAMATIC: Have them split up after high school but they find their ways back to each other later on and marry each other later

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Remember, this is a template and you can change things to fit your story! I' love to see your take on it, what you'd change, and how you'd choose to do it!

I hope you enjoy it! Have fun! xoxo - Imogen

Check out my Love's Legacy story: here

[thisworldisablackhole]

nothing,nowhere. Hell or Highwater

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

FFO: COUNTRY, EMO, ALEX G, DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL / LISTEN

Country is back in. It has been for a while. Everyone wants to be a cowboy these days. The undercurrents of americana that pervade popular music have never gone away, but many artists over the past few years have been pushing their over the top characterizations of cowboys and countryscapes back into the mainstream by fusing the genre with electronic based pop and rap. Lil Nas X, Oliver Tree, hell, even Beyoncé has seen the potential in this fusion. In a way, it almost feels a little bit late for singer-songwriter and emo-rap-metalcore extraordinaire Joe Mulherin to be hopping on the trend, but I'm not sure if anyone has so unabashedly mixed alt-country and emo pop like this before.

Hell or Highwater is the newest entry in the series of Joe Mulherin doing whatever the fuck he wants since leaving Fueled by Ramen and regaining ownership of his career. He already dropped a full length record of emo rap bangers earlier this year, and now, almost as if to flex his new found creative freedom, he's switching things up with nine sad, manure scented acoustic tracks. "John Wayne (I Wanna Be A Cowboy)" kicks things off with a reminder that Mulherin is, in fact, a millennial, and his perspective as a 30 something year old struggling with motivation and trapped in cycles of late night doom-scrolling definitely shines through in the lyrics. Somber strums of the guitar accompany him as he sings "I wanna be a cowboy, but I sleep too late. I stayed up all night watching Walmart fights on my phone". At face value, it's a bit cheesy, but the message of desperately wanting more for yourself yet having too much executive dysfunction to take those steps is honest and easily relatable for the modern age. Don't worry though, not every song is so on the nose with it's tiktok generation pandering. Fourth track and one of the biggest album highlights, "In The Country", hits us with the beautiful cry of the harmonica and a much less obvious approach to discussing depression and the yearning to escape to a quieter, simpler life.

I'd be remiss not to mention that there is still a small hip hop influence on this album. "Hydrangeas", "Cliché Lovers", and "Honey" all feature some 808s and trap hi hats, but Mulherin's sad cowboy persona still remains at the core of these songs, and these elements blend so seamlessly into the rest of the album that they hardly feel out of place, especially if you are already familiar with the previous work of nothing,nowhere. These songs bring a sort of mixtape feel to the album, and while they aren't the star of the show for me, they act as nice segues between the more countryfied moments. Things really get kicked up a notch near the end of the record with bombastic choruses in a slacker visage like early Dashboard Confessional meets Rocket-era Alex G. Closing track "New England" ends things off on a particularly high note, starting with the lone riffing of an electric banjo before drums, acoustic guitars and blues slides all drop into place. Mulherin throws a slight twang on his voice as he recites some of his most muddy truck lovin' lyrics to date, "Well, I know that backroads and dirty clothes just ain't for everyone. So, you take the city lights and skyline, give me a setting sun". It's probably the most cowboy cosplay moment on the whole album, but in the midst of the trees and cornfields still lies an explosive, tearjerking chorus of lost love that could make me weep. Mulherin has always had a knack for hooks and catchy choruses, and this song further exemplifies the fact that he could easily make a career in writing chart topping hits if he wanted to.

I'll admit, I wasn't expecting to fall in love with this album. My personal relationship with country music has gone from ironically blasting "Fix A Drink" by Chris Jansen for shits and giggles, to eagerly watching Lucinda Williams live with clasped hands and open ears, but when the emo kid next door suddenly shows up on your front lawn with a cowboy hat, acoustic guitar in hand, and face painted like a clown, I think anyone would be a little skeptical. But whether it's rap, metalcore, or alt country, Mulherin never fails to write a memorable, heart clutching song. Hell or Highwater is just further proof that his song writing talent transcends borders, and—outside of the constraints of major labels—he truly can do whatever the fuck he wants.

[chroniichorror]

aaliyah renee monroe

[ ZENDAYA COLEMAN, 27, CIS WOMAN, SHE/HER ] Welcome to Antioch, AALIYAH RENEE MONROE ! Local sources report that you’ve been in town for 3 MONTHS and are known to be PASSIONATE yet RESTLESS. Others have dredged up rumors that you’re involved in SKELETON 5 as THE ARTIFACT’S OWNER, but most know you for your work as the OWNER of ECHOES OF THE PAST. We’ll see you around town soon ! ⸻ played by serena.

Character Name: Aaliyah Renee Monroe Nickname (s): Ali, Lia, Renee, Treasures Face Claim: Zendaya Birthday: August 15 Place of birth: Richmond, Virginia Sexuality: Bisexual Zodiac: Leo MBTI: ISFJ Moral Alignment: Neutral Good Occupation: Owner Place of work: Echoes of the Past Subplot affiliation: Skeleton 5/Talk to Me as THE ARTIFACT’S OWNER 3 positive traits: passionate, resilient, empathetic 3 negative traits: overly-curious, restless, emotionally guarded Languages: english, french, spanish Love language: acts of service Biography (optional): 

Aaliyah Renee Monroe was born in Richmond, Virginia, to Diana & Robert Monroe. Raised in a creatively stimulating environment, her mother Diana was an artist, & her father was a history teacher. She grew up with two older brothers, Malcom & Jaden, in a home that fostered curiosity, creativity, & a deep appreciation for learning. From a young age, she was adventurous & inquisitive, indulging in activities like swimming, cheerleading, & dance. Her parents encourages her explorations & supported her growing interests in history & the arts. This nurturing environment shaped her into a dynamic & resilient individual with a passion for uncovering the past.

Aaliyah excelled academically & pursued higher education with a focus on history & cultural studies. During her college years, she travelled extensively, studying abroad in Europe & South America, which further fueled her fascination with different cultures historical artifacts. After graduating, Aaliyah initally worked in various roles related to historical research & archival work. Her career path included stints as a freelance writer, a historical consultant, & a researcher. However, her heart remained in the world of antiques & historical preservation.

Seeking a fresh start & drawn by the town's historical charm, she moved to Antioch. She opened Echoes of the PastI, an antique shop. The shop, housed in a restored Victorian building, reflects Aaliyah's deep passion for history with its carefully curated selection of artifacts, vintage jewelry, and rare books.

Tragically, shortly after her move, Aaliyah experienced a near-death situation at the Antioch coast. Captivated by the rugged beauty of the rocky shoreline & the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. Walking along a particularly steep & slippery section of the coast, she lost her footing on a moss-covered rock/ She slipped & fell, striking her head on a sharp edge as she tumbled down twad the water. Disoriented & bleeding from the head injury, she was unable to keep herself afloat & was quickly pulled under by the powerful currents. Miraculously, she was saved by a passerby. When Aaliyah regained consciousness, she was surrounded by bystanders & emergency personnel To everyone's astonishment, a delicate, ancient locked was found wrapped around her neck. A mysterious locket that she felt inexplicably drawn to. The locket, adorned with intricate & unfamiliar symbols appeared to be of significant age. No one knew where it had come from, but it was clear that it didn't belong to her. She felt an immediate & inexplicable connection to the locket. Despite its mysterious origins, she decided to keep it, believing it held some significance related to her near-death experience. She couldn't shake the feeling that the locket had somehow been responsible for her survival.

Since acquiring the locket, she has experienced a series of unusual & unsettling events. These occurents have only deepened her curiosity & determination to uncover the truth about the lockets & its origins:

Unexplained Noises: Aaliyah often hears faint whispers and indistinct sounds, especially when she's alone in her shop or at home. These noises seem to come from nowhere and disappear just as quickly. Fleeting Shadows: She occasionally sees fleeting shadows out of the corner of her eye, as if someone or something is moving just beyond her field of vision. These shadows vanish whenever she tries to look directly at them. Vivid Dreams: Aaliyah has been having vivid and often disturbing dreams since the incident. In these dreams, she finds herself in various historical settings, encountering people and events that feel strangely familiar yet distant. Temperature Fluctuations: She has noticed sudden and inexplicable temperature changes around her, with cold spots appearing in her shop or home, often accompanied by a sense of unease. Electrical Disturbances: There have been instances of flickering lights, malfunctioning electronic devices, and other electrical disturbances in her presence, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Aaliyah is determined to uncover the secrets of the locket and understand its connection to her near-death experience. She has begun researching its symbols, consulting with historians, and even exploring the possibility of supernatural explanations. Her journey is not only one of personal discovery but also a quest to unlock the mysteries that now seem intertwined with her fate.

Echoes of the Past:

A charming, inviting antique shop that exudes a sense of history & nostalgia. The shop is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building, with a quaint exterior painted in warm, welcoming colors. The large windows display carefully curated items, hinting at the treasures that lie within. As you step inside, you're greeted by the rich aroma of polished wood & aged paper, mingling with the faint scent of lavender from the dried bouquets hanging by the entrance. The interior or a harmonious blend of old-world charm & meticulous organization, with polished wooden floors & vintage light fixtures casting a warm, golden glow.

The shop is divided into several sections, each one deticated to a different era or type of artifact. Antique furniture, intricately designed & loving restored, fills one corner, while another showcases a collection of vintage jewelry, each piece with its own unique story. Shelves lined with old books, rare manuscripts, historical documents invite visitors to lose themselves in the written word.

Glass display cases house delicate porcelain figurines, ancient coins, and other small, valuable items, each labeled with detailed descriptions that highlight their history and significance. A cozy nook at the back of the shop features a small seating area with plush armchairs and a vintage rug, providing a perfect spot for customers to relax and browse through old photographs and letters.

The atmosphere is serene and contemplative, with soft music playing in the background. The shop is adorned with tasteful decorations, including framed antique maps, old clocks, and vintage posters, all contributing to the sense of stepping back in time.

Aaliyah is often found behind the counter or assisting customers with her warm, approachable demeanor. Her extensive knowledge of history and antiques, combined with her genuine passion for the past, makes every visit to the shop a fascinating and enriching experience. Her connections with local & well-known historians helps her with her research & providing artifacts for the shop.

Headcanons:

Dreams of Travel: Aaliyah often dreams of traveling the world to uncover rare antiques and historical artifacts, inspired by her past explorations and her love for different cultures.

Secret Hobbies: In her spare time, Aaliyah enjoys restoring old photographs and creating art from antique materials, blending her artistic side with her historical interests.

Culinary Passion: She has a secret talent for baking, often using recipes passed down through generations and experimenting with vintage cooking techniques.

Spiritual Curiosity: The mysterious events surrounding the locket have sparked an interest in the occult and metaphysical studies, leading her to explore these areas in her free time.

Close Bond with Family: Despite the distance, Aaliyah maintains a close relationship with her family through regular video calls and visits, often sharing her adventures and discoveries with them.

Personal Rituals: She has developed a personal ritual of lighting a candle and meditating each evening, which she believes helps her connect with the historical energies of the artifacts in her shop. Recently, it has helped keep her calm with new occurrences.

Local Friend: Aaliyah has formed a close friendship with a local historian who helps her with research and shares stories about Antioch’s past, providing both professional and personal support.

Antique Journal: She keeps a detailed journal where she documents the history and stories behind each item in her shop, as well as personal reflections on her experiences and the strange events she's encountered.

Vintage Fashion Enthusiast: Aaliyah loves incorporating vintage fashion into her wardrobe, often mixing modern pieces with classic styles from different eras.

Pet Companion: Aaliyah has a rescue cat named "Whisper," who she found shortly after her move to Antioch. A domestic shorthair with sleek, black fur & striking green eyes. She's three years old. Energetic & mysterious. She seems unusually perceptive of the strange occurrences around the locket, often reacting to things that Aaliyah can't see.

Antique Detective: Aaliyah occasionally helps local residents identify and appraise their antiques, earning her the playful nickname "Antique Detective" among her friends and customers.

Cultural Festivals: She loves attending and participating in cultural festivals and historical reenactments, often setting up a booth for her shop and sharing her knowledge with the community.

Artisan Collaborations: Aaliyah collaborates with local artisans to create unique, handmade items inspired by historical designs, which she sells in her shop. These collaborations help foster a sense of community and support local craftsmanship.

Wanted Connection #1: the person who saved aaliyah from drowning Wanted Connection #2: friends who are helping her research the locket but also trying to keep her safe & sane Wanted Connection #3: regulars at echoes

[gunchamber]

hello everyone, i hope you are all doing well today when you’re reading this!! as many of you may know, i took a few months break due to real life getting pretty hectic .  i decided on the break when it became obvious to me that i wasn’t logging into my blog for a positive escape anymore, i was forcing myself to be here because i felt like i had to. this pressure was placed on me BY ME, none of my mutuals/friends ever made me feel like i had no choice but to try to write, all the blame is on myself because in my brain i felt like i had to or i would be forgotten. when i eventually felt like i was mentally healthy and ready enough to come back, you guys proved me wrong and gave me such a warm welcome back which i am so grateful for. but as i feared, i did feel a change with my presence back on the dash.  and maybe i should have better prepared myself for it, because i do understand that 3+ months is a long stretch of time. 

which is what has lead me to sit down and write this as kind of a psa for everyone:  that i do understand that connections krissy( or eris )  may have had previously are pushed to the back burner due to my absence,  muse for threads i’ve had with many of you could be lost or dwindled very slim, or perhaps you just might feel genuinely different about the dynamics between your muse and krissy.  it’s the reality of this creative space, or any outlets of expression and art, that if it’s not continuously fueled or engaged in then motivation or inspiration for it will just lessen and lessen until muse for it is nearly gone. and you may have to put a little work into it, in order to regain it back. and i am willing to do that, because i have loved everything and all the dynamics i created with so many of you with krissy. 

( i would like to again say that i do not feel like my ships/dynamics are more important than others at all .  i promise there are no hard feelings whatsoever. )

thus the main reason for me going into a big spiel, is that if you do not wish to continue or that you wish to start over, please tell me. or if you wish to not restart anything with krissy at all, let me know so i’m not left in the dark wondering if i do try to interact IC.  in the long run, i am not a mind reader. 

this is an invitation to any and all of you that if there are things you would like to change, switch up or maybe even take away please come to me privately and let me know. i will also approach as many of you that i can, bc it isn’t fair for me to expect my writing partners to do all the work and i don’t expect that, but i hope that you also understand that i might not be able to get to everyone as quickly as i would like to. so i’d appreciate it, if you feel comfortable with it, to come to me first. my IMs and disco are always open to my mutuals.

[sytiart]

Asura Appreciation Week - day one

Talk about one of your asura OCs Let's talk about Oxxid! First thing you would definitely notice is that he's not exactly alive. He's Awakened. And his awakening inevitably fractures his existance in two parts.

There's the pre-awakening Oxxid, who was a very pround and racist asura, with strong believes, a cocky fighter attitude and some bully behaviours towards his competitors. And now there's the post-awakening Oxxid, always restrained, attentive and silent. But this is just the surface. So, let's scratch a little more. Who's Oxxid?

The youngest of 3 brothers, son of a conservative constructor krewe leader, he grew up amidst competition and narrow mindset. But he was different: idealist, dreamer, creative, controversial, not afraid of fighting and taking risks. He went his own path, joining the Inquest, but I'll talk more about this on day two.

Death caught him at the top of his career. And it was scary, and dark and terribly humiliating. The voice in his head, his friends and colleagues' corpses ..and the wrecked body he was left with! All nightmare fuels. Except, Awakened don't dream. He had all the time of this world for thinking. And self-loathing. Wandered alone in the desert, sliding into apathy. He's been in a very dark corner for quite a while.

Luckly he got help but i'll leave more details for day 3. He got help and worked a lot to regain some self-esteem and to learn how to deal with all his ex-colleagues looking at him like he was an intriguing test subject. He managed to hold it all together, to take care of himself and to trust the love of others. He's silent, but witty with his close buddies. He's a bit pessimistic, but extremely caring and loyal. He didn't lose his sharp mind, nor his judgemental attitude and sometimes his comments are naively painful. He loves efficiency and competence and resuming his job as a researcher really boosted his mood.

That gives you an idea of the character of my beloved sharkrat sphynx™ but feel free to ask more if anything intrigues you. Tomorrow i'll spend some word on his career :3

[nobuverse]

Misato Headcanon: The father,  Rokuro / History of Sanada Works ( Part 1 )

Rokuro was the sixth and youngest son of a CEO of a fashion company, to which he’d eventually inherit  and manage himself. The business, appropriately named Sanada Works, was a successful one at time, but no where near the dominating giant of Japan’s high fashion as it is today. 

Still, Rokuro led a spoiled life like that of his other five brothers, not at first showing any signs of being a dishonorable man. Certainly, he tended to be greedy and ambitious, but he was also a diligent student and charismatic magnet. A bit self centered, but not unreasonable by any means. 

At the time, Sanada Works’ catalogue was made of traditional styles and designs that were popular among certain older and affluent subsections of the population. Within the coming years, however, this lack of change was also losing public interest. 

Not wanting his company to fall into obscurity and bring dishonor onto his family, Rokuro’s father made a desperate move. He used one of his contacts in America to to steal others designs. Though Japan had design laws to protect patented designs in their fashion industry, the same laws did not apply in America. 

The buzz that was created by bringing the new piece into the market regained public interest in the company, and Sanda Works became a well known name once more. As the company started to grow, however, so did the competition. The nature of which was much fiercer than Rukuro’s father was prepared for. 

It is highly suspected that this was what led to his death a few years later, his body being found by Rokuro himself in their backyard. The bullet wound to his chest made for a clear homocide - but no suspect was ever brought forth. 

It was from that day on that Rokuro pledged to take over his father’s company, mainly motivated by the meekness of his brothers to do so after the incident. His anger fueled his ruthlessness in his tactics, both in the mass underpayment of his workers and his creative thefts ( To which he’d used his easily cowed wife to help make any adjustments to fit their style ). The company grew exponentially, built on an empire of industry manipulation and the mistreatment of those who sewed those stolen designs together. 

Like many in Okaki, Rokuro is a hated figure that resides in high tensions with the public and those around him. 

[satoshi-mochida]

Dark fairy tale Metroidvania game RIN: The Last Child launches September 21

Gematsu Source

Publisher Klabater and developer Space Fox Games will release dark fairy tale Metroidvania game RIN: The Last Child for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam on September 21, the companies announced.

Here is an overview of the game, via Klabater:

About

RIN: The Last Child is a dark Metroidvania fairy tale that cleverly combines exploration and crafting. Thanks to a complex system of creating and enchanting spells, no playthrough is the same. Play as RIN—a demigoddess capable of obtaining the power of aspects to fuel and develop her magic. Explore vast mythical lands as you uncover the secrets hidden behind the Aspects of Magic, rekindle your mythical powers, craft spells, confront powerful bosses who were once your siblings, and embark on a journey to save the world.

Key Features

Craft and Enchant Spells – Find aspect shards and runes and use them to create spells or enchantments. Tired of good ol’ magic missiles? Look around, and you’ll surely find more creative spells that suit your play style.

Explore the Dark Mystical Fairy-Tale World – Deadly volcanic plains, deserts with distorted time, dangerous jungles full of deadly creatures, and much more await discovery in this hand-drawn world as you explore through your adventure. What secrets you find depend only on how deep you’re willing to dive into this universe.

Fight or Trick Your Opponents – Discover multiple ways to finish off enemies, imprison them instead, or avoid encounters entirely with the complex spell-crafting system that gives you incredible combat flexibility and gameplay freedom.

Discover the True Nature of Your Mission – Learn the story told as a creation myth where, on the Creator’s orders, you come to life with a mission to try and find your siblings, each carrying a piece of the Creator’s magical power that you’re destined to regain. Experience a branching story with different endings and discover your true purpose.

Watch a new trailer below.

Release Date Trailer

[ramblings-from-the-ether]

Fic Idea: Fragile & The Amulet

I have no idea why—maybe its because she's the only one that's used it so far—but I can't stop associating Mera with the Arsene Amulet.

Which is why, especially for fanfics, the first thing that pops into my head when brainstorming ideas for Mera is to give her some kind of power relating to the Arsene Amulet.

And that's why this post exists.

So first things first, there's no obvious way to justify Mera getting powers from the Arsene Amulet. The amulet doesn't work like that to begin with, and she can't have been the only person to ever use it.

Well, one detail of the Arsene Amulet I zeroed in on was Mera saying she could feel Sylvie's 'strength' flowing into her when she took his epithet. In addition, she didn't seem taxed in the slightest when she used Nightmare Fuel, despite her Stamina having been pretty much exhausted at that point.

Maybe there's some kind of Stamina component attached to each person's epithet. And if that's the case, maybe Mera using her Stamina Drain in a specific way could cause some of the amulet's draining abilities to mix with her own?

After all, Fragile does seem to be a consuming epithet by nature. It has the power to steal Stamina from others, and Mera's own fragility could be attributed to it constantly literally eating away at her Stamina. She even says herself that she looked into the amulet because she believes herself only capable of stealing from others.

Or, maybe something happens that causes Mera's epithet to be absorbed into the amulet. And when that happens, the two epithets with draining natures—the amulet's Copycat epithet and her Stamina-eating Fragile—mix in a way that leaves Fragile imbued with some trace of Copycat's power once she gets it back.

Heck, if we wanna make this more impactful, maybe she willingly puts her own epithet into the amulet for some reason, likely to help someone else. I always pictured Mera's selfishness being the mental block preventing her from becoming more powerful, so what better way to gain a new ability than by practising selflessness for a change?

So now begs the question of what kind of powers Mera would gain from something like this happening. She can't just gain the amulet's power outright, but she could weaken epithets with her attacks. Maybe she could regain Stamina by destroying epithet summons, or her attacks become more effective at destroying them. She could even gain some kind of resistance to magical attacks, absorbing their power for herself instead.

Mera's a very creative epithet user, you can take this idea a lot of different ways!

[megatownac]

The queue is empty, and it's been a little over four years since that happened. The last time, it's because I was on a two-week trip to Japan. This time, it's because I've quit playing New Horizons.

I stopped playing on September 22, on Ankha's birthday, because I wanted to celebrate that one last time before I put the game down. Since then, I've regained half an hour each day by not playing, and another twenty minutes by not queueing up posts after I got through my backlog on October 1. So it's been about 23 days of having an extra 50 minutes.

I'd been playing for nearly a year for no reason other than to keep getting fuel for posts. It wasn't fun on its own anymore.

I started this blog in September 2013, 10 years and 1 month ago. Since then, I've written over 22,000 posts in just about 3700 days.

When I started this blog, the Animal Crossing world was a lot more active. I made friends with people like @toysleaf and @vivinzenz. I would visit people's towns, and they would visit mine. As years went on, that faded. The blog got a little bit bigger. Just barely, barely big enough that I had to get cautious about what I wrote. I cut out all swearing and off-color jokes. I stopped asking people for things. I made sure never to reveal my political leanings, or my thoughts on current events. It wasn't my place, I thought, and was grateful that nobody asked me to weigh in. I eventually became isolated in my little world, not reblogging anything from anybody, ever, and hoping that maybe eventually some silly joke I made would get viral enough to…

To what, exactly? It's not like I ever made money doing this, and I'd all but given up on making friends. I was just doing it out of habit, out of a drive to see if I could get my follower count to go up. It didn't. I hit the 1500-follower mark back in 2016 or 2017 and never got higher than 1595. My silly jokes, my constant barrage of snarky comments about my day-to-day life, simply weren't popular with some imaginary mainstream Animal Crossing tumblr fandom that stopped existing well before New Horizons came out.

There's still an Animal Crossing fandom out here, of course. Just not one that follows blogs like mine. Do something impressive: create some art, or crochet something, or even design a cool home. Things I was not doing. Things I did not want to do.

I'd like to get back to enjoying Animal Crossing. To playing the game for fun. To playing it with other people, and making friends. But that won't happen right now. It can't.

Remember, I've been doing this for over 10 years. I was in my late twenties when I STARTED this blog, and I knew very well that I was one of the oldest people on Tumblr posting Animal Crossing content. My forties are not far off. I'm old. I feel out of place and weird posting my silly little jokes here when I know that most of the people reading them, and there aren't many who do, are probably quite a bit younger than I am. It's a kid's game, and that's fine. But I'm not a kid, and I'm not posting anything truly creative. Just blogging. Just starting up my game each morning to run around and gather fossils and hit rocks and talk to any islanders I see and snapping dozens of screenshots so I can post them on Tumblr at a rate of 4 or more posts each day.

This isn't goodbye forever. I'm just going on break for now. When something changes, I'll be back.

In the meantime, my main blog, @ratralsis, was active before this one started and is still active. I'm going to try to write there a little more often now that I'm not posting here each day, but we'll see, I guess.

As for here, I don't know what I might be posting here in the next few months. Maybe nothing. Maybe I'll start reblogging things again for the first time in, what, six years? Seven years? I don't know. A long time.

I'm not saying I will. Just that I maybe will. Maybe I won't!

Either way, take care of yourself, and remember that I'm still around and, one way or another, will continue writing on the internet until I am physically unable. I've been doing so since 2001 or so and have never stopped. I've been Ratralsis since 2002 and I needed a name to write on a friend's website (the website is long gone now). As far as I know, I'm either the only Ratralsis out there or the other people with that name don't show up on Google, so, as of today, at least, if you see a Ratralsis out there complaining about Best Buy on Twitter or leaving comments on YouTube videos or posting in the forums on Flight Rising, that's me.

That's all for now.

[thedropofsunshine]

How Full-Spectrum CBD Balm Fuels the Creative Process

Creativity is the foundation of human existence. So, whether you're an artist, a musician, or someone looking to unleash your creative pursuits, your unique expression is a form of artistry. But things happen, and distractions arise, hindering the flow of your creative energy. Here's a solution to help you focus and thrive in your art like never before.

Enter CBD

Not just any CBD, but a full-spectrum CBD balm can be a solution to support your mind and body. This versatile product acts as a wonderful moisturizer hydrating and protecting your skin while being gentle enough for daily use. But the magic happens with its ingredients like cannabinoids, terpenes, and other natural compounds, giving this balm the entourage effect. This combination helps reduce physical tension and calm the mind, unlocking creativity. When you apply it to the area of discomfort, you can experience relief, regain your focus, and allow your creativity to flow freely.

The Role of CBD in the Creative Process

Your creative processes are interconnected to your mental clarity and physical ease. When stress takes center stage, it's tough to channel your thoughts into something meaningful. A full-spectrum CBD balm can help relax sore muscles, alleviate minor aches, and ensure these symptoms aren't a barrier to creativity. It can also calm an overstimulated mind, encouraging a sense of balance. The presence of terpenes in CBD further enhances your focus and imagination for inspiration to thrive.

Try These Self-Care Rituals

Incorporating this product into your daily routine can support your body like never before. You can start your day by massaging a small amount onto the areas prone to tension. This will loosen up the body, allowing creativity to flourish. During long creative sessions, you can take short breaks to stretch and apply the balm to overworked joints and muscles, rejuvenating your mind and body and keeping the creative flow intact. You can also use the balm to decompress and unwind after a full day of work and prepare yourself to keep sparking new ideas.

Getting Started

Unlike isolates, full-spectrum CBD products can offer a range of benefits to fuel your creative processes. It's an ideal choice for artists and active individuals, allowing them to nurture their inner artist. Embrace the process and let your creativity flow by integrating a full-spectrum CBD product to experience the difference.