#this was our genuine reaction to this ask btw

[legally-allowed-to-slime]

Man, I’m watching Pearl’s Wednesday VOD and just. She’s talking about the Life Series. About how she needs to stop seeking Gem out because she’s looking desperate and obsessed. And then she mentions that everyone has their own idea of the narrative, even the Lifers. She says Scott always brings up the powdered snow, and she forgot about the axe crits but people in her comments have been reminding her that that was BEFORE the powdered snow. And just. I think all this is up your alley. The Scott and ace crit comments are at about 1 hour 49 min in the vod btw

this is a great ask bringing really intriguing information. i’ll be honest normally i’m always tuned in for hermitcraft streams, but i didn’t really bother this week because i was consuming so much caitvi content buried deep on ao3 i might actually drop dead

anyway. hmm. i love how pearl always checks for fandom reaction to decide what’s the most entertaining route to go, or deciding to drop or pick up a storyline. you can kinda tell because when she argues with scott she always has new material. basically she’s one of the lifers (like martyn or gem) who has consciously and explicitly thought about her character’s story, which is why her povs consistently deliver. she’s aware that she’s an unreliable narrator and so is everyone else she interacts with, so she doesn’t hold back on being unashamedly biased.

the gem comment is kind of funny because considering how active pearl is in the fandom, she should’ve known what type of reaction WL session 5 would elicit. still. what is our gal if not desperate and obsessed.

don’t even bring up the axe crits omg— i was wondering if she’d genuinely forgotten about them, especially the number of times she’s gone along with the very strongly prevailing fanon that pearl started it (even if it was scar’s idea). as a dl!pearl apologist it’s the strongest argument: that it was scott who chose to elevate the animosity, that it was pearl who yelped in surprise when her hearts went down a notch at the start of DL episode 2.

i’ll check the vod out (thanks so much for the timestamp)

[the-cosmos-withinus]

Look at that green, lanky, abomination.

I may never know its true identity.

[sybbi]

Jewish people in the diaspora: Hey I believe Palestinians should have self-determination and rights that have for too long been denied to them and I believe the architects of Israel's response have gone too far and slaughtered and displaced innocents and the human cost of this "self defense" is too great and something needs to be done to stop this before it's too late, Palestinians deserve their place in the Levant and the ability to self-govern, but hey it's also kind of concerning that some of you will ignore when actual dangerous antisemitism is being displayed and spread and I'd just really appreciate if you also would watch out for people like that in the pro-Palestine movement and call people like that out, thank you

You freaks:

[otaku-dragon-lover]

I shouldn't be posting on this so much but fuck it.

I've seen some post asking why tf it's another "people from our world enter the game" plot, and while I completely understand this sentiment, I've got a bigger bone to pick with this atrocity.

Why isn't it an animated movie?!

The only reason I can think of for why WB isn't making this an animated movie is simple: the FNAF movie's success.

Now, I'm not blaming the FNAF movie for anything here. It seems like (I haven't seen the damn thing but I have seen the fandom's reaction to it) a genuine love letter to the games and the community that helped build it up, the Matpat cameo is a prime example of that. It's also probably the best thing to come from the series as of late, buuuut that's just my opinion.

Anyway, the FNAF movie used mostly practical effects to depict it's antagonists (something I will forever love them for), with the film itself being live action. But! This makes sense to do because FNAF is (or at least was until it jumped the shark) supposed to be set in the real world, just with haunted animatronics. This isn't the case with Minecraft, it's a world with magic. Skeletons, zombies, giant spiders, walking penis monsters that explode, fucking dragons! At no point would anyone look at this world and think, "yeah, making this a live action movie makes sense". At least, no one with half a brain anyway.

The art style of the two games helps with this too; one has a very realistic style to their characters, while the other is very cartoon-y.

So, what am I getting at here? Why am I even bringing this up at all?

To be honest, I'm just tired of these massive companies clout chasing, because that's what this is. Creative ideas are dying in the writing room for this… utterly boring and overused trite.

This is coming from someone who loves the isekai genre btw.

Animation is getting more and more overlooked by the day, and this is what gets greenlit? Fucking hell.

[notsoattractivearenti]

Wanna Prove It? (Christian Pulisic x Fem!Reader)

WC: 800+

Warnings/Tags: pure fluff

A/N: a short one cuz i need to get it out of my system lol. he really is gonna be a great dad one day to our children cuz christian and babies = 🫠😍💗💗💗! btw no it's not dad!pulisic (y'all gotta wait until christmas 😋). anyway hope you guys enjoy and i’d love to hear your thoughts thru ask/reply/reblog 💗 apologies for any errors! feedbacks are highly appreciated 🤍 (ps: if you want to be added in my taglist just lmk!)

—

Christian and I are having a chill night in, and we spend most of the night laying on our couch with TV on. He gets up into the kitchen to get us some ice cream while I scroll through my Instagram feed on my phone – until I stumble across a video posted by USMNT of Matt Turner and Tim Ream answering a couple of "dad" questions. Just in time, Christian walks back into the living room holding a pint of ice cream and two spoons in his hands.

“Babe, have you seen the video USMNT just posted on Instagram?”

“What video?” He replies.

I show the post to him briefly as he sits back and puts the ice cream and spoons on the table in front of us.

“Oh it’s Matt and Tim! I thought it was another VW video I did!” He laughs. “ I haven’t seen it. Let me have a look.”

“Watch it until the end, I think you’re going to love it.” I suggest as I hand my phone and grab the ice cream.

He watches the short clip and makes some little comments during. He isn’t aware at the moment but from my point of view, excitement is written clearly on his face. There’s no denying he genuinely loves his national teammates (or as he usually calls them: buddies) – he does have some wonderful bonds with most of them.

“Yeah, I can see Joe and Brenden being terrific dads.” He agrees with one of Matt’s answers on the video.

“Wh- Aww, stop it.” Christian slightly blushes when Matt stated Christian would be a great dad and Tim agreed with it. “They’re so nice for saying that.”

“I do love their kids. They’re adorable and sweet!” He excitedly adds. “Also, who doesn’t love to hold babies!?”

“People who don’t like babies, I suppose.” I spontaneously answer him with a mouth full of ice cream – even though he doesn’t ask for one.

“Well, I think they are missing out on one of the best things in the world.” He comments back and it makes me chuckle.

I want to get more reaction from him so I ask him, “Do you think they’re right? That you’re going to be a great dad?”

“Uh…” He pauses. “Do you?”

“Hey, I asked you first!” I jokingly point my finger at him. “Don’t turn it back at me.”

“I mean, I hope I will…” He shyly hesitates. “But I don’t know. I don’t want to sound so cocky...”

“I know you will.” I wink at him.

His face suddenly turns pinkish red but his eyes lighten up so quickly.

“Y/N…”

“Say what you want Chris, but you know I’m right.” I try to convince him.

“Maybe…” Though he sounds unsure, he still agrees with me. “You know, I’m glad you think that way.”

With a spoon still in my mouth, I give him a little smile and nod my head. “Mmhm, you’re most welcome.”

The conversation ends there and we go back to finishing our pint of ice cream - or so I thought.

“You wanna prove it?” He breaks the brief silence.

“Huh.” I think I know what he’s implying but I’m not quite sure. “Prove what?”

“We can make a baby right now and prove I’m capable of being a great dad.” He smirks as he gently grabs my shoulder, pulls me closer then whispers in my ear, “We don’t need to wonder no more…”

Yup. That is exactly what I thought when he said “prove it”. Now it’s my face that turns so red and I nearly choke on my ice cream when he whispered so seductively. Oh, he surely knows how to get me good – what a cheeky man my boyfriend is!

“Christian Mate Pulisic!” I playfully gasp. “You can’t be serious!”

“Do I look like I’m kidding?” He laughs seeing me so visibly flushed. “I am just offering something you and I both want, sweetheart.”

“Why are you so sure I want it?”

“Well, I mean, you literally talked about always wanting to have babies on our first date, didn’t you?” He states. “You can’t deny it. I remember every word you said, Y/N.”

“And I remember I specifically said one day when I’m finally ready, Chris!” I clarify his statement before he continues. “I am totally not there yet.”

“Okay, but you do want babies right? So my offer still stands.” He moves his eyebrows up and down while giving me a cheeky grin.

“Oh…” I cover my face and shake my head. “Of course but not now, babe! Besides, if I get pregnant today, it’ll be like… A teen pregnancy!”

“You’re in your 20s, Y/N!” He cackles at my remark.

“Still! I feel like I’m way too young to have a baby. I’m still one myself!” I jokingly whine.

“My God, Y/N, you are a baby.” He says sarcastically. “I’m just messing with you, my love.”

“I know, Chris, I’m not dumb.”

“Don’t worry, no need to rush, yeah? We can definitely wait.” He kisses my forehead. “‘Cause you’re the only baby mama I want.”

—

taglist: @pulisicsgirl @neverinadream @swimmingismywholelife @chilwellspulisic @bracedes @lovelynikol16 @thoseboysinblue @lizzypotter14 @masonsrem @landoslover

[kaymarie-bell]

TWST Book 7 Chapter 6 spoilers and reactions ahead

.

.

You know, through all the updates people have been wondering "where is OB Malleus? is he seeing the dream too? why is he not interfering despite our group being 'awake'? does he even know about all of this?" it might seem crazy what I'm about to say-

This update started with a banger giving us Baul knighting Sebek and giving him an armor that's just like his after fighting off the Silver Owls together

Btw I'm currently on a mission of stealing all the gel in NRC to keep Sebek from putting his hair up again. If you care.

Silver carrying an injured Lilia on his back while Yuu and Grim look after the egg instead of leaving him behind like he asked. I'm ok I'm ok.

Sebek got to show off his UM training. I'm so proud of him 🥹

They killed my hot wife.

Fighting as Meleanor vs The Knight of Dawn felt so sick and twisted knowing what the outcome was.

FUCK THE SENATE. TF YOU MEAN "Filthy bat" "Don't touch Malleus" "get out of the capital and don't show up here again" I'm genuinely upset, what the fuck leave Lilia alone 😭

Maleficia's magic was not helping with hatching the egg, and touch and love is more effective so of course the responsibility falls on Lilia. Huh, who would've thought-

Lilia and the egg communicating. Did y'all see that. Is anyone else being totally normal about it.

Meleanor knew what she was doing when she left her child to Lilia.

Also what do you mean his own grandmother couldn't provide him the love he needed to hatch? 👀

Lilia's numerous travels around the world were all to find something to help hatch the egg. And he got discriminated against by both humans and fae everywhere oh I'm so sick-

Egg!Malleus feeling lonely even before hatching. Lilia being the only one who hears him crying. Lilia running to him despite it being dangerous. 😭

HE DISCOVERED HIS SIGNATURE SPELL WHILE SEARCHING FOR A WAY TO HATCH THE EGG. THE SPELL THAT BEST REFLECTS THE ESSENCE OF HIS SOUL IS THE ONE HE USES FOR BOTH MALLEUS AND SILVER. Shaped like a father fr.

Oh so the egg seems to gain strength only whenever Lilia shows up around it? What a coincidence I wonder what could this mean

Lilia's VA did a phenomenal job. I started ugly crying too. The 200 years were worth it to Lilia 😭😭😭

*Silver voice* I'm sure we were all wondering, "if these dreams are supposed to be happy then why have we seen nothing but pain and suffering so far?" well, it turns out Malleus being born is his happiest moment in life.

not a single thought behind that baby's eyes (he's 1 minute old)

Leona was right he sure *is* a lizard

not the senate suddenly praising Lilia as a hero 😒 I haven't forgotten what y'all said earlier.

Oh shit OB!Malleus is back. I got so caught up in the euphoria of seeing Malleus' birth that for a moment I forgot about overblots.

Malleus has his mom's looks and his dad's voice according to general Lilia

OB!Malleus is absolutely pissed at his grandma and the senate. Good for him.

Malleus offering Lilia a dream where Meleanor and Levan are alive...

If anyone is wondering "how are we supposed to win a battle against OB!Malleus?" the answer is: you don't. We only survive 😔 (for now ig)

Silver is able to secure the entire group in his arms. So normal about it haha.

SON IS BACK.

IDIA IS AWAKE LET'S GO GAMERS LMAO

we have reached 100 chapters. I can't wait to see what Idia's victory strategy is going to be

[1waveshortofashipwreck]

heyyy love ur stuff btw! Could you maybe do hc’s of how our boys when someone is being mean to the reader? Thanks ;)) Maybe like a modern AU? Or any AU you’d prefer, thank you!

Aaaaaaaa thank you for the ask friend!! I love this idea!!! So I pictured this in a Modern!AU where the pair is at a coffee shop waiting on their order. The Boy puts his arm around them and the person next to them just sneers and goes “Can y’all get a room? Or at least be with someone nice to look at?” OBVIOUSLY referring to y/n with just a palpable amount of spite and venom.

Dick Winters

I see him just hugging you tighter and maybe turning his back to the guy, like, if he's gonna be an ass about Dick's favorite person he doesn't deserve the time of day. He'd say something so sweet too like, “if you think anyone could be more beautiful than them, you need to get your eyes checked,” before planting a kiss on your cheek and grabbing your drinks.

Lewis Nixon

I can see him definitely getting irritated but also seeming kinda baffled? Like I can see him just saying something like, “Are you serious right now? You see how gorgeous they are, right? Who hurt you, man?” Like he’d be so genuine about it too, even scoffing and shaking his head while y’all walk out with your drinks - like, how tf can someone say that about the most perfect human on earth???

Ron Speirs

I have a strong feeling that the guy’s words leave his mouth before he saw Ron, because I just imagine the dude being Christianson in Bastogne, like, he see’s Speirs’ face and just feels as though he has Met His End. So all Speirs does is put his arm around you and say, “you wanna try that again?” the guy just stutters and replies, “you make a lovely couple,” before scurrying away. I can soooo see Ron just having a smug smile on his face before giving you a kiss.

Harry Welsh

Ok so considering this man got demoted from sergeant to private three (3) different times due to getting in fights I have a feeling he would just be like “OH ITS THAT KINDA PARTY HUH? YOU WANNA TRY SAYING THAT AGAIN ASSHOLE??” Like this dude could be twice Harry’s size but your Boy can and will throw hands to defend you and he’s not afraid to get hurt while doing it. 10/10 needs you to help with his bruised knuckles after but he apologizes and y’all enjoy your drinks (specifically savoring it because y’all got banned from the coffee shop).

Eugene Roe

I feel like this could go two ways - A) he tells the guy off (“why don’t you mind your business asshole”), holds you close to him, and grabs your drinks without saying a word, or B) he grabs you by the waist and just goes to town trying to merge your mouths into one. This man would just do everything in his power to put on display his love and passion for you. Soon enough the dude will get weirded out and leave, but not before Doc performs award-winning CPR.

Bill Guarnere

Oh boy we got Party Boy #2 over here. “Why don’t you shut ya yap before I shut it for ya?” Your mans would square up to the dude no questions asked. If the dude steps down, Bill would just say, “yeah, that’s what I thought,” before proudly putting his arm around you. If the dude makes a poor decision and steps up to Guarnere… next thing you know poor Bill is apologizing to you while you hold his cold brew up to his black eye to keep the swelling down… the dude apologized though! All thanks to Ol’ Gonorrhea.

Joe Toye

I feel like his reaction is betwixt Guarnere and Nixon. Like, for one thing, he’s genuinely confused. He just gives the dude his classic Eyebrows before pulling you close to him. At first he won’t say anything, but if the dude keeps going he’ll just say to him in a low voice, “you looking for a fight pal?” Honestly that would be enough to scare the dude away while Joe just hugs you tight and kisses your temple before the barista calls your names.

George Luz

This boy would twist the dude’s words perfectly. “Oh you’re absolutely right, they could get someone WAY hotter than me!” before smirking over at you. You can’t help but give George a playful smack on the chest before laughing with him and laying your head on his shoulder… then he’d totally just look at you and think “how’d I get so lucky???” we love a silly soft boi

Joe Liebgott

Fighty Boy #3 and you can’t tell me otherwise. It’d be similar to Guarnere on the ship - he’d have to make sure he heard the dude right at first… “What’d you just say?” like you can feel his angy levels rising by the second. The dude just goes, “you heard me,” and before anyone can even blink the dude is knocked out on the ground, like, the swifest punch known to man and it came from your boyfriend (kinda hot ngl) and you just give him a Look before he smirks and kisses the air from your lungs and… why were you mad at him again? And why are you getting thrown out of the cafe???

Floyd Talbert

Ok so remember how Roe gave you life-saving CPR? Tab’s first instinct is life-taking CPR, like, this man just glares at the dude before pulling you close by your waist (and maybe a hand on your ass because its Tab) and just going to TOWN on your lips, neck, wherever he can reach just to show the idiot dude how in love with you he is and how stupid he was to make that comment… of course instinctively your hands to Tab’s hair and y’all just get Lost in the Sauce and when the barista calls y’all’s names you don’t even hear them.

Shifty Powers

Asdf sweet baby angel would just hold you close and whisper to you, “I’m sorry you had to hear that, you don’t believe him right?” Just keeping all his attention on you and hugging you close with both arms just lovingly wrapped around you, both of y’all forget everything else exists and you just happily hold each other for a bit before you get your drinks (this is all unless shifty has his rifle then the dude’s Time Has Come courtesy of Darrell C. Powers).

ngl this might've been the most fun I've had writing something 🤣 Thank you again for the ask love!! Hope you have a wonderful day!

[bicheetopuff]

sorry "homestuck wasn't even this bad" guy back i had more thoughts once i sent the ask.

older fandom spaces used to be so much better, genuinely. especially with shipping. what the FUCK happened to "character has two hands" what happened to ending ship wars with a silly "but what if they were POLY"

i miss it. i really miss it. as a poly person i miss it. i hate modern ship wars. i hate them so much. i really really do. fandom feels so toxic now.

maybe it's just that bnha is so much different than homestuck but back in homestuck days (yes i know the homestuck fandom is still around but it's NOT like it used to be, i watched it deteriorate in real time :() if you encountered another homestuck you would ask what the other person ships, not to decide if you hate them or not based on their ships, but to start a conversation and to make friends :(

there was a gap between cons i went to and after the gap i could FEEL the difference. everything felt different. everything felt WRONG. my last con before the one after the gap, i made so many friends! i asked them their favorite ship from homestuck and we made quick friends, even when we hated each other's ship! it was a conversation starter! but at the one after the gap, i tried asking someone what they shipped in our mutual fandom (voltron, it was before i got into bnha, and it's only gotten worse since this con :() and they literally recoiled because they thought i was trying to start shit... and it was like!! no!! this was a fandom greeting!! i'm trying to make friends!!

i don't go to cons anymore :( the fandom spaces have changed so drastically... it's so... hateful, now

can anyone hear me?

If no one else hears you, know that I do.

While bkdk is the first ship I’ve interacted with heavily, I’ve been interactive with fandom enough in the past to know the extent of how bad bnha and anime fandom is as a whole (in comparison to different media) after the pandemic. There was a definitely a shift in fandom culture then when anime became more popular (which I honestly don’t have room to talk about since I didn’t get into anime until 2021).

Modern ship wars are taken way too seriously, and I think some people legitimately feel like they’re fighting for the honor of the motherland or something. Like, Horikoshi isn’t gonna personally thank you for commenting “Deku is straight” on some teenagers art of bkdk holding hands. And considering the results of the art contest, one of the artists who one literally being a bkdk, I think it’s safe to say that Horikoshi doesn’t give enough of a damn. Especially since one of his assistants used to post bkdk fanart all of the time.

I don’t think the fandom space is worse now because homestuck and bnha are different, I think it’s cuz of the influx of different people entering anime fandom and people rejecting queer shipping specifically in shonen anime spaces, because of the disapproval from cishet men. Because from what I remember, this was never as big of an issue in western cartoon fandoms (cartoon isn’t just kids shows btw, I mean I adult cartoons as well, before someone gets their panties in a twist about me comparing anime with cartoons).

It’s like every shipping community in shonen fandom feels the need to compete with each other to seek approval from shonen bros in order to stop getting hate from the western anime space. So everyone just stays at each other’s throats and cuts other people down in order to build themselves up for the sake of gaining respect. And it’s funny to me, because it’s really not that deep. All it’s doing is ruining the fandom experience for people who’re just trying to mind their business.

Honestly the state of fandom in the anime community just makes me avoid going to cons and telling people that I even like anime. Any time I tell someone I like anime and manga, usually the first reaction is to quiz me since I don’t “look” like I’d be into it as much as I am.

In conclusion, the bnha fandom is terrible and toxic, but not for the reason everyone says that it is. It’s the same kind of toxic that the entire shonen anime community bolsters, and it’s literally just the result of toxic masculinity/male entitlement, queerphobia, and misogyny causing everyone to feel the need to prove themselves to the dudebros that somehow control the climate of the fandom space. Honestly, I think this little corner of the internet on tumblr will be the safest judgement free place you can find. For me at least, it’s a safe space.

I’m sorry they ruined cons for you, anon. I hope one day fandom culture progresses and you can enjoy cons again without fear or judgement :(

[sonics-atelier]

A Sacred Celebration: Love's Eternal Embrace

Summary : Hua Cheng comes home to a surprise Xie Lian baked - well burnt - for him, cue tooth rotting fluff, fox and ferret plushies, self indulgent.

a/n : Hello Tgcf Fandom, wanted to Kickstart my journey by writing a piece for Our Kings Birthday, hope you like it <33 ❣️ (This art is so beautiful btw, I was inspired from it)

Hua Cheng wandered through the fields, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the landscape. As he made his way back home, a sense of peace enveloped him. Upon entering, he was greeted by a delightful surprise: a small celebration prepared by Xie Lian, complete with a half-charred, half-cream-covered cake. The sight was endearing, bringing a soft smile to Hua Cheng's face.

“Gege, how did you know it’s my birthday?” Hua Cheng asked, his voice filled with affection and surprise.

Xie Lian beamed with excitement. “I asked around, and Ling Wen told me since she owed me a favor,” he replied proudly.

Clearing his throat, Xie Lian began to sing a sweet, if somewhat off-key, birthday song, followed by a playful poem he had composed:

“Oh Lord of Ghost City, so brave and true,

How you have bewitched me, oh how you do,

With your smile so bright and your gaze so keen,

In your embrace, I find a world unseen.

Trapping me for eternity,

Oh what bliss,In moments stolen, in every tender kiss,

Through trials and storms, together we stand,With you, My love, I find my promised land.”

Hua Cheng’s eyes welled up with tears, his heart touched by the genuine effort Xie Lian had put into the celebration. He tried to speak, to thank Xie Lian, but his emotions choked him up. Mistaking his reaction, Xie Lian shook him vigorously and patted his back, thinking the cake was causing him to choke.

“Are you okay?!” Xie Lian asked, his concern genuine "I knew my skills aren't good-"

Hua Cheng started laughing, the sound rich and heartfelt. “I’m fine, gege,” he managed between laughs.

Xie Lian pouted playfully. “Don’t scare me like that! You almost gave me a heart attack”

The ghost king apologised profusely while his gege swatted at him.

Xie Lian’s face lit up with another idea. “Wait, I have something else for you.” He pulled out two cotton-filled plushies he had made: one was a fox with an eyepatch, and the other was a ferret with a crumpled hat. Hua Cheng’s eyes widened in surprise and amusement.

Xie Lian began to narrate a whimsical tale, holding up the plushies. “Once upon a time, there was a brave fox with an eyepatch and a clever ferret with a crumpled hat. They met in the woods and became the best of friends. One day, the ferret proposed to the fox as a joke.”

Hua Cheng laughed loudly at that, his eyes shining with delight "I already apologised gege!"

Xie Lian continued, grinning, “But the fox took it seriously, and they decided to get married. They had many adventures together and lived happily ever after.”

Hua Cheng, caught up in the story, started playing along with Xie Lian, making the fox and ferret plushies dance and interact. Their laughter once again filled the room, creating a melody of joy and affection.

When the laughter finally died down, Hua Cheng looked at Xie Lian with a depth of emotion that words could barely convey. “Thank you, Xie Lian, for always standing up for me, for being there when no one else was, for being my source of comfort.”

Xie Lian cupped Hua Cheng’s face tenderly. “You deserve to be loved, Hua Cheng. I am so proud of how far you’ve come.”

Hua Cheng kissed Xie Lian’s palm, a gesture imbued with reverence and devotion, as if he were worshipping at the altar of his beloved. Their love was a sacred religion, each kiss a prayer, each embrace a hymn. They moved closer, their lips meeting in a kiss that was profound and tender, a testament to their unwavering love.

In that moment, they were bound by more than just affection; their love was a sanctuary, a holy place where they found solace and joy. Smiles and contentment radiated from them as they held each other close, their hearts beating in perfect harmony.

- @sonics-atelier 2024 ( do not repost or reuse in any way shape or form , I will decapitate you )

[our-transmasculine-experience]

hey I wanna gush about my bf so uh yeah :3

HES AMAZING!! he's genuinely an awesome guy who's so god damn caring and accepting of my identity, especially considering he's the first cis guy I've ever dated. it's like I can be me without worrying about having to hide anything about myself and I can be ME!! hell when I started reading chainsaw man cuz he recommended it to me I didn't wanna spam him with my reactions and annoy him. but then he asked me to tell him what I was thinking cuz he wanted to hear my opinion (and know what he could talk about without spoilers)

I love him bro I got so fucking lucky (btw I sent a similar message to our-transgender-experience but on anon so there's a possibility of seeing me twice sorry lol)

that’s amazing, thank you for sharing!

[heich0e]

whenever sofia reads my fics (even though she live reacts her reading experience to me in our messages) she always leaves a BUNCH of tags on her reblogs that are always so fun and silly and make me laugh when i see them (bc she is the funniest woman alive btw.) it always reminds me of the Golden Age of tumblr fic interaction, when ppl used to leave long reactions to ur writing in their reblog tags, and it genuinely makes my heart squeeze that she does that. she doesn't even rly USE tumblr. half her blog is just reblogging my fics with her beautiful commentary. i've never asked her to or told her what it means to me, she just does it bc she can and bc she cares (੭ᵒ̴̶̷᷄◡ᵒ̴̶̷᷅)੭˚₊‧♡

[save-the-villainous-cat]

ermmie wormiee....can you explain how light dependant reactions work I'm genuinely kinda lost on that part of AP Bio like everything else makes sense but unit 3 (enzymes photosynthesis and cellular resp) is genuinely my OP

Ok, so I don’t know how much you have to know so let’s just get into it. It’s not that hard once you get it.

Also please keep in mind that I studied all of this in German so I’m sorry if some things are worded weirdly.

So, there are two photosystems (PSII and PSI) in plants. As you can see in this pic, the whole reaction starts with PSII, not PSI — that’s because PSI was discovered first. (But that’s not really important.)

Photosystems are able to absorb photons (that come from the light) and produce a high energy electron! As you can see in this pic, PSII absorbs the photon, creates a high energy electron and sends it through an electron transport chain (Plastoquinone - that’s a molecule btw) to the Cytochrome b6f complex and from there to PSI.

PSII uses water as an electron donor! That is very important because that’s how oxygen gets created as a by-product.

(sciencefacts.net)

PSI absorbs the photon again and produces another high energy electron which converts NADP+ to NADPH.

The big question is: how does the plant create ATP now?

That happens through non-cyclic photophosphorylation. See all those H+ protons? Whereas there is a bunch inside the thylakoid lumen, there isn’t much in the stroma.

That leads to a concentration compensation. So all those little protons that have been produced during the reaction actually go through the ATP-synthase into the stroma. Thus, the ATP-synthase creates ATP!

I also had to remember this, I don’t know if you do but if you have any questions about it, feel free to ask:

(istudy.pk)

All you need to know is basically:

Light hits PSII. Light = energy. PSII needs energy to turn electron (water = electron donor) into a high energy electron. High energy electron travels. H+ protons get produced during reactions. PSI needs energy. High energy electron converts NADP+ to NADPH (we need that for our Calvin cycle later). Bunch of protons travel through ATP-synthase —> we have ATP now!!!

I hope this makes somewhat sense. As I’ve mentioned, I had to remember all of this in German so yeah it might be a bit messy. If there’s anything unclear, feel free to send another ask!

[patamus-warmer]

Do you live in butte? It kinda seems like you’re treating my town like a poverty zoo for your art. Do you even know any of the people that frequent pissers palace? Why are you taking pictures of peoples homes like that? I get the maybe displaying capitalism decay in a town that was used and abused for its resources and then left for dead. But genuinely your photos feel a little cold to me. It just feels like we’re focusing more on the aesthetic of a decaying house (that btw people live in) and not like the humanity of the fact that people have to live there.

I’ve lived in uptown Butte for two years and no I don’t know any Pissers Palace regulars. Honestly, I don’t have a lot of friends here because I’m not the most socially adept person and Butte is the kind of town where it’s hard to make friends if you’re not from here. However, those facts don’t really matter considering the issues you raise, anon. I want to avoid addressing these valid concerns with some kind of PR-tailored bullshit statement and frankly there may not be much I can say that will satisfy you. So, I’ll try to do my best to answer as sincerely as I can.

I hope this ask isn't a troll because it was upsetting to read. Not due to my personal feelings, but because a member of the community feels like my photography is exploiting Butte by only seeing the decay caused by de-industrialization without seeing the broader community as it is, let alone the people. This is a fair criticism that I do think about with my work—probably not thoroughly enough—and one that’s at the heart of photography ethics (e.g. taking pictures of homeless people while doing nothing to change their material conditions). My interests and curiosity do gravitate towards darker aspects in society such as the consequences of late capitalism on communities. I’m not the first (or last) photographer to explore these phenomena, especially in Butte, but it’s what I often photograph. At the same time, this type of photography doesn’t do much to break cycles of exploitation and can create a myopic perception of places inviting gentrification. It definitely makes me consider what I photograph and why, particularly if the work is perceived as “cold” poverty aesthetics. I think one of my intentions with the photography is to help see the deep rooted history in the landscape of Butte that is out of time and special, especially compared to all the gentrified shit holes a lot of cities are now.

However, there’s also the issue you raise which is there’s much more to Butte than that and it’s not just aesthetics. Point taken. My last b&w post doesn’t exactly express positivity while probably coming off as cliche and annoying to people from Butte. Nobody wants to see the place they live in reduced to mindless social media posts. I’ve had a similar, yet inverse reaction many times seeing influencers portraying Montana as a new bastion of freedom while everyone who grew up in the state often view them more as rich, tax-dodging gentrifiers who don’t care about the people or the history. I think the other issue with the lack of humanity in the photography is the lack of portraits. It’s something I’m personally working on to be less shy and take portraits in a respectful manner—with the subject’s permission—without creating a dour perception. Also, I didn’t mean to disrespect the people living in any of the homes I took a picture of—I’d love to meet those people and talk with them.

The last thing I want to say is this: I have nothing but respect and admiration for Butte. And not to sound patronizing or condescending, I specifically admire the passion and dignity of this community that comes through in your ask, the town’s strong labor history and compassion for marginalized people. One event I attended last year was when after the public library gave into nazi demands to cancel a trans speaker, our local community radio station hosted her talk and the town came out in force to stand in solidarity. They did the same thing recently to make sure an ADA ramp wasn't defunded by the county commissioners.

I’ll never be from Butte, but I’m honored to live here and want to contribute to it respectfully. I see more beauty and the wonder of a place out of time in Butte than a decaying town to pity. You may see it differently in my photos and that’s fine.  If you want to discuss this further, please feel free to reach out: patrickwarnerphoto@gmail.com.

[drbased]

Your last two theory posts are absolutely fascinating and I'd love to read more on this subject from you, it really resonated with me. My father started getting radicalised online during lockdown, he's now a Q anon, a climatosceptic and a antivax amongst other things. I saw the man who taught me tolerance and acceptance become extremely racist, antisemitic, homophobic and most of all misogynistic over a few years (even tho he has two daughters, one being out as a lesbian. And his family having been subjected to horrible racism in his youth when he immigrated from Algeria) and it has utterly destroyed our relationship. We're no better than acquaintances now.

The biggest shift of all was how he went from an agnostic antitheist to a Christian during lockdown, then shifting again to a weird neutral stance I can't really explain. He says he's against all organized religion and authority (just so we're perfectly clear, I don't believe that for a second), but at the same time he has started seeing everything through the lens of Christianity (which was a big factor in how antisemitic he suddenly got). What I mean by that is that satanism in particular has become the central point of his whole philosophy. Everything is about the devil now. He told me I was supporting satanism as a horror movie fan, but also as a woman who supports femen activists. He thought the Olympics opening Ceremony was about Satan. Every single movie has a hidden message about Satan. He also notably started becoming a weird fan of psychiatry (my mum is a psychiatric nurse and an amazing one at that, she is very knowledgeable about these things) and started diagnosing random politicians and celebrities with "conditions" he made up which STRANGELY, have very demonic symptoms according to him.

[content warning ⚠️⬇️]

If I said everything I have to say about how the satanic panic got to him I would write for 4 hours. This has completely uphanded his life. Obviously like many like him, everything is about pedophilia too. The two are obviously linked. His new theory is that the president of our country (Emmanuel Macron) was raped when he was a newborn by his current wife (who is actually a man according to him) and it affected his brain which allows a secret organisation in the shadows to control him 👍 and also it's all about Satan too how could it not.

This whole thing has genuinely ruined my family, and he has been relentlessly trying to convert us and prove to us that these theories are real. This has not worked out great for him as his four children pretty much gave up on him. And the worst part is that I'm sure that our collective reaction and repulsion has only cemented his convictions. Because people like him love to feel oppressed and silenced.

I'm gonna be honest I completely forgot where I was going with this, I typed way more than what I planned. (Sorry for any mistakes English isn't my mother tongue)

I think feminists need to talk more about these conspiracy theories (at least I'd like to feel a bit less crazy, because I only hear about this from him and all that gross stuff he talks about like it's nothing is getting to me) and I was so relieved when I saw your posts! I was like omg I hear about that subject from someone who actually makes sense. If you have any recommendations of things to read, listen to or watch on this subject I'd love that and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Love your blog btw! Sorry for the long ask. Have a great day 💜

No worries about the long ask! I love reading other people's perspectives and experiences. And I wouldn't have guessed english isn't your first language; the only thing I noticed is that you wrote 'uphanded' when I think it should be 'upended'.

This is such a lovely ask to recieve! Whilst I love writing and analysing there's always a small part of me that thinks, ok, this specific thing I wrote is totally bunk, nobody's gonna wanna read this. So it's wonderful to recieve such recognition, especially not on anon (no shade to the anons though!)

'His new theory is that the president of our country (Emmanuel Macron) was raped when he was a newborn by his current wife (who is actually a man according to him) and it affected his brain which allows a secret organisation in the shadows to control him 👍 and also it's all about Satan too how could it not.' whaaaaat? Is that an existing theory or something he invented? I can see like three different patriarchal fears in that:

that 'leftist' men are a corruption of healthy masculinity

that men are corrupted by women's sexual violence (patriarchal reversal)

transphobia stemming from a conflation of homosexuality and femaleness as inherently linked; the ultimate in male emasculation and humiliation is the idea of the masculinised woman who dominates him

I grew up with conspiracy theories so I have some understanding of how they create a simplistic narrative out of the complexity and inherent unfairness of life. I always recommend Innuendo Studios' youtube series The Alt-Right Playbook as it was instrumental to me in gaining an understanding of how the right-wing mind works, but on this subject I recommend in particular the video 'You can't get snakes from chicken eggs'. The commentary that really resonated with me is relevant to phrase 'a lie is halfway around the world before truth gets its boots on': a lie can always be percieved - and communicated - much more simply than the truth, so it spreads easier and faster. And conspiracy theories are a way of both simplifying down the narrative into good vs evil, but also adding complexity to fill in all the obvious gaps - e.g., since there's no proof satan exists, but we need him to exist, there becomes an addiction-like obsession with trying to seek patterns that 'prove' he exists.

I can't remember where I read/heard it, but one of the psychological benefits of believing in conspiracies is that you get a gamification of life that generates a community - qanon with his 'q drops' has perfected this process: small bits of incoherent babble alluding to something are drip-fed to the community, who get to decode it in real time. The collective narrative-making is exhillarating, especially in a world with a fragmented culture and isolated people with diminishing 'third spaces'. And I know from personal experiences that one satisfaction from being a conspiracy theorist is that you get to 'achieve' something by doing absolutely nothing; you don't have to be any sort of activist or help people in the real world: since it's all information 'they don't want you to know', simply knowing the information is all that is needed for you to feel accomplished. I would definitely put 'conspiracy theorist' into my 'symbolic states' category because it's so transparently about placing a narrative layer over reality.

It's really sad what's happened to your dad; I imagine it would be incredibly painful seeing someone you love lose touch with reality so violently like that. And I believe you're right; that your collective response to him will only have strengthened his convictions. It reminds me of how it's been shown that door-to-door preaching is terrible at actually converting people, but instead is more useful to cement bonds between the group members as social outcasts. And conspiracy theorists basically pride themselves on being the pariahs who see the truth no one else dares to see.

[ca-suffit]

How do you rationalize the violence of the characters on this show? Imo, it's easier when it's self defense or when they're just killing to feed, specially the latter since most are just extras and we don't get to know or be attached to those characters. But there are more complicated cases, including physical and psychological abuse and literally everybody has been the abused and the abuser at some point. Not to/with each other, but definitely other people. There is power imbalance in all of the dynamics. Some may forget that since they keep jumping through timelines where things are perfectly okay or they're closer to making amends and making up. And also because the actors are friends and have chemistry on screen (speaking about the whole cast, not any duo in particular). But technically all main characters have abused each other. Nobody is "safe". So, where to draw the line? Psychological abuse? Physical abuse? The severity of the action (like continuously torturing someone who can't respond or match your strength is definitely worse than one punch, for example)? The frequency of the action, like, as long as it happened once it's okay? When a character is still redeemable/forgivable giving the fact they are immortals, so, in theory, they have eternity to better themselves and see if they can make it work? Or should they all be narratively punished (end up alone, suffering, locked up, dead etc)? What are your thoughts? Btw, I'm genuinely asking. I've become obsessed with this show recently and I haven't been able to talk about it with a lot of people, but I have these questions in my mind. Personally, the more I think about it, the less I know, tbh. It's part of why I love the show and I'm asking, btw. I want to see if I reach some conclusion lol. P.S. I understand if you can't/don't want to answer and I'm sorry this got too long. And if you do answer, feel free to make it long as well if you want, even if you want to make comparisons, add interviews etc. I love reading people's takes hehe. Anywa, thanks!

I don't try to rationalize it tbh. I think that's a goal of the show and the original books as well. What are u supposed to do if u have to "endure" each other forever? What still holds meaning if ur all immortal, how do u have relationships, hobbies, not get bored? Especially when everyone is born from trauma and sometimes that trauma was yesterday and sometimes it was 1000 years ago or 5000 years ago from a society u don't understand at all. How do u bring together so many ppl like that and not erupt on each other?

Trauma and mental illness and whatever else is not always pretty. Violent reactions to things are common and, at least in a society where punitive justice is the norm, we get used to putting these things in these boxes. "u did this bad thing so now ur going to jail / hell." The eternal question of the VC books is where do vampires belong, anyway? Where do they go when they die and for what reasons? Anne Rice never gives a v clear answer on this and it's not just bcuz she wasn't a good writer, the point rly is to just ask the questions. We don't have these answers as humans now, we can't confirm or deny if there's an afterlife and whether these things we do matter for a "soul" or not. We create social rules for many reasons but even those are not actually built on the back of "justice" the way ppl are made to think they are.

I don't think these stories are asking u to find a true "good" or "bad" character or characters. I think we're just meant to watch their choices and reflect on them, reflect on our reactions to them. The fandom's desire for Louis to have done something to "deserve" the drop is all about racism and nothing else. They blame Claudia for "manipulating" Louis into killing Lestat bcuz a black girl is never allowed to be a victim either. She's not even a girl to them anyway, adultification of black girls is another angle they use all the time ("she doesn't look 14 to me!"). They'll say look what Louis did to goad Lestat into fighting him more but they'll never say look what Lestat did to hurt Claudia and push her to that point, as someone who was acting as her parent for most of their lives together. That's always "ooc Lestat." What's happening on screen is a rorschach test for us as the audience and as individuals.

Like I wrote, I don't believe in punitive justice, so I don't think long term these stories are going to focus on that much. The trial was a sham to begin with and Lestat was never "rly" dead or meant to be gone forever. They're going to hurt each other and isolate each other in different ways, but if the show wants to focus on any real character growth, it needs to focus on ways the characters can learn to understand each other instead of banishing / killing each other. Relationships take real work like this too. Anne Rice could never write any of this but I'm hoping the show does. Seeing Lestat have awareness of the pain he caused Louis and the reasons he did it fr was a step in the direction I was hoping the show would go. The big question *is* how does a relationship recover from that? For immortals? How will it make others feel too, particularly Armand, if Louis and Lestat get back together? Will Armand reflect on his own abuse too? They all have a lot in common and they all want to be loved. If that's brought out into the open and treated with kindness and understanding, then the desire to maim and kill each other will greatly diminish tbh. Everything these vampires do to each other originates from a place of personal pain, feeling unlovable. "love is a monster" is one of the taglines for a reason.

[dragonedged-if]

ROs reaction when Mc take a blow that was meant for them but mc step In just in time.. WE wanna know how would they react if they see mc on the ground with the pool of blood ( mc gonna die btw 😭 sorry)

Hello anon, don't be sorry you know me! I love writing Angst and Tragedy. Was planning to take a nap earlier but seeing this in my inbox gave me unexplainable energy LMAO. Don't you rread this @kingsdespair-if

So here's a song for the mood and a poll at the very end ;)

(Variel)

As you and MC strolled down the winding street, the sun bathed the surroundings in a warm golden glow. The park had been the perfect setting for a delightful picnic, which were packed away neatly in a wicker basket. Laughter echoed through the air as children reveled in their innocence, their carefree spirits infectious. You couldn't help but feel a surge of joy and contentment at their presence, their unwavering belief in the goodness of the world.

But beneath the surface of this idyllic scene, a dark truth lurked. The world, with all its beauty, was tainted by the cruelty and deceptive words of humanity. Anger simmered within you, your blood boiling at their injustices. Your hand clenched into a tight fist, a physical manifestation of the rage you felt in your heart. How could they tarnish the purity of these little ones, polluting their minds with their own twisted agendas?

Lost in your tumultuous thoughts, a voice suddenly shattered your reverie. Startled, you shook your head and turned your gaze towards the source of the interruption. "I'm fine, mouse!" you gruffly replied, determined not to reveal any sign of vulnerability. Showing weakness was not an option, especially not in front of others. Pride was your armor, after all.

The voice belonged to MC, a trusted companion who had witnessed the depths of your anger and the fire that burned within you. They understood the conflict that raged within your soul, the dichotomy of your emotions. Their presence offered solace and a respite from the overwhelming weight of your thoughts.

As you continued walking, the streets seemed to come alive with a vividness that mirrored the intensity of your emotions. The scent of freshly bloomed roses mingled with the earthy aroma of the park, a juxtaposition of beauty and the harsh reality of life. Each step you took resonated with purpose, your determination fueling your movements.

MC leaned close, their eyes darting to their side, their body taut and tensed. They could sense the storm brewing within you, their own emotions mirroring the turmoil in your heart. "Tell me," they urged gently, their voice filled with concern and a hint of fear. They wanted to understand, to offer support in any way they could.

The world around you seemed to blur, the street a backdrop to this internal tempest. "Children," you murmured, your voice a low growl, "so innocent, so pure. Until they learn the cruelty and deceit of the world." Your words were laden with bitterness, as if each syllable carried the weight of centuries of disappointment.

The voice that had disrupted your thoughts earlier now had a face—a face that held concern and a touch of confusion. You could see it in the furrowed brows and the searching eyes. "What's bothering you?" they asked, their voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Your response was a torrent of emotion, a mixture of sorrow and frustration. "It's just… the world," you began, your words flowing like a stream of consciousness. "The injustice, the pain inflicted upon our kind. It's hard to bear, hard to watch. The innocence of these children, it's beautiful and tragic. They don't yet know the darkness that awaits them."

In the midst of the idyllic park, MC pulled you into their warm embrace, their arms enveloping you like a protective cocoon. Their touch was a lifeline amidst the tempest of emotions churning within you. "That's how the world works, Variel," they began, their hand gently rubbing your arm as if to soothe the raging storm within you. "There's light and dark… Good and evil… War and peace." Their voice carried a solemn weight, resonating with the gravity of life's dualities.

"But what matters is how you spend your time in the present." MC paused, their eyes locking with yours, radiating warmth and compassion. It was a gaze that drew you in, like a shelter from the storm. "And this time, I want to spend my time with you on a picnic!" MC's words were accompanied by a flourish of the picnic basket they held, emphasizing their heartfelt invitation.

Reluctantly, you withdrew your chin from their fingertips, a lingering trace of vulnerability in your gaze. "Very well, mouse, you win," you conceded with a pout, your heart softening in the face of their unwavering affection.

MC chuckled, their laughter like a soothing melody, and led you to a lush green spot. They spread a blanket on the ground, and together, you began the ritual of setting up the picnic. "Finally, we can eat. I'm famished!" MC exclaimed, their enthusiasm infectious.

You couldn't help but laugh at their enthusiasm. "You always are," you teased, MC playfully walking to your side.

Then, in a moment that shattered the tranquility, a mysterious figure appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Their face concealed by a hood, they addressed you with a sense of urgency. "Excuse me, are you Variel?" The question hung in the air like an ominous omen.

"I am," you replied, your curiosity mixed with a hint of apprehension.

With deliberate slowness, the hooded figure raised their hands, unveiling their features. Scars crisscrossed their visage, and their left eye bore an eye patch. "This is for my family!" they declared, their voice trembling with vengeance. In the blink of an eye, a knife materialized in their hand, and it was aimed at you with deadly intent.

Time itself seemed to stretch, each moment elongating into an eternity as you watched the knife's trajectory, every inch of its deadly arc etched into your consciousness. Panic surged within you, but before fear could paralyze you, a voice pierced through the chaos.

"Watch out!" MC's voice, filled with urgency, reached your ears. In an instant, they shoved you away with a force that left you stumbling. You crashed to the ground just as the knife found its mark.

Your heart clenched in horror as you witnessed MC standing between you and the hooded figure, blood pooling beneath them. The attacker withdrew the knife, and MC collapsed, their body crumpling like a marionette with severed strings.

"NOOOOOO!" The anguished scream tore from your throat, your vision clouded by tears. In that moment of despair, your trembling hand reached out to the earth, and with a surge of raw emotion, vines erupted from the ground, snaking and ensnaring the assailant, binding them in a grip as unyielding as your grief.

The scent of fresh earth fills your nostrils as you desperately fight against the overwhelming surge of rage and sadness. This moment, this life-altering experience, unfolds like a scene from a twisted nightmare. Each detail is etched into your memory, every sense heightened to the extreme.

Your world shattered into a nightmare as you cradled MC's lifeless body in your arms, urgency and panic coursing through you like a maelstrom. "Are you alright, mouse?" Your voice quivered, your desperate plea echoing in the eerie stillness that had descended upon the park. But MC's eyes remained closed, their breath stilled, an unbearable silence in response.

Desperation clawed at your chest as you called their name once more, the anguish in your voice more palpable with each repetition. "MC?" Still, there was no reply, no sign of life from the one who had brought you solace and joy.

Meanwhile, the hooded man who had orchestrated this tragedy reveled in your suffering. His laughter, sharp and mocking, pierced the heavy air. "FEEL MY PAIN… TELL ME WHAT ARE YOU FEELING RIGHT NOW?" His words were laced with sadistic delight, and he cackled deliriously, the sound echoing like a sinister symphony of madness.

"THEY'RE GONE. THE KNIFE IS POISONED—DEADLY TO DRAGONS BUT FATAL TO HUMANS!" His voice boomed, carrying the cruel revelation across the park.

The world around you had become eerily quiet, as if nature itself held its breath, sensing the unfolding danger. Your trembling form leaned closer to MC, planting a tender kiss upon their forehead, a final farewell to the love you had cherished. Then, with a heavy heart, you gently released their lifeless form.

Rising to your feet, fury coursed through your veins like a tempest. You beckoned to the winds, invoking their power, commanding them to encase the hooded man's head. "You took someone I treasured from my life!" The winds responded to your command, swirling faster and faster around the man, binding him in an inescapable cyclone of air.

"They're the ones who kept me sane and happy in this godforsaken world!" The man's wheezes and coughs filled the air as the wind mercilessly robbed him of breath.

"And I want your life as payment for this!" Your voice resonated with unwavering determination. The man's eyes bulged, his face contorted in agony, until he ceased to move, his life extinguished by the very elements you had harnessed.

The man lay lifeless before you, a testament to your wrath and grief. Yet, in the aftermath, you stood alone, the weight of your loss heavy upon you. "I will find out who is responsible for this," you vowed, your voice a solemn oath that cut through the silence. "And I will hunt them down and eradicate their whole family and clan! This is for you, my little mouse!" Your declaration hung in the air like a curse, a promise forged in the crucible of tragedy.

(Clara's POV)

Amidst the bustling plaza, the vibrant tapestry of the city unfolded before you, a captivating spectacle of life and commerce. The scent of exotic spices wafted through the air, mingling with the excited chatter of the crowd. Your loyal bodyguard, Lucas, walked resolutely ahead, his imposing presence a shield against the throngs of people.

"Buy now and get a free item!" a merchant's voice pierced through the clamor, attempting to entice every passerby with the promise of a deal too good to pass up. Nearby, a magician commanded attention, weaving illusions that drew gasps of wonder from the gathering crowd. his crimson robe beckons to the gathering crowd, his hands weaving mystic patterns in the air.

Turning your attention to Lucas, you raise an eyebrow and speak with playful sarcasm, "You know, Lucas, you don't need to come with us, you know?"

Lucas, resolute and vigilant, answers sternly, "It's my job, Clara."

You place a hand over your heart, feigning injury. "Lucas, you wound me!" Your voice drips with mock hurt. "Where's your faith in MC and me?" You inquire, a mischievous glint in your eye.

Lucas continues to stride forward, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Exactly, that's why I need to come," he says, glancing over his shoulder at you and MC. "I don't trust you two to do any walking today." The hint of a smile vanishes as his gaze returns to the bustling plaza ahead.

"Lucas, you're so serious!" MC's laughter dances through the air, teasing and bright.

Lucas, the embodiment of stoicism, merely shrugs, his unwavering focus fixed on the path ahead. "It's my job to be," he deadpans, his voice carrying an air of unyielding duty.

As MC playfully taunted Lucas about his serious demeanor, laughter filled the air, echoing against the walls. The sound seemed to bounce off the walls, reverberating in your ears. You watched the interaction with keen interest, your eyes drawn to the contrasting expressions on their faces.

Lucas, seemingly unaffected by the teasing, shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. His gaze was fixed forward, unwavering, as if he had a laser-like focus on something far beyond the present moment. His face remained stoic, revealing nothing of the thoughts that raced through his mind. It was as if he wore a mask, hiding his true emotions from the world.

An idea sparked in your mind, an electric current surging through your body. With a flick of your fingers, you snapped them together, the sound cutting through the air like a lightning strike. "I know just the remedy for that gloom," you declared, a mischievous grin spreading across your face. The words tumbled out of your mouth with an air of excitement, as if you had stumbled upon a hidden treasure. "Let's go find Haley and indulge in her heavenly puddings."

Lucas abruptly halted, his feet freezing in place. You and MC, caught off guard by his sudden halt, also came to a stop, turning to face him. Slowly, he turned around, his eyes meeting yours with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine. His face remained impassive, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes, a spark of interest that hadn't been there before.

"Very well," he said, his voice devoid of emotion, yet there was a hint of something lurking beneath the surface. "I will allow it."

Once more, Lucas takes the lead, his head tilting to the side like a predatory bird, sharp eyes scanning the surroundings with a vigilance that borders on lethal. Every step he takes is deliberate, and every movement calculated.

After what feels like an eternity of walking, the trio arrives at their destination, but alas, it's as crowded as a beehive on a summer's day. MC's stomach growls impatiently, mirroring their frustration. "The line is so long!" they grumble, their voice a symphony of hunger and annoyance. "I might actually wither away waiting here," you add, your melodramatic groan drawing attention from those nearby.

Lucas, ever the enigmatic presence, steps forward, his aura commanding the attention of everyone in the vicinity. Eyes turn towards him, curious gazes and starry-eyed admirers alike. Whispers ripple through the crowd like a gentle breeze through a field of wildflowers, and one girl couldn't help but gush, "He's so dreamy!" Her voice was filled with awe, as if she had just witnessed a celestial being descend from the heavens.

You can't help but chuckle, a mischievous glint in your eye as you watch Lucas, the master of making an entrance, bask in the attention he commands. "Pshhh, showoff," you tease, your words a playful jab at his ability to captivate a crowd effortlessly. Indeed, he has a knack for leaving a lasting impression.

With a sly agenda in mind, you lean in closer to MC, your voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Psst… MC," you murmur, the words dripping with secrecy and excitement. "Let's make our escape."

MC nods in understanding, their eyes sparkling with mischief as they playfully accuse you, "You're very naughty, you know that?"

Lucas, ever watchful, turns to catch the two of you lingering behind. But in that fleeting moment of distraction, it's already too late. Like shadows in the night, you and MC slip away, carried by the tide of the crowd. Lucas's charm, which had held the plaza in rapt attention, now becomes your clever ruse, diverting his focus while you make your daring escape.

As the distance between you and Lucas grows, you can't resist a parting taunt. "We'll be back soon, sweet Lucas!" you sing, your voice as bright and cheery as a robin's call. The words are like a melody of mischief, carried on the wind.

Lucas, pudding in hand and face contorted with ire, watches you and MC vanish into the throng. His disbelief is palpable, his jaw falling open and his eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, please, let me throttle you two!" he cries out, his voice carrying the weight of exasperation and exhaustion.

Several blocks away, you and MC pause to share a knowing smirk. Satisfaction courses through your veins, a sweet taste of victory. The thrill of your daring escapade fills the air, a sense of triumph over adversity.

As the chaos of the crowd swirls around you, you feel a momentary sense of triumph. Success has warmed your heart, filling you with a sense of accomplishment. But that feeling is quickly shattered by the sound of a familiar voice cutting through the air. It's Lucas, calling out to you and MC, his deep and rich voice echoing in the space around you.

You turn to glance over your shoulder, and there he is, Lucas's tall and muscular frame looming over the crowd. His azure eyes lock onto yours, and you can't help but feel a surge of both excitement and apprehension. "Damn! He's fast!" MC curses, their voice filled with a mix of admiration and envy. You chuckle, knowing that Lucas is indeed the best of the best.

But there's no time to revel in your victory. Lucas's pursuit is relentless, his movements graceful and deadly. He effortlessly cuts through the mass of bodies, his body always ready to pounce. You can hear his breath coming in harsh pants, a testament to his skill and power. It's a reminder of the danger that lurks behind his calm and composed exterior.

"STOP FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODS!" Lucas pleads, his voice filled with urgency and desperation. But you and MC refuse to yield, determined to hold onto the precious prize of freedom. The adrenaline courses through your veins, fueling your drive to escape.

Curiosity flickers within you, a fleeting urge to turn around and face Lucas, to confront him and end this chase. But you resist, knowing that your priority is to keep moving, to stay one step ahead of him. The thrill of the chase intensifies, the stakes rising with each passing moment.

Finally, you and MC find refuge in a narrow alley, hidden from view. The sound of footsteps grows fainter, and you allow yourself a moment to catch your breath. "That was a close one!" you sigh in relief, the tension slowly dissipating.

But your relief is short-lived as a malicious voice breaks the silence. You and MC turn around, only to find yourselves confronted by four menacing figures. The leader of the group sneers, his voice dripping with malice. "A princess and a rat! You two will make excellent ransom for the monarchs!" he snarls, his words laced with venom.

Fear grips your soul like an iron fist, and panic rises in your stomach. Uncertain of what to do, you slowly begin to back away, your mind racing for a way out. "Come here, rat!" the dark-haired man taunts, his voice filled with sadistic pleasure. The bald man laughs, closing in on you menacingly.

But MC refuses to back down. They grab a nearby stick and swing it at their attackers, their movements swift and determined. "Stay back, you dolts!" they shout, their voice filled with defiance.

The dark haired man sneers as he grabs the stick and pulls MC to his knees. "Scared of rats,a re we?" he taunts as he pulls out a knife. "Let them go you, swines!" You growl. But the red-headed man just cackles and holds a blade up to your throat.

"Now now, beauty, we don't want any fuss. Just walk away and no one gets hurt." But MC couldn't let their captors have their way. They kicked out, shoving the dark haired man back with their feet. "You wanna play rough, rat?" he spat, plunging the knife into their shoulder.

"Nooo! Stop it!" you screamed. But the bald man just grinned as he watched, MC struggled in pain as they kicked and thrashed trying to break free. But their captors were too strong.

Then suddenly a dark figure appeared at the mouth of the alley. "Let them go," the man growled. His voice was like thunder, deep and threatening. It cut through the tension like a knife, sending shivers down your spine. The bald man leered. "Who are-" his words stop short and stepping back a little.

"Lucas!" he says with disdain. He quickly went behind you and holding you by the neck, knife hovering on your neck. "No funny business Royal Protector!" he threathens.

Lucas advances slwoly, his eyes locked to you offfering you comfort. "Lucas I'm sorry!" you say to him and blaming yourself for this predicarment if you and MC just stayed in one place.

"We will talk later Clara!" Lucas says gently, eyeing the 4 men warily.

"Let go of-" MC begins but the man with dark hair kicked him in the face. "Shut up!" "Let him go!" you cry angrily. Lucas looks at you, assessing the situation, calculating the enemy's weaknesses and strengths. His senses seem alert and vigilant, his eyes scanning the alley for anything useful.

Suddenly, he springs into action, lunging forward like a tiger hunting its prey. His moves are fluid and graceful, grabbing a brick on the floor and hurling it at the one that is looming MC. "What the-" the man holding you hostage says in disbelief, using his distraction to your own gain, you snapped your head back to his face hearing the crunch of his nose breaking and letting go of you.

Lucas quickly ran towards him and tackles him to the ground, his eyes fierce and determined. "You're a fighter, are you not? Show me what you got!" Lucas says as he punches the 3rd man in the face. The bald man turns and backs away with eyes wide in fear. However, you could tell he was not the kind to flee without a fight. He whirled around, arms spread in anger, ready to charge and come out on top.

But before he could charge, MC rammed their elbow into his stomach, knocking the air out of him and he came wheezing down to the ground. "We're here too!" MC said smugly. Lucas nodded at them appreciatively, impressed by their moves. "Quick thinking! I almost didn't see you there." He motioned to you, the one they had been holding hostage. "You alright, Clara?"

You wiped the blood from your forehead, bruised, battered, but still standing. "I'm fine." Lucas sighed in relief, feeling the rush of adrenaline begin to subside. "It's not like you to be so defenseless, MC, but thank you all the same."

"Clara behind you!" MC shouts but its too late!

The dark haired man regained his bearings, crawling onto his knees and lunging at ou. His teeth bared like a hungry wolf, his eyes burning with rage. Knife brandished and poised! "DIE" he shouts with fervor and aiming at your heart.

Yet before it canmake contact you felt a force forcing you out of theway and you see MC standing on the spot where you where standing, a knife embedded ien their chest. "NOOOO!" you cry out, horrified and terrified beyond belief. Tears started to form in your eyes, emotions building in your throat.

But it was Lucas who rushed in with a cry of fury and rage. The world seemed to slowdown as he grabbed the bald man by the throat and threw him into a trashcan, metal crunching beneath his weight. His face was contorted with rage, eyes burning with an all-consuming fire. The silence that followed was deafening, piercing through the air like a bullet.

And in the moment, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of finality, a resolution to end the conflict once and for all.

"Please…Please…Please!" you implore, racing towards MC, tears streaming down your face. Your voice is a desperate plea, a last attempt to save a loverfrom death's icy embrace.

But as you reach for them, their body falls to the ground, lifeless and eerily still. A sob bursts from your throat, raw and gut-wrenching, as you cradle their face in your hands. "Nooo!" you scream, the pain a living, breathing entity.

Tears clouded your vision, a haze of grief and agony. "Bastards!" Lucas spat, his voice hoarse with emotion. He clutched the leader of the group with white knuckles, his grip crushing and unrelenting. "You dare hurt the princess's consort!" His voice rose with each syllable, the fury burning through him like a forest fire. It was a monumental moment, a testament to his loyalty and duty.

On the ground, blood pooled around MC, crimson and sticky, a vivid reminder of the cruelty and chaos of the world. "We need to get him help,Lucas!" you stammered through the tears.

Lucas, the embodiment of resolute stoicism, nodded in agreement. "Of course," he said grimly. "But it's too late, the wound was too deep."

"Nooo!" you sobbed, cradling MC's face in your hands. "This can't be happening!" It was as if the world had collapsed around you, a cataclysm of agony and despair. On the ground, MC's face was pale, their eyes closed and peaceful. They had given their life to protect yours, a sacrifice of heroism and courage.

Your eyes caught the knife on the coold unfrogiving ground, the same knife who ttok the life of MC. Filled with fury you quikcly grabbed it and charged towards the man who took your other half. Stabbing him with it.

Again…Again…Again…Again…Aain… each stab becoming weaker and weaker, until you cried and you felt Lucas embracing you. "It's done Clara, grieve…just grieve!" he tried to comfort you, the knife becomming slippery in your hands and falling to the ground with a clatter. But you could only feel the guilt and the sadness rise within you, a tide of hopelessness and despair. "Why am I alive and MC is not, Lucas, tell me!" you whisper, each word coated with the taste of loss and anger.

Lucas looked away, his eyes heavy with regret. "It was their choice, Clara. they saw the attacker lunging and they pushed you out of the way. It was either you or them." "No,no,no,no,no, no, no…" you murmured, tears spilling over your cheeks, warm and wet. "I'm such a monster. It's all my fault."

Lucas gently shook his head. "There's no one to blame," he said, his voice filled with resignation and bitterness. "It was a cruel twist of fate."

And as the sun begins to set, casting long shadows across the alley, you sit there, clutching MC's lifeless hand, the tears flowing freely down your face.

It was then that you knew. It was all your fault. The thought echoed in your head, a twisted refrain that refused to fade away. You had set up the scene of tragedy, a macabre masterpiece. And in the end, the pieces came together, a perfect ending to a tragic tale. "Forgive me, MC," you whispered, as you pressed a kiss to their cold, pale lips.

A memory flashed before your eyes, bright and vivid. It was you and MC, standing in the courtyard, laughing as the sun shone down upon you. "It's all my fault," you said to MC. "I wish I could go back and fix it. "

But you couldn't. As the darkness grew around you, you let out a wail of despair, a howl of regret. And in the moment, you felt your heart splinter, shattering into a million pieces, each fragment a testament to your guilt and grief.

A shadow loomed over you, a presence you didn't expect. You glanced up, only to find yourself staring at Lucas. His face was grim, his eyes haunted with the ghost of a memory. "You can't blame yourself," he said. "MC knew what they were doing."

"How can you be so sure?" you cried, your voice ringing with hopelessness. "How do you know they didn't regret their choice?"

Lucas sighed, his shoulders slumping forward. "Clara, they would have wanted you to live. There was no hesitation in their actions. They saw the attacker lunging and pushed you out of the way. "

"But I should have done more!" you protested. "I could have taken him out before he even had a chance to attack."

Lucas shook his head, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. "I won't argue with you, but I can't help but wish MC had made a different decision." You slumped forward, grief gripping you like a vise. "Me too," you murmured, tears streaming down your face. "Me too."

And as the sun began to rise over the horizon, you knew. You knew that you could never undo the events that had unfolded that day, that you could never bring MC back. But you also knew that you would cherish their memory, their sacrifice, and carry it with you for the rest of your days.

"If only…" You whispered to yourself, your voice choked with tears. "If only I had been smarter, faster, stronger. " But it was all too late. MC was gone, and you were left to bear the burden of their death.

(Lucian's POV)

As you and MC stroll down the bustling streets, your intertwined hands serve as a symbol of the unbreakable bond you share. The sun bathes the city in a radiant glow, casting long shadows on the pavement. The air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant aroma of freshly brewed coffee, enhancing the already enchanting atmosphere.

You break the silence, your voice filled with genuine joy and optimism. "What a truly wonderful day we're having," you say, your words floating in the air like a melody, hoping to fill the moment with even more enchantment.

MC chuckles, their eyes sparkling with affection as they look at you. "Ah, my love, you never cease to amaze me with your delightful corniness," they say lovingly, their voice a gentle whisper that dances on the edge of your ears. The sound of their laughter is music to your soul, a symphony of happiness that reverberates through your being.

As you continue your leisurely walk, the city seems to come alive around you. The buildings stand tall and proud, their facades adorned with intricate details that tell stories of the past. The streets are lined with shops, their colorful displays inviting you to explore their treasures. The sound of bustling traffic and snippets of conversations create a symphony of urban life, a vibrant backdrop to your shared journey.

You notice MC's eyes wandering, their gaze taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Their expression shifts, a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Look at that," they exclaim, a touch of excitement in their voice. "A street performer, captivating the crowd with their mesmerizing dance moves."

Intrigued, you both approach the gathering crowd, drawn to the performer's magnetic energy. The dancer's body moves with graceful precision, every movement an expression of passion and emotion. The music playing in the background sets the rhythm, its pulsating beats reverberating through the air, intertwining with the palpable energy of the onlookers.

MC's hand tightens around yours, their fingers lacing through yours as their excitement grows. "Can you feel it?" they ask, their voice filled with wonder. "The electricity in the air, the energy that binds us all together. It's like magic, isn't it?"

You nod, your eyes locked with theirs, feeling a surge of emotions coursing through your veins. The world seems to fade away, leaving just the two of you and the captivating performance. The dancer's every move becomes a metaphor for the passion and intensity that exists between you, a physical manifestation of the love that binds your souls.

As you and MC stood there, bathed in the ethereal glow of the artist's performance, a sudden and profound change seemed to come over them. Their grip on your hand loosened, and their eyes, once fixed on you, now sought something beyond.

"I need to speak with the artist, just for a minute," MC whispered, their voice a hushed but determined plea. The air around you thickened with anticipation, and you could feel a surge of curiosity mingling with a hint of unease.

Your heart raced, caught in the whirlwind of this unexpected turn. "Will you join me?" MC's question hung in the air, a question that beckoned you to venture into the unknown.

As you and MC approach the artist, a sense of anticipation fills the air, mingling with the fading echoes of applause. The artist stands tall, their presence commanding attention. Their body, bathed in a soft glow, seems to radiate the very essence of creativity and passion.

MC takes a step forward, their hand outstretched, reaching for a connection with the artist. Their eyes are filled with a mixture of awe and admiration, their voice carrying a hint of vulnerability as they speak. "Incredible," they utter, their words hanging in the air like a whispered prayer. "The way you move, the way you express yourself through your art… it's truly remarkable. I can't begin to express how much I admire what you do."

A smile graces the artist's face, a smile that holds a lifetime of experience and dedication. They respond with humility, their voice carrying a quiet earnestness. "Thank you," they say, their words a gentle melody that dances on the wind. "Dancing has been my passion since I was a child. It's a way for me to connect with the world, to express my innermost thoughts and emotions."

You stand by MC's side, observing this exchange with a mix of pride and curiosity. The artist's words resonate within you, igniting a spark of inspiration deep within your soul. The power of their art, their ability to touch hearts and souls, leaves you in awe.

MC's gaze, filled with longing, projects a sense of yearning to the artist. "Do you think someone like me could ever learn to dance like you? Or create music, or paint, or engage in any form of artistic expression?" they ask, their voice a fragile whisper.

The artist's eyes meet theirs, a knowing glint shimmering within their depths. "Everyone has the capacity for passion," they say, their voice enveloping MC like a warm embrace. "It's not about natural talent or skill, but the willingness to explore and express oneself. Take my own journey as an example. When I first started, I couldn't hold a rhythm, let alone move with grace. But with time and dedication, I found my own unique way to connect with the art that resonated within me."

MC's hand rests on their chin, their thoughts swirling with uncertainty and doubt. "What about writing?" they inquire, their voice tinged with hesitation. "Does writing count as an art form? It's not as physical as dancing or painting, but it's a way to express oneself, right?"

The artist chuckles, a melodic sound that carries the weight of wisdom. "Writing absolutely counts," they affirm. "It's a powerful means of self-expression and connection. Have you written anything recently?"

MC's voice quivers, a mixture of vulnerability and longing. "I've dabbled in writing, but I've always considered it more of a hobby than a serious pursuit," they confess.

The artist's smile widens, their eyes twinkling with encouragement. "Perhaps it's time to reconsider," they suggest. "Art knows no boundaries, and true fulfillment lies in embracing the passions that reside within us. Take that leap of faith, and who knows where it may lead you?"

A blush tinges MC's cheeks, a mix of excitement and trepidation coloring their features. "You're right," they murmur, their voice filled with newfound determination.

As you bid farewell to the artist, a surge of emotions courses through you. The connection between you and MC deepens, fueled by the shared experience and the realization of the limitless possibilities that lie before you. The world seems to shimmer with newfound vibrancy, and you continue your walk, hand in hand, ready to explore the uncharted territories of your passions and creative endeavors.

"You sly little hypocrite," you tease, a mischievous glint in your eyes.

MC's reaction is a mix of amusement and vulnerability, their laughter bubbling up uncontrollably. "What do you mean?" they inquire, their voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.

"Don't pretend," you say, a knowing smile playing on your lips. "I see through your facade. Variel, Lucas, and our feisty princess… they are reflections of the passions that burn within you."

MC's laughter subsides, and their eyes meet yours, flickering with a mixture of emotions. "I guess seeking reassurance from others isn't such a terrible thing," they admit, their voice carrying the weight of vulnerability.

"What do you mean?" you ask, your curiosity piqued by their cryptic words.

As you both continue walking, lost in the moment, a sense of connection grows between you and MC. Their warmth and kindness draw you in, while their passion and drive ignite a spark of excitement and possibility within you. It's as if their energy is contagious, filling every fiber of your being.

Suddenly, breaking the silence, MC asks you a question that cuts through the air like a knife. Their gaze narrows, and their expression becomes unreadable, leaving you wondering what thoughts are swirling in their mind. "What about you?" they ask, their voice filled with genuine curiosity. "Do you have any fears or regrets?"

You feel a lump in your throat as you ponder their question. It's not an easy one to answer, but you gather your thoughts and finally respond, your voice tinged with vulnerability. "I'm not sure," you admit, searching for the right words. "There are moments when I feel like I'm letting everyone down, like I'm not worthy of their love or respect. It can be a hard pill to swallow."

MC's eyes hold a glimmer of understanding as they listen intently. "I know what you mean," they say softly, their voice carrying the weight of personal experience. "It's a dark place to be in."

You find yourself taken aback by their response. MC, who has always seemed like the epitome of confidence and assurance, reveals a side of themselves that you never imagined. A side that struggles with self-doubt and hesitation.

Summoning your courage, you take a deep breath and decide to delve deeper into your conversation. "Can I ask you something too?" you inquire, your voice filled with a mix of trepidation and curiosity.

"Shoot," MC replies, their eyes fixed on yours, their body language attentive.

"Are we really doing this?" you ask, gesturing to the invisible connection hanging in the air between you. "Doing what?" they question, their brow furrowing with confusion.

You hesitate for a moment, searching for the right words to convey your emotions. "This," you say, your voice trembling slightly. "Us. Our relationship. Are we really meant to be together?"

MC blinks, caught off-guard by your question. Their expression shifts, clouded with uncertainty. "What makes you ask that?" they inquire cautiously, their tone guarded.

You take a moment to gather your thoughts, your fingers absentmindedly raking through your hair. "I don't know," you admit with a sigh. "I guess I'm just scared. Scared that we'll never have a future, that we're destined for heartache and pain."

As you speak, MC's eyes fill with a profound sadness, casting a shadow over their features. Their voice carries a hint of melancholy as they respond, "It's a valid concern," they acknowledge, their words heavy with truth. "I can't deny that there are risks, that we might stumble and fall. But isn't that what love is all about? Taking that leap of faith and trusting that we'll land safely together, no matter what happens."

The memory of their passion for life, their belief in the power of love, fills you with a sense of wonder. As you continue your leisurely stroll, the warm glow of the city lights play in the sky above, casting long shadows on the ground.

You can feel MC's eyes on you, their gaze a mixture of longing and trepidation. "Do you have any fears or regrets about us?" they ask, their voice a tremor in the air.

A sigh escapes your lips, a thousand emotions rising to the surface. "I suppose I'm just afraid," you confess, your voice carrying the weight of uncertainty. "Fear of being hurt, fear of losing you, fear of not being worthy of your love. It's a deeply rooted insecurity, and sometimes I wonder if we're just walking down a path destined for ruin and scars."

A silence falls between you, filled with the unspoken emotions that simmer beneath the surface. MC's gaze softens, their hand brushing against yours in a silent gesture of comfort. "I understand," they say gently. "It's not easy, this business of loving and being loved. We can only take the leap of faith, and hope that we will land safely together, no matter what."

The sky is a canvas of colors, the sun a ball of fire in the east, casting a warm glow over the world. In this moment, you feel the weight of the world lifting from your shoulders, your soul opening to the possibilities that lie beyond.

Suddenly, a twinkle of mischief flashes in MC's eyes. "Do you really want to know the truth?" they ask, their voice hushed and conspiratorial. "The secret that's been eating away at me, the doubt that lingers in my heart?"

Nodding, you lean closer, a sense of urgency settling in the pit of your stomach. MC hesitates, their gaze falling to the ground, their words carrying the weight of their hesitation. "I've often wondered if we're really meant to be together," they confess, their voice laced with melancholy. "Sometimes I feel like I'm holding you back, preventing you from living your fullest potential."

A surge of emotions rushes through you, a mixture of disbelief and compassion. "I don't think you're holding me back," you say, your voice strained with a mixture of incredulity and frustration. "I feel just as fiercely connected to you as you do to me, if you were not here I feel incomplete and your the missing piece that makes me whole don't ever doubt that MC!"

Their eyes meet yours, glistening with a hint of sorrow. "I know you feel that way," they admit, their voice trembling with emotion. "But I still feel a sense of guilt, a nagging doubt that whispers in the back of my mind."

Gently, you take MC's hand, your fingers lacing through theirs, a gesture of reassurance and support. "I'm with you every step of the way, my love," you whisper, your voice filled with conviction and passion. "No matter what happens, we'll face it together, side by side, just as we always have."

Your words seem to ignite a flame within MC, their eyes flashing with a renewed sense of determination. "You're right," they affirm, their tone tinged with a touch of resolution. "We've got each other, and that's all that matters in the end."

As the two of you resume your walk, a profound sense of connection resonates through your beings, a bond forged in the fires of trials and triumphs, a bond that will withstand the test of time and by fate theirselves. Yet the fates does not like being tested.

Without any warning an arrow sailed into the air and finding purchase on the chest of MC. By the time you had time to process what had happened, MC was already on the ground, gasping for breath, their eyes glazed over with the inevitable.

You frantically rush towards them, the world around you fading to a dull blur, a storm of emotions roiling in your heart. "MC! Please stay with me," you cry, cradling their body in your arms, feeling the life slowly slipping away.

"I'm sorry," they gasp, their voice carrying the weight of a thousand regrets, their eyes fluttering close. You looked at the direction where the arrow was sent and from there you see a figure obscured by the shadows, watching you hold MC in your amrs with interest.

You grit your teeth in rage, a fury unlike anything you have ever felt rising within you. You wanted nothing more than to rip the bastard limb from limb, to make them suffer a thousand deaths for what they had done.

But in the end, the only thing you could do was hold MC in your arms as their life faded away, a shuddering breath escaping their lips as they slipped into the abyss. The pain was overwhelming, a sudden emptiness filling your heart as the reality of what had happened dawned on you.

How could this happen? Why did it have to be MC, the one person who had brought light into your world, the one person who had made you believe in the magic of love and life? As you sat there, eyes welling with tears, your heart racing with adrenaline, you heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, you saw the shadowed figure. "Whyyyy?!" you scremaed in anguiush body shaking.

"There's a bounty on you Lucian that arrow was meant for you!" thye said in an ominous tone. "Then why target them?" you inquire crying.

"Because they ask me to do so their life for yours!" they said indifferent. "Who could do such a thing?" you rage.

"Don't underestimate love and vengeance Lucian, for it drives men to desperate measures and revenge. There are people who have set their sights on you. People who wish to eliminate you, and hurt those you care for."

You listen in confusion, tears streaming down your face. "Who could hate me so much to hire someone to do such a thing? And how did they know where we were?" The shadowed figure lets out a low chuckle, their voice grating and cold. "You're not a fool, Lucian. You know who your enemies are, and how far they'll go to get what they want. But don't worry. They have yet to touch me, and my job is not done with their dying wish they want me to protect you!"

You clenched your jaw, a mixture of anger and sorrow washing over you. "It shouldn't have to be like this," you growl, your voice filled with the weight of a thousand regrets. "We've done nothing to deserve such treatment. What a terrible world we live in, where love and happiness are rewarded with death and suffering." The shadowed figure shrugged, their posture rigid and emotionless.

"This is the life you chose, and now you must live with the consequences. But don't fear. I will protect you, for as long as I'm able."

You could feel your heart hardening, a fire of vengeance burning within you. "I'm going to find them," you vow, your voice trembling with rage. "And when I do, I'll make them pay for what they've done. For MC, and for everything else that they've stolen from us."

The figure's voice rose, a mixture of warning and sympathy. "It may not be as easy as you think. You're in danger, Lucian, and those who seek you will not rest until you are eliminated. It's safer if you stay with me, where I can protect you."

"YOU!" you spat! "the one who wanted to killed me?" you shout incredously. "The one who took my love from me?!"

Their eyes glinted in the dim light, their posture rigid and emotionless. "I only did what was necessary to fulfill my task," they retorted. "Your life for theirs, just like they wanted it to be."

A rage filled your heart, a desire for retribution bubbling to the surface. "They would have never wanted it like this. They were good, and kind, and loving. You've taken that away, and you'll pay for it with your life!"

The figure's voice rose, a mixture of warning and sympathy. "Then kill me!" they throwed a knife, skidding on the ground and stopping to you. "But after being done with that, what will you do next?" they asked patiently. "Use your anger and direct it to those who are responsible for the bounty because even if I didn't took the kill someone else will, I just beat them to the punch!" they says bored.

With shaking hands, you pick up the knife, the cold metal a welcome weight in your palm. "Then they'll have to deal with me!" you declare, your voice filled with a mixture of trepidation and determination. "I'm not going to let you or anyone else get away with this!"

The figure chuckled, a cold, humorless sound. "Good luck with that, Lucian. You're going to need it." With that, they turned and fled, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your pain. "If you have second thoughts find me at the Siren's Call!" they voice echoes on the alley.

You stand there, a thousand emotions swirling through your mind. The knife feels heavy in your hand, the urge to slay the bastard who dared lay a finger on your love consuming you. But deep down, you know that you need to bide your time, to hunt down your enemies and make them pay for their transgressions.

You clutch the knife, feeling a sense of calm wash over you, a clarity that settles in the deepest recesses of your soul. No matter what, you will not rest until the one responsible for MC's death has paid the ultimate price.

Gently, you crouch down and pull MC's body close to yours, feeling the sting of tears pricking your eyes. "I'll make them pay for this," you whisper, your voice filled with a mixture of rage and determination. "I promise you, MC. I won't let them get away with this." With those words, you carefully lift MC in your arms and begin the long, painful journey to bury the love of your life.

Later that night, you arrive at the Siren's Call, a gathering place for those seeking refuge from the shadows of the world. The moment you enter, you feel the weight of a thousand eyes on you, a mixture of pity and curiosity swirling in their depths. Taking a seat, you feel your gaze drawn to a figure standing in the corner.

They look familiar, their face shrouded in darkness, their posture rigid and imposing. Something about them piques your interest, and you quickly make your way towards them. As you approach, the figure seems to stiffen, their eyes glittering with a mixture of amusement and apprehension. "We meet again, Lucian," they say, their voice a low growl.

In an instant, you recognize them. "Who are you?" you question, your voice trembling with a mixture of trepidation and rage.

The figure laughs, a cold, humorless sound. "Isn't it obvious? I'm the one who took your love away, the one who watched as they lay dying in your arms."

Something inside you snaps, a rage surging through your veins like wildfire. "You bastard! You deserve to die for what you've done! I'll make you pay for what you've done, you hear me? I'll make you pay!"

The figure shakes their head, their eyes glinting with amusement. "Don't be so hasty, Lucian," they say, their tone riddled with hints of mockery and taunting. "I can help you, you know. I can help you track down the ones who put a bounty on your head, the ones who are responsible for their demise."

Something about the figure's words sends chills down your spine, a mixture of unease and curiosity bubbling to the surface. "How?" you question, your voice tinged with a hint of suspicion.

"Simple. I have connections, I have power, I can tell you what you want to know, whether it be the identities of your enemies or the secrets that lie beneath the surface."

Without warning, the figure lurches forward, their breath hot against your cheek. "What do you say, Lucian? Are you in?"

You hesitate, the urge to make them pay rising within you. But then you think of MC, their smile, their laughter, their unwavering determination and kindness. If you were to act rashly, who knows what could happen.

Before you can answer, the figure grabs your hand, their fingers digging into your palm. "Tell me what you want, and I can deliver. But you must know that there are consequences, that there will be a price to pay."

Their words echo in your mind, their meaning swirling with a mixture of intrigue and caution. You want answers, you want revenge, and they may be the key to it all. "Yes," you say, your voice a tremble on the air, "I'm in."

The figure chuckles, a low, guttural sound. "Good. Now let me tell you everything you need to know."

As the figure speaks, their words burn through you, a fury unlike anything you've ever felt igniting within you.

(Lucas' POV)

As the night drew to a close, your fingers interlocked with MC's, and a warm glow spread through your chest. The moonlight danced in their eyes, illuminating the love and joy that radiated between you. It felt like a dream come true, a love story written just for you.

The touch of their hand sent electric shivers down your spine, and a smile couldn't help but grace your lips as your fingers intertwined. In that moment, everything else faded away, and it was just you and MC, lost in each other's presence.

Time seemed to stand still as the world around you ceased to exist. The love that you thought was elusive had found its way into your life, and you were grateful beyond words. The weight of your busy work life seemed to melt away, replaced by the pure bliss of being with someone who made you feel whole and complete.

But then, as if a dark cloud had suddenly appeared, MC furrowed their brow in concern, breaking the spell of the moment. Their touch felt real, their warmth undeniable, but doubts crept into your mind, whispering that it might all be too good to be true.

With a mix of vulnerability and determination, you stopped walking and turned to face MC. Their eyes searched yours for answers, sensing the turmoil that had clouded your thoughts. Unable to contain the overwhelming emotion welling up inside you, you reached out and cupped MC's cheek, the softness of their skin grounding you in the moment.

Tears glistened in your eyes as you spoke, your voice choked with sincerity. "With you, everything feels perfect. I can't believe I'm so lucky to have you in my life," you whispered, your heart swelling with gratitude.

In that fragile moment, MC's embrace enveloped you, drawing you closer, and you let your guard down completely, allowing yourself to be held by them. Their presence provided a refuge, a sense of safety and solace that you had never known before.

But then, amidst the darkness, a glint caught your eye, and your heart clenched with fear. Instinctively, you turned your body around, shielding MC from the imminent danger that loomed ahead.

In a split second, MC spun around, taking the bolt hurtling towards you directly in their back. Your breath caught in your throat as you watched in horror, your eyes widening with disbelief. The pain in your chest was overwhelming as the reality of the situation hit you like a thunderbolt.

MC, standing there with the bolt lodged in their back, their face contorted in pain, shattered your heart into a million pieces. Without hesitation, you rushed to MC's side, catching them in your arms and gently laying them down on the rain-soaked ground, their blood staining your hands as you held them close.

Tears streamed down your face as you whispered MC's name over and over, unable to fathom the reality of the situation. MC's hand dropped to their side, their eyes closing, but before the darkness took hold, they managed to utter, "I feel lucky to have you in my life as well."

You leaned close and kissed their forehead, your heart breaking as you realized the gravity of the sacrifice they had made for you. The weight of the moment was unbearable, and you couldn't understand why such senseless violence had befallen you and MC.

In the midst of your grief, the attacker emerged from the shadows, their boots splashing on the rain-soaked ground as they approached. You didn't spare them a glance, your entire focus on MC, holding onto their fading form with all your might.

The attacker spoke, their voice dripping with malice, "May you have a peaceful and gentle death," as they callously threw a rose near MC's motionless body. Anger and confusion boiled over within you, and you shouted, "Why have you done this?" Your voice trembled with a mix of rage and sorrow, but the attacker remained masked, their eyes the only visible feature.

They showed no remorse as they replied, their voice cold and callous, "A warning, and if you don't heed it, there will be more to follow." With that, they turned their back on you, leaving you with a sense of helplessness and anger.

As the attacker vanished into the alleyways, their words echoed in your ears, causing you to gasp for air. "Tread carefully, Royal Protector," they shouted, their voice laced with malice. "You have no idea how many enemies you have made in your line of duty!"

The reality of the situation hit you like a ton of bricks. They had killed MC as an act of revenge against you. Your mind reeled with disbelief and anguish. It was supposed to be you lying on the ground, facing death's door, not MC.

The unfairness of it all, the cruel twist of fate, made you feel like a pawn in a sick game. But amidst the overwhelming emotions, you pushed them aside and focused on the task at hand.

Gently hoisting MC's body in your arms, you moved through the dark, rain-slicked streets, determined to find help despite the urgency of the situation. The weight of MC's limp form grew heavier with each step, as if the burden of their fading life force was transferred to you.

Your eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of aid, your mind racing with desperation. Raindrops fell on your face, mixing with your tears, as you moved with a sense of urgency.

The night seemed to close in around you, the darkness deepening, and the silence broken only by the distant sounds of the city. You could feel MC's breathing becoming shallower, their body growing colder in your arms. The preciousness of each passing moment weighed heavily on you, urging you to move faster, to find help before it was too late.

As you carried MC, startled faces of passersby turned to stare, but you brushed past them, determined to reach your destination. Your heart pounded in your chest, your mind focused solely on saving MC, pushing aside your own exhaustion and grief. Yet its's too late MC is gone forevermore but you didn't stop too hopeful that maybe that there's someone or anyone can help you in your plight and bring air back to MC's lungs once more.