#so that i can be somewhat free during holidays

[yume-x-hanabi]

Life update

Posted on DW, but I figured I could update this blog as well now that I'm semi-getting back into social media...

I've sorta fallen off from the fandom and social media space, because life has been a lot these past few years. To sum up briefly:

- I made a couple of posts about it last year, but I bought an apartment in a new building (construction wasn't finished at the time). Running left and right to choose stuff such as flooring etc, getting things organized on the paperwork side (banks, notaries...), plus the move itself, took me a lot of time and energy. I've been living here full time for 10 months now though, and it's been great. Love the building (even tho it's not entirely finished orz), love the neighbourhood, and it's so great to have your own place. Missy seems at ease here, too, which is important. The balconies' guardrails are huge glass panes that go all the way to the floor with no gap, so that means I can let her out without supervision without fear of her falling/jumping off.

- Work, the main culprit for my withdrawal from fandom. I think I mentioned before that I took on more admin tasks a couple years ago, and while I enjoy the actual work when I get to it, it's a huge huge drain to my mental energy, esp when combined with everything else (class prep, exams, meetings etc). So it's pretty much killed my drive, and my already bad work-life balance just became worse and worse. Like, it's not that I don't have free time (perks of teaching = lots of holidays), but when I do I'm so mentally exhausted that I was pretty much only able to play mindless games like Solitaire or Civilization VI (which became like an addiction lol) or doomscroll on twitter or reddit. I pretty much lost my ability to engage with hobbies, except for the ones below, and I'm trying really really hard to come back and make it stick this time around.

- Speaking of hobbies though, I've gotten really into classical music and started attending concerts regularly. By perfect coincidence, my new place is at a 2-minute walk from my city's philharmonic hall, and I've been enjoying the heck out of that perk. My city's orchestra is really good, and their program so varied. When it was time to choose my subscription for next season, it was harder to choose which concerts not to attend (but a choice had to be made ;v;). Also I'm super stoked because they're playing my favorite symphony next year, I didn't expect to be able to hear it live so soon!

I think this really saved my mental health this year. Like, it's a bit hard to explain, but there's something really unique and relaxing about the atmosphere there. It's a bit intimidating at first, and I was really self-conscious about not making noise at the beginning, but I've gotten used to it now. Mostly, I think it helped me rediscover what it is to just sit down and enjoy the moment, without constantly looking for stimulation to my already overstimulated mind (silly aside, but before that I'd sorta lost the ability to binge a series without mindlessly checking my phone in the middle of episodes. Being "forced" to keep my phone away for the duration of a concert has really helped me recover my attention span). I think it helps my mind rest, if that makes sense? Also there's nothing comparable to listening to the music live in a hall with great acoustics x3

I followed the Queen Elisabeth Competition closely this year, live for a few finals performances when possible, the rest on TV, and it was really awesome. I think in four years I'll get the subscription for the whole finals week :p

- Relatedly, I've also started taking violin lessons. I'd always wanted to learn an instrument since I was a child (loved those mandatory recorder classes we had at school lol), but it never happened (partly because I was too passive as a child to actively ask for it, partly because my parents probably didn't want to have their eardrums massacred, so didn't offer it (wouldn't have said no if I'd asked, but as I said I wasn't good at asking back then)). It took me a while to actually make the jump, because I thought I'm too old now and there's no point, but I finally did with some encouragements from friends and colleagues and I'm really glad I did. Violin is... hard lol. I sound absolutely terrible. But it's also really fun? Like I feel like I'll never be good, but also I've made so much progress since I started. I don't have much time to practice (I aim at at least 10min a day these days, which isn't a lot, but it's better than nothing and it's more important to do it a little regularly than a lot once in a while). I'm really looking forward to the day I'll be able to attempt to play Xillia songs 😄 Also I really love my teacher<3

- Lastly, niece is 3 now and so fun to interact with. It's not always easy, she's very stubborn and willful, but she's also really sweet and funny. Love her ❤️ And she's just got a little sister! who's a very chill newborn, so different from niece#1 lol. I can't wait to see them play together when they're a little bit older.

Anyway, that's pretty much the main things that have been going on the past couple of years. Like I said I'm not sure I can be totally back, I think it's gonna take a lot of adjustment, but this time I really don't want to let another year pass by like that. I'm really gonna try hard to have better balance this time!

[darkwitchoferie]

EDIT: This story now has a full length fic, which you can find here

Pairing: Bang Chan/f!Reader, OT8/f!Reader

Summary: You start off as just Chan’s beloved girlfriend and end up in bed with all the members. It’s very smutty. I’m a little concerned for myself.

Tags: Smut, a little fluff, member x member action, unprotected p in v, not discussed but reader is on birth control, free use reader, consensual somnophilia discussed but not shown, cum eating, double vaginal penetration, mentioned anal between multiple members

A/N: I was originally going to submit this to @daydreams-after-dark for her birthday month, but then it got away from me (by so much) so I’m posting it and tagging her instead. It was sparked by one of the anons who sent in a scenario about being passed around the whole group.

So, Sorsha, firstly, Happy Birthday month! Secondly, I am so sorry for the loss in your family. It's hard any time of year, but for me personally, it always hit just a little harder around the holidays. I am so sorry you're going through this.

But, for a bit of distraction and birthday gift:

Picture this – you’re Chan’s girlfriend and he adores you, wants to give you absolutely anything and everything he has the capability of providing. He also loves to help his members, we all know that. So one night, after he’s fucked you stupid, you’ve lost track of exactly how many times he made you come, and you’re seconds away from falling asleep, your tongue is less guarded than usual and you confess to a fantasy about being a fuck toy for all the boys. He doesn’t get a chance to ask about it because you fall asleep before you finish your sentence.

He has an early schedule the next day, the kind where he leaves before you even wake up, and he can’t focus because now, every time he looks at the boys, he’s picturing them fucking you and he is a little surprised by how far from upset he is about it. This wasn’t something that had occurred to him and if it had, he might’ve thought he’d be too jealous to want it. But now, every time he hears their voices or glances over at them, he’s wondering if you’ll make the same sounds for them that you make for him. And if the dance they’re practicing has body rolls in it? Forget it, he’s gone. More than once he’s had to make them leave a room ahead of him so he can get his dick under control.

That evening, he gets back to your apartment completely frazzled and on edge. He doesn’t know if he wants to fuck you first, to get himself partly under control, or if he needs to talk to you about your confession. Somewhat unsurprisingly, considering the state you were in, he has to remind you of what you said. You don’t deny it, but now you look a little scared of his reaction. Is he gonna be all possessive like he gets sometimes? Does he think you’re disgusting? Does he think you’ve cheated on him? These thoughts are racing so fast in your head, that you don’t immediately notice how hard he is from thinking about it. A short while later, he has you on your back, buried deep in your cunt and he starts asking for more about this fantasy of yours.

You fell asleep, but I think there was more, wasn’t there baby?

Promise you won’t be mad?

How could I be mad at you?

It takes a while, but you get it all out. I want them to use me, whenever they want. Like when I’m wearing the necklace you gave me so you can fuck me whenever, wherever. I wanna do that for them too. Let them fuck me when I’m asleep after a long day like you do. Call me to the dance studio or recording studio ‘cause something’s not going right so you’re all stressed. Cockwarm Lixie or Minnie while he’s gaming. Fuck everybody during movie night. Ride Binnie’s thigh after a workout, when he’s still all sweaty. Let Jinnie paint me naked, then fuck him.

He can’t deny the way every scenario you bring up brings him closer to his own orgasm. After, when he’s laying on top of you, both trying to catch your breath, you whisper, most afraid of this part because you’re afraid he’ll think you think he’s not good enough. I’ll be happy with that, but I’d like to date them too, if they wanted.

You spend the next week or so talking about it, discussing boundaries – of which there are few and depend entirely on the individual guys – and how exactly you’re going to seduce each of them. You agree to a one-at-a-time approach, instead of just offering yourself up in the group chat, which had been your initial idea.

Jeongin, being Chan’s roommate, is first. The two of you “forget” when he’s going to be back so he “accidentally” walks in on you fucking in the living room. You reach out to him and Chan verbally invites him to join you and you get to learn exactly how good those fingers you’ve fantasied about feel in your pussy and your mouth while he fucks you.

Felix is next. You’re not sure what Chan told him to convince him to come over to your place instead of Chan’s, but they walk into your apartment for dinner together that turns into you splayed out on the kitchen table with Felix eating you for dinner and then confessing he’s had a fantasy about being between the two of you, one you’re both thrilled to fulfill for him.

Hyunjin was a little tricky. You weren’t sure he would go for it the same way Jeongin and Felix did, so you took him out first, seduced him slowly. Gentle touches to his arm or the nape of his neck the whole time you’re in the art museum, thighs pressed together at dinner after. He’s frazzled, feeling super awkward, and unsure what to think by the time you get to your apartment and then shocked when Chan asks how your date went, like it’s totally normal to date your friend’s girlfriend. The awkwardness vanishes the second you’re straddling his hips and sinking onto his cock, Chan watching from the chair in the corner of the room.

The gym the boys use at the company is being remodeled, really just getting new equipment so it’ll only be down for about two days. But Changbin’s complaining about not getting his cardio in on the right day, and how he doesn’t want to go for a run outside in the rain. So Chan suggests a different form of cardio. Which is how you find yourself face down, ass up, while the pair of them take turns until you’re a drooling, cum filled mess.

Seungmin is a bit more like Hyunjin, he’s not going to just jump into bed with you. He needs to be seduced and shown that he’s wanted first. He’s insecure, particularly if he starts comparing himself to the other members. So you look up schedules and plan to take him to a baseball game. He agrees, but calls Chan a few minutes later saying I think your girlfriend just asked me on a date.  She totally did. Did you not want to go out with her, ‘cause you should tell her now, she’s already picking out her outfit. His mouth goes dry at the shirt tight enough to show an imprint of your lace bra and short skirt combo you come out in when he comes to pick you up. You don’t know much about baseball, but he’s thrilled to explain it to you. And while, with a voice like his, you could happily listen to him read the dictionary to you, you love the look on his face when he’s explaining something he’s passionate about. Back at his apartment, the first round is just you two, but he takes a few videos to send to Chan. Then Lix gets home and joins you both.

There’s only Minho and Jisung left and you’re pretty sure you should go after them as a pair. You have all the others together, asking their opinions as well, and most of them agree, they’ve been called chopsticks before for a reason after all. Talking about it has gotten them all worked up though, which you’ve found isn’t a difficult thing to do. So, after settling on a straight forward date plan where you and Chan explain the whole thing to them first, Binnie has you held in the air, your back to his chest, his hands gripping your thighs and holding them open so the others can see exactly how well he splits you open. And so he can show off his strength. Felix, who’s sex drive seems to perfectly match yours, is already a whimpering mess on the couch before he sinks to the floor and crawls over to Hyunjin to suck his cock.

That is, naturally, when Jisung and Minho decide to wander into Chan and Jeongin’s apartment. You vaguely heard the commotion but, being too absorbed in Changbin, you didn’t really register what Chan and Jeongin tell the other two. After Binnie cums, filling you up, he passes you to Seungmin, who let’s you splay out on the floor with a perfect view of Jisung and Minho over his shoulders. Minho is pressed against Jisung’s back, one arm wrapped around his middle, lips close to his ear. You can’t hear what he’s saying, but you can see the effect it’s having on him. You watch Jisung’s eyes go glassy, his mouth drops open and little whines slip out. His hips roll forward, seemingly without his conscious control. Minho, meanwhile, has the wickedest smirk on his face, staring straight at you the whole time. It’s his eyes you’re looking into when you cum on Seungmin’s cock.

As soon as Seungmin moves, Minho lets go of Jisung who is on his belly, face between your thighs so fast you’re impressed he didn’t fall. Your thighs clench around his head and that seems to spur him on more, licking Changbin and Seungmin’s cum out of you faster. You hear whimpering above you and turn to see it’s coming from Felix, whose eyes are glued to Jisung and who looks rather jealous. Before you can say anything, Chan catches it too and you recognize the glint in his eyes. It’s going to be a long, but very happy night.

And it is. You don’t really hear the exact words Chan says, but the gist of it is that they’re going to pass you around and each of the eight of them is going to cum inside you. Then, Felix and Jisung are going to eat it out of you. You can’t tell who’s more turned on by that – you, Felix, or Jisung. After that, things get a little hazy for you. There are so many hands on you and you never go for more than a minute without a cock filling you.

Jisung slides into you as soon as he’s licked you clean. He doesn’t last long, but you already came on his tongue, so you don’t even notice that you didn’t come on his cock. At some point Jeongin has you bent over the coffee table, thrusting into you from behind. Chan, because he thinks it’s adorable when you’re completely fucked out, tries to get you to ride him. You manage to roll your hips, but you’re so far gone that he giggles and takes over, thrusting up into you. Felix lays you on your side on the couch, letting you relax as much as you can while he thrusts into you, keeping one leg bent up and over his legs so you’re on display for the others. You know, because you can taste it when he kisses you, that he’s sucked off at least one person other than Hyunjin. Part of you is sorry you missed that. You don’t remember when Changbin and Seungmin fuck you again, but you know they did. You heard Binnie grunting in your ear and calling you Bunny. You think that might have been after Jeongin, still bent over the coffee table. You know Seungmin likes to see your face, so that had to have been him on the couch, after Felix, with your knees pressed to your chest.

You know, because you heard it, that both Felix and Jisung have each been fucked at least once, probably twice. You vaguely think someone fucked Jisung when he was inside you. You want to make a mental note to make sure you can watch that next time, but the thought is pushed right out of your head.

Then Minho’s sliding into you on the couch wondering how a slut who’s already taken so much cock can still be so tight. Hey Hyune, got an idea, come here. Then Hyunjin’s fingers are sliding into you beside Minho’s cock and you’re so full, you don’t think you could be fuller, but you’re wrong. You practically scream when Hyunjin slowly slides his cock into your pussy, sliding alongside Minho’s. They let you adjust before setting a punishing, alternating rhythm.

Felix is already on his back on the floor, when first Hyunjin then Minho cums. Minho holds you up, supporting your upper body as he slides you down so you can sit on Felix’s face. You can’t see it, but you can feel their combined cum oozing out of you and into Felix’s waiting mouth. Judging from the sounds under and around you, it must look obscenely good. Then you feel Jisung’s tongue join Felix’s. You grip Minho, digging your nails into his arms as the pair wring one final orgasm from you.

You collapse and Minho gently maneuvers you to the floor between Felix and Jisung. The trio of you, gasping for breath and in a hazy, post-sex space that you love, lay there and wait for the others. Chan and Minho are giving out instructions. Hyunjin’s sent upstairs to run a warm bath. Seungmin and Jeongin are tasked with getting drinks and food and bringing them up to the bathroom, though they bring out a water bottle for everyone first. Chan helps you sit up and drink the water. Then he, Changbin, and Minho are carrying you, Felix, and Jisung upstairs to the bath.

Gentle hands are washing you, Felix is cuddled into your chest and Jisung is fighting sleep where he’s cuddled against Felix.

You, babygirl, are a genius Chan says to you, kissing your forehead and tucking you into bed between Felix and Jisung, after convincing the trio of you to eat some of the food Seungmin and Jeongin bring up.

[ision]

MIDNIGHT PROTECTOR (~_~;)

ft jackson

☆¸¸ .•*★.

"Come on Jacks," you pleaded, whispering. The phone dial rang out a few more beats, and you hastily walked into the drugstore and out of the shadowed streets. The shop floor was busier than you had expected, what with the time being too late to be comfortable—some people may have well needed a last minute, urgent skincare fix.

You nodded at the single cashier manning the counter, meeting his eye for a second before he continued scanning for the customer in front of him. With another look through the shop's glass windows out to the street outside, you weaved yourself through the aisles of shower gels and blister plasters.

"Hey, what's up? It’s late, is everything ok" Your friend's voice cuts through the ringing, and you quietly breathe out in relief. You hear rustling in the background, the receiver assumably rummaging around his bedroom.

"Jackson, I just, just stepped out to grab some food from the CVS and—are you free? Were you slee—" You pick up one of the items on display, a scented candle, hand shaking slightly as you tried to read the packaging. "No no, it’s ok, what happened? Tell me," your friend presses, you feel your strained breaths unravel at his comforting tone.

You take a sigh, trying to collect your thoughts, looking around. "Umm, I think I'm being followed," you wrap your other, unoccupied arm around yourself. You don’t hear anything in reply. "There was, is, this man. He was standing outside the CVS when I got there, and then when I was done and left, he started walking behind me." You slowly turn your head towards the glass windows of the store, trying to catch a figure in the periphery of your sight. "Now l'm at this 24/7 beauty shop and I can see him outside, he's just looking at me." “I’m sorry to ask you so late but, could you come meet me? I don’t think I’m too far from where you’re staying,” you ask, starting to feel your chest tighten and stomach turn as the shadowed man faces your direction.

“You’re location’s on, right?” Jackson speaks up, “sorry, stupid question, of course it is - I’m on my way, give me like 4 minutes. Ok?”

You bite your lip, “ok, thank you,” you breathe out. Truthfully, you had forgotten your location share was even on. Jackson’s reminder takes you back to when he insisted you two always have location share on for each other, one of you had asked the other to do so because you were both away in different countries on holiday. It was a nice way to keep tabs on each other, whilst vacationing and just generally during busy day-to-day life. It’s the first time it’s ever come in handy for a situation like this, though.

“Keep me on the line, I’ll talk as I run,” Jackson’s voice cuts through. “Is the shop empty, is there anyone else there with you?”

“Yeah, a couple people browsing and some at the till.”

“Good.”

“Thank you, Jacks, I don’t know what I’d do if you didn’t pick—“

“I’ll always pick up, anyways, it’s no big deal, literally, bare minimum,” his speech comes out choppily, in staccato. You can hear his feet hitting the ground as he runs, but his breathing never hitches. “Can you hold on the line for just a minute, please? I’ll be back after,” Jackson asks.

“Yeah, of course,” you nod, staring at the paint starting to chip on your nails, and the line goes quiet.

You hadn’t met a long time ago, it had only been a few months since this housewarming party a mutual friend hosted in their fancy new apartment. There, you struck up a conversation after being introduced to each other, and you and Jackson clicked so well. Whilst being from two different worlds, you had a very corporate job whilst he lived a creative’s dream as a famous musician, you loved the same things. To an extent. And the things you didn’t share in common, had somewhat of a commonality too. He wasn’t a fan of a specific genre of film you liked, but he’d happily sit down to watch your favourite movie, without complaint.

After the first meeting went so well, you two quickly set up regular hang outs. You heard he loved a dish and wanted to try out a new recipe, so he came over for dinner. He had an event coming up, therefore he needed your expert eye on what outfit suited him and the event's dress code best. Also, it wasn't too long before your flatmate's cat fell in love with him, and you'd go on cat walks to the park together—in disguise of course.

A few minutes pass of you inspecting the bottles on display, your pretence keeping you occupied as you kept tabs on the man outside. “I’m back,” Jackson’s voice cuts through the call, his tone serious and stern. “I’m walking in now.” The call drops.

The doors to the shop slide open, and you turn to see your friend striding in. He’s adorned in all-black, some loose joggers with a black zip-up, the oversized hood hung over his head. He meets your eye, and rushes over to you.

His hair hangs low, the ends slightly wet from a shower, and he pulls his mask down a little to speak to you. “Are you ok?” Jackson’s eyes search you, his hand comes up to your shoulder. You smile at the way his frown twists in concern, “I am now you’re here, thank you.”

He rolls his eyes, “don’t thank me, I said it’s the bare minimum. Besides, how could I even say no… sorry, I’m busy, ask him to stop following you? As if—” Jackson huffs. “Speaking of, that’s the guy? Following you?” He, subtly, nods pointedly at the figure outside the window. You’re both standing somewhere deeper into the shop, no one can see you from the outside in. And, Jackson made sure to slow his walking down before turning the street corner, he wasn’t about to lose the perpetrator before he could even get him caught.

You nod, “yeah, I, I noticed he had his hand in his pocket, he kept reaching into it a couple times—I don’t know, I’m probably just being paranoid—but I think he had something in there,” your fingers fidget, clasping around your phone. You watch as Jackson’s brows furrow, his hand drops from your shoulder. “We’re staying until the police come,” he says, finally.

“Police? You called them? When?”

“I put you on hold, remember. Anyways,” Jackson takes the bag in your hand from you, filled with snacks from the CVS, “do you want anything from here, it’s on me.” You walk further into the store, looking up and down the aisles together aimlessly as you waited on the police to arrive. If you ignored the shadowed creep outside, this moment felt domestic. Your bag was even slung over his shoulder. Despite your friendship only being relatively new, you felt you had known Jackson for ages. And, there were always twinklings of other things below the surface every time you met each other. Sometimes they were moments of lasting eye contact, other times, goosebumps after lingering touches or brushes of hands. You were still feeling each other out a little, though, taking it slow to build up feelings until they’d become too strong to ignore.

Jackson looks up, noticing something from the corner of his eye, “stay here for a second,” he tells you. “Don’t move.”

You nod, intrigued as you watch him walk away. He strolls out the store, and you see him walk up to some figures in uniform. Two men. Jackson talks to them, points in another direction, and the officers walk up to the shadowed figure, Jackson looking on. The stalker attempts to make a run for it, but unfortunately for him, doesn’t get too far before the officers hold him down and detain him. The scene moves so quickly, too quick for you to process and before you blink, the officers take him away and Jackson walks back into the shop and stops in front of you.

He smiles down at you, “let’s go, I’m walking you home.”

As you walk down the street, you chat away about your day at work, updating him on some recent office gossip about a work-couple. You don’t pay much attention to the way Jackson scans your surroundings: the way he moves closer to you ever so slightly, the way his hands ready to pull you back in case a cyclist nearly runs you over as you cross the road, the way he checks to see how you’re doing, only to get distracted by the way the warm street lights make your face glow.

It’s only when he hears a bunch of rowdy teenagers run past the two of you, that you register the way his arm wraps around your shoulder, bringing you in closer, shielding you. You look up at him, much closer now than before, your brows raised a touch, “oh, thank you.” His arm around you feels heavy, but warm, and you thank him silently for not dropping it afterwards.

Jackson keeps his arm there for the remainder of the walk home, carving its presence. He keeps it there until he walks you to your door, and keeps it there until you ask him if he’d like to come in.

[prettygirl-gabi]

A Somewhat Realistic Timeline for “Through the Lens” (Up Until February 2025)

⸻

October 18th, 2024 – First Night with the Team

• Y/N joins the UConn Women’s Basketball team as the official photographer for her final project.

• She’s assigned to capture the team’s season from behind the lens, with her professor encouraging her to focus on storytelling through emotion and movement.

• Paige Bueckers, already a legend at UConn, catches Y/N’s attention almost instantly. There’s something about the way Paige moves on the court that Y/N finds captivating, even through the camera.

• Y/N starts attending every practice and game, slowly becoming part of the team’s environment.

• Paige, while focused on her super senior season, begins noticing Y/N’s presence more than she expected.

⸻

November 7th, 2024 – The Camera Incident (vs. Boston University, W, 86-32)

• During UConn’s blowout win at the XL Center, Y/N positions herself courtside, hoping to capture a shot of Paige in action.

• In the third quarter, Paige makes an aggressive block, sending the ball flying… directly into Y/N’s camera, shattering her favorite lens.

• Y/N is devastated and avoids Paige after the game, feeling embarrassed and frustrated.

• Paige tries to approach her in the tunnel, but Y/N brushes past her and leaves before Paige can apologize.

⸻

November 14th, 2024 – Locked in the Practice Gym

• KK and Azzi, more so KK already aware of the weird tension between Paige and Y/N, scheme to lock them in the practice gym, til they talk it out.

• Paige, desperate to apologize, she sees Y/N’s backup camera and records a heartfelt apology video while Y/N steps away to the bathroom. In the video, Paige awkwardly admits:

“I’m sorry for breaking your camera… and for whatever this weird energy is between us. I feel like I’ve been trying to figure you out since you showed up here. And now… I just want you to stay.”

• When Y/N finds the video later that night while editing, her heart softens for the first time. And she makes a copy and gives it to Paige at the next practice.

⸻

Mid-November to December 2024 – The Slow Burn Begins

• Paige starts showing up more when Y/N is around, lingering after practice, making excuses to talk to her, and even offering her hoodie when Y/N forgets hers during a cold gym shoot.

• Y/N catches herself taking more candid shots of Paige during quiet moments—her laugh during team huddles, her focused stare before free throws, and her rare smiles when she thinks no one’s watching.

• Paige starts posting Y/N’s pictures on her Instagram with captions that make her teammates clown her in the group chat.

• Azzi, KK, and Ice start calling Y/N “Paige’s personal paparazzi.”

⸻

December 23rd-26th, 2024 – UConn Holiday Break

• Y/N stays on campus to edit her project while the team goes home for the holidays.

• Paige, who usually spends Christmas in Minnesota, randomly texts Y/N:

“Bet your camera roll memories are missing me.”

• Y/N laughs at the text but doesn’t respond immediately.

• A few hours later, Paige sends another message:

“I’m comin back early. You wanna grab pizza when I get in?”

• They spend that night driving around Hartford, talking about everything except basketball. Paige opens up about her fear of leaving UConn for the WNBA and not knowing who she is outside of basketball.

• Y/N realizes she’s falling for Paige, not just through her camera lens, but for who she is off the court.

⸻

January 5th, 2025 – Villanova Game (Paige’s Knee Injury)

• During a hard-fought game against Villanova, Paige goes down with a minor knee injury and is ruled out for a week.

• During the game, Y/N rushes to the locker room to check on her, but Paige brushes it off, trying to act tough.

• Paige snaps, “Y/N, seriously. Go back out there,” she said, her tone softening. “You’ve got a game to film. I’ll be fine.”

• Y/n , stunned by Paige’s sudden mini outburst, responds in a soft yet firm tone telling her if she wasn’t out of the locker room and on the team bench she was gonna come back.

⸻

January 6th, 2025 – Y/N’s Grandmother Falls Ill

• Y/N gets a call that her grandmother in Georgia is sick and decides to fly home for a few days.

• Paige finds out through KK and begs Coach Geno and CD to let her fly to Georgia to support Y/N, despite her injury.

• Paige arrives at Y/N’s childhood home the next day, surprising her on her grandmother’s porch.

⸻

January 7th-10th, 2025 – Georgia Trip (Paige Finally Sees Y/N Beyond the Lens)

• Y/N’s grandmother immediately picks up on the energy between them and starts teasing Y/N about her “little basketball girlfriend.”

• Paige spends the next few days by Y/N’s side, helping take care of her grandmother and distracting Y/N with random late-night Waffle House runs.

• One night, while sitting on Y/N’ back porch during their all nighter talking session, Paige admits:

“You see me clearer than anyone else… and I want you to keep seeing me. Off the court, through the mess, through all of it.”

• Y/N feels her heart completely fall for Paige in that moment.

⸻

January 11-12th, 2025 – Back in Connecticut / Paige Finally Asks Y/N Out

• After returning to UConn, Paige finally asks Y/N on a real date.

• With KK’s help, Paige sets up a late-night picnic on a quiet beach just outside of campus.

• The setup is simple—pizza, fruit, and cookies from the dining hall—but it’s the most thoughtful thing Y/N has ever experienced.

• Under the stars, Paige finally confesses

• Y/N agrees to be her girlfriend, officially ending the months of tension between them.

⸻

January 14-16th, 2025 – Visiting Paige’s Family

• Paige invites Y/N to visit her family with her.

• Y/N meets Paige’s stepmom and little brother, Drew, for the first time.

• Drew takes an immediate liking to Y/N.

• Paige watches fondly, teasing Y/N when Drew actually manages to score on her.

• During a quiet moment, Paige’s dad pulls Y/N aside and tells her, “I haven’t seen Paige this happy in a long time. You mean a lot to her.”

• That night, Paige and Y/N share a moment talking to Paige’s dad.

⸻

January 19th, 2025 – Aubrey Griffin Checks Into a Game for the First Time in 381 Days / Paige Reaches 2,000 Career Points

• The moment is emotional for the whole team. Y/N captures every second through her camera.

• Paige and the rest of the team cheer loudly when Aubrey finally checks in.

• Y/N positions herself for a better shot view, knowing Paige is on the verge of a major milestone.

• In the second quarter, with a little over eight minutes left, Paige sinks a signature jumper, officially reaching 2,000 career points.

• The crowd erupts, and Y/N snaps the perfect shot of Paige, arms raised, soaking in the moment.

⸻

January 21st, 2025 – The Mall Incident (Marcus Tries to Approach Y/N)

• Y/N, Paige, Azzi, and Ice take a break from basketball and head to the mall for a casual shopping day.

• While browsing, Y/N’s ex, Marcus, spots her.

• He attempts to approach her, but Paige immediately moves in front of Y/N, with Azzi and Ice flanking her sides.

• Marcus, seeing the trio’s protective stance, backs off, but Y/N feels shaken.

• Later, Paige pulls Y/N aside, cupping her face gently. “You don’t have to deal with that alone. Not anymore.”

⸻

January 23rd- 25th, 2025 – dorm incident/Creighton Game (Away in Nebraska)

• Y/N goes to her dorm to get a new memory card for her camera, Marcus is there tries to trap her, Azzi and kk come with campus security to save her

• Y/N getting mentally prepared for the game coming up soon and buried herself in school work the days leading up to the Creighton game

• UConn dominates Creighton, leading 56-38 in the third quarter.

• With 00.8 seconds left, Paige attempts a full-court football pass to Sarah for a buzzer-beater.

• The ball doesn’t go in, but the effort is incredible.

⸻

January 27th, 2025 – Y/N Falls Sick Due to Stress and Legal Issues

• Dealing with the stress of the dorm incident and legal follow-ups, the school and traveling, Y/N’s body finally gives in, and she gets sick.

• Paige, being sad cause she can’t get cuddles or kisses.

• Paige insists on making Kayla take care of her since Y/N made Paige leave so she wouldn’t get Paige sick.

• Despite feeling terrible, Y/N feels warmth from the care her friends and Paige show her.

⸻

January 29th, 2025 – DePaul Game (Away) / Y/N Finally Feels Well Enough to Work Again

• Y/N, finally feeling better, travels with the team to DePaul to capture the game.

• Paige notices Y/N still looks a little tired and makes sure she takes breaks.

• Y/N still talking precaution of waiting til she is full clean of any sickness to be near Paige.

⸻

January 31st - February 2nd, 2025 – Paige Gives Y/N a Promise Ring

• Between January 31st and February 2nd, Paige surprises Y/N with a promise ring.

• Kk and Aubrey helped picked it out

• Y/N, stunned, tears up as Paige slides the ring onto her finger.

• kk and Aubrey trying to barge in on their cute moment….

And that’s all for now…..

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

       -Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

                             -prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

Tag list: @sayurireidotcom , @astroeliza , @0phantom0 , @yailtsv , @authentic-girl03 , @elalfywhore , @jadasogay , @vamptizm , @sitawita , @starfulani , @paige05bby , @paxaz535 , @azziswrld , @thatonesuschix , .... (more to be added)

[loganwritesprobably]

Your Little.. Boyfriend?

Just a little something because there's not enough male reader content

Tags/Warnings: Crocodile/M!Reader, getting together, jealous!Crocodile, boss/employee, weird npc is obsessed w reader, implied canon-typical violence, possessive!Crocodile, first date

You'd been working for Sir Crocodile at rain dinners for a while now. You worked on the casino floor, waiting on guests who might need it while most of your co-workers worked the tables or at the bar. You were one of just two waiters, and that meant you were often stretched thin, working twice as hard as your other co-workers in order to do everything you needed to. But, damnit, you did your job well! You had already gotten a small raise, and you'd gotten a bonus last holiday season.

Crocodile wasn't at the casino often, attending to other business that he had. He was a busy man. But on the times that he was at the casino, you were usually sent to tend to him. Your waitress co-worker had been asked once but she hadn't been able to keep her nerve in the wake of such a large, intimidating man. You didn't mind, tending to Crocodile was usually a far less stressful job than tending to the general public.

You'd built somewhat of a rapport with him, to the point where he usually greeted you by name whenever you first came to see him during a visit, taking his first drink order of the day. He asked you for your thoughts on the casino sometimes, asked for information about the usual goings on of a day when he couldn't be there. You answered the questions to the best of your ability, but at first you'd also been prone to telling little white lies - you didn't want to disparage his establishment after all. Now? Now you'd freely tell him about problem employees and customers, things that needed changing, and ideas you had for the betterment of the casino. Sometimes, things changed and sometimes they didn't - he was free to make those choices himself of course, you were just honoured that he asked you at all.

Today, Crocodile was due to make another visit. You'd been told ahead of time, instructed to take care of your section until he arrived, and then it would be closed to help your co-worker while you tended to the man.

There was just one small problem. You had.. an enthusiastic customer, to put it politely.

The customer was a regular, and he always made sure to sit in your section and chat with you. It'd been nice at first, you made sure to give him excellent service for being a loyal customer, and it was nice that he liked you. Then he specifically waited for a table so he could sit in your section even if the entire other section was empty. He'd be there from open until close, buying something just often enough that he wasn't told to leave. He'd attempted to follow you on your lunch break more than once. He was starting to be scary, but you had to put on your best customer service face, because that was your job.

You closed your section, despite much complaining, and the customer attempted to follow you to Sir Crocodile. Thankfully, he spent his time in a private VIP area, so the security stopped the customer from following you. You had less than a minute to calm yourself down before making it to Crocodile, but you were fairly sure you'd managed.

"Good afternoon, Sir. How can I help you today?" You asked, cursing your slightly shaking voice.

"You know, I afford my employees here a lot of free reign, but this is incredibly unprofessional of you," Crocodile said, causing anxiety to start brewing in your stomach, "I'll take a whiskey." You nodded and set off to do that for him, desperately attempting to figure out what you'd done wrong.

And then he was gone. Crocodile had stood from the chair where he'd been lounging and left you in the VIP area out of harms way while he returned to the main area of the casino to find the customer that had been bothering you. The VIP area was soundproofed, so you could only guess what had happened while he was out there, but Crocodile returned with red knuckles and a small spatter of blood on his face. You were able to fill in the gaps.

Your stomach was in knots when you returned to Crocodile, setting his whiskey down on the table in front of him gently.

"I'm sorry if I'm speaking out of turn, sir, but I was wondering what I've done that you consider unprofessional?" You needed to know, and you could only hope that he'd explain so you could fix the behaviour.

"This is your work place, leave your little boyfriend at home next time." Crocodile told you, looking bored as if it should've been obvious that his was the issue, but you only found yourself more confused - you didn't have a boyfriend.

"I think there's been a miscommunication sir - I don't have a boyfriend. I'm single, I live alone." You replied, the tray you'd used to carry Crocodile's drink clutched tightly in your hand.

"Then who is the young man that has been obsessively following you?" He asked, his dismissive tone replaced by one more firm. He needed information and he needed it quickly.

"Just a customer sir." You told him, and you couldn't bear to make eye contact anymore, his hard gaze unnerving for the first time since you'd begun to work for the man.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"You've been gone for a few weeks, he only started being so.. interested when you were gone. I haven't had a chance." You admitted. You'd been planning on telling him today anyway, it wouldn't be the first uncomfortable visitor he'd banned from the casino for mistreating his staff.

"Stay here. I'll be dealing with this one personally."

"Sir?" You asked softly, unsure what you were meant to do from here, what was expected of you next.

"I'm taking you out." Crocodile declared, gently taking the tray from your hand that you were still clutching, something to ground yourself with. You looked up at him blankly for a moment, just blinking, processing what he'd said.

"You're what?" You asked, needing some seriously clarification before you were able to process his words.

"Go home, get changed into something casual, be back here in three hours. I'm taking you out." He repeated, ushering you out the door. Out. On a date. Okay maybe you were getting ahead of yourself, maybe it wasn't a date, but just an outing. Bosses did those right? Sure, yeah. That must be it.

You headed home as you'd been instructed to, took a shower and scrubbed yourself within an inch of your life. You sprayed yourself with deodorant and cologne, hoping you could raise yourself to the standard Crocodile might expect from someone he was going.. out with. You agonised over what to wear, sure that nothing in your wardrobe was good enough for wherever you were headed. At least he'd said casual - that meant you were off the hook.

With a pair of nice trousers, patterned and made of a thin cotton that would allow the fabric to breathe to help with the heat, and a shirt in a different colour, only buttoned part way to display some of your chest - it still could be a date and there was nothing wrong with showing off a little on a date - you were ready to go. Go where, you still had no idea, but you were ready for it. Anywhere that Crocodile took you could only be wonderful.

It was definitely a date.

As requested, you returned to the casino to find Crocodile outside already waiting for you. For a second you were concerned that you were late, but Crocodile gave a small smile upon seeing you, using his sand to snuff out his cigar which was quickly disposed of.

"You look handsome." He said as you stepped up beside him, and it caught you off guard.

"Oh- thank you sir. You look quite dashing yourself." You replied and he softly laughed, offering his arm for you to take.

"Please, don't call me sir outside of work. Not unless you want me to drastically change our plans, and take you back to my bedroom." Your cheeks warmed quickly and you froze, eyes widening.

"I- yeah. Okay." You quickly nodded, hardly able to speak nevermind reply intelligently.

Crocodile took you to a small café, which was hardly what you'd been expecting, but apparently they did the best coffee in the area. After tasting it, you believed him. He indulged you by paying for everything, and banned talking about work, only allowing the two of you to talk about yourselves.

When you approached the casino again, the sun had begun to set and you'd only left because the café had closed. It had been nothing short of wonderful, but you had questions that you needed to ask before the two of you parted.

"I hope you had a good afternoon with me?" Crocodile asked, allowing you to take your arm back from his.

"I did, it was lovely. But, I have some questions."

"I'll do my best to answer them."

"Mainly.. why? I don't understand why you'd want to take me out like this. I didn't think I was your.. type." You dodged around the fact that what you really meant was you didn't think Crocodile was gay. He seemed the sort to enjoy having a pretty lady on his arm, not.. you.

"Well, you shouldn't assume those sorts of things. I've entertained both men and women in my life," Crocodile said first, and you were embarrassed to know he understood what you'd meant quite clearly, because you had assumed he was right, "and I suppose I should've made my intentions clearer,"

"at first I was away on business, but I extended my stay after Miss All Sunday notified me of your little fan. I admit it was childish, but I've been interested in you for some time now, and I thought I'd lost my chance. When I heard today that his attentions were unwanted, I took it upon myself to take care of the issue, and then I knew I had to ask you on a date myself. I couldn't risk letting you get away again."

You couldn't see anything wrong with that.

His confession made your head spin and your palms sweat. What? Your own feelings that you'd been harbouring for your employer were requited, and had been for a time now.

"I've had a little thing for you for a while as well, actually. I have to admit. I kind of convinced myself I didn't have a chance with you." You replied, and Crocodile tilted your chin so you were looking up at him, also bending down so you were more level, his eyes locked on yours.

"I think you're stunning. I only wish I'd pursued you sooner, you could've been trussed up in the finest fabrics, sleeping in my bed, and far from the scum that decided he had any right to try to touch you." His words made your heart flutter and stomach flip. He really wanted all of that?

"I should've known you'd be a possessive man."

"Oh I am. Incredibly so. If you agree to this with me, there will be no getting away from it. You'll be mine. My boy."

SFW Requests Open Only

AO3 | Fanfic Masterlist | Request Rules | Recs

Tags: @claryeverlarkf @uselessboots @cainnoable @discordantwritings

[thesassypadawan]

Feel The Force (Hayden x FemReader)

Summary: It’s May the Fourth and what better way to spend it than with your big dork of a boyfriend, the dark lord himself, Hayden! Even though you two aren’t able to see each other all that much during the day…you still manage to squeeze in some quality time to ‘feel the force’.

Warnings: 18+ (mdni), because there sooo much of the smut. Bad puns, public sex, up against the wall, and, as always… Hayden’s big, fat dick.

Notes: May The Fourth Be With You! 🖤❤️

- It was May the Fourth, one of your absolute favorite holidays!

- What better way to celebrate it than at a con. Rocking your FemObi cosplay. Surrounded by fellow nerds, who are just as passionate about the franchise as you are. And, of course, with your big dork of a boyfriend, the original moody teen from Tatooine, Hayden.

- Despite not being able to see each other all that much during the event. You two still manage to squeeze in some quality time here and there. Which typically involves Hay showing how ‘wizard’ he thinks the most recent addition to your costume is. A pair of black booty shorts with ‘I Only Date Sith Lords’ printed perfectly across one of your cheeks.

- As the day goes on though, your ‘negotiation talks’ become more and more ‘aggressive’. And, soon enough, he’s dragging you off to a somewhat deserted hallway in the con center. Begging you to let him show you his ‘lightsaber skills’.

- ��Hay, we’re going to get caught,” you giggle. Shrugging off your cloak and handing it to him, just like he asked.

- Quickly he pulls it on, flashing you one of those damn smiles. “Guess you’ll have to find a way to muffle all those cute sounds of yours. Think you manage that?”

- Biting your bottom lip, you nod excitedly. Tugging impatiently at the cloak, wrapping it around you both.

- “That’s, my good little padawan,” he chuckles. Backing you against the wall, shrugging down a bit to capture your lips in a searing kiss. Big hands resting on your hips; squeezing and kneading them gently.

- Moaning softly, your fingers get to work. Frantically unbuttoning and unzipping, pushing his jeans just far enough to free his rock-hard cock. “Someone’s eager for the fun to begin.”

- “Can’t help it,” he groans. Yanking at and helping you slip out of those wonderful shorts. That are hurriedly stuffed into his hoodie pocket, most likely not to be returned until the end of con. “Want more.”

- “Ah uh, you know you shouldn’t,” you tease. Leg hiking up onto his hip, the other balancing precariously on your tiptoes. While your hand fumbles to shift your panties off to the side.

- Still having to crouch a bit, Hayden lines himself up. Fat head prodding at your soaked entrance, he growls low in your ear. “Oh well, I was never the jedi I should be.” Before thrusting forward, burying himself inside your tight pussy.

- You press your face in his neck, trying to cover up your sobs from feeling that familiar burning ache. Teeth nipping at his shoulder as he starts pounding up into you, splitting you open so deliciously.

- For as much of a hot mess as you’re becoming, he’s fairing no better. Panting above you with every pump of his impressive length, hand firmly gripping your thigh. “W-when I’m around you…m-my mind is no longer my own. It’s al-always a muddle…can only t-think of you.”

- Those words, coupled with his long fingers desperately circling your clit; aid in speeding your release along. Making you clench hard around him, head tipping back while you mewl out loudly. “Kriff! Gonna…gonna…”

- Bending, he leans his forehead against yours. His blue eyes blown wide with lust; lips curled in a smirk. “You grow too aggressive. Be mindful.”

- Picking up his pace, hitting that sweet spot over and over. You barely manage to gasp out, “I…I lo-love you,” before the pleasure overtakes you. Tears stinging at the corners of your eyes, whole body clamping down on him. While you completely and totally go crashing over the edge.

- “I know,” he grunts. Bucking into you one last time, reaching his peak too. Filling you with rope after rope of hot, sticky cum.

- Mouths melding to stifle the noise coming from both of you. Bodies trembling against one another, riding out your aftershocks together. Utterly oblivious to the slow, steady stream of con attendees filtering out of the nearby panel room.

- It isn’t until you pull your head back that you notice how packed the hallway has become. Letting out a small squeak of surprise, you tense up. Walls giving an involuntary flutter, fists scrambling to pull the cloak around you two tighter. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

- Hayden on the other hand… Realizing your predicament, a smug look crosses his face. Cock twitching in interest, hardening again. Hips start to rock as he leans in more, muttering. “Relax. Just feel the force overflowing inside of you…trickling down your leg, onto the floor.”

Tag List: @espinathena-17, @myheartwillgoon2022, @wifeofasith, @princessswifie, @kenobiskywalker16, @loverforoldermen

[iamnmbr3]

Lord Voldemort <- break his ass down, please. (Love you blog, btw! 💖)

How I feel about this character

One of the characters of all time. I find Tom Riddle to be an absolutely fascinating character who is so fun to explore. I think he came out a lot more 3 dimensional than JKR perhaps intended (I say this because a lot of the backstory we get on him makes him a lot more nuanced than the narrative seems to acknowledge) which I absolutely love. His complexity, intelligence, creativity, self sufficiency, determination even in the face of impossible odds, ruthlessness, penchant for drama, and the tremendous amount of adversity he has to overcome provide a lot of richness that is fun to analyze and read about. I mean, without him we wouldn't have the story.

All the people I ship romantically with this character

Alphard Black. Yes, I wouldn't have called it either not too long ago but now this ship lives rent free in my head. (If you want to read about why you can look at this post here). All hail the dysfunctional, hilarious, and emotionally compelling mess that is Alphalord - which I ship both in serious incarnations and also for the crack humor potential; truly the versatile ship of all time that gives me way too many feels but also is very fun to make crack humor posts about. Also, although it's not my OTP, I think there's a lot of interesting potential - all of varying degrees of darkness - to explore pairing him with Regulus as well.

My non-romantic OTP for this character

I talked here about how fascinating I find Voldemort's relationship with Snape. He does genuinely seem to like and respect him - to the point that he is actually willing to do favors for him and expresses regret about killing him. Though also...on the flip side, he doesn't like him enough to not murder him (although interestingly from an in-universe perspective we could even read him using Nagini to kill him as him not being able to use the killing curse against Snape due to feeling conflicted). I really like the idea though of him destroying everyone who he feels even somewhat close to.

Which leads me to my actual answer to this question since I already wrote about him and Snape in the Snape ask (linked in the previous paragraph) which is - Hagrid. In the book 2 flashback Tom and Hagrid are on a first name basis. And Tom clearly already knows that Hagrid has an Acromantula because when he gets the unexpected and unwelcome news that the school is going to be closed he immediately knows just where to go to find someone to blame. This suggests that he and Hagrid had a preexisting relationship where Riddle gained Hagrid's trust enough to learn things about him.

It's notable that they would have probably been the only 2 orphans at school (after Hagrid's father died.) I can imagine them running across each other during holidays when everyone is home. (They also both had a nonstandard accent - though Riddle has succeeded in mostly getting rid of his own accent by the time the memory takes place - that might have been looked down on by some of their privileged pureblood peers).

It's also not even clear if Tom intended for Hagrid to be expelled (though he certainly was willing to risk it in order to prevent the school from closing and to avoid incurring any blame himself) given that he seemingly intends to kill the spider and say that it got loose by accident rather than as some sort of intentional plot. He also doesn't kill Hagrid when he has the chance in book 7. This is probably just for plot reasons so JKR can have him carry Harry's presumably dead body back to the school, but in-universe it's interesting. Maybe Tom thought he could still turn Hagrid into a useful servant (which I don't think would have gone well). Either way, the fact that they seemingly had a sort of friendship at one point is very interesting and lends an added layer to Hagrid's assertion in book 1 that Slytherins are bad and not to be trusted.

While Tom likely viewed Hagrid with a certain degree of disdain right from day one, it's up to interpretation whether he ever also felt any positive emotions about his relationship with Hagrid or if the friendship was purely a one-sided farce. I prefer the former because I think it adds more depth and complexity to the characters and relationships if Tom ended up having some feelings of genuine camaraderie with Hagrid but was still willing to sacrifice him to protect his own interests. It makes the moment even more interesting if he did not specifically intend for Hagrid to get expelled and thus ends up losing one of the few people who, unlike the majority of his housemates, doesn't look askance at his presumed lineage as a muggleborn and his utter poverty. And this also adds interest to his decision in the end of book 7 to capture Hagrid rather than kill him.

Though of course, neither Snape nor Hagrid hold a candle to the true Tom Riddle BROTP of all time - Tom & Nagini. I love the way he is generally very touch averse but likes to hold her and pet her like a very terrifying therapy animal.

My unpopular opinion about this character

There's a lot I've talked about before like the fact that I think Tom really did want the DADA job and I also think he's a lot more emotionally intelligent than he gets credit for and the people he seems to enjoy hurting most are actually monied purebloods and the person who behaved most unreasonably in the orphanage memory was actually not Tom.

So for this I'll go with the fact that I view Tom as a much more tragic character than the narrative seems to frame him as. It's weird that so many other characters who do bad things get framed as a tragedy not an inevitability - something that is closely linked with the idea that even for characters who have gone down the wrong path there can be redemption. We see this with Snape, with James Potter, with Regulus, with Dumbledore, arguably with Grindelwald whose last act is to lie about the Elder Wand, and sort of even with Peter Pettigrew.

In contrast, Dumbledore always acts as though it's a forgone conclusion that Tom was going to turn out evil and ignores the way wizarding society and even he himself failed to ever do anything meaningful to help Tom or try to guide him onto another path. That doesn't mean he might not have still become Lord Voldemort. But it's never treated as something that even might have been avoided. There is no discussion of what a loss it is that his talent and power and intelligence and creativity weren't used for good. But it is a loss.

It's not inevitable that Tom turned out the way he did. It's not inevitable that he lived a life where he never knew what it was to be loved. It's not inevitable that the first person to ever offer him mercy is Harry Potter and by that point it's far too late and he doesn't even understand what Harry's trying to do. It's not inevitable that because the wizarding world has no concept of social services he grew up in a muggle orphanage without any knowledge of who or what he was, hated and feared by all, and in turn learning to hate and fear them in return. It's not inevitable that Dumbledore immediately gave him up as a lost cause and he never had an adult in his life who could provide support and guidance and a sense of safety. It's not inevitable that upon arriving at Hogwarts he got sorted into a House with people like Walburga Black who would have called him mudblood and hated him for his poverty almost as much as his bloodline, breeding further anger and resentment. And it's not inevitable that he made the choices that he did to kill and to maim. It's SAD. He could have done and been so much more.

I mean, to be clear, from a reader perspective all of this makes Tom an interesting and fun character. It's not bad from a storytelling perspective that these things happened. But nonetheless, it's a tragedy. And I think that gets very little play in the narrative. Yes, Harry tells Tom to try for remorse, but it's framed by the story more as an instance of Harry being ridiculously decent. When Dumbledore discourages Harry from feeling pity for the horrifying state Tom will find himself in the afterlife, there's nothing in the narrative framing that suggests the readers are meant to view Dumbledore's callousness as awful.

From an in-universe perspective we can talk about the strange bias Dumbledore had towards Tom from the moment he met him, but from an out of universe perspective it's more about the author's bias. Yes Dumbledore is meant to be flawed and imperfect, but we readers are not meant to think his treatment of Tom is an example of that imperfection. We're supposed to think it's just fine that upon learning that Tom has lived a lonely and miserable existence where he is constant mortal fear of being declared mad and forcibly locked up, Dumbledore's first act is to use magic to frighten and to punish. Partly this is just because that scene is a flashback about the villain of the series and JKR kind of forgot that from an in-universe POV he wasn't the villain of the series yet.

But also maybe it says something more profound - because in the end of the story the narrative declares "all is well" and yet none of the factors that led to Tom Riddle's rise have actually changed. As Harry is sending his children off to school 19 years later in the accursed epilogue, nothing has actually changed. It's fine to have a story that doesn't have a happy ending. But the narrative frames the ending as a black and white "everything's fixed now and they all lived happily ever after" sort of ending and...no. And this stems, I think, from the failure to engage with the elements that make the main antagonist a great tragedy rather than a cartoonish inevitability. This all makes the story much more interesting, but I'm not sure JKR is fully aware of what she wrote.

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

I wish we saw more of him in book 7. The opening scene at the Manor in Deathly Hallows is really tense and gripping and interesting...and a lot of the wedding planning and camping stuff in my opinion...is not. More scenes of the Death Eaters and Voldemort (delivered via Harry's visions) could have been very engaging. Furthermore, Harry could have actively explored Tom's mind and/or widened the connection to try to figure out where the Horcruxes were. This would have added drama, made Harry's connection to him more central to the plot, and allowed us to see more high stakes and interesting scenes.

[plxnetn1ne]

since everyone in this fandom and their mum seem to be giving their piece about the ‘update’ coming to Hogwarts Legacy on the 6th, i figured id give my piece even if no one has asked

ive been seeing a lot of posts and replies about how “we should just take what we get and be grateful” and “the devs are working hard, do you know how hard game development is?”

im very aware of how difficult game development can be and how mentally taxing it is. i dont doubt that they’ve been through the mill.

the update is trash. its that simple. we’re allowed to feel upset about it, and for people saying that its not fair to be upset — it is fair. we shouldnt have to expect the bare minimum from a game that sold 22 million copies and reached nearly 2 billion dollars in revenue, a game that had 14 nominations for awards and 3 wins.

we were told we were getting a summer update alongside the Haunted Hogsmeade quest — the quest they promised to release to PC and Xbox in march when the game celebrated one year of release. they said, and i quote;

“As we near the one-year anniversary of Hogwarts Legacy, we wanted to let our community know that the Hogwarts Legacy PlayStation-exclusive content will be available on other platforms later this summer, along with additional updates and features for the game. Stay tuned in the coming months for more details on what’s coming to Hogwarts Legacy this year.” copy and pasted straight from Hogwarts Legacy’s official twitter page. along with additional updates and features to the game.

yes — i know, thats a very vague statement. it could have been taken in any way, but typically when additional updates and features — plural — is put into a sentence, you assume that there will be more than one new feature. it wasnt wrong for the community to assume that there was more than a few new additions coming to the game.

okay, we got photo mode — thats great for console players, but it isnt new for us PC players. im happy for my console buddies that finally get to bring their mc to life in the way ive been able to. im looking forward to seeing the uptick in photos upon the updates release. PC and Xbox got the new haunted hogsmeade quest, and thats great, considering the release of it was delayed by 3 months, but atleast we’re getting it. but basically. PS5 was fucked in the process, because everything minus photo mode is stuff they already had, and honestly, thats not fair. and double honest — thats not an update. thats the release of exclusive content plus a new addition.

for several months a summer update was hyped up, and the result was…. ps5 getting fucked, a photo mode that im going to bet my ass on will be buggy as all hell, and some cosmetics. so no — i wont be grateful. especially when we keep getting promised things and then getting fucked by a hot iron in the process. because i havent forgotten the documentary that was supposed to come out, and i still remember during September when they hyped up a digital surprise for Back to Hogwarts day and it ended up being 30 percent off on a game most of us already had, only for the game to go on sale for half off the following Nov/Dec for the holiday sales.

since the release of the game, modders have been basically picking up the slack by working their asses off to create bug fixes, better cosmetic options, enhanced schedules, companions, and so much more to keep the community somewhat entertained. this as well as the file miners that are constantly digging things up that we were robbed of, like the relationship list for companions, gaunt manor, other house specific quests, more quests concerning Isadora, on and on. on top of this, ive seen first hand how much of the outer parts of the map was developed only to be cut out. i spent a solid hour and a half today using free cam to fly around the outskirts of the map — buildings, caves, entire areas laid out for towns or poacher camps, all thrown out on top of all of the discarded quests and content.

and while im at it — ill be one of the few to say it, but Hogwarts Legacies storyline was not well thought out, or at the very least it wasnt very well portrayed. there were hundreds of questions we were left with upon beating the game. where did Anne go? what happened to the keepers after the final battle? why wasnt Isadora in her portrait? what were the keepers hiding? did inhaling the magic actually make a difference or was it just for shock value? how much of Isadora’s story did we miss? how was the undercroft tied in with Isadora when it was apparently a Gaunt secret? what even really was the undercroft?

yes, i know — “well arent they making a second one?” and yeah, im pretty sure they are, and maybe thats why we’ve gotten nothing more than a pile of bricks in the last year and a half. but, they should probably finish the first game before starting on a second.

this doesnt mean i dont love Hogwarts Legacy. i love the people ive met, the stories ive read, and i love capturing the screenshots i take from that game. the entire situation is just frustrating to no end.

[deadly-espresso]

(OC: Anne)

Yeah, I had long avoided making a Main Toon OC, but now I think I've finally made a Toon that's deserving of that label. She is also a Christmas-themed Toon, similar to Bobette, but they're still distinct in how they embody Christmas (Bobette more embodies cheer and gift-giving, while Anne is more themed around the religious aspects and cultural unity of the holiday).

So, Anne's shtick is that she's an angel cake who unites the Toons and guests of Gardenview during Christmas and New Years. Every January 1st, she'd announce the new year with her musical horn. Besides that, she has a close friendship with Bobette due to their love for Christmas, and she's also the grandmother of Cosmo and Ginger (Ginger bears an especially close resemblance to her).

Notes about Anne's active ability, Guardian Angel:

Note 1: Toons affected by Guardian Angel will have white sparkles coming out of their bodies.

Note 2: This ability will protect a Toon from self-damage, so if Cosmo or Ginger use their active ability while affected by Guardian Angel, they will not take damage, allowing them to heal a Toon by 1 heart for free. As a side effect, this will also allow Cosmo or Ginger to use their active ability on 1 heart.

Note 3: This ability will only partially protect Toons from attacks that deal more than 1 heart of damage. Twisted Anne's attack will still inflict 1 heart of damage, and Twisted Dandy's attack will still inflict 2 hearts of damage, meaning he can still one-shot Main Toons.

Note about Anne's passive ability, Angel Aura:

Anne's Angel Aura has about 2.5 times the range of Bobette's Festive Aura.

And some other trivia:

Anne has a closer bond with Ginger than Cosmo, due to both characters being associated with the Christmas season.

Anne the Angel Cake was named after Saint Anne, with her color scheme even being inspired by some artistic depictions of the saint.

Anne, despite being an angel, isn't quite "dead". It's more like she's ascended to a higher plane of existence. However, she's still considered an "undead" Toon, similar to Connie and Batyr.

Out of all the other Main Toons, Anne probably gets along with Sprout the most. He's kind of like "the other grandson I never had" to her.

Anne doesn't quite understand the fact that not everyone celebrates Christmas, which leads to plenty of awkwardness when she has to deal with non-Christian guests at Gardenview.

Anne's head is shaped like an upside-down semicircle, though it's somewhat obscured by the veil she wears over her head.

Here's her transparent art too because yes

[maevesque-moved]

Philos Is Closed. Pairing: Sky x Jeremiah Word count: ~1.8k @skynapple 🌻

A/N: Well, tis no surprise that I am your secret santa, haha. But I hope you still enjoy this drabble...that definitely exceeded the word count I was expecting to write when thinking of it. Merry Christmas, Madikins! ♡ May your day be filled with lots of love and joy. I hope you enjoy this as much as I had fun writing it.

Her meeting with Jeremiah was only meant for breakfast, the holiday season having shackled them to their own work demands, so any little time spent with him was more than enough for her and him during these busy times. Flower shops demand beautifully crafted bouquets and arrangements for one's beloved, and well, Wanderer's never sleep.

They find time, though, where Sky would visit Jeremiah after her work. She would stay for a while until he closed the shop and walked her home. A routine they had fallen into as the nights turned short and the days blanketed by the frosty cold. It warranted hot chocolate and cuddles every so often whenever the two could meet. 

Sky rounded the corner, the bell chiming to let Jeremiah know that someone was there.

His eyes shifted from the bouquet he was fixing up for a customer, that should arrive in fifteen minutes or so, to Sky who waved a bit shyly, their footsteps matching as they met somewhat meet halfway because Jeremiah didn't think, his body already made a beeline toward her, always happy to see his sweet flower.

"Did I lose track of time?" Jeremiah asked, brushing back her hair behind her ear with a loving smile, "do you get to clock into work later?"

Sky shook her head, smiling as she shifted her body to have her guitar peek from behind her, "actually, I'm free today." 

This made Jeremiah's face light even more, his hand finding hers as he guided her over to the counter, wanting to show her his latest work. 

"The customer should be here soon...what do you think?"

The bouquet was a classic, red roses coupled with baby breaths. Sky could always tell how well taken care of the flowers were in Jeremiah's shop by how fresh and vibrant they looked, even when they were plucked from their soil. 

"It's beautiful," she commented, her fingers reaching out to brush along the softness of the rose petals. 

Sky sat next to Jeremiah, her fingers gently strumming her guitar as he finished up the bouquet, wrapped it and just like he stated, about fifteen minutes later the customer had arrived. They thanked Jeremiah and commented on how beautiful the flower look, peering over at Sky and leaning towards Jeremiah stating just like the woman next to him.

Jeremiah's face flushed, scratching the back of his neck and let out an embarrassed laugh before his eyes turned soft and he looked over at Sky who was almost in a trance as she continued softly humming to the strumming of her guitar. 

"You're right. She really is beautiful." Jeremiah said, waving to the latter as they exited the shop. 

The shop fell quiet, but a comfortable quiet. What Jeremiah doesn't notice is Sky's inner thoughts rummaging in her head. She was free for the rest of the day, but that doesn't mean that Jeremiah can be the same, still, there had been something she had been wanting to ask. 

It was now or never.

Jeremiah, about to ask if Sky was alright, only for Sky to say she had something to say. Their words collided and they each told the other to go first, which made them both fill the store with their combined laughter. 

"I insist, Sky, you first," he gestured to her, a smile on his face as his eyes locked on her, giving her his undivided attention.

Nervousness fell upon Sky's face, chewing on her inner cheek before she released it and placed her guitar down. Her gaze shifted a bit, left and right, before exhaling, "I was wondering...have you ever gone ice-skating before?"

Jeremiah tilted his head, his gaze drifted out to the window as he thought. Throughout his many years from Philos to this...earth, it dawned upon him that—no. He had never gone ice-skating. It couldn't be that bad, right?

He shook his head and Sky's eyes lit up like the Christmas lights scattered throughout the Linkon City streets. She immediately jumped up and stepped forward, practically leaning into Jeremiah who was caught by surprise before laughing as he wrapped his arms around his lover. 

"If you're not busy...maybe we can go ice skating sometime." She said as hope twinkled in her eyes. 

And how could Jeremiah ever dispel the hope and excitement when he would literally do anything for her? So an idea popped up. He brushed her hair from her forehead, placed a sweet kiss onto it then eased away as he stepped toward the front of the shop. 

Sky blinked in confusion, tilting her head as she followed Jeremiah with her eyes, "where are you—" 

"The shop's closed now." 

"What?"

Jeremiah chuckled and strided back to her, taking her hands in his as he went around, closing up the rest of the shop. 

"You did say you were free all day today, right?"

Sky followed a bit dumbfoundedly as she squeezed his hand, blinked a few times before nodding her head, "but what about your orders and, didn't you say you'd be busy today?"

Once Jeremiah completed these tasks, he turned to her with a bright smile, brushing his fingers through her hair and twirling some strands around his fingers as he gazed into his eyes. 

"Well, I've been neglecting a certain flower of mine, I think she needs to be taken out for some sunlight, experience the joys around the city of Linkon, and...go ice skating with me, maybe?"

Sky let out a laugh and shook her head at her boyfriend's little antics, "all right...but let's get some breakfast first," she teased upon hearing their stomachs growl.

He nodded and intertwined his fingers with hers as they stepped out of the store and headed toward the cafe they had mentioned about getting breakfast at.

Little flurries brushed past them just as they reached the cafe, they ordered their usual drinks and food and conversed about their many adventures away from each other. Sky talking about the waves of Wanderers, how Rafayel had her running errands with him for his next painting, and Xavier being...Xavier, pouted when Sky mentioned wanting to ask Jeremiah if he'd go ice skating with her. 

To which, Jeremiah could not keep his laughter from spilling as he took a bite of his food. Xavier's jealousy was too obvious, but nothing malicious. It made Jeremiah reach out to take Sky's hand, squeezing it gently. He was a lucky one to be with her, and he would stop at nothing to ensure he would get to be with her for as long as time would allow it.

Jeremiah spoke in dramatics about how some of his flowers were retaliating against him, or conspiring with the flower shop's ghost. In reality, he had stumbled on the hose he had forgotten to gather, which ultimately resulted in him tripping and thus knocking over a few potted plants. 

Despite knowing the fabrications of his story, Sky found it amusing and she couldn't be any more happier hearing about these dangerous adventures in Philos. 

Breakfast ended with the couple hand in hand, stepping out of the cafe and being greeted by the soft bite of the winter air. It had stopped snowing, but the streets were still blanketed by the roofs of the buildings, shops and top of the vendors' stalls. It was truly a winter wonderland.

With their stomachs warm and full, Jeremiah looked left then right as a patch of snow dropped onto his head from the roof of the cafe, causing Sky to laugh as she swiped the flurries from his hair. His eyes filled with warmth as he watched her do so.

"Oh, right...so, I have no idea where the nearest ice rink is—"

"Don't worry, I do!" Sky interrupted and began tugging him to the direction, which he conceded with no resistance whatsoever. 

He always loved seeing how her face lit up when it came to anything she was excited about. Like a sun shining through stormy clouds, giving him the warm rays he never knew he truly needed.

They reach the skating rink, getting their ice skates as they find a spot to don them, setting their shoes to the side where they know to find them when they're done. Jeremiah is confident that it can't be that hard, even though Sky kept warning him.

So when Jeremiah steps onto the ice rink for the first time, his legs are shaking like a newborn deer trying to find its balance. Sky held onto his hand, which he in turn held onto hers like a lifeforce. It garnered a fit of laughter from her, as much as she tried not to laugh at all. 

"Not so bad, right?" Sky teased as she stepped onto the ice rink with ease, guiding the florist's hands to the edge of the skating rink, "hold onto this, it's fine...look, not everyone knows how to skate when it's their first time."

Once the florist got his balance back, he carefully let go of the edge and started to skate with his lover. He watched as others passed by them more than once. A new energy of determination fills him and he tries his luck, tugging Sky along with him as they continue skating around the ring, it was all nice and peaceful...

Until someone accidentally bumped into Jeremiah, causing him to lose his balance and flail about his arms to regain balance to no avail, his hand tightly gripping onto Sky's, taking her down with him but of course, the ever gentleman he is, broke her fall as she landed on him.

He swore he could see birds flying around as his back crashed against the floor of the ice rink, but he let out a laugh when Sky grabbed his face, asking if he was all right. And he was more than alright. 

As he gazed at Sky, he realized the light of his immortal life was right here with him. Ice skating, they never did such things back in Philos. It was new, exciting, and getting to share a moment like this with her was everything. It was simple, yes. But it was theirs. 

He cupped her chin, and cut her off during her flurry of worries as he captured his lips against hers. The kiss was sweet and warm, uncaring of the people around them as his arms moved to wrap around his waist. It felt like an eternity each time he would kiss her, and this time wasn't any different. 

He will do anything to make sure this lasts forever. 

When they break from the kiss, Sky's face is flushed and he couldn't help but stroke his thumb against the hue blossoming on her cheeks. 

"Yeah, I'm more than alright..." As long as I'm with you.

[dontilookfestive]

The crown that will kill me

Holly angst and lore

The Christmas season starts again. While some might think of me being ecstatic all I can feel is misery.

I slump on my desk, plans for events and what humans want this year occupying almost all of it. Cups upon cups of coffee mixed with eggnog lay scattered around my office. I've long since lost track of how many there were.

I quickly take a look in the mirror across from me. God I look awful. My hair is somewhat tangled and i have so many eyes bags... Welp that's what I get for staying up for Lord knows how long

From the moment Christmas starts I know I won't be jolly. Which is ironic because that's how everyone sees me.......

I'll let you in on a little secret.... I can't stay awake for very long.

Why? Well it's simple. Because of how much I have to do during my holiday season I use so much of my energy up. It's come to the point where the Christmas spirit is all that is keeping me awake after a week.

I barley have any free time. From planning, to updateing and looking over the lists to making all of the things I barley have any time to spare. Humans get greedyer and greeder every year....my ability uses the Christmas spirit so the more I have to make the more tired I become.... And when my season is over I start to turn to ice .... It's just my body trying to preserve and get energy....but I always thaw when my season has come again

I thread my fingers through my hair as I fight back tears. No one wants me for me.... Hell the other spirits hate me.....all because I am the most popular.... I hear what they say about me behind my back....it hurts.... I didn't ask for this...any of this.... God my cheeks hurt for constantly smiling, no matter what I do they will always hate me ..... I don't know what to do anymore....... I just want to enjoy life Like a normal human but no....

......

@star-seeking-stray @paintedgrilledcheese @teddyandmochi

[somany-signs]

Dual Taylor Theory- Lavender Haze/Midnight Rain Outfit Change

If you need context on the Dual-Taylor theory, I will link that here (x)

The following is under the Gaylor assumption so keep that in mind, I won't be trying to justify that part in this post.

SO, I believe the outfit change during the midnights set is very intentional- this is not something she does any other time. The songs being performed- Lavender Haze and Midnight Rain are a stark contrast of both Taylors individually. Lavender Haze is taylor the person, who feels safe and comfortable in her Lavender relationships while she gets to do as she pleases behind the scenes. Brand Taylor continues the "conversation" between the two by coming out and singing Midnight Rain, a song about how Taylor the person "wanted it comfortable//wanted a bride//family" etc. while she chose to pursue fame and make a name for herself.

I'm making this in somewhat of a rush, there are contradictions and holes but if anyone else wants to play with this idea feel free!

Further lyrical analysis below the cut

I've been under scrutiny You handle it beautifully All this shit is new to me

This is Person Taylor addressing Brand Taylor (BT), giving the media handling over to her.

I feel the lavender haze creepin' up on me Surreal, I'm damned if I do give a damn what people say No deal, the 1950s shit they want from me I just wanna stay in that lavender haze

Person Taylor does not want to conform, doesn't want to be public either, just live a happy queer life with her privacy.

Talk your talk and go viral I just need this love spiral Get it off your chest- Person Taylor Get it off my desk -Brand Taylor

Again addressing BT, "do what you need to do and I'm going to do what I need to do"

and a line that feels like speaking to each other here-

"Maybe you should get this off your chest, let go of the expectations so I can be free"

"Get it off my desk // not happening we're thriving in our career" etc.

Now moving to Midnight Rain:

he wanted it comfortable I wanted that pain He wanted a bride I was making my own name Chasing that fame He stayed the same All of me changed like midnight

PT wanted a normal quiet queer life, BT wanted the fame and chaos and success, but it came at the cost of personal relationships and her reputation.

My town was a wasteland Full of cages, full of fences Pageant queens and big pretenders But for some, it was paradise

The life of being a celebrity, full of "big pretenders" like herself. Still, many people idolize this life, including her younger self who wanted this more than anything.

My boy was a montage A slow-motion, love potion Jumping off things in the ocean I broke his heart 'cause he was nice

This reminds me a lot of the lover era, "jumping into pools from balconies" "love potion" and the very sad-looking aesthetic change that followed.

ie: this sad af performance

She broke her own heart because it didn't fit her image to be openly queer.

It came like a postcard Picture perfect, shiny family Holiday, peppermint candy But for him it's every day

So I peered through a window A deep portal, time travel All the love we unravel And the life I gave away

Comparing the life PT has in private with family and loved ones (and maybe a lost female muse) to what she gave away when she continued the BT image.

I guess sometimes we all get Just what we wanted, just what we wanted

Feeling heavily what she wanted- for better of worse. She has her success, but not the life she wanted to live.

And he never thinks of me Except when I'm on TV

BT only exists when on stage/public eye, etc. PT tries to separate herself from this persona as much as she can.

I guess sometimes we all get Some kind of haunted, some kind of haunted And I never think of him Except on midnights like this (midnights like this)

BT tries to forget PT exists while performing and putting on the show, but it can't be obviously very difficult and painful to play the part.

Starting LH with "Meet me at Midnight" and ending Midnight Rain with thinking of PT "on Midnights like this" is also very telling.

Again, a lot of holes here, not extremely thorough in examples but please let me know if you have any ideas that would make this theory more solid or if you think it holds any validity. Just something that's been on my mind!

[cerberus253]

Okay, hear me out, what if.. the eight demon sorcerers, ever visited brazil nowardays in their human disguises, and would actually end up interested or shocked at the culture?

Also, i can imagine po kong and bai tza would be surprised by how many man (not all cause.. y'know.) are respectful towards woman and also by how they react when a guy try to hit one or be aggressive. (i honestly think they would love the fact that when a neirghbohood has a thief around, the thief just gets beaten up and tossed to the ground by the ones who live there XD)

And oh boy, po kong would possibly love brazilian food, especially the brazilian hotdogs, since brazilians put as much things as possible in it! (ya can search it up if ya want to see it) and maybe not only her but also xiao fung would love the desserts they make!

Probabbly something that would also possibly surprise they is the holidays called "festa junina" and carnaval, like, Carnaval may be fine but too crowded, so i think they would prefer festa junina, which hsi wu would definitely love cause he would be allowed to buy those small bombs to more bigger ones made for pranks to just light it up and startle people with it for his own amusement.

And i can aswell imagine how some of they would react to realizing that some kids would actually know how to curse cause of their older siblings or possibly know how to flirt or make ccompliment to girls they like (which i can see hsi wu laughing at the background by some of the corny flirts and etc)

Or probabbly be surprised that in small towns, some kids are allowed to drive in those small italians motocycles, since is actually normal iin some small towns, and maybe get shocked by how old people behave and etc, and maybe by how some girls appearance are more developed despite their young age. which is somewhat shocking for some people.

But i think they would like to spend time on brazil, and aswell find it funny how some of the buildings brazilians do almost don't make sense or how they do their so called "gambiarras" !XD

(btw, how ya doing? also, take your time, drink water and rest. have a good day^^)

Alright so, I have to start with this: I have not been able to touch, think, nor research anything on this Ask for the past handful of weeks because of College work. In addition, my motivation for working on JCA stuff has dwindled a lot since that short period of time when I was bombarded with JCA asks. With that being said, do understand that my answers may not be up-to-snuff like my previous ones because I really do not want to spend all my little free time answering questions in a lengthy format (Ironic I say this at the beginning, before i even started typing. You will see why).

Now with that out of the way, to my Answer:

I tried to make them act In-Character without too much racial hostility and aggression towards humans, and the humans willingly including them. A very "What-If..." scenario.

Shendu

Shendu did not want to go, but since everyone was being forced to go, he had to as well. Although terrified of him, the people cheered when he showed off his fire abilities during the Burning Ceremonies. Of course he needed a larger space than the normal fires the people do, but it was worth it for them. Large streams of fire straight into the air, the sparks of flame crackling like small explosions, the sparkles of magic sprinkling throughout, the people really enjoyed the show. Shendu hated that he was being used and gawked at, but deep down he enjoyed the attention and praise.

People really wanted to decorate Shendu in bright, warm feathers to mimic the legendary Boiuna. Yeah, Shendu isn't a serpent, nor a black one, but he breathes fire and the Boiuna is a snake on fire, so close enough. The only problem is, the feathers aren't fire-proof, so Shendu would have to restrain his flames. He also didn't like that he was being used like a giant doll, but witnessing the outfit people made for him, he conceded. Although it's not his style, he agreed it looked great on him. Shendu saw himself as a godly fire dragon with flames as his crown, cape, bracers, anklets, and other regalia. If he ever When he rules the world, he may spare these people of destruction (not slavery though because Demons>>>>>>>Humans)

Po Kong

She came to Brazil to eat as much of their unique food as possible, like Feijoada, Moqueca, Quindim, Bolinho de Bacalhau ("little cod ball," which means "large cod balls" have now been invented), and Acaraje. Po Kong was not allowed to eat people there (unless they were ruining the fun), so she went for the salty, savory, and sweet foods the most. No food was thrown away at the end of the festivities!

Let's talk about Floats. Po Kong is the size of one, and yes a few of her siblings joked that she should be decorated like one and partake. The only problem is that, unlike unlike Floats, she is suuuuuper heavy and nothing is strong enough to lift her. Maybe she could be a visual attraction? Now, before anyone says "This is inappropriate and rude!" Understand this: Po Kong does not care, as long as it's in a respectable manner (being dressed as clown VS being dressed as a Geisha). If people want to take the time to beautify her to get people to look in awe, she's on board with it. Maybe it's good that she stays away from Floats, just in case any of them look too much like food. Maybe she'll request a Float actually be made out of food so she can eat it. The consuming of art in a whole knew light!

Xiao Fung

The one who forced everyone to go to Brazil. Unlike his siblings, Xiao Fung seems to be the most intrigued by humans. He still thinks demons are superior, but finds the variety of human cultures developed over their absence to be interesting. He somewhat sees most of South America as the Ultimate Culmination of Human Cultures due to many traditions being a homogeneous mixture of different cultures.

The Festival Floats, those were his favorite form the visit(s). While not as impressive as complex building architecture, he did enjoy the immense creativity and effort involved. His favorites were the ones with monsters and beasts as the centerpieces, liking the menacing over the divine. One time he saw a frog based float, and before they tore it down at the end of the festival, he demanded he take it off their hands.

Tchang Zu

Although not entirely willing to go, Tchang Zu gave it a chance after seeing/reading about their grand festivals. Although he's more of Chinese Imperialist kind of guy, the eye-catching and ornate visuals piqued his curiosity. Hopefully it's all more than just looks, with performances being just as impressive.

His favorite performances involved those that required feats of strength and agility while being in a respectable warrior's costume. Anyone who could do the Best to Impress him got a round of applause by Tchang Zu himself. Although not his preferred apparel, he did indulge in the warrior costume and had one made for himself, uniquely with a pair of large wings to mimic the Chinese Opera General Flags. After everyone left to go home, he did keep the costume as a memento and does take care of it.

Tso Lan

He didn't have any particular reason to go to Brazil, since he has no interest in human's and their existence, nor Earth's Life in general. Tso Lan only went because Xiao Fung thought it would convince him to not completely devastate the Earth's surface if he finally had enough of his siblings' bullshit and wiped them out.

Despite Tso Lan's attempts to avoid interacting with people, they did not let him. Every so often while he's floating around, minding his own business, he would catch large groups of kids and teens following him. Once he turns around to look at them, they'd dart into hiding. Annoyed and confused, he was informed why this was happening: They thought he vaguely looked like the Capelobo, a long faced, bipedal monster that sucked people's brains out. Apparently they were seeing who could go up and tap him before being caught. While not entirely on-board with the game, he did enjoy scaring the players, sometimes going up to those hiding to spook them, causing them to playfully scream and run away.

Dai Gui

Forced to go by his brother, he's really not having a good time because of all the colors. Dai Gui is more into Earthen tones, so all the other colors of the Rainbow he cringes at. All the colorful feathers and clothing reminded him too much of flowers, which he hates, so his grumpiness is quite unwelcoming to the locals.

However, some people, mostly brave younglings, would try to put body paint on him. Of course he'd be pissed by this, but once he saw the colors to his liking, he calmed down a bit and let them paint on him. He found it amusing that some kids would team up and try to paint certain colors more than their opposing group. He didn't understand why, until...

Dai Gui enjoyed watching the Bumba Meu Boi event, despite it not being as violent as he wanted it to be. The Black ox Caprichoso with the Blue Star VS the White ox Garantido with the Red Heart, he did not want to admit he grew a liking to their existence after the actors tested their bravery and went up to interact with him. They snorted, he snorted back. They waved their heads around, he would do the same. They're his pets now.

Hsi Wu

One of the few that willingly came along and is actually enjoying himself, Hsi Wu especially enjoyed the festivities, like the Rio Carnival, Boi-Bumba, and Oktoberfest.

I can't seem to find the bombs that you mention, but yeah, he would most definitely use those to scare the shit out of people and his siblings. The grumpy ones would try to get back at him (Tchang Zu would lightning strike him, Shendu would flame him, Bai Tza would soak him), but the uniquely stoic Tso Lan, he is determined to scare the life out of him. I think only Xiao Fung would find it entertaining.

Hsi Wu really like the costumes, especially those that are extravagant, colorful, and bird-like. The feathers, sequins, masks, and crowns catch his eyes, trying to get his hands on some lying around to take home and add to his collection of Stuff. I wouldn't be surprised that he'd wear some at the festival, body paint and all, just to capitalized on the fun.

Bai Tza

Bai Tza missed the days where her people would throw magnificent displays and performances all for her sake whenever she requested. Although Brazil doesn't throw these for her, she can at least be in the atmosphere of one, surrounded by her family. The only thing that ruins it is that Drago and his "friends" are around here somewhere.

Face paints of blues and whites were her favorites to put on, and seashells, sea stones, and crystal beads her favorite jewelry here. When hearing about Yemọja, the Queen of the Ocean, she wanted to pose as her, but the people wouldn't let her unless she acted like it. Obviously mad about it, the choice was being treated like a guest and be herself, or be treated like a goddess and be kind. She picked the latter, struggled to keep the benevolent mask, and her siblings never let her forget it. Never again.

Drago

Xiao Fung wanted to include his nephew, but nobody else, not even Drago himself, wanted to. To find the "Happy Medium," Xiao Fung let The Ice Crew come along to keep Drago company and out of his relatives' sight. Fun Fact: Xiao Fung did not have to threaten nor "convince" The Crew. They simply gave out a "Fuck YEAH" when told they were going to Brazil. Party Hard, ya crazy kids.

Hsi Wu would definitely pick on Drago with his mischief, pulling The Crew along with him to scare the shit out of him. Of course, Drago would get psychical with the three, but they would convince him to tag along to mess with the locals.

Although Drago has similar unpleasantness like his relatives', he isn't as intimidating, especially with The Ice Crew around. He would probably be convinced to show off martial arts, Chinese dances that require acrobatics, feats of strength, and fiery performances. Drago hated that he was being seen like a gawking toy, but deep down he enjoyed the attention, appreciation, and praise. While that's going on, the Crew are trying to get ladies (or dudes, depending on how you view them).

The Crew would willingly put on face-paint and such, Drago would be forced by them to wear it.

[rabbiaharon]

How’s life?

Baruch hashem! Life is life. Truth be told though, it's been a little rough. Antisemitism on the right really spiked during the Trump Administration, especially surrounding COVID, so I got used to keeping my guard up around people on the political right in this country. Because the political right tends to be armed, and I’d had things like “when I’m done with you, if you’re still alive, you’ll be running back to your own damn country”, around 2020 I started carrying… what I needed for self defense, should the need arise. I forgot that anti-Semitism on the left can be just as bad and even more Insidious because people disguise it neatly as being against the government of a country halfway across the world, rather than against the Jews they interact with on a daily basis. I found a lot more friendly behavior among people on the left, and unless I was mamash a Trump supporter (I'm not) it didn't matter whether I disagreed with them on a majority of issues. until about half a year ago I was working for a couple of years as a driver for Uber and Lyft. I got a new car, and got a license plate "Talmud" and set my name in the app as "Rabbi", so that antisemites would see my name and plate and decide they didn't want to ride and cancel their ride with me. Mostly, my shifts were uneventful, and when I picked people up, even from places that had reputations of being not-so-safe, people were mostly surprised about being picked up by an orthodox rabbi, and inquisitive about the differences between our cultures.

And then October 7th happened. Jews are a relatively tight-knit group; usually we pretty much know someone who knows someone, so many of us were personally affected by the attack on innocent jews in Israel. There was anger that so many of our own people were killed while just trying to enjoy themselves, or living in their home. Our friends or family, or friends of friends, or family of family, who were being held hostage by a savage terrorist organization known for indiscriminate violence and the use of human shields — we wanted them back. Most of all, those of us plugged in were asking why Israel, which has a fantastic intelligence gathering operation, was blindsided, and why there was such delay in their response. We wanted accountability from liars like Netanyahu and his cronies, we wanted to know why Israel seemingly let it happen. In the midst of our mourning, most of the non-jews who seemed like they were somewhat supportive and open to us suddenly lost their minds. They showed up to protest at our holiday celebrations (which more often than not have nothing to do with Israel) screaming "from the river to the sea, Palestine must be free" over our prayers. They harass jews on the streets who are minding their own business and threatening Jewish kids on their way to school. This is only the tip of the iceberg, and this is not the place or time to delve into it in all the gruesome detail. All the people who I picked up who I hadn’t had to worry about before were hostile to me, often asking me to justify the Israeli government’s actions as soon as they got in the car, and when I answered that the issue is a nuanced one, and one I have personal connections to (through friends and family who live there, and friends of friends being held hostage by Hamas) I was often assaulted with insults about how I condone genocide and how dare I not side unequivocally with people who want to kill me, and how maybe they’re correct and should be allowed to kill as many jews as they want.

I finally was able to quit driving and rededicate myself to teaching and learning, which was a massive improvement, despite antisemitic goyim coming to protest outside our shuls and schools. Hated by the right, betrayed by the left. In short, I no longer have any trust for goyim. If I see a goy on the street, I regard them with suspicion, as they represent a potential threat to me. That said, working for jews the way I am now, I’m more financially stable, and I get to learn Torah as my primary income, which is amazing, and this is Hashem’s world, after all.

[viperwhispered]

Jamemi timeline part 1

The plan was to put together a vague Emi x Jamil timeline (with the help of this helpful post from yuurei20, my own screenshots and the wiki), but… It ended up not quite so vague.

So y’all are getting this in 2 or 3 parts. Hopefully it’s of interest!

This first part will cover the time from the beginning of the game / schoolyear until the end of book 4.

For more info on my yuusona, you can find the masterpost on Emi here, part 2 of this timeline here, and part 3 here.

Jamil and Emi first meet during book 2, when Emi & Heartslabyul gang are investigating the spelldrive injuries. Jamil, of course, is aware of Emi from what happened during orientation, and probably has been keeping an eye on her - you know, just in case. 

Neither one of them leaves a particularly strong impression on the other - they both find each other nice enough, but rather unassuming. Still, they’re at least somewhat aware of each other after that - Jamil paying more attention to the magicless Prefect and all the hubbub surrounding her than she does to him.

And then comes book 4. Emi’s a little more adjusted to Twisted Wonderland and NRC, but she’s also been through Riddle’s overblot, Leona’s overblot, and the more long-term stress of dealing with Azul’s demands.

So, when winter break rolls around, Emi’s dreaming of a peaceful holiday spent lost in books (because escaping to fiction is part of how she copes - she’s been making extensive use of the campus library ever since she arrived).

The campus is so quiet with most people gone, surely she’ll be able to just chill and unwind?

Yeah no, getting dragged into Scarabia’s business it is.

For what I checked, the Prefect and Grim spend two nights in Scarabia and escape during the third night on the magic carpet. So that’s two full days of marching to the oasis and all that other stuff, and three evenings spent conversing with Jamil and the others. (Feel free to correct me on my canon details tho, since I did just skim through my screenshots instead of a thorough reread.)

During their forced stay in Scarabia, Emi buys Jamil's act hook, line and sinker. I mean, she finds all his flattery a little weird, but chalks it up to cultural differences and Jamil really wanting to convince them to stay and help. 

Though it is a little weird, how she suddenly agreed to stay and help like that - and how she can only think of Jamil’s pretty eyes when thinking back on it.

But, like, she has more pressing things to worry about than that weirdness.

Overall, Jamil seems like a steadying, calming presence in the chaos that is Kalim’s mood swings. Plus he seems like a sensible, reliable person in general - and the whole dorm seems to agree. So Emi definitely drifts towards / becomes partial to Jamil during this time.

When Kalim casually mentions Jamil being his servant and having been with him since childhood, it definitely catches Emi off-guard. She's not used to such arrangements or to dealing with people who’d be rich enough to have people serving them - and Kalim, of course, is at the extreme end of that spectrum. 

The more Emi learns about the extent of Jamil's duties and how long he's had his position, the more bothered she is. Of course, it's not her place to judge, different norms and all, and if Jamil seems fine with it… (🙃) But it just doesn't really sit right with her, since it’s so far out of her realm of experience and from the sort of responsibilities she thinks should be placed on people at that age. Kalim being so capricious here certainly doesn't help her unease any.

I’m sure Jamil would pick up on Emi’s unease whenever Jamil’s servitude would come up. What I’m not sure is if he’d realize what exactly makes her uneasy. So he might just think she looks down on his position or something (poor guy).

On the other hand, the more questions Emi asks (because I think she’d be unable to keep herself from being curious, because what do you mean you’re actually a servant and have been for years), the more likely Jamil is to see that she’s someone who could see the untenability of his position, or offer him some sympathy - or pity, which I suspect he’d be less enthused about.

I still can’t decide when, exactly, Jamil would be catching feels - and when he’d realize them, which is a whole other thing. But this time together - as much as it would be under false pretenses - would certainly give him a fair bit more insight into Emi and her character, compared to what he’s learned mostly second-hand before.

Anyways. Magic carpet happens, and Emi & Grim find themselves at Octavinelle.

Emi’s not exactly delighted about getting the octatrio involved, but it’s not like she has much of a choice in the matter when that’s where the carpet crashes her and Grim. She’s not much involved in what Azul and the tweels are up to, but can certainly sympathize with Jamil struggling to adjust to the disorder they bring.

And then Jamil’s true colors come to light.

It’s only later, when she’s had time to reflect, that Emi starts to suspect that Jamil might’ve used his signature spell on her as well. Still, already at the moment of revelation, she comes to realize how Jamil’s been lying to her and Grim, while getting them involved in the situation.

So it’s Jamil who actually had her marching in the desert and kept her locked up in the dorm, all the while acting oh so concerned. What a jerk.

Plus, Emi being afraid of snakes doesn’t exactly help matters during the overblot.

It’s not like she’s wholly unsympathetic to Jamil’s situation, from what she can gather about the strain he’s been under. Still, she feels hurt, betrayed and used, having trusted Jamil only to find out just how misplaced that trust was. Thus Emi goes from having sought Jamil’s insight and even support to giving him the cold shoulder.

She’s pretty shaken, too - yet another overblot, yet another fight. Plus the stress of having been confined to Scarabia without knowing when she and Grim might be able to leave, and just what might happen until then.

So much for that peaceful holiday trying to recover from all the stress and trouble before this - instead she got some fresh trauma and worries, yay. 🙃

Jamil, meanwhile, gets to watch Emi join the ranks of all the others who are now looking at him with suspicion and seem to want to give him a wide berth.

[twilightmalachite]

Raison d’être - A Premature Burial 4

Author: Akira

Characters: Shu, Mika, Nazuna, Kuro

Translator: Mika Enstars

"I wonder. Although I am discussing art with Westerners in Paris in a foreign language, my flesh and blood is held captive by this facile building."

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Winter

Location: The Itsuki's House (Exterior)

Shu: However, as long as you have a brain in your head, you should have been able to figure out what I’d just told you out yourself.

This is just a villa, the Itsuki household has their stronghold in Kansai. That’s why I’ve always told you I’m going “returning home to the countryside” during the New Year’s holiday and such.

The circumstances surrounding when I’d first met you is also due to that.

Mika: Nnah, I’d always wondered why ya had been in my hometown, Oshi-san… Huh, but wasn’t there somethin’ about you and “Ryuu~-kun”-san runnin’ away together?

Shu: That’s likely because the destination of our expedition was just around the area. At the time, my world was extremely small, and I knew very little about the area.

So, well, in the end my little childhood adventure ended without any result. I could reach anywhere with my child’s feet…

Mika: Ya met me, didn’tcha~? And now, ya can go wherever ya want, right, Oshi-san?

Shu: I wonder. Although I am discussing art with Westerners in Paris in a foreign language, my flesh and blood is held captive by this facile building.

That’s how I feel. It seems humans are not so easily freed from their ties.

There are always various things pulling us about everywhere. Much like strings tied to a marionette.

Mika: Oshi-san…

Shu: Ahh, I’ve said something strange. Let us go in, we shouldn’t be chatting out in front.

Also, to answer your first question, why I brought you along with is because “I do not want to see my family alone”. Do I need any other reason?

Mika: No need t’be so scared, they’re family.

Shu: It’s not as if I’m scared, or we have a poor relationship, though. The hierarchical relationship ingrained into my instincts since childhood is simply something that I cannot ignore.

But, as long as you’re here, my family will put up a front of sorts and go a little easier, which helps. My family likes you as well, somewhat.

Mika: Even though they completely ignored me when I first arrived, huh… Or rather, they were completely surprised an’ caught off guard when ya suddenly picked me up, Oshi-san.

But I feel like we’ve been able to get t’know each other better over time. When ya live under the same roof as another, it’s natural to start t’warm up to one another.

Aha. First it were an orphanage, then Oshi-san’s house, and now Starmony Dorms… Come t’think of it, I’ve always been roomin’ with other people!

Shu: If you don’t feel comfortable with that, find the “family” you want to live with with all your heart going forward.

You have the limbs to do so. You are a free soul bound by no one. And nobody, not even God, can forbid you from it.

Location: Starmony Dorms Kitchen

Nazuna: Hello~, Kagehira?

Ohh, so you’ve arrived at Itsuki’s house and are taking a break now that you’ve dropped off your luggage?

Didn’t want to bother them early in the morning, so you ate early and came over at noon, huh?

Itsuki arranged a flight in a hurry and returned to the country later on, so you waited for him and came along with…

Right, right. He wasn’t planning to return to Japan originally, so he arrived a little later than you.

Hm? Well it’s lunchtime, so I’m eating.

Yeah… I think Kuro-chin’s trying to win me over with a home-cooked meal, giving an excuse that he “made too much”…

Kuro: I’m not givin’ up, Nito.

Nazuna: Hm~… Then I’ll just have to introduce you to some of my friends who often crossdress as women and don't seem to have a problem with it.

Kuro: I’d prefer if it were you, Nito.

Nazuna: I wish I was hearing those words in a different context, you know… Well, if this is for behalf of your sister, “cross-dressing” would be somewhat different.

No, even if it were me, it’d still be “cross-dressing”! Isn’t this too uncomfortable?

Kuro: It’ll be fine. Have confidence, Nito. You’re far cuter than any girl out there!

Nazuna: That doesn’t make me happy… You’re stubborn. I should have expected that from a childhood friend of Itsuki—You two are pretty similar.

Oh, well. Anyways, Kagehira, I know I’m being persistent, but if anything happens, call me right away, okay?

We at Ra*bits are going through a strange situation right now, so we’ve been a bit dried up on our work and have time to spare. Yeah, but it’s not like I’m poking my head in for the fun of it, okay?

I’m not helpless, not anymore… Maybe I just want to prove that I am able to at least help someone.

Kuro: Ya don’t gotta prove that. You can help me right now, at least.

Nazuna: Oh~, you~ are such a pain in the ass~, have you always been someone so annoyingly selfish, Kuro-chin? It’s strange!

Kuro: A lot of things are at play here. I’m tryn’a shed off the character of bein’ a “understanding, dependable big brother who doesn’t bother anyone”.

Rather, I’m in the process of try’na figure out who I am, and what I want to do.

Nazuna: So you’re trying to dress your male best friend in child’s girl’s clothes… If that’s your true nature, then put it away where else nobody can see, it’s gross.

Kuro: You’re so cruel. I’m askin’ you ’cause you’re my best friend, you know?

Nazuna: Hm. Oh well, it’s rude to be on the phone while eating, so I’ll be hanging up. Right, I may not understand everything, but—Let’s hang in there, you and I.

I know it’s not easy taking care of someone like Itsuki. But that’s exactly the thing you “want to do”, right… Kagehira? ♪

[ ☆ ]

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