#trying to get into my asks and get stuff answered!!!

[bi-writes]

Thinking about going into labor while your partner is on the way somewhere unimportant, who refuses to come home to help you. And instead of being alone and scared, you hang up and call up one of your childhood friends everyone thought you'd wind up with. Kyle shows up at your door, furious but does his best to hide it, and helps you through it all. Next day the father of your child has the audacity to show up like nothing is wrong to see Kyle holding your baby so you can take a well deserved nap.

he picks up on the third ring. you tremble, gripping the edge of the porcelain tub. when you finally hear his voice, just the sound of him soothes your beating heart, just a little.

"'ello, love."

"kyle?" you sniffle. his background quiets a bit. you hear a door close, and then he's a bit louder.

"hey, love. what's wrong? you sound upset."

"my water broke," you hiccup. "a-and i...i was in the bath...i-i..." you close your eyes. "i can't get out of the tub."

"jesus fucking christ." you whimper, but kyle just hums. "not you, baby. hey, you just relax, alright? you said you were in the bath. just relax, and i'll be there soon."

"kyle--"

"don't be scared," kyle chuckles, and you whine a little. "hey, you're gonna have a baby. you've been waiting for this, yeah? haven't you?"

"y-yeah..."

"aren't you excited? you always tell me how much you can't wait, right?"

"yeah..."

"don't be scared," kyle repeats. "you just relax. be happy. she's coming today!"

you smile, wiping your face a little, and when kyle hears your giggle, he sighs.

"good girl. you sit tight."

so you do. you lean against the side of the tub, and you rest in the warm water as you stare at your phone screen.

he won't answer the phone. he hasn't read your texts. he's not coming.

you hear the front door open and close, and then there's a gentle knock on the bathroom door. when kyle comes in, you try to cover up, moving your hands over your tits, embarrassed, but kyle just goes to look for a clean towel to help you out.

"it's okay, love, i won't look," kyle tells you. he smiles at you, cupping your face gently, and you look into his dark eyes. "you look so pretty. you're glowin', y'know that?" you smile through gentle tears, putting a hand over your belly, and you try to move, but it's no use. kyle drops the towel, kneeling, and you shake your head.

"i-i can't get out--" you gasp, and kyle rolls up his sleeves over his thick forearms, putting the towel over his shoulder before he reaches for you.

"it's alright. i'll get you out. i'll try not to look, okay?"

"i'm so embarrassed...i'm so sorry, kyle..." you sniffle.

"don't apologize, love. i got it. give me your hands, put 'em around me."

you lift up your wet arms, wrapping them around his neck. you press your chest against his, and he picks you up as you stand, helping you to your feet. as you cup your belly, he wraps the towel around you, covering you, and then he holds your hand as you step out of the tub.

"alright. now where's your bag, darling?"

kyle grabs your bag and supplies as you get dressed in your room. as you pull your socks on, kyle comes up behind you, smoothing your hair down your back before he starts to braid it. he used to braid your hair all the time when you were kids--he always said he wanted to practice for his sisters.

"you got the car seat, kyle?" you ask as he holds your hand, and he nods.

"mhm. in the car already."

"a-and the diaper bag?"

"in the boot."

"my extra clothes? and my...my stuff?"

"mhm. i got it, love. and whatever you forgot, i'll get it for you. alright, up, buckle in, that's a girl."

he holds your hand the entire way. you groan softly when a particularly painful contraction hits you, but when you squeeze kyle's hand, all he does is squeeze back. you take deep breaths, leaning your head back, and he hums.

"you're doing so well, love. so well."

"why..." your eyes water. you squeeze his hand again, and when you look down, your vision is blurry from your tears. "why didn't he answer? w-why...why doesn't he...w-why would he..."

"don't worry your pretty head about tha', love," kyle interrupts you gently. "only thing you need to worry about is you and her. i got it."

"o-okay."

she's beautiful. she looks more like you than her father, and kyle counts that blessing. she's got your eyes, your nose, your hair. her cheeks belong to her father, but she might as well be your twin, and when kyle takes her from you later that night, rocking her gently, he can really see up close how much she looks like you.

in the middle of the night, kyle holds your hand as you get up to go to the bathroom. your entire body is tender and sluggish, but kyle keeps you upright as you walk, kissing your head gently as he helps you take a seat on the toilet.

he even gets your underwear set up for you, with the big pad and everything, and he helps you step into it and slips them up and over your hips. you're a tearful mess as he does this, but kyle just presses his forehead against yours.

the look in his eyes, you will never forget it. the intensity. the commitment. the stability. every time you pick up the phone, kyle answers, and sometimes he's thousands of miles away. your own boyfriend can't even have the decency to answer when you're nine months pregnant--what did he fucking think the call was going to be about?

back in your room, kyle fits into the bed with you. he lets your rest your head on his chest, and when you ask him if he's going to go home, he tells you this is close enough.

in the morning, kyle's sitting outside your room with the baby. he's holding her, touching her little nose, letting you sleep in. you had a rough night, and when he found you still with your eyes closed that morning, he figured he would let you keep sleeping, just for an extra hour or so.

you deserve it.

"is that her?"

kyle's head turns with a snap. standing there, hands shoved deep in his pockets, is your pathetic excuse of a boyfriend. not man enough to answer the phone when you most needed him, not strong enough to do the right thing and marry you, and not wise enough to realize all he had to do was take care of you, and the world would be right again. you're not greedy. you don't ask for anything. all you want is to love and be loved, and kyle doesn't think that's too much to ask for, kyle thinks you're one of the most selfless women he's ever known, so why does this fucking bastard of a man get to call himself this girl's father?

kyle looks back down, fixing the blanket over your daughter's neck carefully. he thinks he did pretty good swaddling her this time, but you might have an opinion on it.

"i'm gonna say somethin', mate," kyle says lowly. "'n after i say it, y'r gonna do some thinking, real thinking."

he laughs a little, shaking his head.

"why don't you give me my baby, and get the fuck outta 'ere?"

kyle looks up and snickers, shaking his head. he gets a better grip on your daughter, sitting back, and he fixes your ex with a sinister smile.

"and what if i don't? you gonna take her from me?" kyle chuckles. "i'd love to see you try."

he stands, raising a brow.

"listen here, and listen close." kyle takes a step closer to him. "you're a right pile of shit comin' here thinking that you can just waltz right in and be daddy of the year, alright? what kind of man are you, eh? your girl in need, callin' you, and you don't even have the fuckin' balls to answer her? take a good look at your kid, mate, cause it's the last time you're ever gonna see her."

"no, i have the right--"

"to fuck right off," kyle snaps. "if i see you near her or her daughter ever again, i'll find you, and i'll make it worth your while, mate. make you feel real sorry finally, y'hear me? 'n when i take her back home, all of your junk better be out the flat. otherwise, i'll fucking burn it."

"kyle?"

your voice pulls him away. kyle adjusts the baby in his arm, going back inside, and he shuts the door behind him, finding your eyes. you reach for the baby, arms outstretched, and kyle easily sets her down in them, watching as you cradle the tiny thing into the crook of your neck and stroke the back of her neck.

the nurses come in and drop off a few papers. one stops, looking at kyle, giving him a big smile.

"congratulations," she tells him, and he smiles back at her. she takes a seat next to him, holding out a clipboard. "do you think i could get a few details? i just need to know mum's name, baby's name--"

kyle gives it to her. your birthplace. your birthday. your name. your baby's name. then she flips a paper over, putting her pen down.

"and dad's name?" she asks.

kyle sighs, leaning back in his chair. they don't give out birth certificates right away. you have to request it. you won't find out, not just yet, maybe he'll even pick it up for you. you'll be much too busy being mummy dearest.

"kyle," he tells her, flashing her that big smile. she blushes a little, writing it down. "kyle garrick."

he looks back at where you are, your eyes on him. you smile shyly when your eyes meet, and kyle leaves the nurse to come up to you and drape a hand behind your head. he strokes along your hair gently, thumbing at your temple.

"i heard you outside, kyle."

"did you?"

"and i heard you just now."

"mm."

you blink, reaching for the edge of his shirt, and you pull him down, further, until his face is nearly against yours.

"i guess i shouldn't be surprised," you say softly, reaching up to smooth a a few knuckles down his cheek. he leans into it, licking his lips, and you bite your lip. "you've always had a habit of...taking what doesn't belong to you, huh?"

kyle laughs. always the pretty boy, ever since you were little. one smile from him--kyle could get away with anything. anything at all.

"who says you don't belong to me?"

[starlighttsv]

Lego sets - Paige’s daughter

💌 Syn: paige buys lilah some gifts as a reward for getting good grades

»»— warnings: las!paige - i wrote this way before the draft lottery and was to lazy to change the team and teammates

»»— notes: finally finished bringing stuff over from wattpad!! now i just have to bring stuff from here over to wattpad 😔

»»— word count: 1.6k

»»— pair: paige x daughter!oc || lilah bueckers

Paige, Cameron, Rickea, and Rae all went to target today to get some necessities but Paige was also getting a few things for her daughter, as she had done really good on her spelling test and math test so P wanted to give Lilah a little reward. Paige and Lilah always have mama-daughter dates, and most of those date nights are exactly like this: eating take out or cooking together, baking some type of dessert (mostly already made cookie dough) and building legos while watching some game show on Netflix. It's both of their favorite things to do and they always cherish those nights as they don't get to do it a lot during the wnba season and Paige knew Lilahs gonna grow out of it eventually.

"What about Star Wars?" Rae asks holding up the gaint Darth Vader Lego set "we already did it a month ago" P says not even looking at her, focusing on the Lego boxes in front of her "okayyy what about the Eiffel Tower?" "Did it like 3 three weeks ago" "Stitch?" "A few years ago. Did it my fifth year of college." "Flowers" "have done multiple different ones" "alright we give up" Rickea says as she got tired of them all listing things off, just to immediately be shut down by Paige

Paige ignores them as they keep complaining about anything and everything, just looking at the legos trying to find some good ones, that P knows Lilah will love. That's when she sees a Moana set and a Disney Castle set, which is perfect for Lilah. Paige grabs those and put them in the cart that her and Rae are sharing, Cameron and Rickea sharing another cart.

"Finally! Can we go now?" Rae exclaims "No. I need to get a few more things. You guys can go to the front if you want, I'll meet you when I'm done." Paige says trying to make them not be annoyed anymore, as they all have been at the store for almost two hours, getting stuff they all needed or wanted in their houses. All of their feet's are starting to hurt and not mention they all have been stopped by fans like every 5 minutes.

"No, we're not gonna leave you alone when we've been stopped like 100 times already by fans. What else do you need to get? And why was it so important you get legos today?"Cameron cuts in before any of the other girls could "I need to get some cookie dough, tru fru, milk, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, carrots, mixed fruit, and a stuffed animal. And to answer your second question, Lilah got a B+ on her spelling test and a C+ on her math test, so we're gonna have a mama-daughter date night. The legos, Tru fru, and Stuffed animal are her reward and the food is her favorite meal, and we always bake something on m&d nights." Paige tells them "wait she passed? Those were the ones she was struggling with right?" Rickea asked "yeah, I was helping her study words in the locker room." Cameron cuts in before Paige can say anything "yeah she was struggling with those subjects a lot, so that's why I'm giving her a reward. She doesn't know that I know yet, as her teacher told me so it's gonna be a surprise."

"Alright so let's split up, me and cam will go get the cookie dough, milk, tru fru, and chicken tenders. You and Rae go get the stuffed animal, carrots, Mac and cheese, and mixed fruit. We can meet up at the self checkout. What kind of cookie dough and tru fru?" Rickea adds

"Chocolate chip cookie dough and for tru fru, bananas and strawberries." Paige answers making Rickea nod, and start turning around making Paige and Rae start doing the same, heading to where the stuffed animals are. "Hey Paige, wait" Rickea stops and turns around making P and Rae also do that "when you’re getting the stuffed animal, get some mini brands and lol dolls. I know Lil likes that stuff, My treat." Rickea continues "alright. Are you sure?" P asks "yep, I'm positive." Rickea says making Paige nod "ok, Thank you." Paige replies making Rickea nod and turn back around,- both groups going in different directions to get the rest of the stuff.

They all met up like planned and payed for their own stuff, Paige dropped them off at Cameron's apartment as they’re all getting ready together to go to a bar, and Paige took all her store bags home and set up what could be set up, before leaving to go pick lilah up from school. On the drive back to their home P told lilah that there was a surprise waiting for her making her get excited and start asking and guessing what it was. Obviously Paige wouldn't tell her.

When they got home Lilah was rushing Paige to unbuckle her and get her out of the car, at least Lilah still followed those rules when P knew she really wanted to just run to the house. Paige lifted her out of the car and set her on the ground "don't run yet, I need to get a few things from the car alright?" Paige asks her making Lilah immediately pout, Paige has learned to just ignored that though.

P made her way to the trunk and got her bag and lilahs school bag and then shut the trunk, lilah was still bouncing on the heels of her feet "cmon mama, I wanna see the surprise"

"Alright Alright, come here" Paige says chuckling slightly. P picks lilah up and put her on her hip and locks the car with her keys, then started making her way to the elevator to take the two of them to their apartment

Lilah is still trying to guess what it is and has listed the surprise about 4 times but P lied each time and said she was wrong. They make it to their apartment and Paige set Lilah down in front of the door, grabbed the keys out of her pocket - unlocking and opening the door for Lilah, which she immediately runs through.

She looks in the kitchen first and doesn't see anything as P put all the food away when she dropped the bags off, then she goes into the living room. Bingo!

She sees the legos, stuffed animal, lol dolls, and mini brands set up on the table, she sees the blankets and pillows that Paige brought out and put on the couch, and she sees their favorite game show "the circle" loaded up on the tv

"MAMA AND DAUGHTER DAY?!" She yells mispronouncing daughter "yep! You did so good on your math and spelling test, I figured you deserved a reward. Rickea bought you the lol dolls and mini brands though so you’ll need to thank her next time you see her. "

"I will! Thank you mama!" "Your welcome princess! But there is more, for dinner we are gonna have chicken tenders, mac and cheese, mixed fruit, and carrots. For dessert I got chocolate chip cookie dough, and another part of your reward is tru fru." She just squealed and ran up hugging Paige’s legs, P bent down a little and put one of her hands on Lilahs head and the other on her back, trying her best to hug Lilah back with the gaint height difference

"Alright babe, why don't you go get changed into your pjs and we will start dinner once you come back?" "Okay!" Lilah says and then runs off to her room

Paige goes to the kitchen and gets the chicken and mac and cheese out, filling a pot with water and turning the stove on. Once that's done P goes to her room and changes into her green plaid pj pants and a UConn zip up jacket. Walking back into the kitchen Paige sees Lilah wearing her Olaf onesie Azzi bought her so they could match, standing on her foot stool, leaning on the kitchen counter watching the water

"You ready to make dinner?" Paige asks her while walking closer and looking into the pot of water, seeing that it is boiling "yeah!" Paige opens the box of Kraft Mac and cheese and hand it to her  "dump that in the water"

After they made dinner and ate it, they put the leftovers away and got comfortable in the living room, setting blankets and pillows on the floor and making a giant bed/ pillow type thing in front of the living room table

Lilah decided she wanted to open the lol dolls and mini brands now, so while she was doing that Paige opened the Disney castle Legos and started reading the instructions

"Mama look" Lilah said excitedly making Paige look over at her and see her holding a few small food items from the mini brands "wow baby, you’re gonna have your very own pantry soon" that made Lilah giggle a little bit. Once she saw what P was doing Lilah put the other stuff away and pointed to the tv "circle?" Paige asked even though she knew what Lilah wanted, already grabbing the remote and turning on Netflix while she was nodding.

Once the shows turned on they both start working together (pretty much just Paige, while Lilah plays with the legos) to build the Disney castle. Eventually it was built and they cleaned up their mess, laying down on the couch and Lilah laying on Paige’s chest. Paige turned on a Disney movie for Lilah but she fell asleep holding onto Paige’s jacket not even 15 minutes in.

🏷️ @melpthatsme @rebecca-woso @authentic-girl03

[jelloapocalypse]

Last question I've got for you, has there ever been a reason why there isn't more continuously-available Epithet merch on Creator Spring? It's always struck me as odd that you haven't gone for more stuff like shirts, stickers, and buttons.

The honest answer to this is that I just do not like merch.

I'm a really environmentally-conscious person and frankly there just aren't a lot of merch options out there that aren't objectively kind of bad for the environment. Even t-shirts and plushies are pretty dicey in the long-run due to textile waste.

Print-on-demand services have a lighter carbon footprint, but they're usually poor quality. I don't mind Spring for posters or prints, but their t-shirts feel cheap. I don't like wearing them myself, so I don't want to promote them to other people. It makes me feel like I'm lying to my fans or trying to rip them off. One-time campaigns like the dolls are fine, but they are, by nature, one-and-done.

You might not know this if you haven't been A Content Creator(tm) in a post-2020 world, but we get emails and offers from all these horrible companies literally nonstop asking for merch opportunities. I got six today alone. There's a huge subculture of scummy merch providers who can't wait to help you rip off as many people as possible. It's poisoned my opinions on merch even more.

Additionally, merch is exhausting to promote. Every single campaign is 5-7 days of emailing and planning minimum and then a little dedicated promotional video. "Well, you don't have to make a video Jello". Oh yeah I do. People miss these things even when I do promote them. If their only heads up is a tweet or an email from the website subscription letter, nobody's going to buy them, and that usually means a failed campaign if if I have to hit a threshold.

It's worth mentioning that "the Epithet team" is just me. I'm the one guy who has to oversee literally everything. And if I'm having trouble keeping official print runs of the actual book on store shelves, which I am right now, I don't feel like it's a good use of my time to start selling extra stuff while the series languishes.

The only piece of merch I've ever made that I thought was pretty cool was the Molly hoodies because they were interesting and custom made. The dolls are okay.

I'd like to release a blu-ray set for Epithet some time in the future so people can have a physical version of the media. Other than that, I'm hesitant. I know people want more merch. I just hate making it.

[sunflowersandsapphires]

Comfort Headcanons for Frank, Matt, and Mikey

A/n: so I am ridiculously overwhelmed by personal and political stuff right now. And I told myself I was going to write every day this week if possible, but my brain was being difficult today. So instead of working on a longer fic I wrote some self-indulgent headcanons about Frank, Matt, and Mikey caring for an overwhelmed partner. I hope you all enjoy. Please feel free to send me other headcanon requests!

How would they’d react to you being overwhelmed

Frank

Frank would pick up on this IMMEDIATELY

the second your self care habits change, he’s onto you. You stay up later than normal two nights in a row, or run out the door with a granola bar instead of eating a real breakfast, and he is concerned™️

He’s willing to entertain it for three days max. He knows life gets tough sometimes, and he doesn’t want to encroach on your process—but we all know that once this man is worried, he’s minutes away from taking control. He has issues but we love him for it.

On the 4th day, when you’re waking up exhausted after far too little sleep and rejecting his offer to take you out for breakfast, he puts his foot down.

“Gonna order in for dinner tonight, ok? We can watch that movie you wanted to see and turn in early.”

You hastily agree, bolting out the door before you end up late to your job.

When you finally arrive home, he’s all over you in an instant. Murmuring his hellos while helping you out of your coat and shoes, ushering you over the couch.

He’s insisting that you sit in his lap while the two of you pick out dinner, offering suggestions for restaurants instead of leaving the choice open-ended. Given how tired and generally stressed you seem, he wants to take as much weight off your shoulders as possible.

Once dinner has been ordered, he tucks you close to his chest, practically burying you in a jumble of muscular limbs, humming appreciatively when you nuzzle further into his space. His hand is cupped around your nape, thumb gently brushing over your spine as you hunch toward him.

“Ready to talk about what’s botherin’ ya, doll?” The question leaves room to decline, but his stern tone suggests you choose to answer.

He listens carefully as you tell him what’s on your mind, brushing silent kisses against your forehead whenever your breath wavers around a stifled sob. His hands never move from your skin, cradling you to him like he’s trying to absorb your pain.

He wouldn’t let you lift a finger the rest of the night. Retrieving the take out, dishing it up for you, drawing you a bath, tucking you into bed

When you’re beginning to drift off atop his giant shoulder, he’d rest his forehead against yours.

“I know it’s tough right now. But we’ll get through. I promise.”

“Please don’t leave, Frank.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, babydoll.”

Matt

Matt isn’t as observant of your habits and routines, but he can sure as hell pick up changes in body language.

Gritting teeth, blinking back tears, frustrated sighs—he notices all of it. He might not act on it immediately, brushing it off when you explain that you just had a bad day, but when your fatigue and growing apathy persist…

I think you hiding something from him would spook him for sure, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be determined to get answers out of you. He’d set his personal anxieties aside and prepare for a serious talk.

He’d leave the office somewhat early, asking you to meet him at his apartment. He’d offer you a beer, or whatever you were in the mood for (if his lacking fridge and pantry allowed for it), and he’d ask you the big question.

“You aren’t yourself lately. What’s going on?”

He’s not happy when you start crying, but he’s definitely relieved when you collapse into his arms and explain your recent mood. Even more so when you confess it had nothing to do with him.

As always, he harbors immense guilt for not being there, not being endlessly supportive, not being able to solve the issues gnawing at you with his own two fists.

But what he doesn’t realize is that he’s helping just by being there. By being present and absentmindedly squeezing you with his tree-trunk arms. By acknowledging your struggles and offering what he could.

He’d cut his patrols short for a few days, nearly begging you to sleep at his loft instead of in your own bed, so he could keep a metaphorical eye on you. He sleeps better with you by his side anyway.

Mikey

You’re Michael’s whole world, so he’d know you were overwhelmed before you realized it yourself.

As soon as he spotted the stress lines on your face, he’d be on his feet, trying his best to lighten the burden.

He’d walk you to and from work, as always, maybe even stopping by to keep you company on your lunch hour.

When he wasn’t with you, or ignoring his family, he’d be constantly cleaning the house and working through your joint to do list, taking task after task off your plate so you could properly decompress.

He wouldn’t pressure you to talk to him about it, but he’d give you the option.

“I’m here if ya want to talk, pet. Anytime ya need.”

And, of course, you’d take him up on it. Explaining that you could handle everything and you didn’t want him to overwhelm himself trying to help you because it was just a pile of small things that were wearing you down. But he’d have none of it.

“I wanna do this fer ya. Let me help, love.”

He’d bundle you in a knit blanket on the couch and set the tv to your favorite show, kissing the top of your head before heading to the kitchen to clean up after dinner.

I hope you enjoyed! And I hope you’re all doing ok this week. It’s rough out there.

[kbthebearcat]

Okay I’m kinda in the mood to answer some question stuff so feel free to ask a question from here for any of the characters from my Toyhouse! ((Well except for KB I guess lol))

I shall try my best to answer! I honestly might fill this out for certain characters anyway just to help get some extra info on them out, but we’ll see!

OC questions

60 questions that can be made into an OC ask game, or you can just fill everything out yourself to get to know your character a little better :)

___

[1] What first impression do they typically make? Are they likeable from the get go, or take time to grow on people?

[2] How does their social personality differ from how they act when they’re alone?

[3] What emotion is the hardest for them to deal with?

[4] How physically and emotionally affectionate they are?

[5] Are they good at keeping secrets?

[6] How direct are they in conversations, do they speak in hints and riddles or bluntly say what they think?

[7] Are they a good liar, and what would they probably lie about?

[8] How open they are about their true feelings, both positive and negative?

[9] What is their love language?

[10] How quickly do they fall for someone?

[11] What are small things that make them happy?

[12] How high is their self-esteem?

[13] What kind of sense of humor do they have, if any?

[14] What does it take to make them laugh, and what does their laugh sound like?

[15] How do they act around people they don't like?

[16] Do they easily rely on others to help them out, or prefer doing everything themselves?

___

[17] What is their biggest struggle that no one around them is able to understand or believe?

[18] Do they ever have to hide their identity and for what reason?

[19] If they could change one thing about their past, what would they change?

[20] When they’re sad or upset, do they need company or some time alone?

[21] When they’re sick, would they want others to visit and take care of them, or they would rather prefer not to be seen at not their best?

[22] Do they have nightmares, and if yes, when did they start and what are they usually about?

[23] What was the worst, the darkest period of their life that they have been through?

[24] How hard it is for them to not allow their emotions to cloud their judgement?

[25] Do they have fears and phobias, and if they do, do they usually keep it to themselves or talk about it openly?

[26] Do they have any physical or mental ilness, how do they handle it and how open they are about it?

[27] Do they have any scars, how did they get them and how do they feel about them?

[28] What is something that they will never be able to forgive?

[29] How do they deal with loss, stress and anger?

[30] What are their most healthy and most unhealthy coping mechanisms?

[31] How hard it is for them to own up to their mistakes and wrongdoings?

[32] Is there something they've done in the past that they deeply regret till this day?

[33] What are one of their fondest and most treasured memories?

___

[34] Do they have vices they don't want others to know about?

[35] Do they like their own appearance, and what do they do, if anything, to alter it in any way?

[36] Do they own items that have sentimental value?

[37] How would they spend a lazy day when they have nothing specific to do?

[38] What do they usually do or where do they go when they need to feel comfortable and safe?

[39] What is their sleeping habits and favorite sleeping position, either alone and with someone?

[40] How picky they are with food, do they have specific dietary requirements based on their health or culture?

[41] What’s their usual morning routine?

[42] What is their idea of a perfect friendly hangout and/or romantic date?

[43] Do they enjoy flirting or being flirted with?

[44] On a party, where would you find them?

[45] For an event, would they dress like they typically do, or go all out?

[46] Would they rather dress to look attractive or to feel comfortable, and what would they never wear?

[47] Do they drink alcohol, and if they do, how much and how often?

[48] Are they, or were they at some point in their life, a part of any subculture?

___

[49] Do they possess any unexpected skill or knowledge that surprises others, and otherwise, what is something anyone would assume they know or can do, but in fact they don’t?

[50] What are they really good and really bad at?

[51] How good are they with money?

[52] Do they speak any other languages aside from their own?

[53] Do they like to sing and how confident they are with their singing?

[54] Do they like giving gifts, and how good are they at picking good gifts?

[55] How long does it take for them to make a new place feel like home, and what do they need for it?

[56] How would they react to hearing a dirty joke?

[57] What was the most stupid or dangerous thing they have ever done?

[58] In the situation where they had to choose, would they rather stay loyal to their morals or to people they love?

[59] What would they want to be remembered for?

[60] If they were to commit a crime, what kind of crime would it most likely be?

---

some of these question were written myself, some are the courtesy of my friend, and some were brought from my questionnaires in my old fandom. if you use them, please reblog or link back to this post

[rook-laidir]

Rook Banter part whatever!

Welcome to my twisted mind

~~~

Bellara: I’m trying to restock the pantry, but I’m a little lost - where did you get those chocolates?

Rook: The fancy ones? Minrathous. Don’t worry about restocking those, they were really expensive.

Bellara: Really? Then how did you…Oh.

Rook: Venatori were using it as a front, they could afford the hit.

~~~

Rook: Did I see you punch a Venatori in the face yesterday?

Neve: Probably. They’re like roaches, it’s hard to keep track.

Rook: You’re a mage. Why the punch?

Neve: You can take the girl out of Dock Town…

Rook: I’m bringing you with me the next time I go to the Hall of Valor. We’d make a killing.

~~~

Emmrich: I fear the answer, but I simply have to ask - what are you doing with Manfred so late at night?

Rook: Teaching him to dance.

Emmrich: How lovely! And Assan is helping?

Rook: He’s the backup dancer.

Emmrich: I look forward to seeing it!

~~~

Emmrich: Rook, I’ve received complaints from Isabela about Manfred’s presence at The Hilt.

Rook: What? Why? The Lords love him!

Emmrich: Yes, that would seem to be the problem. Apparently, someone taught him a dance distracting enough for a certain person to start picking everyone’s pockets.

Rook: What? Who would make poor, innocent Manfred an accessory to a crime like that?

Emmrich: Your outings with Manfred will be supervised.

Rook: Fair.

~~~

Taash: So how’s your…gender?

Rook: Fine? How’s yours?

Taash: Good.

Rook: Great!

~~~

Taash: There are some things I liked doing when I thought I was a woman. Can I still do those?

Rook: Who’s stopping you?

Taash: No one. I just don’t know how to do all the gender stuff yet.

Rook: There aren’t really any rules. It’s like the Lords - as long as you’re not a dick to anyone who doesn’t deserve it, you’re probably fine.

Taash: ‘Kay. I can do that.

~~~

Lucanis: We have a very well-stocked pantry, you know.

Rook: Ok?

Lucanis: Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. I’m also awake most hours of the night. I can make you a snack if you need one.

Rook: Thanks, but where’s this going?

Lucanis: I saw you eating shredded cheese out of the bag at three in the morning.

Rook: Oh.

[xechu]

cw: suggestive themes, swearing, 18+ blog mdni

notes: from the same au as my one shot “Warm on a Cold Night” // check out the first HC here

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who could be charming and actually good with his words when he wanted to be, but overall, communication was not his strong suit.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - whose life might not have been the most smooth sailing, but he always took matters into his own hands and somehow managed to carve out his own path, which fueled his arrogance a little more than it should have.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who struggled with having to accommodate for someone else, when he had been so comfortable living life on his own terms and accord—now it always nagged at the back of his mind that there was someone else he had to answer to. But he still tried his best.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who finally got you to be his girlfriend after half a year. You understood that he could be a little rough around the edges and has a (very) wild side, but you deemed him to be a good man beneath it all. You also respected that he was able to make something for himself despite his turbulent past.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who couldn't believe that he was able to get the girl of his dream, but after a year of being together, your relationship quickly became an emotional roller coaster—volatile and chaotic. The two of you would reach the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. He truly loved you, but given how he had always lived his life, this was all uncharted territory for him. This went on for another three years.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who loved going on vacations with you. Surprisingly, he’s the one who usually plans them. He also pays for every single one of them, he just asks when you’re free to go and plans accordingly. It’s cheesy, but he wanted to see the world with you—only you. The two of you would always have a great time wherever you went. And this also meant that he wasn’t arguing with you about certain aspects of his life, he knew it was a temporary escape, but if only it could always stay like this.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - speaking of arguments and conflict, he always got angry and frustrated when you were upset or crying, but most of the time the frustration and anger wasn't actually directed towards you—it was to himself. He felt like he failed you, and deep down he knew what was causing your grievances, but he was also stubborn and selfish in his own ways.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who argued with you about the same things over and over again. It always starts with you expressing concern about his lifestyle and the crowd of people he hung out with. You weren’t trying to control or dictate him, but his self-destructive behavior always seems to be exacerbated and encouraged by his so-called friends. You were worried about him. The only people that seemed to try to keep him in check was his family and his best friend Uraume.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who walks away, leaving you a sobbing mess in the apartment after one particular nasty argument. Even though he didn't explicitly say he wanted to break up this time, the words said during this argument was hard to come back from, and his choice to walk away instead of addressing the issue time after time, inherently put things into perspective. This time, things seemed rather final, and his intuition was correct as he finds his belongings all packed up in a box the very next day.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who doesn't say much at the sight of his boxed up belongings. There were no questions, no fight, no protest, not a single word. He quietly takes the box, accepting the reality of the situation, throws your spare keys on the dining table, and leaves without sparing you another glance - like the past four years meant nothing, like you meant nothing.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who was working out at the gym after he dropped his stuff back at his own place. He forgot to bring his headphones and had to listen to the much dreaded gym music. "Baby Come Back" was on blast and he nearly wanted to throw his weights into the mirror. Needless to say, he added that song to his playlist the same night.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who found himself in front of Yorozu's door three weeks later. Yes, this wasn't the best idea, but the two of you had broken up. He no longer had to justify his actions with you. Besides, he just needed to blow off some steam, and he didn't know who else to go to that would have openly accepted his current predicament.

ex/boyfriend!sukuna - who knew he majorly fucked up when you called him at 2:30 AM, drunk and sobbing hysterically, while he was still over at Yorozu’s. As he’s scrambling to get dressed to come pick you up, he’s praying to all the gods out there that you will never find out about this. He swears on his life that this was going to be the last time he had ever sought Yorozu out for favors again.

a/n: ahh, I've been enjoying making hc's for this au, it's a nice little break from my other projects right now. Just something fun and lighthearted that doesn’t require a lot of time and editing. And I do enjoy writing hc's because I treat them as little lores and ideas for potential one shots that I can go back on. If I start expanding a lot on this au, I may have to come up with a series name. The events in this hc all happen prior to ‘Warm on a Cold Night’.

Shameless self plug: you can check out some of my other works here under 'archive'. x

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Hi! I have worked with queer refugees to Canada (just left that position 2 months ago and still work in the same organization, just in a different role so I'm up to date on this stuff) and had an answer for the person asking if queer Americans would have a chance at being granted asylum.

When looking at asylum claims, the Canadian government looks for proof that there's a real and immediate dange, or real government persecution. They also look for proof of your queer identity and inability to escape persecution within your home country.

Until there is real legislation, the answer is (in my and my colleagues' experience) likely not. If Canada starts accepting Americans as refugees it means the government deems America an unsafe place to be. It would put tremendous strain on the relationships between the countries. That being said, as others pointed out, Canada's refugee legislation is becoming more and more xenophobic and they're actively trying to lower the number of refugees they're accepting.

Now, most of the people I worked with and supported are from countries where they have old colonial laws as well as newer legislation detailing prison sentences for things like supporting queer rights, being in a queer relationship, having anal sex, and public displays of affection. These places also have an enormous amount of hate groups that go around targeting queer people and seeking to harm or kill them, their families will threaten their lives, and their communities will target them or give them up.

This is not yet the case in the US, and until it is, even with the best lawyers, in my experience a refugee case would be hard to win.

I'm not saying this to discourage people or say there's no hope, but claiming refugee status in Canada is really hard. They put you through the wringer and there's an immense burden of proof on the claimant. It's also a long process where they are actively looking for reasons to deny your claim. It's not hopeless, and if laws do get passed it'll become easier which is the unfortunate reality of international politics.

That being said, from what I hear it's also not easy to immigrate to Canada unless you have some real good qualifications, a long time partner up here and you plan on getting married, or a lot of capital to come as an investor or business owner. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I have actual experience with this so I thought it may be helpful.

~~~~

[hellsslibrary]

Can I request what rin, sae and hiori would do on the reader's birthday (you know nsfw stuff ♡)

Happy Birthday to Me or How I Lost the Ability to Walk Even Though I'm a Top (This is a quote from some manga I can't remember the name of but it fits here).

MASTERLIST is here.

#a.n. : I have absolutely nothing to say but if anyone is reading this on their birthday then happy birthday to you sweeties!!

!!Warnings: male!top!reader, bottom!characters, they're all sub but Sae is a little bit of a dom (I'm just a sucker for the "pathetic" top trope or something, you don't get it), Hiori's scenario is very funny and weird, very. In Sae's mentions clothes (you know), in Hiori's mentions video games (yeah), Rin is nothing special, he's the most normal one in this scenario I swear. Otherwise just praise, a little teasing and a very enthusiastic reader here.

Hiori Yo

"Is this...? What is this, Yo?" you ask in incomprehension, staring at his computer screen, trying to figure out what you actually see here.

Well, more precisely, you understood what you were seeing, but you clearly didn't understand why he was showing it.

"This is us, in Sims 4... Having sex. What is unclear?" he answers by tilting his head to the side with a slight blush coloring his cheeks, looking first at the screen and then at you.

"So my gift is watching porn with us, or rather with toy models of us?" you laugh when two people who look like you change their positions in a game that looks very good... unrealistic, but who really cares.

"No," Hiori shakes his head slowly, removing the headphones around his neck and placing them on the table, then poking you in the chest. "They can do it on any surface and in any position... If you like a certain pose, then we'll try it in reality."

You just blink like an owl, not understanding anything at all, but taking the mouse from him and poking it on the countertop, choosing random poses from the list, watching how sim of Hiori literally bends in different poses, which looks pretty hot, even if stupid.

It takes about fifteen minutes while you're pointing at various pieces of furniture and looking at all sorts of poses from different angles, sometimes you both giggle at some strange animations until one catches your eye.

"It," comes out of your mouth, and Hiori stares at the screen, watching his sim sit on the table while the life is practically being fucked out of him, judging by the pace of the thrusting.

"Really? Dear, it's a little..." the word doesn't come out of his mouth when he bites his lip in embarrassment, but after hesitating for a couple of seconds, he gets up from his chair, taking off his sweatpants along with his underwear and sitting on the edge of the table. "I'm already prepared, so you can just slide inside."

You immediately smile like a child who has received the most coveted sweet, and you almost frantically undo your belt, which is not particularly possible because of the trembling in your fingers. So you just unbutton your fly and take out your dick.

"Really? Can I do it raw?" Hiori hums in response to this question, and then shrugs his shoulder vaguely, spreading his legs as an answer, and squeaks when you squeeze his hips right there.

Hiori's back arches when he feels your cock sliding in at a much more gentle pace than your sims, who continue to fuck behind Hiori's back. His fingers grip the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white as his feet lightly scratch the table.

"Wrap your legs around me, please?"

Yo silently obeys, grabbing your shoulders instead, absolutely spoiling the pose, but neither of you really care anymore. After all, today is your day, and if that's what you want, then Hiyori wants to obey.

He moans softly into your neck as his legs lock over your tailbone and an intermittent whimper escapes his lips when your cock finally touches the right spot inside him. A point that makes him see the stars and the moon, which only you can bring.

The blue-eyed man feels his cock twitching against his stomach, and his orgasm is approaching embarrassingly fast, he just wants to cum. Why is it so fast? Who knows... But obviously not from the disgusting sounds of the game in the background.

"Cum for me, come on," you whisper, sliding your lips over his neck, making him tilt his head back in bliss.

Your teeth outline his adam's apple, causing his breathing to stop and his nails to dig into you this time. He bubbles something unintelligible when he feels your hand on his cock, rubbing its current tip, making him cum almost at the same second, which makes you slow down the thrusts slightly, making them deeper to prolong his pleasure for a couple of seconds.

"... More, go on," Hiori mutters after a dozen seconds, licking his dry lips and lifting his half-closed eyes at you and exhaling. "I'm all yours today, so keep going... I'll tell you when I'm at the very edge."

Sae Itoshi

"Are you going to stare at me with that expression for a long time? At least close your mouth," Sae says, looking at your surprised face in the doorway while you stare at him for about a minute, still trying to figure out what's sitting in front of you.

"That's... you... wow..." something inarticulate weakly escapes from your lips until you finally leave the doorway, closing the door and approaching Itoshi.

Of course, nothing too surprising was sitting on the bed. It was just Sae. In your usual T-shirt. In regular shorts. With a normal expression on his face. With damn attractive thigh-high stockings that accentuated his thick and muscular legs too well. Yes, you know, the usual Tuesday of any person.

"Do you like it that much?" Sae asks when a slight smirk blooms on his lips, watching you sit down in front of him, spreading and sliding his legs as you please.

"Yes, it suits you damn well, it's simple gorgeous... Strangle me with them," you whisper, squeezing his hips and exhaling contentedly, feeling the elastic muscles under your fingers.

Sae's fingers lift your chin and he gives you a light peck on the forehead before kissing you on the lips. His kiss is slow, almost savoring, as he weaves your tongues together, tugging at your shirt to get you up.

You lower Sae to the bed, continuing to kiss him, and then pulling away, lowering your lips lower, kissing and occasionally sucking on the delicate skin of his neck, causing a soft sigh to escape his lips before he stopped you at the edge of the T-shirt.

"Too fast. Don't go any further than the neck... Today is your day, but you have to earn it," the Japanese man whispers against your lips and then you feel his fingers slide into your pants while his other hand unbuttons your fly and releases your cock.

Your breath catches when you feel his fingers wrap around your heated flesh, and your face immediately finds itself in the curve of his shoulder, causing him to briefly pat you on the head.

"I'll give you what you want anyway. Just wait."

You bite your lip to keep from whimpering when Sae's thumb runs over your slit, and images of what he might let you do to him when the time comes are already spinning in your head.

Your hands are clutching the sheets on either side of his face, and his lips are lazily sliding over your neck, sucking on your skin, forcing you to push into his hand, which he freely allows.

"Sae... I will cum now, please," you exhale and feel only the nod of his head at your side as he speeds up his hand movements a little, making you come embarrassingly quickly with a groan.

Sae kisses you on the temple, removing his hand after a couple of seconds, when the buzz finally subsides and gently pushes you to your side, sitting up straight and taking napkins from the table, wiping his hand and your penis from the sperm.

"Good boy. Take a break and let's continue... There's a lot more under my clothes," Sae whispers, turning away to the trash can and deliberately bending over too much, exposing a thin strip of panties under his shorts, which makes your soft cock twitch in anticipation of the next round.

Rin Itoshi

"Is that really all you want? You can ask for more, you know," Rin whispers, leaning over you, shaking his head slightly and taking your condom-wrapped cock in his palm, stroking it a couple of times.

"Yes! Definitely, that's it. Please? I just want you to do this," you whisper, making Rin sigh, but nod and lower himself onto your cock slowly.

He exhales sharply as he takes you completely and places his hands next to your head, considering that he's almost lying on top of you and looking up at you with his turquoise eyes.

You just smile and kiss him on the cheek, which makes him frown slightly but blush, and he begins to gently move his hips. Of course, it's not very convenient in this position, but he promised.

"You're wonderful from this angle, otherworldly, Rinnie," Rin just tightening around you from the compliment, leaning in even lower and gagging you with a kiss, but hey, you're not complaining.

You put your hands on his cheeks, knowing full well that he's going to scold you, because he wants to take at least one round without your support, so you're not taking any chances.

Your tongues slide against each other, and then he pulls away with heavy breathing, resting his forehead on yours, maintaining his slow rhythm, looking down at where you connect.

"You're very deep, I want more," he whispers breathlessly, closing his eyes and focusing on his movements, trying not to rush too much, but to make it pleasant for both of you and not cum faster than you, not this time.

"Then take more, I don't mind," you close your eyes too, feeling his eyelashes lightly brush your forehead as his face slides forward a little and you squeeze his biceps, absolutely enjoying him.

"I love you. Happy birthday again," Rin says, forcing you to open your eyes and you are met with a surprisingly soft smile, albeit almost imperceptible on his face but fuck.... "...Did you just cum?"

"Uh..." You laugh shyly, grabbing Rin's hips to stop his movements, when they get a little painful from your sensitivity. "I love you too."

"The gods... Fuck me already, you're pathetic when I ride you," the younger Itoshi mutters, although there's no real mockery in his words, he just sighs when you flip you over, switching places and wrapping his legs around your waist.

[fromchaostocosmos]

You do not need to be white to be a colonizer so you not be white has nothing to with it.

That you keep calling Judaism a religion is a part of the problem. Because we are not just that.

Of course there is value is cultures and societies are no longer around. The reason that I brought them up is not to say that we Jews or more accurately using our actual name יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל are more superior for surviving.

No I used those specific examples because all of them if you knew anything about the history of my people are all ones who tried to destroy us. They did their best to ruin us, to murder us, to rape us, to tell us what we could and could not do.

They enslaved us, they colonized us.

Each one of those examples I gave have to do with Empires that did Horrors to us.

And my point is even though they did those things we are still here and we have survived. And on top that there is an extra fuck you in that they are not.

It is the way we say fuck you to Arch Titus and to Hitler. It is a you tried to kill us and destroy and fuck you we are still here and you are not.

If you can not understand that I don't know what to tell you.

Like many of our Holidays can be some what summarized as "they tried to kill us they failed let us commemorate and eat and party"

Jews, יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל are a tribe. We are a very old tribe. Judaism is the name that put onto practices and beliefs of said tribe.

We are not just a religion and that you keep calling us a religion shows that you are not getting it.

You do understand how we function. You think that we are trying to tell you how do to your stuff and that we are being party poopers.

That is not what is happening.

Christianity is not an off-shoot, branch off, evolution, etc. of Judaism. Christianity is some original ideas, stuff stolen from Judaism, and stuff taken from a whole bunch of various pagan beliefs as well from other religions such Buddhism and Hinduism.

All of that got blended and mixed and that is Christianity.

The thing about Christianity that you and lots of other people may not like, but this is just a fact of reality is that is foundations are built on antisemitism.

It set itself up by stating we are not the Jew and we are very different from them, in fact they killed our god.

When you look at the history and study it you see this. This whole thing is something gets studied by students of theology.

And this is something that we Jews have been discussing for a very long time.

Christians as individuals may not antisemitic, but Christianity the religion is founded on antisemitism and as an institution very much is antisemitic. That is just a fact.

I don't believe in Lucifer or any of them so you want to do whatever it is you do go and do it and enjoy.

My issue is and always has been when you and anyone else comes and takes that which is not for you to take.

My issue is the propping up of Christian Supersessionism (also know as replacement theology) which yes is what you are doing. My issue is the talking over Jews and thinking you know more then us on our own stuff and bringing in some sources and acting like you understand when you clearly do not.

I always find with pagans that it is either a very pleasant nice experience and the person is just respectful and the conversation is interesting. Like I enjoy it and can ask questions and they can ask questions and we both can learn things and come away with new information and understanding.

I always enjoy those and have had many of them. I always open to them and I enjoy learning so when I get the chance to understand how stuff works or why someone does something a certain that is great.

I've met many really wonderful pagans who are just very respectful of the many different groups with closed practices and want to learn and listen to those from those practices to make sure they are being respectful.

I've seen many a pagan who when asked certain questions will say that it is not for them to answer that question and then direct the asker to people from the correct community who they know are okay with answering those kinds of questions.

And I'm always thankful and appreciative that they understand the boundaries and limitations and respect them.

And then there are ones like these. And the ones likes these are always just the most exhausting, frustrating, and many times upsetting.

And the experiences like are never like slightly annoying or mildly irritating. No they it is always just the fucking worst.

And I see it happen with my fellow Jews and other people who have closed practices.

You either get a very lovely interaction even in cases where someone did something offensive or is appropriating and it is because they just did not know and they when given the information do better.

Or you get just the worst.

This for me has been one of the worst. I feel like I am talking to brick wall. Like everything I say gets taken out of context to be clear I not saying that means that everything I say is being taken out of context I just feel that way. (I do however think that there are couple things that I do think were purposefully taken out of context and/or purposefully misconstrued such my comment about us still being here while listing various empires that are not).

It is exhausting. But this is also something that I've had to do so many times before when dealing with anything related to being Jewish and Judaism and Jewish history and etc and correcting those who are not Jewish.

Because it doesn't matter what the topic might have been the refusal to let us Jews be the authority ourselves is something that goyim just seem to have in common pagan, monotheistic, atheist, or whatever.

The idea that we know better and best on us is something that can not be allowed and that is the common thread in all of those conversations.

Like maybe we are not the problem here, I know perish the thought.

And maybe for the 5 seconds you could just listen to us and like understand that I and other Jews in the comments are not trying to telling how to live your life all we are asking is for you stop taking from us, stop doing Supersessionism specifically in this case Christian Supersessionism, and like leave our things alone.

Hi, Shi! So, I saw your post about white saviours in the community and I wanted to ask about the Judaism one specifically. I am not white but nor am I Jewish, in ethnicity or religion, but I was also told that demonolatry spreads harmful ideas about Judaism. Because of that, I kind of stepped back from my demonolatry research for a moment. But your post did get me thinking. I guess I'm kind of just asking for clarification. Is it okay for me to practice demonolatry as a non-Jewish person or not? Sorry for the super long ask. Thank you, love your blog!

Okay, this is a kind of complex topic.

Demonolatry is the practice of worshipping demons. This can apply to any demon not just those with English names. There are people who worship the demons mentioned in Islam just as much as there are those who worship those with Jewish and Latin names, and there’s a ton of overlap.

The concept of “demon” can only exist if you conceive of some kind of supernatural divide between Gods and spirits. Many demonolaters consider all spirits including Gods to be “Spirits”; the distinction is not important and doesn’t have any real meaning. It’s rare to hear of demons in religions or spiritualities that do not have a dualistic philosophy, you don’t hear about Hindu demons often for example. And the word “demon” in English comes from the Greek “daimon” actually referred to any spirit or divine being. Pinpointing what is and isn’t demon, daemon or spirit is a matter of perspective.

The idea that you can only work with demons that have Hebrew names if you are a Jew is one that literally doesn’t make grammatical sense.

If you are a practicing Jew or hold an Abrahamic theology, to worship or revere any demon would be a violation of your theistic laws. It’s a sin, a big one. Every deity, spirit, God/Goddess from every other religion or belief is a demon to you because you believe there is only one true God. That means Norse, Greek, Egyptian, etc. deities are also considered to be demons.

Because of this theology, every time that people of Abrahamic religions (Christians, Catholics, Jews, Muslims) encountered pagans who worshipped other Gods, they were demonized. Aphrodite/ Astarte became Astaroth, Phosphorus became Lucifer who then became Satan, Cerberus became Naberius, and so on and so on.

It’s incredibly important to remember that just because a name is written in a certain language, Hebrew for example, that does not directly imply that the deity is closed to the religion of Judaism. Not all people who spoke Hebrew were Isrealites, and not every spirit that was described by them was closed to them. Lilith for example was a deity/spirit that was recognized by multiple groups of people before the Israelites existed as a definitive and monotheistic group. Lilith was described by the Sumerians for example, her strongest surviving name and archetype is that which was described by the Jews because the Jews themselves survived and the Sumerians did not.

Most demonic names you will encounter will either be written in Latin, English, or Hebrew, not because these demons are closed to those cultures but because their documentation was only ever really considered legitimate when it was done by the followers of Yahweh. This is one of the major effects of colonization in general. If I as a Phoenician pagan say that Astarte is kind and beautiful, that doesn’t matter to any Roman Catholic. If I as a Catholic say that Astaroth is a perverted demoness who tricks men into demonic sex, the church might actually listen and write that down. Us 1000 years in the future may look at that name and assume Astaroth is a Roman demon and not a Phonecian Goddess who was described by Roman people and documented in Latin.

We speak English, so the demons that are accessible to us are usually recorded from the Abrahamic religions that speak English- Christianity. Our demons are not cosmologically “Christian” nor necessarily have anything to do with the Christian God specifically (Lucifer is a Roman deity and would have had no biblical interactions or connection with YHWH according to their origins). But Christians gave them names and we use those names for the sake of consistency and to reduce confusion across languages. Many times, the original names have been lost and the infernal aspect and name is all that remains. It is the life’s work of many Demonolaters to restore their deitie’s cult to its glory, to discover these dead names or to ensure that the surviving name… survives.

There are a select few demons who’s names originate in the Jewish tradition, Azazel for example, was the scapegoat of the Isrealites who then went on to command the Watchers who became the fathers of the Nephilim. But these demons aren’t necessarily considered to be closed to Judaism- again, because no Jew is ever going to reach out to a demon before the big GOD himself. There is no theological reason why Azazel would only recognize Jewish or Christian people. If you acknowledge Azazel as the scapegoat and use that name, you are referencing his archetype as it was described by the Isrealites. Likewise if you use the name Lilith and consider her to be Adam’s first wife, you are also using her archetype as she was described by the Jews. But that doesn’t mean that Lilith herself is considered to be a sacred figure within the religion of Judaism any more than Aphrodite is. They’re all demons. There is only one God.

There’s a stronger argument to be made for the big three Jewish angels - Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, being closed to the Jewish religion because they literally are the angels patroned to the people of Israel and they are majority involved in the actual worship of their God- although I don’t really consider them to be closed either because, according to their theology, they would protect any human being created by God (which would be everyone).

The thing that you actually need to consider is if the deity is:

1. Culturally tied specifically and only to the people inside that closed religion- Demons were said to fuck with everyone, all of humanity, not just Jews. The Wendigo was a culturally significant creature that specifically targeted the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island.

2. Intrinsic to the actual act of worship/ practicing itself- No practicing Jew incorporates Lilith or any demon into their prayers in the way they might with Archangel Michael.

3. Conceived of by the culture itself- Lilith is far older than Judaism and they do not claim to have conceived of her, whereas Michael was literally created by the Isrealites and was always said to act in the best interest of Israel as a nation.

4. Is revered and considered sacred- If I call Lilith or Belial nasty little whores, no jew is going to flinch, they probably agree. If I even speak the name of their God which is considered to be so sacred that it should not even be said in prayer, that’s insanely offensive. If I use the Tetragrammaton or wear it frivolously, someone is going to call me out.

Many western occultists have certainly appropriated sacred things from other cultures, ESPECIALLY from Judaism. Rather than admit their clear inspiration they bastardized the names and essentially stole incredibly important spiritual concepts (Qabalah). As much value is there is in the Qliphothic tradition it is also majorly appropriated from Jewish mysticism which is supposed to be knowledge closed to specific Rabbis. That’s why I’m not the biggest fan of people like Aliester Crowley.

This doesn’t mean to say that you can’t learn about anything Jewish, or Indigenous or Muslim etc. I try my best to always learn from people who are actually of the faith and not asshats who try to take the culture out of the practice. Some things genuinely are sacred and should not be appropriated, I don’t think that demons in general are one of those things.

It’s also important to remember that practices and deities aren’t always synonymous.

The Loa sprits of Voodoo religions are closed because they are ancestral spirits specific to the people in that culture. I can’t invoke my Haitian friend’s great great great grandmother and expect her to do my bidding. I can’t invoke the ancestral spirits of the Indigenous peoples of America and expect it to recognize me. I can’t even pronounce those names.

Hoodoo being closed to the black community is due to Hoodoo being not only a practice,but a survival mechanism of the black slaves who were imported into America during the slave trade. It was the blending of African spirituality with the assimilated Christianity of their masters. But theologically, most black people who practice Hoodoo have a predominantly Abrahamic faith, with belief in the Bible (although usually an alternate version) and belief in the one true God. You cannot practice the act of Hoodoo if you do not have the context of your experience as black person and the unique familial/ancestral relationships and knowledge they possess.

Likewise, you cannot practice Native American spirituality, or smudge with white sage because you do not have any experience or context living as an aboriginal in this land. Due to … yknow, colonization and genocide, most aboriginal tribes have opted to keep their practices extremely closed and sacred. I couldn’t even do it if I wanted to because I don’t even know where to start, I would have to be taught by the people they have elected to know this sacred practice.

You cannot be a practicing Jew if you are not initiated into the religion. Working with these fringe spirits is not nearly the same as appropriating the closed Jewish practice. What I and other demonolaters do is not even remotely close.

Demonolatry is not organized, it’s a self actualizing practice. Sure we have priests and priestesses, but we usually operate in cults.

I don’t know how to explain the irony in this take because if demonolaters and outcasts don’t work with and worship these spirits … literally no one will. The left hand path is crooked for a reason, alternative subcultures are alternative for a reason. The cults of Phosphorus and Lilith have never been as big as they are now. For these fringe deities to have survived so long and somehow even entered the mainstream is honestly incredibly impressive lol.

People who are unconcerned with being outcasted from Abrahamic theology aren’t going to stop practicing with their demons because religious people think it’s bad. I’m already practicing witchcraft. I already don’t believe in monotheistic theology, and there’s an entire rainbow of other things I do that are unacceptable to Judaism, Christianity and so on. The thing I care about is not disrespecting the actual culture and the things that are truly important to them.

You won’t really catch me wearing crosses, referencing Catholic practices, or talking about my practice in reference or opposite to Christianity or Judaism. I don’t defile Jewish or Christian traditions or bastardize their teachings. My practice is not the invert of their doctrine. It’s a completely separate and individual practice and philosophy.

This is LONGER THAN I MEANT IT TO BE

TLDR: No, demonolatry is not antisemitic.

It can be antisemitic if you happen to be antisemitic and many antisemitic people have historically ruined the fun for the rest of us (thanks Crowley)

But no, practicing Demonolatry does not make you racist. Being a pagan also doesn’t mean you hate religion.

[seulszn]

#NewBeginnings

Warning: cussing.

Tags: @grosspube, @vienwood, @valalice. Let me know if you wanna be tagged in the next part (or if you don’t wanna be tagged). Series Masterlist

Caitlyn and Vi, the two most powerful couple at Pitover Academy, everyone knows about them, everyone hates them, or wants to be with one of them, Caitlyn being the wealthy smart girl who just so happens to know the dean of the school was called the Queen of Pitover.

She exposed and got anybody expelled. She's a 6”1 mean girl and Vi she was just hot headed and would beat up anybody she felt needed a good pounding. Everyone wondered how Vi never got expelled for her actions but it was probably because of Caitlyn’s relationship with the Dean.

You knew of them but didn't care to much only focused on your studies and graduating, they left you alone and you avoided them at all cost which was easy cause you don't share any classes with them and your locker was on the other side of the school so as far as you know they don't know you exist.

Bobbing your head to the music playing on your phone you don't notice your friend calling out to you ugh you hate stalling in the hallway just wanting to get to your locker, collect the things you need and get to your next class before the bell rings and everyone in your friend group knows that but they choose to bother you anyways.

“You got the answers for the math assignment?” Julie asks, wrapping her arm around your shoulders and removing your headphones and placing it on her head to listen to the music you're listening too.

You sigh, reaching out to grab at the headphones but the girl moves away “I’ll give them back when you answer my question.” rolling your eyes you hand her a paper you have in a stack placed under your arm, “can I get my headphones back now?” you question holding your hand out the girl places her finger on her chin before looking up in a thinking motion before humming out.

“Julie, I don't have the time for this. I gotta get to my next class” you groan out placing your free hand on your hip.

“Ugh fine here are your stupid headphones”

The girl hands it back to you thanking her, placing the headphones around your neck “what are you doing after school?” she asked, walking with you to your locker.

Homework it's the same thing you do every single day after school wanting to finish all your assignments so you can at least be in bed before nine o'clock and have a weekend where you're not stressing out about an assignment being due that week. Julie hates your answer banging her head softly on the locker besides yours.

Putting in your combination and opening your locker is when Julie decides to speak “you're always cramped up in your room doing some dumb ass assignment” you snicker at what the green haired girl said. “Well at least I care about my grades” you bite back as the girl scoffs at your response.

“I care about my grades!” Julie yells out in offense and you nod your head.

“Then why did you need the answers to the math assignment?” You question as the green haired girl blushes and looks down at her feet probably to think of what to say “b-because trigonometry is h-hard” she states a stuttering mess you laugh before placing the stuff you need for your next class into your backpack.

“Maybe if you paid attention in class and not on what’s on your phone it wouldn’t be so hard” Julie rolled her eyes before slamming your locker shut. “Your so mean Y/N” you nod your head, use to her calling you that anytime you say something as remotely as truthful.

“You say this all the time” you say, interlocking your hands with Julie and skipping down the hallway to your next class. Biochemistry, that was a small short class that you recently signed up for this quarter and it was your first and only class you don't share with Julie, stopping at the door the girl leans on you before fake crying “why must we depart!” the girl yells as you rub her back trying to console her but to no avail “I’ll see you in thirty minutes calm down” you console as the girl lets up wiping the fake tears.

“I should have applied for this stupid class” she mumbles before walking away you giggle at the silliness of your best friend before walking into the classroom.

Gasping in awe at how cool the room was you took everything in from the scent of Maple, to the posters that have many science quotes and the periodic table, you find a seat by a window close to the front but not so close.

Setting your stuff down and getting situated you don't even notice someone placing their stuff down at the same table you were currently sitting at without looking up you just smile, placing your notebook down and opening it up and writing your name.

“Good afternoon students” A caramel skinned man says walking into the classroom with papers and textbooks placed under his arm.

The classroom starts to die down as the teacher stops at his desk, placing his stuff down and turning to the chalkboard behind him to write his name.

“My name is Professor Jayce Talis and I am your Biochemistry teacher” he introduces before observing the class, he looks nervous. You notice how much he is sweating; he seems intimidated by all the students scrutinizing him.

Looking out the window at the cold windy day and taking in what the professor is saying you start to think about what assignment you're gonna do first once you get home “you're pretty” a feminine voice declares you thank them not turning your head away from the window the voice sighs before speaking again.

“Are you new here? I've never seen you before” you roll your eyes before turning to the stranger wanting them to stop talking to you.

Dammit

Sitting by you is the very girl you try your absolute hardest to avoid and she's smiling down at you leaning on her hand “um no I'm not new” you whisper quietly but loud enough for Caitlyn to hear she nods her head still staring at you.

“Really? How come I've never seen you before?” she questions looking over a Jayce who is writing stuff on the chalkboard and then back at you.

You just shrug your shoulders not knowing what to say “I'm usually to myself and my locker is on the far side of the school” you whisper before cussing out yourself for saying that the last thing you needed was for her to find our locker and everything about you with the reputation she has you don't want her lifestyle to corrupt you.

Caitlyn's gaze lingers, her piercing blue eyes studying you like you're some kind of puzzle she’s determined to solve. Her smile doesn’t falter, but there’s a flicker of curiosity behind it, as though your quiet demeanor has intrigued her in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

Her gaze feels like it’s burning into your skin, and you shift uncomfortably in your seat, trying to ignore her persistent attention.

You glance back out the window, hoping she’ll take the hint and stop, but Caitlyn is nothing if not relentless.

“Far side of the school, huh?” Caitlyn muses, her voice low but teasing. She leans a little closer, her perfume a mix of something floral and expensive invading your senses. “So, what? You’re hiding from everyone?”

“I’m not hiding,” you mutter, still refusing to meet her gaze.

“Could’ve fooled me,” Caitlyn quips, tilting her head with an amused smirk. “You seem like the type who’d rather fade into the background. Quiet, mysterious…” She trails off for a moment before her smile turns sly. “You’re kind of cute, you know that?”

Your heart stumbles in your chest, and you finally look at her, caught off guard by the compliment. Her grin only widens when she sees the surprise written all over your face.

“I- uh…” you stammer, struggling to form a coherent response.

Before you can finish, the bell rings, and the sound jolts you back to reality. Students begin shuffling out of their seats, gathering their things, but Caitlyn doesn’t budge. She stays seated, her chin still resting on her hand as she watches you fumble to pack up your books.

“See you around… locker girl on the far side,” Caitlyn says with a wink, her tone light but carrying a teasing edge.

You pause mid-motion, feeling her gaze lingering on you as you sling your bag over your shoulder. “Yeah… sure,” you mumble, avoiding her eyes as you hurry toward the door.

As you step into the hallway, your mind races, replaying every second of the conversation. Caitlyn Kiramman, of all people, had just singled you out. And not just to tease, but with an intensity that made you feel completely out of your depth.

Outside the classroom, Julie leans against the wall, her green hair partially covering her face as she’s absorbed in her phone. She doesn’t notice you approach until you tap her shoulder. She glances up, a small smile spreading across her face as she slips her phone into her pocket.

“How was class?” she asks, linking her arm through yours.

You shrug, hesitating. How were you supposed to explain that Caitlyn Kiramman, of all people, was now sitting beside you? “It was… fine,” you mumble, keeping your gaze ahead.

Julie narrows her eyes at you, sensing there’s more to the story. “Just fine?”

You nod quickly, trying to brush it off. “Yeah, nothing special.”

But your mind is still reeling from Caitlyn’s lingering smile and teasing tone.

Julie stops abruptly, planting her feet and gripping your shoulders. Her emerald eyes narrow as she studies your face. “What’s going on? I know something is up!” she demands, her voice firm but laced with curiosity. You try to shrug her off, but her grip tightens, refusing to let you dodge her question. “Nothing’s going on,” you insist, though your voice wavers slightly.

“Liar,” Julie retorts, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Her green eyes narrow as she leans closer. “Spill it, Y/N. You’ve got that ‘I’m hiding something’ look written all over you.”

You sigh, realizing she won’t drop it. “Okay, fine,” you admit, lowering your voice and glancing around the hallway to make sure no one’s listening. “Caitlyn Kiramman sat next to me in biochem.”

Julie freezes for a moment, her expression stuck between shock and horror, before her voice explodes out of her. “You’re sitting by who?!” she practically shouts, her voice bouncing off the hallway walls.

Heads turn, students pausing mid-conversation to stare. Flushing with embarrassment, you wave your hands frantically, trying to calm her down. “Julie! Keep it down!” you hiss, glancing nervously at the gawking onlookers.

Julie slaps a hand over her mouth, her green hair bouncing as she leans closer to you. “Caitlyn Kiramman? The Caitlyn Kiramman? Miss Queen of Piltover Academy? And you’re just telling me this now?” she whispers, her voice still dangerously loud for your liking.

“Shh” you grab her arm, tugging her closer to keep her from shouting again “yes ok? She sat next to me in biochem and wouldn’t stop talking to me.It’s not that big of a deal!

Julie grips your arms tightly, her face a mix of disbelief and frustration. “Oh my God, this is insane. What did she say? Did she insult you? Ask you out? Did Vi show up and punch someone?”

“Julie!” you exclaim, cutting her off. “No, it wasn’t anything like that” She narrows her eyes, studying you like you’re hiding a secret. Then, with a dramatic eye roll, she releases your arms.

“You’re acting like I want her to sit by me,” you defend, crossing your arms as Julie stares at you like you’ve just grown a second head.

“You can always move!” she exclaims, her voice rising again.

“Julie!” you shush her, glancing around nervously. “Can you not yell everything? People are staring.”

Julie rolls her eyes dramatically. “You could move,” she repeats in a quieter tone, “but you’re not, are you? Don’t tell me you’re actually falling for this whole ‘she’s nice’ act?”

You hesitate, fidgeting with the strap of your backpack. “I mean… she does seem nice,” you admit, your voice soft. “She hasn’t done anything mean to me. She just… talks a lot and, I don’t know, she seems curious.”

Julie’s jaw drops, and she throws her hands up in disbelief. “Curious? About you? Babe, she’s Caitlyn fucking Kiramman. She doesn’t get curious, she gets what she wants.”

You flinch at her tone, but Julie’s face remains hard as she scoffs, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. “I can’t believe you’re just sitting there, letting her of all people talk to you. Caitlyn Kiramman isn’t nice, Y/N. She’s a snake.”

You try to explain, but Julie cuts you off before you can get a word out. “I don’t care what kind of ‘nice’ act she’s putting on, you’re not gonna fall for it. She’s got a reputation, you know? People like her don’t just sit next to people like you for no reason. There’s always an angle.”

You open your mouth to protest, but the words catch in your throat. Julie's got a point there's something about Caitlyn's curiosity, her careful observation of you, that doesn't sit quite right. But still...

“She didn’t do anything bad,” you murmur, your voice wavering.

Julie’s expression hardens, her voice sharp. “That’s the thing, Y/N. She’s not gonna show her true colors right away. It’ll be subtle, maybe even sweet, but trust me eventually, you’re gonna see the real Caitlyn. And when you do, I don’t want you coming to me with your ‘I should’ve listened to you’ speech.”

You stare at your friend, the concern in her voice ringing louder than her usual playful teasing. Julie may hate Caitlyn, but she’s always had your back. You can’t help but feel a growing unease, a knot tightening in your stomach.

“But what if she’s really just... trying to be nice?” you ask, more to yourself than to Julie.

Julie scoffs again, clearly frustrated. “You really think a girl like Caitlyn wants to be ‘nice’? Please. She’ll throw anyone under the bus the second it benefits her.” She pauses for a moment, her voice dropping slightly.

"Well, have you met Vi yet?" Julie asks, her voice taking on a more serious edge as she narrows her eyes at you.You shake your head, feeling a wave of confusion wash over you. "No, I haven’t," you reply cautiously, sensing the shift in her mood.

Julie bites her lip, her gaze flickering with uncertainty, as if she's weighing whether to share what’s on her mind. After a long pause, she sighs, her expression hardening slightly. "Good. Let's keep it that way." She takes a step closer to you, her voice quieter but still tinged with a warning. "Vi is... different. She’s not like Caitlyn."

You stop walking for a moment, eyeing her with curiosity. "What do you mean? How are they different?"

Julie looks around before leaning in slightly, her tone dropping to a hushed whisper. "Caitlyn might be a manipulator, but Vi? She’s straight-up dangerous. She's unpredictable, and honestly, she doesn't care who she hurts."

You furrow your brows, unsure of what to make of her words. "But... aren't they together? Caitlyn and Vi?" you ask, your mind still reeling from the tension in Julie's voice.

Julie gives a tight nod as she pulls open your locker. "Yeah, they’re together. But just because they’re a couple doesn’t mean they're on the same team." She pauses, her expression grim. "Caitlyn uses people, sure, but Vi... she breaks them. If Vi’s interested in you, or if she sees something she wants, she’ll go after it no questions asked. It’s not a game to her."

You digest her words slowly, the gravity of what Julie’s saying sinking in. You can’t help but feel a little uneasy, the warning hanging in the air like a storm cloud.

"So, what do I do?" you ask, not sure how to handle the situation.

Julie takes a deep breath, glancing over her shoulder before looking back at you with a hint of concern in her eyes. "Stay away from both of them. Trust me, you don’t want to get caught in the middle. Caitlyn may seem all nice and polite, but she’s got her agenda, and Vi... well, Vi doesn’t care about anyone but herself. They’re trouble, Y/N. Big trouble."

You nod slowly, the weight of her words sitting heavy in your chest. As much as you want to trust Caitlyn’s kind words and playful demeanor, Julie’s warnings are hard to ignore. The last thing you want is to get tangled in their web.

Julie gives you a quick, reassuring pat on the back before slamming your locker shut. "Just be careful. And if you see Vi, turn the other way. Got it?" You give a small nod, even though a part of you wonders if it’s really that simple.

——

Lunch rolled around, and you and Julie decided to sit outside on the bleachers, away from the chaos of the cafeteria. The crisp breeze carried faint laughter and chatter from other students scattered around the schoolyard, but out here, it felt quieter more your speed.

You carefully unwrap your sandwich, savoring the peaceful hum of your surroundings. The soft rustling of leaves and distant conversations made the moment feel calm, a small escape from the usual school day noise.

Julie sits beside you on the bleachers, her bag balanced haphazardly on her lap as she rummages through it with an exaggerated sense of purpose. She mutters something under her breath, pulling out a few stray items before shoving them back in. Finally, she stops, her eyes lighting up as she grabs something with a triumphant grin.

“Okay,” she announces, holding up a Tupperware container like it’s a prized artifact. The lid is slightly warped, and the contents inside are a questionable mix of colors and textures. She stares at it for a moment before looking at you with a sheepish smile. So… I know I packed this,” she begins, waving the container slightly for emphasis, “but I was high out of my mind and just started throwing random shit together.”

You raise an eyebrow, leaning slightly away from the mystery container. “That’s… not exactly reassuring.”

Julie snorts, popping the lid off with a dramatic flourish. The smell hits immediately, not bad, but not exactly good, either. Inside is a chaotic mix of pasta, what looks like canned beans, and a handful of unidentifiable chunks that might be chicken or tofu. “See? It’s fine,” she says, grabbing a fork from her bag and poking at the concoction. A piece of something grayish jiggles ominously. “Totally edible.”

“Define edible,’” you say, narrowing your eyes at the container. Julie rolls her eyes, scooping up a forkful and holding it out to you. “Come on, don’t be dramatic. Try it.” You lean back, crossing your arms. “Yeah, I’ll pass. I don’t have a death wish today.”

“Your loss,” she says with a shrug, stuffing the bite into her own mouth. Her face twists for half a second before she forces a too-bright smile. “Mmm. Delicious.”

You smile at your silly friend, biting into your sandwich as you watch her grimace slightly while forcing down another bite of her so-called “food.” Despite her insistence that it’s edible, the look on her face tells a different story.

Julie stabs at her pasta concoction with exaggerated determination, muttering something about it being "an acquired taste." You laugh under your breath, shaking your head. The two of you are so absorbed in your banter that you don’t notice someone approaching until they’re practically on top of you.

“I knew I’d find you little rats out here,” a familiar voice chimes.You look up to see Lena standing a few steps below, one hand on her hip and the other holding a bag that you assume is filled with food. Her sharp smirk is unmistakable, paired with an air of confidence that makes her presence impossible to ignore.

Julie lights up instantly, setting her fork down and leaning back on her hands. “Took you long enough, babe. Where’d you even go to get your food?”

Lena places the bag down in front of you two with a small smirk, three neatly wrapped burgers are in the bag. Julie’s eyes widened in delight. “No way. You went to that burger place?” Lena nods her head, taking a slow sip of her iced coffee.

“You know I don’t eat this prison food,” she says with a casual shrug. She then reaches into the bag and pulls out two burgers, handing them to you and Julie. “I got it just how you like it.” Julie’s face lights up, and she immediately unwraps hers, her smile widening as she sees the extra mushrooms piled high on her burger. “Ugh, yes! Extra mushrooms!” she exclaims, holding the burger up like a prize. “You’re a lifesaver, Lena.”

You can’t help but grin at the sight of Julie so happy over something as simple as a burger. You take yours from Lena and unwrap it too, feeling the warmth of the freshly made burger in your hands. It’s perfect just the way you like it. You glance up at Lena, giving her a nod of approval.

“Thanks, Lena,” you say, taking a bite and savoring the delicious flavor. Lena leans back, her smirk tugging at her lips. “Anytime,” she says, her voice casual but with a hint of pride in the way she nailed it.

The three of you settle into a comfortable silence, savoring the food and the rare moment of peace away from the usual chaos of school. The soft chatter of other students drifts over from the field, where groups are laughing and tossing around a football. Your gaze wanders across the campus, taking in the laid-back atmosphere.

It’s then that your mind drifts back to earlier that day in biochem. You remember Caitlyn sitting down beside you like it was nothing, her usual confident smile plastered on her face as she casually struck up a conversation.

The memory of her soft but deliberate voice lingers in the back of your mind, and you find yourself frowning slightly, still uncertain about where this unexpected attention from her is headed. She had been too casual about it, almost like she was testing the waters. You’re not sure whether to be flattered or suspicious.

Julie’s voice cuts through your thoughts, pulling you back to the present. “You alright?” she asks, glancing over at you with a raised eyebrow, clearly noticing you’ve been zoning out.

You blink, realizing you’ve been lost in thought for longer than you intended. “Yeah, just... thinking.”

Julie eyes you for a moment, then shrugs and stuffs a bite of her burger into her mouth, clearly too hungry to press further. Lena, nestled comfortably against Julie, has her attention on her phone, scrolling through Instagram. After a few seconds, she taps her screen and turns it off, glancing at you with a knowing look. “Thinking about what?” she asks, her voice light but curious.

Julie, not missing a beat, grins mischievously and turns to her girlfriend. “Probably that Caitlyn thing.” You roll your eyes, frustrated that Julie picked up on your distracted mood so quickly. Of course, she’d jump to Caitlyn.

Lena sits up slightly, her eyes widening as she glances between the two of you, clearly intrigued. “Bitch, what Caitlyn thing? Why am I not filled in on what’s going on?” Julie smirks, clearly enjoying the drama unfolding. “Well, little Miss Y/N has gotten the attention of the infamous Caitlyn Kiramman.”

Lena’s eyes go wide, and you can see the shock in her face. “No way, shut up.” She looks at you, her disbelief clear. You groan in frustration, not wanting to talk about it anymore, but it seems like it’s inevitable now. Julie continues, oblivious to your discomfort. “She’s in Y/N’s biochem class and is probably putting on some fake-ass facade just to mess with her.”

Lena’s tone shifts, clearly irritated. “Ugh, that bitch. Don’t tell me you’re falling for this?”

You look down in defeat, silently agreeing with her words, but you don’t have the energy to argue it. Julie, always quick to stir the pot, responds before you can. “She totally is.”

Lena stares at you incredulously, her voice low with disbelief. “Are you stupid?” she asks, her eyes narrowing. Julie gives you a playful hit on the arm. “I don’t have stupid friends,” she says, delivering another playful hit for emphasis.

“Ow, thanks, Julie,” you mutter sarcastically, rubbing your arm. “I thought I was telling the story, but you pretty much said everything. While you’re at it, tell Lena that you failed your trigonometry test.” Lena immediately turns her attention to Julie, her mouth dropping open in shock. Julie tries to keep a straight face but can’t help but give a sheepish grin.

Lena explodes, her voice loud enough to attract the attention of nearby students. “You failed your trigonometry test?! Are you serious right now?” she yells, giving Julie an exaggerated smack on the arm, which causes Julie to flinch in mock pain.

You smile at your friends' silliness, but the moment is quickly cut short by the shrill sound of the bell ringing. Lena and Julie pull away from each other, and the three of you get up to clean up your mess and head inside. As you gather your things, Lena looks at you, her expression suddenly serious.

"Y/N, please don’t fall for whatever act Caitlyn is putting on," she warns, her voice a little firmer than usual. Julie, ever the playful one, snickers behind her. "I already told her that," she says, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

You roll your eyes at their attempts to discipline you. "Yeah, thanks for the advice," you mutter, not entirely convinced. But before you can say anything more, Lena presses on, her tone shifting again. "Have you met Vi yet?"

You shake your head, and Lena visibly relaxes, letting out a small sigh of relief. "Good. Whatever you do, try to avoid Vi," she says, her voice laced with concern. Julie, not missing a beat, snickers once more. "I told her that,as well…" she trails off, glancing between the two of you with a mischievous grin.

"Okay, well I gotta help the leadership club," Lena says, her tone slightly amused. "They’re having some discourse and need me to help figure it out." She grabs her bag and slings it over her shoulder.

"Y/N, text me when you're out of your next class, we need to finish this discussion. And you," she points at Julie with a mock-serious expression, "we need to talk about some things."

Julie raises an eyebrow and smirks, clearly amused. "What kind of talk?" she asks, leaning back casually. Lena gives her a knowing look, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Don’t act innocent, Greenhead. You know exactly what I mean.

Julie just shrugs, her grin widening as she leans in and presses a quick kiss to Lena’s cheek. "Sure, sure, whatever you say, babe," she says, her voice light and teasing.

Lena rolls her eyes, but the smile on her face betrays her amusement as she pulls away, ready to tackle whatever the leadership club has thrown her way.

"Are you ready for gym class?" Julie asks, her voice upbeat as she pulls you towards the locker room.

—

Gym class was a nightmare. You hated it with every fiber of your being. You almost wished it was like elementary and middle school again, where you could pull out the "I have asthma, and I can't do some of this because of my lungs" excuse. Unfortunately, that doesn’t fly here.

So what did you do?" you ask, glancing over as you help Julie with her sit-ups. She looks at you, clearly confused, before groaning in frustration.

"I don’t know, why do I always gotta do something" she mutters, exasperated. "We got into it a while ago over something dumb. One minute everything’s fine, and the next, we’re arguing about who left the damn door open." She lets out a heavy sigh, clearly over it. "Honestly, I’m just tired of the drama."

You nod, understanding more than you want to admit. Relationships, especially the complicated ones, were a lot of work. You’ve been lucky enough never to be in one. You’ve had crushes before, but it’s never gone further than that. As Julie pushes herself up for another sit-up, you try to lighten the mood.

"Well, at least you get to work it out, right?" you say with a small smile, trying to keep things light. Julie smirks, though her eyes still hold a trace of frustration.

"Yeah, I love her... like, a lot," she says, pausing for a moment. "But damn, she can be so annoying at times."

You nod, looking at your love-stricken friend with a mix of amusement and sympathy. "You look in love, though. I’m happy for you," you say, giving her a genuine smile.

Julie stops her push-ups and looks up at you, her expression softening. A smile tugs at her lips. "Thanks," she says quietly, her eyes bright with affection.

“You guys better invite me to the wedding," you say with a playful grin, raising an eyebrow.

Julie laughs, shaking her head. "Don’t get ahead of yourself," she teases, but her eyes twinkle with a hint of affection. "We’ve still got a lot of drama to sort out before we even think about that."

You chuckle, tossing her a teasing look. "I mean, I’m just saying, I’ll be the one to give the best speech." You pause, leaning back against the gym wall. "And maybe I’ll get a plus one, so I don’t have to go solo."

Julie smirks, rolling her eyes. "I’ll make sure to keep the guest list in mind," she says with a wink. "But for now, let’s just focus on surviving gym class without passing out, huh?"

You both burst out laughing, the tension finally breaking as you both share a moment of relief. The sound of your laughter fills the space, easing the weight that’s been hanging over the conversation.

Minutes slip by, the two of you helping each other with sit-ups, until Julie suddenly groans, pushing herself up for the last time. "I’m tired of sit-ups," she announces, stretching and standing up with a dramatic sigh. "I’m going to grab my water bottle and find something else for us to do." She flashes you a grin before strolling off, clearly energized by the idea of mixing things up.

You’re left alone in the gym, your mind still buzzing from the conversation with Julie. You watch her walk away to grab her water bottle, the gymnasium stretching out before you in a mix of activity. The sounds of sneakers squeaking on the floor, the thud of basketballs, and the occasional shout fill the air as other students go about their routines.

You glance around, a little aimless now that Julie’s gone. Some kids are running laps, others are working on their stretches, while a few are in small clusters talking or fooling around.

A sense of detachment washes over you, as if you're just a bystander in the midst of all the activity around you. You feel like you're on the outskirts, an unnoticed face in a sea of movement. You pull out your phone, checking the time, silently counting down the minutes until gym class finally ends and you can escape to your last class of the day.

"You know you're not allowed on your phone, right?" A voice in front of you says, breaking the quiet. You roll your eyes, already expecting it, before glancing up at the person in front of you.

You gasp when you see who it is. Vi. Without missing a beat, you quickly put your phone down on the bench, a mix of annoyance and awkwardness flooding through you.

Her smirk widens as she steps closer, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Didn't think you'd be the type to get caught," she says, her tone playful yet carrying a sharp edge. "Guess I was wrong."

Before you can respond, she begins circling you, her gaze bold and shameless as it sweeps over you. You can feel the weight of her stare, every step around you making your body tense just a little more under her scrutiny.

"Are you always this tense?" she teases, her voice dipping into something low and suggestive as she leans in, her breath brushing against the shell of your ear. "Or is it just me?"

You swallow hard, heat rushing to your face at the blatant invasion of your personal space. "I… uh… wasn’t expecting company," you stammer, your voice wobbling as you attempt to maintain composure. It's clear, though, that she's reveling in how off-balance you are.

Her smirk deepens as her eyes flicker down, catching the way your hands instinctively tug at the hem of your gym shorts, a feeble attempt to shield yourself from her penetrating gaze. "Relax," she says, her tone somewhere between amused and mocking. "I’m not gonna bite… unless you want me to."

That comment has your heart skipping a beat, and you glance away, hoping the face you're making isn’t as obvious. But Vi doesn’t back off if anything, she seems even more entertained by your reaction.

You try to shake off the unease, but before you can say anything, Vi’s smirk deepens as she notices your reaction. “What’s with the look? Did I hit a nerve?” she teases, her tone equal parts playful and predatory.

You avert your gaze, focusing on a random spot on the gym floor. "No," you mutter softly, your voice barely above a whisper.

Vi chuckles, clearly amused by your quiet demeanor. “You’re shy, huh? That’s cute too,” she says, taking another step closer. Her presence feels heavy, like it’s taking up all the space around you, and you instinctively shrink back, gripping the edge of the bench for some kind of stability.

Your pulse quickens as she leans in just a little more, and without fully thinking, you raise your hand to gently push her back. “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested,” you say, your voice steady despite the nerves bubbling under the surface.

Vi freezes for a moment, her smirk faltering. She straightens up, her gaze sharpening as she studies your expression. For a brief second, you think you might’ve offended her, and the fear grips your chest like a vice. The rumors about her temper flash through your mind, and your eyes dart toward the locker room, silently begging for Julie to come back.

Then, unexpectedly, Vi starts to laugh a low, throaty sound that sends a chill down your spine. “Wow,” she says, shaking her head in disbelief. “You really are different, huh?” You’re not sure how to respond, so you just sit there, frozen under her intense gaze. Vi tilts her head, as if sizing you up all over again. “Most people don’t have the guts to tell me no. Guess that makes you kind of interesting.”

Her tone is calm, almost teasing, but it does little to ease the tension in your chest. She takes a step back, finally giving you some space, and crosses her arms, the smirk returning to her lips.

“Alright, Y/N. I’ll back off…for now,” she says, her voice dripping with mischief. “But don’t think I’m giving up that easily.”

Before you can respond, the sound of footsteps approaching makes your heart leap. Julie appears, her expression instantly hardening when she spots Vi standing there.

“What the hell are you doing?” Julie snaps, glaring at Vi as she strides over.

Vi shrugs, looking completely unfazed. “Just having a chat with your little friend here. Nothing serious.”

Julie places herself between the two of you, her protective instincts kicking in. “Well, the chat’s over. Get lost,” she says, her tone firm and unyielding.

Vi raises her hands in mock surrender, that ever-present smirk still on her face. “Relax, Greenhead. I’m not here to start a fight.” She glances at you one last time, her eyes glinting with something you can’t quite place. “See you around, Y/N.”

With that, she saunters off, leaving you and Julie alone. Julie turns to you, her face a mix of concern and frustration. “What did she say to you? Did she do anything?”

You shake your head quickly. “No, she didn’t do anything. Just... talking.”

"Oh, great. This just got ten times worse. You really know how to attract trouble, don’t you?"Julie scoffs, running a hand through her green hair. “Talking, my ass. You’ve gotta be careful around her, Y/N. She’s trouble. Both her and Caitlyn.”

You nod, though the encounter still lingers in your mind. “I’ll be fine,” you say softly, but the look on Julie’s face tells you she’s not convinced.

“Let’s just get through the rest of this class,” she mutters, grabbing her water bottle. “And stay close to me, alright?”

You nod again, following her as she leads the way back into the gym. But even as you try to focus on the rest of the period, you can’t shake the feeling that this won’t be the last time Vi seeks you out.

What have you gotten yourself into?

Ⓒ︎ seulszn

[cainluvr69]

"Say Aah!" Cain SSR Card Story - The Pinnacle of Deep Frying

Cain: Whew, we sure have walked a lot. Master Sage, you're not too worn out, are you?

Akira: I'm okay. I am getting a little hungry, though…

Cain: I'm definitely feeling it, too. I'm pretty sure I saw a food stall back down that alley. Let's go check it out.

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: Mm, is that smell oil…? Then this stall must be…

Shopkeeper: Welcome, welcome! Step right up!

Cain: Hey, whatcha selling here?

Shopekeeper: "What," you ask… Well, that's a bit rough to answer. Might as well say anything, 'cause I'll deep fry anything!

Cain: …Anything, you say?

Shopkeeper: Eeyup. I'll fry whatever you want, dear customers, and then give it to you. What do you two want? I'll fry it up for you!

Cain: So, really anything? You've got a hell of a business model. Then I'll take a nice juicy cut of bacon!

Shopkeeper: You got it. And for you?

Akira: Umm, I guess I'll take a veggie or two.

Shopkeeper: Gotcha, one nice cut of bacon and our finest vegetables! Both together will be 300 yen.

Cain pulled out his wallet, and as he handed it over, he very casually and naturally touched the stall owner's hand.

Shopkeeper: Alright, now sit back 'n watch!

The shopkeeper grinned and popped a thick slice of bacon and a nougat yam into his pot of oil.

Cain: Man, I love deep fried stuff. I totally get wanting to deep fry anything and everything you can.

Akira: You sure have done that whenever you got the chance, as I recall…

Shopkeeper: Oh, that right? I feel like you 'n me could get along, kid! Here ya go, deep fried to perfection. Here's your bacon.

Cain: Thank you. …Well, don't mind if I do. Damn, that's good! Gimme another!

Shopkeeper: Ahaha! You practically inhaled that thing. Well, gimme just a second. Here's your nougat yam.

Akira: Thank you very much. Now, let me try it…

Mithra: What is that?

Akira: Oh!

Mithra suddenly appeared next to me and snatched my yam out of my hand.

Mithra: Chomp munch. How disappointing. My burnt charcoal has much more impact.

Cain: Hey man, you can't just show up and start picking a fight like that. And while I'm at it, that was the Sage's, not yours.

Mithra: It's their fault for letting their guard down. Besides, they should have something much tastier, with much more impact. In fact, it's terribly inconsiderate of them that they didn't consider doing this.

Akira: (That's an absolutely wild thing to just say like that…)

Shopkeeper: Impact, you say… Well, I guess it's possible that focusing so much on my deep frying means I let flavor fall by the wayside. I ain't as popular as some of the other stalls around here, and I don't get much in the way of feedback, so thank ya kindly for being so upfront about it.

Cain: Mister… Hey, would it be alright if I helped you with your shop?

Shopkeeper: Huh…?

Cain: We're comrades in the art of deep frying. I want to learn whatever I can from you.

Shopkeeper: Well, I'd appreciate the help. Welcome to the team.

Cain: Nice! Well then, let's get right to it… Do you think trying to put more flavor into the coating?

Akira: That sounds like it might be a good idea. Since deep fried food can be a little hard on the stomach, how about mixing in something nice and refreshing? Like how karaage usually comes with lemon slices…

Shopkeeper: I see, I see… Well, let's give it a try!

✦✧☾✧✦

Shopkeeper: And done! Some lightly fried vinegar fish, ready to serve! I added some ultramarine lemon juice to the batter. Here, try it!

Cain: Here we go…

Akira: Thank you very much.

The three of us took a bite of our respective fried fish.

Akira: (…Th-this is…)

Cain: Damn, that's sour!

Mithra: This is much more stimulating, though lightly frying it was unnecessary in my opinion.

Akira: It definitely packs a punch now, but maybe we could make it a little bit more…mellow…?

Cain: We're definitely going in the right direction. There's still something missing, but we're almost there…to peak deliciousness… I know! Mithra, we top this with that secret sauce of yours?

Mithra: Secret…? Oh, you mean this.

Mithra pulled a bottled labeled MAGIC SAUCE out of thin air.

Shopkeeper: Wh-where'd you pull that from…?!

The shopkeepers eyes went wide, and Cain and I frantically exchanged glances.

Akira: (We're in Eastern Country, so it'd be really really bad if it gets out that they're wizards…!) H-H-He's really good at sleight of hand type tricks! This guy, master of stage magic! He loves to surprise people so he always keeps a bottle up his sleeve, if you know what I mean!!

Cain: Yeah, yep! He always pulls it off so cool and casual, right?!

Mithra: What are you two talking about? This is basic magi--momph.

Cain: Anyways, moving on! The sauce he's got here tastes amazing on everything. Wanna give it a try?

Shopkeeper: On everything, you say? Is there really a sauce out there like that? Sounds downright magical.

Mithra: Of course it does. This is my handmade universal sauce.

Cain: C'mon, try it out.

At Cain's urging, we all put some of the sauce onto our fried fish.

Akira: (It's so good. Yakiniku sauce coming in clutch once again…)

Shopkeeper: Th-this flavor…! Y-you gotta tell me! How do I make this sauce?!

Mithra: You can't.

Shopkeeper: Why not?!

Mithra: Because you're nothing but a human--

Cain: Uhhhhhhhh hey! It's actually because the ingredients are really hard to get! It's a real specialty product!

Shopkeeper: Oh, I see… Then would you be willing to part with some? I'll pay you, I've got cash!

Mithra: I refuse. Making more of it would be such a bother.

Shopkeeper: No… It was such a vivid, perfect flavor…

Cain: Well, here's my thought. Why not try to make your own version of it? You're a chef, and you've got a lot experience with, y'know, eating things and examining the flavors, right? I'm sure you can rediscover this sauce's flavor.

Akira: I'd like to help you in this endeavor, too!

Shopkeeper: Well, ya got me. Let me try my hand at it!

✦✧☾✧✦

Shopkeeper: I think I've gotten the base flavor pretty close… What do you think?

The sauce the shopkeeper made certainly looked like Mithra's universal sauce. As for the flavor…

Cain: Mm, something's missing, I think.

Mithra: Yes. Something definitely is.

Akira: I think maybe it's that it's not, like, thick enough? But just a little thicker might be perfect…

Shopkeeper: You sure are eloquent, kiddo. I want to keep you as my taste tester!

Akira: M-me?!

✦✧☾✧✦

We ended up trying several different variations of sauces on different deep fried foods in a lengthy process of trial and error. At some point, Mithra got bored of stuffing himself with fried foods and wandered off.

Shopkeeper: Alright, next up is fried macaroni stalks! Still good to try it?

Akira: Yes. …Here goes. (The sauce counteracts the macaroni stalks' bitterness, but it still feels like something's missing…) (And I've eaten so many things, my stomach feels like it's going to burst…)

Cain: …

Cain glanced over at me with my hand on my belly, and licked a drop of sauce off of one of his fingers.

Cain: Why not add some kind of oil? Like, a climactic oil versus oil battle. You know, like how deep frying stuff plain in butter is really good.

Shopkeeper: No batter, just butter… Damn, I think you might really be onto something here!

Cain: I think the actual flavor of the sauce is spot-on at this point. Other than that, we just need to finish ironing out the proper mellowness and then we're done.

Akira: I think adding some extra oil would be good, too…

The shopkeeper added a few drops of his special, flavorful oil and mixed it in…

Akira: Alright, time for a taste… Mm! This is it!! (This smell, this flavor, it's spot-on yakiniku sauce!) This is it, this is it…! It's a little different from Mithra's magic sauce, but it's really close…this is the universal sauce!

Shopkeeper: Really?!

Cain: You did it!

Shopkeeper: I gotta thank that lad that let me taste this in the first place!

Cain: We'll be sure to tell him.

Shopkeeper: Thank ya kindly. I was so focused on perfecting the art of frying that I forgot to pay attention to the flavor, even though that's what I should've been thinking about if I wanted to make this place more successful. Y'know, I was just about at the end of my rope, thinkin' there was just no helping that I wasn't getting customers since I only deep fried things, but as a fellow afficionado of all things deep-fried…you've given me hope.

Cain: I mean, what else was I gonna do? I'm already looking forward to the next time we come out to this neck of the woods and I get to drop by your stall again.

Akira: Same here. We'll be sure to remember you.

Shopkeeper: And I, you! I'll prepare a deep fried full course meal for you any day!

Akira: (Thank goodness, Cain looks really satisfied, too…!)

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: (But, my gosh, I feel full… I guess we went a little too crazy with the fried foods…)

Cain: You okay, Master Sage?

Akira: Yeah. Just thinking I might've overeaten a little…

Cain: How about we find something light to eat to give your palate a refresher?

Akira: ?! N-no, I'm okay! I feel like if I eat anything else, I'm going to pop… But thank you for the thought.

Cain: Haha. Don't worry, I was just joking. Sorry for making you part of that whole escapade.

Akira: Oh, no, I enjoyed it! Trying to figure out the ingredients for the perfect sauce was really fun.

Cain: I'm happy to hear that. Mithra's special sauce was a big help, but so was your spot-on food reviews.

Akira: I'm really happy that shopkeeper ended up pleased with the results, too.

Cain: Yeah. I hope the next time we come by, that stall's got a big line in front of it.

Akira: And I'll make sure that I don't eat too much…!

Cain: Ahaha, good plan!

****TL Notes: karaage is a type of fried chicken, but distinct enough from what most english speakers picture when they think of fried chicken that i left it as-is. squeezing a lemon slice over it or adding a few drops of vinegar really makes it pop. yakiniku is grilled meat that's typically done over a charcoal stove and topped with, indeed, a particular savory sauce.

Training Episode: The Deliciousness of Killing Two Birds with One Stone!

Akira: Cain? What are you doing in the kitchen?

Cain: Oh, Master Sage. I was craving some good ol' deep fried good and was just about to whip something up. You want any?

Akira: Fried food cravings…?

Cain: Ever since we helped out that fried food stand back in the Town of Blue Scales, I've been wanting to branch out and try deep frying more stuff.

Akira: We sure did eat a lot of fried foods then…

Cain: That said, I still haven't found anything that beats deep fried butter. So there's just this lack of satisfaction I can't get rid of… Can you think of anything good to try? Something unexpected!

Akira: Something delicious, but unexpected… How about ice cream?

Cain: Ice cream…? That's definitely out of left field. Wouldn't it melt if I tried to deep fry it?

Akira: I'm pretty sure there's something you can do to make sure it doesn't melt…

Cain: I see… Well then, let's embark upon a journey to fell the mystery of deep fried ice cream! Eating something warm and cold at the same time is really efficient. Two birds, one stone!

Akira: But if I can't remember how to do it, it's going to take us a long time to figure it out on our own…

Cain: You don't need to force yourself to or anything.

Akira: Huh?

Cain: You know I like spending time with you, Master Sage.

[tumblingxelian]

"Are we discussing the writers intentions with Jaune, Jaune as a general character or the audience reception to Jaune and are we singling out a specific audience or the collective?"

All three really. The collective.

To start, I'm fascinated by how Jaune seems to contrast the girls in terms of their development. His growth is very loud and in your face in specific moments like Jaundice or the prom or Volume 3's finale.

Hell, his moment in the Battle for Haven has him not getting the trauma induced power up to punch Cinder hard but rather to heal Weiss. After that, he's to the side healing those who need it. It's a big moment but his only moment aside from a small passing mention of his semblance.

It feels like peaks and valley when it comes to the times when he gets the focus.

All while the girls have each of their journeys spread across the whole show's intended run. Ruby's arc of trying to move forward too much has always been there but with weekly episode releases and hiatuses between seasons, it's causes even those who are well meaning to overlook it.

I don't know if that came out right so make of my thoughts what you will.

OK so its too hot for me to do any recording or other projects but I can answer asks, so let's get to this (Cracks bottle of cold water over my head) Let's do this!

So, Jaune is certainly a divisive character and while I have warmed up to him somewhat over the years, and while I adore RWBY I often feel he can be a disruptive element, but also one that does in fact serve a purpose. Keep that in mind for my response going forward.

So, touching on your stuff first, it is interesting, though I would argue against the idea that the girls don't also at times have very loud character development.

Weiss's shifter after talking to Port, her summons, the Atlas party, ETC. Blake running away & confronting Roman, her everything with Ilia, the final confrontation with Adam and the Bees kiss as just some examples.

Interestingly Ruby and Yang are on the more quiet end of character development scales with stuff building up slowly and quietly. Though not without their big moments, Ruby's eulogy and explosion, Yang's confrontation with Raven and the bees kiss, ETC.

Still, I think I see what you mean in how these things tend to be framed and handled in a much more varied way than media usually does.

IE, Jaune losing it at Cinder in V5 is basically him lacing the temperament of a Huntsmen that his allies have and it accomplishes nothing on his end as far as "Badass confrontation" goes and instead he only starts to grow after leaning into the role of support & healer, even defaulting more to Yang as leader in V7 during their rescue work.

Overall and I said this in my Bees essay that CRWBY like long form story telling, and that influences a lot of how RWBY is written.

In these regards Jaune does feel interesting/odd because he does have several... Archetypical moments of character growth as you say. What's interesting to me and what I think the writers are going for is that how good some of these even are for him can be questionable.

What I mean is like...

Jaune went to Beacon with a very "Idiot Shounen hero" attitude towards things. He cheated his way into an elite school and kind of just assumed it'd work out. He didn't try that hard in classes till he was being blackmailed, rejected help out of pride and even when he did seek it out it was only after he had a "win" under his belt that wasn't even wholly his but he doesn't know that.

The thing is, very little ever went Jaune's way on these things either in the short term or long term.

IE, he short term he showed up at Beacon and nearly died and or failed (Subversion of his shounen expectations.) But then he was helpedby a cool girl who ineplicably liked him and said he had a lot of Aura! (This falls in line with his Shounen expectations!)

But then it turns out he still sucks at classes and having what a girl who has a crush on you says is a lot of Aura doesn't mean much when surrounded by other people who also have a lot of Aura and have been training all their lives (Subversion again)

He then manages to retain his pride and defend his team and wins a battle "All on his own" except he ignored Glynda's advice and only won because Pyrrha guided his hand. Though after this he did swallow his pride and get help, its sort of net neutral?

Moving forward he wasn't that involved in the plot, but his stuff in V2, was very "Standard" school stuff, but then it was followed up by his love interest also being his mentor being a problem because Pyrrha fulfilled the trope of the mentor dying. Jaune was also cut out of that entire conflict (Wisely) because he's not actually the main character and he'd only get in the way. (Subversions all round! Be it for the cool girl liking the Shounen loser, him not being the MC, Pyrrha being his mentor and the tragic "Brightest of their generation" before she was his love interest and so on!)

Just within the first three volumes we see that there's this dichotomy of Jaune trying t and sometimes even getting to play much more standard story beats "Straight" that RWBY usually avoid. Only for them to then get blindsided by RWBY's more subversive elements.

But the key thing here is you only notice the latter if you pay attention to the whole, and not the individual moments. This is a problem I had with Jaune till about V6/7; because despite my insights here I do think the execution has been murky more often than not.

Still, with the above in mind, I think one can easily where how things flow out from there, with Jaune trying to play these self assigned roles and getting these moments of "Standard storytelling."

Only for something to come along later and put a spin on it.

V4 Jaune gives a nice speech to Ruby but it ultimately just serves to reinforce her burgeoning issues because he also missed her tendency to repress and when placed in a scenario like he would have been with Pyrrha he froze up and couldn't act, IE Tyrian almost getting Ruby.

He finally got his big speech and rage at Cinder, but was actively being told to chill by Qrow and Cinder gives near zero fucks and rather than getting a power up he gains a power that assigns him a support role over a "badass" role.

We also get to see something in V6 which I thin is often neglected in Jaune analysis, that boy has a fucking temper!

We've seen it with him shouting at Pyrrha, at Cinder and then outright attacking Oscar. But he always calms down afterwards and no one seems to hold it against him, but the thing is this means he never really works on it. The only thing that can shut it down is his own sense of shame rather than actual self control like say, Yang has.

But I digress, my interpretation of the writers intent but I basically think Jaune is meant to serve four purposes in the narrative:

1: Counterpart & foil to Ruby as leaders with very different skills & roles in universe. 2: Counterpart & commentary on shitty male authority figures who needs to unlearn toxic masculinity. 3: A longform subversion of the typical "idiot Shounen hero" who gets by on gumption and lots of natural talent. 4: The closest person we get to a wholly normal person in universe, as even Oscar has an ancient wizard in his head.

These are all interesting things and I can see what the creators are aiming for, or so I believe. However, I do think the execution of all this is often murky.

The short form stuff I mention above is some of the hardest to grapple with cos until you see it pay off it just seems like standardized story tropes, and even then the emphasis these ideas require to work can be disruptive to other characters narrative importance.

What's more while interesting and impossible to fully comment on until the story is wholly done, it is hard to say how strictly necessary some of these ideas are to explore given RWBY's limited run time. & the fact some of them could be divided up and given to more temporary characters who don't need as much narrative real estate.

Thus I can definitely get why people often find Jaune frustrating. Hell, I can often find him frustrating, especially because I think some of his traits are meant to evoke a degree or irritation with him. But all of this also feeds into why he can be such a divisive character.

As for people who just project onto Jaune and make him super harm big badass, ugh, idiots unworthy of consideration who frankly shouldn't be watching RWBY, I have nothing to say to them.

Anyway I hope this was coherent, thanks for the ask, sorry it took so long!

[badninken]

you have probably been asked this a billion times and maybe even have answered it but would you mind sharing what brushes you use on procreate?

Hi! No worries at all, I don't mind answering 🎨

Here's a link leading to two posts I made about brushes and stuff but I feel like making a new one with a bunch of image examples, just because.

I use HB Pencil for lines and sometimes for shading too. I've saved several versions of it where I've adjusted the texture and size, so I can pick if I want a rough or smooth look. I get smooth shading with the pencil by tilting the pen, just like you'd shade with a real pencil. It took some practice but I love how versatile that brush is depending on pen tilt and how precise you are. These are all 100% Procreate HB Pencil:

For backgrounds, rough shading and finishing touches I often use a bought oil paint brush pack you can find in the links. It was $10. I've gotten lots of neat textured art out of that money. For smoother shading and coloring under the lines I use a mix of round brushes of varying softness that feel good, it's usually nothing complicated and I wing it depending on what style I'm aiming for.

This one was made using HB Pencil with slightly reduced texture + the oil paint brushes and a shit ton of effects at the end.

I rarely paint the very smoothly rendered or realistically shaded things in procreate though, I use photoshop for those because I have more control of the pen pressure after many years using the devils software and I need that control to do the real fine blending. I use one single brush that I've used since 2008. I don't know where that brush can be downloaded anymore but it's a slightly textured round thing. The brush is nothing magical, it just happens to be the one I'm used to so I've learned exactly how to control it. It's my old trusted friend.

The one below I made by using my trusted photoshop brush in procreate + a bunch of effects. Old trusty brush behaves weirdly in Procreate so I get weird results.

I can try to figure out a good way to upload my trusty photoshop brush and post a link so others can get it. Just need to find something reliable and safe.

[delulustateofmind]

hello, I'm currently going insane over the last part of "can my friend join". And i read your replies to asks related to that. And I'm going to ask something so crazy but I think it'd be soooo interesting, and something to ponder abt (for me at least)

Tw. Narcotics?

Say the reader gets their hands on edibles or something. Maybe weed to smoke or as brownies (because we know Suguru smokes/at least carries lighters. Maybe for this hypothetical scenario, let's assume he has it and that's how she got it). One of the effects can be that it makes you laugh uncontrollably about things that aren't THAT funny. And in general puts one in better mood.

Let's say satosugu see reader laughing her heart out at something random n silly and find out it's because she accidentally somehow consumed an edible.

(For the sake of this scenario, again, let's assume that the depression meds or some medical complications after so many pregnancies lead to reader being rendered infertile. So no question about any baby being harmed. )

In that case... how do they feel? Do they want her bubbly-ness back? Or are they now indifferent? Or do they hate her smiles and the sound of her laughter?

Will Suguru try to forcefully take away the edibles, (after a few times) if satoru is against the idea, coz satoru likes how you seem to have a bit of personality outside of being a cardboard cutout of the person you used to be? Will SATORU too put his foot down on letting you choose if or not you want to have access to these?

I am sorry in case i inadvertently offended you with this ask. I genuinely found it hilarious, imagining their confusion at first. It would be interesting to read about a scene where satoru and Suguru maybe cannot come to an agreement about a situation. And both are stubborn/ want control.

I understand if you won't want to answer this one, and i apologise in case you don't like stuff like this. I genuinely do not mean to make you uncomfortable.

Thank you for reading!

Anon, baby, it takes a whole lot to offend me. You're so freaking sweet, mwah.

TW: Narcotics, unedited, implied dubcon/noncon

I think I hinted at this in one of the previous asks, but yes, they definitely use narcotics. It’s kind of like a date night situation, because normally, you’re so numb. But when you’re high on that sweet little pill they give you? Oh my, you’re back to being the sweetest little thing.

Sure, you might be a little spaced out, and sure, you might not fully understand what’s going on. But Satoru loves the giggly mess you become. You let him hold you, nuzzle into you, and for once, you don’t resist. The sex is incredible for them because you actually seem like you’re enjoying it. You’re softer, more pliable, and sometimes, you even blurt out that you love them during it.

Those moments—hearing you say “I love you”—fuel both Satoru and Suguru’s belief that there’s still an ounce of the old you left inside. As much as they’d want to keep you drugged and loveable forever, Suguru worries about the long-term effects on your brain. So, he insists on keeping it as a weekly date night ritual.

On those nights, they send the kids out of the estate and have an absolute field day with you, indulging in every ounce of affection and compliance you offer under the influence of their little solution.

[sailorsoons]

Vengeance | Teaser (c.hs)

Pairing: Vernon x f. reader

Summary: You always knew you were different from a young age. The only person who has ever been able to understand you is Vernon. When things take a turn for the Choi Syndicate, your long-term relationship is put to the test.

Teaser Word Count: 858

Full Fic Word Count: 21,528

Genre: Mafiaverse, Cyberpunk, Childhood Friends/Exes to Lovers

Type: Smut, Heavy Angst

Rating: 18+ Minors are strictly prohibited from engaging in and reading this content. It contains explicit content and any minors discovered reading or engaging with this work will be blocked immediately.

Teaser Warnings: Mentions of death, reference to grief/anger after the passing of a love one, mention of murder/retribution, intense feelings of anger and a pinch of angst.

A/N: This fic is a part of my Syndicates Collection. This will the second installment under the Syndicate Universe, but you can always read this fic on its own. I hope everyone enjoys Vernon's story as much as they enjoyed Hoshi's!

COMING FRIDAY, JAN. 25

Main Masterlist | The Syndicates Collection | Join the Taglist | Ask | Playlist

As if it can sense your moment of peace, Hansol’s phone starts to ring. You hiss and he groans. You want him to ignore it. He wants to ignore it. But you know that ringtone anywhere, and despite wanting to keep this moment for longer than five minutes, Hansol reaches into his pocket to answer Seungcheol’s phone call.

“Yes, Tower?” 

You bury your face in Hansol’s chest, which vibrates when he speaks. “Got it. Yeah.” He sighs, running a hand down his face. “Alright.”

He hangs up the phone. “Tell him no.” 

“You tell him no. He’s actually afraid of you.”

“Seungcheol isn’t afraid of anyone.”

Well. That isn’t explicitly true. You wouldn’t say that Seungcheol is afraid of you, but he’s certainly wary. Wary in the way someone might be a bomb that is under their roof. Wary in the way someone’s exotic pet has started to corrode under animal instinct. Wary in the way one might be when one of their prime killers recently lost the only person she ever really considered a mother, setting her on a warpath. 

Your jaw works. Yoon Minji had been the last connection you’d had to your father. Somehow, losing her has felt worse.

It wasn’t like your father, who had finally withered away from cancer. Minji had been picture-perfect health, if not a little old and weary from running the Syndicate while Choi Moojin withered away to sickness after his wife’s passing. Minji was built of different stuff. Strong in the face of death. A force to be reckoned with as her friends aged out of life without her, leaving her to be the steadfast Wisdom manning the helm.

Then the Kim and Yong Syndicates had struck like snakes in the night, a move only cowards were capable of. The only reason the Choi Syndicate hadn’t fallen to the treachery of the Kim’s entirely was because of the Tower’s daughter. Her forced marriage to Kim Yujin had ultimately been the Choice Syndicate's saving grace, her call coming only two hours prior to the coordinated attack, a warning that an overthrow was in process. 

It had been enough time for most people. 

It hadn’t been enough time for you or Jeonghan to get to Minji. Not enough time to figure out why they knew where she was or how to get her. Now, you were both trying to stay adrift in the aftermath of losing your shared anchor - Jeonghan worse than you but you… worse than you expected. 

“You okay?” Hansol’s voice brings you back to the present. Only Hansol is able to drag you out of those churning waters where your eldritch anger lurks, waiting. Watching. Hungry. “I gotta go soon but if you’re not good-”

“I’m good.” Lie. “I’m just sleepy.”

“Cheol is working us to death.”

Except it isn’t the Tower working you to death. The Tower isn’t putting you to work at all. He is actually staunchly avoiding you, letting the Wisdom of the Choi Syndicate wield you like a weapon of vengeance instead. 

Yoon Jeonghan takes aim at his enemies often these days. 

Vengeance. That is what your stepbrother had called it when he started gathering his list of soon-to-be-dead in his office. Vengeance for his mother’s murder, vengeance for trying to take out the Choi Syndicate, vengeance for anyone who had anything to do with any of it. 

It isn’t traditionally the Wisdom’s job to dole out punishment and retribution, but Jeonghan is still actively looking for how the Kim family discovered the Yoon family safehouse, something that could have only come from inside. 

Which means the Kim family have a Watcher inside the Choi Syndicate, someone with access to the inner circle. Someone you trust someone you know, someone who- 

Anger begins to twist your insides again. Hansol sees the change in you, his eyebrows creasing as he looks down at where you lay on his chest. Instead of looking at him directly, you press your cheek to his chest and close your eyes, listening to his heartbeat, trying to let it ground you. 

“You know you can talk to me, right?”

No. “Yes.” 

You don’t dare look at him because you think Hansol sees right through you. You’ve never hidden anything from him, and you don’t quite know why you do now. Why you pretend that you’re not eroding inside, why you hide the ancient anger that becomes so raw that you can’t stand it. 

Shame. 

Shame that you cannot get rid of this feeling inside of you. Shame that you’ve never felt like this. Shame that you don’t know how to tell him what you’re feeling how to articulate that you feel wrath so intense that it makes you suffocate, makes you see red, makes you-

“I gotta go,” Hansol says softly. You cling to him a little tighter reflexively. His laugh vibrates through you, followed by a heavy sigh. “We’ll be okay, right?” That makes you look up at him sharply. His face is serious, eyes dark. “We’ve been through shit before. This stuff with the Syndicate war - we’ll be fine?” 

“Of course we will.” 

It feels like a lie.