#the thing is I'm purposefully gullible at times

[youling-the-ghost]

I hate being gullible so much because people often think it's funny to fuck with you just because you'll believe it every time. There's been so many times when people who know I'm gullible would purposefully say incorrect facts or make absurd jokes just to see me believe them and laugh in my face. I get it, it's amusing to see me believe the most asinine statements ever, but please at least try to see how this is incredibly degrading from my perspective. My gullibleness symbolises my trust in you and your words, and it genuinely hurts when you make fun of that. And yes, it is "just a joke" but it's not about the joke itself, it's about what that joke represents.

This especially pisses me off when people point out how gullible I am and it's like, I get it I believe in every absurd statement that you throw at me now please leave me the fuck alone. I'm not a zoo animal for you to jeer at, I'm a human being with thoughts and emotions and all I want is for you to understand that stating increasingly absurd facts just to laugh at me when I believe it is humiliating to me.

[majaloveschris]

"he does all this because she is the one and he is so in love" /////

I believe everyone needs to realize if the above were true then there’d be no debate as to if this is a real or PR relationship.

The simple fact that so much comes out about them to drive or paint a narrative, only for Chris to be the complete opposite physically of how he expresses things ……says enough.

People can call us delusional for not believing this relationship, but I call those who blindly believe what’s purposefully crafted for you to believe gullible and delusional ….to think that this man who has been in the spotlight for 20+ yrs, whose expressed his emotions freely, who stated what he wanted in a relationship in the SMA article only to go public with the complete opposite two days later. To think he’s done a 180 in the worst way due to “being in love”…..nah, I’m not buying what’s being sold.

One has to ask themselves why are all these articles trying to paint him and her as so in love, yet REALITY based on their own body language and expressions show you the complete opposite?!

Show me ONE pic or video shot of them not aware they are being filmed acting or looking so “in love”.

(Oops that already happened …..in the park when he put his hand in his pocket as she reached for it.)

Even the purposefully crafted Valentine’s Day montage and the scare videos seemed fake and staged, every new update the past few months just adds to the speculation that this is bs based on their own actions.

What couple so in love acts like they don’t know or like each other like that. People claim we get a glimpse in their lives, but it’s been two freaking years of bs, regardless of not knowing their every move every single day, we can clearly see something isn’t genuine.

Even after the marriage confirmation from this man’s own mouth, it STILL doesn’t add up based on HIS own actions/inactions.

If Chris was genuinely happy and in love……we’d clearly see it, not have to “read” about it.

I agree with you! I think it's important to note that this whole "PR or real" debate started because of them. It started with them kind of alluding that something is going on with different things (NYE 1.0., LV, the follows and likes) while not admitting they are "together" and then continued with the NYC pap walk 1.0. As you said, if from the very beginning we'd seen how happy and in love he is, Team PR probably wouldn't even exist. I'm not saying there wouldn't be people out there who believe it's PR, but not this amount, for sure.

I agree that his body language is always off and weird around her, like he isn't comfortable or like he is forced to be there. And considering the things you've mentioned, everything seems so fake and manufactured. We saw him being out with his girlfriends for years, and I'm not saying they were always smiley and all over each other, but there were clear moments where you could see they were in love, but there isn't a single one with Alba.

I don't blame people who think this is real. Most people just don't care enough about them or simply think whatever they say must be true. I think there are people on both sides who are "delusional" (I don't really like using this word though), believing and creating things that are clearly bullshit, or thinking that everything that happens proves a point.

It's truly weird to see the contrast between the articles and their body language. They are supposed to be "the one" for each other, yet they behave more intimately with their friends and seem to be more comfortable and natural around them. His body language and behavior should be the three times of everything we saw from his previous relationship since he is "head over heels" for her, but where is that huge love? I don't see it.

I think the NYC Pap Walk 1.0. video you mentioned was a big turning point. I mean, that pap walk was awful, but seeing how tragic it was behind the scenes was really interesting. He clearly didn't want to hold her hands, and to this day, they always walk next to each other as if they were just fighting a few minutes before.

The VD day dump didn't help either. Everything just feels so unnatural, fabricated, and out of character for him. I know we don't know him, but we saw how he acted in this previous relationship, and maybe if I saw that huge love we are supposed to see, I would believe he's changed his habits, but I see the exact opposite. And the wedding story has a lot of plot holes too.

The words, spoken and written, just don't match the body language.

[the-s1lly-corner]

Hello, good morning/evening! I was wondering if you could do a platonic TADC x reader thing where the reader is sort of like a marionette and has strings and that's how they move? They're really happy-go-lucky but a bit airheaded (and gullible). I don't know if I have to specify a character or if it can be the entire cast, but in case we do have to specify; Gangle, Pomni, and Jax! (Pls Gangle is my fave character omg)

Have a wonderful day! Stay hydrated and well-rested!

Gangle, Pomni, and Jax x puppet!airheaded!happy-go-lucky!reader ! (Platonic!)

Now that's one hell of a title/lh

Originally this was going to be the full cast but I'm truly on a time crunch (grocery delivery soon and my funky brain flow can break easily) and I truly could not come up with any worthwhile ideas for the others TToTT + I got a art wip I need to finish <\3

Couldnt find a cute gif so

Throws slime at you

GANGLE:

Your energy tends to rub of on her; usually getting her to ease around you, perhaps even smiling a bit even with her tragedy mask! That's some real contagious joy you have right there! Isnt too mean about your silly behavior that comes with your air headedness, shes far too nice to say anything about it... maybe if it comes to your own detriment... probably puts cute ribbons and bows and other accessories on your strings!

POMNI:

Similar to gangle, your nature can make the tenseness in pomnis body and mind ease up just a tad! Its not a solution to her problems, but that's okay... shes not going to hold you responsible for that.. tries to keep an eye on you during IHA adventures since you may or may not have a habit of wandering off when something else catches your eye. She doesnt want you to get lose, or worse: hurt..! Has tried to crane her neck up to see where your strings are coming from but they just

Keep going

JAX:

He cuts your strings (which I think would regenerate fairly quickly)/j

Except I can probably see him doing that, at least before you guys become friends. Like hes an asshole, but I dont think he would purposefully immobilize you for shits and giggles when you two get close. Its like how hes comfortable taking zoobles arm off to scratch his back, I think! Ultimately doesn't do any lasting damage but its definitely not nice... cuts it out when he actually takes the time to befriend you (pun intended btw)

Does the finger flick thing with you and you fall for it everytime (the thing where you point at their chest, make them look down, then flick their nose with your finger)

Though with that being said, he thinks you're weirdly cheerful for being in a place like this. Probably lightheartedly calls you weird; I mean yeah sure theres ragatha but shes more optimistic than cheerful.. hmm.. but who is he to shatter your joy?

[thebramblewood]

Lilith the Spy: A Vatore Interlude

Previous / Next

Transcript and a bit of rambling under the cut.

Caleb: “What are you up to, Lilith?���

Lilith: “Jesus Christ, Caleb! How many times have I told you to stop sneaking up on me?”

Caleb: “What do you want with that girl?”

Lilith: “It’s well and truly none of your business, baby brother! But if you must know… I haven’t had a shiny new toy to play with in so long. I sense… potential in her.”

Caleb: “You mean weakness.”

Lilith: “Let’s call it malleability.”

Caleb: “More like gullibility. You know things never end well between you and your toys. Spare this one, sister… just this once… for me.”

Lilith: [laughs incredulously] “And when, little brother, have I ever done anything for you?”

Caleb: “Yet I somehow seem to always be stuck cleaning up your messes. [sighs] What’s happened to your sense of humanity, Lilith?”

Lilith: “I haven’t been human in a long time, Caleb. And neither have you, as loath as you are to admit it. Isn’t it time you abandon that pesky conscience of yours? Trust me. This existence that so terribly burdens you is much more enjoyable without it.”

...

I had so much fun writing for these two for the first time! I wanted their dialogue to be purposefully formal and flowery and a bit old-fashioned because a. they're very dramatic and b. I personally envision them being turned around the early 21st century and so they've adapted in most ways but occasionally let old mannerisms slip through, especially with each other. I also interpret their relationship as very antagonistic and tense, but Caleb is too insecure not to be Lilith's little lapdog even when he disapproves of her actions. Whenever they call each other "brother" and "sister," imagine it in the most agonized tone possible. I definitely tried to visually illustrate some of this by styling them similarly and framing Lilith in a more imposing and dominant way. If you're not on board with Lilith being fully a villain, please remember that this is just one interpretation and I'm not trying to claim this as canon or anything. Honestly, I would have loved to create entirely original characters, but it also would have taken me a century, so this is the compromise!

[brain--drop]

Hello!! How are you??

I saw your requests were open, so I hoped you wouldn’t mind that I sent this one in, some of my friends said i act like Venti a lot because of how carefree and playful i am so… i was wondering…

Could i request Kate The Chaser, Eyeless Jack, Slenderman and Jeff The Killer with a GN! Reader who has a Venti Personality from Genshin Impact??

Thank you!! Have a good day!!

Tried to write these to come off as both a platonic and romantic sense. I'm also not too familiar with Genshin Impact so I hope I did alright!//

Kate The Chaser, Eyeless Jack, Slenderman and Jeff The Killer With Reader Who Has a Personality Like Venti

Kate:

Kate is usually an anxious and quiet gal so it surprised her when the two of you met how pretty well and natural you guys clicked

To say that your personality is infectious is an understatement as she can always count on coming to you to have her spirits lifted whenever she has a rough day or needs to get out of her own head

For the two of you, hanging out on the open field surrounding the mansion is a great pass time, Kate unwinding as she listens to any facts or stories that come up in your head or even to watch you run and spin around without a care

She envies your carefree way of seeing things and going about life, but that's also what she loves about you and she would never dare change you or bring you down

Typically, she would stick beside you like glue since you just naturally put her at ease, not like you mind at all

EJ:

To the other pasta's, it's amusing to see the two of you together: Jack being reserved and proper and you being upbeat and carefree

Much like Kate, he was taken aback after his first conversation with you on how natural it was to hang around you

In fact, you're one of the few people that can barge into his office area without warning to happily talk to him and he would give you his full attention, not getting annoyed at all

Because of your playful self, he is a bit protective of you at times whenever someone tries to rain on your parade because damn it, you're one of the few that sparks life to this place like Sally

Truly a moon and sun duo and he doesn't mind it one bit, he enjoys the bright aura you bring and he just hopes his own personality doesn't dampen the mood

Slenderman:

He doesn't have a face, but if he did, Slenderman would always have a fond expression when he's around your bubbly self

Maybe it's because he's practically immortal and experienced drastic events, maybe it's because almost every other pasta that lives in/around the mansion are rageful, irritated and neutral, but your gleeful aura is always a welcomed sight

Even though he's a formal, stoic being, he never minds having a meaningless conversation with you when he has the time as he could just listen for hours to your natural upbeat way of talking and reacting

He most definitely makes sure that no one ridicules or tries to purposefully weigh you down, he won't stand for it

In fact, from just you alone, a tiny part of his brain thinks that maybe pure human mortals are not so bad

Jeff:

Let's be honest, Jeff is a dick so at first when you meet, he tries to make fun of your carefree self saying you wouldn't last a week in the mansion but really, it's because he's shook by your personality

His confusion and suspicion of you turns into playful banter eventually as he sees and hangs around you more often because come on, it's infectious and different

It goes as far as him being upset for you when people try to put you down, typical golden retriever and guard dog duo energy you got going on

Any time his mind becomes too jumbled to think straight, he almost always makes a beeline to you just for your gleeful rambles and conversation to ground him to earth again

While he definitely still jokes that you're too gullible to stay in the mansion, he'd secretly really hate to see you lose your bright spark

[tennisballsrightarm]

What the yap....

I love it when me and that boy have normal conversations like actual friends, also when we are just like walking around our school together so that we actually have private conversations together, he's one of my closest friends along with C, he is the one of my classmates I'm actually comfortable sharing my feelings and thoughts with. I don't really feel that comfortable with others cause I'm scared of judgement but with him I don't feel any sense of judgement whatsoever, he's also probably one of the so called "weird kid" on our classroom like almost everyone in our classroom probably hates him, but he actually has more friends than me he is just, hated if that's the right word. Like he does something and my classmates would tell him to shut up even when they are literally the, loud ones??? Yes he can be A bit "annoying" but they are literally worse! I hate my classmates, not all of them cause I do kinda have 'friends' who I barely talk to so I don't really see them as one. I only see 2-3 people as my friends in the room cause I'm really close to them, one being a girl who sits besides me and the other being the boy I'm talking about right now. Let's talk about C this time, she was in set A back when our class were separated and I was also in set A, I think we became friends cause of a group activity? Yeah yeah I think that's how we became friends, she is also has a quiet voice except she can't help it like I can, she told me that her voice is like that cause of something that happened to her. She told me that but I don't really remember much. We have been friends for maybe 2 years now? We still talk cause she is still my classmate, all my classmates are actually still the same from 7-10, we are currently in grade 9 though so one more year until we eventually separate cause she said she won't be a senior in the same school but a different one cause her hometown is actually far from the school we're learning in. She is one of my classmates I also feel sharing my thoughts and problems to. Now we are talking about J, me and him are not as close as we were before cause he talks to his other friends more and we don't even sit near each other so yeah.

I also actually had more friends back in elementary but cause of the pandemic I kinda forgot how to socialize and got more self aware of myself making me a socially awkward person cause I get nervous around others now, the possible reason either cause I'm growing up or cause of my cousins, let's talk about my cousins, I am not gonna talk about all of them but I will just be talking about the ones that I hated. So in 2019-2021 they have been Tormenting me? I'm not sure if that's the right word but they have been purposefully scaring me with things I'm scared of making me extremely paranoid. Now about the things I was scared of.

I heard it too. The animation one, they have either been showing me the video or saying 'sarah'. And again, I was scared of it so I pretty much cried every time they did that, cause of that I have been too scared to sleep or go outside, I was scared of staying up too much, I was scared they would die, I didn't care if I died I was genuinely more scared of them dying rather than me dying but whatever, I would constantly hide under my blanket and cry silently while everyone is asleep cause I'm scared they might get mad at me for it. I would have nightmares cause of it, they always told me that I would get killed, I was a really gullible kid back then so I believed that it was real.

Siren head. Was one of my biggest fear in 2020, it's almost the same story as the I heard it too but probably worse cause loud noises or sirens would cause me to panic, they have been playing siren sounds and telling me that it would come and kill us, this has made me EXTREMELY PARANOID I actually forced myself to be nicer, I gave my favorite stuffed toy cause I prayed that if I became a better person I would forget about it, guess what, I didn't and I again, couldn't sleep, I didn't even wanna eat. I was too scared to even do anything. Actually had a nightmare about it, I couldn't sleep, I cried at night, and I got aggressive, I actually started trying to choke my cousins when they made me mad, I started losing my temper even more, I started yelling at them, I'm not sure if this was the reason I changed though but I'm guessing it is. I started to have thoughts of wanting to hurt others (wow, edgy) I considered them my 'best friends' except it kept changing cause they loved my sister more.

Ok, I might need to mention this thing as well. About my sister, she is my older sister and my cousins listened to everything she said, and that one time she told them that I was not their friend anymore and I don't know why but I literally cried, I forgot when it was but it was before 2019 probably, I cried on our couch with a blanket over it, they were having fun and I was not. I was actually so sensitive and would cry or throw a tantrum easily. I also have this cousin that I absolutely hate with all my heart, when we were kids we fought and when I was outside she didn't let me inside I put my hand on the floor and she closed the door while it was there so uh, my hand got scarred, and she didn't GAF! My aunt and my mom got mad at her though, she's younger than me btw.

I always felt like they absolutely hate me which they probably do cause every time I try to talk to them or play with them they always ignore me or something whatever. I just hate them. I hate how when I cry they get mad at me instead of trying to comfort me. They sometimes would go somewhere and leave me. Yeah that's all or something.

[i-never-forgot]

Sorry it took so long to respond to this haha, I had to wait until I could procrastinate on homework before my mind could work...I hate my brain ngl

Hold on to that warhead for a couple more minutes, Fujii, I've got more to share *rubbing hands maniacally together like a fly*

Ribbons being so sweet and letting Eliana ramble until Aimilios joins in so she doesn't have to nod awkwardly the whole time lolll XD also them just sitting there with someone a third of their size letting her give lectures and such is just a sweet image. Eliana would be able to tell they're sincere in their interest so she would definitely feel comfortable to open up...though she does feel a little bad about taking so much of their time and for talking for so long once she realizes it haha. But Eliana finding common ground with Ribbons as far as their Dimensional Screams go is so important. Eliana feels so isolated most of the time, and even with Lu there's this lingering feeling of "otherness" that she can never quite seem to shake. She wouldn't feel that with Ribbons even with the age/maturity gap.

Lu would understand Aimilios being concerned for his wellbeing and wouldn't really say anything about it bothering him bc a) it really doesn't and b) he appreciates someone taking the time to help him without being pitying or skeptical of his abilities for once. Aimilios would be one of the few to truly understand that Lu really can take care of himself since I headcanon that most Riolu/Lucario can "see" with their eyes closed to a certain extent bc of their aura sight. Lu just feels so safe around Aimilios (and Ribbons too), plus I feel like their auras would be stronger since they're aware of them, too, and might exude them a little more purposefully to help Lu sense where they're at or where they're going.

While Lu wouldn't really notice it, Eliana would find their reaction a bit puzzling, especially what Aimilios says. By this point it's a no-brainer that Dusknoir cares for them, since he's finally proven himself trustworthy and sincere in her eyes. Still (in this hypothetical case, at least), it would be the first thing she would think of when his betrayal finally did happen. That's why they looked like that. That's why they said that. Eliana would understand better than most that interfering with others' timelines/etc would be no bueno, so she wouldn't hold it against Ribbons/Aimilios at all. (It was her own fault for being gullible to start with, after all. She should have known better.)

But now I'm imagining Eliana and Lu meeting Dadnoir, too. Lu I think would sense the extra dad energy and be a little shy at first, but he'd warm up to him quickly out of curiosity and sensing how kind and gentle he is even if he's a bit more reserved and careful with his words and actions than Dusk. Eliana would be absolutely fascinated with him, asking questions to see how they differed from each other and to see what knowledge Dadnoir might have that Dusk doesn't. She would notice the scars, and his more subdued demeanor, and would wonder what happened to him, but she wouldn't pry since she respects Dusk (and Dadnoir by proxy) enough to leave old wounds like that alone (pun intended). (Perhaps it would have benefited her more if she had pushed Dusk for more information, but alas...)

But I imagine Dadnoir would likely be a little uncomfortable interacting with them at first, since he knows (like Ribbons/Aimilios) what lies in store for them. I feel like he would want to interfere a little more, seeing how sincere Eliana is in her affection and adoration simply describing her Dusknoir, and might feel a little helpless watching yet another duo of bright and innocent people be deceived by his kinsman. Even still, he would try to nurture them while he could. Offer kind words and spoil them a little (Lu especially). I get the vibe that he'd be a bit awkward with it, since they doesn't share the same history as he does with Aimilios/Ribbons, but he worries for them nevertheless.

(Whatever you do don't imagine Dusk running into Dadnoir at this point. Or even Dusk after SP05. I...I don't think my emotions could handle an interaction of that caliber. Wow. Dadnoir might just tear him a new one.)

Thinking about @fujii-draws' eepies with mine again...except WorseTM. I've illustrated them as meeting after Eliana has made amends with Dusknoir (so like post-post-post game in my AU haha), but what if it were reversed?

Little Eevee!Eliana just dazzled by Sylveon!Ribbons and her bubbly nature despite the hardships that she hints she's gone through. Asking for advice in how to maneuver in such a tiny body, especially in dungeons, as well as for how to support and help Lu advance and grow. Feeling a bit silly being older still but able to piggy-back on Ribbons' back (although she does get taller when she evolves lol).

Baby Riolu!Lu still trying to find himself and his place in the world, still working hard to master his aura-sight, feeling so insecure about his limitations and combative abilities to keep Eliana safe since she's usually the one that takes the brunt of the fighting despite him being more suitable for it. Finding comfort in Aimilios' and Ribbons' unconditional encouragement and advice on how to be a better explorer and partner to help Eliana with her amnesia and Scream.

However, the heartache comes into play when Eliana starts telling Aimilios and Ribbons about her good friend the Great Dusknoir. Do they know him in their world? He's very wise and kind and such an excellent conversationalist. She has learned so much just listening to him and he's very patient and gentle with her despite how rude she was to him at first and she just really respects and admires him (and it's so painfully obvious how much she likes him despite her not saying as much).

Ribbons and Aimilios just Look at each other knowing they can't break the "temporal prime directive" but feeling just so much dread and sadness knowing, at least vaguely, what will happen and how it might impact Eliana. Them feeling so conflicted on whether they should at least say something to try to prepare her emotionally but knowing they can't really interfere. God help them if they witness the immediate aftermath.

(And God help Dadnoir if he's anywhere near her afterwards.)

[mango-dolphin]

Big question: do the heroes parties know how old they are? specifically Ren and Itsuki cause they aren't even 18 yet. I don't remember Naofumi telling Raphtalia or Filo his age either, and the story isn't focused on the others enough.

I can imagine Itsuki telling his party he's 17 so he can get "wow you're so mature and heroic for your age :))))" type compliments, Motoyasu will tell any woman trying to hook up, and Ren might purposefully avoid it so he's not treated like a kid(he is).

I can imaging his party asking Nao how old he is, and them just freaking out when they learn he's 16!!! after they freak out to Ren about "why didn't you tell you you are only a CHILD". since i think they are all like complete adults(youngest being 18).

canonically: no clue </3 i DO remember Naofumi mentioning offhandedly in the anime (s2 i believe) that he was 20? but i don't remember the context (let alone which episode; was probably before the Spirit Tortoise arc tho?). and like you said, the story (especially in the anime) isn't focused on the others enough to really give us any ideas? you could make inferences based on the passing glances of their parties, but they'd be a lot of conjecture.

i DO get the impression raphtalia and filo are aware of his age to some extent—raphtalia in particular i feel would be the best bet out of his current (anime s2) party to know his age. that said, it's wholly possible that raphtalia doesn't actually know the exact age either: naofumi seems like the type of person to just not mention much about himself (even before getting betrayed by Myne!)

not that he'd go out of his way to hide stuff about his character (in fact he seems pretty unapologetic about himself mostly within reason), but rather he just wouldn't think to say anything. i am very much the same way where i just won't mention shit about myself, even if it's relevant. i tend to hide my birthday from people for instance because i don't want it to be a big deal—i don't have any birthday traumas, i'm just a tad private like that.

(imagining one day naofumi mentions offhandedly somewhere casual in luroluna that he's 20 while everyone starts losing it to some degree. rishia and eclair thought he was in his 30s. melty thought he was 16, for some reason. filo was actually exactly on the mark, strangely enough—no one expected her to have that good a grasp on the passage of time, let alone its relativity to others. raphtalia, having a skewed perception of human ages, assumed naofumi was either in his late teens or mid-20s], and got cllllose enough frankly)

headcanon-wise: god. GODDDD i can't agree more with the assessments on itsuki and motoyasu it's absurd.

itsuki would definitely think being 17 would simultaneously be a badge of maturity (he's so close to being 18! plenty grown and so close to graduating high school! practically an adult!!) as well as a bragging right (he's doing such heroic and marvelous things at such a young age. he's not even 18 yet! what a brilliant mind with such a bright future!!!). unfortunately for him, announcing this fact just makes his gullibility that much more obvious

from what i've read on the wiki and inferred from the anime, it seems that this would've definitely been something that itsuki's party capitalized on. he was practically announcing to the world that he was a young, impressionable mind that could be influenced and controlled. (and this is why we practice internet safety, folks!)

he'd probably really hate to be reminded that he's 17 in those ways (e.g. that he's young, naive, inexperienced, etc), even if it's not outright said. probably reads into things a LOT so sometimes he might snap about it in a situation where the other party wasn't actually trying to belittle/demean him at all. it can make it a little more difficult to talk itsuki down, because he seems like the type of person who'd hate to be told that he can't do something. especially because of something he can't necessarily control, like his age.

probably felt even more insecure about his age when rishia, also 17, joined the party. just another reminder of who he used to be: some pathetic, easy-to-bully weakling struggling to keep up with the rest of the pack.

(but also, wouldn't it have been so comforting? so relieving? to finally have someone your age by your side again?)

(someone who might not necessarily understand everything you say, but gets so naturally in-tuned to it just by virtue of being in a generation similar to yours? even though you're from two completely different worlds?)

(someone who gets overwhelmed by all the demands that the world puts on them, and the demands they put on themself, just like you?)

(someone who is struggling just as much as you are?)

(someone who gets it?)

itsuki would prefer not to have any more teammates his age or younger. he doesn't need to babysit anybody.

motoyasu loudly announces his age, height, weight, blood type, and marital status to anyone displaying a mildly flirtatious manner in his direction.

ren doesnOkay i should probably elaborate more on motoyasu actually.

i think motoyasu's age is something that keeps in his mind a lot, funnily enough. he's 21, so he is (well, was) at that point of his life where he "had" to start figuring out his life direction. ESPECIALLY after learning that he was kinda modeled after (romantic?) VN protagonists, i got the vibe that motoyasu had kinda been... drifting? in terms of his self-identity, anyways.

he seems like the type to focus more on the moment of things, particularly at the expense of thinking out the consequences. honestly, w/the degree of delusion he tends to display whenever Enacting His Heroic Persona™, it's possible that this tunnel vision is something deliberate: so that he doesn't have to think much about his future, much less choose where he's going.

but once you hit that 21 mark, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing you're starting to run out of time (even though you Just finished being a teenager, still haven't gotten much life experience at ALL by virtue of being so young, and you could easily live quadruple the time you've already been alive—so you've got a LOT of time to use).

(i'm approaching this from an american perspective, so i don't know how applicable the 21 milestone is—HOWEVER, you're kind of considered an adult at age 20 (and are treated more or less as an adult in many legal things by 20, though the transition period starts at 18-ish).)

motoyasu's already 21. he could barely even choose a girl to love properly, and he didn't see the warning signs of the relationships he had haphazardly begun. maybe he should've done something about it. maybe he should have listened to those girls. he's just a body, after all—they probably know what's best for him anyways. otherwise he'd just be wasting his life away, right?

(foreshadowing my personal take on motoyasu's previous life. oops. i'm worried about him your honor)

all of motoyasu's party members know his age and would generally know his birthday month/season. he seems like he'd mention that kind of stuff offhandedly a lot: he gives me the impression he's typically an open book when it comes to his thoughts and his personal life. (that is, with some Exceptions. he's a bit of a master at dodging things he Does Not want to acknowledge to the point of essentially trashing them from his mind—raphtalia commenting that motoyasu's words were "empty" during the pope fight is something that echoes in my head a LOT.)

whenever he Does bring up these facts (like mentioning he's an april baby a lot—idk if he was born in april but motoyasu gives me april vibes), it doesn't seem like he's trying to nudge them towards doing something for him at all. he's a tad too oblivious/blunt for that. motoyasu is just a bit of a motor mouth who doesn't care for his own privacy. (not in the dangerous way that itsuki might, but rather just "oh, he's just easy to talk to")

I DIDN'T REALIZE I'D TYPE SO FUCKING MUCH. UHHHHH for ren my answer is actually incredibly simple:

Ren's party members wouldn't even know what he had for breakfast in the morning.

it's not that they don't pay attention to him or anything, because (especially in the beginning) they really really tried to. this bitch is just a puzzlebox of a person who adamantly refuses to talk about himself very much. he'll talk about necessary stuff and won't shoot down small talk by any means, but if naofumi is a passively private person, ren is an Actively Private Person.

it'd be hard not to suspect that ren was hiding Something acting like that, but it became pretty evident to the party (the longer they stayed) that ren just really sucked at divulging information about himself. which WOULD suggest traits of its own, hilariously enough

he's socialized and well-adjusted enough to hold thoughtful, in-depth conversations, but asking him about his favorite food is an exercise in confused futility. (he'd keep second guessing himself and forget the name of the food and then remember he hates x spice and so on and so forth and you wouldn't actually get much of value from the question you actually asked—)

i don't think ren's party ever got close enough to really see much of that kid's true self, outside of those fleeting awkward teen convo moments. not that he'd go out of his way to show it. but they probably got the sense (ESPECIALLY w/his loner behavior) that he was one of the younger Cardinal Heroes.

(i think it'd be a fair assumption to say that generally the people of melromarc would believe itsuki was the youngest cardinal hero, especially as he'd state outright that he was 17 commonly. no one really expected a 16-year old hero)

don't worry about ren's party asking naofumi how old ren is tho, because after the Spirit Tortoise arc ren doesn't have a party to worry about anymore :)

(i am so fucking sorry

[askpapaemeritusii]

Oh wow, that sounds scary. I honestly don't know if I've actually encountered any real spirits. My stepbrother loved to tell me about how our house was haunted. I'm pretty sure he lied to me though, I was gullible kid. What was the darkest spirit you've run into? -M

It does, but of course a child’s mind tends to exaggerate things beyond what they truly are, so I learned I was actually afraid of something quite harmless.There’s a great possibility though his taunting was in fact true, even if he wasn’t aware of it himself. But aside from these few bothering me, I wouldn’t quite consider them to be as malicious as ones I’ve encountered before.I believe in my earlier youth is when I found an entity purposefully trying to trick and deceive me into believing it was the soul of my deceased mother. Young and naïve, I thought trying to contact her with a spirit board was the only way I could see if she had passed on with ease. Of course once the entity wrote to me what I wished to hear, I thought nothing more of it - however I made a grave mistake in leaving an opening for the spirit to stay with me.I thought perhaps she was giving me small signals assuring me she was watching over me, though that was short-lived once I returned to my home only to see my room in absolute chaos. Rosaries she had given me torn apart, beads scattered every which way along my floor, and I never did find the cross that was attached to it.Immediately after that incident, I sought out help to cleanse my home and myself of the negative spirit, refusing to allow it to cause more damage to my surroundings and possibly even myself. I still feel something watching over me at times, and as much as I wish to believe it were my mother, I still have a belief it may be the entity waiting for me to slip up again.

[wintcrstcrfall]

It was a bit humorous to see the aftermath of her seemingly innocent inquiry. Depending on her husband's answers, Helena was able to guess how much he actually wanted to play into this union of theirs - and as it seemed, so far, the answer was not much more besides the very necessary things. It wasn't the best thing in the world, the realization that he wasn't that gullible, but then, after a second thought, the queen smiled, because who didn't like a challenge? Only the invisible axe hanging above her head was meaning to remind her that the time was ticking away and as much as keeping him at an arms length was proving lovely, she needed him to let lose, to actually start trusting her as more than just a potential source for his future heirs. Even the thought of being in bed with the enemy was enough to send chills down her spine, which resulted in her sitting a bit more straighter, keeping that far away smile permanently upon her features. "You can't overwhelm me with something I myself asked for," Helena mentioned quite softly, timing herself perfectly, so when she reached for a piece of bread, the back of her hand brushed against his. "But if you need more time to fully trust me, I understand. I don't blame you, I hope you know that." Purposefully the queen kept her gaze fixed on the plate in front of her, too occupied with the deliciously smelling food. Of course she eventually looked at him, just when she was sure that no trace of biting self-irony would be noticeable in her dark eyes. Upon his inquiry about the plans for the future, Helena allowed for a small spark of mischievousness to appear. Ah, if only he knew how close these humorous words truly lay. "Why would I want to behead you, husband? Your head is too pretty for such fate." Reaching for the knife, Helena's lips twisted into a smirk. After all, this too was the truth. Her plans didn't include Henry losing his head. "I'm pretty sure a proper reply you'd expect from your betrothed would be that my dream is to unite our kingdoms with our child, is it not?" Lifting an eyebrow, she curiously looked towards him. Helena wanted for the king to see that she could be humorous and teasing as well, not only aloof and detached. "But I'd love to first help build something mine. Something that can carry my name and will remain in time as a reminder, but it'll also be... helpful to everyone. Maybe a special library. That doesn't sound too awful, I hope."

the evenings within the castle's walls have never been about responsibilities. his parents, back when his father was in good health, always insisted in hosting comprehensive, alcohol-filled events more often than not, and when henry became of age, he never refrained from the prospects. food, booze, women — he has had more than his share, and whereas he can see the need to let loose, to create a good, calming atmosphere in the court and celebrate every day, his priorities guide him toward other paths. now married, and in spite of the newfound union and the power a king alone holds, he recognises his responsibilities and the need to upkeep loyalty for the sake of his kingdom and hers. as uncertain and unfamiliar as it all was, he's not about to disrespect the promises he has made before god, at least never without a good reason. "not at all." the words slip from his tongue, diplomatic route taken instinctively, clearing his throat right after in reflection. pausing, henry positions the napkin across his lap, gaze drifting over all the items on the table, attempt to process how much he's willing to share if at all, until his hues refocus on her, a small, pursed smile on his features. "i wouldn't want to overwhelm you. besides, i don't doubt other facets of your role here have you busy enough." the culture, the people, the customs — not to mention, to earn her place there, a process that would surely be never-ending. even with the borders open and amicable ties, henry has witnessed his fair share of interesting encounters with people from her kingdom. "i would be interested in learning about what you hope to do with your time long-term. and how you hope to bring our two worlds together. so long as it has nothing to do with beheading the king, i'm certain we can find a compromise." he jests, a single brow arched as he brings the glass of wine to his lips for a sip. "my parents could be a bit closed-minded, but i assure you, i'm all ears."