#was nice to pick this game up again hopefully i will remember to play it more often LOL

[crest-of-gautier]

briefly picked up pq again after not having played it in a month, i got through the cutscenes that happen when you start the second labryinth, but didn't progress past that! thoughts™ below

i basically spent my time in Many Cutscenes (all strolls available to me, the abilities 1/2/3, what do we call each other, navigational differences, and why a group date cafe) + also did the fuse xiezhai request as well as help with the trading showdown.

i think the only downside from this play session is seeing how... how badly they exacerbate teddie's "comedic" relief traits. this isn't a problem exclusive to pq (i've watched arena all the way through and am maybe halfway through ultimax, and teddie also suffers there). but MAN. it's so hard to remember that teddie has a good arc in golden sometimes 😭

bitching about teddie aside, i do appreciate him being there because teddie's origin story of being from the TV world and then leaving it to be with the investigation team acts as such a nice metric of comparison for whatever zen and rei is supposed to be. i've been over this a billion times but the way the game explicitly has made note of this in cutscenes is just so!! juicy to me!!! it does feel like a low hanging fruit for me to latch onto in terms of "clues regarding zen and rei's identity," but it's definitely the easiest to understand.

naoto prompting an attempt to investigate of the clock tower and the lore surrounding it's real-world counterpart was very interesting! i have faith in the writers for this cutscene to make sense later down the line with more context, but it does feel like a clue. i just. need some more time with the game (and possibly more details) to put things together.

i can't help but feel that rei expressing the want/hope to "go back" (in lieu of what teddie did with going to inaba) isn't going to end well... i mean, maybe it will! but to be able to "go back" (whatever that contains) is hardly guaranteed in the first place and i feel like hoping for something like this is bound for heartbreak (i would be interested in that given that rei's entire personality is based around food and zen LOL)

the velvet room scene too!! super juicy, i really enjoy all of the angles that theo, liz, and margaret all presented in regards to the distortion of the p3 + p4 casts from different times being gathered into this one place. given how the wild card power has been neutralized and changed it really makes me wonder about the power of the end-game entity... perhaps so powerful that zen and rei could be considered "shards" of that entity who forgot about that? very interesting for margaret to refer to the world as "finite," me thinks.

the game did give a brief glimpse to a silhouette sitting on a crystal(?) and was obscured by broken glass/spider web of sorts... i wonder whatever it could need from bringing TWO wildcards, i mean, yeah that's powerful but. i wanna know the motive!!! not that. divine entities and the like always have motivations in this series but. y'know. LOL.

anyway that's all for now! short progress today bc wahoo cutscenes and i got things to do but. really intriguing, i'm super interested in seeing how this gets followed up on. also i love yosuke whenever i see yosuke's animations in this game it makes me so happy!! he's so expressive and fun i love him a lot. and it'd be very interesting to play this game again on the p4 side to see minato speak but also see what has changed between versions, as well as catching any details i've missed.

[phagodyke]

really horribly anxious this morning and can't seem to shake it off :-(

[webslingingslasher]

Unknown Sender

happy valentine's day!

MONDAY: 13:52 

‘hi.’ Peter squints at the message, then the unsaved number. He's not sure how, but it’s a scam. 

‘i’d like to have your attention, please.’ Peter rolls his eyes, swiping left to not only delete but report the number as junk. No doubt it was a bot or someone with a flair for sextortion. 

A new number. ‘that was actually so rude of you, parker.’ 

‘unblock me right now.’ 

Peter shifts in his seat, he does a slow look around the room and finds nothing off putting or alarming. 

‘Who is this?’ 

Green bubbles pop up. ‘unblock me and i’ll tell you.’ Peter was right to guess about extortion. Another swipe, blocked and reported. Peter wasn’t participating in any games. 

A new number. ‘oh, now you’re just being cute.’ 

Peter feels his heart pick up a bit, it’s a tad threatening and now he’s overthinking it a little. What if someone has it out for him? Is there a mark on his back? ‘Please leave me alone.’ 

‘no.’ 

‘can we play 21 questions?’ 

Peter’s face scrunches up, he spins his head around one more time, someone is fucking with him. He has no clue who has time for something like that in university, but he’s not a willing participant anymore, not since high school. 

‘Leave me alone. Go torment a freshman.’ 

‘i don’t like freshmen. i like you.’ Peter chews at his bottom lip, there was a second of hesitancy but he knows the truth deep down. ‘I’m blocking you.’ 

‘sure. i’ll keep texting you, too.’ 

‘I’ll change my number.’ 

‘noooo please don’t do that. i had to work hard enough to get it the first time.’ Peter doesn’t respond. He blocks the number and moves on, and they don’t try to text him again.

Until the next day and Peter knows two things for certain. There is a note in his backpack, and it wasn’t there before his econ lecture. He remembers pulling that pocket open before he started notes, then when he went to zip it up, a note. 

This upsets him. What good was any sense when someone could get that unnoticeably close to him without him knowing? Second, it’s a little frustrating not to know who this person is and how it most likely is connected to the texts he had a few days ago, and that it’s an extremely long played joke that’s mostly boring. 

‘Peter Parker- 

You’ve been secretly admired. It might not be very secret, because I think you’ve caught me staring at you a thousand times. I like you a lot. 

Hopefully liked back, 

-X’ 

But a part of him believes it’s true. He’s trying to think of who’s in his lecture, if he’s caught them staring then they’re either to the side or behind him. There are too many faces, too many times he’s been looked at, he’s almost centered, it’s his fault for choosing a focal point. 

Instead of throwing it away, he refolds the pink handwriting and puts it back into place before hitching a strap over his shoulder and sliding behind chairs. One, two steps up he glances at your face, you have a weak smile, he returns the same kind, it’s more like a polite nod. Peter’s always thought you were pretty and he thinks you're nice. 

But really, he’s wondering who left the note. 

10:30

‘did you get my note?’ Peter does his normal scan across campus, again, his fault for being out in the open. This person could be anywhere, he’s on a picnic bench with a group of friends. If he’s smart, he’d start limiting himself to contained spaces and make you show yourself. 

‘Yeah. Who is this?’ Peter’s thumbs dance around the screen waiting for a reply, it comes quick. ‘i told you. x.’ He stops himself from rolling his eyes, he doesn’t know anyone with an ‘X’ anywhere in their name. 

‘Is that an initial?’ 

‘actually, i’m pretty sure it’s british for kiss.’ 

‘That’s a wild take. Are you saying the UK is responsible for XOXO’s?’ 

‘i’d like to make you responsible for my xoxo’s.’ Peter chews his bottom lip, he won’t play into anything in writing. He doesn’t believe this for a second, everything about this feels off. Someone’s fucking with him and they’re also in his class, or they have someone in on it in his class. 

But this is too advanced.

‘sorry. i don’t mean to like harass you or anything. you’re really hot but you scare me, i don’t think you would like me so idk, maybe if you talk to me you’d like me for me or something.’ 

‘i just think i’m punching wayyyy above my weight class here and i may be making this worse because there is no doubt you think im weird.’ 

‘i am weird. i should leave you alone now. i’m sorry.’ 

Peter reads his screen four times, it’s still not clicking. He’s nothing special and he doesn’t mean that in a way to dog on himself, he’s just nerdy and quiet. It seems a little too authentic to be fake, but he’s got to make sure. 

‘How’d you get my number?’ 

‘your friend. they have been sworn to secrecy but they know what i’m doing and they are in full support. take that as you will.’ 

‘Depends on the friend.’ 

‘i’ll tell you when you find out who i am.’ 

‘I’m going to find out? You’re not going to tell me?’ 

‘i don’t think i’ve been hiding it. you just haven’t been paying attention and now i want you to.’ 

‘Oh, but you’re shy?’ 

‘i’m about to pass out on the lawn behind this fucking screen, don’t play with me parker.’ A slip, you’re around him and you just admitted it. ‘Tell me, admirer, what are you wearing?’ The more detail the better, but he could work off of just a color. 

‘nice try. but you’re looking mighty handsome in the blue.’ A glance down, he suddenly feels watched. ‘Are you stalking me?’ 

‘oh no! no no no. i PROMISE you i’m not that fucking psychotic.’

‘i’m just a “sneak a note into your backpack” level of crazy. i’m here with my roommate and her boyfriend. i saw you and just wanted to know if you got it, i promise.’ 

‘You do understand that this situation makes you seem psychotic, right?’ 

‘yes. but i am not.’ 

‘That sounds like something a crazy person who got my number from a third party would say. Especially after I blocked you six times.’ 

‘it was three and you didn’t understand my intentions but okay. you have a fair point and i extend the olive branch of brett. he gave me your number and he knows me pretty well.’ 

Brett? Easy enough, he nods his head towards him and slides his phone across the table. “Explain.” His friend scrolls through the thread, a trustworthy smile spreads. “Yeah, I gave her your number.” Her. Okay, it’s something. “Who is she?” Brett shrugs, “you know her. She’s kind of a firecracker, you just make her nervous.” 

“That gives me nothing, Brett.” His friend blinks, “she’s not crazy. She likes you a lot for whatever fucking reason and has no idea how to approach you.” Peter’s letting his words soak in, “don’t believe me? Ask her about the grilled cheese, and make sure you tell her that I told you about how she went on for five fucking minutes about the grilled cheese.” 

“What grilled cheese?” Brett slides Peter’s phone back, he’s telling him to ask you. Something tells Peter it’s enough to embarrass, or it might be Brett being the ultimate wingman.

‘I’ve been told to ask you about the grilled cheese.’ 

‘oh god. there is no need to ask about the grilled cheese, did brett tell you about the grilled cheese?’ 

‘He told me to ask you. And to specify that you went on for five minutes about it.’ 

‘five is excessive, it was more like three. second, there is nothing to speak about.’ 

‘I would like to hear about it.’ 

‘i’d prefer if you didn’t.’ 

‘But you’ll do it for me?’ 

‘i’m weak for you and you know it. it’s sicking, parker.’ 

‘i heard you talking about making one in class and you said something about the crust and i really fucking love grilled cheese’s so i had a trip to fantasy land where you made me one and how it’s probably the best thing i’ll never get to taste.’ 

‘Wow. Five whole minutes on that?’ Peter won’t admit it made him feel a little warm on the inside, the most mundane of things to have someone so squirrely makes him feel unworthy. 

‘three.’ 

‘Tell me who you are and I’ll make you a grilled cheese.’ 

‘you have no idea how much that almost worked.’ 

‘What’s the plan then, master manipulator?’ 

‘i don’t know yet. i’m hoping you show me how smart you are and figure me out, then you can do all the hard questions.’ 

‘Hard questions?’ 

‘you know, do you wanna go on a date, do you wanna be my girlfriend, do you want to take my hand in marriage and have a summer home in the french alps? that kind of stuff.’ 

‘Totally not psychotic.’ Peter tucks his bottom lip between his teeth to hide the smile that wants to spread. 

‘mostly not.’ 

WEDNESDAY: 13:57

Peter doesn’t know who X is, but they’re clever and have zero effect on his sixth sense. He doesn’t know if that’s a good or bad thing. Either way, he’s reading a note scribbled in blue pen and as he studies the words he knows it was rushed. It’s proof that he wasn’t being followed everywhere, instead you saw an empty table and an opportunity. 

‘Peter- 

You use mostly gender neutral pronouns. I think that’s very cool. Is it weird that I notice those things about you? Also- what is it that you’re always drinking from Nuthouse? Asking for a friend… 

Have a good day! 

-Your not so secret admirer, X. 

‘Not so secret,’ Peter isn’t sure about that. You’ve done a good enough job at not trying to be obviously known, he might have looked up your number last night to find dust. One was from an app, but the one you’ve been using is a burner phone. 

What he’s really not understanding is how you’re able to get so close to him without him noticing. You had to have been millimeters away when you rested the letter on his backpack, he was gone for less than two minutes and he had zero awareness. 

Peter folds up the note and sticks it in the same pocket as the other one, his back slung around one shoulder as he moves up the stairs for the library. At the same time, you come down the opposite side, Peter gives a friendly acknowledgement. 

You choke down the lump in your throat. “Hi, Peter.” He’s already past you, it’s echoed behind his shoulder. “Hey.” It’s something. You’re trying, you’re trying to be bold for him. But he’s not going to notice, he’s never going to notice you and if you tell him who you are you’ll never live past his disappointment. 

Your phone vibrates, the other phone. Your heart picks up, Peter texted first. 

 14:02 

‘Dirty chai.’ 

‘best of both worlds. how fitting. you’re such a nonconforming king.’ 

‘I don’t even know what that means.’ 

‘But thank you?’ 

‘you’re welcome!’ 

‘anything fun on the roster today?’ 

‘Roster? Who are you?’ 

‘idk you make me nervous. blame yourself.’ 

‘Well, coach. Nothing fun on the roster, just some math. Wanna swap places with me?’ 

‘gross. i hate math so if you like it that’s good with me. one of us has to be smart and it’s not me.’

‘Smart enough to use a burner phone.’ 

‘oooooh, someone tried to find meeee.’ 

‘Can’t blame a guy for being curious, can you?’ 

‘were you disappointed when you found nothing?’ 

‘A little bit. But, you know, it keeps the imagination alive. A little unfair advantage on your side though, you already know what I look like.’ 

‘if it helps, you already know what i look like too.’ 

‘I do?’ 

‘yeah. we’ve talked before.’ 

‘Wait, so I know who you are?’ Brett said he did but Peter thought he meant you’d be familiar, not that he actually knew you. This just opened the floodgates to a million more possibilities. 

‘not really but yeah i guess. you know i exist but we’re not friends or anything.’ 

‘I’d like to think we’re friends, but okay.’ 

‘not outside the texting.’ 

‘That’s your decision.’ 

‘HATER.’ 

‘Anymore hints?’ 

‘.... no.’ 

‘HATER.’ 

FRIDAY: 12:15

You’re about to spill hot tea everywhere but it’ll be worth it to see his face. You ignore your pounding heart and stand in front of him. He’s got no clue you showed up, zoned out looking at the clock on the wall across from him. 

“Hi, Peter.” 

Full frontal attention, he’s looking at you. He’s perceiving you, he’s smiling at you. “Hi,” your eyes expand, he knows your name and it sounds so nice coming from his mouth. Sure, you’ve chatted with each other- even shared a few highlighters, but nothing serious. You’ve always been too scared to try anything else but maybe your fear has been mistaken for indifference. 

“I um, I lucked out today at Nuthouse so if you like dirty chai’s I got an extra one.” Your knees feel weak at his bright eyes, “my favorite. I’d love one, thank you.” You pass over the paper cup, your fingers brush and you think you’re about to collapse. 

“Yeah,” a weak laugh. “I had a feeling.” Peter tilts his head at you funny, you wonder if you pushed a little too far. “Okay, um, I’m gonna… have a good… lecture.” Peter nods and watches you go two rows up, he’s finally got a gut feeling. And it tells him to keep an eye out for you. 

TUESDAY: 12:10

Not that Peter was reliant on your attention, he was used to it. So when the texts stopped for three days and he was unable to find any letters he assumed you had lost interest and moved on. That felt fair to him, no harm no foul, at least he never really got to know you. 

Nevermind, there’s a folded notebook page on his miniature desk and his heart speeds up. His next task, put eyes on you. Bottom level, book and pencil in hand. He makes sure to note it’s a pencil and not the green ink that’s spread across the page. 

Peter thinks it’s a mind game, you were smart enough to know he’d look. Unless he was totally wrong on his guess. 

‘Peter- 

I ran out of minutes on my phone and I’m having a broke college kid moment. However, a friend took pity and donated a twenty to the campaign. I hope you’ve been good- I’ve missed talking to you. 

- Your not so secret admirer, X’ 

ps. stop keeping your backpack so close to you.’

It wasn’t anything personal, you just ran out of minutes. Peter smiles so wide he has to drop it, he almost clutches the paper to his chest in a thank you. Eyeing his backpack, he nudges it a little further behind him, following instruction. He’s kept it close in hopes to catch you, but instead he’s pushing you away. 

Peter’s committing the writing to memory as if he’s going to find you by the handwriting alone. A quick glance at footsteps, you’re three steps away when you smile. “Hi, Peter.” He nods, “hey.” You pause for a moment, mind racing for words. 

“Did you, um- did you do anything fun this weekend?” You’re about to crawl into a hole and die, it takes a moment to click that you were speaking to him. He went as far to look behind himself, then he spewed the answer to try and make up for the lost time. 

“Oh, uh not really. My aunt got a new bed so I had to lug the old one down seven flights of stairs.” Your eyes widen, you feel your mouth go dry and your tongue go thick. “By yourself?” Peter crosses his arms over his chest, a boyish grin swept over and you feel heart eyes form. 

“I’m a good nephew.” You want to pat his head and tell him you’re sure he is, then maybe hold him at gunpoint and tell you more stories about how he’s a perfect humanitarian. But you act like a normal human and smile back, “you sound like it.” 

Peter thanks you and you return to your seat with wobbly knees and a weak stomach, it’s silent torture to tease yourself like this with him. But you can’t help it and it’s only in effort to go after what you want. Even if it blows up when he figures out who you are. 

12:13

‘you’re looking mighty handsome today, mr. parker.’ 

‘I’m wearing a hoodie, but thank you.’ 

‘i said what i said.’ 

Boldly, ‘i see someone had another dirty chai. can’t stay away from them, can you?’ 

Another tick in Peter's stomach, he almost looks behind his shoulder at you, but he doesn’t. ‘It was a generous donation from a classmate.’ 

‘oh? pray tell, peter. pray tell.’ 

‘What? You don’t have a clue about who gave it to me?’ 

You swallow thickly, before you could get something out he sent another message. ‘No chance you didn’t see it go down?’ 

‘how could i? I was still on my way.’ 

‘... or was i?’ 

‘Tell you what, X. It one of the best teas I’ve had in a while.’ 

And you’d be damned if that didn’t make your entire chest flutter. 

FRIDAY: 15:29

“Here,” Peter’s hand clasped over the paper slapped into his chest. A hint of a syllable, Brett cuts himself off. “She asked me to give this to you.” Peter quickly read it and stared down before confiding in his friend for a second. 

‘Peter- 

Roses are red, violets are blue, all that I think about is you. 

It’s sweet in a cringy way, right? Boo on you for skipping class today, if you want, I could get you some notes. 

I hope I’ll see you Tuesday. 

-Your (really) not so secret admirer, X

ps. A pen exploded in my pocket. 10/10 chance my thigh will be stained.’

“I think I might know who it is.” 

“Uh, huh.” 

“But, she’s way out of my league.” 

“Correct.” 

Peter raised his eyebrows, “so it’s her?” He clarified with your name, Brett shrugged back. 

“I won’t be confirming or denying.” Peter knows what that means, “the lack of a no usually means yes.” 

“Bro,” Peter starts sputtering, “oh, c’mon! You know what I meant, I just meant that, I just- c’mon, Brett. Is it her?” 

“I have no idea who that is.” Peter wants to call bullshit, he has a gut feeling and he swears it’s you. You’re right, it’s not so secret. In fact, you’re painfully obvious. 

FRIDAY: 23:14 

‘you are soooooooo cute’ 

‘like your hair is so cute’ 

‘i looooove curly hair on guys and you have that!!!!!!!!!’ 

‘and you’re really funny cause like it’s so quick and witty like you have such good one liners’ 

‘also you’re really fucking hot and i KNOW you’re hiding something under those fucking sweaters and the second i see skin i WILL go feral.’ 

‘Something tells me you’re at the Kappa party.’ Peter’s pretending he doesn’t have a searing blush. If he’s got an inkling this could be you… then he might have proof for the non-believers that god exists. 

‘yes!!! are you here?? i should come see you.’ 

‘I hate to disappoint you, but I’m currently at a friend's house playing a Mario Kart drinking game.’ 

“But it’s nice to know that you’d give me your identity that quick.’ 

‘oh i can tell you who i am.’ Peter frowns at the text, he’s been doing nothing but crave the answer to who’s behind the love letters but it feels wrong. It’s not satisfactory enough for him, it’s also not what you want, you’re just drunk- and Peter’s going out on a limb here- horny. 

‘Save it for later.’ 

‘And maybe drink some water.’ 

‘i’d do anything for you cause you have the world's prettiest brown eyes’

‘Thank you for the compliments.’ 

‘you’re super welcome i try to hold them back because i’m a good girl but you’re just so cute i had to let you know’ 

‘I think you’re going to super regret this in the morning.’ 

‘false. maybe fact idk’

‘i should trust you tho because you’re super smart and you’re a nerd.’ 

‘I fear this is taking a turn for the worse.’ 

‘and that is so fucking HOT’

‘Oh. Back to compliments. Thank you.’ 

‘if you were here i’d give you a kiss’

‘IGNORE THAT!!!!’

‘I DIDN’T MEAN TO SEND THAT!!!! IGNORE IT’ 

‘Not ignored. How cute.’ 

‘screaming crying throwing up’ 

‘i really didn’t mean to send that it was a joke ha ha funny.’ 

‘Idk, sounded authentic to me.’ 

‘peter?’ 

‘Yeah?’ 

‘i’m a little drunk rn. and you should know how cute you are.’ 

‘Oh, I’m talking about record breaking levels of regret. This is amazing.’ 

‘i have to pee but i do not reget this!!!!!!’ 

SATURDAY: 09:54

‘i stand by my claim and do not regret a thing.’ 

‘correction. i regret this hangover and the way my previous texts are not very cool girl of me.’ 

‘but i would like to know if you won mario last night.’

‘also, who’s ur fav character?’ 

11:12

1. Proud of you for owning it, that’s very cool girl of you. 

2. I did not win. 

3. Petey Piranha. 

‘who tf is petey piranha.’

‘Mario Kart Sunshine. Came out in 2002. (Originally on GameCube but recently released on switch.) (Hell yeah.)’ 

Your heart thumps, he’s such a nerd and you wanna kiss the air out of his lungs. ‘out of all the characters and u choose him. why petey piranha’ 

‘One guess.’ 

‘PETEY PIRANHA.’ 

‘OH MY GOD.’ 

‘you’re petey piranha <333’ 

Peter fights a grin, ‘I am.’ 

‘you’re so cute. i love that.’ 

‘Personally, in the past 24 hours I don’t think I’ve heard enough about how cute I am.’

‘you’re insufferable and it’s sexy.’ 

‘Oo, new one to the mix. You’re making me blush.’ You really are. He’s never been considered sexy before and it feels really nice. 

‘and i bet you look super cute.’ 

‘Super true.’ 

TUESDAY: 12:34

‘white t shirt white t shirt white t shirt WHITE T SHIRT.’ 

‘You like?’ 

‘i’m about to cry i’m biting my fist so fucking hard.’ 

‘:)’ 

‘you’re so ubuibabeyia.’ 

‘Bless you.’ 

‘?’ 

‘Sorry, I assumed you sneezed.’ Peter never whipped his head around so fast at an audible laugh behind him. It was short, it had escaped without being thought about. He’s looking for you, but it doesn’t seem like it was you who laughed. You’re engrossed in chatting to your neighbor. 

On the other hand, you almost blew it by clasping your hands over your mouth. Instead you looked next to you and said, directly and with a burning gaze, “I need you to pretend we’ve been talking this whole time.” 

‘Someone’s losing their edge, you’re just begging to be caught.’ 

‘oh, i’m begging all right.’ 

‘can you hear me whimpering too?’ 

‘Easy, killer. Let’s not start sexting at noon on a Tuesday.’ 

‘are you saying there is a time for it?’ 

‘Give me a little wave and we’ll see.’ 

‘too late, i’m passed out on the floor. the only thing that can resuscitate me are those thick arms wrapped around me.’ 

‘Let these strong arms sweep you off your feet, all you gotta do is come talk to me after lecture…’ 

Peter says that, but he doesn’t mean it. He’ll definitely eat his words when he sees it’s you, then he’d be coming up with a thousand ways to back out of it. He’s so much more than you deserve, you feel so safe behind a keyboard but in person you can barely say a sentence. 

It’s stupid and a little humbling because you’ve never felt this way about a guy before. 

‘trust me, i’m better in your imagination.’ 

WEDNESDAY: 14:22

‘Peter- 

You know a little about a lot and I think that is one of my favorite things about you. Or maybe it’s your voice. I could listen to you talk forever. 

-Your not so secret admirer, X’ 

A note under his textbook, if he follows his hunch then he’d be looking for… you. Conveniently three tables away and to the right of his own, you’re not looking for his reaction, you’ve got your focus on your own textbook but he swears you’re retaining none of it. It’s a distraction, or maybe it’s a diversion. 

Peter doesn’t mind. He’s going to wait. He has all the time in the world today and he’s going to sit here with his eyes on you until you look up at him because he knows you’re going to and once you do, he’s going to have his answer. 

If he’s right, and he swears he is, he’s going to absolutely lose is shit because what do you mean you like him and are intimidated? You boldly lied when you said you were punching above your weight class. Does it make him a jerk to say he wasn’t even thinking of you as a suitor and maybe a girl with a much more average look?

 Peter counted to sixty twice, you glance up, eyes shooting to the note you left on the table. The next stop, Peter’s face. And oh, you were not prepared to have him looking right back. Panic, you shoot a wave, a desperate attempt to pretend you’re seeing a familiar face. 

Peter waves back but he looks much more satisfied than you did, you wonder if the jig is up. Did he crack the code? Was he just trying to find a friendly way to let you down? Deny til death, he has no proof it’s you. You pack your things up, a hurried scramble before you could lose your cool. 

On the way out you almost stop breathing, your forearm caught in Peter’s hand. You’re staring down at it, he’s not removing it. It burns in the best way. “Hey,” you wait, you can’t stop looking at his hand, the muscle, the subtle flex, his fingertips paler to show his grip. “Hi, Peter.” 

It’s breathless, you think you’re about to die. If he asks, you don’t know how you’ll lie your way out. 

Guess who’s got a stained pocket? The corner edge darkened with black ink that would never be washed out. Peter has his answer. You’re her. You’re X. “Thanks again for the tea.” 

 Maybe you wanted more, you feel a bit deflated when it’s all you receive.

“You’re welcome.” Your arm feels cold when he drops his touch, you linger for a second too long, you’re not sure when you’ll be this brave again. It was too much of a close call. “I hope the rest of your day is good.” 

Peter’s got a charismatic grin, he feels settled now that he knows you’re the anonymous lover in his life. Even more so when you find yourself shy and reserved in person, it almost makes him giggle to think of the stark changes in confidence.

“You too.” Your body engulfs into flames when your arm is caught again, you’re struggling to keep calm at his boyish smile. “Quick question,” you nod slightly, trying to show zero paranoia for the following words. 

“Do you have a boyfriend?” 

Short circuiting. You see black spots, you think you’re about to pass out. There is only one thing that means, no guy asks that if they weren’t interested in changing that, right? 

“No.” It’s anything but graceful. It sounds like you’ve never had a boyfriend before. It makes you sound like you’re scared he asked it. 

But, Peter doesn’t take it like that. He smiles wider, like he already knew the answer before he asked it.

THURSDAY: 16:37

A new letter, stuffed under the top handle of his backpack. Peter listened and stopped setting it next to him, in return he was rewarded. He can’t stop the small smile, you make it involuntary at this point. Peter’s never felt so special in his life, a little part of him wants this to never end. But he’d much rather look you in the eyes. 

‘Peter- 

I had a dream with you in it last night. Don’t worry, you had your clothes on. I’m not sure what we were doing but you were across from me at a diner and we were sitting in those super thick booths and our friends were there. 

I don’t know who these friends were, and I don’t think you do either. But I knew them as our friends. 

It felt really nice. I’m happy to know you, even if I just get this little piece. 

-Your not so secret admirer, X’

Peter’s been wrong a lot in his life but this time he really thinks he has it figured out. He’s much more bold now, this letter tells him it’s not infatuation, it’s love. 

You love him and he thinks he could love you too. 

FRIDAY: 20:08

‘Hey.’ Peter could be making the worst decision of his life here, he could be reading everything wrong and ruining this for himself. 

‘hi peter!’ But he really thinks he’s got it right.  

‘I really, really liked talking to you for the past few weeks but I think I should tell you that I like someone else.’ 

Gut wrenching despair. You knew it was too good to last, you knew he’d find someone more in his league. Someone who’d be willing to show him their face. There was no reason to respond because what would you say to that? 

‘thank you for letting me know that opening up to you was all for nothing!’ 

‘thanks for making me doubt love!’ 

‘hope you and her are so fucking happy together!!!!!’ 

Fuck it all and fuck Peter. He just liked the attention until it came from somewhere else. You don’t think you like him all that much anymore. You think you’re lying, too. Before you can give into the desire of hurting him just as bad, you calmly turn the phone off and stuff it in the back of a desk drawer to never be uncovered again. 

You slowly sit in bed and tug the blankets over your head. And only then, do you allow yourself to sob. 

Peter chewed on his bottom lip and waited an hour with constant phone checks before he realized a response was never coming. It really set in during the weekend but even further when he got no note or letter on monday. Not even when he left his backpack unattended for five minutes. 

TUESDAY -he was able to see you and how you avoided his eyes. How you pretended you didn’t see him send a small wave. How you had pulled back from him. 

And if he hadn’t hurt your feelings, or X’s feelings, why would you do that? 

You look up at a two fingered knock at the corner of your desk. “Hi.” You blink and ignore the white noise buzzing in your ears at the sight of Peter standing in front of you. “Hi, Peter.” 

“How was your weekend?” Bitter. Terrible. Lonely.

“Fine. Nothing exciting.” Besides you breaking my heart. 

Watching his fingertips dance on the edge of the plastic, you feel everything in you brighten. “You look sad.” There’s a burn in your stomach, he’s the reason for both the sting and the sadness. 

“Do you need something? Or are you just doing a friendly check in?” Peter bites back the grin when you snap at him, he’s so, so, so right and it feels so, so, so good. “Neither. I’m just confirming my suspicions.” 

“Suspicions?” 

“Yeah. You passed.” Your eyebrows furrow, before you could try to question further Peter was giving half a wave, saying bye, and skipping a step to his aisle. 

FRIDAY: 12:08

You stop breathing for a solid second before feeling your brain spark back to life. It could be anything, it could be from anyone, but you know there’s only one person who would’ve left a note on your desk. 

Your fingers slightly shake when you unfold the graph paper, little squares bled through with black sharpie. 

‘X-

Am I right?

Hopefully, 

-  Peter’ 

You can’t breathe, you can’t talk, you can’t move and you definitely can fucking not look at him. No, no, no. You can feel his eyes on you, you know he’s watching for your reaction. Peter figured you out and had his own fun along the way. 

You were the girl he liked. Oh, wow. Is this how special you’ve made him feel? Something just for your eyes, from him. A secret you both shared between lines. 

You spin and swear you can feel his gaze running over your back, he’s aching for the answer. You almost scream at a tap on your shoulder, a peek lets you know it’s the person you’re hiding from. 

Another note, folded up just like the other one. It’s pushed into your hand, Peter doesn’t say a word, he just offers and leaves. He’s not watching this time, he’s sitting and focused on the front, you feel air leak back into your lungs. 

Full on panic shaking, you’re so happy he’s not watching. 

Your name is addressed on the front, just like you do for him. 

‘I like you. 

I think you not so secretly like me too. 

We could talk more about it at dinner tonight. Will you let me take you out?

Circle yes or no. 

- Peter.

PS. XOXOXO now you’re responsible for mine, too.’ 

[twistersobsessed]

hiii it's bracelet anon again with another thought that's been bouncing around in my head:) hopefully it's distinctive enough from my other request since it still revolves around giving scott stuff

i was thinking that scott is really susceptible to holding anything given to him while his attention is elsewhere, like tapping away on the tablet or talking on the phone, and reader picks up on this. so it turns into a little prank amongst the team that they're constantly handing scott things to see how long until he notices. after a while they start to notice that while he usually discards whatever he was given by other team members, he pockets what reader gives to him. so he ends up with a collection of random things reader has found on the side of the road; small bones, pretty pebbles, buttons, little toys that got flung out of car windows, coins, wildflowers, etc.

thank you for listening to my ramblings<3

Like Penguins | Scott x Reader

A/N: Combined two requests.

Javi started it. He handed Scott his sunglasses to hold while he was tying his shoe. Scott took them without even looking up from the tablet he was working on.

It became a little game amongst the rest of the team, one centered around handing Scott random things to see what he’d take without question.

Today was one of those days where you were all playing the game. James handed Scott an empty soda can. It took Scott ten minutes to notice what he was holding and throw it out. Matt handed Scott a rock. It took Scott fifteen minutes to notice and discard it.

Then it was your turn. You’d found a sick coin on the side of the road earlier. You handed it to Scott and like the others, he didn’t even look at you as he took what you were offering.

It took five minutes for Scott to notice what he was holding. He held it up and to everyone’s shock, smiled, just a little bit. Then he tucked the coin into his pocket.

After that, the experiment changed. It turned into everyone urging you to keep handing Scott things. So you did. It was mostly pretty and cool rocks you’d found, but sometimes it was other things like coins or flowers.

He kept every single thing you gave him.

The team was loving throwing out theories about why. But the consensus was clear; Scott had a soft spot for you.

You almost never rode with Scott. So you were pretty excited when Javi told you you’d be riding with Scott today. Scott was stoically quiet as he drove, only seeming to pay attention to you when you started going through the center console.

You were surprised to find all the rocks and coins and flowers and other little knick knacks that you’d handed him over the last few weeks.

“Snooping is rude,” Scott’s stern voice broke through your surprise.

“You kept it all,” you said quietly.

Scott was embarrassed, refusing to look at you and keeping his eyes glued to the road. “Well, yeah,” he said, like it was obvious. “You gave them to me.”

“Scott…” you reached over the console to place your hand on his arm. Scott swore his brain short-circuited for a moment when you touched him. “Did you know penguins court each other by bringing each other pretty pebbles they find?”

Scott blinked. “I vaguely remember hearing something like that,” he replied.

“So…” you hummed, waiting for him to put it together.

“So… oh. Oh.” He looked at you with wide eyes. You couldn’t quite read the expression on his face.

“Well,” he began. “I’m not a penguin. So I’m just going to ask you out on a proper date.”

“Oh?” You grinned.

“(Name), would you like to have dinner with me?”

“Fuck yeah.”

————————————————————————

Scott drove you into the town of El Reno that weekend to go to a nice restaurant. You wore a pretty, short sun dress that you never got a chance to wear. Scott actually got red in the face when he saw you. It was off the shoulders too, Scott swore his mouth watered.

Scott had made reservations and everything. You noticed at the table once you were seated that he was nervously flipping a coin through his fingers. A coin you had given him.

You reached across the table and placed your hand gently on top of his forearm. “Thank you so much for taking me out, Scott.”

Scott smiled, his fingers slowing. “You deserve it,” he replied simply. The hand that had been playing with the coin tucked it back into his pocket before covering your hand that was on his arm. His hand was so big and warm and completely engulfed your hand. You blushed. “You’re red,” Scott commented with a small smile.

The moment was interrupted by the waitress, who couldn’t stop giving Scott bedroom eyes. It was irritating you. “What can I get for you guys?”

You and Scott pulled apart and looked at your menus. Scott ordered first, the waitress obviously flirting as she complimented his choice and called him “hun.” When she turned to you she lost all cheerful niceness and flatly asked, “And you?”

You grit your teeth and ordered, not adding your usual “thank you.” You only relaxed when the waitress walked away. “Are you okay?” Scott asked, brow furrowed. “You got really tense.” You avoided his eyes. “‘M fine.”

Scott reached across the table and opened his hand. You took his hand, your hand being engulfed once more. He ran his thumb over the back of your hand. “What’s wrong?”

“The waitress is just flirting with you really obviously right in front of me. I’m trying not to let it effect my mood, I’m sorry,” you muttered.

Scott squeezed your hand and you looked up at him. His beautiful blue eyes were intently trained on you. “Don’t apologize, sweetheart. I didn’t even notice she was flirting, I’m sorry.”

“Just watch how she treats you compared to me,” you whispered as the waitress approached, bringing your drinks. “Here you go, honey,” she cooed at Scott, placing his beer in front of him. Then she placed your glass in front of you without even looking away from Scott. “Can I get you anything else?” She asked Scott, completely ignoring you.

Scott looked pointedly at you. “I don’t know, do you want anything else, baby?” He casually dropped the pet name. The waitress finally looked at you with barely concealed disdain. She gave you a fake smile while she waited for your answer. “No,” you said, addressing Scott and not the waitress. “I’m good, honey, thank you.”

The waitress scowled and left.

You smiled. “Thank you.”

Scott looked surprised. “For what?”

“For putting a stop to it.”

Scott chuckled. “Yeah, someone’s not getting a good tip.”

The rest of your dinner went smoothly and that waitress didn’t come back. A different waiter delivered the check. “Let me see.” You reached across the table to try and grab the bill but Scott snatched it away from you. “I’m paying so there’s no need for that.”

You tried to argue but Scott wasn’t having any of it. “This is a date,” he assured you. “I took you out. I pay for dinner.”

“Thank you,” you said quietly.

Scott offered you his hand as you walked out of the restaurant. You took it, feeling nervous like a school girl around her crush.

The conversation on the ride home was casual and relaxed. You couldn’t help but notice how sexy Scott looked driving.

You pulled into the parking lot of the motel Storm Par was staying at for the night. Scott got out first and as you fumbled with your purse, he opened your car door for you. You weren’t used to this princess treatment.

Scott walked you to your room, and you both stopped outside your door. You looked up at Scott with a shy smile. Scott’s eyes didn’t meet yours though. They were trained a little bit lower. In turn, you dropped your gaze to his lips.

Scott put a hand on the side of your face and leaned down, practically bending over to press his lips to yours. The kiss was short and sweet and left you wanting way more.

“I hope you had fun,” Scott said, sounding unsure for the first time since you’d met him.

“I really did,” you assured him eagerly. “Thank you for taking me out.”

Scott just smiled. “Goodnight, (Name).”

“Goodnight, Scott.”

[familyvideostevie]

what abouttttt eddie being a regular at your place of work (coffee shop? bookstore? some place he had to go one time and it’s not His Scene but he saw you & can’t get enough?)

omg hi bestie you got it! this made me lol also totally stealing your idea here and this is you working at a flower shop when eddie starts to become a regular for some reason | fluff, pre-relationship, 1.3k

--

It's a quiet day in the shop. Your favorite kind, since it means you get to spend more time on your arrangements and less time explaining to frustrated moms why you cannot bring their orchids back to life.

Is it weird that you like the company of flowers better than people? Yeah, maybe. But it's good money and you like to make people happy, however indirectly. Which is why you try to be nothing but kind to everyone who walks through the door.

But when the bell chimes and you turn to find this guy stumbling into the shop, you can't help but wonder what the hell he's doing here. You've never seen him before -- you'd remember. Long, frizzy curls and ripped jeans, a flannel on under a leather jacket and boots that make his footsteps heavy. He looks a bit scary, to be honest, but the way he almost knocks over a few pots of mums makes him less intimidating and more annoying than anything.

"Can I help you?" you call. He startles like he didn't expect anyone to be here. And then he does a double take.

"I need...flowers," he says. You try to keep a neutral expression on your face. Sometimes you play a game with yourself and try to predict what someone is going to ask for. Maybe he missed a birthday? Needs something to apologize to his mom? Maybe he's picking something up for a party.

"I think I can help you with that."

He coughs and his cheeks darken. "Right, yeah, obviously." He looks around and shoves his hands in his pockets.

"Do you need something specific?" you prompt. His eyes snap back to yours.

"Yeah," he says. "Yes. What says 'sorry I broke your couch?'"

Ah, you think. Apologizing to a girlfriend, probably. You're a little disappointed to realize it.

"I'm not going to ask questions," you tease. His mouth tugs up at the corner and he looks less embarrassed and more like a man on a mission.

"Good idea," he says. You leave the arranging table behind and wander around the shop, pulling stems from buckets as you go. The guy follows you around.

"Do they all mean something?" he asks. You glance over your shoulder at him. He's got his hands tucked in his pockets and his eyes are...really big and brown. And he's got lovely eyelashes. Wow.

"More or less," you say. Your bouquets are a mix, normally. Some flowers for meaning and some just for looks, unless a customer asks for something specific. You bring the bundle back to the table and wrap it in cellophane and then paper, tying it with a ribbon.

"She likes purple," he chimes in. You snip a length of that ribbon and tie the flowers together. Yes, for sure a girlfriend.

"Do you want a card?"

He blinks a few times. Was he staring at you? "What?"

"For the flowers?" You hold up a small folded piece of paper.

"Oh," he says. "Yeah, sure. Do you write it?" You nod. "Okay, uh. Can it say: Robin, We both know I can't afford to buy you a new couch, but hopefully this makes your place smell good. Eddie."

Eddie. Well, now you have a name for this guy you'll never see again.

"You've got nice handwriting," he says. You tie the card at the end of the ribbon and gently place the bouquet on the counter.

"Thank you." The cash register rings as you type in the price. "Twenty dollars, please." Eddie digs in his pockets and produces the bill. Your hands do not brush when he pays. "I hope she likes them," you say.

He looks confused for a second. Jeez, this guy isn't really focused on his girlfriend. "Oh," he says. "Yeah, thanks."

He waves and manages not to knock anything over on his way out. The door chimes and you sigh. Man, he was cute. You do hope this Robin girl likes her flowers.

Eddie comes back two days later and you find yourself worrying that he's broken something else.

"Did she not like them?" you ask without thinking. Eddie raps his knuckles on the table when he reaches you.

"Who?" His eyes travel up and down your form very quickly. Not like he can see much behind your apron, anyway, but still. Dude!

"Your girlfriend?"

Eddie blinks owlishly and then laughs very loudly. Like, with his whole body, leaning over with his hands on his knees. Oh, he's got rings on. Your stomach does something funny.

"She is not my girlfriend," he says. "Christ, that's funny."

You cross you arms, a bit peeved. "Well, I don't know how I was supposed to know that."

"Sweetheart, if I had a girlfriend and I broke her couch I sure as hell would buy her a new one."

Sweetheart. Is he flirting with you?

"Well, what do you need today, then? Break something else?" This close you can see that he's got some freckles on his nose. You rub your hands on your apron.

"I...do," he says. "Uh, I need something that says 'please don't tell anyone I stole your grill'."

He grins at you. You scoff. "Not asking."

It goes like this for two weeks. Two weeks! Eddie comes in to the shop almost every day and asks for something from you. The requests get more and more absurd.

Sorry you lost your sword crossing the parapet and died. Sorry I smoked too much and ate all of your pickles. Sorry you're not as good at skateboarding as me and fell.

You wonder if he's actually giving these to people.

You ask him so one day.

"Cant a guy just get flowers? Maybe they're all for me, sweetheart." He looks entirely too pleased with himself as he says it.

Or...maybe he's coming in to see you.

No, that would be ridiculous, right? Even if he's been asking you questions about yourself. What you like about flowers, what's the weirdest bouquet you've ever made, what you make most often. They manage to be personal and impersonal questions at the same time.

After two weeks, Eddie comes in and plants his forearms -- very nice forearms, you've noticed -- on the counter and says your name. As if you weren't aware the second he walked into the shop.

"Hi, Eddie," you say. "What is it today?"

"I need to ask a girl on a date," he says. Your stomach sinks.

"Okay," you say softly. Well, it was nice while it lasted. "What does she like?"

"That's the problem," he replies. "I don't know."

"Have you asked?" He might be cute and funny and charming but he certainly is still just a boy.

"Not yet." You wader onto the floor and he follows you as always. "What's your favorite?"

Your heart picks up. He's just asking to be nice, you think. He's just asking because it's a natural part of the conversation. You don't answer, instead lead him to a barrel of dark purple roundish flowers. "These," you say, stroking one of the petals. "Dahlias."

"Beauty, commitment, kindness," Eddie recites. You whip around to face him. He shrugs, a soft smile on his face. "I've been reading up."

"Why?" you ask, breathless.

He reaches past you and plucks one stem from the bunch and holds it out. "Will you go on a date with me?"

Oh. You're going to say yes, obviously. "Have you been coming in here to buy flowers?" you ask. It's not a clear question, but Eddie understands.

He takes a step forward. The flower brushes your chest. "I've spent about a million dollars on flowers just to see you as much as possible."

A laugh bubbles up from your throat. "You're silly, Eddie," you say. He grins.

"So is that a yes?"

You take the flower from him and smell it. "Yes."

thank you for reading <3 reblog, send feedback, masterlist here!

[allthingslinguistic]

Language Guinea Pig Diaries #2: Highlights & Troubleshooting

I'm trying to improve my skills at four languages in preparation for summer travel: Italian, Dutch, Finnish, and Estonian.

Italian and Dutch I've studied a bit a while ago and I'm now trying to "activate" so I can hopefully have a conversation or two in them, while Finnish and Estonian I'm trying to pick up some rudimentary bits in. Here's the previous post in this series describing these goals and strategies in more detail.

Highlights

I've progressed from my menu of only gelato-making videos in Italian to other recipes in general, and in particular to lots of cooking videos from this popular Italian home cooking channel which was in the recommended videos after another one I watched. Maybe I'll branch out again at some point to other speakers, but for now it's nice to be able to stumble into more videos without having to think up new keywords to search. Also, I might need to make some of these recipes now...

The Dutch podcast listening is going well (though see weird issue below) and I especially like that the podcast I chose because it's the only podcast I knew in Dutch contains a mix of adult-to-adult and adult-and-child speech, which is a fun way to mix it up.

In Estonian, so far I have learned one (1) highly useful word, "tere", which this video tells me is an all-purpose neutral greeting (neutral with respect to both formality and time of day). Ooh, I've just realized while writing this post that it's probably cognate to Finnish "terve", a greeting I learned from Duolingo! (Yes, I just looked this up, seems like they both mean something to do with health.) So I've already learned one neat thing!

I'm also recognizing a few Estonian cognates from the Finnish Duolingo lessons, especially the verb "on" (which means "is"). I'm not recognizing many other words though, and I'm wondering how much of that is differing vocab and how much of that is not having learned many common words in Finnish yet (I've been especially chafing at how few verbs we've learned yet, it would be really useful to have a word like "I want" even if it's unanalyzed because the grammar is more complicated than they want to introduce early).

Youtube's algorithm has, after about a week, adjusted to the fact that I now want to watch videos entirely in Italian, and started recommending further Italian videos on my home feed (it was already doing so at the end of previous Italian videos). Tiktok's algorithm, so far, has not done this yet, and is still recommending me stuff in English, despite me aggressively liking basically all of the Estonian videos I watch and nothing else.

Troubleshooting

I've noticed that it's been easier to remember to do the podcast listening in Dutch and the youtube videos in Italian because I already have habits related to opening those apps, whereas I don't have habits around using tiktok so I kept forgetting to open it and look at some Estonian videos. But a couple days ago I moved the tiktok app on my phone to a more visible location, and now it's getting easier to remember.

Something else very weird that I noticed about listening is that when I play the tracks on my phone fairly loudly, it's relatively easy to focus on trying to listen to them, sometimes while playing a simple visual game on my phone for something to fiddle with (I've already noticed that unfamiliar languages need to be played louder than familiar ones). But when I beam the podcast over to my speaker at a distance, suddenly I very quickly start tuning out the unfamiliar language and opening up apps that involve reading and completely ignoring it. I have no problems listening to podcasts on speakers in English; in fact, it's my preferred method when I'm at home, but for some reason this causes my brain to reclassify Dutch as background noise to be ignored, even if it's the same loudness as it would be when it's played right near me. Super weird, has anyone else ever noticed anything like this?

Previously in Language Guinea Pig Diaries:

Summer 2024 travel plans and Language Guinea Pig Diaries

[lfghughes]

Breathe pt 3

a/n: third and final part but we got our happy ending like promised. also forever thankful for you guys and all the nice things yall say

When Jack said he was going to work on himself he didn’t mean it as an excuse. This wasn’t his way out of the relationship in hoping of letting her down softly. This was him knowing he needed to genuinely work on himself so he could be the best version of himself because he didn’t want to give her anything less than she deserved. So working on himself was a promise so that way they could hopefully be better together. Jack at first wasn’t sure how or when he would know he was ready but months down the road he had done everything he needed to get to a healthier place in his life. There was still work he needed to do and he planned on doing it but he was in a good place. A good enough place that he planned on reaching out.

Reader P.O.V

Life without Jack wasn’t easy. Since the night you had gotten drunk you have managed to resist any urge to contact Jack because you knew he needed his space to work on himself. It worried you every day that you two would never be able to find your way to each other again but at the end of the day you wanted Jack to be happy. His happiness mattered the most to you.

When you got home from work you were surprised by the flowers that were on the mat by your front door. You quickly opened up the note on it and a small smile spread on your lips as you read the words on it. ‘Meet me at the place we had our first date -J.H’ In most cases you would question this but in this case you were going to go exactly where the card told you to. You placed the flowers inside and quickly got changed before heading to the bowling alley.

As you pulled into the parking lot you saw Jack was already there, a smile on his lips when you showed up and you wondered to yourself if he thought there was a possibility that you wouldn’t come. There wasn’t a single universe out there that you didn’t show up in. “Do you remember why we picked bowling for our first date?” He asked and you nodded your head. “Because we couldn’t decide on what to do or what to eat but I told you there was no way you could beat me in bowling.” You told him, thinking back to that first date.

“And then what happened?” A small smirk grew on his lips. “And then you won because you’re good at everything and it’s annoying.” You shrugged with a laugh. “Rematch?” He asked and you quickly nodded your head at the challenge. Inside you both got set up for the game and you enjoyed the light heartedness of this. It was like your first date in the sense it was fun and not serious at all but it was also so different because those first time jitters were gone. This time around you also played a lot better and Jack didn’t win. You refused to believe he would let you win.

“I actually have one quick stop for us. We can ride together in my car and then we can pick up your car after.” You nodded your head at his plan and followed him to his car. You had no clue where you were going but when you pulled up to the rink he practiced in you raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m not that creative when it comes to date things but I pulled some strings and this gives us some privacy.” That you definitely didn’t mind. You followed him inside and you immediately noticed a pair of skates that were put to the side.

Jack had put a lot of thought into tonight even if it had been simple things. You sat down on the bench and like normal Jack knelt down in front of you, helping you with your skates before you even tried to do it on your own. You carefully stepped out onto the ice and he took your hand. You couldn’t help but notice just how different he was in the best way possible. There was a different glow to him and you could tell he was just happier. This was all you had wanted for him and your heart was so full.

“I know things have been rough and it’s not like everything is better. I also know I don’t deserve an immediate yes because I hurt you. But I’m willing to work for it.” His words made you want to cry but you held it back. “Jack..” You started and he shook his head as he continued. “I know you’re going to tell me it’s okay but it wasn’t but I’m going to make it okay if you let me. I love you more than anything. I’m going to be the person you deserve if you let me into your life like that.” His eyes looked down at yours and you could see some worry in them that you would say no. Your hands cupped his cheeks as you nodded your head. “I’m so proud of you. We can work on us and we’ll get there baby.”

[arcaneoccontent]

A New Home

(This is fanfiction with an oc, if you don't like that scroll:p)

Summary: Young Caitlyn gets a hunting dog of sorts

She didn’t know what was going on. She fell asleep in her bed and woke up in a crate. Was it another appointment? She had all her shots though. She looked through the door of the crate. This definitely wasn’t anywhere she’d been before. It looked so fancy, and it smelled of lilac. It was such a decorated room. The room was covered in gold and green, a reddish rug? She thought colors gave her trouble at times. Being part dog was great till colors stopped making sense. She could see furniture too, a table, some chairs? She couldn’t fully see those, and some kind of family portrait maybe?? The crate was cutting off her view, but it seemed to be hung above a set of stairs. Who had this much gold?

“The dog will do her some good dear, help her understand her place.” That was a woman’s voice. She didn’t know whose though. She’d never heard it before but it seemed to be coming from behind the crate.

“Are you sure Caitlyn even wants a dog?” That was a man, still she had no idea who. Certainly wasn’t the breeder. Had she been adopted out? Finally. Her tail wagged at the idea. A home, an actual home a permanent one. 

“She was quite fond of our Dobermans growing up. Besides I’m certain it will make a fine hunting compainon. It has a pedigree and a fine heritage.” That was the woman’s voice again. Those were a lot of big words. She thought about saying something, but she was wondering where this conversation was going. 

“It? My dear I’m sure she can hear us in their.” That was the man again. She waited for the woman to speak. To respond to the man, but she didn’t answer him. 

“Caitlyn!” Instead she called for someone named Caitlyn. It echoed in the room, she wondered if whoever this was could hear it. If they weren’t in this massive room. Then she heard it, someone coming down those steps. Then she saw them, a girl, in her teens maybe? The girl seemed to notice her first, tilting her head a bit. Her short blue hair falling to the side, as her blue eyes sparked with curiosity.

“Mother?” She asked, so this was the Caitlyn they were speaking about. So the people speaking must have been her parents?? Right.

“We have a gift for you. As a congratulations for your win.” That was the woman again. Shortly after the latch on the door was released, and it flew open. She ran out the crate, her tail wagging as she ran about the room. Picking up random things putting them down, sniffing stuff, exploring the room. 

“A girl?” Caitlyn asked, she casted an unsure glance at the creature. It wasn’t quite human, not with those ears and that tail.

“A pet. Though I didn’t realize it would be so ill-behaved.” That was the woman again, the mom. Then she went running up to this Caitlyn her tail wagging as she hugged the new stranger nearly taking her over.

“Hi! Nice to meet you!” She said excitedly. A new home? Hopefully, someone to play games with.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Caitlyn said patting her head gently, before pushing the dog-like creature off her, “Mother she’s not an It.”

“She may need a different home.” the woman spoke wrinkling her face a bit. Clearly not happy with the over-excited behavior. 

“She needs time.” Caitlyn said looking at the creature with a soft gaze. She was just happy to be here. She didn’t understand why this mother person was so upset, “She’s excited, how long has she been in that crate?”

“Caitlyn don’t act like that. They had to transport her some how.” the woman said sounding over her daughter’s antics.”

“Hey, do you have a name?” Caitlyn asked gently, turning her attention to the creature. She looked over at Caitlyn thinking for a moment, getting distracted by her height. Then she remembered shed been asked a question. She shook her head towards Caitlyn, who seemed to frown at that information. 

“How about Scoutt?” Caitlyn asked the girl. She nodded her tail wagging. A name, she’d been given a name.

“Scoutt.” She repeated with a bright smile, which seemed to infect Caitlyn.

“Seems it can behave, I was worried we’d have to return it.” the woman said watching the two. Scoutt tilted her head at the woman. She had bought Scoutt right?? So why did she seem so annoyed.

“I promise she’ll be well-behaved mother.” Caitlyn said in a bit of a restrained manner. That made Scoutt feel even more confused.

“Good I’m sure it will be ready by our next hunting trip.” The woman spoke once more. Caitlyn’s face hardened a bit.

“She has a name now, you could at least call her by her name.” She said holding herself up rigidly. It felt like their was some sort of argument here but Scoutt couldn’t figure out what. Then this woman let out a sigh.

“Take Scoutt up to your room. See too it she doesn’t tear up the house.” She said. 

“Come on Scoutt.” Caitlyn said gently leading her away. Up the stairs, further into the manor and into her new life.

[a-very-mere-mortal]

A Review of In Stars and Time

If you're seeing this, you've probably already played In Stars and Time. I'm not exactly bursting with followers from before I became obsessed with it. But this is still worth making, just in case I can convince one person to pick this game up. So, to give you fair warning, there will be some (hopefully) light spoilers in this. If you want the basics, just skip to the last two paragraphs, but if you want an idea of my emotional impression of the game, try this on for size:

In Stars and Time is an RPG about the power of friendship in which you play as Siffrin, a quiet and introspective rogue out to save the country of Vaguarde from the evil King, who seeks to freeze the world in time. With them are their friends Mirabelle, Odile, Bonnie, and Isabeau, and they all draw strength from the wonderful bonds that their little group has. Arriving in the town of Dormont, you and your friends charge up the House of Change to meet the King, ready to defeat him using the magic of...

Uh oh. Something seems to have gone wrong here. I'm pretty sure that you weren't supposed to die this early. If it was the final battle and this was some kind of grand sacrifice I would get it, but as of right now... let's just try this again.

In Stars and Time is a game about time loops. Specifically, the one that you, Siffrin, are stuck in. It turns out you may have been less prepared to fight the King than you thought. Don't worry though; you have all the time in the world to figure it out, even if it's a little more difficult than it first appeared. Just remember to rely on your helpful guide Loop, who's here to help you make it through the best they can, even if they don't know how or why the loop started in the first place. But as if getting through the House of Change wasn't hard enough, what with its traps, locked doors, and vicious Sadnesses standing in your way, you have to manage your party members too. As it turns out, they aren't looping with you. But don't worry! While you may have felt a little lost at first, eventually you discover the perfect things to do and say to make them like you even more than the first time around. With your bonds stronger than ever and your route through the House perfectly memorized, you charge up to face the King in a heated battle with the fate of Vaguarde on the line! It's difficult, but in the end you triumph over the King and head into the final room of the House to celebrate with your friends- no, your family.

That's odd. You've defeated the King with the best possible ending, but there's still another 3 Acts left in the story. What's going on here?

In Stars and Time is just another trash indie game. I'm sorry you had to find out this way, but it's true; this game should be 10 hours shorter and cut right after you beat the King with your family in tow. It hurts to play because now that things have gone wrong, things seem to have gotten worse in your head, too. Where's the resolution to this story? When does it end? You said all the right things, you made all the right moves, and your family members have never been happier! By any other game's logic, this would be the endpoint. You may have struggled to make it through the time loop, but since you managed to keep your sanity intact and be nice to your friends, you get a gold star and the true ending. For some reason, this game refuses to let you have that success, and I'm infuriated on your behalf. I suppose you'll have to keep looking for a solution somewhere within the House, even though I know you're getting a little sick of it by now. Try not to get too frustrated by all this, okay? It would be quite awful if you did something you'd regret because you were feeling...

Ah. Well.

That changes my opinion of things, I suppose. I have no words that could do justice to what we just experienced. What a finale, eh? Let's try this review one more time, with a more...complete view of things. No more of this "describe what happens in the game step by step" malarkey. Everyone knows that's bad practice anyways.

In Stars and Time is an RPG about memory, communication, and the mortifying ordeal of being known. (It'll make more sense when you play it). With a lovely sound track and both beautiful hand-drawn and pixelated artwork, In Stars and Time manages to convey one the best stories I have ever experienced in the history of gaming. If you're the sort that likes comparisons, I would describe this game as a combination of the the humor and surprising depth of the Stanley Parable, the intense emotional characters and tight writing of Undertale, and the incredible worldbuilding of Harry Potter (without having to suffer through J. K. Rowling). I felt genuinely mystified by the unexplained and had a strong desire to learn more about the world during my unfortunately brief time within it.

3 weeks after completing the game, I'm still stewing in the things I felt and the realizations I came to while playing it. This is one of the few games I can say genuinely changed my life; after playing it I found the strength to reach out and connect to the friends I have in the real world on a level I never thought I'd be able to achieve. I feel a moral obligation to recommend this game; if it can do the same things for you that it did for me, it would be evil of me to deny you them. For the incredibly modest price of 20$, you will experience approximately 20 hours of soul-gripping gameplay that might stick with you for the rest of your life. This is something worth your time.

[gravityglitch-blog]

I'm going back to some of my fandom nonsense for a bit.

Health wasn't great during October, so I didn't get to draw much or participate in all the art challenges I wanted. I did indulge in some gaming, though.

Halloween was nice in Dreamlight Valley.

I got to give out candy to my villagers and run around in my Sally patchwork dress all day. Took a selfie with the Pumpkin King himself, with a special guest appearance by Eve.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" has sort of become a new tradition for me around this time of year. (The movie kinda freaked me out when I was little, but I like it now.)

I really am looking forward to Sally being added to the game. I like her character, and it will be fun to have her as a neighbor.

I'm not sure if it's different in every game, but in mine, I often see the couples roaming around together (Anna and Kristoff, Belle and Beast, Wall-E and Eve.) Jack always walks around the outskirts of the Valley alone, even after achieving maximum friendship.

It makes me a little sad. Hopefully Sally's arrival will change that.

I remembered that a sort-of sequel book had been published recently. Was about to check it out from my public library, only to find I already owned it on my Kindle. Apparently I'd pre-ordered it and straight-up forgotten it😕

The book picks up a year after the ending of the movie, starting with Jack and Sally's wedding and continuing from there. I spent most of Halloween night reading it.

I enjoyed it as a simple, cozy read. It's definitely aimed at a younger audience, which is absolutely okay. My only real criticisms are that some things are repeated a lot (you will be reminded many times that Sally is a rag doll with dead leaves for stuffing), and I wanted more cute moments between her and Jack.

For plot reasons I won't spoil, Jack spends a good portion of the book asleep.

All that said, it was still an enjoyable story, though it played with the lore of the movie somewhat. I'd read it again.

Carried by a feeling of nostalgia, I also decided to re-visit my Animal Crossing island.

I didn't think it had been that long😨

Apart from some overgrown plants, my island wasn't in as bad shape as I'd feared. It was good to run around the cliffs and beaches again, with the calming music in the background.

I know this sounds weird, but it felt like going home. And I missed my little animal friends.

Just me sharing a snapshot of my recent days

[gameshow-host-wally]

*click*

"Hmm I wonder if people can still hear me when I pick it up for myself"

"um... hello? This is, Frank Frankly. I just wanted to share some observations and clues we found. Hopefully if you're hearing this, anyone out there can help us?"

"ahem... well, anyway, we kept going to that park but looks like wherever that black liquid trails to is lost, we also noticed that it caused the grass to decay, that is hopefully holding some importance."

"Asking around, it appears no one could see the connections between Wally from Welcome Home and Wally from that gameshow. It's weird how Wally can't be recognised as both but instead as two different beings. Recently me and Barnaby found the couple we first met in the beginning of our search, um... the ones who gave us money, though it was only the wife we met. All we did is catch up and inform each other on our lives and updates on searching Wally. That was a few days ago, but only today I realised that she out of everyone we asked around, was able to identify Wally Darling as the gameshow host. I hope I can find her again one day"

"...*sigh*... not only is everything weird out there, it is also weird in our new home. I am grateful we're given this home big enough for the six of us. But I really miss our old life. Despite it being a lie, it would've been nice to reassure Poppy again, or get irritated by Barnaby, or also play a game with Julie but she's focused on helping Sally, or anyone in this house, cheer up. I even offered her money to go have some ice cream with Sally"

"Eddie is... well, I'm assuming you know Eddie since you somehow do, but as I was saying, Eddie seems okay? As long as I'm still with him, I'm okay"

"oh right the investigation, um..."

"This is probably not related at all... just concerning... but I think everyone here is hiding something. It's odd, but I noticed small hints on their face expressing discomfort, fear, maybe even desperation. I know things are bad but, something is off. Why are my friends acting this way? How did that mirror broke? Sally doesn't look harmed but she looked so shaken. Julie is doing way too much to make sure we stick together and not spiral down. Why is Barnaby even out at night? He just comes home tired and he looks so distressed about something. I don't know what Howdy could think of this because it looks like he stopped caring. I only have Eddie left but he can't even remember who Wally is and I don't want to ruin this only chance of happiness in here... That's why I'm talking to you in the first place. I don't know what's going on anymore..."

"I do hope you can hear me. Don't tell the others I said that last part"

*click*

[osleeplessflowero]

hi!! i JUST finished reading your cowboy!stretch x reader oneshot on ao3 and i absolutely loved it, would you mind making a continuation of it? probably with them riding a horse. thank you so much for writing that i love it so much!!! :D

// HII omg!! I'm so happy you liked the oneshot, that one was super fun to write! I'd be more than happy to write a continuation. Hopefully I do your request justice! (Especially considering it's my first one!!)

🧡You can find the first oneshot Here. :)🧡

❤️ Reader has They/Them pronouns, and their SOUL type is up to you! 🧡 Country AU! Cowboy skeletons my beloved.. 💛 This takes place in a Crossover universe, so common fandom nicknames will be used!

It's been a few weeks since you met that dashing skeleton, Stretch, at Grillby's. After taking a few days, you worked your hardest and finally managed to fix up that old barn. Now she looks good as new, and you..need to find something else to do.

You sit in your house, kicking your legs back and forth as you lie on your stomach on your couch. Some random show plays on the tv in front of it you recognize, but you're not really focusing on it since you're facing your left scrolling through your phone. Nothing really sticks out to you, searching for something of interest before you see a little notification pop down from someone. You miss it the first time, pulling down the top of your screen and realizing it's from Stretch.

You sit up abruptly on your knees, shifting to face the tv and letting your legs rest on the wood floor. It's always nice to see what he's up to.

honey enthusiast🍯 - now -> heya, what are you up to?

You - now <- nothing much, just watching tv and dying of boredom lol ive got nothing to do now that the barns all fixed

honey enthusiast🍯 - now -> you could come over to me and my bro's place, it's just us here today

You - now <- rsally? *really?

honey enthusiast🍯 - now -> rsally

You - now <- stfu

honey enthusiast🍯 - now -> lmaoo but yeah im fr could show you the animals and stuff

You - now <- bet uh idk where you live tho

honey enthusiast🍯 - now -> i'll send you the location or i could just come get u if u want

You - now <- i think ill drive there i wanna remember the way in case i come over again :)

honey enthusiast🍯 - now -> alr sounds good to me lol i'll wait at the front gate for you sent attachment

You hop up from your seat on the couch, petting one of your dogs who'd decided to lie down in front of the couch and walking into your room to change.

"Okay, he..he lives on a ranch?? Well, I guess I should've gotten that from the cowboy getup, huh? I should probably wear somethin' I'm okay with gettin' dirty.." You browse through your closet, picking out some casual clothes that'll keep you cool and comfortable in the summer heat.

"Time to go." You walk out of your room, playing some music from the stereo in your living room and giving your dogs some pets before bidding them goodbye. You walk out to your truck and climb inside, turning the key and beginning to drive to the location you set your GPS to. A few familiar songs play while you make your way down several sets of roads. You promptly bop your head to them, lip syncing some of the words.

You knew you were at the right place the moment you saw it. The house was huge based on what you could see from the gate as you drove up to it, plenty of land surrounding it with fences up to keep any unwanted visitors out. You see a familiar shade of orange pop up as the skeleton opens the gate, walking over to your window and leaning his arms on it.

"howdy. glad you could make it, didn't get lost did you?" "Nope, got here a-okay. This place is massive- are you guys loaded or something?" You ask, flabbergasted. He chuckles at that, looking back at the house. "well, it just kinda happened when we exchanged monster currency for human currency. so I guess you could say we are." "Jesus." "you can go ahead and pull up wherever, it doesn't matter." He stands on the step just below your door, holding on. You smile at the action, driving further in and parking in a spot next to someone else's car.

He jumps down onto the ground and lets you get out, closing the door behind yourself and locking it before jumping down too.

You hear a faint "Hello!" in the distance as someone runs over, grinning wide. A skeleton, a pretty large one at that yet shorter than Stretch. His attire is pretty similar to the former, only his is buttoned up much more neatly and is blue rather than orange. Stretch's top button is currently loose, exposing a little bit of his sternum. You also notice how the two stick to one color scheme, Stretch sticking with orange and this one sticking to blue specifically.

"you're in luck, they just got here." "Yes, I'm Not Late! Hello, There! I'm Stretch's Brother, Blue. We Live Together Close To Some Of Our Friends." "It's nice to meet you, Blue. I'm.." You tell him your name, and the two of you chat about this and that before Stretch steals you away to show you around. You both walk around different parts of the ranch before you decide to go and visit the animals, saying hello to each of them promptly.

"You have so many horses-" "like. ten of them." "JESUS-" You pause, looking towards one, before turning back to him with a smile.

"..what?" He raises a brow, smiling as well with crossed arms as he observes you. "..Can we ride one?" "..you want to ride one?" "Yes- please-" "i mean, yeah, i don't see why not. though, we'd probably have to ride together. are you okay with that? if not, i can figure something out." "I'm okay with that. Won't bother me." "alright, just gimme a sec."

You wait patiently as he goes to get a proper saddle, walking over to a few horses and letting them smell your hands so they know to trust you. One in particular takes a liking to you, a black horse with a stripe of white from its muzzle to its forehead. It nuzzles its nose against the side of your head until Stretch returns, smiling as he walks over.

"somebody's attached. no, you can't bring the horse home with you." "Aww-" You fake pout, before smiling and gently petting its head. "but, you can come back to visit." "You bet I will." A determined look crosses your face. "you wanna ride this one?" He points with his thumb. "Yes- if they are okay with that, of course."

He nods, and after a few seconds the horse is saddled and ready to go.

"so, you're gonna have to sit in front of me. is that alright?" "Yeah, that's fine." "alright, cool."

He helps you get up onto the horse first. It's a bit of a strange sensation at first, but you gradually get used to it. He then climbs up and sits comfortably behind you and the saddle, gently taking hold of the reins. Feeling his arms around your waist has you feeling a bit flushed, your face heating up a bit as you hope he doesn't notice.

"comfortable?" He speaks calmly so as to not spook the horse, his head just above your shoulder. A shiver goes down your spine accompanied by an anxious smile. "Y- ..Yeah, I'm all good." You mutter, cursing yourself internally for stuttering as you hear him chuckle behind you. You don't realize at first when the horse starts to move before you snap out of a daze, looking ahead with a smile.

You feel..safe with his arms around you, even as you're very flushed. You can just blame it on the heat if he asks. What you don't know, however, is that he seems to be fairly flushed himself..a bright shade of orange lightly making its way over his cheekbones. He keeps his lazy smile as he looks over you, making sure you're alright and comfortable.

Blue has a cheeky grin as he watches you both ride around the field, leaning his arms on one of the fences.

His hold on your waist tightens a little when the horse picks up its speed, causing your face to heat up even more before that feeling is overcome by excitement. You cheer as it runs, carrying you both around.

This continues for a little while before both the two of you and the horse become tired. Stretch slides off and helps you jump down, guiding the horse back to where it can rest.

"That was fun! I wouldn't mind doing it again." "..maybe you can, next time you come over." "Yeah." You avert your eyes, your face admittedly still a little flushed. You can't fully bring yourself to meet his gaze until he reaches up to get some grass out of your hair.

"i wouldn't mind." He smirks, his eyes relaxed as he looks at you. You clear your throat. "Yeah, uh..looking forward to it." You smile in return as Blue walks over to greet you both.

"Why Don't You Guys Come Inside? I'd Love For You To Stay For Dinner. We Can Talk More!" He suggests with a friendly smile. You look over briefly at Stretch for a moment before turning back to him.

"Yeah, I'm cool with that. I'd better get home before dark, though. I've got dogs waiting at home for me." "you have dogs?" Stretch perks up, curious. "Yeah, two." "i wanna pet 'em-" "Well, maybe you can visit me next."

He grins as Blue guides you both inside, gently closing the door behind him.

Part 3? Ao3 Link:

[kirkwallguy]

Def intruiged by avowed but I feel like i gotta finish up po1/2. Took a break around white march 1 and never picked it up again for some reason. What did u think of them?

i'm doing the same! afaik you don't really need to have played the poe games to understand avowed but it'll definitely make the game better. there are apparently some character cameos but idk who (hopefully my princess aloth ♥️)

i actually haven't played more than a few hours of deadfire... i was sort of enjoying it but the boat mechanic annoyed me (reminded me of sunless seas which is designed to be annoying on purpose so lol) and... okay, this is petty but i'd just tried and failed to get into critical role and one of the voice actors was doing the EXACT same annoying fake-southern accent as she did in the campaign i'd been watching. and it grated on me so badly that when i realised she'd be a major character who i couldn't ignore i had to stop.

anyway, my opinion on the first game is like. 75% positive? It's a really good crpg and feels like a mostly faithful homage to the original bg/infinity engine games with updated graphics and qol features, i'm a freak who likes rtwp and the strategy element of crpgs so i enjoy the combat a lot. it's maybe a little too close to d&d at times but i love that they have guns and the setting-unique classes they came up with are pretty fun.

the companions are kind of 50/50, some i love and some i don't care about at all, i like that they try to vary how their quests work but it can also be kind of annoying to figure out how to trigger them - i didn't get durance's story at all the first time i played because i wasn't talking to him after every long rest lol. there were also some companions that just seemed to be half-finished or have way less content than others. kana,( i think?) was interesting but had a tiny quest and pretty much did nothing after that, meanwhile the game wanted really badly for me to care about eder and he didn't charm me at all.

i'm also very ehhh on the story and writing, which apparently isn't a super common opinion. it's just kind of boring as someone who generally isn't into grand god plots in d&d-esque settings. i remember there being lots of beats where i knew i was supposed to feel something but it just felt pretty dry. another reason i couldn't get into deadfire (this was an issue in the first game but not as bad) was that the writing feels a little bit... overwrought? if that makes sense? like they want really really badly for you to find it deep and pretty to the point that it distracts from what's happening. i get that they want a prose-y style but when you're forcing each sentence to sound nice it loops right back around to sounding amateur again because you can feel the writer straining a little. dai and dos2 also have this problem imo so maybe it's just something that was in style in the mid-late 2010s lol.

[roseofithaca]

Deception

(A very angsty follow-on from @idiotwithanipad 's fic Shared Pain, set in her "Amy -her oc- Moves On" series, ft my oc Silver)

It wasn't supposed to go this far. But things have a habit of spiralling out of control. She didn't believe in Hell, but she could understand how the road to such a place could be paved with good intentions.

The first time Humphrey's body had pulled her close, mistaking her for their departed Amy, Silver had been honest. That was a fact. She couldn't have been more clear to a being that was both deaf and blind that she was not his daughter. She'd let his hand fondle the collar of her shirt. No hoodie. Hair the wrong length. He'd known.

Hadn't he?

If only it had stopped there. If only she'd left him alone the next time, now a month after their last encounter, when she awoke to find him wandering a few feet away from her bed. Not Robin. Not Kitty. Him. Just bumbling around with his hands outstretched, fingers flexing.

Reaching out.

She'd gone to him, taking one of his hands, no ill intent in her heart.

"Were you waiting for me to wake up?" She asked, hopefully.

He hadn't heard her, of course, except the vibrations of her voice. Young. Female. Modern.

And he'd hugged her.

For the smallest of moments, she'd believed that he was there for her. That maybe, from something as awful as losing Amy, the two of them could grow closer from it?

But then his hands started to pat up her back again. Up to her collar.

Checking...

Swallowing the crushing disappointment, she'd slipped out of his embrace, but didn't let go of his hand.

Instead she tapped her foot. Two times.

She'd seen Amy do it once. A request for the body to follow, one time when the two of them had been playing a game and invited the body in to make things a bit more exciting, an obstacle to run from with its surprisingly good tracking skills.

The older man's hand squeezed hers with a buzz of excitement. Where were they going?

It didn't matter. She just...didn't want to ruin the illusion for him just yet. It was rather easy for her to see when the body was in a good mood, the way his posture straightened and there was a spring in the step of those red legs.

She was being kind. That's all. Honest.

No one was supposed to get hurt.

-

A month later.

"Head?! Head, you here?"

"Robin?!" Humphrey called back, cheek pressed against the floorboard of the abandoned bedroom, "Christ, where you been? I've been calling for one of you to come find me for ages!"

"Been distracted. Lots of Zumba." The caveman excused, picking the head up from off the floor. "We think you ask to be left alone here."

"I did! But a check in now and then to see if I changed my mind wouldn't have hurt." He tutted, "Anyway, I need you to help me find my body."

"Oh? Why that?"

"Because I think he's with Amy."

The silence that followed was deafening.

"Head-."

"Yes, yes, I know how ridiculous it sounds! But hear me out, lately I've been feeling these....I dunno how to describe it. Feedback? Is that what it's called?" He explained, knowing he may as well be preaching to the choir with wrapping their heads around tech terms. "I've always had them, usually when Body Me stubs his toe or bends down too quick, those are never nice. Then sometimes I get...nice feelings. Like if Kitty gives it a hug or....when he and Fanny were doing the unimaginable."

Both he and Robin cringed at that. Not something either cared to remember as a canon event.

"But never moreso than when...she was here." Humphrey sighed, longingly; "I always felt when them too were off playing together or having a cuddle or whatever. I thought that was severed when she moved on but...I've been feeling it again. These little bursts of happiness. It's gotta be her."

The caveman sat on the bed and looked his old friend in the eye, perching his severed neck on his knees.

"Stompy gone up to stars, Head. That not changed." He told him matter of fact, but gently. "Maybe you mistake good feels for-."

"C'mon, mate. Dad to Dad here. If you were wearing a blind fold and had your ears stuffed with cotton, and one of your kids threw their arms around you, you honestly telling me you wouldn't be able to tell if it was them?!"

That pieced the ancient spirit's logical armor somewhat, Humphrey could tell. He knew mentioning Robin's kids was a touchy subject, one he'd never willingly bring up in case necessary to prove a point.

"You that sure it her?" He asked.

"Positive. D'you know where he is?"

"No, but can track. Body you leave distinct trail." The caveman stood up, "...You sure you want to see? May not like what find."

"Impossible. It's gotta be her, I'll show you."

Maybe he'd lost his mind a bit, weeks stuck alone in Amy's old room, in partially self imposed isolation, staring at the windowsill where he'd sometimes catch her sitting and looking out at four in the morning, and he'd have to prompt her to - finally - go to bed.

But what else could possibly bring his other self so much joy if not her? No matter what, he had to see.

"Fine. No say me not warn. Lets go."

Robin's hands then clutched him to his side, covering both his ears and his eyes. Humphrey muffled, demanding to know why that was necessary or to take better care before he poked his eye out.

No matter. He was going to his little girl. He knew he shouldn't have believed that ugly leper who claim to witness her move on. Something else must have happened, something to cause her to get lost or....some reason that kept her away that he'd soon find out. They'd get to the bottom of it.

It's all right, Poppet. Dad's coming.

-

"Personally, I find it to be very sweet."

"Thanks, Kitty." Silver smiled at her friend, choosing to ignore the snide remarks of the other ghosts in the room.

Julian scoffed; "Please! You'd find a lemon soaked in vinegar sweet!"

"I merely asked if it was necessary for you to bring it-."

"Him, Thomas." Silver corrected, squeezing the hand of the body sat beside her.

The poet rolled his eyes; "Fine, must you bring 'him' into every room you enter?"

"I agree, he does bring an unseemly and disturbing ambience with his appearance." Commented the Edwardian matriarch.

Silver scoffed; "Oh but that turned you on when you two were in private, right?"

"She's got you there." Julian quipped.

"Can I please get back to telling you all my Risk victory?" Captain raised his voice.

"I never thought I'd say this but, yes, go on Cap."

She threw a final look at Thomas, Julian and Fanny to shut them up before they turned their attention back to the Captain's mind-numbingly boring tale.

Not that she was actually listening, instead playing a thumb war with Humphrey's body. It was one of a few games they'd come into the habit of enjoying together. Trying to find activities to enjoy that didn't involve sight or sound was an interesting challenge. The clapping-nursery-rhymes she used to play with her nieces was another one he seemed to love, especially trying to do them as fast as possible.

There was an innocent, childlike whimsy she felt hanging around with Humphrey's body, leading him carefully by the hand and helping him avoid walking through livings or falling into holes. She'd grown to feel oddly protective over him, which was ironic considering how Amy always said he'd often grab her and hold her close like he felt an instinct to shield her from unseen dangers.

Subtly, she tapped his foot with her own, to which he nudged her back. A silent agreement. Once this dull story was finished, they'd make their exit. Maybe walk across the golf course together, find an empty spot, sit and practice communicating through morse code (thanks Pat) or writing with their fingertip-

Julian's head perked up from where he'd been close to nodding off at the sound of two boots crossing the threshold.

"Ah, Ape! You finally made it. God knows why."

Cap let out a sigh; "Great, now I'll have to start my story right at the beginning."

Everyone let out a groan of annoyance, but Robin seemed to ignore them.

He was walking through the room, briskly, heading straight towards where Silver and Humphrey sat.

It took her a moment to recognise what he was carrying in his hands.

"Robin, what-." She got to her feet, but didn't let go of the hand in hers.

He gave her a look like none she'd seen from him before. It made her blood run cold.

No...

"Here. This your Stompy."

A twist, a click, and he slotted Humphrey's head up onto his body.

Everyone was quiet as their graves, watching as the Tudor straightened his neck and turned his gaze towards the teenager clutching his hand.

"Poppet, is it-."

A blink.

Silver's mouth went dry.

"....Humphrey, I...." She was at a loss for words. The way the light in his eyes was rapidly dimming made her feel sick to her stomach.

He dropped her hand as if it burned.

"You're not....You're not her...." He said, stepping back.

"I..."

"Not who? What's going on?" Asked Kitty.

"Hump Head think Hump Body with Stompy." Explained Robin, coldly.

Fanny scoffed; "Well I know the husk can't see but I can attest that it's not completely oblivious. How on Earth would it mistake Silver for his own daughter?"

"Good question."

All eyes rounded on Silver. She flinched, feeling as though she was suddenly shrinking under their gaze.

"I...I may not have...been clear...."

Kitty gasped; "Oh, Silvy."

That hurt. The guilt that she'd been running from since this started suddenly struck her like a thunderbolt. It would be bad when the sweetest ghost who ever existed was ashamed of her.

"Let me get this straight. The reason Humphrey's body has been accompanying you around...is because it believed you were Amy?" Asked Cap.

A beat. Then Silver nodded.

Pat chuckled; "Oh I'm sure it's all just a misunderstanding. Ain't that right, petal?"

She wanted the ground to swallow her up. Fuck being sucked off or ascending. Just let her disappear.

Biting her lip, she met Humphrey's hurt expression.

"....I'm sorry." He was the only one she owed any apology too.

He stared at her, looking utterly betrayed.

"Why?" He asked, voice barely a whisper.

"I dunno, I just...It seemed to make you...Body you happy. It seemed to be the only other one still grieving like I....like we were." She tried to explain; "When I'd...tap and sign and touch it like I saw Amy do...It seemed harmless to just let him think-."

"Me. I was the one thinking it, Silver." He told her, voice turning sharp.

She winced, beginning to tremble; "I never meant to upset you. It all seemed harmless. I had no idea you could feel what he did, I just...saw him all alone and wanted to make him feel better."

"And me?! You didn't give a toss to come check on me?! See if maybe this little charade of yours was affecting me?!"

"You asked to be left alone! He didn't! He needed someone and I...I just wanted to help."

She turned, seeing the many eyes of judgement fixed on her. Rage began to burn in her chest.

"Should I have just ignored him?! Like all you did?! Just let him wander, alone and grieving?!"

"Showing kindness is one thing. Tricking the poor man is another matter." Captain tells her.

"Oh but it's fine when you lot wanna gaslight Kitty into letting her believe her sister actually loved her?!"

"Leave her out of this." Robin said, reaching to step in front of the Georgian who flinched at the remark.

"But it's true! It's one rule for me and another for the rest of you! You're all just as bad! Why else do you think Alison was so keen to get away from you all?!"

Now she went too far. And she knew it.

At Kitty's whimper, Pat reached out to take her hand. Hurt shone on Thomas' face while Cap and Fanny merely glared daggers at the Pagan.

"Disgraceful behavior." The Edwardian muttered.

"G-guys...I didn't mean..."

"Think you've made yourself perfectly clear, young lady." The soldier spoke, before leading the others out of the room before Kitty could start crying.

Everyone except Humphrey. And Robin.

Tears in her eyes, Silver looked back to the Tudor; "I'm sorry. I really am. I was....hoping to explain it to him....to you, slowly."

"...Why didn't you come see me yourself after it started? Tell me the truth." Humphrey asked, sounding painfully old.

"....I guess I...M-maybe part of me liked...pretending..." She missed Mary. She missed having a parent. Amy was with her 'mum' now, she hoped, surely it was only fair that she...

Stupid. Stupid, stupid, Silver.

"Please don't hate me." She begged him.

He shook his head, looking at his feet; "You gave me hope, then took it away. I never thought you were capable of anything like that. I don't hate you, Silv. I'm just...really disappointed in you."

Fuck. Everyone knows that's worse.

"Humphrey-." She tried to reach for his hand, her voice breaking.

He stepped away.

"Just...leave me alone, yeah? Leave us both alone."

With a wave of his cloak, he turned his back on her and stomped out of the room, disappearing through the wall.

Only one remained in the room with her now.

The first and the last.

"Why....?" It was her turn to ask.

She turned to him.

"Why did you do that to me?"

Robin's arms were crossed over his chest; "It not about you. You hear him. He believe Stompy return, because you lie."

"Why do it like that?! Why did you have to show me up in front of everyone?! How did that help me or him?!"

"You left me no choice. He go everywhere with you."

"You could've waited till it was just the two of us. Now it's not just Humphrey who's upset with me, but no one else wants to be near me either!"

"Me not make you say mean thing. Not make you bring up Alison."

"The fuck you did!" She screamed, moving to shove him in the chest; "You corner me like a fucking animal, how do you expect me to react?!"

He didn't reply to that, a twinge of guilt on his face before it was masked with the same unnatural coldness it held since he entered the room.

"Why? Just tell me why?" She asked. "Tell me why the person I thought was my best friend just hurt me like that?"

Another wince, along with a hint of surprise. Then he set his jaw, resolute.

"It because me your friend. Do it for Moonah Girl's own good." He tells her, though even he doesn't sound like he believes such bullshit; "When I see you first walk 'round with body, it seem no harm. Sweet, even. Think nothing of it. Then me notice you copy Stompy with tappy and not let him touch shirt. But still you let him give you hug. You get him to carry you to forest bed when sleepy-."

"Was that it?! Were you fucking jealous because for the first time since I died, you're not the most important bloke in my life?!"

Robin stared at her, then scoffed; "That seriously where you go with this?! Me know what it mean to go mad! Me know how dangerous it be to live in fake world in head! Me trying to teach you it wrong to mess with emotions-!"

"And what the fuck do you know about emotions?! You pretend to be above all that anyway! Oh nothing upsets Robin, he's been around too much to care about losing anyone anymore! I found someone to share my pain with and you ruined it!"

"So should have let you carry on tricking Hump body? Let Hump head believe Stompy back? Just so poor Moonah Girl can pretend someone love her?"

"Fuck you! You know nothing about love! You'd rather be all clever and above it all!" She unleashed, angry tears in her eyes, shouting in his face; "But you know what? Maybe that's what's keeping you here, while everyone you claim to have loved moved on without you. Maybe the reason you’ll never leave, is because you've forgotten what it means to be a real human being!"

He stared at her, wordless, a tornado of emotion in his eyes. Those eyes that were older than certain stars in the sky. Older than the foundations of the house they stood upon.

She didn't back down. They had never faught before, not like this, never could she have imagined saying something so nasty. But she was done feeling sorry for him. If he wouldn't grant her sympathy in her darkest moment then what did she owe him?

Robin stepped closer to her.

"Silly. Selfish. Little girl." He hissed at her, raw pain scratching his voice; "Think everything just game. People only toys to play with. Not care about consequence. This why Mary hate witches."

She winced.

"....M-Mary didn't hate witches."

The caveman's lip twisted, cruelly; "Then why she try to burn you?"

Her heart thudded.

It was a lie. A sick joke.

"....That didn't happen. She wouldn't..." Silver began to shake. "....She never tried to hurt me."

"You not see. You sleep. But I see. Me got there just in time. Me stop her. Moonah Girl be Moonah Bacon if not for-."

She slapped him.

Robin stumbled back, less from the force than the shock. He blinked, feeling at his cheek, and something seemed to shift in his eyes. He looked at her, the cruelty and anger suddenly melting away, literally smacked out of him. But it was too late. Too many lines had been crossed.

He opened his mouth, seemingly in disbelief at his own words, before he tried to reach for her.

"Don't!" She stepped back, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"....Sil'ver-."

"Don't worry. We're done. I won't bother any of you again. Just stay the fuck out of my woods, and I'll stay away from here."

She turned, fleeing as fast as she could for the door. If he wanted to, he could easily catch up to her, easily stop her. If he wanted. But she knew that wasn't going to happen.

As she strode briskly across the golf course, she wrapped her arms around her middle, sobs wracking their way up and out of her chest.

Just take her up. Take her away. Please.

Take her away.

Take her away.

Take her away.

Take her away.

[leviathans-watching]

Hi! I really like your content, and I've been following you for a while but never done one of these before.

I was wondering if you had any tips for creating a writing blog?

thank you so much for the support! hopefully what I include is at least somewhat helpful!

first, i think it's important to note that a lot of my success comes from the circumstances surrounding the startup of my blog. i began to write for obey me during 2020, with my first work getting posted around may. this is important for two reasons: not only we're we in lockdown, leading to an insane increase in engagement from 2020-late 2022, but also since the game released in dec 2019, I was one of the first people to write for it, thus meaning I was filling a niche that had in increased demand. my point in this is to say that I attribute a lot of my success to these factors, and not necessarily to any actions that I took or inherent talent lol

also note that these tops are based in my experience and experience only, not in any science or data!

general tips:

don't expect to blow up overnight! i've been writing fanfiction since 2018 and i only started gaining traction in late 2020 haha. and in that time, don't be afraid to just throw stuff at the wall until you find something that sticks. set boundaries! if you get to a point where people are being demanding, unkind, leaving hate, asking for too much, doing anything to rub you the wrong way, shut it down. thankfully I've only had to do that like twice (as usually my followers are lovely and understanding), but it's important to remember this is your blog and your rules

writing tips:

play around with style, tone, themes, elements, etc until you find your groove. my works do span stylistically, thematically, plot-wise, etc, but commonly they're lighthearted and sweet, as I find that's what I like to write the best. find what you like to write the best! edit edit edit! once you're done writing, read through it once or twice to find typos/stuff you don't like, then when you move it from wherever you're writing (as I do not suggest writing in tumblr) look through it again as the new format and sizing will allow you to catch more. then, if you're still unsure, wait overnight and look through it again the next day before posting. but it's also not the end of the world to have typos if you get constructive criticism (given in a kind way ofc)... it's in your best interest to at least evaluate your work before deciding to take it or not. don't just dismiss it. reflection leads to improvement! when I first started writing I didn't even put dialogue into different paragraphs and without some nice comments who knows how long that might have lasted lol if you're struggling with writing block or can't seem to finish up a piece, give it a break. don't keep kicking a dead horse. I've had pieces that I start and don't come back to until like 9 months later lmfaooo

technical tips:

blogs that are centered around 1 (to 2) fandoms tend to do better. this is because ppl don't like to follow creators if there's also a bunch of random stuff appearing on their dash in between works. this is why I utilize sideblogs (i tend to post obey me and haikyu (to a lesser degree) on this one, and i have one for batman, one for another book series, and one for more personal poetry and stuff) a good and aesthetically pleasing layout is going to really go far. if you're blog and works look professional and attractive, they're going to pull people in. what this means is to come up with a blog theme/layout that is unique and fits the vibes of you and your writing, have a unique pfp (so not one of the of tumblr ones), and make sure your works are organized with a clear layout that's standard across your blog (this also helps create a 'blog identity'). feel free to look at mine for inspo obv or as you scroll through popular blogs/tags try to pick out elements that you'd like to incorporate. tagging is your best friend. i always start with the most important/broad ones (i.e. #obey me, #obey me game), then go into relevant relationships (i.e. #mammon x you, #mammon x mc), then characters (i.e. #mammon obey me, #obey me mammon), then anything else. this order can be changed if you have trigger warnings, which i'd say to put first. also, do not spam tag or tag thing's that aren't related in an effort to gain viability as that will actually make people less likely to engage. as with layout, try to standardize your process/blog specific tags so they create a 'blog identity' (such as my #leviawriting or #from: levi tags) be kind and interactive! if people leave you nice comments, respond to them! answer asks, have conversations, make new friends! this will make your experience much more fun and bring a lot of joy, and also make people want to talk to you

that's really all i can come up with right now! obviously if anyone has more tips feel free to tack them on and if you have questions send them my way!

[narastories]

Nara, for once for an ask game I'm not asking you about Philes directly, but about the FPA fandom in general, because the questions are so diverse and interesting in this game. Tell me what you think! 💙

Hi!! Yes, I thought they were interesting questions too!

001 | Send me a fandom and I will tell you my:

Favorite character: It's boring, I know, but I'm going to say Thurston Niles. Ever since he appeared he's been my blorbo. He booted Hendricks out from my line of sight so easily loool He just checks so many of my boxes, and I think he's well-written. I also project a ton of headcanons onto him.

Least Favorite character: This one is difficult. I don't think I dislike any character who isn't written to be disliked, if you know what I mean? So if I had to pick my least favorite, I would say like Taryn or Tippity. But they are written to be assholes, so it's not personal.

5 Favorite ships (canon or non-canon): Philes ofc, Fetch/Hendricks/Amari, Simms/Eileen, Loq/Exina, and let's say Fetch/Theo

Character I find most attractive: Niles, ofc. A well-written, morally questionable DILF is always hot to me. That said...

Character I would marry: I would not marry Niles. That would be annoying, because he's such a public figure. Can I marry Eileen? She would be my pick, I think. We could braid each other's hair and talk about books lol

Character I would be best friends with: Khay would be fun to be friends with. I like her appreciation for life in combination with her more shady/ruthless decisions in situations.

a random thought: How the fuck did the human army turn into Mortales? I mean, I get it when the army uses factories to manufacture weapons in times of war, but the other way around? And they weren't even the ones who started making guns? I don't get it, I hope this will be expanded on later.

An unpopular opinion: Speaking of firearms: I said it before, and I'll say it again. I don't think Thurston is as crazy fond of the idea of guns as Lance has been. He knows he can't put this genie back into the bottle, but he doesn't think it is a great idea anymore. Especially since Lance was killed. He very gladly gave the pistol back to Fetch + it's always his lackey pointing them at people. I might be wrong but I can't remember a single instance where he pulled a gun and pointed it at someone...

my canon OTP: ummm. This is difficult. There aren't a lot of canon ships in the books that aren't implied or not one-night stands... Hopefully, Eileen/Simms will be canon! Until then I'll say Fetch/Amari. They don't evoke the most amount of fuzzy feelings in me but I do like them.

Non-canon OTP: obviously Philes ^^

most badass character: I think for me it has to be Khay, just her whole aesthetic, and also how she reacts in dangerous situations is badass

pairing I am not a fan of: again, we don't have a lot of ships, and the fanon ones are all good, so it's difficult to answer this. Whatever Carissa and Harold had, I'm not a fan of that.

character I feel the writers screwed up (in one way or another): Maybe I'm feeling too fond of the author but I don't think he screwed up any character... Sure, they have flaws, but I don't feel like any of them are inconsistently or badly written.

favourite friendship: I will just say that the whole road trip friendship group is my favorite

character I want to adopt or be adopted by: This is a very difficult question. Honestly, there isn't a child character I'm super fond of, mostly because there isn't one who has an important part so far. Georgio is kind of a grandfatherly vibe, but personally I don't think I would enjoy spending a lot of time with him. He's nice, and he's such a good influence on Fetch, but I would get frustrated with him. So. This might be shocking, but I would accept Edmund Rye as a grandfatherly figure. Sure, that's not a very good choice for your health lmao But before all the... stuff... I think he would have interesting stories.

Thank you so much for playing with me! It was fun to think about these questions <3