#thank you for the excuse Gem :D

[zerozeroren]

hey Tony what's it's being together with Sophie this long?

3 years in, dorks are still very much goofing

[getawayfox]

My favorite reclist of the year! It’s the best excuse to reread beloved fics and shout about them again. I couldn’t wait any longer to post it, so, without further ado: here are my personal favorites from 2023 and why I love them, along with a banner I’m really pleased with. 

Thank you, sweet writers, for giving us your wonderful stories. Wishing everyone a happy December and an amazing and soft new year!

I Fall On Grass by @tackytigerfic Drarry, T, 3.1k

I adore stories with mature characters and this one is no exception. It’s so charming: gentle pining over the years, throughout the realities of life and parenthood, written with such a light hand. And lovely worldbuilding of a slow life that they built for themselves, which left me smiling the whole day after reading it. It feels like a soft caress for my soul.

It’s Me or the Peacock by harrows Drarry, T, 4.6

Do you ever feel like reading a fun, lighthearted fic that will have you grinning all day? Look no further, this is the one. Picture this: established Drarry taking the plunge to move in together, except Draco is bringing his “avian third wheel” with him, adding a feathered twist to the mix. Harry can’t quite believe what’s happening and that’s not even the half of it. This fic is a delight!

Sun Shower by @moonmanatee Drarry, T, 6k

Meet Orkie (short for Snorkel), the delightful cat who loves his boy Harry very much. They share a special bond, silently understanding not to delve into the origins of their pasts. What matters most is their companionship and the comforting routine they’ve woven together. Now, enter Draco Malfoy, a fashion icon with phenomenal outfits, his mud-loving dog, Hubert, and a dash of mouthwatering culinary creations. Your heart will grow three sizes by the time you’re done reading; mine certainly did.

Birds Behaving Badly by @peachpety Drarry, E, 10.5k

Oh, this fic!! I swear my whole body was wiggling with delight when I read it – it’s hilarious and hot and so witty. Draco has a type, which leads to a fun case of mistaken identity, all artfully resolved with the intervention of a conniving seagull, Kevin. Brace yourself for some sassy Slytherin banter, side characters so vividly portrayed they’ll steal your heart (Goyle, I’m looking at you), and the enchanting backdrop of a magical Brighton in the summer. Cue the squeals of delight! 

A Saviour’s Guide to Manners and Decorum by @wolfpants Drarry, E, 13k

I have read every fic Wolf has written this year and, let me tell you, choosing just one feels like an impossible task – I wish I could include them all. But here is my pick, and it’s not because it happened to be my birthday gift. This fic is a gem, seamlessly blending humor with a soft, wistful touch (oh, and do I need to mention it’s also incredibly hot?). It resonates because Harry just wants to be accepted for who he is, refusing to change for anyone (as he rightly shouldn't!). Enter Draco, who is here to help, and not to “fix him”. Sprinkle that with a subtle hint of D/s dynamics, a generous serving of UST, and a sensual shaving scene, and you have got the perfect fic. LOVE!

I only want the ones I envy (I envy) by @porcelainheart3 Drarry, E, 13.5k

This fic is so stunning! A coming-out story with writing so clean and sharp it made me laugh out loud through (lots of) inevitable tears. It has a very competent magical inventor Draco, who wears sock garters(!). It has Harry on a self-discovery journey that feels so very real; with a heart-wrenching childhood flashback that will leave you shattered. It has the most supportive friends. It has banter and flirting and so many wonderful details (look closely at the newspaper in the fic for an extra dose of laughter). And let's not forget the most incredibly emotional blow job; talk about smut with feelings! It’s one of those fics that made me read the rest of the author’s catalog immediately (and trust me, you should too!).

A Time, Dark and Divine by @moonflower-rose Established Drarry, Draco/Ron/Harry, E, 17k

Oh boy oh boy oh boy, this fic is so scorching hot. And their dynamic is so complex: jealousy and possessiveness wrapped up in a delicious package of a boys' trip in Thailand. A stunning Ron POV filled to the brim with complicated history and tension, incredible characterization for all three of them, culminating, inevitably, in hot-hot-hot sex. I couldn’t get this story out of my head for days. If you, like me, like feelings with your smut, this one’s for you! 

Waking Up Slow by @sweet-s0rr0w and @ihopeyoubothstaysafefromharm Drarry, E, 22k

This story is so charming and whimsical! First of all, this Draco is such an utter delight that I fell in love with him right away. He’s so entertaining! The concept of Christmas in July gives the story a wonderfully atmospheric and slightly wistful tone. Add to it a very domestic and playful dynamic between Draco and Harry, top-notch dialogue, so many creative details, and an absolutely delicious and intimate sex scene. From beginning to end, this fic is so warm and touching; a gentle romance that feels as if it was enchantingly sprinkled with a cheering charm.

the first in line by @oflights Drarry, E, 29.5k

This fic is hilarious, mischievous, and sexy all at the same time. And also a little bit unhinged in the best possible way. It had me in its grip from the very first sentence: “When the clock strikes midnight on his 25th birthday, Harry is having a threesome with a werewolf and a vampire.” (chef’s kiss!) and it didn’t let me go. We have a reluctant and grumpy Veela Harry, an over-the-top Draco, summer vacation vibes, a magical yacht, wooing with a hot air balloon (and more!), plus an absolutely delightful non-monogamous background Romione. Gah!!!

Of Magical Beings Being - Magic by @rockingrobin69 Drarry, E, 30k

What’s actually magic here is Robin’s writing. It’s… wait, I don’t think I have words for how rich and full this world is, how special! There’s pining and soft angst and an unreliable narrator and exes to lovers, but somehow all that doesn’t even begin to describe what this story is. It’s witty and fascinating and soft and playful. It’s about loving the other person so much that you do the wrong thing because you think that’s what they want, even though it hurts you. It’s about manifesting them in everything you do until they come back. It’s about Love, about Happiness. It knocked the breath out of me. It’s unbearably lovely.

Winner takes it all by @skeptiquewrites Drarry, E, 41k

This fic is absolutely devastating in a sort of gentle way. My heart broke a million times for this wonderful, hardworking, cornered Draco – who’s looking after his mum – as well as for a whole bunch of beautifully written side characters. The story starts with a bet, and from there, it unravels with Tee's razor-sharp writing, infused with nuance that makes the narrative incredibly rich and undeniably real. If you're in the mood for a cathartic cry, followed by a sweet, happy ending, don't walk – run to this fic!

[sotwk]

Cinder Girl (Fíli x unnamed OC)

Summary: The Crown Prince of Erebor faces the dilemma of losing his heart to a lovely yet humble palace servant.

Word count: 2.4 k

Content: Fluffy, tropey romance and comfort, Durins Live AU, post-BotFA, class division, love confession, Pining Prince Fíli

Rating: General (no warnings apply)

To Read on AO3: Link

Dedication and Inspiration: Thank you to the Anon who inspired this concept long ago by sending me this message! <3

Also for my friend, @guardianofrivendell, a true Fíli aficionado with an incredible repertoire of fics of our beloved Dwarf Prince. You probably don't remember, but this fic fulfills the "Love Confessions" request you made from my Valentine Event in 2023! Better late than never? Welcome back! <3

Cinder Girl 

The Reclaimed Kingdom of Erebor

Third Age 2945

What to do, what to do? The proper thing, of course. The decision should be that simple, and it usually was so for Fíli.  

Except now. Except when it came to her. 

The young dwarf lord tugged on the beaded braid of his mustache and leaned forward in the cushioned bench on which he sat. He made a motion to stand, only to plop back down again with a frustrated grunt. He had been dithering that way for the last ten minutes, at least. 

And he had spent twice as long sitting there, only half ashamed of allowing himself to enjoy the sight that surprised him when he returned to his chambers following a day-long council meeting. 

I am just looking, is all, Fíli reminded himself, desperate to excuse his poor manners. He knew the right thing to do would be to gently wake her, assure her that she was in no trouble, and allow her to discreetly exit the room she should never have been caught in. 

Surely this was a sign. A gift from Mahal himself, to force his stubborn, weak arse into action. Yet there he was again, he who was hailed as the Lion of Erebor, one of the bravest warriors in the kingdom, just sitting there stupidly, staring as he always did, because he could never find neither strength nor courage to do anything else in the presence of this dwarrowdam that stole the very breath from his lungs. 

Even as she lay there on the lush fur rug by the fireplace, in a cozy warmth that likely had lulled her to sleep, her presence paralyzed him. She was that very rare gem, found only once in a generation, exquisite in itself without need for cutting or polishing, or settings of gold, or other fine stones to accompany it. 

"Beyond beautiful," Fíli thought, and his chest filled with both longing and wonderment of how utterly she had ensnared him with so little effort, with such little awareness of the effect she caused.

She had dazzled Fíli the moment she cast her first smile and first spoke his name, and from then on the prince was blind to all others. When she laughed, Fíli finally understood why his brother Kíli constantly acted the fool just to earn that sweet sound from his own lady’s lips.

And so Fíli neglected to mention the titles that accompanied his name, and as a result he was able to enjoy hours of conversations with the newcomer from the Blue Mountains, basking in her uninhibited laughter and open stories and playful touches.

But the ruse would not last even a month. When she finally discovered that the new “friend” who had welcomed her to Erebor was actually King Thorin’s heir, next-in-line to the throne of Durin, an invisible wall rose between them. She never laughed in the same way around him again. She remained friendly and kind, yes, but every action toward him was suddenly restrained by prim courtesy. Their once animated conversations were dampened by measured, cautious responses. Even her beautiful smile was dimmed by a strange sadness, as though the knowledge of his royal identity disappointed her. 

"Please, you don't have to…" he said, when he once tried to stop her from bowing to him as they passed each other in the hall. 

"It is only proper, my lord," she murmured, keeping her lovely eyes lowered to her feet, only doubling Fíli's frustrations. "I bid you a good day, Prince Fíli."

And she hurried away with her cleaning pail in tow, before Fíli could offer to help, before he could muster up the nerve to invite her to dinner, which was why he had come down to the servants’ hall in the first place. All he had succeeded in doing was send the tongues of the palace domestic staff wagging. 

Eventually Fíli's despair grew heavy enough that he sought Balin's counsel, daring not to broach the topic with the one person who could completely relieve him of his fear: that no future was possible between the Heir of Durin and a dwarf not only from a different clan, but without rank or advantages. 

Balin remained silent while Fíli laid out his entire predicament--during the prince’s impassioned speech, and a long while after. Too long, so much that the thoughtful calm Fíli usually admired in his sagacious old cousin only set his teeth on edge.

“I must say this is troubling news to hear indeed,” Balin finally spoke, tugging thoughtfully at his beard.

“Troubling?!” Fíli exclaimed. “How could you already deem it as such when you have not yet met her? What matters her lack of status when she is the sweetest and gentlest soul to ever bless me with her company?! That is, until she decided she could no longer tolerate my presence,” he amended glumly. 

“Calm yourself, boy.” Balin chuckled between sips of his ale. “You have only ever raved this passionately about very few things before, and never about a bonnie lass. For a moment I thought I might actually be speaking to Kíli.”

“That isn't close to either the comfort or counsel I was hoping for, Balin.”

“Harrumph. That is because I have neither of those things for you, lad! What you need is to be slapped back into your senses!” Balin shook a stout finger at the dwarf-prince. “Have you so little knowledge or faith in your Uncle that you could not bring this matter straight to him?”

Fíli drew back, eyebrows lifted in bewilderment. “I thought he would scoff at the frivolity of it, before declaring my desire for her as unsuitable.”

“Because the girl is common?” Balin snorted when Fíli nodded. “It would wound Thorin so deeply to hear this, that I shall not even bother repeating your words to him.” He reached across the dinner table to grip Fíli’s arm. “Your Uncle risked his life, risked everything to take back this Mountain for you, my boy. To give you the future that he felt you deserved. Do you think that future is all about gold?”

Balin smiled and slapped Fíli gently on his slack-jawed face. “It is about choice, and freedom. The freedom to chase whatever dreams you wish. Go and speak to Thorin. It appears there is much he needs to clarify about his expectations of you as the realm’s prince and his heir.” 

Fíli had genuinely intended to heed Balin’s advice to discuss things with his uncle. But after failing to quickly gain an audience with the chronically busy king, he let his nerves conquer him yet again, as he put off pursuing that conversation. And so day after day passed with him stuck in the plight of his own making… leading at last to that evening, when the source of his agony literally lay right before him inside his own chambers, demanding to be dealt with.

The more time passed with him just sitting and staring at the sleeping chambermaid, the longer each minute seemed to stretch, and the more ridiculous Fili felt in his inertness. 

Just when his frustration came to its peak, and he felt unable to tolerate himself any longer, the prince rose quietly and stepped towards the figure on the fur rug. 

A pounding knock barely gave him any warning before his chamber door swung wide open and Kili barreled inside. “Did you not say you were starving, brother? What is taking you so--??”

Kili stopped short, his wide-eyed stare darting between Fili and the lady that had stumbled to her feet, disheveled and disoriented. It was impossible to tell who looked more mortified by his arrival. 

“Have I… am I interrupting something?”

“I am so very sorry, milords!” the maiden blurted out. “I didn't mean to, I---I am so--!” Her ashen face suddenly colored by the violence of her embarrassment, she grabbed her cleaning pail from the hearth. The contents rattled inside the metal bucket, so badly did her hands shake as she gave a hasty curtsy to the royal princes.

“N-no, no wait, please… h-hold on for just a moment--” Fili began, when his tongue finally came unstuck from the roof of his mouth, but it was too late. She rushed across the room and straight out the open door without ever lifting her gaze off the ground. 

“Brother, I am sorry, I didn't know--”

Fili brushed aside the apology and scrambled past Kili to fly out into the hallway. Panic had broken through his earlier paralysis and suddenly he could not move fast enough, his body acting beyond the constraints of his judgment. 

He called after her; the sound of her name and his footsteps chased her down the empty corridor. But to Fili's dismay she did not stop or even slow down, and just as she was about to turn a corner and descend the stairs leading from the palace wing, a desperate shout escaped containment, partially strangled in the tightness of his throat, but still too loud to be ignored. 

“I love you, all right?! I love you!!”

The frantic clatter of the metal pail ceased, and all Fili could hear against the ensuing silence was the roar of his pulse beneath his ears. In several strides, he closed the distance to come before the maiden. She stayed rooted to the spot and motionless, apart from the heaving of her bosom as she chased her breath. 

“This was not how I wanted you to find out.” The calm in his own voice surprised Fili, as did the confidence that drove his words. “But I also do not wish to take it back. Hiding from the truth has gained me nothing but pain.”

“I appreciate your candor, milord, and I regret your pain.” She continued to address him, but her eyes remained firmly lowered towards her hands, white-knuckled in their grip around the pail handle. “But what am I to do with these fine words you offer? How can a peasant be worthy to receive the affections of a prince?”

“Worthy?” Fíli repeated in distaste. “What causes you to believe that you must be worthy to--?”

“You are the future King of Erebor.” She spoke loudly over him, as though she had not heard him at all, or was determined not to. “The blood of Durin the Deathless runs in you! I am just a nobody from a Broadbeam village in the Blue Mountains--” 

“I was born in such a village, same as my father!” Fíli cut her off with matching fervor. “And you are certainly not ‘just a nobody’ to me.”

Something in his words finally reached her, for at last she raised her bowed head ever so slightly, just enough for her gaze to meet his, and the tears that shimmered in her eyes wiped away the last of his hesitation.

“We are not different, ghivashel. Not in any way that matters.”

Her smile that bloomed at that word, one that proclaimed her more precious than any treasure in Erebor, revived a light in him that had gone out in the long weeks of her absence. 

When Fíli reached out to relieve her of the cleaning pail, she did not resist. Grasping her wrist, he rested her open hand upon his. He swept his thumb back and forth all across her palm, over the red scrapes and dirt-streaked calluses that made her all the more beautiful and admirable in his eyes.

“Not long ago, I spent each waking day with my face smeared in soot, my arms and hands burnt from the blaze of forge fires, aching to the bone after hours of back-breaking labor.”

He pushed up his tunic sleeve to show her: the patches of discolored skin from old burns, the countless scars that littered the entire length of his arm, almost to his elbow. 

“But I would always go to bed happy, and proud of my honest living, of the smith that I was.” He shook his head and corrected himself. “The smith that I am. Whatever titles and additional duties I may now carry as a consequence of my inheritance, I am still that same soot-covered dwarf.”

He sealed her hand between his two and lightly kissed the fingertips that peeked out from the cage of his palms.

“All I ask is for a chance to show you that,” he said softly. “With the hope that you might come to love what you see in me. For I have already, absolutely, fallen in love with everything I see in you.”

Her silence filled the entire length of the passageway, all the way up to the high ceilings. Under the crushing weight of its persistence, Fíli’s hope started to falter. But as the fear of his failure to convince her started to creep in, his grip all the more tightened around her hand. He couldn't let go. He did not know how he could ever let her go.

“From the first day we met,” she finally spoke. “I already loved everything I saw in you…Fíli of the Blue Mountains.” She tipped her chin up and squared her shoulders, face set with resolution alongside her gentle smile. “I think that love can bring me the courage I need to let the other side of you, Prince Fíli of Erebor, into my heart as well.” 

Fíli’s entire being swelled with such relief and unbridled joy he thought he might catch flame. His arms found themselves around her waist, drawing her close to his desire to demonstrate the feelings he had restrained for too long.

Alas, a sudden and deafening crash rang through the hall to cut off Fíli’s eager quest.  “Sorry, sorry!” yelped a guilty voice in the shadows.

Fíli groaned, then chuckled, and settled for another chase kiss upon his lady’s hand. 

“Would you care to have dinner with my brother and I?” he asked her, nodding in the direction of the ruckus as Kíli struggled to straighten up the decorative suit of armor he had knocked over. “An unrepentant snoop he may be, but I can assure you he is otherwise harmless and actually quite pleasant company.”

“It sounds like a wonderful start to getting to know the rest of you,” she said, eyes bright from their shared laughter, free of even a speck of her earlier doubts. “Because I very much would like to know everything, Fíli. To discover and delight in every wonderful bit of you.”

“And you shall have that,” Fíli vowed, brushing his thumb over the curve of her cheek, over an ashy mark of the fireplace cinders that had brought her back to him. “You already do have me, but I shall also endeavor to give the whole world to make you happy.”

“You are already the whole world,” she declared, and rose on her toes to do what he could not, sealing their confessions with a sound kiss.

For more SotWK Fanfiction: Fanfiction Masterlist

Other useful links:

Introduction to SotWK

Headcanon Masterlist

[gaspshichat]

pearl quotes !!

i write down a lot of pearl quotes and sometimes share them in her discord server. i've decided to put every single one i've gathered into one tumblr post. i will reblog the most recent addition every saturday with any new quotes that i have acquired. you can also send me quotes in my ask box or my dms on twitter [username is gaspshichat, like usual]. no guarantees that they'll be added though!

a lot of these quotes are sus and very out of context. that is part of the point! if pearl wants me to delete this, i absolutely will

[before it gets asked, karn is her bestie boyfriend]

~|•🌙•|~

pearl: before we do that let me restock my balls

~

pearl: ooh there's things happening on the ser- A BEACON ????

~

pearl: don't thank me because i didn't approve of it

~

pearl: i hope you guys understood what i said because i didn't

~

pearl: "you killed a frog?" yup! it was for science......let it be known that is a terrible excuse in real life

~

pearl: "do you take iron tablets?" i have them!

~

pearl to keralis: well you're a letdown but i don't talk about that

~

pearl: fix ai, make them breedable

~

pearl: i got the double p! please don't acronym that

~

pearl: "do you use slabs in terraforming?" *zooms in on a slab she used for terraforming* no

~

pearl: "don't sell yourself short" it's okay i'm tall

~

pearl: they don't bite! much..

~

pearl: doc owes me child support!

*long, stunned silence*

cleo: ....okay….

~

cleo: so keralis did the kidnapping, and you did kidnapping by proxy

pearl: ...no

~

pearl: it was a heart of mutton. it was creepy

cleo: it was a meat heart :D

~

cleo: i want to mail horrible things, like animals, to iskall

pearl: oh! that's horrid

~

pearl: "you charge your other mats rent?" yes

~

pearl: i don't know if this is lag or if my balls are just popping in really slowly

~

pearl: these balls ain't going away

~

pearl: let me move my balls aside for you

~

pearl: hello ♪

karn: is it me you're looking for ♪

pearl: no ♪

karn: oh :(

~

pearl: i don't need a big, strong man to kill me

~

pearl: turn down the thing you need to turn down...you know what it is

~

karn: i fractured the world from what i can tell

pearl: ..bruh

~

pearl: what does the button do?

karn: THE BUTTON SHUTS THE DOORS ON US AND SPAWNS A BUNCH OF MOBS

pearl: i pushed the button hehe

~

pearl: cleo made the child

false: ...the child?

pearl: yeah :D it's a bebe

~

pearl: "why are there beach umbrellas at the post office?" *long pause* maybe it's because of all the water?

~

pearl: you caught me mid construction

gem: i know >:3

~

pearl: he's letting his babies loose

~

gem: look at you up there. you're adorable *punches her*

pearl: aH-

~

pearl: i am greatly navigationally challenged right now

~

pearl: i got too comfortable with hermitcraft actually working

~

pearl: ah! moist!

~

pearl: anyway that's completely distracted me away from my really passionate rockies

~

pearl: we have pickles to do !!

~

karn: let's not sit on the balls

pearl: 🤨

karn: *holds up cat toys*

pearl: oh- *starts laughing and hides her very red face*

~

pearl: just shove it in

~

pearl: how do you know what brimstone tastes like

karn: i've lived quite the life

~

pearl: give it a suck

~

pearl: our feet are not equal

karn: why are you bringing our feet into this ??

~

pearl: i could give you the australian bestie word-

karn, oblivious: alright

pearl: -but it's not pg

karn, realizing: ahhh

~

karn: it's a mental thing, you see

pearl: oh

karn: yes, i'm mentally stuck here

pearl: i see

karn: yes, i'm in a position where i don't want to leave-

pearl: that's very intense for a friend

~

karn: it's just as sweet as you

pearl: don't butter me up

karn: too late!

~

pearl: i'm flee with extra flee

~

karn: you okay, my dear?

pearl: *sobbing*

~

pearl: did you pee in the ocean?

karn, instantly: yes

~

pearl: stop wasting your bullets!

karn: sorry ☹️

~

pearl: did you think his ass was his face ????

~

pearl: in what realm is a butthole a face ????

karn: *trying to explain*

pearl: babe :I

~

pearl: take that you stupid ass robot

~

karn: on the count of three. one-

pearl: *starts blasting*

~

pearl: stupid ass spider

~

pearl: a butt is clearly defined by two cheeks, a hole, and a tail!

~

pearl: [karn] is very special. in multiple ways

[sofasoap]

Lastochka AU - Seven Seas - 1

Pairing : Nikolai x F!Reader ( OC/Mini MacTavish)

Summary: Going against the odds of society's expectation and prejudice, you made a name for yourself as Lady Fortuna of the sea. but one day ....

AU to my Lastochka series

WARNING: Mature Theme. swearing. violence. inaccurate period/historical depiction. or languages. or facts. everything.

A/N : Well, I started another AU. Thanks to @gamergirlbonestaskforce141riot's mouth frothing render of Buccaneer!Nikolai. Please go check out her wonderful renders and story :D and oh... this was suppose to be part of the 141 challenge ooops I was tooooo late. sorry @glitterypirateduck! oops.

Main masterlist

Credit : @gamergirlbonestaskforce141riot

“Pirate! Starboard!!” 

“Captain! They are getting closer!!” 

You knew this wasn’t going to be an easy journey. You had a hunch about it the moment you boarded the ship.  And usually your hunch never fails you. 

“That’s a Schooner. They might look small, but they will catch up to us no matter what we do. We will never outran that ship.”  you heard the Captain mumbling, as he looked through his telescope, trying to identify the ship.  

Putting down the telescope he sighed. “The only chance of escaping is to face them.”

Treasurer might be a government commissioned ship, but being a merchant ship and designed to carry cargo and goods, it was never equipped with the heavy cannon or artillery like the naval battle ship. A chill runs down your spine. They have no choice but let the pirate board the ship and fight them in close combat. 

“Arm yourself! Ready for battle!” The Captain yelled at the crews,before he turned around and escorted you back to your resting quarter. “Lady MacTavish, you will be safer down there than up here. Go.” 

You wanted to argue with him but you know better than disobeying a Captain’s command. 

This is probably the first time you have met with real danger on the sea after years of sailing. 

You started sailing with the merchant ship from the day you became of age. 

You have begged and bribed your father for years to be a passenger to sail on one of the merchant ships that sails from Port Inbhir Nis to London, delivering the orders of whisky and woven goods from your parent’s distillery and farm to the clients down south.

“Please Da! I have never been to London before! Besides, Johnny will be there too, you have nothing to worry about.” you begged. 

Lord MacTavish sighed. Putting down the document he was reviewing, he leaned in, clasped his hand and frowned. He looks straight into your eyes, tries to reason with you. 

“You know how superstitious the crews are about taking women onboard a ship…” he started.

“I can pretend to be a man!” you countered. 

“Not that easy you know..” 

“I got an idea!” you clap your hand together, as another excuse comes up. “Social season is starting soon in London, So…”

“You can get there by land….”

“Will be too late. You know how long it takes! Plus my bottom will be so sore by the end of the journey…”  

“Language, Mini.” your father warned. “You've never been on a ship or boat before..” “River boat Da, I've been on a river boat once.” “Fine. once. But the open sea is a totally different business. The unforgiving waves, the danger…” 

“Da. After growing up with Johnny, do you think anything will faze me?”

“... True.” 

“Just remember to behave a bit more like a lady….”  not waiting for him to finish his words, you surge forward and give him a big hug. 

“Oh thank you Da! Thank you!” you pepper kisses on your father’s face, all excited. You knew your father wouldn’t say no to you. You have always been the jewel in their eyes, their precious little gem. You were brought on in a very unconventional way compared to the other noble ladies. Sure, you have learn how to read, write, etiquettes, languages and sewing like other girls, but you also run around like a wild goose with your older brother Johnny, learning how to fight, use swords and roll around in mud, climbing trees, all the un-lady like things you can think of? You’ve done it. 

“I hope I am making the right decision… Now just try to convince your Ma…”He mumbled as he patted your back. 

He manages to find a merchant ship that is willing to take you onboard, after paying a nice sum of money to the Captain and the crew to take a young lady and a few of the servants onboard with them.  

When you reached London at the end of the journey, the Captain was amazed how smooth sailing the trip was.

“I have been going up and down this stretch for the last fifteen years, I have never,ever had a more uneventful but smooth sailing journey than this!” 

Second, third, and fourth journey was the same. Rumours started to spread that contrary to the superstition, you were a lucky charm, a sure guarantee for a fast and safe journey.

Suddenly everyone is fighting to take you onboard. To your parents’ surprise. They would have thought you will be giving up on the “sailor’s game” by now but instead you have come home with your brother blabbering how much fun you had and all the invitations you have received from various Captains for more journeys in the future. 

They reluctantly let you continue on after they discovered people were willing to pay good money to have you onboard. You were also helping to manage your father’s business by dealing and expanding clientiles in London, also sometimes going across the channel, into the continents. 

You slowly made a name for yourself not just being Lady MacTavish, but Lady Fortuna, lady luck, the one who brings good fortune and safety for anyone who travels with you. 

Gossips spread within the social circles. Good gossip, bad gossip.

Good gossips of how other ladies are envious of you, how much freedom your parents gave you despite being a lady, being a woman. 

Bad gossips of how you must have slept around to gain so many favours and names amongst the merchants and sailors, how you were only just a northern barbarians 

But you ignore the rumours. You were just happy you have become an independent woman. Even with reassurance from Johnny he would look after you in the unfortunate event of both of your parents passing, you don’t want to be dependent on anyone. You don’t want to be a burden. What if Johnny’s future spouse hates you and kicks you out of the house? 

How many times have you witnessed yourself the stories of young ladies with not a penny under their name, ditched by their siblings after their parents passing, nearly ending up on the street. You were glad she was in the position of wealth and social status to reach out to help resettling those girls, helping them to find a respectable job to bring in some income.

You are proud of what you have managed to achieve. And you are thankful for your family’s support, no matter how reluctant they are at the beginning.

And for years, things have been peaceful… until today.

Well, if your father knows the dire situation that is happening right now, he probably regrets the decision he made way back to them to let you step onto ships. 

The sound of crews yelling and running around on the main deck was getting more frantic as the minute went by. 

Your poor young maid huddles in the corner of the room, shaking and sobbing. This was the young girl’s first time on a ship, after hearing your reputation, she eagerly volunteered to accompany you on the journey, never expecting to be in such a dire situation. 

“Aye, to hell. I cannot just sit here like a damsel in distress…” you came to the conclusion after pacing up and down in the small room while listening to the yelling and screaming up on the deck. 

You open your trunk and throw all the clothes onto the bed as you dig right to the bottom. 

“Ah here it is.” you dragged the Claymore out from the bottom of the trunk. You never thought this day would have come. Johnny had insisted you pack the sword for each of your travels (to your Ma’s aghast). 

“I just wish I never have to use this thing…” 

“Neither do I, my dear sister. But, if anything happens, I wouldn’t be there to protect you, but it comforts me that you will be well equipped, and show those enemies what a Scottish lass can do.” 

“Here, take this.” You shove the fork and knife that was left on the table from meal time into your crying maid’s hands. “Lock and block the door after I go out, and go hide under the bed or closet. Understand??”

“But my Lady…” 

“That’s an order. Follow it.” you gave her no room to argue and marched out the door.

You storm up the staircase, dragging the sword behind you. You pushed open the double door that leads towards the upper deck. 

You were greeted with the chaotic sight of yelling, screaming and the metal sound of swords clashing together. No one seems to have noticed you emerging from the door as they were all focused on fighting their enemies. You would be lying if you said you aren’t scared witless. But what else can you do? You are in the middle of the sea, nowhere to escape, instead of hiding in the cabin and crying about your imminent death. You are a MacTavish! Proud Scottish! You will fight until your last breath if you have to.

Qui audet adipiscitur, Audeamus. 

The family motto that has been drilled into your brain. Make your ancestors proud. As your grandfather repeats day in and day out when he was still alive.

Quickly scanning through the deck,you were relieved to see everyone is still alive, if not only slightly injured. Maybe your Lady Luck magic is still working, but for how long you wondered. It wouldn’t be long before a casualty appears if you don’t do something.    

Following the sound of the familiar voice, you spotted the Captain, towards the quarter deck, currently in a deep battle of what seems to be the Captain or the Commander of a pirate ship. 

Quickly mumbling a prayer under your breath, gathering your courage, you hauled the sword up onto your shoulder, silently thanking Johnny’s insistence of dragging you into training with the sword everyday until he ran off to London after purchasing himself an officer position.  

Everyone stopped dead in their tracks and automatically parted ways as they spotted you, a noble lady, with a broad sword that is nearly as tall as you, marching towards the front of the ship, full of purpose, like a highlander marching into her last battle. None of them dared to stop you. 

“Stop the fighting at this instance!” You bellowed out the order. Your Captain’s eyes widened as spotted you over the shoulder of the enemy, dodged out of the way just in time as the enemy tried to aim at his neck. 

The whole ship came into an eerie silence as the fighting came to a halt. Only the sound of crashing waves and seagulls screeching could be heard as everyone turned their attention to you.

You stab the claymore onto the deck floor in front of you, resting your hands on the end of the hilt. 

“My Lady… I told you…” you hold up a hand, silencing the Captain. Giving him a look. I’ll handle this.  

You just hope the plan you have formulated in your brain will work. Even if it comes at a cost. 

The tall man, who you assume is the Commander and Captain of the pirate ship, slowly turned around, while swinging his sword around at the same time, taking aim at your face.

Don’t back down Mini, Don’t back down. You keep reminding yourself as you shuffle your feet wider, standing firm. 

For a second you could see a flash of surprise from his body language. “A noble woman, a Scottish one too.well, that is something new.”  The man smirked, while scanning you up and down. But not in a leering way. You have been enough men to distinguish the difference between someone who is looking at you like a common whore and someone who is trying to suss you out. 

You took a quick glance at him yourself, trying to guess his origin. Eastern European? You deduced from his slight accent. Possibly well educated, for commanding fluent English. Tall, well built with strong arm muscle, slightly dark skinned as all the sailors have from long voyages under the sun, black sleek hair with a slightly rugged beard. 

Quite a handsome man, you have to admit. 

“Where are my manners?” he took off his traveller's hat, taking an exaggerated bow, all the while still keeping his eyes on you. “ Commander Nikolai, Captain of Chimera, Privateer, at your service.” 

“Privateer..” you mumbled. “sleekit basturts.” Trying to make himself sound more grand than a pirate is he? 

“What was that?” He smiled, but you know the smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. 

“Nothing.” you rolled your eyes. 

You returned the greeting, announcing your name and clan name. “... of Clan MacTavish.” you said proudly. You could see a flash of confusion followed by recognition in his eyes. Has he heard of your family before? But where could he have heard it from? 

“I have a proposition for you.” you tilt your head, ignoring that question you have in your head, and putting your plan into motion. 

He cockily raised an eyebrow as he lowered his sword, suddenly taking interest in what deals you have to offer. 

“Take me instead. And whatever cargo you want. All I ask is for you to let my crew go, with enough food and water for them to sail to the nearest port.” 

“My lady!!!” Your Captain and any crews that were close enough to you gasped, shocked by the idea and protesting. You turned your head to look at him for a few seconds, giving a stern look. Please trust me on this. You pleaded with your eyes.

“Keeping a woman onboard? Bah! That will certainly bring bad luck! I mean look at what happened.. “ one of the pirates with .. what seems to be a sack or cloth over his head, waved his hand and laughed. Your crew booed and jeered at the idiot who clearly hadn't heard of your reputation and the luck you have brought for them. 

You ignored his jeering and took a step closer to the Pirate’s Captain, “Give me one month, and I can prove to you, I can bring you more money and luck you wish for. If not, feel free to go ahead and ask my parents for a ransom.” you tilt your head up confidently. Or try to act confidently. You were actually panicking and formulating alternative plans if he doesn’t accept the offer. Maybe you should have just swung your sword and chopped his head off just now when you had the chance. 

But some weird part of your heart told you not to do it. That intuition you always trust. 

This man might have some use to you later on. You decided. 

“So, what do you think?” you pushed him again. 

Nikolai stared at you with a serious expression on his face, calculating all the odds. 

“Alright.”

“You.. you agree?” you replied, with surprise in your voice. 

“Why are you so surprised?” he laughed at your shocking expression.  

You made an unlady-like face, “Because you are my enemy? The one who attacked us? A pirate?”

“You never have to be scared of me, Lady MacTavish, I might be a Privateer…”

“Pirate.” You reiterate it again. “You just ransack a merchant ship that is technically owned by The crown, so you are not a privateer.”

“Fine, Pirate. I might be a pirate, but I do have a set of  morals and standards I follow.”

“Is that so? Maybe you should be weary of me instead, Captain.” you smirked. “You never know if I might just poke your eyes out during your sleep.”

“You are not brave enough to do that.” he taunted. 

“Watch me.” you smiled, taking a step forward and jabbing his chest with your finger, deliberately digging your nail into his flesh. “What MacTavish promises, MacTavish will do.” 

Xxxxx

Johnny MacTavish waited at the port with excitement. He hasn’t seen his sister for a few months, and was quite eager to see her again. 

But what shocked him and his friends and fellow soldiers when they saw the Treasurer finally docked at the port days behind schedule, with no cargo to unload, only with a very dejected and injured crew walking off the ship.

Without you. 

Johnny rushed towards the Captain of Treasurer, who looked at him with an apologetic expression as he pushed a letter and ring into Johnny’s hand. 

“Please give this to Johnny, along with the letter.” You pushed the gold ring with the family signet along with a hastily written letter into the Captain’s hand. “You and the crew should be alright until you reach the port. The luck should follow with my ring. Not a worry there.”

“My lady…”

“Go. I will be alright. I’ll make sure of that. Oh, please make sure my poor maid is well compensated. I wouldn’t be surprised if the poor girl decided to run away from the job the moment she arrived at the port.” 

Johnny gripped onto the letter with a shaky hand. Pirates!! Pirates have taken his precious sister!!! 

“What is going on here? Where is your sister Johnny?” A gruff voice behind Johnny made him 

“Captain Price..”Johnny took a deep breath and turned towards his own Captain,with the rest of his crewmates following behind him. Johnny took a deep breath in, as calm as he could and slowly explain the situation to him, along with Captain of Treasurer. 

“... Did you say Nikolai?” Captain Price frowned when he heard the name mentioned.

“Of Chimera. Who claims he was a privateer for the Crown.” Captain of the Treasurer added.

“ … Shit.” Captain Price lowered his head as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “That muppet…” he mumbled. 

Johnny’s eyes flashed with surprise, but before he could ask the question, Kyle Garrick, the young soldier who became fast friends with Johnny since the day he joined, perked up, “Captain.. You know this Privateer.. Or the Pirate that kidnapped Mini?” he asked.

“Worked with him a few times actually. Under the command of the Crown. He is an extremely capable sailor and soldier. People often underestimate how destructive he could be. I am surprised Mini managed to strike a deal with him to let the crew leave with just losing the cargo. ” Price commented.

“Also with her.” Johnny growled. Glaring at the Treasurer’s Captain as he speaks.

“Not his fault Johnny. She made a valiant effort to try to reduce the casualty and losses to minimum. You should have seen her on the deck. Swinging the Claymore around like a true Scottish woman.” one of the crew walked past, trying to defend their Captain. 

Johnny let out a faint smile as he heard the crew describe how you challenged the pirate, the bravery, that's the stubborn Mini he knows.

Johnny shook his head. No, this is not the time to admire his sister’s bravery. Her life and also her… her virtue is in danger here! He looked pleadingly to his Captain, hoping he would come up with a plan or help him to rescue his sister, with or without Crown’s permission. 

“I want to say you should be worrying for your sister but..apart from that muppet shouldn’t have attacked a Crown owned ship.. It’s Nikolai that might be in more danger here.”

“.. HUH.” Everyone looked at Captain Price with confusion. 

“ I am actually more worried for Nikolai…he might have met his match.” Price mumbled cryptically. 

“... I .. I don’t understand, Captain?” Johnny asked, perplexed by his Captain’s words.

“Trust me on this one, Mini should return without harm.” Price patted Johnny’s shoulder. “But we still need to go chase after them.. Stupid idiots need to be reined in before this gets into further trouble with the whole British Isle.”

Oh Mini, what mess have you got yourself into? Johnny wondered. All he knows Ma and Da and their ancestors will be half proud of what you have done but also twist his neck off if he doesn’t get you back to safety fast enough. 

prompt used for 141 challenge:

Alternate Universe/AU

Enemies to Lovers

Dare/Bet

You never have to be scared of me

Tag list:

@homicidal-slvt @nrdmssgs @siilvan @roosterr @preciouslittlecreature @gamergirlbones @whydoilikewhump @alypink @ashwasherelol @okayyadriana @liyanahelena @miyabilicious @caramlizedtomatoes @celshideout @merkitty49 @abbeyrjm-blog @shyravenns @okamimarta @gazs-blue-hat

[thefireintheshadow]

HE HELLO THANK YOU FOR REBLOGGING MY SMALLETHO COMIC LET'S BE MUTALS YOU ARE AWESOME

No, but really!!! I looked at your page on random and i didn't expect to find such amazing writer here!! And Gem×Etho????

Also I keep seeing people telling that smallatho fanbase consist of like 30 people and that's it, so.. HOW TO JOIN THIS BOAT. I want it! Let me Iiiiiinnnnnnn!! (/j I know that for that i should just draw them probably, which I will do anyways, because brainrott goes brrrrrrr)

And now excuse me as I got ao3 to leave you an incredibly long praise because you deserve it

ohmigosh what a beautiful thing to wake up to you are a wonderful human thank youuu! *grabs your hand and yanks you on the boat* welcome welcome I happily feed the brainrot please draw all the things! :D your comic was soo good it had me kicking my feet and twirling my hair

[covenofwives]

Hi :D so my concept brain finally woke up from a very long nap and came up with this cute gem (I'm imagining this after they've got more comfortable and told other people they're dating)

So 4K cannot dance, we know this. But as him and HD get closer and eventually start dating, HD invites him to dance more often. It's very cute to imagine HD teaching 4K how to dance, just slow dancing with their hands laced together :(( but 4K can't get the hang of it and he really wants to because he knows how much it means to HDs culture (? Idk how much of his fae culture he's connected to) so 4K goes to someone else to learn so he can show that he cares about HDs culture! And he goes to XD to teach him. It was just a cute thought about 4K going between the two trying to learn to dance to impress HD :( and ofc XD helps him because 4D are so cute and he gets an excuse to teach someone to dance :D

Bonus: HD thanking XD because he's knows 4K did not get that much better by "practicing on his own"

That was quite a long ask but it was very fun🫠 enjoy!

Omg Omg Elliot. I could kiss your sweet forehead over this is this amazing this is the best.

it's just soughgfjkjfhg so so cuuuuute omg ;-; I have this all pictured out in my head of HD leading 4K into a dance and 4K just awkwardly moving. So unsure but trying for HD.

And YES to the culture thing! Cause like HD's been so open and accepting of 4K's with the piercing and he wants to show his love how HD back in the same way.

and omg. asking XD for help. You know I had to draw it out

XD has been waiting for this moment his whole LIFE!

And 4K being so cheeky and trying to say to HD he's just been learning on his own cause he's still flustered and embarrassed he had to ask for help but HD knows of course.

And just end with them slow dancing together in a field of flowers

i have melted with this one you have gone for the heart.

[askanimperviouspeach]

Hi, I’m not sure if you remember me, I was the person who roleplayed with you on this account, I wanted to check in and say hi and hru

I AM OK, ALIVE, AND VERY SORRY!!! I am SO sorry for the inactivity and for basically ghosting the rp. I recently moved, and it was hell. then a year later we moved again, into a lesser hell but still hell. then a few months later another move but into our dream home! Busy is the biggest factor in why I went poof, be gone. to be completely honest, i have been going through the worst of art blocks. its now lasted a year and is still affecting me mentally, i had left art college because pursuing art as a job just... it really fucked me up ngl. Lately, it HAS been slowly getting better, as now our family in a more stable and amazing house (that i find frogs in the backyard every night, its literally heaven on earth) i've been able to recover No, my family life isnt unstable, no we arent financially destitute, and nO i dont have any mentally debilitating conditions (none that i can see and never been diagnosed). I say this so no one is disillusioned, I just had a long rough patch and consciously knew i had been neglecting my blogs, i just couldn't figure out how to get back into it. Procrastination really to you specifically, redzirpinkasmt, i am deeply sorry for falling off like that. There is no excuse. I know how annoying and maybe even scary it is to have a rp partner suddenly disappear, to be frank i didn't even know you responded. thats how out of it I was and i wont let that happen again, everyone at least gets a small message to ensure them they are heard and not ignored from now on. And im grateful you checked in i think thats very sweet and thoughtful.

Now finally, as the blog itself i have no idea if i will be continuing it. i want to. but I dont know if i will commit. when i first started it i never imagined this could be so demanding. and i guess im the one who made it demanding, lol. i have a tendency to make things harder on myself than need be. but should i start posting, things are gonna be D I F F E R E N T LIKE, VERY DIFFERENT. and WAY more laid back, with no exact timeline. The blog may have been neglected but the characters have been thought about a lot. VERY different, but I like them now. to give you guys a taste, ripper is no longer the bad guy. its morally ok to simp for her now/lol. anyway, ive been meaning to make this update for a long time but didnt have it in me. a few weeks ago, this would have had me sobbing. now im doing better and realizing that this should be a fun lil thing to do on the side. maybe ill start posting doodles or lil text stories, make this blog more casual. i dont know yet, but what i do know is that im very grateful for those who stuck around, and those who still send asks and like my stuff. IF i continue the blog, the asks i have in my inbox WILL be answered, dont worry. but they will be answered by the newer versions of these characters, the "rebooted" I'll call em. Anyways, thank you all and i wish you all a good night/day. also, gem galaxies controversy has led me to not play that game anymore. wont get into it now as this post is long enough but yeah, thought i should mention that

[dem0nguy]

Ive been infected by the AU bug (Ive got like 5 different AUs for MB now help—)

HOWEVER, this does give me an excuse to ramble about said AUs >:3

So how bout I ramble about the one I ever-so-conveniently drew art for?

MUTANT BUSTERS STEAMPUNK AU :DDDDD

Ima be honest, I originally created this just so I could put the sillies in fancy outfits. But then I added lore…

(The outfits in question:)

(Before I start ima just say that none of the characters go by their aliases, bc it just wouldn’t make sense here (and like, their names are cool and get no use in the show, they need use >:/ ))

So Jim(Sheriff) and Ryan live in a poor rural town in the middle of nowhere. Ryan works as a blacksmith, and Jim is an aspiring inventor (he’s not very good at the inventing part… just the ideas.)

Ryan wants Jim to learn how to be a blacksmith like he is, because it’s a reliable job and he doesn’t see Jim going very far in his inventing career.

Obviously, Jim doesn’t listen to him.

On one particularly boring day, an aspiring entrepreneur/inventor rolls into town. He introduces himself as Max(Shooter) Kojima, and says he’s looking for someone to help jumpstart his business with him. Jim quickly volunteers, but Ryan stops him, and forces him to come home.

Jim, however, is a persistent little bitch. So he sneaks out at night and joins up with Max; who gives him a prototype bionic arm as a gift.

Somewhere along their journey, Max reveals that he stole a powerful source of energy contained in a gem (*cough* MORPHONITE *cough*) from the lead entrepreneurs, Wart and Verruca, and plans to use it for his own inventions.

Jim is honestly so awed by the gem that he doesn’t care if it was stolen or not.

(At this point, Ryan has realized Jim is missing. So he sets out on a mission to find him)

Unfortunately, Max and Jim were not the only ones after the gem. Vegan-Su and BP steal it from them, so the two set off on a mission to get it back.

When they finally confront Vegan and BP, they explain that the gem was created by their father (Dr. White) and was stolen from him. So they were trying to get it back. But Max and Jim don’t care, and just as they’re about to walk off with the gem; Alexander(Brutux) steals it from them. All four then decide to work together to get the gem back.

Alexander works for Wart and Verruca, and was sent to go find the gem. But he doesn’t actually know what it is, nor the importance of it. When Jim, Max, Vegan, and BP catch up to him, they explain that the gem was created by Dr. White. Alexander then proceeds to fanboy about Dr. White and join the group.

(Jim and Max were gonna steal the gem back, but now they’re in too deep to get out so yk….)

(Also unrelated but Jim and Max are gay for each other bc you don’t just run off with a man in the middle of the night and NOT fall in love with him.)

The five start on their way to Dr. White’s place, just before they reach it, Jim gets a letter. The letter states that Ryan has been kidnapped by Wart and Verruca, and if the gem isn’t returned to them, he will be killed.

So they change course, and head for Wart and Verruca’s business place: Panic Mechanics (I’m so good at naming things/j) They make the trade for Ryan (who thoroughly scolds Jim, but is thankful for being saved.) Then unsure of what to do next, they head to Dr. White’s place.

(Dr. White is kinda like an inventor with questionable ethics and a weird way of doing things. He’s relatively well known, but his unpredictably doesn’t make him “famous” per se. His books are what most people (including Alexander) know him for.)

When they arrive, Dr. White explains that Wart and Verruca will try to drain all the energy in the world using that gem, so everyone has to come to them for power/inventions. (Capitalism, yay)

So they head right on back to Panic Mechanics, just in time to stop Wart and Verruca’s plan, saving the world. (AND THE GAYS GET TO KISS >:D)

That’s pretty much all, thanks for listening to me ramble! :3

[mutenized]

Red String of Fate

Modern Rockstar Eddie Munson x afab photographer reader!

Not gonna lie to you guys, I was reading this fic (it’s 18+) and got inspiration based off of chapter 6……then I got carried away so I don’t even think I have a word count on this bitch. It’s currently 4 am and as I’m writing this part I’m not even done… so word count? LONG lmao! Thank you dolly for hyping me up

Enjoy!

Tags: fluff fluff fluff! Mutual pining, opposites attract

Also here’s a playlist for this fic! Listen if you’d like, a lot of sad girl pop mixed with pop punk! The series is named after Red String by Sweet Pill!

Fingers danced across your waist as you delve your toes into the soft sand that had cooled drastically due to the rise of the moon and fall of the sun pass the watery horizon. Peace. You were at peace. Any and all wars that currently played within your head, whether you knew it or not, ceased due to the absolute heaven you seemingly ascended to.

Eddie’s arms pulled you from your contemplative state, reminding you of the happiness, the thrill, you were living in. A vacation, together. That was something you never dreamed of happening when you two first met months ago. Yet, the tale of time and chemistry between two people proved to both you and the frizzy haired rockstar that anything could happen.

Eddie’s band, Corroded Coffin, was on a small tour through dive bars and smaller venues throughout the east coast. You had been excited for the Philadelphia date because they were the main band at the small, two-story bar, Johnny Brenda’s, that sat on the corner between the Olde Kensington, Northern Liberties, and Fishtown districts. Bringing along your film camera as well as your digital one as well, you opened your case for the security detail before clambering the tiny stairwell to where the stage was set above the pool tables and larger bar and kitchen that rested at street level. Greeting your friends whom you came to support, you looked to the small table next to theirs where merchandise for the two other openers sat. “Corroded Coffin is a dope ass name!” You hear the drummer, Nick, rattle off to the two young adults who pinned up the rest of the band’s merch on the peg board.

“You think? Eddie and Gareth came up with it themselves between D&D sessions in like, middle school.” The one spoke, a smile on his face and his freckles cheeks making his eyes close. “Yea dude! Y’know Philly has an amazing punk music scene it’s like the origin-“ Nick’s rambling was background noise to you as you hug his girlfriend who just arrived with the last of their band’s shirts. Gem was true to her name, a gem. Guiding you to the small sectioned off area for the photographers, she wanted to make sure security didn’t give you a hard time as they have before.

Setting your case between one of the speakers and the wall, you were too into making sure your camera was properly formatted to notice two figures near you. One on stage on their knees, fiddling with their peddles and wires that ran to the guitar placed on a stand next to the microphone and the other behind you waiting for you to move a hair over to join you in setting up their tech.

“Excuse me, sorry!” The even toned voice didn’t seem angry or bitter as you quickly side stepped to let them beside you. A light brown bob greeted your sights before you saw the angular face and side smile that the voice belonged to. Tapered slacks, a Corroded Coffin shirt, and open vest paired with silver jewelry and a crystal hung on a string were the first things you took in as your eyes gazed from the screen of your camera to the pair of blue eyes looking towards you.

“Hey, you’re (y/n), right?! One, huge fan of your work, like seriously! Two, well, actually. No two. Just be wary that the guys like to grab equipment so you get good shots. I’m Robin, nice to meet you!” A happy yet awkward chuckle left the rambling girl as her ringed fingers expertly secured her lens to the body of her camera and snapping a few shots off the stage.

“Hey! Yes thanks! I’ve seen some of your work and it’s absolutely amazing!” A grin played on your features as Robin went through the three stages of honor; shock, disbelief, and flattery. You both hit it off, chatting haphazardly as the crowd formed behind the metal barricade you rested on and the balcony. Soon enough, lights dimmed and the steady beat of a bass drum filled the room. Screams and cheers followed suit, that was your cue to go into work mode. Forgetting about what was around you, you worked nimbly with Robin to make sure you both got high grade shots and didn’t run into one another.

It wasn’t until the third or fourth song of the set when you went to go switch to your film camera that you noticed the four men on stage in front of you. The frontman instantly got your attention as he donned a pair of ripped skinny jeans and chains, rings, a muscle tank which showed off the opal skin stained with onyx and ruby ink, and a black bandana wrapped around his forehead. The brown-black hair was what struck you, though. Wild and unruly, his curls seemed to make him look even more angelic while if that were anyone else, they’d look like they had no idea to take care of their appearance. He was effortlessly ethereal; put together while also not being put together at all.

Your eyes must have burned a hole into his face because his brown doe eyes caught yours as he roamed the stage before the next song. His stoney, rocker façade seemingly broke for a half-moment as he drank you in before returning to what task was at hand.

Both of you couldn’t deny the intensity that drew both of you in but you found yourself already overthinking like you were getting ready for a date as you photographed the rest of their set.

You see, while your friend’s band was in the pop punk genre, which you enjoyed thoroughly, over time you’ve become drawn to bedroom and indie pop. Phoebe Bridgers, Ethel Cain, The Japanese House, The 1975, just to name a few. Many called it sad girl pop since the songs were catchy and addicting while the message in the lyrics dealt with the heavy reality of life.

So to say you were out of place in a sea of leather and chains was an understatement. Your bell bottom jeans and black ankle boots paired with the babydoll top Gem had made just for you for your birthday that had the band’s logo of a jar of sugar next to a bottle of spilt pills couldn’t stand out even more than it already did. That didn’t mean you didn’t enjoy the music Corroded Coffin was playing but it wasn’t your usual flavor.

With the last song fading, the house lights came back up and you capped your lens after turning the camera off to preserve battery. “Oh my god, (y/n). I have the best photo of you and Eddie staring at one another! Oh dude he’s going to be so embarrassed!” Shoving the camera into your line of sight, your eyes drew to the tiny bright screen. Your lips pressed into a cheeky grin before you peered to Robin through your lashes. “Oh you can’t delete that! Send it to me!” Mischief laced both of your auras, making a deeper connection with the girl who reminded you so much of yourself.

Grabbing your wrist with a playful laugh, Robin guided you away from the security of safety before leading you to the bar where there was the frizzy mass of hair downing a glass of ice water. His side profile was something out of a distant dream you had had years before but that was something you didn’t care about. The same doe eyes that softened when they landed on you found you once more before playful fear filled them as he noticed Robin guiding you towards him.

[brasideios]

10 Characters/10 Fandoms/10 Tags

Thank you for thinking of me my dears @krankittoeleven & @ainulindaelynn

Lemme see. This is long, sorry about that. I’m in a rambling mood. These are just the characters that came wandering into my noodle in no order - at least, that was intended.

1. Dorothea from Middlemarch (by George Eliot). She’s probably my fave character ever. I think in a mostly abstract way, she’s come nearest to mapping out how I perceive the feminine part of myself. She starts out so so idealistic - wanting to do something to change the world, to matter, but society has its own rules that eventually beats her down, but she’s so stoic, enduring, and self-denying, that her happy ending is earned… but then the epilogue is so melancholy so was it happy? and… I don’t know. There’s something in it all that I’ve never found a better version of.

2. My brain is on D names now lol so Daphnae from AC Odyssey. The more I think about her story, as little as we’re given of it, the more I find something tragic and fated in it, and then there’s the possibility of changing that fate, or embracing it. Something, something doomed by the narrative, unless…?

3. Demosthenes from my pdfs lol listen - ancient history RPF is a fandom (apparently) so this is valid. I have been down some serious rabbit holes with this man of late - I won’t even start on why or this will be an essay. I could also have put Thucydides in this position - but I’m on D names.

4. Daria. No seriously. I loved this show when I was a teen, and she’s honestly my spirit animal. It was my nickname because I was unfortunately very much like that. I adore her deadpan, acerbic remarks and many of them will live on in my brain forevermore. I wasn’t as witty btw - but the vibes were the same.

5. Hedwyn from the vg Pyre (woot! My brain releases me from the letter D!). I’ve played it several times now, and he’s my fave. Just a sweet guy - so sweet, you always want to free him first, but then you also very much wanna keep him with you - and sometimes I’ve been selfish enough to send everyone else instead. I also like Volfred a lot but that has everything up do with the VA 🙈

6. Alfie from Peaky Blinders. I have no excuses - the character is an unhinged maniac but Tom Hardy just brought something (a twinkling eye) to the role that makes him a very likeable, back-stabbing psychopath.

7. Caesar from HBO Rome. Ciaran Hinds has been a fave of mine since Persuasion - and I liked how he acted this part / how he was written. That’s all I’ll ever say about Caesar - character or historical figure. There are at least another half a dozen characters in this series I might’ve mentioned too. I must rewatch it one of these days.

8. Gannicus from Starz Spartacus. Dustin Clare is an old time favourite from waaaay back when I was persuaded to watch McLeod’s Daughters - really bingeable but quite trashy Aussie TV - sorry to any fans - but it really is. I so enjoyed his vibes and he brings all of that to Gannicus and it just works so well for the character. Pure cheekiness, and when he does this face 🥺 chefs kiss. Side note - I will pretty regularly say some variation of ‘my cock rages on’ about the most random stuff so - thanks to this character for that gem lol.

9. Johnny Spit from the movie Gettin Square. Yeah this is left field and I seriously doubt there’s a fandom for it - but what a character - quintessentially Australian deadbeat, (played by David Wenham). There’s a courtroom scene that kills me every time. I hope he got square, for good this time.

10. Kenny from Mad Men. I don’t even know how to explain it, I just want to protect him and he doesn’t even deserve it, and he wouldn’t have thanked me for it - maybe it was just the way everyone else was just an asshole about his writing. I want to know more about the short story about the egg. I could’ve picked almost any other character from this show though. They’re all so good/bad for their own reasons.

I made it! Haha! I have no idea who to tag - I think the only people who usually join in have already been tagged - so I’ll just add a few and call it ten. Sorry for any double ups.

No pressure at all - @nemo-of-house-frye @theinkandthesea @liminalspacecowboah @cyrus-the-younger @myriath

[uhohbestie]

Hello :D I’m a newer reader to your fic (saw some awesome fan art and had to investigate) and I’d just like to start out by saying HOLY SHIT IT’S JUST SO INSANELY GOOD AND IM ONLY ON CHAPTER 20

Y’all should be so proud of yourselves TAMN is honestly one of the best written aus I’ve ever had the pleasure of stumbling onto across all the fandoms I’ve ever been a part of. Kudos kudos kudos and more kudos!

Anyways, the crux of why I’m even writing this in the first place (other than an excuse to sing y’all’s praise) is I recently found a song that just reminds me so much of this fic and I wanted to share with y’all :)

I haven’t had a chance to look at the playlist made for TAMN, so if it’s on there my bad, but the songs called Grandma Became a Zombie, by Kriill. And I know, one could claim it’s a bit on the nose with how much they say zombie in it, and this is literally a zombie apocalypse au, but I honestly think like 95% of the lyrics are scarily close to how I interpret this fic.

Anywho, thought I’d put this gem on y’all’s radar if it hasn’t been already. Once again I’m only on Chapter 20, so I have no idea if this song reflects later chapters, but if you see a random animatic pop up using this song, chances are it’s probably me lol.

Thanks y’all again for writing and illustrating such an amazing story <3

-E

Aaaa thank you thank you so much!! We're always so thrilled to hear that our fic is being enjoyed! (Also oh my goodness, i just checked and chapter 20 is right before you really Get In It hahaha, what a fun little precipice you left yourself on!!)

I gotta tell u, I looked up this song and have been listening to it non-stop since. ( here's the link to it - for those who want to go on the same emotional journey I'm on.)

The lyric "silence is your way to speak your mind" has got me in a vice grip. That's it, that's the fic. That's TAMN reduced to its most basic, fundamental parts. Aaaugh, Scar... Grian... what are we going to DO with you..........

Thanks for sharing this song aaaaaa, I'm obsessed. <3 <3 🔒

[dangerous-advantage]

ITS HAPPENED. EVERY FIC WRITER’S DREAM. I CAN FINALLY DIE HAPPY

V A L I D A T I O N

(ahem. excuse me for the next 4-5 hours while i chase this high)

(transcription under the cut for anyone who wants it)

(TRANSCRIPTION) || Four photos of a continuous ao3 comment by user ‘Picrusts’ on the fic, ‘it was futile.’ they read:

“What an unexpected gem we have here. I’m a woman of simple needs, so I’m always down for watching Leo suffer. The first chapter was fun for that on its own, but imagine my surprise (and delight) when I continued to find Donnie’s here too. Fics where future turtles are sent back are very common of course, but you don’t really encounter much of the reverse. I’ve see a small handful of fics where teenage Leo is sent to the apocalypse, but this is the first time I’ve seen the rest of the fam go too! I’d say it’s a shame because it’s a fun premise ripe with possibility, but tbh that just makes the story all the more exciting for treading new ground.

Putting that aside, I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes; the writing has been strong so far. Your descriptions really capture how desolate future New York is; I like how each turtle has taken it in their own way — Leo a bit more viscerally, and Donnie with this slowly setting in gravity. Despite what a wasteland their home has become, it still feels very alive between the monsters that stuck the streets, and the people on the outskirts just trying to survive. Between the argument Donnie eavesdropped on and the hacking conversation, I can see you laying the groundwork for conflict between factions that I’m intrigued to learn more about. And that’s not even getting into the mystery! I’m just as confused as the boys are, unsure of what brought them here or why, but the breadcrumbs you’re leaving have me putting my thinking cap on.

Love your characterization so far. Leo’s been thrown into the thick of it, and you can tell how overwhelmed he is (both from shock and his injuries). He’s still got his trademark wit through it all, though, and determination to power through. Donnie got a little luckier where he ended up, and has thought quick on his feet. He might not have enough information for a hard plan yet, but his initial approach was both very clever and resourceful. The chat conversation was where the little details really shine, though — he was already stressed, but seeing him make little mistakes as his buttons were pushed was a great touch. We’ve only seen half the brothers so far, but how well you’ve written Leo and Donnie has me looking forward to when the others show up (or at least I assume Raph and Mikey are here, from the radar blips?).

So, yes, tl;dr thanks for sharing a great read, and I’m looking forward to more!

P.S. I was in a binging mood so I read all four chapters before commenting, but the moment I know for certain I was in for a good time was back in Chapter 2, when you leaned on the fourth wall to make that jab at The Next Mutation. That actually got me to laugh out loud, bless you.” || END TRANSCRIPTION

[idolmelodies]

(@the-last-of-alto-mare) "Excuse me." the Latias spoke with a small voice. "I really like your dress and your hair. Umm...your bow looks like those...what are they called? Microphones? Are you a singer?" and for a moment of awkward silent, she blushed hard as she felt stupid asking that. "I-I'm so sorry. I d-din't mean to.."

"Thank you! I find your attire very cute as well! I especially like the gem holding your shawl together," Magpie says, gesturing to where the stone would rest against her own chest, the jewel there shining. Of course, hers is very much a permanent part of her body, but she still finds humor in the comparison. "And no need to apologize, you've said nothing wrong! I am indeed a singer. Though, that is a funny thought! I’ve been around much longer than modern technology … Perhaps it's more appropriate to say microphones look like a Meloetta’s headpiece?"

"It's a bit … odd feeling in this form. It's no longer physically connected to my body, but I can still feel it…and control it too!" The ears of the appendage twitch, vibrate, and for the briefest of moments it's almost as if the sounds closest to them get louder, before merging with the overall background noise once more. The headpiece falling still. "I can amplify sound through it, but I can also use it as a sort of tuning fork.”

She gasps, “Oh! I guess that’s another thing that humans took inspiration from us Meloetta!”

( @the-last-of-alto-mare )

[bidokja]

hey.. i just binge-read villain initiation after seeing your post about it ending the other day, and i just have to wonder why you would want to inflict such pain on your followers. It so good!!!!!! I swear to god it somehow made me tear up more than orv did (i had to stop many times while reading the last few chapters because my eyes were so blurry i couldnt appreciate the art (which is phenominal!!!!! I spent so long reading because i was just entranced by the lines and the shading and the poses and everything)). Its just so,,,,,, idk, but the characters! The themes! The parallels! The internal conflict!!! Its all so good!!! anyways, thank you for ruining my life by reccommending such a beautiful story, i hope youre having a wonderful day! :D -sorry about pseudo anonness, i just am super nervous lmao. Also sorry for any typos its about 2am while im writing this because i need to get my thoughts down after finishing such a great series

OMGGG IM SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED IT (and i hope u ahd a nice day as well!)!!! im so glad i get to rec this hidden gem to more people its SO genuinely amazing. i know the rough translation of the first few chapters and certain pacing points can make things hard to follow (certain chapters jumping around a lil too much is probably the one (1) critique i have of villinit) but i just!!! ilove villinit so much. i love the story. i love the characters. i love what they all have done and did do and will do for each other. and as you said the art is just STUNNING genuinely some of the nicest art and paneling i've ever seen in a web comic (much less a long-strip format one!). all the little outfits. all the character designs. all the emotions conveyed. the strength and painful clarity of the parallels and foils....honestly this one is villinits strongsuit imo. i just! i love villain initialization!

villinit is so genuinely GOOD like its a story about...so much. it about how isolated wrongs committed against each other are also larger wrongs committed against us all. it's about how this isn't an excuse for perpetuation. it's about desperately holding on. it's about throwing it all away. giving yourself the chance to change. recognizing the ability to do so within yourself. recognizing the ability in others. just what is guilt? what is blame? what is responsibility? what do these look like when you can turn back time? what do these look like when you actually can't? what does it all mean for us, individually? what does it all mean for us, when it comes to each other?

[angelofthepage]

Reacting to BATDR, Part 1 and 2?

So as mentioned before, because I cannot play the game at launch, I’m watching SuperHorrorBro’s coverage to experience BATDR. I’ve watched through the first two videos he’s launched (linked under the cut), and oh my gosh, I’m already REALLY INVESTED! Normally I’m not one to blog about stuff like this, my reactions are pretty muted about most things, but while watching these videos, I was emotive and excited as hell, I swore more than I have since my last bad night of Splatoon 3, and that’s saying something! Usually my self control is better, but GOSH I squealed so hard.

And seeing as I don’t want to go into any of the spoiler channels in my designated Bendy servers, for the sake of not getting spoiled by people who are ahead of me in terms of the story, that leaves me with only a few options to get the feels out. I think, I’d like to react a little bit here and speculate. This is new territory for me, but it’s exciting! So as promised, we’re using our tools, we’re tagging things, and we’ll put a majority of this under the cut. Let’s dive in! (also do not spoil me for anything ahead of this content in the replies/comments, please and thank you!)

If you’d like to follow along with where I am in terms of story, here are the videos! Thank you Mike for all your hard work covering this game, you are an absolute gem and this is SO FUN!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okUwwu1cK8A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE4u3Kc5Hzc

So RIGHT OFF THE BAT, this game is gorgeous to look at! I was a little worried that it would lose some of the charm of looking like a sketch with the graphical upgrade, but I think this is still pretty good, both in the “real world” section and the “studio”. The introduction did a lot of things I didn’t expect, and I appreciate that so much.

I can’t believe we got to do a version of the ritual that Henry did to start the machine, and I’m kind of annoyed that I didn’t see that coming. Like it seems SO OBVIOUS, but at the same time, it just was not on my radar. But like, why did Audrey have to throw the switch and gather the items? What is it just because you’re old and decrepit Wilson? Is it just because we need to get used to the mechanics in a safe environment, or is there a narrative reason for it? Also, the fact that the ink just, FLOODED THE FLOOR?! And they got pulled under?? Or did Wilson grab her and drag her under? I feel like he kind of ragdolled and they got pulled, but I'm not sure, we'll have to go back and rewatch. That is NOT how I expected us to get pulled into the ink realm, but I love that a lot actually. It's so good!

Wilson, gosh, I have SO MANY FEELINGS about Wilson. Sir you are a creeper, and if I were Audrey, I would be contacting HR about you. We get it, Audrey’s gorgeous, but keep your goddamn eye to yourself bro. X’‘‘D I did not see that coming, I dunno if he’s like, interested in Audrey in the sense of romantic/sexual attraction, or if he knows something about her in this world that we don’t and that’s why he’s fixated on her. Like, I’m hoping it’s the second of the two, but I do get the sense it could be a little bit of both. That does seem to point to a more "chosen one" styled story with her, which I feel like ties into her being related to Joey or Henry, which is something I'm not sure if I want. Like I LOVE next generation stories, but I really want this to feel like Audrey's story, not just an extension of Joey's or Henry's, you know? If nothing else, I'm REALLY CURIOUS what Wilson meant by "we're going home". Sir, excuse you, what?! What does that even mean?!

Speaking of, LOVING Audrey as a protagonist. She leaves plenty of room for the player to react to scares, but she still has a lot of personality that I like. I LIKE that she's scared but still pushing through with a little sass and witty remarks, it's great. She's doing a great job. Don't get me wrong, I loved Henry, but there was a lot he didn't react to that always struck me as kind of odd (which makes sense once you know he might be trapped in a loop), like the only thing we hear him get emotional about is Boris, and I wanted more moments like that. We're getting that here.

Heck , we're getting a LOT of things I value and we're not even an hour and a half into the gameplay, that's wild! THANK YOU dev team for giving us the option to listen to audio logs in the pause menu with a transcript on screen, that is SO GOOD! I do miss the on screen text during gameplay, but this is honestly more efficient. You can take a moment to take it all in instead of worrying about enemies catching you off guard, so you don't lose important information (and given we actually get some, that's good. The voice direction in this game is so good. I knew it would be, you've got Lauren Synger who knows what she's doing as the voice director, and Lani Minella who's not only well connected, but also well versed in many different kinds of voice work, so she's a great pick for casting director, and the people they got are phenomenal. The deliveries are solid! I also love that we can hear some voices of the Lost Ones matching up with the audio logs so far, that's a GREAT touch. I'm loving Dale a lot, Dale is good. It leaves less room for interpretations about what happened to everyone, but I'm okay with that. Can't wait to read the credits to see who's responsible for each of them! Really excited that we got to hear Nathan, and that we might have been wrong about him from the books, though I’m gonna wait and see. He seems like a fairly earnest guy, I get the sense I need to read through his annotations in The Illusion of Living again.

Also, LOVE the addition of notes. We FINALLY GOT IT! We have heard Jack refer to Sammy so much in his audio logs, but never Sammy refer to Jack, and as a huge appreciator of them as musical partners (and occasionally as a ship) I was ECSTATIC to see him acknowledge him in writing. I'm also really curious about who "Your Best Pal" is. Mike speculates it's Henry, but I'd argue it could be Henry OR Joey, given Joey ALSO signs things that way (case in point, his letter inviting Henry back at the start of BATIM). It's more likely to be Henry, but it could be fun to do that with Joey too, especially since we have it confirmed that he's dead as of 1971, and we're currently in 1973.

In the same vein as before with previous employees, LOVE the studio tour audio from Joey, oh my gosh, I wish we had some subtitles or a transcript of those! That was a really good addition in terms of presentation. Also really loved hearing him say Sammy and Jack’s names, that was a GREAT moment. Feeling really awful for Carl though, gosh I kind of want to run into Carl even though that was extremely morbid. Here’s where my gripe comes in: how the actual hell did Joey not get charged with murder?! The blip in the tape puts Allison’s name over Susie’s, which tells us that this tour could have been happening in the 30s, but had an edit sometimes in the 40s when Allison took over the role of Alice. And given we ALSO have another details from these other employees about how dangerous it was with Gent coming in and pipes bursting, how did this tour keep running? Surely the newspaper HAD to have reported on a tour group getting hospitalized or disappearing, right? No? No we’re just gonna cover the bankruptcy in the late 40s? Okay, okay fine, have it your way. X’‘‘D How the hell did Joey Drew get away with anything? Like the tour stuff is cool, but if we don’t get an explanation for how Joey kept all this ink stuff from getting into the public (seeing as Wilson seems to be the only one that understands what the machine can do when Nathan acquires the brand?! Excuse me what?!), I’m calling this a massive oversight.

Moving onto more physical character stuff, can I just say, I LOVE that Striker comes down from the ceiling now?! Oh my gosh that is so GOOD! Very spidery. I would have hated that in BATIM given the controls just did not feel great for combat, but I hope this isn’t giving Mike too many issues, because it’s a great touch. Also PIPER CAN HURT YOU THROUGH THE MIRACLE STATION?! I’m sorry what?! Also Allison is acknowledging Piper by name?! That’s such a small thing, but like, we only knew what the enemies were called last game because people dug through the game files. We never had this enemy referred to as Piper or Charley, and it is SO NICE to have that. Same with Searchers, thank you Allison for talking about Searchers. I didn’t think I’d be so happy to see Allison, but I’m REALLY HAPPY to see her, she’s been done so much justice in terms of characterization, it’s great to see. Last game she didn’t give us a lot in terms of character development, and the difference within the first two encounters with her here are night and day. My one thing is that her reason for not coming with us feels a little weak, but I get it, for the sake of gameplay and programming the AI, this makes more sense. Girl, you don’t have to take us to your hideout, unless like, the entire upper level is your hideout, but I doubt it is since you wouldn’t be telling us to go there if we shouldn’t be there period. But the nice part is that she’s exploring again when she’s not supposed to, or at least, that seems likely. She’s trying to respect Tom’s boundaries about guests while also going out on her own and getting into trouble, it’s a mixed bag, very interesting. But just, “I’ve got a wolf”, MAN I wanna see Tom! One thing I’m unclear on though, we hear Alice’s humming right around the time we have a run-in with the Piper, and I just, I’m lost. I thought that noise was exclusive to Twisted Alice, so for a moment I thought she was gonna pop up, and then we got Allison. Do they both hum now? That’s interesting. And now we get to the part everyone’s been waiting for: Baby Benders. Okay first of all, I love that Audrey is so smitten with this guy when they first meet. Like she’s scared of everyone else, but the minute she sees this beloved cartoon character and he’s real and alive and adorable, she tries to befriend him, and it’s SO GOOD. I also LOVE the way his facial expressions are handled! That is beautifully animated. He’s SO EMOTIVE?! I was worried he was gonna have the smile plastered on the whole time, but the TEARS IN HIS EYES?! The MOUTH?! BENDY I’M SO SORRY OH YOU POOR BABY! He was so hesitant, and then he opened up and got burned, oh this CHILD! He was just playing with his train, my GOSH! Audrey ya gotta use the other hand next time. So this makes it seem like Bendy isn’t an AI that follows us around, I’m guessing he’ll function more like an NPC that we go and connect with for help if needed? I’m okay with that, that’s a vibe, probably better for less glitches and getting stuck on stuff because of collision detection, since there’s a lot more stuff for a model like his to get stuck on (I’m guessing of course, I don’t do game design). I’m okay with us not having an AI ally this time, though I AM curious about how Porter is gonna work, he still has an opportunity to be something like that or an NPC with quests for us.

THAT BEING SAID- this is where we get into where my theories are being proven wrong. I had speculated a little on Nathan wanting the machine specifically, and preserving Joey’s legacy was just a cover-up, but now I’m not so sure about that. But my bigger theory looks to be pretty close to disproven. So on my theory stream last week, I had speculated that Porter was gonna be the Lost One we saw hung up on the wall like a crucifix, the one we get the pipe from. It seemed like an ideal jumpscare opportunity, for that Lost One to come to life after we pulled the pipe out and spook us with an enthusiastic thank you, and then Audrey would get her special ability that way. But that’s not what happened, it was more like taking the wrench out of Boris’ corpse in the first game. The reason I suspected this lost one might be Porter was because of the feet and the rope. Looking to the feet after someone pointed out how weird they were, I noticed several parts of his model has small indents that looked like the spots where this lost one was impaled. Furthermore, if you look at the rope around Porter, it conveniently covers up the spot where the pipe was sticking out of the wall lost one, leading me to believe it could be concealing an injury. Now, if we say, go back to that area later and he’s not there, or Porter drops some info for us later, then I could still be correct, but I’m not holding my breath. But given we see the ink itself give Audrey the power to banish searchers, I’m led to believe that Porter might function in a similar vein but not the same one. Since we have an upgrade system for health and stamina, and possibly one for the pipe, I get the sense Porter is gonna be key to upgrading our golden abilities so we can do more than just banishment. But for now, we’ll have to wait and see.

Last thing: We had our first run in with the ink demon, and OH MAN that was good, but also, um, LOTS OF QUESTIONS?! One, bro how come YOU get subtitles denoting that you’re the ink demon speaking but Joey doesn’t?! Were Joey’s subtitle privileges just revoked or something? But also, MAN, he has a VOICE now?! And it’s DEEP?! Sir you sound like Venom, I kind of dig that, but I wonder WHY you can speak now. Wilson’s loudspeaker monologue tells us he “tore his body in two,” which, to me leaves a lot of questions. We’ve speculated that our little cartoon Bendy and the Ink Demon could be one and the same, but I also suspect they could be two halves of a whole. Half of me suspected that Wilson might have fused himself with the ink demon so he could be powerful and rule over this place, and I get the sense that could happen still, but I’m feeling it’s less likely. So far I’m leaning towards the two demons being two pieces of a whole, maybe not halves though, maybe more like quarters? I speculated that Joey, Henry, or both might have been used to make our little guy real, and I still think it’s possible, though Bendy’s behavior doesn’t read like either of them from what I’ve seen so far. Man, this is a really twisty thing, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. But this is an ink demon that makes sense for Sammy to worship. If THIS is what Sammy heard this whole time, combined with the dark puddles that gave us the banish ability? Oh that adds a whole other layer of context.

Overall, I’m REALLY EXCITED by how this has gone so far. This seems like a game I would struggle to play, since there doesn’t seem to be a map and I am extremely directionally challenged. But overall? The narrative is alright. It hasn’t been super long, we’re only getting into the second chapter, so I don’t expect to see any major returning characters yet, but I do hope they show up soon. I’m especially eager to see if/how Sammy returns. Given we have a note and a couple of mentions of him, I’m hopeful. I need to know if I was right about something.