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bluegumballmf · 2 months ago

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🦋The Moonstone Twins🪷- an overveiw : 𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖✩࿐࿔

1/2 lore threads

Okay so basically In example to what the twins are, you know how in dofus book one: Julith, the two dofus are entrusted to joris to gaurd?? The Moonstone twins are like that but with the entirety of the eliatrope dofus in every life they live.

Basically, the two were originally created just to protect And nurture the dofus and the eliatrope council, but they could have lives outside of their jobs, which lasted for two lives and they were more appreciated and actually acknowledged by the eliatropes and dragons.

But qilby orchestrated a tragedy so awful, that the already intense need to protect the dofus got to a level so bad that it makes the moonstone twins sick whenever they are used. Now, the moonstone twins are spiritually connected to the eliatrope dofus, & the council by extent-

-& can track their location & power levels, as well as if they’re containing someone or not. The twins have a weird reincarnation cycle; only reincarnating whenever there is a danger to the dofus, no matter how small. This cycle is impacted by using the dofus excessively.

The use of the dofus before they are born delays their birth, sometimes by centuries, and throws them off kilter. However, in such lives, their own dofus will hold more power, & thus; they will too. Their dofus is special in the sense that it dissolves when not occupied.

Their dofus CAN be used like the other’s, but it harms the twins inside, and isn’t as powerful as the council’s. The moonstone dofus is a reoccurring legend in The eliatrope’s stories, and is generally considered a bad omen, and to be immediately given up to the council-

As it is born to different parents in every life time- always with at least one draconic parent.

The twins each have separate gifts that balance each other out. Nazalath has stasis transfer, & Cleomyn has foresight. Both twins share the ability to manipulate their respective energies into any kind of weapon they can think of, as long as they’ve seen it before.

They are also made up entirely of their respective energies, with Naz being entirely stasis, & Myn being entirely wakfu; a perfect balance. These gifts come with a price however, with myn having her sight sapped when she uses wakfu, doomed to go blind.

Naz’s situation is different, as he is continuously burning alive, at a temperature of 215 degrees Fahrenheit, burning anyone except myn, who’s grown used to his heat throughout reincarnations. Naz’s temperature zig-zags with his health & is EXTREMELY important to keep constant.

In the twins’ current life, they’ve very young, being roughly eight to nine years at the start and end. Their life takes place in an alternate timeline/reality, and is nicknamed the Cra arc, after the goddess, as she’s fallen from grace.

In this life, The twins are raised and mentored by Chibi and Grougal, until myn begins having dreams & visions about the dofus being used to reinstate a god back to power on the world of twelve. Chibi & grougal weren’t the best caretakers-

As the ancient texts about myn & naz are innexcessible, so only their legend remains, a legend promising doom & uncertainty for their people. Chibi & Grougal act accordingly, so Myn and Naz are semi-neglected, confined to a crumbling shrine. That is, until Myn has the visions.

Even with a reasonable excuse, the twins aren’t let go very easily, & end up escaping on their own, with little to no supplies. Basically, their season 1 arc starts with them wandering around the world of twelve, exploring and trying to find the dofus by sensation alone.

Along the way to find the dofus, the twins meet many people that they become friends with, forming a group that Naz jokingly names “The Arcane of the Dofus.”

This group consists of Pompona the eniripsa, Chekhovia the iop, Kronos the xelor, & Elinor the enutrof. Chekhovia & Elinor also have 2 shushus, named Iago and Phennex. The group has a ton of silly misadventures, & mess around until the twins fall ill from a spike in dofus usage.

The cra arc culminates in Myn losing her sight entirely and having her wings exposed to everyone without her consent, crushing her. Naz learns about their ability to form weapons out of their respective energies, & the twins agree to let cra re-ascend, just not using the dofus.

The arcane parts ways, with Myn & Naz reluctantly returning to the Eliatrope’s sanctuary with the dofus they had regained, only to find that there had been a raid, & Chibi & Grougal had been killed.

In an attempt to smooth things over, two demigods were sent, Odate Ombragé, a feca, & Atoroi, a ecaflip. They feel bad for the twins, and offer to take them in and care for them as their own. Having no other choice, the twins accept, & leave the only home they’d ever known.

This proves a good choice, as Atoroi and Odate genuinely love the twins, & treat them as if they were their own kids, eventually letting them serve as a ringbearer & flower girl in their wedding. The twins & Atoroi take on Odate’s surname, & later gain middle names of their own.

However, peace doesn’t last longer than their tenth birthday, as Myn suddenly gets multiple visions of an anonymous old eliatrope. She begs Naz to take a dofus & go to the woods nearby, & reluctantly, the dragonet agrees, stealing the dofus from the care of their parents.

They go out at midnight, & similarly to how yugo & adamai hatched chibi & grougal, end up hatching Mina & Phaeris, as well as releasing qilby from his second imprisonment in the white void. This feat is a difficult one, as the twins end up draining their own energy very rapidly.

Odate & Atoroi scramble to find their kids, after hearing a blast of wakfu, & when they find them, introduce themselves to Qilby after making sure the twins are okay.

They then give Mina & Phaeris to one of their neighbors, entrusting the responsibility of care to them, with Naz promising to visit phaeris often. Qilby is allowed to stay with The ombrage family, and he does so for around a year. He gets close with all of them besides Naz-

-who finds qilby to be suspicious and weird. This leads to Naz being isolated from his family for almost a year, as Atoroi & Odate are close with Qilby, friends even, & Myn is with him constantly. Eventually, Qilby offers to take Myn to see the zinit, & Naz snaps.

Him & Myn get into a huge fight, which culminates in Myn leaving with Qilby, rendering the rest of the Ombragé family shellshocked. The twins block their mental connection, & this continues for three years.

During that time, Qilby grows increasingly manipulative, even leading to Myn getting stuck in the white void for two years, while qilby acquires all the dofus. The twins grow more and more sick, with dofus fevers running rampant.

Eventually, with their mental states failing, their mental block falls, & Naz begs his parents to let him go after Myn. Begrudgingly, they do, & Naz calls the Arcane, & they go find the Zinit. The zinit has gained some guardians, & the arcane stays behind while Naz goes to Myn.

The twins have another confrontation which turns into a fight, & eventually, Myn breaks down crying, pausing the fight & telling Naz everything that had happened. Naz attempts to comfort her, & then says that it’s qilby’s fault, not hers, & that they should go fight him instead.

When they go do that, the arcane rushes in & helps them fight Qilby, who’s powered up by Shinonome’s dofus. Naz & Myn take the dofus back, & use them to put Qilby back in the white void. This much usage of the dofus takes it’s toll however, & the twins fall ill & are rushed home.

For the most part, the rest of the twin’s childhood is normal by village standards, & they help their parents with their shops- Naz learns to blacksmith & scuplt, & Myn learns how to scam people, &how to run a shop. Myn also shoplifts a beow meow named “Phay” because of Mina.

Multiple years later, Naz leaves the household in a rage. Months earlier, he’d discovered his other gift: stasis transfer. You see, Naz is not an ordinary stasis user, in fact, he is more akin to a Necrome, with stasis replacing plasma in his blood, which turns it purple.

He finds this fact out in a few ways- due to cuts and scrapes when he play-fights with Myn, Mina & Phaeris , & because of a more tragic event. In a particularly desperate time, Naz’s village is attacked by a few rogue eliotropes, who end up murdering Odate.

When he finds his mother dead, Naz flies into an uncontrollable rage and murders all of those eliotropes without a second thought, using his stasis in a gruesome display. Naz is injured in return, and when the eliotropes are dealt with, holds odate’s body and weeps.

In the midst of Naz’s smoky tears and grief, he doesn’t really see or feel one of his injured fingers slipping into odate’s wounds, and doesn’t realize that he transfuses stasis into her body, which is quickly converted to wakfu, reviving her, albeit giving her stasis poisoning.

Naz is so happy about his mother being revived that he neglects to see the village’s horror at the gruesome display, though when he comes to his senses, the villagers who he’d at one point helped, are now calling him an animal and savage, fearful of his display of stasis

This enrages Naz, and as a result he argues with the villagers until myn takes their side, defending them. Naz is shocked and betrayed and as such, declares that he doesn’t need this village and that it doesn’t suit a dragon anyway, deciding that he’s leaving-

-& won’t return until stasis is as normalized as wakfu is. He burns the dead eliotrope’s bodies, and goes to say goodbye to odate and atoroi, saying that he’s sorry, but he needs to do this, telling them that he loves them. He packs his bags & endures multiple arguments with myn-

but he doesn’t say goodbye, blocking off their mental connection and setting off. Naz’s anger and display of power catches the attention of a deity that he took after, the great dragon.

The great dragon remembers naz, who had consistently been one of his favorites, due to him openly using stasis, the energy that dragon was made of. He visits Naz in a dream and-

-offers him a solution; a way they can both benefit. Dragon wants to be known again, wants to be worshipped for once. He suggests Naz get stasis to be worshipped, so it may be normalized. Naz agrees, but says it will take time. Dragon agrees, and offers Naz a direction to go in.

Naz continues on his way, and begins to learn more about his gifts. Stasis transfer comes in handy a lot, and Naz begins to understand it more. For Naz to transfer stasis, He must cut open his flesh, and stick it in an open wound and wait until his blood goes into the wound.

This continues until a purple burn mark is evident in the receiver’s arm. Stasis transfer is tiring for Naz & for the receiver, but it can revive and heal, & so Naz uses it. It takes a bit, but the body sometimes converts the stasis injected into wakfu, or the stasis takes over-

-And the receiver finds themself feeling hungry, though they don’t know for what. Naz begins to become a legend- a dragon that can defy even death itself, & quickly forms a cult following, purely by chance. This cult begins to refer to themselves as “The Brotherhood of Stasis.”

He is quickly thrust into the role of a leader & a god at only fifteen, & fully ascends at sixteen years old. Naz grows up very quickly, & the brotherhood of stasis spreads even quicker, becoming an actual religious brotherhood. Naz is revered & loved, & he continues his pursuit.

But godhood is not what is promised- it turns Naz’s blood into molten gold, & burdens him with stasis chains that sap at his very being sometimes, & leads him into six relationships where Naz ends up being sexually coerced, multiple times. But he grows up & carries his burden.

Naz all but loses his mind, with all the pressure weighing on him, and he decides that it’s time to face myn, once and for all, so he gathers all of the eliatrope dofus, allowing myn to track him.

Now, myn has been tracking naz the entire time, as his brotherhood moves a lot. Myn’s gifts have been torturing her, leading to her being unable to eat, sleep or even function normally, her blood being mingled with wakfu and her tears pushed out of the way for her wakfu.

She’d been searching for naz nonstop, only sleeping for short increments of time. When she finally finds him, the two of them get into a battle, and Naz ends up using a stasis blast so powerful that it puts myn into a coma and permanently scars her. Ashamed and horrified by his-

-actions, hides myn in a shrine concealed in a cave, along with the eliatrope dofus, and stops the brotherhood from moving. He stays there with myn for about a year, until the great dragon finally gets bored and comes down to him, taking the form of Atoroi.

Dragon mocks Naz, encouraging him to keep going on their path, saying that they can help myn after Naz finishes. Naz is inconsolable however, & denies dragon’s offer. Dragon becomes furious, & in turn, the dofus react, sending Naz and myn back to the past, around three months-

-before the events of the wakfu ova. Myn wakes up a short while after, and her and Naz reconcile, right as harebourg spots them. Harebourg finds them interesting, and catches the two off guard, freezing myn, and tiring naz enough to the point where he’s unable to fight, due to-

-overusage of the dofus and the extertion of the fight. Harebourg freezes him too, and takes the two of them to frigost, right next to joris and his sons, where they remain until the first ova.

For the moonstone twins, the Ovas proceed pretty much the same, except for a few small details.

When the twins are unthawed, Naz helps warm myn up, & then they attack the brotherhood, Naz going for joris, his sons, & dally, & myn for the rest, mistaking them for people trying to harm them & the dofus. They only stop when Yugo, talking in shaky elialish, commands them to.

Now, Myn and Naz are from a different time, & thus there is a bit of a language barrier, but after a bit, Yugo manages to get them to stop attacking, & the dofus make their way to the guardians. After a while, they get accustomed to the dofus, & by extent, a bit of-

-Yugo’s language. Myn talks for the both of them, making sure that everything concerning the dofus is okay, and then informs the brotherhood that she & Naz are the guardians of the eliatrope dofus. Yugo is shocked, but seems to understand, & everything else continues normally-

Except Adamai and echo’s scene. Naz lands on the statue of cra, and when echo offers the dofus to Adamaï, he steals them away and reveals himself as the dofus’s sacred guardian. Echo smiles at him, then implies that he knows the dangers of the dofus, to which Naz nods.

Echo then proceeds to explain to adamai what those risks would be, & asks Naz to give the dofus to Adamaï. He refuses, & thus, him & Adamaï get into a brawl, in which echo & sipho take their leave. Eventually, Naz and Adamaï reach a truce, & fly back to the sadida kingdom

Everything else proceeds as normal, besides naz being talked about besides echo and yugo fighting him and myn after taking the dofus from adamai. At the end of the Ova, yugo entrusts the dofus to goultard, saying that it’s until the guardians can come and keep them safe.

After the ova, The twins attempt to make a home in the sadida forest, it isn’t easy, as Myn’s wakfu had been acting up since her coma, resulting in her being unable to form anything but a lance and a shield. Why yugo finds Myn, she almost ends up decapitating him.

Yugo apologizes for his actions, asking if Myn and Naz would like to come stay with him and alibert, as adamai had left, and grougal needed a dragon to mentor him, as well as being understaffed in the inn. Myn says she’d talk to naz about it, and reluctantly, he agrees.

The twins move in shortly after, & find out just how awful myn’s cooking is, so she sticks to helping serve the food alibert makes, & Naz helps in the kitchen when he’s at the inn. When he isn’t at the inn, him and yugo search for adamai & the dofus, & eventually, Naz finds him.

Naz confronts Adamai, and upon seeing that Adamai has a dofus with him, attacks him, interrogating him on where he got the dofus from. Adamai refuses to tell Naz, and only does so when Naz starts to strangle him. His answer is cryptic, and speaks of a better brotherhood.

Confused & a bit disgruntled, Naz lets Adamai go, but takes the dofus, refusing to give it back to Adamai. Adamai lunges at him, & they get into a brawl again, until Naz decides enough is enough. He burns a part of Adamai’s tail to get him off, & offers to make a compromise.

If Adamai tells him how & where he got the dofus, Naz would return it, & join the brotherhood Adamai had talked about, taking his place as the dofus’s rightful guardian. Adamai considers it for a bit, but agrees, telling Naz of how he got the dofus from Goultard’s care. Naz is-

-secretly pleased, still being upset about yugo’s handling of the dofus & entrusting them goultard, and says he’ll meet Adamai at this exact spot in two week’s time. Adamai agrees, & Naz returns the dofus, then goes back to alibert’s inn. He informs the others that he’s leaving-

& promises to stay in touch with Myn. When the time comes, he goes to Adamai, & is taken directly to the tower of dreams, where he is greeted by Echo. She recognizes Naz & welcomes him, saying he would be a valuable asset to the brotherhood, & commends Adamai for gaining his aid.

Naz is introduced to Oropo, and the two immediately clash heads, resulting in Naz having to share a level with Adamai. Naz doesn’t seem to care, and a year passes. Eventually though, when the time comes for Adamai to absorb the dofus, Naz takes on three of them-

-Hoping to lighten the burden. In doing so, him and Adamai get closer, and start to rely on eachother more, As Naz falls ill, and is forced to tell Adamai about his dofus fevers, and the stasis chains they sometimes trigger, inviting adamai to be vulnerable with Naz as well.

For season three, it basically plays out as usual besides the inclusion of Myn and Naz until the end, besides the pacing of the season and the weird love triangle plot being removed

Myn and Naz are reunited a bit before the finale, and this sets yugo and Adamai off, so they fight. But nothing changes besides that. In the end, when every member of the brotherhood of the forgotten has been gathered, oropo tells them his plan, and Myn sides with him

She wants to believe he is yugo & that he can help, as he had shown up in the temporal bubble & tried to comfort her, but she had lunged at him with her axe. Myn wants to give him one more chance, & she stays stubborn until echo decides to give in to her guilt & tell everything

Oropo is horrified, and Myn is too, trying to remain civil, but questioning him all the same. Naz loses his temper however, and yells at oropo, calling out all his mistakes. Naz and Oropo hadn’t had the best relationship throughout season three, with Oropo often treating Naz like he wasn’t there, or a stupid old dog. Naz is fed up, & decides to attack Oropo, but ends up being blocked by Adamai. The two argue intensely, but don’t actually physically fight. Adamai mentions a promise of shared tomorrows, & Naz yells at him that those tomorrows wouldn’t be achieved if Oropo did what he was planning, & states that he knows from his own experience what Oropo’s over-ambition would bring.

Oropo is fed up, and decides to silence Naz, but Echo gets a word in first. She confirms what Naz is saying, & Adamai is horrified & reacts in the same way as the show, leading Oropo to releasing the wakfu balls, restraining Naz, adamai & echo. Naz can’t seem to handle the overload of wakfu, but he struggles against it for a while until he inevitably passes out. Myn is horrified, & begs oropo to let Naz go & Oropo agrees on the condition that Myn would help him. Reluctantly, she agrees, and attempts to rush to Naz’s side, but Oropo restrains her, saying that there will be time later. Everything else plays out vaguely the same, & when a fight breaks out, myn rushes to Naz’s side

Naz has since regained consciousness, & myn helps him get away from all the fighting, Naz takes a moment to rest, then decides that they should go help the brotherhood of the forgotten’s members, which is what they attempt to do until echo makes her final stand & the twins are sent to inglorioum. They pass out on the way there, and when they get up- far before anyone else, Naz’s chains have formed again, and he must go back to sleep to rest them away. This concludes the s3 arc.

When Naz and Myn wake up again, everyone else is awake, exploring the area. The twins spot their parents, and run up to them, having a small reunion while everyone else is occupied with the books & Nora. Eventually, spotting Adamai, the Ombragé’s follow after the refugees And make their way to lokus’s temple. When lokus hurts adamai, Naz is immediately on the defensive, going as far to yell at yugo, asking what he’s done to Adamai. As Adamai comes out of it though, Naz calms down enough to mutter a reluctant apology to yugo, and Myn-

attempts to see if Lokus is sentient. Her attempts fail, and she ends up scouting around using wakfu vision. As they head into eliatrope’s temple, myn remarks that it looks familiar, and it probably does to her, as she has had a vision of meeting with eliatrope before, similarly to how Naz had dreams where he met with the great dragon. Eliatrope remarks on their changes, particularly over Naz having more of a spark then before.

She calls him little godling, and remarks on his molten blood. He obviously doesn’t like that, and flies out of her grasp, wrapping his wings around himself. Myn on the other hand, is commented on, saying that she remembers myn from their conversation earlier. She sets myn down next to naz, and then everyone starts going back to their respective kingdoms.

Later, when there’s the danger that Adamai and Nora go to face, Naz goes with them, and doesn’t help nora at all, simply watching. He leaves with adamai, sending myn a simple “take care” message through their mental connection, and then him and adamai go off on their own.

I should mention that when qilby is brought forward, Naz and myn have differing reactions, with myn hesitantly going over to qilby to hug him, and Naz yelling at them both. Myn suffers from stockholm syndrome, and naz is aware of it, so he’s upset.

However, since myn and naz are from a future timeline and are now in the past, qilby doesn’t actually remember their current life, only the past ones.

Naz and adamai collect the eliatrope dofus, and Naz helps adamai get used to having them in his body again, however, he doesn’t split them with adamai this time, saying he doesn’t want to stop being alert for a second.

They have a moment together, & Naz tries to put a flower behind adamai’s ear & fails. They have a discussion over naz’s curse, & Naz asks Adamai if he really wants to share their tomorrows. They talk about the future and what they want for a while, and then they fall asleep.

When Adamai gets to the beach where the necromes are, Naz helps him fight the necromes, and then tries to break him out of the stasis bubble they trap him in. He doesn’t follow Adamai into the ocean when lance dur arrives, and stays silent but supportive most of the time.

Meanwhile, Yugo goes to alibert’s inn again, & Myn is there too. She says hello to alibert, but mainly is there for grougal & chibi, who greet her excitedly. Grougal asks where naz & adamai are, & myn has to say that they still aren’t back yet.

Yugo tells everything to alibert, & then the necromes attack. Myn struggles, as she’s used to attacking with wakfu, & freaks out when she realizes she can’t see the necromes’ wakfu. Yugo & myn try their best to hold off the necromes, & then qilby and nora come, bringing them

Then, when Nora and yugo go to get all of the kingdoms, Myn comes with, as she misses exploring the world & hasn’t actually been in a kingdom before sadida. & When Yugo goes to the council’s meeting with eliatrope, Myn accompanies him, acting as a support for yugo’s story.

Amalia notices, & all three of them share a tender moment. The council of twelve’s meeting goes on as normal, with a lot of them questioning why Myn is there, leading to her declaring that she is the guardian of the eliatrope dofus alongside her twin brother.

The kingdoms clearly don’t like that, as the dofus have caused so many problems already, & Yugo has to smooth things over. Myn is understandably upset, & when the time comes for them to go to Sadida, she comes too, but refuses to speak to armand, only saying hello to amalia.

Myn helps them fight off the necromes when the time comes, & struggles a bit, as a few try to feed on her due to her excessive wakfu, leaving her terrified. After, she comes with yugo to retrieve adamai & naz, & hugs Naz, detailing what happened to her in their shared connection.

They all return to sadida, & go to the necrome portal. It all proceeds the same as canon, up until qilby uses the dofus. The twins instantly collapse, & Nora grabs her hand, hauling her back with her, but unfortunately, Naz is left behind, as no one saw him fall sick and pass out

Yugo is there with him, but Naz doesn’t realize until too late. Myn is unconscious when everyone returns to eliatrope’s temple, and she’s given to eliatrope to nurse, falling asleep in her hair, like the rest of her children.

Naz struggles to stay awake in the times he is in the necroworld, but he does stay awake for a bit, mainly because the necromes tear off part of his wing, as they can’t figure out if he contains wakfu or stasis. Toross realizes that Naz is similar to him & forces him to join him.

This is where naz’s curse comes into play. Naz’s temperature is extremely hot so that he can be distracted for the hunger for wakfu, as wakfu is physically impossible for him to touch or consume without hurting him. Essentially, Naz is a naturally occurring Necrome.

Toross recognizes this, and slowly begins to mold Naz to his side. Him and yugo stay in the necroworld for around a year together, before yugo breaks free, and Naz helps him escape.

As punishment, Naz’s hair is forcibly cut off, and he has a mental breakdown in front of toross, detailing everything he knows about everyone and everything he knows, desperate to remember his own identity, even without his hair.

He stays in the necroworld for a few more years, acting as Toross’s guardian prince, like efrim. Those are some of the worst years of his life, as Naz’s temperature decreases due to dofus fevers and a lack of actual food besides wakfu.

He gains a hunger for wakfu, and when he goes into the upper world, often kills his prey after draining their wakfu, consuming every part of them save for their bones.

Basically, he completely reverts to being feral. When toross decides to attack the sadida kingdom and eliatrope herself, Naz is right by his side, attacking anyone and everyone who isn’t a necrome.

Myn had only recently recovered & been let out of eliatrope’s hair when yugo returns, & she tries to help him get comfortable. She doesn’t know where Naz is, & she & Adamai have bonded over their shared loss, and when yugo comes back, they both dare to hope that Naz had returned.

They both have to realize that he had willingly decided to stay behind, as he didn’t feel he could atone for what he’d done to Yugo. When the necromes attack, she comes with Yugo to fight toross and find Naz.

This is where things get tricky, as I’m still figuring out the lore for myn, but , Eventually, Naz is pushed into a portal, and returns to the world of twelve, slipping into a coma from the nature of his imprisonment, where he sleeps for months on end.

Eventually, he recovers though, and leans on Adamai enough to be able to attend Yugo and Amalia’s wedding, and eventually become the Sadida-Eliatrope’s head general.

During this time, him and Adamai grow closer again, and eventually, Naz proposes in a playful sparring match, and they get married.

And that is the story thus far! I’ll update it when I have more! i hope you enjoyed!

#wakfu #wakfu oc #oc tag #wakfu adamai #wakfu nazalath #wakfu cleomyn #wakfu yugo #wakfu amalia #wakfu oc lore #wakfu ova #islands of wakfu #wakfu season 3 #wakfu season 4 #wakfu la grande vague #oc lore #moonstone twins #moonstone dofus #ashsnow #moonflower

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fleetways · 1 year ago

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OKAY! It’s time for the Chimera Baby Lore Post!!

🌼 How did you come up with the OC's name?

In both a meta and non-meta sense, Chimera Baby’s name is probably the most notable part about them. The name Chimera Baby is a reference to m-flo and LiSA’s Tripod Baby, ft in the game Shadow the Hedgehog. For over 6 months that was her official non-official name, as I couldn’t decide on a name for her. I received over 15 name suggestions, but in July I ran a poll at which point she was dubbed Mira!

As it turns out, Mira happens to be the name of a binary star system. Two stars in a dance doomed to end in supernova—rather fitting for a chimera character, wouldn’t you say? I like to imagine Shadow was the one to name Mira something meaningful and space-themed like that, meanwhile Sonic named the other child something totally arbitrary (“His name is Mochi because he's white lol”)

On that note, I’ve also decided Sonic calls Mira “Chili” exclusively, because its silly and he would. So Mira, Chimera Baby, CB, and Chili are all names she goes by!

🌸 How old are they? (Or approximate age range)

I like to depict them anywhere from baby to teenager, but in their most recent incarnation I’d say they’re somewhere between 15-17

💖 Do they have any love interest(s)?

At the moment no. She’s generally too aloof and off putting for anyone to approach her with romantic intent, but maybe in the future….

🍓What is their favorite food?

Strawberries and Triangle Chao Fruit

⭐️ What do they do for a living?

💥 Do they have any hobbies?

Besides combat training, CB enjoys the occasional outdoor activity. Sometimes her friends goad her into a game of soccer (which she is an absolute beast at), but she generally prefers solo sports such as archery, rock climbing, or hiking. Sometimes her brother convinces her to fish with him, but she finds it pretty boring (but would never turn him down)

💃 What do they do best?

Mira excels at hand-to-hand combat. As the reigning champion of Chao Karate, Mira takes their martial arts training very seriously. They also possess exemplary control over chaos energy, and incorporates this into their technique. While they may not be as fast as their fathers, they make up for it with not just raw power, but an extremely disciplined technique.

Her skills also happen to make her an amazing breakdancer, but she’ll break your face if you ask her to demonstrate.

☀️ What is one of your OC's best memories?

A tie between making her baby brother laugh for the first time and the time she drew first blood for the first time in a fight with Shadow

🌧️ What is one of your OC's worst memories?

The aftermath of almost drowning as a child after she saved a chao friend.

✍️ Is their current design the first one?

For the most part—I did redesign their shoes because originally they were rocking some McDonalds drip.

💡What originally inspired the OC?

This post i made ^^

Basically its a mix of me poking fun at the phenomena of Sonadow fan-children all looking kinda similar, and this plush reminding me of actual chimerism in animals and wanting to create a character with that characteristic! Over the months my ironic love for her has grown into genuine fondness—so while she remains primarily as a parody, she’s also a character I’m having fun exploring concepts with <3 Much like both Shadow and Sonic the Hedgehog, you can take her as seriously or not seriously as you wish!

👾 What genre do they belong in?

PS1-era graphics Jet Set Radio game

🏳️‍🌈 What is your OC's gender identity and sexuality?

Non-binary and trans (you decide what direction). And she’s bisexual bc i love bisexuals <3

🍃How many sibling does your OC have?

One little brother Mochi—he is a perfect angel who is also her closest friend. She adores him, but you wouldn’t know from seeing them interact.

⚠️ What is the OC's relationship w/their parents like?

So I mentioned that Mira was reared in a chao garden, where her dads basically only visited once every couple days if not longer (Sonic and Shadow are not very attentive parents, go figure). However, this was honestly a perfectly fine arrangement as I headcanon mobian children don’t need the same level of parental contact as human children (Hell, Cream is kind of an outlier FOR having a present parental figure in her life).

That being said, I imagine Shadow spent more time with her when she was really young before stepping away, which made her really latch onto Shadow more than Sonic during that time. Especially seeing as Sonic is the most laissez-faire parent ever but simultaneously was the type to abandon her on a floating platform in midair with a trail of badniks so she can learn how to homing attack.

Much like her father before her, her latent Black Arms genes have caused her to develop a burning desire to destroy Shadow—a fact that Shadow seems strangely indifferent about. While this fact has pretty much wrecked their previous relationship, there are circumstances where Mira will put aside her goal and work with Shadow against a common enemy or towards a common objective (of course, this doesn’t stop her from trying to stab him in the back during these operations).

Her relationship with Sonic has remained mostly the same, with Sonic treating her much more like a friend or little sister than a daughter. They have lunch together at least once a month, and usually she’ll go to him for advice on any social interaction matter—conversations that have become much more frequent now that she’s begun to make friends.

💗 What do you like most about the OC?

I think I popped off with her design—chimerism is such an interesting concept and I loved balancing her two sets of genes without making it seem too busy. I also love her dynamic of trying to kill Shadow and how you would think her growing up in chao garden basically alone would have contributed to that, but that's not the case at all she’s just like that <3

‼️ Who is your OC's arch-nemesis or rival?

Shadow the Hedgehog is her self-proclaimed nemesis, but she makes a fair share of enemies and rivals wherever she goes due to her punch-first-ask-questions-later attitude. One notable rival is another OC of mine named Sauvik the Badger—another cold and brooding anti-hero much like her. Sauvik and Mochi are something of a team, but being a protective big sister she wants him to stay away from her brother. This generally leads to a fight that Mochi is inevitably forced to break up.

⏰ How long have you had the OC?

She was created in January of 2023!

—

That’s all! Feel free to ask any other questions and remember to vote for her here!

@sonic-oc-showdown

#chimera baby #sonic oc #soandow fankid #mochi #text

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tickletastic · 1 year ago

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The City Needs Its Hero

Fandom: Batfam

Ship: N/A

Summary: Robin Jason forces Dick to play the part of an endangered civilian, well he, of course, plays the part of Batman, saving the city from certain doom. (AKA fluff but also kind of heartbreaking because Batman, does not in fact always save the day...) Day ten of Miya and Mia’s Tickletober: cloak!

“I am,” Jason says, attempting to make his voice gruff, “the Batman.”

“Batman, save me!” Dick shouts, flailing on the carpet.

“On my way to save the day!” Jason jumps into a flip, and Dick notices milliseconds too late that Jason is going to take a fall, the cape far too long for him to land gracefully on his feet. Jason himself realizes too late and lands with a thud on his back, his body covered completely in the cloak as the cowl clatters to the side.

“Jason?” Dick yells, rushing over to his brother, “Little Wing, are you alright?”

Dick panics when Jason remains silent, but he can see his brother struggling to escape the cape. He slides on his knees across the hardwood to get to Jason, quickly untangling him from the fabric.

“No!” Jason shouts, batting Dick’s hands away, “you’re ruining it, Dickie! I’m supposed to save you!”

Dick sighs with relief, scooping up his brother, cape included. “Oh my god, you scared me, Little Wing. I thought you were hurt.”

“I’m not hurt, this cape is just dumb and long,” Jason giggles when Dick ruffles his hair and leans down to press a soft kiss in his dark curls, “go back! Go back! I need to save the city!”

“Fine, fine,” Dick laughs, making his way back across the living room.

“This time hang on to the back of the couch! Like you’re holding on to a skyscraper!” Jason shouts, running back to the side of the room he had originally been in.

Dick laughs, surprised at the request, and decides to do a little extra to make the game more realistic for his brother. “Want me to hang from the ceiling?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Jason cheers, jumping excitedly.

“Alright, just be careful, Jay.”

“Always am, Dickie,” Jason says before taking on a full sprint, this time being extra vigilant about the fact that Batman’s cape is almost double his height. He bounces off of the couch, landing on the top of a bookshelf, perfectly steady.

He takes a moment to consider his options, but Dick’s exaggerated wailing quickly snaps him out of his thoughts.

“Batman, please help me!” Dick shouts, rocking the chandelier that he’s handing from, “I’m going to fall!”

“Don’t be afraid!” Jason responds, backing up in preparation to jump, “Batman always saves the day!” He takes a leap and manages to grab onto Dick’s torso, wrapping his legs and arms around him like a koala.

“I have saved you, civilian! You are safe now!” Jason exclaims, positively beaming up at Dick.

“Thank you so much!” Dick says, using one arm to maneuver Jason higher on his torso, “I must repay you!”

Dick swings his legs up onto the chandelier, creating a human hammock for Jason, maneuvering them until one of Dicks elbows is locked into the chandelier, his body securely holding them both up. When they’re both secure, Jason still holding onto Dick with dear life, Dick’s free hand shoots down to scribble over Jason’s tummy.

Jason squeals, burying his face in Dick’s chest, the cape flapping everywhere as he tries not to squirm for fear of falling. “Dihihicki nohoho!”

“No? But I have to repay you somehow, you saved me, afterall!” Dick exclaims as if it’s just common sense. Jason giggles harder at the silliness, his legs gripping tighter around Dick as a substitute for kicking his feet.

Dick leans his head down and blows air over Jason’s ears, and the kid squeaks, shaking his head back and forth, black curls obscuring his face entirely.

“Batman, are all heroes this ticklish?” Dick teases, beaming down at his brother.

“Nohoho!” Jason squeals back, “wehehe’re ihihinvincible!”

Dick laughs along with his brother, tickling him wherever he can reach: his sides, his neck, his belly, and even his shoulder blades, spidering his fingers in every spot Jason exposes.

“DIHIHICKIE!” Jason screeches when Dick manages to get his hand under Jason’s arm, “NOHOHO!”

“No? But Batman, isn’t it rude to deny my thank-you gift?” Dick asks, feigning innocence.

Jason shakes his head rapidly, though his words are lost to the childish, bubbly giggles that pour freely from his lips.

Bruce wanders down the hall when he hears the laughter of his eldest, laughter he hasn’t heard much since the two of them stopped getting along so well. He watches as Dick hangs from the chandelier, using his body to cradle Jason, tickling the child silly.

The sight is so sweet, so painfully endearing, that he almost runs back to his room to grab his phone, wanting to preserve the moment in time. He notices the discarded cowl on the ground, how Jason is somehow still draped in his cape, and he can’t even be mad that the two of them had probably snuck into the cave to grab it, can’t even find it in him to sigh dejectedly about the dusty specks of hardwood that fall from around the chandelier.

#batfam #dick grayson #jason todd #dc #batman #batfamily #ticklish!jason #ler!dick #robin!jason #tickletober #miya&mia's tickletober

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absolutebl · 1 year ago

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This Week in BL

June 2023 Wk 3

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs. Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying most.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Step By Step (Tues WeTV & Gaga) ep 9 of 12 - There sure is a lot of drinking in this show (who am I to talk?). Omg so awkward: The not-break-up not-confession. I have heartburn. Also I could not watch Jeng break down. Just nope. Then time jump? If that was our DOOM episode the timing is off. Or next week is the final? Or we get 3 eps of domestic bliss and sexitimes? I’m confused.

La Pluie (Sat iQIYI) ep 9 of 10 - I like how trope-subversive this show is - first soulmates, then love triangle, now the faen fatal. NO SINGING. Oh good. They didn’t! Yay! So yeah I still love it. But I am also still a touch scared of where it might go. This one can’t be trusted.

Be My Favorite (Fri YouTube) ep 5 of 12 - not a bad ep this week or was I too drunk to register nuance and damage? You decide. Trash watch here.

Luminous Solution (Sat Gaga) ep 5 of 6 - I always have to psyche myself up to watch this show, because I want to fast forward through most of it, but it’s on Gaga so that’s damn near impossible. At least this is the penultimate episode. I think after 3 BLs I can safely say Gun is just not a good actor. Speaking of... crying clothed in the shower? I haven’t seen that trope in years. But I LOVE the high school boys and their story so much. Love Sick level of earnest floppy goodness, I’m such a sucker for this kind of romance. I want them to be in a completely different BL. I’m so conflicted. I NEED this show to end so I can decide how I feel about it.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Love Tractor (Korea Weds iQIYI) eps 5-6 of 8 - So much is happening, evil x-boyfriend shows up. We got flashbacks to coming-out drama + nasty dad (super unusual for a KBL). But baby’s first taste of desire is hilarious. This one is full of lovely contrasts, and contrasting life experiences. It’s all about support and neglect.

Tokyo in April AKA Shigatsu no Tokyo wa (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 2 of 8 - Very much full of hero worship and giving me My Beautiful Man vibes (only softer and office set). “Dazzling” = always an interesting word when it comes up in JBL subs. It’s clearly a Japanese word/concept like kawaii that is more complex than the English word being used. Meanwhile, this being Japan we get lots of hints as to separation and dark past events.

Tie The Knot (prev Under the Same Sky) (Pinoy YouTube) eps 1-2 of 8 - From OXIN Films (Rainbow Prince), based on a true story (?!), Briggs's family runs a bridal business but he has never fallen in love until he meets a groom to be in an arranged marriage. EXACTLY the same premise at Mame’s forthcoming Wedding Planner. There are so many characters and prospective couples (including a v bi girl with a female fuck buddy, not seen that in a BL before) that it is a little hard to keep straight (heh). I’m sure it will shake out. It’s intriguing so far, if a touch silly. I actually like the arranged marriage premise because the two rich kids involved in it are so weirdly kind & platonically sweet to each other, even if they’re both on the same page about it only being for show.

Vian the series (Vietnam YouTube ) ep 7 & 8 of 12 - Apparently there is very little difference between a cat and a demanding princess of a boyfriend. That clocks. Basically this was the dating times.

Naked Dinner AKA Zenra Meshi (Japan Fri Gaga) ep 11 of 12 - There is a lot more meat to this silly little BL then I thought there would be given the premise, but it’s Japan so that’s as it should be. But, as it’s Japan there’s also a little too much cringe for me. I do enjoy how generous Japan is with late bloomers and I would def like to host a kimchi party but otherwise... meh.

Stupid Genius (Vietnam Fri YouTube) ep 3 of 6 - Bi erasure still alive and well I see. This one remains fine for VBL but no more than that.

It’s airing but ...

House of Stars (Thai Mon iQIYI) 12 eps - I bounced at ep 3. Will binge if told it is worth it at end.

Stay (Pinoy YouTube) 7 eps - It’s mostly in English and set in LA so I’m not bothering but the first one did drop.

Ever After (Pinoy YouTube) - I investigated but as spies reported it's a real mess (not a hot one). Don’t bother.

About Us but Not About Us (Pinoy Prime?) - from 2022 supposed to be finally getting inter distribution, didn’t show in my territory. A professor grieving the loss of his partner meets an ambitious literature student. I’m not fussed.

Stay With Me ... NO!

In case you missed it

What Did You Eat Yesterday movie, BL Express posted a review. I’ve yet to get hold of it but if you enjoy Our Dining Table this is it’s grown up parent series & movie.

Café in Love - I finally got around to watching this. And frankly it hits all the tropes but is so damn bad. The setting is cute, the central brotherly relationship is sweet, the side cast is v queer (baby gay has all these auntie queens catting about) and some complex bisexual awakenings but… but… everything else is a chemistry void. Some fun language wordplay and exploration of cultural tropes like cheek kissing does not save it from an unnecessary amount of punching and a but ton of sexual harassment and statutory rape. No thank you. I had to rewatch Destiny Seeker to get over this. 3/10

I gave up

Takumi-kun Series 6: Nagai Nagai Monogatari no Hajimari no Asa (Japan Sun ????) 10 eps - NO ONE ASKED FOR THIS and no, I have no idea where to get it, why would I? Apparently it finished. I still can’t find it but it’ll be off this list next week.

Why You (Khmer ????) - Billed as a horror romance, not sure if this is a movie or a series where it aired... nothing except that it exists.

Next Week Looks Like This:

3 BLs are finishing but nothing is starting up. We running lean these days.

Just started today (Sunday): Dinosaur Love (Thai iQIYI) Trailer 10 eps - from Ultimate Troop about a uni student, Rak, whose partner cheats on him with Rak's best friend. This gives bad boy hazer Dino an opportunity to hit on Rak at last. From The Yearbook people so I shouldn’t watch this as it airs. After Remember Me? I swore never again with them. But there’s so little on right now, I might fall on the pulp sword.

I’ll include it in next week’s summation.

I’ll have the July 2023 upcoming for you next week too.

2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED)

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

I love him, Your Honor. (Be My Favorite... HIM, he’s my favorite.)

I love them, Your Honor. (Luminous Solution)

Watch a tiny GL ship set sail across the seas of overly optimistic tumblrs... (La Pluie)

MY PRECIOUS! OMG I LOVE HER SO MUCH. (Tie the Knot)

Incidentally, I would like a future as a dictatorial elder queer running a slightly shady business fleecing the straights via their dumb marriage traditions surrounded by nubile half-naked hotties.

And ya know what? I think this is achievable life goal for me.

Gotta go, I have a future to plan.

(Last week.)

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berrypass-de-murdler · 1 day ago

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2 - 100 The Second Drakonian Civil War

Holy-

Murdle Advent Day 21

The Abominable Snowman rests under a winter moon!

DON'T READ THE EPISODES WITHOUT READING THE BOOKS!!

Everyone has safely returned home. They’re scarred, physically and emotionally, but they’re all ready to get back to their lives, and Sergeant Gunmetal is looking for a new beginning.

GUNMETAL: RED? WHERE’S RED?!

Meanwhile, Drakonia burns. Major Red and Viscount Eminence are pitted against each other once again, Patriarch Porpoise comes into battle, and President White circles above. The Royal supporters and Eminence stand before Red and the people of the city, while the St. Lupinian cult and White’s army of money-laundering creeps.

RED: This is it. Either you die, or I will! EMINENCE: That’s a given, not a threat, idiot! RED: The people will love me… the people will remember me… EMINENCE: Fuck the people… I want POWER… RED: This is why you should have NEVER been the ruler! Take off your stupid vampire costume… fight like what you REALLY ARE! EMINENCE: OVER MY DEAD NIGHT-EATER!

He flies up into the air as Red stares hopelessly from the ground. But he can’t run away this time and let Red win. He divebombs, but is only hindered by his plush exterior. Red remains undamaged and grabs him with his crushing talons. Porpoise runs by and smacks the both of them, spearing every human in sight. White’s army then trample him alive.

WHITE: Oh you silly, silly men… Do any of you really think you know what’s right for the country? PORPOISE: [cough]... You… don’t CARE about the country… you just want so much FUCKING MONEY…

She doesn’t deny it, and tries to drop a bomb on Eminence and Red.

The two mortal enemies weakly escape into rubble. White doesn’t care about anything anymore so as long as the eagle is dead - she has been selling weapons to EVERY party the entire time, knowing their egos will eventually lead them all to kill each other, allowing her to take reign. Red’s army is dying rapidly - all of them are. And with fire at every angle, he’s lost all hope for his survival. He looks at his shaking metal hand.

RED: You stupid bird… [buries his face and cries]

Eminence knows Drakonia is doomed. But maybe…

The huggable vampire clutches onto Red’s arm.

RED: What is WRONG with you. EMINENCE: Get to a high point, as fast as you can!

Red’s eye sparkles with amazement. Does this mean what he thinks this means?

And just like in the legend, Red runs across a collapsing building to reach the top, only this time with a little Eminence at his side. They leap, Eminence holding onto Red with his legs and flapping his little wings as fast as he can, and Red spreading his to soar over the flames. Of course it isn’t aerodynamically possible, but it sure does make for an epic shot, and cartoon physics will always be cartoon physics.

White opens her laptop, and as the rest of Drakonia turns to ash, she watches her salary rise higher and higher, and cackles like a psychopath as chunks of land sink into the water and bodies pile up everywhere.

Logico finds the birds collapsed at the entrance to the mainland, hurt and exhausted.

GUNMETAL: RED, MAJOR RED! LOGICO: Why are you here? RED: …

Irratino helps them up. They visit the hospital, and the former graywalkers are awake. They reconcile with the detectives, and they’re going to be able to be released sooner than anyone expected. (Even Saffron, despite her escape attempts.)

Taupe followed them home too. He just loved the detectives too much. They’re greeted with a bone-crushing pounce from the lovable headless friend.

Irratino goes to the bar with Logico, and they’re greeted by a lot of familiar faces. And they all ramble about nothing for the rest of the night.

You've been scared of love and what it did to you

You don't have to run, I know what you've been through

Just a simple touch, and it can set you free

You don't have to rush when you're alone with me...

The next day.

IRRATINO: Come on, let’s go to the Institute. I wanna show you something. LOGICO: It better not be something stupid.

Irratino laughs and they head there. But they soon find that the place is bound by chains, inaccessible, and only an incomprehensible note is left as a clue. They scream, and Logico faints from annoyance.

The end!

And with that, an entire other Murdle cartoon series comes to a close. I'm going on 'Christmas break' now and will either start book 3 after Christmas or at the start of January depending on how I'm feeling, but I will continue to post any art I make as well as the remaining advent calendar pictures <3

Thank you Raven and Blue for reading this. I love you so much.

The power of Goat Lord compels you!

See you next time murdlers!

#murdle #cartoonmurdleverse

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audriandae · 1 year ago

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*ahem* have you heard about the life smp mafia 2: electric boogaloo lately?

let me share

it started off as a silly little mafia game. as you do. 23 players and a handful of watchers, plus our lovely admin Hydro. it was going to be just like the first one, little bit of roleplay, a lot of confusion, silly little mafia game. right? wrong.

now you see, it went sort of like this. (everything is paraphrased btw this a summary)

The players (Bdubs, BigB, Cleo, Cub, Etho, False, Gem, Grian, Impulse, Jimmy, Joel, Katherine, Lizzie, Martyn, Pearl, Pix, Ren, Sausage, Scar, Scott, Shubble, Skizz, and Tango) entered the Rift. (normal timeline, the Hermitcrafters were meant to go into Empires. they ended up in a different world. Skizz made it in through a nether portal in one of his survival worlds.) On the other side of the portal was a world familiar to some, unknown to others. The ruins of Third Life. At night.

Night 0 We arrive! in the land known as the Ruins of Third Life most people have come through the rift that crossed hermits over to empires the empires folks also entered the portal tho- there's a handful of people who've been in third life, and a handful who've never seen it before twenty three players some people remember it all some people remember nothing at all memories are a'jumbled but the majority of players remember where they came from. empires or hermitcraft. no one seems to remember both the night is silent. peaceful. relaxing

Day 1 … alliances are formed, marriages occur No one dies No one is voted out No one has any reason to vote anyone out Until the very next day …

Day 2: Dawn … MythicalSausage was doomed to fall by ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ リᔑ∷∷ᔑℸ ̣ ╎⍊ᒷ … . . . … > MythicalSausage was aligned with the Town … . . . … The players gathered at spawn The sun was just beginning to rise in the east On a perfectly clear day, lightning struck down from the sky … SolidarityGaming was struck by lightning … Next to the crater where Jimmy once stood, Scott grasped at his chest He fell to his knees … Smajor1995 died of heartbreak … . . . … > SolidarityGaming was aligned with the Town > Smajor1995 was aligned with the Town … . . . … The players dispersed, making graves for the fallen They grieved They tried to figure out who could’ve killed these three players houses were built, alliances strengthened ... something was found out important information was spread around … > Grian voted for Ren > Scar voted for Ren … those who went to learn straight from the source got a special crystal those who didnt just had to trust the words of the others … > Lizzie voted for Ren > Cleo voted for Ren > Pix voted for Ren > Shelby voted for Ren > False voted for Ren > Pearl voted for Ren > Martyn voted for Ren > Gem voted for Ren > Tango voted for Ren … A majority was reached. …

Day 2: Dusk … Ren stood at spawn, surrounded by other players He warned them of the others who would harm them . “You’re not safe after this. They’re still out there, the Hands.” . When given the chance, he tried to defend himself, lies spilling from sharpened teeth . “I’m just helping you." . “Ren… did you kill Sausage?” “HE WANTED TO GO HOME” “He was home” “you’re all being eaten alive by this server! The only way off is death!” … "I’M SAVING YOU ALL, CAN’T YOU SEE??!" "If death is our saving grace… do me a favour, Ren, and save yourself." … Renthedog was slain by GeminiTay … . . . … Renthedog was aligned with the Hands … [19 players remaining] …

Day 3: Dawn … The dawn is glowing a bright amber. … Ethoslab was struck by falling stalactite … InTheLittleWood didn't want to live in the same world as ᓭ𝙹∷∷| ╎ ↸𝙹リℸ ̣ ᔑᓵℸ ̣ ⚍ᔑꖎꖎ|| ꖌリ𝙹∴ ∴⍑𝙹 ╎ℸ ̣ ╎ᓭ … Dogwarts burnt down … . . . > Ethoslab was aligned with the Town > InTheLittleWood was aligned with the Town . . . … a search went out for the bodies of the fallen both were found in the ruins of Dogwarts neither of them touched by the flames … those with the crystals got a new message … Another hand had been found … > Tango voted Joel > False voted Joel > Pearl voted Joel > Scar voted Joel > Lizzie voted Joel … A game was built. Specifically, rebuilt A new model of Dare to Flare stood at spawn The walls were glass The entrance was from the top The lava was the same … Lizzie spoke to Joel, confronting him with the truth she knew He didn’t deny the statement Her vote against him had sealed his fate … “You didn't ask me.” “Asking would make it real.” … Joel said his goodbyes to Lizzie … “It's the Red Winter, Lizzie. The Red King fell, the Red Winter is upon us. I wanted to make it to the spring.” … > Shelby voted Joel > Katherine voted Joel > Grian voted Joel > Cleo voted Joel … A majority was reached. …

Day 3: Dusk … They walked arm in arm to spawn A crowd had already gathered there Something twitched in Joel when he saw the looming structure of Dare to Flare He’d lost his first life in 3rd Life to the game that was meant to be in the swamp He was marching himself to his execution – his last death– to the very same game … Joel said his goodbyes He asked that Lizzie would be taken care of He also asked that his dog Geraldine would be taken care of … the watchers are of the belief that Geraldine cannot be hurt. they would smite anyone who tried. Lizzie on the other hand… well, that’s a story for another time … “The Red King's going to rise again, and none of you know it, but- You do not stand a chance.” … “Rest assured, people don’t respawn in this world. I won't, Sausage won't, Jimmy– Jimmy won't. But the Red King fell, and he will rise again.” … Joel climbed down the ladder into the death chamber Lizzie knelt on the glass ceiling, hand reaching out for him Joel didn't move It must've hurt … Smallishbeans swam in lava … ╎ ⊣⚍ᒷᓭᓭ ∴ᒷ'ꖎꖎ リᒷ⍊ᒷ∷ ᒲᔑꖌᒷ ╎ℸ ̣ ℸ ̣ 𝙹 ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷ ᓭ!¡∷╎リ⊣ (It is not for you) … . . . > Smallishbeans was aligned with the Hands . . . … [16 players remaining] …

~~~~~

will update with days 4-6 later on!

#lifesmpmafia #mafia peeps #mafia fellas #traffic life series #but different #lifesmpmafia game summary

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mrs-gauche · 2 years ago

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So, I had planned to write a comment on the three published synopses of the upcoming comic series "The Missing" (first volume to release on January 25th btw!), but since @felassan kinda beat me to it and already wrote amazingly detailed posts summing up everything and elaborating further on what I fail to put into words lol, I'm just gonna add my pointless ramblings poor two cents to it now, I guess. 😶

(Beware also of spoilers for Tevinter Nights, Absolution and the comics under the cut!)

(Thanks Dark Horse btw, for already giving away half the plot with these, jeez 😂)

First off, when I first read the second synopsis, not gonna lie, I was genuinely surprised that Solas turned out to be the "former friend" in question. 😂 I know, it was kinda the obvious answer, but maybe that's why I wasn't really expecting it? I think the title also lead me a little astray here? Assuming that the title is actually referring to Solas.. Given the circumstances, referring to Solas as "missing" would be.. pretty funny and also more than a litte strange to me, actually? lol It would definitely raise a few questions here...

So, let us assume that the theory about the eight year timeskip since Trespasser turns out to be true. Have they (the Inquisition) been searching for Solas this entire time? And if that's the case, why is that so funny to me? 😂 (Especially considering the whole ending of Tevinter Nights, even though we can't really tell when exactly that last chaper took place.. Imagine they've been searching for him for the better part of a decade, and then he just pops up with a silly wig and a fake french accent at some tea house one day. lmaoo)

Furthermore, why is it *only* Varric and Harding that seem to be conducting this search? You would think that for something as crucial as finding the person that announced to destroy the world, there would be a few more people on this search than that? lol So, what's the rest of the remains of the Inquisition doing then? Are there several teams searching in different places maybe? To expand this search as far as possible? Maybe they're trying to keep a low profile by searching in teams of two, since it would reduce the risk of Solas finding out about what they're up to? I mean, wasn't that the whole reason for why they even said they needed to "find someone Solas doesn't know"/never sees coming at the end of Trespasser, to try and keep him in the dark about any efforts against him?

Also, speaking of Varric. Assuming that this story takes place after Absolution now, the ending of the series could explain why Varric left Kirkwall and his position as Viscount? Maybe, aside from trying to stop the obvious threat/end of the world, they are now desperate to seek help/information/any answers from Solas on what to do against the corruption of the Blight and the red lyrium spread? (Because if there's *anyone* who would know something, it's him right?) What does the state of the world look like in regards to the Blight and red lyrium in general after a potential eight year timeskip?

Okay, so why would they be searching for Solas in the Deep Roads beneath Marnas Pell then? Honestly, when I read this the first time, my mind (as always lol) immediately went back to the red lyrium idol again. And no, I still don't believe that a single thing about the Bard's tale in Tevinter Nights actually happened (but that's just me). lol So, assuming this happens after the end of TN (and Solas isn’t already in possession of the idol like he claimed), he would still be searching for that flippin thing now, wherever it may be. (How could the idol end up in the Deep Roads beneath Tevinter you ask? No idea. 😂) But I also can't forget about the ominous "Hunt of the Fell Wolf" poem from the Jaws of Hakkon DLC that talks of a demon wolf (Solas?) in a "labyrinth of winding cave" (Deep Roads?) where there's an "idol that could prove the monster’s doom"(!! Coincidence?? I think NOT! lmao).

Btw, wouldn’t it be kinda funny though if Solas was searching for the idol now, while Varric who found the idol with Hawke in the first place, is now searching for Solas? lol

So, what's the plan here exactly? Assuming they would be successful, in which case Varric and Harding find Solas and then.... what? You're telling me Varric and Harding are gonna tie him up and talk him out of his endeavors? 😂 Single-handedly kill him? Torture him with tea? Spy on him? Reminisce about the Inquisition days? lol I honestly think it's more likely that they would try to talk to him, being former friends and all, unless they have some type of super secret weapon against him that we don't know about yet.

So what *would* Solas be doing in the Deep Roads beneath Marnas Pell? (Besides, you know, painting yet another teaser trailer thumbnail for YouTube. lol)

(Our man has been procrastinating hard for the past eight years, painting as many Deep Roads cave walls as possible to avoid going through with his plans. lmao)

It's also worth to remember that a lot of Tevinter was actually build on the ruins of old Elvhenan, which could explain why there are still places with names like "Solas" to be found on the map. (And btw, what is it about this place that lead to it getting this name, anyway? I mean, that name practically guarantees for this place to become relevant in some form down the line in DA4, right? Especially since Solas' line about how he supposedly came from a "small village to the north" won't ever leave my mind and we all know that this man is always telling at least half the truth, so.. could he have been referring to the place literally called Solas, if that's his place of origin or would that be too much on the nose? 😂) Anyway, it definitely raises the question on how old some of these Deep Roads beneath Tevinter actually are and if there could be structures found beneath it that even precede them (like what we saw in The Descent)? And maybe that's part of the reason why Solas would go there..?

Anyway, since none of this actually seems to matter now, because as it turns out in synopsis two, apparently Solas wasn't there after all. 😂 Next stop is Vyrantium and an encounter with "deadly Antivan Crow assassins", which is interesting, since the last we heard of Vyrantium and crows, it was in the "The Wigmaker Job" in TN. Additionally, the cover of volume two features two characters that kinda look like the crows Teia and Viago!

I'll be honest, I had completely forgotten that Teia and Viago even made an appearance in Deception. lol But the look does kinda match? So the question is, what lead Varric and Harding to go from the Deep Roads to Vyrantium and then to the Arlathan Forest?

So, the Arlathan Forest. Again, please check out felassan’s post for more information, they’ve done a fantastic job to write down every important bit to know here. Much like Teia and Viago, it was also featured in both TN and one of the short stories “Ruins of Reality”. As were the characters Strife and Irelin! Could they be the mysterious “Veil Jumpers”? What even is a Veil Jumper, anyway (felassan gave some pretty cool speculations on this!)?

Former DA4 Creative Director Matthew Goldman made an interesting comment on a fanart once, that lead people to speculate that the group of people we've seen in a lot of concept art are called “Veilfire archer”?

..Which does sound to be in the same vein as Veil Jumper, so could they all be part of the same group of people/an entirely new faction even?

(Notice also the recurring background with the golden/autumn leaves. Reminds me of the leaves and branches seen on the (now removed) vinyl cover (showing the Black City *cough* Arlathan *cough*??).)

And lastly, what is this "crucious stone" and how does it relate to literally anything? lol While felassan did speculate about a potential link to Latin/Tevene, someone else pointed out that "crucious" is literally Greek for "crucial". So.. plot crucial stone? lol As in, literally another MacGuffin? (Red lyrium idol, you're getting competition lol) The fact that it's Greek is interesting to me, given that we've been speculating for a while now that BioWare seems to take a lot of inspiration from Greek mythology for anything regarding the ancient elves. 👀 And since we *are* in the *Arlathan* forest here after all, maybe that's where the connection lies..?

People have also pointed out that, based on the track Varric and Harding have been taking so far, first Marnas Pell, then Vyrantium and now the Arlathan Forest...

...assuming that, if they were to go further east, they would end up at the White Spire, which is why some people assume that this is where Solas has to be now. lol

I mean, anything is possible! We know next to nothing about the White Spire (not to be confused with the White Spire in Orlais btw lol), other than it's an Antivan mountain north of the city of Brynnlaw, so there is really nothing else to go on as to why Solas would even be there.. But considering how they are marketing this comic as a direct tie-in for DA4 and there’s still one volume to go (I think?).. Maybe we do end up knowing where Solas is at the end of this comic and this will segue directly into the beginning of DA4 somehow?

(I also want to mention that Rivain is also right next to the White Spire when going even further east. Rivain being also where the main base of a certain guild of treasure hunters is located. Lord of Fortune has been a very popular candidate for the potential next protagonist for a while now. Just saying... 👀)

#''two cents'' it said.. followed by a goddamn essay lmao #I'm sorry 😂#again please check out felassan's posts though because it's much more elaborative! :)#also I'm a sleep deprived German who sometimes forgets how English even works lol #dragon age the missing #dragon age absolution spoilers #tevinter nights spoilers #tevinter nights #da4 #dragon age 4 #tinfoil time

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airi-mtsm · 1 year ago

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heyyyy me when the wolgraha brainrot hits!!!!

red catboy infests my brain and I’m not complaining at all. I think a lot about my wolgraha ship thing.

Read below for my silly ramble!!!

they’re not together, by the way.

i think if one of them confessed to the other like very directly they would get together in a heartbeat. they would be so awkward abt it but it would be extremely clear they’re a couple

so why not? it’s cause they’re awkward about it!!!!! it’s so over for them. their whole dynamic is fraught with miscommunications (but like not in a totally awful way) and them being… stupidly bad with romance LOL—

g’raha couldn’t be direct about it to save his life… he’d probably try to dodge the question entirely. lil red meow meow would be like “oh, todays a lovely day, why don’t we go out and do something?” “i’m so happy when i’m around you”, he’d say things like these. but he wouldn’t—he couldn’t say “i love you”. hero, the warrior of light, savior of eorzea—he couldn’t possibly keep her to himself. he is already blessed to stand by her side—his more-than-a-little love for her will forever be unrequited.

hero, on the other hand, is similar but like worse. she can’t interact with raha without devolving into a stuttering mess—least of all be able to express her feelings for him. but it’s her little actions that she hopes raha will pick up on instead of her having to say anything—cause she can’t. her love will remain unrequited because she doesn’t say anything about it—and can’t.

to him, she can’t love him because he doesn’t deserve her.

to her, he can’t love her because she’s too scared to say anything.

it’s supposedly unrequited on both sides… but it’s painfully obvious to everyone else.

That’s my ideal wolgraha dynamic and that’s my personal dynamic.

but… if they were to be a couple, skipping past their romantic struggles… they’d probably love each other very much. one confession and they’d already be married (/j).

raha, obviously, would be outspoken about it. not THAT outspoken, but. Did you See what he said in Ultima Thule. Right in front of the twins. You know. he Will be outspoken about it.

hero is very reserved, almost socially anxious. but she’s Very Affectionate, just not in public. only in private. perhaps on an off day, they’d settle down under some shade and read together and all she’d do is cuddle with him and just… she’s happy just being around him.

TLDR for my wolgraha dynamic: They are so in love with each other. They don’t know that. They individually think the run is doomed.

#ffxiv #rahahika #hero’s rahahika tales #ffxiv oc #airi rambles #g’raha x wol #wolgraha #wol #g’raha tia #raha PLD and hero WHM… it’s a dream #i keep forgetting NA people call it wolgraha and not rahahika…#I’ve been on two sides of the internet neither for very long.

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im-no-jedi · 2 years ago

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I am genuinely sick to my stomach with worry y’all. I’m so worried they’re gonna lose everything AGAIN. like, this is a very specific trauma of mine, but if Pabu gets discovered by the Empire and subsequently destroyed, I literally won’t be able to handle it. and then if the fam gets separated at any point (or worse, someone dies), I REALLY won’t be able to handle it.

again, I have very specific irl trauma that affects the way I view media, and since TBB is my comfort show, I have boundaries that I do NOT want crossed. the very idea that they could lose another home is genuinely bringing me to tears just as I’m writing this up. and don’t even get me started on the idea that someone will leave the group or die, I just won’t be able to handle it.

I’ve had so many shows and other media in the past disappoint me with specific plot points that ended up turning me away from the franchise entirely. obviously, something going sour in TBB wouldn’t turn me away from SW as a whole (even the sequel trilogy couldn’t do that LOL). but again, I’ve already personally lost so much that losing yet another thing would devastate me beyond repair. I’m still feeling the after effects of losing my love for Destiny after all these years, and I just can’t handle another loss like that.

I know it sounds silly, but genuinely, this is just a personal problem of mine in relation to my trauma. I’ve had several talks with my mom about how our family relates to TBB almost too well at times, and to see them go through another devastating loss would actually break me. I’m trying to remain hopeful, but the doom and gloom that’s been teased isn’t helping. and no, I can’t just avoid social media for the next two weeks; that’s unrealistic.

I guess all I can do is channel my inner Leia and remain hopeful about what’s going to happen. if they survived what happened on Kamino, they’ll survive whatever else the Empire throws at them. I just hope I can survive it as well…

#sorry for the downer discussion but this is just how I feel rn #anyway I’m already thinking up fix it ideas for MLWTBB if things go south LOL #Pabu stays safe and intact no matter what happens in the show tyvm✨#and nobody dies obviously✨#just gonna try to focus on that and not whatever terrible thing might happen in the show #it’s all I can do for now 😔#star warz #tbb spoilers

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purplehairedwonder · 3 years ago

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Chapter 1041: Spoilers, sweetie

First things first: I am here for Pudding punching Sanji’s brothers. Atta girl.

I’m not typically one to theorize on the lore of the series, mostly because it’s still so vague that I’m satisfied with letting that part of the story play out, but I have to wonder if we’re getting some hints that Momo is Joyboy. He can talk to Zunesha and then we get this panel:

That would be an interesting twist.

Also, it seems that Oden was anti-spoilers, tearing out the most important pages of his journal.

I see on Reddit people thinking that the fact that these pages are gone from the journal are a point in favor of Yamato joining the Straw Hats since she wouldn’t be bringing those spoilers to the crew (and we know how Luffy feels about spoilers). However, Yamato’s reaction to Momo’s worry made me think the opposite:

This expression Yamato makes me think that, along with having the Devil Fruit of the guardian deity of Wano, she might stay in Wano to help Momo rebuild and open the country.

Then we get Raizo being officially declared the victor in the ninja battle of the century. But what preparations is he talking about?

And could this be where Denjiro has been all this time? I assumed he was with Hiyori, but if that were the case, I would have expected to see him in this chapter.

My favorite part of the chapter is, of course, Hiyori, making her move on Orochi. Fuck him up, queen!

It’s fitting that Hiyori wears her mask here because she spent twenty years wearing a mask as she hid behind the identity of Komurasaki, who, when we first met her, was portrayed as an aloof, greedy, and treacherous woman. But the one she was truly manipulating was Orochi. And she’s been biding her time for this moment.

Her finally revealing her identity is so satisfying.

@ninhaoma-ya has a great analysis of the lighting in this panel, noting the contrast of light on Hiyori and dark on Orochi. So good.

Then we’ve got Izo taking down one of the CP0 agents.

Whether this is Izo’s end or not remains to be seen, but his sacrifice fits one of the themes of this arc, which is the new generation taking the place of the old. The Whitebeard Pirates are remnants, their captain two years dead. They’re here to help the next generation rise.

And we have the shift of orders from capturing Robin to taking out Luffy. Does this mean Luffy’s fruit is the one the Elders were talking about previously? Honestly, I hope not.

I like Luffy having a silly fruit and being endlessly creative with a seemingly crappy power. The less “Chosen One” narrative the better in my view.

Also, Drake is back up. Is he going to take out the other CP0 agent? That would be good; we’ve seen Luffy, Law, and Kid all get knocked down and get back up. Now it may be Drake’s turn. This also seems likely to fit into Hawkins’ 1% prediction.

Meanwhile, Big Mom’s defeat is being felt around the island. I raised an eyebrow at Nami only mentioning Law while Luffy only mentioned Kid.

Speaking of those two, Law is no longer upright. He admits he’s got nothing left. I really like Kid in this moment, though. He went from a doomed alliance and resulting cynicism to

“Should we brace ourselves?”

We saw some growth from him when he willingly went after Big Mom to keep the two Emperors separated despite having a vendetta against Kaido, and we see another one here; despite the bickering between the two captains during the fight, he’s not talking about himself only.

Law continues to show his unwavering faith in his alliance -- he did his part, now it’s up to his partner to do his -- and I think seeing the strength of that alliance has been important to Kid.

Speaking of alliances, Kaido is depressed that his seems to have crumbled.

And we get a brief flashback to Kaido meeting Big Mom for the first time. It seems he was quite young at the time.

This seems like a prelude to a longer Kaido/Rocks Pirates flashback. I’m pretty meh at the prospect at the moment. Kaido has been the weakest part of Wano for me (especially after two arcs with such good villains in Doffy and Big Mom), but maybe learning more about him will help. Doffy and Big Mom were good villains even before their flashbacks, though, and Kaido is just... not even remotely interesting to me.

Lastly, I was glad to see Luffy returning to his righteous anger. His enjoyment of the fight was rubbing me the wrong way considering how Kaido has hurt people he cares for -- something he finds unforgiveable.

So the question remains whether Luffy and Kaido get the chance to finish their fight or if the World Government interrupts it. Most of the other plotlines are being tied up, and this is the biggest one left.

#Thinky thoughts #Kozuki Momonosuke #Yamato #Kozuki Hiyori #Orochi #Trafalgar Law #Eustass Kid #Monkey D. Luffy #Big Mom #Nami #X Drake #Izo #One Piece #One Piece 1041 #One Piece chapter 1041 #One Piece spoilers

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webethepeachesfromrockford · 2 years ago

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Take A Look At This Girl

Pairing: Greta Gill/Carson Shaw Rating: Explicit (E) Notes: These two have taken me under and I'm here for it. Word Count: ~4.5k Warnings: Not a whole lot to warn you about - Carson has some me time, but even that's pretty tame! Summary:

Though Carson is chomping at the bit to be with Greta, she makes the decision to try and be just friends with the woman who sets her entire world on fire. It's doomed from the start but Carson is determined to be normal. Her wet dream remains eyeopening and Carson still has no idea what to do with it. As the days pass and her resolve crumbles, Carson must come to terms with the fact that Greta isn't going anywhere.

Or, the one where Carson is thirsty for Greta until she finally gets a sip of that cool drink.

Find it on AO3

Carson’s mind is all a jumble.

Between Greta (and Carson’s steadily increasing obsession with her) and meeting their new and shockingly incompetent coach, there’s no room to sort thoughts out or attempt to understand what’s happening to her. Everything in her life at the moment is a whirlwind of not knowing then being suddenly thrust into things full throttle. She’s got whiplash from being star struck yet immediately disappointed all at once. Carson used to have big stars in her eyes where Dove was concerned – now, she’s disenchanted and thoroughly convinced that the man is a class A asshole.

That greatness is topped off by a call from her sister. Carson has never gotten along with the elusive elder sibling but Meg’s judgement down the line is tangible, making Carson want to hit something. She’s finally happy, for the first time in her entire life. It’s naïve to think that anyone would be glad for her but she hoped, anyway. The plainness of the situation is a slap in the face that douses the fire in Carson even further. Throw in Greta’s incessant need to put ideas in her head, Carson is just as lost as when she climbed off the train. Though she’s exactly where she needs to be, it’s hard to navigate all the unexpected twists and turns.

She tries to focus on the whole reason she’s there, pushing Greta and their kiss and the heat in her core that Carson gets every time the other woman is so much as near her down and away and out of her mind. The catastrophe of the league’s expectations takes away some of the haze, so that works in her favor. She recognizes what being hidden behind a mask looks like and decides it’s silly. They’re women who play baseball. They’re meant to get dirty and give off the impression that work is being done. Baseball is a messy game – red lipstick and hairstyles the hats they wear are immediately going to ruin won’t change that. It doesn’t really register what the underlying reason is until Greta not so subtly lays it out for her. Carson is suddenly too struck to do anything other than gasp and step up for Jess when the axe looked like it may come down on her neck.

Regardless of the effort Carson puts in, though, Greta is still a solid presence that’s always there. The worst part of the matter is, Carson likes that. She’s glad to see dark auburn hair and lips that tug up into mischievous smirks and smiles. It’s a comfort to know that nothing gets the beauty down or if it does, she’s classy enough to take care of her own. That’s why the first game they play is so frustrating. The cat calls from the stands are hard to swallow and even harder to ignore. When Greta snaps, Carson is taken aback – both because the move is unexpected and because a surge of want rips right through her. The thought of being only friends is taken apart some more. It’s unraveling faster than Carson can keep up with.

Her heart hurts a little watching Greta’s face fall – after all is said and done, nothing any of them do will be right. They’ll always be too much because they’re women and that’s how the world sees them no matter what they’re doing. It’s further driven home when Carson watches Dove dish out an autograph to the asshole in the stands. The well in her stomach that’s been filled with scorching heat opens up and is empty for the first time since stepping foot in Rockford. She’s defeated when she finds Greta in the locker room. Though, Carson bucks up immediately when she notices how rundown the usual brick wall of a woman actually is. Her makeup is not pristine for the first time since Carson’s met her. It’s easy to see that the world won today and Greta is struggling to make amends with that harsh truth. Carson does her best to cheer her up but they’re both struggling. Simply being in Great’s presence is surprisingly enough, anyway. So is the way Greta brushes away a tear that Carson wasn’t even aware she was crying – but that’s not important.

What ends up being is how much of an idiot Carson actually is.

It doesn’t take her long to understand that truth as she mumbles her way through some lame excuse about being just friends with Greta. Greta who has lit her entire world on fire and changed the face of it. As if they could ever be just friends. Carson wants to snatch each word back out of the air once she’s said them, but that’s impossible. Greta’s face goes through a myriad of emotions that Carson has no earthly idea how to process, let alone read. She feels stupid looking at a person she already cares about so much, and aching – aching because Carson is too weak to cling to the otherness and see where it takes her. She’s cutting off a limb before even learning how to walk with it.

In her defense, the dream she’s still rabidly thinking about threw her for a loop. The fact that Charlie was there wasn’t nearly as distracting as Greta’s dominating presence. Her skin on fire from the sight and stimulus and experience is still a vivid feeling she so desperately wants to return to. She woke up that morning drenched in sweat and slick and disappointment in the fact that her eyes opened and the good time had to end. The rush of hormones and desire is something that Carson isn’t used to, so she’s behaving a little rash. It’s like being the sort of teenager her friends were. The understanding is starting to sink in and all that thoughtlessness makes so much more sense. Though she’s aware of the disconnect, Carson can’t stop herself from being stupid.

The shame that burns through her is in the driver’s seat, steering Carson’s way through a mistake that both women are aware that she’s making. Carson can’t help it, though. If Shirley wasn’t there to shake her awake, Carson’s afraid that whatever came next just might’ve killed her. Her cheeks are still stained red from the hasty way she slipped her hand between her thighs the second she got privacy. Carson recalls the delicious drag of her fingertips across her clit as her mind fixated on Greta’s red lips. She’s imagining them on her neck when an orgasm overtakes her out of nowhere. Carson barely manages to bite down on her tongue – she’s scared to admit that Great’s name would’ve fallen from her lips.

Carson is unsure if the shame is worse than the tension that suddenly bubbles up between them. It’s tangible in every aspect of the lives they share. On the field, in the house, in the dugout where Carson is surprised the team hasn’t told them to cut the shit. It’s heavy and makes the fact that Dove doesn’t coach them even harder to accept. She’s desperate and strung out, so Carson makes another rash decision. The pie is terrible and completely inedible, but it’s a bust, anyway. Dove is a dick that doesn’t give two shits about them. Carson is slowly coming to understand that her and her teammates are the only ones that truly care about what happens to the team. Luckily, Carson gets an idea from that thought. The girls are willing to do anything to get better. Spearheading an extra practice or two is the least Carson can do.

They thankfully improve. It’s a satisfying thing to watch the extra hours spent in some distant field actually start to work for them. The spirit within the team amps up and Carson feels the passion starting to collect between them. She’s never been a part of a team where the camaraderie is so real but she’s glad to be a small piece of the chain. Fun isn’t something she ever imagined her life being yet it’s happening and Carson has no idea what to do with it. Never mind the fact that being Greta’s friend means getting to know her more and that lights Carson’s entire body on fire. Every new thing she gathers, Carson likes. It completes a picture of a woman who is talented and beautiful on both the inside and outside. Carson hasn’t ever wanted to dive into someone else’s nooks and crannies but Greta makes her burn to ask questions and tell stories, to share and let someone get to know her back.

Carson’s resolve is crumbling so fast where the line of friendship is concerned. Every look, every word, every second orbiting around each other feels like a prelude to something more. It’s so important that it’s keeping Carson scared. That’s why she’s trying so hard to wring out the farce of propriety in order to protect her fickle heart. Now that’s it beating and drumming and thumping with life, Carson’s afraid to put it out on the line. Except it gets harder by the minute. Greta is like a magnet that Carson is drawn to. No matter what, they’re surrounded by each other. It's natural and seemingly impossible to push back against. The night they lay on the grass and look up to the stars, Carson knows she’s completely screwed. Though Jo’s timing is perfect, Carson can’t help but be disappointed. Despite setting down the gauntlet of friendship, she wants more so badly it hurts.

Their first win is like a piece of hot apple pie with ice cream on top. Dove looks dumbfounded and lost for a second before doing the man thing and taking credit for it all. It’s enough, however, for Carson to know that they did well – if the man is chomping at the bit to shoulder the blame for their good playing, it must’ve been halfway decent. Carson forgets for a second that she’s trying to be strong. She celebrates and drinks and lets Greta get close again. It’s mean to them both, yanking her dream woman near only to pull down the lever on a steel trap that’s doing more harm than good. Carson hates herself for making Greta’s shoulders slump. The hurt she feels radiating from her so-called friend is worse than anything else. The question as to why she keeps doing it is something Carson just can’t answer. She hasn’t found a way to let go and just be happy. Life’s never given her the opportunity to do so before.

Which makes the date she’s forced to go on with Greta absolutely miserable. Carson knows the red head is being mean and hurtful with a purpose. Her eyes don’t leave Carson very often. If the man sitting across from her was smart, he’d open his gaze and see what’s before him. Too bad Greta is extremely good at blinding a person. Her looks and charming personality are enough to break any strong individual. Carson feels that to her core as she gets up and flees from the table. Greta’s “I’ve never met anyone like you line” felt so special and now it’s ruined. Her skin crawls at the thought that some animal doctor thinks he’s special enough to deserve attention from a woman so far out of his league. Carson’s anger makes the confrontation with Greta into an unintentional spillage of feelings she’s not ready to deal with yet. The yo-yo is killing them both but Carson doesn’t know what else to do.

It all gets a little worse when Lupe stabs her in the back and rats her out to Dove. Not only are their secret practices over but Carson’s on the bench and their pitcher is making a fool out of herself. Carson can’t help the cringe of jaw as Dove finally does the team a mercy and pulls Lupe. He doesn’t even look at her as she comes crying off the field and though Carson isn’t her biggest fan, she’s not going to stand for bull shit like that. She can’t take control of the personal part of her life right now but she’s going to make Dove see. Throwing a baseball at his head isn’t Carson’s finest hour, she knows that. Still, she hopes the dent in his car and the words she spat at him are enough to make the pigheaded man realize the girls he should be there for are in it whether he is or not.

There’s something about a call from Charlie and the exhilaration of coming to a life-changing decision. Carson revels in it all the way up the stairs into Greta’s room until she realizes that Jess is there, looking at her expectantly. She can’t come up with a good enough excuse so she mumbles something and looks desperately at Greta because it’s urgent and thought controlling and too hard to think past. Luckily, Jess doesn’t give a shit and Greta is charming enough to get out of the room and out of the house into Carson’s waiting arms. Carson is dragging her along without hesitation or worry that Greta’s going to follow. It’s presumptuous after being such a dick about giving into their desires but Greta doesn’t seem like the type to hold a grudge. At least she’s quick on her feet and more than able to follow Carson out to the garage where there’s a shred of privacy and a hard wall to back the tall woman up into.

Greta looks shocked all of two seconds before her eyes close and their kissing each other. It’s desperate, Carson doesn’t even have to guess that because it’s how she feels. Her skin tingles and pebbles with goosebumps as Greta’s hands grip the sides of her head and deepen the kiss. Carson’s hands naturally drop to Greta’s waist. She squeezes there because she’s so happy to finally be near to Greta like this again that the touch is grounding. The surreal nature of perfume that makes her salivate and that recognizable lipstick brings all the thoughts and feelings she’s been trying to push away roaring back to the surface. Fuck all of the things holding her back. The season is short and time goes by so fast that hesitating and pretending and pushing against something that’s inevitable just doesn’t make any sense. Not when Greta’s little moan of enjoyment as their tongues tangle together becomes a soundtrack Carson is never going to turn off.

It's too easy to get lost in Greta. After spending mornings trying not to let her mind or hand stray, Carson finally feels free. Her limbs and joints are loose now that they don’t have to lock up to stop from reaching out to touch. Being so near to Greta without putting a hand on her arm or touching the softness of her hair is a torture that Carson doesn’t need to partake in, not when she’s already blowing her life to bits to make her dream come true. And though Carson didn’t know it at the time, she’s slowly starting to believe that Greta and the relationship they’re going to develop were part of that aching desire all along. Now that her eyes are open, Carson can’t force them closed again. It’s now obvious that she doesn’t want to, either.

She’s never been much of a fan of kissing but Carson quickly amends that statement – she’s not into kissing anyone but Greta. Her lips are soft and full and talented. Charlie always pecked at her like a chicken. Not Greta, though – Greta uses her lips to cast spells and make magic. They seem to know exactly where to push and press to systematically pull Carson to her knees. Greta nibbles on her bottom lip and soothes it with her tongue before bringing Carson back in for a long kiss that makes the abused skin numb and deliciously tingly. Carson’s never been so into a kiss that she forgets herself the way she is now. The fact that they’re in a garage in the middle of the night doesn’t register. There’s only Greta and body heat and kisses that feel like sips and gulps where Carson greedily gets to take in every drop the other woman has to offer.

It’s like coming home after so many years of not really knowing what that word actually meant. Carson knows it’s too much to put on one person, that’s why she tried so hard to create some distance between them. The truth of the matter is, Carson feels so much like herself when Greta is near. She’s not sure if it’s because Greta is a one way ticket to her mind and body’s real desire or if it’s because Greta is just that great of a person. In a lot of ways, Carson thinks it’s both, like it can’t really be one without the other. It’s hard to know, anyway – the attraction that Carson feels has been alive and well since their eyes first met.

Carson’s well aware of the fact that making out isn’t enough to solve the problem of communication that already exists between them but it’s a damn good time all the same. She doesn’t let Greta break away for air all the much – now that Carson is allowing herself to truly take it all in, she wants to gorge herself. It’s important to remember the brush and drag of Greta’s tongue along her own. Greta’s breath hitches when Carson is bold and takes control of the kiss. There’s a realization through the haze that Greta’s hands are antsy and always moving, up Carson’s back, into her hair, along her sides, even across her chest. Greta likes Carson’s boobs, too. They’re groped and cupped with fondness. It makes Carson happy for her femininity for the first time in her life. She loves that Greta is a woman through and through. Soft skin and fresh hair and curves for days – Carson decides then and there that womanhood isn’t always the curse she’s believed it was. How could it be when Greta wields it with such flawlessness?

Eventually, the need to break apart arrives. It’s dark all around them and Carson’s sure curfew has long come and past. It’s already too much that Jess got to see Carson make an absolute fool of herself. Dragging Greta in behind her too late into the night is a big flashing light above their heads. No matter how much Carson wants to cling and kiss and keep Greta with her, she knows following the rules is important. Though she doesn’t know safety is the reason for that yet, Carson understands the sentiment nonetheless. She is reluctant to pull away, even steals a couple more kisses before extracting herself from Greta completely.

The sight before her is almost enough to drag Carson back in, restrictions and consequences be damned. Greta’s eyes are wide and she looks shaken up. It’s a pleasant grin that quirks her red lips. Blissed out and happy is exactly the way Carson would describe her. Without needing to see her reflection, Carson knows her face looks the same. Exhilaration and hormones are a heady cocktail that make it hard to be anything other than happy. Carson has the added bonus of embracing more of herself with each passing second. Her skin doesn’t feel foreign now. It fits and Carson looks better in it than ever.

Days following that night are a wild mix of playing good baseball and stealing moments alone with Greta. Much like the need to play above the usual standard, spending time with Greta becomes an obsession. Carson can’t keep her hands off the woman who lights her up. It feels as if there’s something in her body that’s now online after being dormant for so many years. Fire and raw passion creep out and take ahold of her. Carson can see it coming out of her on the field just as much as in her pursuit to always being touching Greta’s amazing body. Sharing time on the field both during practice and throughout the game is the ultimate tease. Despite the stupidity of the outfits, Carson is unable to say that Greta doesn’t look good in their uniform. Her long legs are made longer by the socks and short skirt. She’s lucky the catcher’s mask obstructs her view during the pitch or else Carson would be in a lot of trouble.

Finding success in both things that Carson craves is intoxicating. It feeds a hunger inside of her that Carson kept under wraps in her attempt to fit in. She’s never given herself over to the easy thought of just letting go and shooting her shot. The exhilarating feeling is something she already knows she’s not going to want to give up. Carson can’t quite remember what she wrote in that letter with Greta their first night in Rockford, but she hopes it’s enough to convince Charlie of her unhappiness. There’s no turning back now, Carson can’t ignore the truth of that. Not when her reality is a tall redhead that wants her just as much as Carson so desperately does.

The only thing she doesn’t account for is the frustration. Though they’re always pawing at each other, Greta has a low startle point and there’s only so many excuses they can make to disappear with each other. Each place they settle into seems to be dangerous in some way. Carson is so pent up with want that she’s grumpy and obvious about the lust that’s consuming her. It’s made better by the way Greta says “I like to watch you” like that won’t be the star of Carson’s masturbation fantasies the minute she gets a second. Though it’s not quite what she’s looking for, Carson can’t deny that the picture of Greta saying that from the vee of her legs is more than enough to make her heart race and thighs clench.

Carson’s reckless in the fact that the entirety of the house isn’t quiet as she sits in the small confines of the stall and gets a hand down her pants. The experience of exploring herself in relief when their make out sessions get interrupted or Greta’s more unthinkably sexy than she is by default has been eye opening. Carson’s sure that being with Greta is going to be the greatest thing in the world.

It's with that thought that Carson closes her eyes and lets her mind go. Her fingers immediately drift to her clit, slipping up through wetness that makes the motion of her fingertips easy and delicious. The entirety of her body throbs as pleasure already starts to spike. It’s hard to ignore the want that’s been building up for days. Carson’s felt Greta’s lips on her skin enough to imagine the sensation perfectly. Her free hand fists in her own hair to mock the way Greta grabbed a hold and used the grip to tilt and shift Carson’s head the exact way she wanted it. Eager fingers tighten at the thought. After a second of remembering the way Greta’s fingers fondly trace down her face, Carson has no problems replacing the reality of her own fingers against her clit with the ghost of Greta’s. All of her aches to feel the real thing but for now, the imago of it will do.

She makes quick work of finding a rhythm that’s just right and puts effort into not moaning with every glorious press of her fingertips. Carson has stopped feeling shame for giving into her body’s desires. She’s far from a virgin and the thought of something so silly has made it easier to swallow the wave of lust that seems to always be following her. With Greta Gill always around, Carson is lucky to be functioning without being in Greta’s lap at all times. The redhead is a cool drink of water, want and desire personified on creamy white legs. Carson sucks her bottom lip into her mouth to stifle the groan that comes with that thought. She’s been dreaming about the moment where her lips travel up those legs. The desire to trace every scar, freckle, and mark grows stronger by the day.

Impatience and the rush of getting caught make Carson pick up the pace. The perpetual tease has her on edge and it seems like a silly thing to continue the trend. Her mind drifts to a couple of days ago when they fumbled and pushed each other up against things in the crowded garage space. Greta’s giggles were a new flavor in their kisses and Carson loved the way they sounded in her ears. When she’s not with the other woman, Carson brings up that sound and lets it play in the back of her mind. She’s so fond of Greta its indescribable. It’s the affectionate feeling of Great’s breath against her lips that sends Carson over the edge.

Tossing her head back, Carson lets out a couple of huffed breaths as her orgasm rushes from her core outwards. Her limbs get heavy and numb in the best of ways. There’s sweat on her forehead that’s so unlady like that the league would have a fit if they saw her huffing and puffing the way she was. It’s lucky then that she’s stuck in a bathroom stall instead of in Greta’s arms somewhere. She steels her resolve then to find a way to finally be with Greta. The looming road trip seems like something filled to the brim with possibilities. Maybe then she’ll know what it’s like to lie down and feel Greta’s body against hers from head to toe. Intimacy is what she’s craving and Carson is smart enough to make it work.

Let operation get Greta Gill alone commence.

#gretson #a league of their own #carson shaw x greta gill #greta gill x carson shaw #greta gill #carson shaw #greta x carson #carson x greta #carson/greta #greta/carson #bobbie writes #take a look at this girl #a league of their own series #aloto

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asturlavi · 4 years ago

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oh boy, do i have wonderful beast oda/odazai info for you all since this may just be my favorite chapter in all of beast. it clarified a lot about oda's state in this au, and how sad it truly is, especially with all that dazai has done to ensure that oda's safety is certain

before i start, this was initially intended to be a quirky little twitter thread that’s supposed to be kicked off with a badly drawn doodle of something meme. the thread was supposed to be about how wonderfully dumb odasaku can be and how annoyingly frustrating dazai is in the latest beast chapter... and then it slowly devolved into a crudely written essay about small discoveries i’ve made that most likely haven’t been pointed out before, so i recommend that anyone interested in either oda or odazai to check this out

so i finally got around to reading the new beast chapter and seeing how odasaku constantly devalues himself and finds that he's lesser than the average person is… sad. its been said that him and ranpo are the stars of the ada, every mission trivial with their cooperation, and yet he doesn't see any of that. thinks he struck luck when it came to his entrance exam, which he specifies that it wasn't as a result of his own skills. his inferiority complex is embedded so deep that despite his achievements, he doesn't at all believe he has any worth as a human.

i'm just a tired, ordinary man like you could find anywhere. a third-rate detective, as unexceptional as a fallen cigarette butt on the road.

and his entrance exam was just like dazai's: the azure messenger case, which we all know wasn't at all a walk in the park. one mistake, and it would spell disaster for the city that the ada was trying to protect. no--not just the city, it would also mean the end of the ada as we know it. despite it all, he resolved it much to his own surprise, and it was all thanks to an "unexpected" gift. and that gift? who would it be other than from dazai himself?

beast light novel ch. 3

(also, this is a shaky claim at best but I feel as if oda fully holds the capabilities to solve the case alone, but dazai knew that with odasaku's persistent feelings of self-doubt, along with his lack of some of the vivacity that dazai held to weasel his way through to information, the outcome of success wouldn’t be guaranteed. and so, dazai lent him something to ensure his success)

and yet, oda is blind to see truly how much intellect and skill he possesses. he doesn't realize how integral he was to the quest of the azure messenger, doesn't acknowledge that without him these orphans would have either slipped into a life of crime, gone to a downtrodden orphanage, or simply passed away, and he doesn't know that despite it all, he's one of the purest characters in the story, even with the darkness that will forever cling to him, a reminder of the violence that marred his past.

not to mention that oda, in one way or another, effectively analyzed the current situation that they're stuck in. he noted that if things currently go the way they're going, no matter what akutagawa achieves, him and his sister are doomed. so, oda brilliantly decided to go after the port mafia itself to prepare for this possibility, and it's nothing short of genius. and dazai plays along with this… because it is oda, after all.

and everything dazai did, everything he sacrificed, it was all for oda.

now to the underlying tragedy of this chapter. take a look at this panel:

ever since then, i've been making a living by solving requests that come to the detective agency.

i provide for the orphans

i drink coffee.

i gamble a bit on days off.

at night, i write a novel in the kitchen.

that's my life.

nothing unusual, right? you'd think that odasaku was satisfied with life, since he has everything he had ever wished for. but in all actuality, he still lacks one important thing.

and that's friendship.

his words sounded so… empty. achieving ones dreams is but one aspect of life that brings one gratification, but doesn't necessarily mean it would guarantee lasting happiness. (think of famous actors or celebrities that spiral into depression even after they've achieved their dreams).

in that panel, he says he cares for the orphans, gambles, and writes alone in his spare time, but not a word of spending time with friends… something he had in the root universe, something that was lost to him in this one.

and he says this all with his face blacked out, as if he's somewhat implicitly dissatisfied (while the kid's faces are present, not at all concealed).

with dazai, he found peace in a place where peace is rare to find. They both completely put their guard down with each other around, and dazai can relax his overly speculative mind with oda. and they understood each other, a level of understanding rare to come by. dazai with his dark jokes easily flies past oda's ears because that's what they are, harmless jokes. and oda with his blunt honesty, which dazai cherishes and never prods him for it.

dazai also saw things in oda that oda was blind to. dazai saw a world of beauty in oda, the ray of light beneath a cloudy sky. he saw both intelligence and wisdom, kindness and generosity. and most of all, he trusted oda, despite dazai’s natural inclination to distrust.

and what oda saw in dazai was vulnerability. despite the front that dazai puts, he can be kind, even empathetic, when the situation calls for it. dazai once gave akutagawa a decision to turn his back against dazai’s offer to join the port mafia, when logic points to the fact that he didn't have to, but wanted to.

dazai also consistently gives atsushi words of advice and shows understanding when dazai was under no obligation to, such as atsushi facing the loss of his previous caretaker. dazai gave atsushi genuine advice, not laced with any malice or ill intent. dazai had even left atsushi to grieve alone, fully understanding that atsushi needed to pour his emotions out in private. there’s more than enough instances of dazai showing this side of himself in both the light novels and manga, but it seems to sometimes be brushed aside. even though the main cast of characters always dismissed this side of dazai, oda has always known that this side of dazai was his truest self.

oda and dazai also talked endlessly about trivial things, calling each other daily for two hours for no reason other than that they each enjoy one another's company. it's pure, wholesome love. they had a mutual trust and understanding between one another, which ango, another friend of theirs, severely lacked in his friendship with them.

oda's dream was to write, gone unfulfilled in the root universe, but he died happily knowing that the one he cares for is living in the path of light. dazai's was to find a reason to live, which he found in oda, and continues to use this as motivation long after oda passed.

in beast, dazai's dream was cut short, ultimately leading to his demise at the end. after all, his one reason to live is now robbed from him. however, oda's dreams have become a reality, but can one really say he achieved happiness? he has the orphans, his children, but they will never understand him like dazai had. he has peace, but is it the form of peace he wanted? spending time alone, on things like gambling, while endlessly mulling how he has no one to spend this time with?

and writing, his one true wish that dazai made absolutely sure to make a reality. but was it worth it, at the cost of a friend who brought happiness and reprieve when everyone else failed to?

i thought of this tale as a matter of equivalent exchange, you lose one life in exchange for another. the scales do remain somewhat balanced, but not over a matter of lives. it's over a matter of personal sacrifices, ones only known to us readers.

and i say "somewhat" because in the root universe, dazai remembered oda when he was alive, so well that dazai can recall memories to near perfection. but oda had completely forgotten dazai in beast, chasing after absent memories and deluding himself into thinking his life is perfect, while numbing himself from the aching hole of loneliness that consumes him inside.

also, oda is surely happy spending time with the children, but what about his lonesome hours? who is he going to spend that time with, in a world without dazai, the only person who understood him and his oddities?

ah, and remember this moment in the root universe?

now, take a look at this again. no, look closer

odasaku wasn’t merely gambling for the sake of it, he was gambling on a horse race. and before dazai was arrested in the root universe, he was seen doing just that.

now, why would odasaku do this? he surely doesn’t seem the type to gamble away his money on something as silly as horse races, because what does someone gain while they pour their money into something so senseless?

and the only reason i could arrive to is that dazai must have dragged him along to one. dazai is a port mafia executive, with more money than he knows what to do with and a boatload of depression. money probably disinterests him as much as life does, and he used gambling to kill two birds with one stone: ridding of money he doesn’t need, and distracting him from his boredom (and depression).

and it doesn’t end there. remember when dazai in dead apple had visited bar lupin to pay his regards to odasaku, while reliving a pleasant memory dazai had with him? and he did this because he was preparing for a quest that may result in with the loss of his life, psyching himself up for what’s to come. this is probably bordering on speculation, but i believe that that’s precisely what he did once again in the horse races. dazai paid a visit to a place that oda and him had frequented, to prepare for another dangerous quest.

also, note that immediately after exiting bar lupin in dead apple, dazai was confronted by ango, which kicked off the start of dazai’s plans. a similar thing happens in the manga, dazai spending time in a place that he and oda had gone to, this time the horse races, and his plan whirls into motion as jono arrests him. i think these similarities are deliberate, in order to establish their significance to dazai and oda.

this long winded explanation’s purpose was only for me to go back to this panel once again, and say that everything oda spoke about doing, from spending time with his kids, to brewing coffee, to betting on horse races, and to writing in the kitchen, were all moments he had with dazai.

and see that he has an extra chair that sits unused in the kitchen? at first, i thought it was there for the sake of being there. then, it slowly dawned on me that odasaku and dazai had noted in the dark era light novel that they made a habit of visiting each other, so it wouldn’t be illogical to conclude that it was a chair meant for dazai. a place where he can spend some private moments together with oda underneath the dimly lit kitchen, drinking in the scent of odasaku’s coffee and talking about things that distracts them from their troubles while odasaku whittles away at his manuscript.

and one last thing before i end this out of sheer laziness, take a look at this photograph of oda from the final moments of the beast light novel.

as oda stated in the manga and light novel, he worked on his manuscript alone in the kitchen... but in the photograph, he wasn’t alone. he’s posing for a picture. relaxed, poised, as if entertaining the one taking the photo. and besides, wasn’t it dazai who insisted on taking photographs in bar lupin with ango and oda in dark era? he must have done the same in that very moment in the beast universe, but this time in anticipation of oda forgetting him.

in the end, it seems oda and dazai left each other in similar ways, foolishly believing they've sacrificed their lives for each other to better the other's life, but all they did was create worlds where the feeling of happiness will be lost to both respective parties, while also resigning each other to a life of loneliness.

they've forgotten about their one happiness that stems from just being around one another, listening to the soothing tune of jazz playing softly as they talk into the night, the world lost to them as they're absorbed in one another's presence.

it seems like their story is a tragedy of what happens when you love someone too much, to the point that you delude yourself into thinking you're but a tool for their happiness, and with you gone, nothing will change.

but things did change, didn't they?

#odazai #bsd #bungo stray dogs #oda sakunosuke #osamu dazai #bsd beast #i'm never doing this again

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alpacaparkaseok · 4 years ago

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The Pact - Date #3

Pairing/Genre: OT7 BTS x reader (not poly), idol!BTS, best friend BTS

Word Count: 7.7k

Premise: The truth about the pact the boys have about you has been revealed. What happens when you agree to go on a single date with each of them?

Warnings: none, BUT THE FLUFF IS COMING DOWN FULL FORCE YA’LL

a/n: don’t forget, I taking your guys’ comments/reactions into account for this series, so please let me know what your thoughts are! of course, at the end we’ll really take a deeper look at all of the dates and what stood out the most, but I would love to hear from you about this one!! love you all, enjoy!

Date #3

series masterlist ∆∆∆ join the taglist

The more time has passed, the more you fully come to realize that if you have been that affected by two dates, you are in no way prepared for the five that remain.

Nope. Not one bit.

It was Thursday when Jungkook finally texted to check that you were free around eleven. Your heart leapt, finally. A date that you wouldn’t have to spend all day moping around waiting for.

So obviously, you were ready by 9. You know, just in case.

You’d been instructed to wear casual clothes, something that you rejoiced in. Donning your sweater with the word Harvard in thick blue letters spanning the front and a pair of skinny jeans, you felt right at home.

The boys never missed a chance to tease you about your Harvard sweatshirt, and for some reason they never believed your lie that you actually went there. Of course, that might be due to the fact that they were very much aware of your current schooling situation and it was most definitely not Harvard.

But hey...attending one of the top universities in South Korea wasn’t bad, either.

Currently you were perched on the end of your bed, partly due to the fact that if you went anywhere else you would most certainly just end up staring out the window at every car that passed by. Not wanting to look like a nosy neighbor, you’d confined yourself to your room to wait out the morning.

In the hours that pass, your thoughts are completely occupied by the two boys you shared the last couple of Saturdays with.

It would be a lie to say that you don’t replay the image of Taehyung standing in your doorway every night as you tried to sleep, his hair a fluffy mess and that cable knit sweater proving to be your doom.

Your thoughts were usually interrupted as you took your bracelet off and stared at it, imagining Hobi delicately placing each individual bead it it’s place. It’s when your hand burns with the memory of his gentle kiss on your palm that you finally set the bracelet down and let out a frustrated sigh.

Yeah...Jimin was wrong when he invited you to just think of these as nice, friendly dates.

He probably knew it, too.

“Ok,” you breathe out, closing your eyes and focusing on the rise and fall of your chest. “Just...enjoy it.”

Enjoy it you shall.

That’s the thing that carries you through the waiting, still just breathing in and out and mentally preparing yourself for all that awaits you today.

You get so carried away in your attempts to calm down that the knock on your front door comes before you realize how much time has passed. Taking one more steadying breath, you get up from your bed and amble down the hallway to the door.

Pausing for a moment, you realize that you truly have no idea who might be on the other side of that door. The thought makes you smile. You’ve always loved a good mystery.

Cracking open the door, you can’t help but smile as the figure before you has their back turned to you. At the sound of your quiet giggle, they turn around, eyes a little wide.

A nervous smile in place, Namjoon leans forward ever so slightly. Almost as though he’s being pulled in by your personal gravity. “Morning,” he says almost as an afterthought, his voice low.

“Good morning,” you respond, throwing the door open the rest of the way. “So you’re lucky number three?”

“Well, you know what they say.”

You busy yourself with grabbing your bag and double checking that you have everything. “What do they say?”

Namjoon shrugs, his nervous smile growing until it’s bordering on giddiness. “Third time’s a charm.”

Indeed.

Once you’ve ascertained that you have everything you’ll need (you made sure to replenish your mint stash earlier this week), you’re stepping out into the slightly brisk air and locking the door behind you.

The sound of keys jingling near your ear has you turning to face Namjoon, who wears an oversized, dark plaid shirt that’s open to reveal his black t-shirt beneath it. The picture of casual coolness, paired with his dark wash jeans and sneakers, the look is complete with the way his dimples poke out as he holds up the keys to your eye level.

“Guess who’s driving?” He teases in a sing-song voice, making you laugh as you swipe the keys from him. As the two of you descend the stairs toward the car, you tilt your head to the side.

“How did you get here?” Then, turning to him with wide eyes, “You didn’t drive yourself, right?”

He’s quick to shake his head, pointing out a car that’s turning around at the end of your street and slowly making its way back toward you two. “The guys dropped me off.”

The thought of Namjoon in a car with some of the boys and the rest trailing after them in a separate vehicle is endearing, while also hilarious. “All of them?”

“Yep,” he confirms. “Every last one of them.”

As the car draws nearer, you see the windows roll down and someone with familiar black, fluffy hair sticks their head out. Like a dog pile, another head hovers beside them.

Taehyung and Jimin.

Oh, and there’s Jungkook somehow managing to wiggle in between them.

“We apologize in advance, jagiya,” Jimin croons loudly with a teasing smirk. “At least try to enjoy yourself.”

You snort, clicking the button to unlock the car and laughing even harder when Hobi jumps at the sound of the horn. He sits in the passenger seat beside Jin, who drives. The two merely wave before mumbling something to each other that makes them laugh.

“Where’s Yoongi?” You ask, frowning as you do a head count and not finding him anywhere. In response, a pale hand coming from what must be the very back row of the car worms its way forward to the open window. You swear you can almost hear his disgruntled greeting, but it’s drowned out as Taehyung excitedly speaks up.

“Good luck trying to beat me, hyung,” he teases, shooting Namjoon a sweet smile that’s at odds with his teasing comment.

Namjoon just shrugs, utterly unphased as he follows you around the car and opens the drivers side with smooth precision. “Shouldn’t be too hard.”

This encourages a round of ooh-ing that only serves to make you laugh even as you tuck away the momentary competitive side of Namjoon. Calm, calculated, and - if you’re reading that steely look in his eyes correctly - utterly in the zone.

Oh, you’re definitely enjoying this way more than you should.

“Drive safe!” The boys shout out amidst jeering comments directed toward Namjoon and his lack of driving abilities. With a final wave, they’re speeding off down the street. Once they’ve disappeared from sight, you notice the way Namjoon’s shoulders relax. He hurries over to the passenger side, hopping in and buckling up before fiddling with his phone.

“So...where to?” You ask, buckled up and ready to go. You tap the steering wheel excitedly, already feeling hyped up from the short interaction with everyone.

You miss seeing them all together. There’s a reason why you’re friends with the entire group.

“I put the address into the car,” Namjoon explains. “It should give you directions as we go.”

Arching a brow at him, you don’t shift into drive just yet. “So I’m driving us there, but I don’t get to know what the end location is?”

Smiling softly, Namjoon nods. “Exactly. You’re so smart, have I ever told you that?”

Scowling, you press the green button that appears on the screen and a warm female voice instructs you to drive to the stop sign and turn left.

You hum, pondering the slightly sarcastic question. “I’m not sure. But that’s definitely a sign that you should tell me more often.”

“I’ll make note of that.”

With a glance at the screen, you see the estimated driving time. “We’re leaving Seoul?”

From your peripheral, you notice Namjoon’s worried expression. “Is that alright? We can find something to do around here, it’s just-”

“No,” you rush to reassure him. “I was just surprised, that’s all.” It won’t be a particularly long drive, just over an hour, but you certainly weren’t expecting that.

Something tells you that there are plenty more surprises waiting for you today.

It doesn’t take long before the two of you slip into an easy conversation, Namjoon relating his latest experiences in his efforts to add something eye-catching to his studio.

“Like what?” You ask. “I love your studio the way it is.”

Namjoon looks over at you, smiling softly. “Really? I don’t know...I just feel like something’s missing.”

“Well, we’ll keep an eye out for something today,” you promise, relaxing now that you’re on the freeway and in the flow of traffic. “Like, do you want something to hang up? Or something to go on your desk?”

He shrugs, taking a moment to roll his window down and close his eyes as it runs through his hair. “I already have a bunch of stuff on the wall, and if I put anything on my desk-”

“Right, you’ll spill on it.”

“Exactly.” You keep your eyes on the road, entirely missing the fond look he gives you.

“So basically, you don’t need anything.”

He huffs a sigh, rolling the window back up and sinking down into the seat. “No, I do, I just don’t know what.”

“Mmm.”

“Hey,” Namjoon cuts, giving you a dramatic glare. “Don’t mock me.”

Feigning innocence, you peek over at him. “I’m not!”

“Yah, just drive.”

“I am!”

Despite the bickering, you can’t fight the smile edging its way onto your features. A glance over at Namjoon shows that he’s having the same issue, his face turned away from you but failing to hide the silly grin he’s attempting to hide as his fingers curl at his lips. It’s a habit he’s had for as long as you’ve known him, one that often makes its way into many photos.

“Prepare to take exit 14,” the voice instructs, and you make your way over to the far lane, eyeing the looming sign that will announce what exit it’s for. Once the sign comes into view, you give Namjoon a puzzled look.

“We’re going to Anyang?”

It’s not that you have anything against the city, it’s just that...well, what is there in Anyang that isn’t in Seoul?

“See? Super intelligent.” It’s the only response you get from Namjoon, but it has you rolling your eyes in an effort to counter the butterflies that erupt in your stomach at the way he’s looking at you.

In a couple of minutes you’re turning onto a relatively quiet street, only a few random people mulling about, enjoying their weekend. Namjoon points out an entrance to a parking lot that you would have completely missed due to its hidden nature. Once you’re parked and dwarfed between the buildings surrounding the little lot, you jump out of the car and make a show of stretching your legs.

Namjoon mimics you, a loud yet satisfying yawn coming from him. “Hey, are you hungry now or are you good to wait a little while?”

You pause, internally wondering. “I think I’m good for a while.”

“Great.” Rubbing his hands together, he comes to stand beside you. “Let’s go, then.”

You fall into step beside him. “Woah, you still haven’t told me where- oh.”

The two of you have rounded a corner and now stand in front of a nondescript building. Its sage green paint is chipping a bit, giving it a rustic feel that is only accentuated by the gold lettering above the door.

Wanderers & Travelers

However, it’s not the homey feel or the tasteful name that has you stopping in your tracks. It’s what you see inside, through the large windows.

Without a single word, you step forward as though in a daze. The little bell above the door chimes as you walk in, announcing your arrival. And, as though the entire thing couldn’t get better, the scent hits you.

The smell of old and new books, some leather bound and some hard backed, dives into your senses and leaves you whirling.

The walls in here are painted some shade of sky blue, complementing the deep wood shelves. It’s quiet in here, the only sound being that of shuffling feet.

If you blink, you’re afraid it might all vanish.

“Oh! You’re here!”

Turning to your left, you see a woman with flecks of white in her hair, smiling warmly at you and Namjoon. If you’re being completely, honest, you’d nearly forgotten that Namjoon was there.

The woman descends the final few steps of the creaky staircase, keeping a friendly distance as she nods at the two of you. “You were right,” she remarks to Namjoon. Then, to you with a teasing smirk, “You look like you’ve never seen a bookstore before.”

You sputter for the right words. “I- yeah, but this-”

“Is no ordinary bookstore,” Namjoon finishes for you, a hand at your elbow. You can’t help but lean into his touch, momentarily forgetting the rows and rows of shelves just a few steps away as Namjoon involuntarily steps a little closer.

“Ah, right. Well, first thing’s first: I’m Choi Min-jee. And this is my bookstore,” she gestures to the endless rows of bookshelves, and you wonder for a moment how all of these can fit in the building. It looks so much smaller from the outside.

Min-jee motions for you to follow her, and she leads the two of you to the nearest bookshelf. “These books range in languages and age, you never know what you might find. This shop has been in my family for five generations now - we’ve collected our fair share of books and other antique items.” With a little wink, she steps back. “Take your time, and let me know if you have any questions. Oh, and the upstairs is open now.”

Namjoon perks up at this, looking over from where he’d pulled a book off the shelf. “Really? We’ll have to look up there!”

“Please do! I’m off to practice piano.” With that, she whisks away, leaving you to your own devices.

You stare after her in awe, mouth slightly ajar. It makes Namjoon chuckle quietly, he must know the feeling.

“I wanna be her when I grow up,” you whisper, earning a louder chuckle from the man.

“Same.” Namjoon heads deeper into the shelves, and you follow after him. He glances back at you over his shoulder. “This is my favorite place.”

“I take it you’re a regular?” You ask, eyes catching on a bright blue book with frayed binding. Pausing, you ease it from its spot. “Hm… ‘The Cottage by the Sea’.” You run my hand over the shiny inlay, a seashell glinting up at you. “Why do I feel like I just entered the world of ‘Little Women’?”

Namjoon snorts, wandering back over to you and gazing down at the book. He grabs the one that occupied the spot next to it on the shelf, the deep red absorbing in all the surrounding light. “You’re definitely Jo.”

“Really?” You ask, gently flipping through the first few pages and trying to find a publish date. “I always thought that I was more of an Amy.”

Namjoon looks appalled, tearing his eyes away from his book. “What? No. In what world are you Amy?”

“Hey! Don’t act like she’s a bad person,” You whine, bringing the book close to your chest. “She was just...trying to survive.”

Huffing loudly and obnoxiously, Namjoon heads over to the other aisle, peeking at you through the gaps in the shelf. “She got everything she ever wanted, without hardly having to ask for it. Are you telling me that you have everything you ever wanted?”

There’s a skylight above you, allowing the lazy afternoon sun to filter in and play with the lighter tones in Namjoon’s hair. He looks at you with his ferociously focused gaze, something that you had never squirmed under before but now find your cheeks burning as he doesn’t look away.

You sigh contentedly. “More or less. Look at me, I’m surrounded by books.”

Namjoon gets closer to the shelves, leaning down to be eye-level with you through the shelves. “So what’s missing?”

“Hmm?” You hum, getting a little lost as music starts up somewhere. You realize with a start that this must be what Min-jee meant by practicing piano, as the soft sound comes from somewhere hidden.

There’s a little smile on Namjoon’s face, just enough for a dimple to appear. “You said more or less. What are you missing still?”

Edging a little closer and nearly closing your eyes at the smell of leather, you’re tempted to reach through the shelf and poke at the little indent in his cheek. “Just your glasses, I think. I love it when you wear your glasses.”

The statement takes him by surprise, Namjoon’s dragon-like gaze dropping and a flush taking over his features before he steps back. “Hmph.” With that, he continues down the aisle, the red book still in his hands and the blue in yours. “I still think you would be Jo, though.”

“Why?”

The two of you match footsteps, languidly walking along the seemingly endless rows. You catch glimpses of him through the books, a soft dimpled smile on his face as he looks down at his feet. It’s enough to make your coy smile grow, and you clutch the book tighter to your chest.

Finally, Namjoon comes to a stop as another book catches his eye. You take the opportunity to round the corner and enter the aisle he stands in, feet carrying you closer to him. Just as you’re about to reach his side, he speaks.

“Jo is...well, for one, she’s a dreamer. And we both know you’ve got a lot of dreams in that head of yours.” He taps your forehead for emphasis, side-smile growing when you scowl. “But she’s a realistic dreamer. You’ve given up a lot for your dreams, but I believe that you’d leave it all behind if someone you loved was in need of you.”

You blink, unprepared for the genuine compliment.

“And,” Namjoon says breathily, sliding the book back into its place and turning on his heel to walk away. “You two share a tendency to be oblivious to others feelings for you.”

He keeps walking, leaving you to become a sputtering mess before launching yourself after him. “I- we what?!” You all but screech, wincing as you sound twice as loud in the empty shop. “I am not oblivious-”

With a triumphant smirk, Namjoon heads down a little slope that leads toward a sitting area. “Be honest with yourself. You wouldn’t have had any idea about the pact or anything if Jungkook hadn’t spilled it.”

“But that’s not my fault!” You defend, glaring defiantly at his back. “You guys had that under lock and key!”

Diving into another row, Namjoon looks contemplative. “Ok, that may be true. But tell me the truth: did you ever once suspect that...I don’t know, there might be something more going on? Even just once?”

You stand out in the main walkway still, frozen by his question. “Er…” Pausing to think, you squint down at the book still in your hands.

Of course there were moments that had your heart pumping a little faster and a blush rising to your cheeks. Movie nights always meant some form of cuddling, but you quickly just assumed that it was all part of the friendship. Good morning texts that made you sink back into your pillows with a lazy smile, or the little facts that one of the boys would remember about you always made you stop and wonder.

But you never actually entertained the idea. It all seemed too…

“Unrealistic,” you mumble aloud. When Namjoon looks at you quizzically, you walk down a few rows until something catches your eye. You delight in the fact that now he’s following you. “I guess I had little moments where I wondered, but it just seemed like wishful thinking.”

Stopping near the end of the row and looking up at the top shelf, you wiggle on your tip-toes trying to grab a book. Your fingers barely graze the spine of the book before a warm presence overshadows you and Namjoon’s fingers ghost over your own before tugging the brown book from its spot. Still pressed against your back, his light breathing makes the hair on the back of your neck tingle as he lowers the book into your waiting hands.

“Moments like this?” He whispers, hands coming to rest just above your hips.

Suddenly, you recall a moment from months before, when you’d been in a similar situation. The boys had invited you over for some breakfast on one of their rare morning’s off. You’d wanted some cereal, only to find the bowls on the very top shelf. Namjoon had come to your rescue, pulling the exact same move before awkwardly pausing and looking as though he’d wanted to say something. He hadn’t, and instead rushed out of the kitchen before you could even utter a ‘thank you’.

Turning around in his grasp, you can see that he wears a similar expression as before. This time, however, he looks determined to say whatever comes to mind.

With a quiet voice you whisper, “Who in their right mind puts bowls on the top shelf?”

Namjoon’s grip on your hips tightens as he throws his head back and laughs, the kind of laugh that sinks right into your bones. All you can do is watch him, feeling like it’s the first time you’ve ever seen him. Perhaps it’s the first time you’ve ever allowed yourself to look freely.

“Ah, so you did notice,” he whispers back. “You acted like nothing happened, so I figured I was in the clear.”

With a roll of your eyes, you’re stepping out of his grasp and taking a look down at the new book in your hand. “With you, Mr. Kim, we’re never in the clear.”

He lets out a low hiss, but lets you walk away. Not like you realize he’s not following you anymore, you’re idly wandering around while thumbing through the mystery novel. It looks like it might be an original copy from one of your favorite authors. One that passed away in the 1950’s, but still stands out among the countless authors that have come after them.

You’ve made it down to the small sitting area, where a large fireplace is crackling.

“Huh,” you smile. As if this place couldn’t get any better. Plopping down on the couch, you let out a sigh at how the cushions sink and welcome you into their warm embrace. Setting the blue book off to the side, you open up the brown one and begin to read.

You’ve nearly completed the first chapter - knees tucked to your chest as you lean against the arm of the couch - when you hear footsteps approaching.

Expecting it to be Namjoon, you glance over your shoulder with a smile. It’s Min-jee, who returns the smile with a knowing look. You listen closely and realize that her piano practice must be over. Classical music plays over the speakers in the shop instead.

“Namjoon’s gone upstairs,” she explains, coming to adjust something in the fireplace. “He said something about finding an item for his studio.”

You close the book softly, stretching before sitting up straight. “What’s upstairs? More books?”

“No, we’ve expanded our antique selection, there’s an assortment of desks and chairs up there, among other things.”

Making an ‘o’ with your mouth, you get up. “This place is amazing, by the way.” You hold up the brown book with an excited expression. “I found this - I think it’s an original! How much is it?”

Min-jee makes her way over to you, smiling softly as she recognizes the book. “You’re a fan of this author too, huh? My grandad used to read these to me back before I had to start running the shop.” She offers you a fond look. “Oh, and Namjoon told me to put whatever you like on his tab. So don’t worry about it. Take the book.”

She must notice your shock, because she places a comforting hand on your shoulder and squeezes it gently. “He also told me that you might be hesitant to get anything because of that. But honestly, get it. And ‘The Cottage by the Sea’. That’s one of my favorites, actually.” Min-jee nods at the blue book with its golden seashell.

“Ah, he knows me too well,” you sigh. “This might be silly to ask, but...do you think it’s alright? You know, to just get them?”

Min-jee, to your eternal gratitude, doesn’t laugh at your question. Instead, she sees right through you, to the worry in your heart. The last thing you want is to take advantage of any of the boys. “It would make him happy,” she responds, watching your reaction carefully. You immediately let out a sigh of relief, nodding and picking up the books.

“Alright,” you concede. “I’ll get them, then.”

“Great! I’ll take them up front and hold them for you, if you’d like.”

“That’s perfect.”

While she whisks away your books, you follow after her until you reach the staircase. She nods encouragingly, and you head up.

Clearing the stairs, it doesn’t take long to locate Namjoon. He’s standing in front of a large wardrobe, inspecting every inch of it. The sight makes you smile, enjoying the way he’s chewing on the inside of the cheek.

“Don’t tell me that’s what you’re getting for the studio,” you drawl, making your way toward him. He looks back at you, a wide smile interrupting his cheek chewing.

“I mean...no, but look at it!” He exclaims. “It’s beautiful, isn't it? Honestly, if I moved some things around, I could probably make it fit.”

You reach the wardrobe, marveling at the expert craftsmanship. “It’s gorgeous. But what would you even put in it? It’s not like you take all of your coats to the studio. And you want your trophies to be visible, don’t you?”

This thing must weigh a ton, the wood is thick and the hinges smooth. “Hmm...no, but I can think of something else I could hide away in here.” The way Namjoon glances over at you with a sly grin makes you stumble back, red rushing to your cheeks as you suddenly become preoccupied with a very old typewriter.

“What would that be?” You venture, running your fingers over the keyboard. You’re waiting for his answer, which you’re sure will be a single word - you. However, just as he’s opening his mouth and looking like he’s garnering the courage to say it, the creaky staircase announces someone’s arrival.

At first you think nothing of it, but Min-jee’s voice is loud. Loud enough that you know she’s trying to be heard.

“I told you, we don’t sell anything BTS related in this store.” She says, and you and Namjoon share a puzzled look.

A couple of voices respond, but one in particular stands out as she raises her voice. “I swear, I saw Kim Namjoon walking around in here just a few minutes ago!”

Their footsteps are growing closer, and you suddenly realize that this is Min-jee’s way of warning you two.

Rushing over to Namjoon’s side, you look around frantically. “Is there another way out?” You whisper. Clearly the staircase is blocked at the moment. When he shakes his head, you’re about ready to suggest causing a distraction but he suddenly gasps.

Quickly and quietly, he’s swinging open the wardrobe and nudging you inside, quickly following. You raise your eyebrows, mouth opening to ask him just how this is going to help anything, but he allows the door to swing shut and presses a hand against your mouth.

Back pressed against the back of the wardrobe and Namjoon looming over you, the two of you hardly dare to breathe as you strain to listen to what’s going on outside.

“I’m pretty sure I would know if he was in my shop,” Min-jee is saying, sounding much closer now. “And right now the upstairs is off-limits, so please-”

“Look, I know I must sound crazy, but I’m absolutely positive that I saw him in here. I was just outside and he went up the stairs! And now you expect me to believe what you’re saying?”

You keep your eyes trained on the thin opening where light is streaming in, trying to see what’s going on. Namjoon, however, shuffles a little closer, hand slipping from your mouth and staring down at you. He braces his hands on either side of your head, needing to bend over a little bit due to the small space.

“For the last time,” Min-jee defends, “the upstairs portion of this shop is closed. As you can tell, nobody is up here besides us. If you wish to continue this conversation, I would simply ask that we do it downstairs.”

You bite your lip, looking up at Namjoon and about to whisper something about how Min-jee deserves a raise. The words die on your tongue, however, when you finally catch sight of him.

Namjoon is slouching a bit, and you realize that his hands are on either side of your head. His hair is slightly mussed, from what you’re unsure. However, that’s not what has your breath catching in your throat.

He’s looking down at you in a way that suddenly makes you aware of just how small the wardrobe is, and has you mentally cursing yourself for coming up here in the first place. Namjoon is looking at you, looking at you in a way that you immediately recognize.

Like it’s the first time he’s allowed himself to.

You watch the way his eyes follow the way your throat constricts as you swallow, the way they trace the slope of your nose and the dip above your lip.

The voices fade away as Namjoon’s fingers feather through your hair, light enough to make your heart melt. He does so slowly, eyes reading your own in order to see if he’s somehow crossed a line that he shouldn’t have.

You, however, are sick of all these dumb lines and boundaries that have been set. Somehow, Namjoon must see that, because he’s opening his mouth and whispering out what he’s been thinking this entire time.

“You,” he mumbles as he watches the strand of hair he tucks behind your ear. Almost as though to verify that this is real, that it’s actually happening. “I’d tuck you away in here, and nobody would find us.”

Breathing has become impossible at this point.

“No prying eyes, no invisible lines to make sure I don’t cross,” he’s tracing the line of your jaw now, and you don’t miss the slight tremor in his hand. “Would you like that as much as I would?”

His eyes land on yours, eyebrows coming together as he awaits your answer. You would smile if you could, but you find that you’ve turned to putty at his touch. Instead, you slowly nod before breathing out, “Yes.”

That’s when you realize that Namjoon is just as tired of rules as you are. Namjoon, the dedicated leader that always makes sure everything is in order. Namjoon, who constantly forgets things like his phone and wallet, but never forgets to say please and thank you.

Namjoon, who leans impossibly closer until you’re closing your eyes for fear of going cross-eyed. His breath fans across your nose, acting as your only warning before his lips find yours.

Light as a feather against your mouth, Namjoon kisses you.

As you sigh against his lips, you suddenly understand why kissing was prohibited. Because right now, all that you can think of - every breath, every heartbeat - it’s all saying the same thing.

Namjoon.

Just as your hands find their way to his chest and bunching up the fabric, he’s jumping back with a gasp and stumbling through the door of the wardrobe. You see his wide eyes, but you’re too busy standing there completely frozen and praying that nobody is up here still.

He looks around frantically, but looks at you with utter horror as the same voice as before pipes up from downstairs.

“See! I’m telling you that someone is up there-”

“Oh! Did you see that? I think I just saw him taking the emergency exit!” Min-jee retorts, and you can picture her frantically pointing out the window in an effort to distract the girls. “Hurry! He looked like he was running!”

The bell above the door chimes, excited voices fading as the group exits the shop. However, their timely exit does little to soothe the raging heartbeat pounding against your ribs.

“I- I’m not supposed to do that,” Namjoon reminds himself aloud. “Please, I’m so sorry-”

“They’re gone!” Min-jee calls out, poking her head up as she ascends the stairs. She spots you still standing in the wardrobe. “Oh, so that’s where you were hiding. Anyway, I’ve locked up the front, so we shouldn’t be having any more trouble with that.”

You can only offer her a weak smile, Namjoon still staring at you with that horrible, guilt-ridden expression, which you’re dying to erase.

“Thank you,” you say when Min-jee begins to notice the odd silence. “We’ll be down in a second, I think.”

Namjoon nods along, finally looking away to check the time. “Actually, we’ve got a reservation,” your stomach flips at the thought of sitting through an entire meal with his guilty apologies, “is there a way we can sneak out of here without being seen?”

Min-jee blinks, looking between the two of you but not saying anything. “Ok...um, yeah. The back alleyway should be clear, it’ll lead to the parking lot.”

Finally stepping out of the wardrobe, you look back at it with a glare.

“So much for Narnia,” you mumble, closing the door.

ˆˆˆˆ

Min-jee quickly places your books in a bag - Namjoon ends up getting the red one as well - and offers it to you with a smile. Automatically you reach out for it, but so does Namjoon. The second your hands meet you can’t help but jump, and the bag falls to the floor.

“Oh no,” you whimper out, feeling sorry for the old books. Before you can lean down to get them, Namjoon’s swooping them up and keeping a firm grip on the bag. He mumbles out a soft, “sorry” before following Min-jee toward the back exit.

The two of you thank her profusely for the day, and you promise that you’ll return soon. There’s no way you can leave a place like that alone for very long. Namjoon smiles for a moment, looking pleased that he picked a good place. However, once he catches your eye, he’s back to chewing on the inside of his cheek.

Slyly sneaking down down the alleyway, it’s quiet between the two of you. No matter how hard you pinch yourself, your thoughts keep zoning in on the way Namjoon’s lips felt on yours...the way he looked at you just before he leaned in...how perfect everything had been until he’d come to his senses-

You’ve made it to the car, and you click the unlock button, jumping back as it honks. Man, you’ve got to get out of your head.

Namjoon hurries to set the bag in the backseat before rushing to the driver’s side, opening the door up for you with significantly less flourish than before.

Knowing Namjoon, it’s eating him up alive. And there’s no way you’re about to let a kiss - something to celebrate, in your opinion - ruin the rest of this date.

Especially when it may very well be the only one you get.

“Namjoon,” you say, walking slowly toward him. His eyes jump up to yours, and you can already see that he’s hard at work trying to pretend like everything is fine.

“We’re going to be about an hour early for our reservation,” Namjoon admits, running a hand through his hair and immediately trying to fix it after. “I’m sorry for rushing you out of there, I wasn’t thinking straight. You can go back in, if you want. I’ll wait out here until you’re ready-”

“Namjoon.” He quits his rambling, red cheeks somehow turning redder as you stop before him. “I wanted you to kiss me.”

At this, he lets the door fall shut. “You...did?”

Wanting nothing more than to dispel the awkward tension, you laugh. “Of course I did! I’d be an idiot if I didn’t! So please...it’s nobody’s fault. So what, you broke a stupid rule-”

“And I’ve hurt the guys in the process of breaking that rule,” Namjoon explains, looking at you with clear, pained eyes. “Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t me regretting kissing you because- w-well, that’s not the point!” Leaning back against the car, you follow suit just as a large stormcloud blocks out the sun. It’s going to rain soon.

“Namjoon, you’ve all found ways to skirt around the rules in some way,” you confess, remember Hobi’s sweet hand kiss and Taehyung’s forehead kiss. “Sure, you actually broke the rule, but nobody is going to hate you for it. Nobody. Least of all me.”

He leans his head back, closing his eyes as he lets out a long breath. “It’s just, we all agreed to give you enough space to make a clear decision if you felt like you wanted to make one at the end of all this,” he confesses, not seeing the way your eyes widen. Oh. “And I’ve completely screwed that up.”

Sighing, you squint as a fat raindrop lands on your nose. “Well, we’re on a date, aren’t we? People sometimes kiss- I mean, honestly, we could have done a lot worse-” Namjoon chokes on his spit at that. “But if you need something to blame, please don’t blame yourself. Because I love this date, and as far as I can tell, the kiss only made it better.”

He peeks one eye open at you. “Really?”

“Really.” You shrug. “And see? I really am Amy! I always get what I want!” You don’t add the fact that that wasn’t quite true with Hoseok or Taehyung. “If anything, blame the wardrobe. Wardrobes are wacky, anyways.”

Namjoon snorts, rolling his eyes. “Blame the wardrobe? Really?”

“Yeah! Sometimes they transport you to Narnia, sometimes they mess with your common sense,” you give him a pointed look, which he avoids. “So if the boys get all upset about it, just tell them it was the wardrobe. I’ll back you up on it.”

Finally, Namjoon laughs. Like, the annoying little hyena laugh that he hates but you secretly love. And when he looks back down at you and opens up the door, he doesn’t look so upset about it.

“Be honest, would you have rather gone to Narnia or been stuck in there with me?”

You feign annoyance. “Ugh, just get in the car.”

From the way your stomachs were rumbling and the rain was pouring, the two of you decided to bag the reservation. It was for some posh outdoor restaurant in Seoul that Namjoon pretended to be excited about.

Which is exactly how you ended up going through the McDonald’s drive thru and bringing it back to your place.

“Aren’t you on a diet or something?” You ask around your fries, eyes not leaving the television screen. The two of you had decided on Gone With the Wind, completely forgetting just how long it was.

Namjoon makes a noncommittal noise in the back of his throat, taking a swig of his drink. “Yeah, something like that. Today’s my cheat day, though.”

“Aw, you decided to spend your cheat day with me?” You tease. Namjoon rolls his eyes, finally deciding that maybe you really are Amy from Little Women. However, he can’t fight the feeling that he’s the Laurie to your Jo.

Not that he’ll be telling you that anytime soon. He’s certainly done enough today.

“More like our date happened to fall on my cheat day,” he bites back. “And I heard that they have really good cheesecake at that restaurant we bailed on.”

You hesitate before taking another bite of your food. “Should we have gone? They probably would’ve given us our food to go if we didn’t want to sit under the umbrellas. I feel bad, you made reservations and everything.”

Namjoon shrugs. “No, this is way better.” He holds up his McFlurry for emphasis. “They even had the cheesecake McFlurry back in season! Coincidence?”

“I think not!”

You both chuckle before falling back into the companionable silence you’d been in before. Over the course of the drive back to Seoul, you’d taken your time, stopping at a handful of little parks along the way. Namjoon had imitated the ducks before realizing how silly he looked, then hiding behind his hands for a solid five minutes before he could look you in the eyes again. Overall, it had been calm and relaxing.

As you watch Scarlett O’Hara flirting it up with different suitors on the screen, you can’t help but wonder if that’s you.

Sure, Gina told you back at the haunted house to just enjoy it. Chances are it was all just a phase, anyways. There was all of this romantic tension between you and the boys that would naturally fade away as their curiosity diminished after their dates.

At least, that’s what you assumed. However you’re quickly coming to realize that you’re a little out of depth here.

“You alright over there?” Namjoon asks, pulling you from your thoughts. “You have your thinking face on.”

You blink. “I have a thinking face?”

“Of course,” Namjoon replies as though it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “You gonna tell me what’s got you so stressed?”

“No,” you say a little too quickly. “I’m just...thinking about the movie.” Not entirely a lie.

You know he won’t push it if you don’t want to talk about it, but you take a little bit of enjoyment in the way his lip pouts out. “Alright, if you say so.”

Only a few more minutes pass before he speaks up again, sounding a little hesitant. “You know that this is a long movie…”

“Oh, should we end it here?” You ask, a little disappointed because you were just getting to one of your favorite parts. “You don’t need to feel like you have to stay-”

“No, not that. I’m gonna finish the movie. It’s just,” he wipes his fingers off on a spare napkin before scooting a little closer to you. “Long movies call for cuddling, don’t you think?”

You nearly choke on your saliva. “You- you, as in Kim Namjoon, want to cuddle? You’re into cuddling?”

He laughs, tugging on your arm until you give in and collapse against his side. You hope that your content sigh isn’t too noticeable when he drapes an arm around your shoulder. “It just depends sometimes. But yes, I am. At the appropriate times.”

“Ah, and long movies-”

“Are the epitome of the appropriate time,” he explains, lightly pinching your arm when you let out a wry laugh.

“Hey!” You cry out, only to be shushed by him.

“Shhh, I’m trying to watch this.”

You just can’t find it in you to be annoyed.

You’re asleep before the film is over, despite the fact that the sun barely went down. Something about having a full stomach and leaning your head on Namjoon’s shoulder just lulled you right to sleep.

You stir a little when Namjoon fidgets, pulling his phone out to call someone. His voice is deep and quiet, trying not to wake you.

“Hey, can you pick me up now?”

Despite your half-asleep state, you crack a smile. It’s quiet, but you can hear a familiar voice on the other side of the phone.

“Yeah, I’m close to there right now. Be there in a couple minutes. You’re at her apartment, right?”

“Thanks. Yeah, she’s conked out on the couch.”

There’s a laugh ringing through the phone. “Cute. Make sure she rests up, she’ll need it for our date next week.”

Namjoon sighs, not quite annoyed but not exactly pleased, either. “Yah, just hurry over.” He pauses for a moment. “Do you think I should wake her up to say goodbye?”

“Your call. But I mean, it’s not like you’re gonna give her a kiss goodbye. If she’s that tired, I’d just let her sleep.”

Your cheeks involuntarily turn red, and you can only imagine the way Namjoon looks right now. It’s his silence that gives him away.

“Hyung...what-”

“Text me when you get here,” Namjoon says, and suddenly the call ends.

Oh, he’s in for it tonight.

Stretching and trying to look like you totally weren’t just eavesdropping, you crack open your eyes to see Namjoon looking down at you with an amused expression.

“I would tell you that you missed the ending, but something tells me you’ve seen it before,” he drawls.

You chuckle breathily, yawning as you stretch your arms over your head. “Yeah, a couple of times.”

“I’m about to head out,” Namjoon begins, back to chewing on the inside of his cheek. “But thank you for going out with me. I seriously...it was just the best.” He smiles softly, and you wish you could have a picture of it.

Instead, you opt for nuzzling back into his side. “Aren’t I supposed to be the one thanking you? It was great, Namjoon-ah. I’ll have to read that book you got some time.”

He hums, returning the sentiment. “Yeah, we’ll do a book swap.” His phone lights up, but before you can see who it’s from, he’s snatching it up and jumping up from the couch. “They’re here.”

It’s tempting to not resort to begging him to stay a little longer - if only for the sake of his warmth which is quickly fading as he retreats to the door. However, you only pad after him, stopping him before he reaches the door.

“Thank you,” you whisper against his chest. “Tell everyone I say hello.”

“I will.” And with a rush of cool air, he’s out the door.

Gone, leaving you to stare blankly and wonder what just happened today.

And worse yet, what’s yet to come.

main masterlist

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nightingaelic · 4 years ago

Note

NV companions reactions to taking the courier’s place in OWB

"Here and now got its ups and downs, but... focusing on the past, like it was any better? That's just Old World Blues." -Blind Diode Jefferson

Arcade Gannon: Being whisked off to a pre-war scientific research haven and adopted by a group of five floating brains in jars was actually a dream Arcade had once, but he was pretty sure it didn't involve losing his own brain along the way. Conversation with the Think Tank would leave him amused at first, but increasingly more horrified as he learned the secrets of Big MT and realized just how much chaos they could create if they weren't busy playing in their Mojave sandbox. The most intriguing part of Big MT for Arcade would, of course, be the Sink. The Biological research station, the light switches, the Sink Central Intelligence Unit and all the others would fascinate him, and he would do his best to figure out their components and try to replicate them in New Vegas for the Followers of the Apocalypse to use. This leads to more than a few circular conversations with Doctor Klein and, once he meets him, Doctor Mobius. I think Mobius' side of the story would leave Arcade depressed about the state of Big MT and the various things roaming its landscape that used to be people. His argument with his own brain, on the other hand, would be worthy of any pre-war sitcom. Though sorely tempted to destroy the Think Tank for good and prevent their wild experimentation ever escaping the crater, I think Arcade would weight the potential good their technology could do much more heavily and convince Doctor Klein to partner with him as a new head researcher.

Craig Boone: Given Boone's hatred for the Legion and their enslavement practices, the Think Tank would seal their doom as soon as they stripped him of his brain and his ability to fight back. And once he found Little Yangtze and its total pacification collars? Oh, it's on. I don't think Boone would be sly about his anger either, but given the Think Tank's flippant attitude toward their lobotomites, they probably wouldn't pick up on just how furious he was until it was too late. There are two things Boone would form attachments to while sneaking around Big MT: Roxie, the ever-loyal cyberdog with a heart of gold, and the Stealth Suit Mk II, which compliments Boone's combat style with minimal commentary. While I don't think Boone would have any strong feelings either way toward Doctor Mobius, I don't think he would kill him unless he had to. Mobius would probably be tickled by his stoic countenance, and would attempt to shower him in Mentats as a way of loosening up. Boone's brain would be a bit like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, reveling in its own sadness for once because Boone always shoved those feelings out of sight and out of mind. Their main argument would be over a compromise to confront that deep sorrow once reunited. When the Think Tank is dead, Boone zaps Roxie and himself back to Nipton, then smashes the Big Mountain Transportalponder! on the nearest rock.

Lily Bowen: I think we could class Lily's reaction to being kidnapped and experimented upon by the Think Tank as utter confusion. She would still be as benevolent as ever, trying her best to soothe the over-inflated egos of the various doctors as they debated what to do with this creature that had thoroughly stumped the Auto-Doc upon recovery, but I think she would start looking for the exit as soon as they suggested a full dissection. Lily's experience in Big MT would be very different from the other companions after that, with the Think Tank sending wave after wave of lobotomites and night stalkers after her in an attempt to regain their new test subject, and Lily beating each attack back with her trusty vertibird blade and the growing pile of new gadgets she accumulated with every location visited. I think Doctor Mobius would watch this play out with interest, and would send a few packs of robo-scorpions to herd her toward the radar fence, then surreptitiously lower the barrier long enough for her to stumble outside. The story of her time in "the Big Empty" would become a fireside hit in Jacobstown, but few would believe that she had actually found the place where all cazadores and night stalkers come from.

Raul Alfonso Tejada: Raul is already missing a few body parts, so what's one more? The old ghoul would be somewhat exasperated at finding himself in another situation of imprisonment and being forced to do work for others, but at least it's not as boring as Black Mountain. Big MT, on the other hand, is a heck of a lot more deadly than the State of Utobitha, but all Raul can do is roll his eyes every time he spots another band of lobotomites chasing him down or robo-scorpions crawling over the horizon. Like Boone, Raul grows fond of Roxie, though his favorite acquisition from Big MT's tech piles would definitely be the proton axe: He just likes the way it looks and feels when he's swinging it around. Confronting Doctor Mobius would come when the old ghoul is reaching the end of his patience with the Think Tank, though he would spare the mad scientist some time to listen to his sad story and ponder the fate of Big MT. I think Raul would be the one most in tune with his disembodied brain, and they would greet each other as old friends that share a rocky history, but have accepted each other's flaws. As for the Think Tank, Raul would leave the decision of what to do with them up to Doctor Mobius: After all, they're not his mess to clean up.

Rose of Sharon Cassidy: Oh boy. Cass is no one's errand girl, but she's also rather fond of her brain, pickled in liquor though it may be. She would blaze a deadly trail through Big MT, marked by the wrecked bodies of robo-scorpions and Y-17 trauma override harnesses (a personal scourge for the former caravan owner, maybe her teams wouldn't have been killed if she'd just had some goddamned walking suits to do the job) and the never-ending stream of curse words floating on the crater's breeze. The lobotomites would quickly learn to stay out of her way, and every new acquisition for the Think Tank would be tossed unceremoniously on the floor of the sanctum with a clatter. Doctor Dala loves the caravaner, but the others all hate her, and Cass can't help but find the feeling mutual. Doctor Mobius would not be able to sway her from high-tailing it out of Big MT as soon as possible, and like Raul, she would not see the Think Tank's containment as her responsibility. Her brain, on the other hand, would berate her for her internalized guilt and bully her into doing the right thing - which, in her case, is eliminating the Think Tank's threat once and for all.

Veronica Santangelo: The main challenge for the doctors of the Think Tank upon capturing Veronica would be prying her away from their sanctum long enough to set her on the path to retrieving tech for them. Like Arcade, Veronica would be fascinated by the Sink and everything in it, but she would be equally fascinated with the scientists themselves and their varied personalities. She would prod Doctor Klein for details about his work, decode Doctor 8's speech patterns, and roll her tongue around in her mouth for Doctor Dala's recording equipment. Getting her brain back would take a backseat to just wandering Big MT, taking in the crazy inventions from a world long gone and wondering which ones she could bring home to Elder McNamara to show him how remaining set in his ways has put the Brotherhood of Steel on a path to irrelevance. This desire would stay her hand after meeting Doctor Mobius, and would lead her to convince the Think Tank to abandon their escape attempts and return to testing silly hypotheses. Her most important discovery would be the clues left behind by Father Elijah, well on his way to becoming a mad scientist himself, and Christine, hot on his trail for the Brotherhood of Steel. All in all, the experience would leave Veronica hungry for more adventure and send her sprinting toward the Sierra Madre and an uncertain fate.

ED-E: As a robot, the Think Tank would be disappointed with the little intruder and would likely argue about whether to toss it in the scrap pile. Doctor 0 would be absolutely disgusted by the intrusion of Robert House's technology into Big MT, but Doctor Dala would become attached to the eyebot and adopt it, cooing about the elegance of its design while simultaneously bemoaning its lack of biorhythms. ED-E, confused, would humor her for a while before striking out to explore the crater and its many wonders. After its first run-in with lobotomites, the eyebot would flee in fear, straight past the X-42 giant robo-scorpion and into the clutches of Doctor Mobius. The self-proclaimed villain would take pity on the robot and release it outside the radar fence with an escort of robo-scorpions to take home.

Rex: Cyberdogs are a well-known quantity at Big MT, so the new arrival from outside the radar fence is immediately handed over to Doctor Borous for his X-8 project. With a fresh new brain, some grease on his joints, and a competent pack addition named Roxie, Rex is ready to take on any obstacle courses in the X-8 research center. Once the two cyberdogs grow bored of tearing through night stalkers and avoiding Gabe, they make their escape and lope off into the Mojave to have a litter of Boston terrifiers together.

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