#which i didnt pick because it felt like a romance option

[jacqcrisis]

I think the fact he can't give Karlach a hug bothers Ronan a lot. Can't give her a chummy pat on the back. Can't rest a hand on a wound to heal it. Can't help file her horns into something more acceptable.

What a terrible curse to be afflicted with. How is he supposed to foster comradery in his fellow travel companion if he can't put an arm around her shoulders while they walk and talk (well, she talks and he mostly grunts)? He's burned his hands so many times trying.

[ajramseyart]

I played Dragon Age Veilguard...twice

First! Fuck Solas!! For real though, great character.

Second Davrin and Emmrich won my heart this round.

I'm going to ramble about this game for a min. I have played all the games since the very beginning way back 15 years ago. Was part of the fandom and made sooooo much fanart. So much. So deal with it for a min.

Spoilers below

I wish I romanced Emmrich second though because the whole lich thing was something I didnt want. I went through the whole rest of his quest thinking bioware was going to make me romance a skeleton and I didnt want that...also the age gap thing took me out as well after making an older Rook. It made me feel like my character was 20 years old, especially with the option to tell this 50+ year old man that my Rook is a virgin.............Anyway I really loved his character and story, he is my very close second fav to Davrin.

Davrin was sweet and really loved his quest. It really fit in well with the grey warden story and overall story. He ended up being my fav companion this time around.

Grey Wardens impressed me. I went into this game wanting nothing to do with the Wardens. Been there, done that. Probably boring like they were in inquisition and DA2. Boy was I wrong. I really enjoyed the Wardens. I played a warden my second play through and having characters say its nice to have a warden around much better with two wardens...and it just hit me in the feels. It made me yearn for origins again. Loved the whole dark age Romanesque-ish aesthetic. It just felt really really good. It felt like home.

Main quest was really good this time around. Gameplay was good. Loved playing reaper. That third act was something I have been waiting for in an rpg.

I wish Rook wasn't so agreeable and nice. Its okay for "friends" and "found family" to have to conflict and drama and not also agree on everything. It really made me miss Vivienne and Wynne.

In my second play through I picked all the stern and aggressive options just to add some grit to Rooks personality.

I felt like the only Inquisitor that mattered was an inquisitor that romanced Solas. The only question that mattered was if you romanced Solas...which really sucked. I purposely did default inquisitor on my second play through just so I could trick solas into the fade without her in front of her.

I was really hoping that my inquisitor would show up at the end and kill him. It was on my bingo card but no...

I really wish they didnt add the inquisitor. But thats just one girls opinion. Key word here, opinion.

I called the Varric thing early on after getting Lucanis. So happy I didnt romance that guy. Once I saw he was possessed, I said no. Fool me once bioware.

Any way the Varric thing was really sad, I cried. It hit hard even though I knew the entire game he was dead..its a common trope.

It was a fun game, pretty game. Not the best dragon age game. The most memorable thing about this game for me will be the main quest and normally its the characters and I just feel like the characters got the shaft. I really wish I could have interacted with them more. They had a lot of quests which is great but having the option to click on them just to say hi would have done wonders.

I will not be making fan art this time around. I just have no urge or inspiration to make any.

[jazzmckay]

davg day 2:

im queer and suffering. i just barely held myself off from flirting with lace because im saving myself for neve okay but then bellara upgraded from "cool and cute" to "yeah i need to romance her" and then i recruited lucanis. need i even say more. hes the kind of Complicated i always go nuts for. i think i can restrain myself with him though because it would be fun to romance him with a mage perhaps. another time. its fine. i can do this. (let me be poly bioware)

backing up a bit now that i have that out of my system :p

dragon!ghilly lets gooooo. that section was fucked up (affectionate). i was also a bit fucked up. left the mayor to his fate and basically instantly felt bad for it lmfao but i do think that's what my rook would do and that guy just got under my skin i guess! as bellara said, it was hard to feel sympathy after everything we saw in the village. wonder if this decision will come back to haunt me later, we'll see

morrigan is heading deeper into true MILF territory and i'm here for it. she looks really good. it feels like she's growing well into herself in general, and mellowing out. (possibly she was already like this in dai but i never saw because i was only ever able to play the default world state where she didnt have kieran. speaking of which, i really thought id have to pick more choices at the beginning. does davg morrigan have kieran? did she take the well of sorrows? my lavellan took it but that wasnt something i could input so!! im curious if thatll come up). i loved the comment she made about pissing solas off with trying to explain elven history to him hehe

so i DID expect lace to get magic but i did NOT expect it to happen in such a spectacular valta-esque fashion, damn. that was a "holy shiiittt" moment for me. varrics cryptic statement about it being bad is concerning but im gonna keep living in blissful ignorance right now and enjoy how excited lace is to feel connected and explore her new abilities

before that bit, there was that super sweet moment between rook, lace, and neve that really stood out to me ;w; i chose the dialogue option "we shouldnt be at each others throats" which lead to lace reassuring neve she wasn't blaming her for how things happened, and neve responded with pointing out lace shouldnt be blaming herself either, then i picked "we have to support each other" which was so lovely.... what a heartfelt conversation, a feel-good moment that bolsters the team dynamic. i looove it. i'll always take more companion/companion connection like that <3

i feel like i'm slower to pick up new game mechanics than i used to be as i get older because i'm definitely still getting used to both the combat and all the gear and such, but i think i like how it's set up in this game. i haven't levelled up a merchant yet but the whole reputation thing is neat and adds more weight to a trading system that is often forgettable / not really integrated into the story in most games. working towards upgrading both the shops and the items is interesting. it also takes the stress of inv management off my shoulders lol amazing, getting to loot without the hassle of sorting through it all and constantly running out of space? im here for it

solarric solarricing again

im unwell

then i headed off to antiva and took a screenshot of every cat i saw and/or pet. it's cool to learn more about the crows. naturally, i was excited to be in a city again and it did not disappoint. theyre sooo well crafted, absolutely beautiful and designed to make them feel genuinely alive.

the prison was also gorgeous. the environments in this game kick ass. ive stopped so many times just to take in the view. stunning. that giant skeleton on the sea floor caught my eye too.

the fact that "oof" is a dialogue option is SO FUNNY....

the scene of bellara trying to fix the archive spirit crystal and reading her packing note is what sealed the deal for me. i picked the purple option after watching her hit the thing in frustration, the "can i try too?" one and it was so cute. failed to resist flirting and that was also cute af

that said, im already thinking about bellara/merrill bc how can i not... idk if merrill will come up later in some other fashion so this might not make sense, but i can imagine merrill relating to the veil jumpers and being in contact, able to help them with artifacts. if bellara knows about merrill and what she accomplished before the breach and magic getting wonky, she probably looks up to her a bit. and i think bellara would remind merrill of herself as she was before everything terrible happened for her 😭it would be nice for her to have someone who can both meet her on the same level re: technical/magical knowledge and in such a chipper, enthusiastic way

i think i'm still gonna romance neve though, i just feel like she and my current rook Work. i loved the detail that they never met before despite both being associated with the shadow dragons and neve saying because she's more of an informant, rook mightve acted on her info before. i also chose her to help me during solas' ritual so she got hurt, which added more emotional connection ;w;

back to minrathous soon which im excited about. but im gonna do lace's side mission about her magic first :>

[zesstra-dnd]

Alfira should show up to all camps thst way when someone has played thriugh on tav before durge its actually a surprise because she survives before.

Im not one for been super comforting but if they felt the need to add sex scenes then they can add in an option for Tav to hug thier companions when they need it instead of just standing there

More dialogue choices for a tav who doesnt want to romance that aren't mean

I barely know the companions, theyre not heartbroken because i rejected them pack it in, and let me. Just do shir as friends why is so much shit marked as a flirt

So much shit is easy to miss that help storywise but thats somewhat normal

The ending sucked ass, eating the worms had not fucking consequence exept just the smallest shit which also wasnt really too bad. Because it was like 1 harder wisdom check.

I didnt touch one single worm and yet the ending is still like one of you neeeds to be a mindflayer hehe, how about no if iv managed to control myself that long then i should get a chance to try (sure the dice roll will probably suck but eh.

They really just shit on Karlach huh and dont come at me with uh not all endings are good, she had a good ending, rhe last act had soo much more too everything would of felt less rushed and Karlach would of had her heart fixed after everything we went through to get rhe shit for it

Let my slutty tav enjoy the incubus after effects instead of zooming in on a super duper sad faces, fuck off shed love that shit, though the nosey fuck would want to see

The animals are great, love them, id adopt them all

Soo many times the dialogue choices had me Sat there like 😬none of these are what I'd pick

Still , at least i can see what the whole fucking sentance unlike certain games who put a vague choice

Larian please learn how elves and shit age

Im all for older charecters just make the age match

Would love a curse of strahd expansion

Let Escher be beautiful let astarion get a little jealous but also be happy to try help him

Let us become werewolves, that would add a lot more risk for full moons etc maybe add the werewolf companion yall scrapped

New companions and allies ofc, iv no idea how we'd get to barovia, maybe some of the group meet up every now and then, hell if not astarion let us meet one of his siblings, Sebastian was interesting .

[richardsphere]

My BG3 review

Full disclosure: Havent finished the game yet, currently deeply into act 3 but not yet reached a true ending, Act 1 is good at getting you invested and setting up a solid narrative foundation, but is actually sort-of bad at telling players which characters are playable. I legitimately didnt find the vampire until i wanted to go through the mountains and the game prompted me to grind for EXP lest i get my ass stomped, and was convinced that the druid was a camp-buddy like Withers, Scratch or the Baby Owlbear instead of a full-blown partymember. Also the Tiefling Party is weird? The option to romance characters at that moment felt weirdly early, and it didnt comunicate properly that you'd have the option to say no right now and pursue them later should your character come to like them in the future. So I as a player felt really put on the spot. (I regret making my character pick a romance in that moment. But I did see they could come to like Karlach in the future and didnt want to be locked out of it. In hindsight i regret picking romance) Act 2 is bad at telling you where to go. the Cursed Lands are drab, boring and have little in the way of recognisable landmarks, and the quest to un-curse the land requires you enter a random room in the inn to talk to a stranger unprompted and uninvited. I basically spent act 2 lost as fudge, unaware of anything that was going on and only met any of Throms kids after i finished the questline because the town they live in looked like a generic ghosttown that couldn't possibly have antying more to offer then more generic shadowmonsters. Act 3 is bad, like crumbling under its own weight bad. Questlines are interwoven with eachother in ways that basically force you to quit a quest half-way to get on with the another quest they dont actually tell you where to find. (the Gondians) and so many of the quests feel like sudden timers? (first it's "rig the printing press before tonight or be slandered", then its "be quick or Orin kills Zevlor without warning", then it's "You dont know how long you have before Orin kills the Hostage" followed by "defeat the Farslayer in 5 turns or less" and "stage a prisonbreakout in less then a single in-world minute). A lot of the quest objectives in Act 3 feel like annoying time-gimicks. Meanwhile the Act 3 Recruit can only be recruited after going far enough into the sewer to trigger the Hostage, yet refers to the hostage as if they've been allies a long time. Gale refers to Raphaels Contract as a signed thing when I refused to make a contract and just came home from a long day of KILLING HIM IN HELL, and Vos just WONT SPAWN so Lae'zel's questline is actually unfinishable. Act 3 falls apart on a script level as a result of its own attempts at complexity, and makes the world incredibly unbelievable as a result. Act 1 feels like the set-up for a brilliant game, Act 2 feels bad and lost. Act 3 just plain sucks to the point im not certain i'm finishing this game at all. Also tip for Larian: If you do produce some DLC: Please stop hiding your questgivers inside random buildings with closed (but unlocked) doors. Not all players are breaking into every strangers home hoping to beg them for Quests unprompted. I didnt find Marinya in act 3 until I looked up a guide to see if she even makes it there or that I was supposed to find her somewhere in Act 2 and got her killed because i didnt. Meanwhile I couldnt find the Remove The Shadow Curse quest because as far as I can tell from what i read online, starting it involves entering a random hotelroom for seemingly no story-prompted reason at all to speak with a random harper.

[peachiikawa]

Caged Bird | Prince!Oikawa Tooru x Reader

a/n: if you know anything about fairytales then you might realize that the reader has the flute of the pied piper, though modified for the story. been watching a lot of once upon a time and got the idea from the neverland arc. hope you enjoy!

word count: 1.9k

genre: fantasy, romance

trigger warnings: reader gets hurt a bit but nothing graphic

summary: oikawa has always lived a lonesome life in the cage that is his castle. one day he sneaks out and a beautiful melody leads him to you, a traveling musician. oikawa is about to find out that his luck is going to change for the better.

oikawa gazed out over the town from his balcony

he let out a long sigh as he grew bored from his studies

“why the long face trashykawa?”

his bestfriend and knight walked up next to him and leaned against the railing

“oh you know, just bored of being in this castle. theres a whole town of people out there and im stuck in here. gets tiring after a while”

iwaizumi listened to his friend and nodded along to what he was saying

“then sneak out for a day”

oikawas eyes widened

“youd help me sneak out?”

“only if you come back by sundown”

so oikawa grabbed his cloak and thanks to iwas help got out of the castle

despite being born and raised in this town oikawa had no idea where he was

and after about ten minutes he was completely and utterly lost

until he heard the faint sound of a flute

he followed the sound until he ended up in the mostly cleared out town square where he saw you playing a small wooden flute for those who were present, though you had no audience

everyone walked past you as if you were invisible like you werent playing such a beautiful song

he approached you slowly and listened until you finished your performance

“that was really good”

you looked up at him and smiled

“always a pleasure to play for those who need it”

the bright smile on your face felt warm and inviting

like he was meant to be here

“would you like to take a seat next to me?”

you gestured to the spot next to you and he gladly took it

“so...whats your story”

hes hesitant to answer your question

“ill tell you mine if you tell me yours”

you set your flute down in your bag next to you

“well first of all my names y/n and my life is nothing too interesting. im a traveling performer and play my flute as a way to pass time and help those who need it. always come across the most interesting people this way”

traveling. thats something oikawa could only dream of

“so cmon now tell me about you”

he peaked at you through his hood

“ok but dont make a big commotion..im oikawa tooru”

you laughed a bit

“thats funny you share the same name as the prince”

you stopped laughing when you saw the serious look in his eyes

“oh..oh! im so sorry for being so rude!”

you started to scramble around when he grabbed your wrists to stop your movements

“shh yes im the prince but stop flailing people are starting to look”

once you had calmed down he went on

“ive been confined to my castle my whole life and stuck to certain rules i have to follow. it seems like even if i catch a break something else comes along. i have to stay this perfect image because im the prince and it just gets so lonely. its as if im a bird trapped in a cage and theres no way out”

ah so there it is

the reason he could hear your flute

you picked a flower that was growing next to you and placed it in his hair as you spoke

“im sorry your lifes been like that but oikawa, if i may be so bold, even a caged bird will become wise enough to break free. the dream of flying is too great to resist”

Once you had properly placed the flower you smiled at him before standing up from your spot and grabbing your bag

you then held your hand out to him

but he couldnt gather his thoughts

you were so bright it was almost blinding

“now cmon! lets go have some fun!”

he looked at the hand held out to him

and with a leap of faith, he took it

he was going to get out of this cage, this perpetual cycle

and finally add some meaning to his life

day after day you two spent your time together

oikawas days that were once filled with hollow words and empty actions were now filled with happiness

filled with you

and everyday slowly but surely he was falling for you

passing glances turned into prolonged gazes

his heart could no longer stay still around you

you became the key to his happiness

but for now...he had to be content with just being next to you

it would be too selfish otherwise

to ask you to stay with him here in the kingdom...he could never trap you like that

“so what are we doing today y/n?”

you were strolling through the town on a quiet sunday afternoon like you had the last few sundays

“how about we go to the bakery? theyre usually busy but since its sunday i bet its not as packed and then i want to take you somewhere”

he was curious as to what you had in store but decided against asking questions

so you two got some baked goods and headed out towards the woods

“cmon we’re almost there”

you pushed some branches and shrubs out of the way

and one eventually hit him in the face

“watch it y/n! i keep getting wacked by you”

you just chuckled a bit which oikawa had found adorable in itself

it made his heart slow just hearing it

“just come on!”

eventually you two made it to a clearing over a beautiful lake

he didnt know that there was something like this so close by

he was absolutely amazed by it

“take a seat oikawa! we can rest and eat here!”

this moment was just too perfect to him

with you here he felt as if nothing bad could happen

that if he only could see your smile everything would be alright

being content with just being at your side...was no longer and option

he knew that if he wanted this he needed to take his chance

“y/n”

your eyes were full of life and he couldnt help but feel so happy next to you

and before he knew it he was closing the gap between the two of you with a hand gently cradling your cheek

but right before you two could kiss you were ripped away from him

“dont you dare touch the prince commoner!”

oikawa frantically looked around as many of his guards came out of the brush

“get your hands off of them!”

you were pressed to the ground and the sight almost broke his heart

“sorry your highness but we’re under strict orders to bring you back and throw whoever was seducing you to leave the castle into the dungeon”

the guard that had been on you lifted you up like you were a sack and bound you by rope

you gave oikawa a final smile before you were taken away even though you were so banged up that it made him want to puke

he was speechless

this is what he was talking about

being so controlled and monitored made him feel so small and helpless

and he absolutely abhorred it

“your highness your mother is waiting for you in the throne room”

oikawa was beyond upset

this isnt how he wants to live

“mother how could you throw the only good thing in my life away!”

his mother sneered at his words

“only good thing? what need to you have for that filthy peasant! and how dare you cast me aside as if i hadnt given you everything you own, everything you are is because of me! i will not allow for any of this nonsense! now go wash up. and dont you dare ever leave the castle again and i forbid you from seeing that nasty peasant again. wasting your time with such a person...”

he gritted his teeth and was about turn to leave

his emotions were running too high

he wasnt himself and he knew it

but even so...he wont allow it to end like this

he was going to end it on his terms

“no”

“what did you say?”

he stood his ground

“i said no mother. im going to live the way i want and with who i want. ill gladly give up my title because frankly, i never wanted it in the first place. and dont you ever call y/n filthy or nasty again. their so incredibly kind and full of joy and laughter. i can only hope to be like that one day. so ive decided that im leaving. with y/n.”

as soon as the doors shut behind him he let out the breath he didnt even know he was holding

but it also felt as if there was a giant weight off of him now

“im coming y/n dont you worry”

it had been a couple hours since you were brought to your cell

you didnt have any major injuries, just a few cuts and scratches from when you were body slammed to the ground

“do you mind if i play?”

you pulled out your flute and the guard nodded

“thank you!”

you started playing and filled the cell you were in with a relaxing tune

“why do you play if it doesnt make noise?”

you stopped and looked at the spiky haired man who stood outside your cell

“it takes a certain person to appreciate its music”

he just looked at you as if you were crazy

but you continued anyways

until you heard frantic running coming from down the hall

“iwa you gotta let them out”

oikawa was panting trying to catch his breath

“dude no offense but your mom would kill me and you if i just let them out”

oikawa grabbed the key from iwaizumis waist before he even realized what had happened

“dont worry about it iwa. and dont worry about me. today i start my new life. it was good knowing you buddy”

they gripped hands the way they always had. A solemn but knowing look was shared between them

“if i had known me letting you leave the castle one time would lead to this...i would have done it a lot sooner. good luck out there bud”

oikawa quickly turned to you and helped you off of the ground

“you ready to run?”

he cupped your cheek and ran his thumb over one of the small cuts

hed be sure to treat that later

you nodded and leaned into his hand

“are you sure this is what you want?”

you were happy to leave with him

its more than you could ever ask for

“y/n youre the only person thats made me feel free. and by doing this i will be.”

you two finally got to share the kiss you had been deprived of and not only was it full of love but also full of hope for your future

“then lets go”

and you two sprinted off to your next adventure together

the flute you possessed was one he could no longer hear the sound of after that day

for it was enchanted, only to be be heard by those who were lost and lonely

with you he was neither anymore

and he couldnt be any happier than living out the rest of his days with you as a free man, a bird outside of its cage

[felassanis]

Characters that I think will make a return in Dragon Age 4

Okay, So lets get the first two out of the way and the reasons why I think they are bound to return.

Dorian Pavus: Pretty much a given, he’s already in Tevinter. He’s got big plans for the city and he’s a fan favourite. it would be a crime if he didnt come back.

Fenris: Will the Blue Wraith release I can’t help but wonder if that’s setting up Fenris’s arc and how it’ll pertain to DA4. How this wonderful character will tie into the shitstorm that’s about to occur in the next installment. When you hear Tevinter, chances are a couple of things will come to mind. Mages, blood-magic, Dorian, Slavery and Fenris. His whole character is linked to this setting. Hes a character who's got the biggest reasons to be there so he better be there. either as the leader of a slave rebellion or possibly an agent of Fen’harel. Also, given how vocal the fandom has been about him coming back, I think Bioware will deliver. I just hope he’s intertwined witht the plot like Varric was, and not given a crappy cameo like Zevran was in dragon age 2. And even if you did (You fucking monster) Give him back to Danarius, then he’ll be in Tevinter too. Or if you killed him like a fucking moron, well Bioware have brought back characters from the dead before. Leliana I'm looking at you

And ngl, I really want a FenHawke moment

Now, these next ones are the “Realistic” few who I think will make a return based on theories and evidence but I’m also making a section of characters who I want to see come back even if it’s not likely:

Sten: I find it very likely we will see this guy again. There conflict between Tevinter and Seheron should be one of the focuses in dragon age 4 and given that our actions in dragon age 2 he becomes the Arishok and if memory serves; he’s in Seheron. More Sten? More likely than you think if I’m right.

Talis: Another one who should make an appearance given her allegiance to the Qunari. Talis was a really good character and criminally underused in Mark of the Assasins and dragon age 2 as a whole. I think she’ll make a cameo, doing her thing as a skilled assassin for the Qunari.

Krem: It would be interesting for this character to make a return, perhaps he could not stand to see what is happening in his home country and makes a return. Given how important Krem is for representation, him being from Tevinter and how popular he was, I think he will also be making a return.

Verania: A small cameo. But I think if you stopped Fenris from killing her, then his sister Verania will be making a return. Which could offer an interesting scene if Fenris also makes a return. She does return to Tevinter, and given that her master was killed (Hopefully) it would be a curious thing to see how she ended up.

Varric: The reason why I think Varric will come back is because of the Red Idol. Varric has history with that thing, it was him and his brother who made the expedition to recover it from the Deep Roads and given how obvious it is that the Red Idol will play a major role in DA4 I think Varric will feel compelled to try and get it back or destroy it. He hates red lyrium and he hates that idol and he knows exactly what it is capable of, so the thought of it ending up in the wrong hands must unsettle him. He felt at fault for the red lyrium and Corypheus, hence why he stayed with the Inquisition to try and sort it all out. I think it will be the same for the red idol, he feels a responsibility to stop it because he thinks it’s his fault it’s out there in the first place.

Scout Harding: A potential LI maybe??? I think she’ll play a vital role whether or not the inquisition was kept or discarded in Tresspasser. I hope she gets a more important role than a simple quest giver.

Isabela: With the recent concept art I am seeing A LOT of Pirates and I couldn’t help but think of Isabela. And that one concept art seems to confirm Isabela is coming back and I'm so excited.

Leliana & Cassandra: It sounds to me like Leliana and Cassandra will come back as advisors of sorts, I’m not sure what role they’ll play exactly in the grand scheme of things in the next game but I do think they will both come back in some capacity, because of their words and cameo in the ending to Tresspasser.

Abelas: maybe only a cameo if you killed him, but Solas essentially recruits Abelas and if hes alive I think Abelas could make a return. 

Unrealistically, but why I think they should:

Zevran: He’s has somehow been mentioned or appeared in every game since origins and I don’t want that streak to be ruined. I think there’s definitely a role for him given how much he adventures and explores, his wit and his tendencies to get into trouble, and how he is a fan favourite.

Oghren: Honestly? Just because we haven’t heard from him a long time.

Cullen: I highly doubt he will come back. Why? Because I feel like the option to romance him in Inquisition on top of his sort of redemption arc in that game is his...end. Like, he got closure, he got the focus he needed regarding all the shit he went through in the past two games and I honestly do believe that is where Cullen’s story ends. But...I could be wrong, they might want to keep the pattern of him appearing in every game and maybe they have something else planned for him since they strangely liked this character because he went from this minor dude in Origins to Meredith’s lackey in dragon age 2 to a fully fledged main cast member in dragon age 3.

Meredith: Speaking of Meredith, I think it would be so neat for her to make a return as a boss fight. Because fighting her in dragon age 2 was so much fun and I think with the return of the Red Lyrium Idol, having her come back somehow would be appropriate. Maybe the statue she turns into merely keeps her in hibernation? So under whatever the hell material the red lyrium used to ‘kill’ her, it actually didn’t snuff out her life but rather preserved it. She’s still alive and fiddling with the Idol brings her back. Edit: turns out shes super dead but I'm leaving it here in case I can somehow rationalise how this scary lady could come back

Orsino: I can totally imagine the theory that Varric lied about Orsino’s death in order to protect him so Cassandra and the Templars wouldn’t go after him. Even the devs said his death was a mistake, so this could be a great way to rectify how shitty a card he was dealt in DA2 and give him a better storyline and role in the next game. Orsino is just a really good character who would do well with more time and focus spent on him. 

Bodahn & Sandal: because I need answers about what the fuck Sandal is and I miss Bodahn. And given Sandal's massive fucking foreshadowing to Solas and the magic of the elves I think HE HAS TO COME BACK but also...idk what they would really do with him, if hed really play a role other than what he did in the first and second game. An enigmatic dwarf for comedic effect and also creepiness.

Anders: if hes alive, and if you didnt romance him. I want a cameo, since he was originally supposed to appear in Inquisition as a hermit in a cave. I'd like that concept to return in the area near Tevinter/Antiva. Because I think it would be tragic, if hes borderline insane and a wandering nomad hiding his identity. Maybe Justice has taken over, maybe we have to free him of Justice to recruit Anders. Maybe we need him to enter the Fade somehow? Maybe when the veil is broken Justice takes over completely that way? I just want an Anders cameo, see a tragic ending to a tragic character with the potential of redemption? Potential chance at happiness through helping the player fight Solas? And maybe, if Isabela or Varric come back...theyd have something to say? They might beg the player to help him? Mourn their friend or fret over him? Varric and Anders hug?

Spirit of Wynne: my girl Wynee gets no fucking love or mention from what I've seen and I will not stand for it. I'm sure she died, even by DAII's timeline. But if the veil is torn? Maybe her spirit will pay us a visit, give us words of encourage or wise lessons??? I miss Wynne so much.

Morrigan: I do think something is being set up with her character and Kieran. And with her being so woven with the whole Mythal thing, I wouldn't be shocked if Morrigan wanted to get involved, since Mythal wanted to live on through Morrigan. Maybe Morrigan has a bone to pick, maybe shes mad that Solas killed her mother.

[parasitoidism]

Various thoughts on fallout 4 so far just putting it under cut bc its long and rambly

ok so like as far as thoughts go is that its really fun I like the modding and settlement building and the gunplay is great. There's been some fun side quests and I also really like most of the characters ive run into so far. Im not really too far into the game i only have 32 hours so I haven't run into everything obviously but I'm very pleased with just the amount of stuff there is to do in the game by th way of quests and just locations to explore. Also the atmosphere is fucking amazing I love how there's fog and rain and stuff and ofc the inon zur soundtrack is perfect multiple times I have stopped to just look around and listen to it. I dont play many "recent" games so idk how good the graphics are like relative to other stuff but I think it looks lovely like with the sun coming through the trees and stuff. I also really like how the companions interact with the people around them. So I mean. I like the game. And also like I know everyone has already made every point possible about this game bc its 6 years old but I want to talk about it because I want to. So anyways like somethign that is bugging me is the dialouge. of course. but not just that it's like "persuade" "threaten" whatever its just kind of the whole structure of it like theres only ever four options. In fnv which im gonna compare to fnv bc ive spend the most time with it (ive played fo1 and fnv aside from fo4) its like. you meet someone they give you a quest and usually you would have like at least 2 ways to go about it and not just "good way" "bad way" and you can like get more info for the situation through skill checks and not just persuasion checks which are rng. skills and skill checks really kind of felt more like you were building a character vs fo4 where its like you have your character and just choose various perks. Like the character you make doesnt seem to have much influence on anything outside of like. can you pick this lock or make this gun mod. But anyways it just feels really limiting like its only ever giving you different ways to say the same thing. so like you can something nice and your companion will like that or you can be mean and your companion doesnt like it. And also I dont like how much people love to talk about how good you are like everyones like man you are such a good person I never meet good people but youre a REALLY GOOD PERSON and im just like kind of tired of being showered with praise for not leaving someone to be murdered by raiders or whatever it wears thin. also also I feel like the companions being romance options kind of cheapens them as characters bc like it just makes them feel flimsy. Like literally any character you could make could end up with them (provided you dont always do things they hate obv) but its just kind of like .bleh. And i would be mroe ok with it if like the actual writing and dialouge leading up to a relationship was good but its like you upgrade affection they say something personal and its just a flirt button. so. its not awesome. and also I kind of feel like they could be doing way more like commentary or interesting subversive stuff with how much of the whole colonial time aesthetic they borrow for the game which at first was kind of like funny like im fighting in a revolutionary war museum lol but it just kidn of like is. I mean are we going to kind of go into the whole patriotism thing being a major theme in fallout or not. i mean the answer is not it seems. Lonesome road didnt go into the thematic importance of the symbols people fight under for fo4 to call the minutemen the good guys and leave it at that. anyways im not like a fallout expert so if any of this seems like bullshit it probably is. i love you

[cordonianqueenie]

My LoveLink Matches Ranked (so far!)

1. Stefan Silver

I know, I know. And as previously stated this makes me feel very basic but the heart wants what the heart wants. And the heart apparently wants a pixilated man with severe family trauma and an inability to trust people who gave me the hands down hottest date that lasted ALL NIGHT 🔥.

2. Austin Russo

So damn sweet. He takes time to warm up to you but when he does he is the loveliest. Also this storyline brings the Drama which I love. Only downfall is the lack of a proper date. I wanna wistfully lock eyes with my man through the bulletproof glass as we talk through those little phone things. 😆 🤣

3. William Crome

I never thought that single handedly tearing apart a pack of vampires to protect our love and then delaying our date so he could dispose of the bodies and clean up was what did it for me but it seems it is. I was initially worried we were getting Twilight vibes but no definitely more of a All Souls Trilogy vibe going on. And you know that picture where he's wearing the shirt with the lace up front and giving a little half smile? Love.It.

4. Albert Bishop

Albert is really nice, maybe too nice? I like him best when he's being flirty. I think the only thing holding him back on this list is my personal awful experience if military guys. Sorry Albert 😘.

5. Jamie Grant

Cute hacker who said he loves how I get flirty in dangerous situation. Which is good because its literally my only move. Hes a bit a a dummy for not realising who OZO was cos I felt it was pretty obvious but I will let him get away with it cos I do have a weakness for computer nerds.

6 Daniel Anderson

Love the slow build zombie storyline. Love that he names his lab rats after famous scientists. Love the hot chat about wearing labcoats and nothing underneath. I'm sad that when we went on our date I didnt want to spend any gems so I let him down with a rubbish date about cooking eggs. And he sent me this picture when our relationship status went up and I kinda wish my 'never leaves the lab' virologist didn't have quite just chiselled abs.

7. Jaden Bower

When he abandoned me in a pool after forgetting to mention we were breaking and entering i went for all the negative interaction options. I got so angry with him and like I still think the sad little rich boy who turns to petty crime is not the most attractive thing but he won me over with his passion for engineering and whats turning into a pretty interesting storyline. So definitely midtable.

8. Capt. Muffin

Also midtable because we haven't got very far into the story but I do like the idea of the guy with social anxiety so bad that he talks to his matches through his cat rather than just be himself until he feels comfortable with them. That is just all kinds of adorable.

9. Dominic Wright

He's super cute but his story is so dry and dull. Like dude crazy ex girlfriend? That's what we are going with here? Are you aware that other people on this app are fighting for their lives on death row or turning me into a vampire? Step your game up!!

10. Hugo Hornsby

Oh Hugo. I feel like they wanted it both ways. They wanted you to be a nice guy but they also wanted a forbidden love element. The result is just really messy where you come across as weak and ineffectual but also a guy willingly carry on an emotional affair behind the back of your fiancée of seven years. Pick a lane you can't be the nice guy and be creeping.

11. Rafael Becker

Rafael was actually my first match and I really got into the sci-fi cultist village stuff but it just started to fall a little flat for me after a while and I lost the romance. And the dream date was just too weird.

12. Noah Cruz

Cute dog really not much else of note in this story so far for me. I feel like we might be getting into it now I'm in Alaska but yet to be seen. Also not choosing diamond options turned me into this weak willed loser who couldn't commit to boarding a plane. Which pissed me right off.

13. Zayn Kassab

OK so this is going to make me sound awful but he is just way too nice. I literally walked off his set after agreeing to be the tree spirit and he didn't even get mad about it. So I frequently find myself forgetting about him.

14. Sam Knight

Too young and I feel like he's coming across as a bit of a narcissist and I'm really not here for that.

So that's my list. Sorry I've only been matching with guys so Ive got no opinions on the girl matches.

[normal-thoughts-official]

Honestly Lily was the best, like she beautiful overcomes the super common and even MORE common on fat girls "she's mean but is nice deep.... Very deep... So I have to be super kind to her and let her mistreat me while she's figuring stuff out" so her not forgiving Britney is 10/10 galaxy brain, and EVEN when she forgives her (which lmao she shouldn't) she still gets to be angry at first <3

Also it didn't occur to me Andy x Tom as a possibility because I was too busy romancing Andy but yessss, I loved them in your fics <3

YESSS thats great!!! i really loved lily and her storyline because of that. like it was all about loving herself and when u choose to not forgive britney her speech is so <3 like i have to start loving myself more and the first step is getting rid of you YESSS GIRLLL I LOVE YOUUUU. idk what happens when u pick forgive britney cuz yikes no thank u, but im glad shes angry anyway, altho honestly i wish there wasnt that option. no more bully/bullied romances the world has never had the need for bully/bullied romances. go away breitbart

also ur valid but rest assured, i also romanced andy 😩 and tom. and ava and lucas and imogen 😩 and danni a little. i hoed around a lot for the it lives series, gotta thank the writers for that udhdjdndidjod. but also like im polyam so it never stopped me from shipping them together as well, honestly one of the things that initially drew me to tomdy (before i got to That Scene) was the fact that their interactions with MC felt so... metamour-y lmao

(a metamour is ur partner's partner in case someone doesn't know. like if my boyfriend has a girlfriend, she's my metamour and i'm her metamour)

like when u go with andy to the diner and u pick the "would u say im ur lucky charm?" option and andy goes "im feeling pretty lucky right now" and tom fucking. SWOONS INTO HIS LAP and TELLS MC WHAT A CATCH ANDY IS and then just FUCKING LEAVES. peak metamour trying to wingman their partner vibes it was SO GOOD like thats me with my partners when i know they have a crush. and im starved for that content so like <3 fell in love with them immediately. and then it just got worse from there cuz like shipping or not they just .... love each other so much, u know? like its palpable and its real and for book 1 tom pretty much only shows up to simp for andy and leaves, which valid because same. im not Defending My Ship btw just talking because i love talking about them 🥺

anne ways. im happy you decided to read my fics even tho u didnt ship them! thats a huge compliment <3 and im even more glad u liked them and liked how i wrote their relationship, that makes me all mushy 🥺❤️

[sweetiejunie]

This city

Summary: a late night drive with beomgyu

Genre: fluff, slight angst

Beomgyu x reader

Requested💕

=====================================

“Hello?” You spoke in a groggy voice, picking up the buzzing phone next to you.

“Hi babe! Were you sleeping again?”

“.... no....” you answered, hearing beomgyu chuckled on the other end.

“Okay then, since you’re awake, get ready, I’m picking you up in 15.”

“Wait, wha-”

“Love you, bye.”

With that, he hung up. Leaving you in a state of confusion. Checking your phone, the clock showed 11.23 pm. What could he possibly want at this hour?

You laid in your bed, contemplating your options. For one, you could get changed and get ready to meet beomgyu. On the other hand, you could just stay in bed and wait for him to let himself in. As tempting as the latter was, curiosity got the better of you and dragged you out of bed.

Not knowing any details, it was hard to choose an outift. Did you have to dress up? You had no idea where he was bringing you. After a few minutes of consideration, you decided on a simple oversized shirt and jeans, you sat on the couch waiting for a knock to come from the door.

As expected, no more than 5 minutes later, you heard your passcode being keyed and the door being pushed opened with beomgyu’s head poking through.

“Babe!” he called out, only to be cut off when he turned to see you already waiting for him, “oh, hey babe, i expected you to still be in bed. Come on let’s go.”

From his dressing, you figured he definitely wasn’t bringing you anywhere fancy, a plain shirt, layered with a bomber jacket and jeans.

Walking over to where you were seated, beomgyu leaned down and gave you a kiss. But there was an eerie feeling, something about it felt... off. Grabbing your hand, he dragged you out of your house and to his car.

His car wasn’t anything luxurious, but you didn’t mind. Through the years you had been together, this car contained countless memories. There was the time you two had accidentally spent the night in his car because neither of you wanted to drive. And also the time you somehow got locked in his car.

Beomgyu, being the gentleman he was, stopped at the passenger side and opened the car door for you. But before stepping in you had to know, “gyu, you still havent told me, so where we’re going?”

“Don’t worry about it, I’m sure you’ll love it. And i just really needed to see you right now.”

‘Needed’ A wave of worry crashed over you as that word echoed through your head. Beomgyu never used that word often. Usually, he would use want. Very semdom need. That’s when it hit you, something was wrong.

Stepping into his car, you wondered if your intuition was right. This time, you really hoped it wasn’t, it pained you seeing your, usually carefree and smiley, boy sad or hurt. Your mood reflected his own and if he was upset you wouldn’t hesitate to fight whoever or whatever caused it. You analysed his every move as he closed your door and went around to the driver’s side. Even if it was the smallest hint to what was wrong, you didnt want to miss it.

He got in the car, closed the door and fastened his safety belt. Looking at you through the corner of his eye, he chuckled before saying, “what is it? You’ve been watching me.”

“Are you alright?”

Hearing the concern in your voice he turned to face you, placing a hand on your cheek, “of course, why would i be?”

You studied his face. His words said one thing but his expression said another. There was a sadness in his eyes, but you didn’t want to pry. When he was ready he would tell you. And even if he didn’t, you would still be by him no matter what. You hummed a response. And with that, beomgyu grabbed the steering wheel and step on the gas, driving off.

The drive was quiet, beomgyu kept his eyes on the road while you looked out the window, only peeking at him every so often. He looked ethereal, driving with one hand as his other laid on the arm rest. The streets lights illuminating his features as he drove past each one. Sensing your stare, he glanced over to you, only causing you to get flustered and look away. He let out a small laugh and grabbed your hand with his free one, holding it for the rest of the ride.

You watched the number of street lights decrease as beomgyu approached an upward hill.

“Where are we?” You questioned.

“We’re almost there,” he replied, holding your hand tighter for reassurance.

After another 5 minutes, beomgyu stopped the car and stepped out. Once again going over to your side, opening the door and offered you a hand which you gladly accepted. A chivalrous move, one of the many reasons you loved him.

You hopped out of the car and realised he had brought you to a cliff that overlooked the city. The majestic view of the skyline appeared with startling beauty. There wasn’t a cloud in the star-speckled sky. A half-moon hovered at the fringes of the luminous cityscape, where the red blinking lights of distance radio towers twinkling in the night. There were no trees or city planted blooms, just monoliths of concrete soaring out of the sidewalk in an exact grid pattern. At night it was beautiful in it's own way, so many lights.

You couldn’t help but stare, mouth left slightly agape as you took in the breathtaking view infront of you. Meanwhile, beomgyu was busy taking in a different view, to him, just as beautiful and amazing, you. He loved how the area around you lit up when you were happy or excited. Your mere presence alone enough to light up an entire room.

Flashing him a smile and a light giggle, you wrapped your arms around his neck and held him close. “How did you find this place?”

“Hmm, i just suddenly remembered how much i loved this place when i was younger and figured ill bring you here too,” he replied, trying to return the smile. But you knew him better than that, you knew that behind the smile there was still something on his mind.

“Come on.”

With that, he snaked an arm around your waist, leading you to a bench that sat underneath a tree, a single street light used to light up the entire place. The entire scene seemed to come straight out of your favourite romance movie. To be completely honest, you would be surprised if out of the blue, beomgyu broke into song.

There was absolutely no one else there. To think such a beautiful site would be filled with people, but i guess not. It was a secluded place and you were pretty glad that you and beomgyu could enjoy this alone. Just you, him, the night sky and the city lights. How could it get any better?

You both sat in silence for a little while. Beomgyu had his arm around you as you laid on his shoulder. He even wrapped you up in his jacket, knowing you forgot to bring your own. It wasn’t a particularly chilly night, but he still didn’t want to risk the possibility of you catching a cold. In that moment, everything felt perfect. But there was still a nagging feeling at the back of your head.

You sat up to look beomgyu in the eyes and asked, “gyu, are you really alright? Something’s been feeling off the entire night. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but im just worried. And you know you can tell me anything right?”

He sighed, a small smile tugged at his lips. “I really can’t hide anything from you, can i?” He stated, holding you tighter, resting his head on yours.

“Well,” he started, “i guess these few months of living in this city, away from my family, is just starting to get a bit lonely and overwhelming. I’m here chasing my dreams. But i just feel like the more i give my heart to this city, one day, she’s just going to break it.”

You listened as beomgyu poured his heart out to you. You had no idea he left like this and it hurt you to the core. You felt horrible for not noticing sooner.

“Right now, this city’s got me chasing stars. She loves me now. But what if one day she decides to leave? It terrifies me to think i dont belong here anymore.”

You felt tears well up in your eyes as he spoke. It broke your heart to hear him say that.

“Gyu,” you spoke, lightly tapping his head so he would sit up.

You looked him in the eyes, “dont say that. You do belong here. And if you ever feel alone, dont. You have the boys and me. Ill never leave you. I love more than anything, you know that right?”

He nodded slightly, eye studying yours as you continued, “behind the dazzle of the city’s façade there existed this outpost of hell but Ill be right by your side. And if the city ever breaks your heart, ill be right here to pick it up.”

By this point a tear had rolled down your cheek, only to be swipped away by beomgyu’s thumb as he gently carassed your face. You pulled beomgyu into a hug while you snuggled into his chest. You stayed like this. Hearing the calm beating of his heart that matched your own. Your arms around him and his around you. Even though there was negatives about living in the busy city, you still loved it. Solely for the reason that this city brought him to you, the love of your life.

.

.

.

=====================================

Took me a while to write this cause i have like 5 other ideas drafted out :’) hope you like this!!

[hyperspacial]

Can I talk about Marisols bisexuality for a second? Because ever since my first playthrough its been weighing on me.

[[MORE]]

Both in the game's mechanics and the writing, Marisol seems just bicurious. Which would be fine, I love how Fusebox includes nuanced characters instead of just catering or dumbing it down, but she's the main female LI. I'm not saying every lady love interest has to be Talia, but Marisol's characterization really left me feeling shafted.

First of all it's so freaking hard to get her to even be an option. I missed her on my first playthrough, tried a playthrough specifically for her and missed her again, then had to look up a guide and restart. The whole Rocco thing doesn't clearly label as important as it is- you can be sympathetic to Marisol but unless you're wholly supportive she won't be romancable. That doesnt seem like something Marisol as a character would want? At least in the long term? With her attention to social dynamics and intelligence it feels like you'd have a conversation after the fact where she can appreciate your integrity but still voice that she felt ganged up on.

And then when you finally do get to couple? First of all it feels like a dumb loophole and second of all she completely shifts tone out of the blue. The whole 'one girl gets to pick before the boys' thing was super dumb. As much as I would've hated it, they should have made us wait another week for a girls choice (and in that week had Marisol and MC sneaking around and being sure they want to couple). It was so clearly a weird write in that felt wrong. And then Marisol goes from 'I'm tired of not being with you' in the previous chapter to 'I dont know if I can be in an official relationship with a girl' back to 'I'm so sure of this and I'm so excited'.

And it's that middle phase that really rubs me the wrong way. Because for as much as Marisol will kiss and sneak around with MC, she makes it sound like that's so tertiary to her main game. This would be totally fine if Priya was an LI, because then the WLW who like the pining could slowly win Marisol over and those that don't can just be with the lovely Priya. But Marisol's whole path feels like an afterthought, of slowly winning Marisol over.

On Marisol's part, she doesn't make it sound like 'I really like Graham so this is a hard decision' or 'I'm not out to the world and so I'm anxious to do this with you'. She shafts MC before Graham comes in, favoring other boys, and she proudly proclaims to be sapphic. But it feels so performative when so much of her focus is jumping from guy to guy. MC and her never sit down and have a conversation about that. Maybe that's a fic waiting to be written, but the closest we get is her saying 'sneaking around is one thing, but officially being with a girl is another'. That could work if Marisol didnt know she was bi prior to MC, but she did.

I just... I need MC to be angry with Marisol for stringing her along. I need their relationship to overcome the fact that Marisol feels like her attraction to men is more legitimate. But that never happens.

I also need Priya to be my wife but that's a different story.

Tl;dr: MC and Marisol never really hash out what led to their relationship and it leaves the season feeling like there's no good lesbian option.

[drkcnry67]

title: when you call my name

inspired by: When You call My Name by Paul Brandt

pairing: Jensen x reader

Kink 2020 sq: free space (voice kink)

Fluff 2020 sq: realized feelings

rating: pg

tags: fluffy romance, jensen singing, feelings coming out through song, lots and lots of flirtation…

summery: not telling!

word count (optional):

Kink 2020 Masterlist. Fluff 2020 masterlist

Love is a beautiful thing, very few ever truly embrace it. This is the story of how you went from being an assistant to one of the most eligible bachelor’s in the entire continental USA to being the love of his life.

——————————-

twas a beautiful summer morning, this be the morn that you and Jensen were to go for your normal summer routines…  taking in every single day one at a time.. arriving at his hotel room, you knock twice before using the key card…

you entered, upon doing so you hear Jensen strumming his guitar…

YN: “that sounds different from your usual cheerful strumming…”

Jensen: “its just something new im working on, ready to go on that run?“

YN: “i have a better idea.. lowkey parkor in the park… its better than running our usual half a mile and it still gets us our exercise… then breakfast and normal routine…”

Jensen finished putting his guitar down and smiled as he grabbed his vest and duffle.. following you out the door… going down to valet parking to your car… getting in you drive to the park…

Ah the sweet sights of the park… the fave place to hang out go for runs or just walk… in your case you loved to come out here and do low key parkour off the small skate ramps.

Jensen: “what else do we have planned today?”

YN: “we have to be at the studio to do some scenes obvs.. then after that well it is wednesday and we usually go to song night but if you…”

Jensen: “are you kidding me i look forward to it every single week… now where is our parkour course…”

You stop at the edge of the small skate park… Jensen stops and looks…

Jensen: “how exactly are we supposed to do parkour off of this?”

You back flip off of the edge and land in several flips off of the next few ledges… Jensen was right behind you… Following you was one of his greatest adventures.

Unbeknown to you, Jensen was falling in love with you… You were completely un aware of it… He planned to tell you at song night through his latest song… after the course you stopped at the fountain, leaning over you take a long swig of water…

Jensen stays back catching his breath but also catching a secret look at you… he was so sure of his feelings, he knew that he would be the luckiest man in the world if you felt the same way…

Jensen approached you from behind…

Jensen: “wear something pretty tonight I have a good feeling about tonight…”

YN: “i have my outfit picked out already… i know you are gonna rock the house tonight you always do… what are you singing tonight?”

Jensen: “something new… dont worry you are gonna love it… now lets go back to the car and get to the studio im sure they will be missing us…”

it was true they were missing you because you guys were now 10 minutes late… neither of you had realized it, because you both had been starring into eachothers eyes for the past almost half hour…

YN: “we should go… but your eyes are so handsome!!!”

Jensen: “your eyes melt my heart your the reason why i have a fantastic career…”

YN: “i dont want to leave your eyes!”

Jensen: “you’ve always had them on you…”

you turn away as both of you begin to walk towards the car, the silence was nice cause both of you knew what had been said, what was said and what soon to be would be if timing was right…

driving to the studio you and Jensen stop at the trailer to change and get ready to face the people… stepping out of the trailer, you both run onto set… 

Kripke: “you both are very very late.. explain one of you…”

Jensen: “we left kinda late for our morning run… we had to make up the time that we missed… but we are here now lets get the filming done…”

kripke: “alright everyone places now that everyone is here lets film what is planned for today and we will call it a day…”

jensen went and did his thing, he as always had you sit in his chair that way he could catch glimpses of your beautiful face when he could.. cause if the script said “look backwards” you were the one thing he was looking at… 

the filming time lasted several hours, it was 430pm by the time you and Jensen got out of the studio… wrapping up the time there by getting in the car and going back to the hotel, you both go inside and up to the rooms… 

Jensen: “what time does it start?”

YN: “at 7pm but that will only give us time to get ready…”

Jensen: “plus i believe its my turn to cook tonight…”

you nod…

YN: “ill be back with my stuff and my appetite…”

Jensen: “just let yourself in when you arrive… ill be waiting…”

with those words you both were in your respective rooms… you went to pick an outfit… you had no idea what the hell even to wear… then you saw it… the brand new in the bag off the shoulder striped romper you had been saving for a special occasion…

you stuck that in your bag, and decided that you would take a shower before you had to be across the hall… you stuck on your playlist and went into the shower you washed, shaved and clensed your body… head to toe you now were very clean… 

you got out of the shower and smiled, you now had a really good feeling about tonight… you now were the one with which the good feelings and butterflies were rollin’…

Jensen however was picking out his outfit as well as throwing some pork chops in the oven then went to take a shower so he could be fresh for your arrival and outing tonight…

before he got in the shower he sent you a sweet flirty text sounded like something out of a romance novel… you blushed upon reading it… you knew what was through your mind…

YN (to self): “nah nah thats crazy he is a amazing friend he cant be in love with me…”

Jensen (to self): “she is amazing!!! i hope she understands what im saying through this song tonight…”

you gathered what you needed from your place before heading across the way, you used your key just letting yourself in like usual… you dont see Jensen but you hear the shower and you hear him singing…

you think of how amazing it is to hear Jensen singing… enjoying the song so much you now were putting on your outfit… about halfway into putting it on you heard the shower turn off… you knew Jensen had to dry off get dressed and such still so you hoped to still be somewhat decent…

that of course is when your zipper got stuck… Jensen who was just coming out of the bedroom having just put on his khakis and muscle shirt saw you struggling…

Jensen: “you need some help…”

YN: “i decided to get ready but i wasnt expecting my zipper to get stuck… can you help me?”

Jensen: “of course… now hold still…”

Jensen came up behind you, his hands on your back trying to fight with the zipper, after 5 minutes the zipper went up.. 

Jensen: “there all done… you look amazing…”

YN: “you said something pretty… this was sitting in my closet this is the first time im wearing it anywhere…”

Jensen: “well it looks smashing on you… dinner will be ready soon… we will be having pork chops as well as some instant potatoes… i didnt think you would mind..”

You shake your head…

YN: “nope i dont mind… im so excited for tonight… i cant wait to hear that new song you have been working on…”

Jensen finishes preparing dinner, you finish doing your hair putting in your hair band and then going over to sit in the kitchen…

jensen: “your thinking again… arent you?” 

 you nod as you continue to stare at Jensen who turns to face you… he notices the sparkle in your eye and he smiles… he then puts on a slow song.. he comes up to you and reaches for your hand…

 jensen: “when was the last time we danced…” 

 you take his hand and walk out in the middle of the living room with Jensen who is happily gliding across the floor with you… both of you are disturbed a few moments later by the dinner timer going off… 

You were in a blushing fluster when you guys stopped dancing. It felt like nothing was changing between the both of you. This felt completely normal. Jensen and you sat down to eat dinner, the giggling and harmless shameful flirting came now from both of you. 

Neither if you realizing it, neither of you acknowledge it, cause this felt absolutely one hundred percent normal… 

Jensen: “I am ready to own the night… How bout you mi'lady?" 

Yn: "yep and your guitar is still in the car so let’s go my good sir!" 

Walking to the car you both smiling like mindless love struck idiots, you let Jensen who insisted on driving open your door for you and smiled when he had his arm around your shoulder while he drove… 

parking the car he came round to help you bring everything out of the car… the way things were looking for tonight you might be happy by the end of things...

Of all the nights to break out a new outfit you are certainly glad you chose this one... It was once said your love would come out in the open when you least expected it... 

This is what you had been waiting for... Entering the lounge you put Jensen's name on the sheet of performers, Jensen orders you both drinks... sitting at a quaint little table near the stage you and Jensen prepare for the night of your lives. 

YN: “this is amazing evening so far... we are doing what we love and we are doing everything exactly how it should be...”

Jensen: “i can’t wait to sing this new song. you are gonna love it... or at least i hope you do...”

You place a hand on Jensen’s slightly tightening your grip...

Yn: “i know i’ll love it... if its anything like your other songs i know ill love it...”

Jensen’s eyes brought a small swoon from your lips, the only person who caught that swoon was Jensen and he just smiled... his only thoughts were of how good it would feel to wake up next to you every single damn day...

your only thoughts were of how good it would be to just plant a kiss to Jensen’s lips and to sleep next to him every single night for the rest of your lives... Jensen placed his hands on your shoulders, you weren’t startled but you instead had lots of happy feelings in you... 

Jensen: “im so excited to play up there tonight... but most importantly im just happy to be here once more with you...”

YN: “im happy to be here with you too... i propose a toast to you, may tonights performance bring about many many more nights exactly like this one and may tonight be ever in our favor...”

Jensen: “wise words from a sexy and beautiful woman!”

you look at him and smile deeply...

YN: “sexy eh... hmm how bout you let me help you put on your guitar strap tonight handsome?”

just as you finished saying that last word, yours and Jensen’s ears caught wind of the announcer that evening...

Announcer: “good evening and welcome to another performance night... tonight our first performer usually doing a duet with his special lady friend tonight performs by himself something brand new tonight give it up for Jensen Ackles...”

the crowd went wild as you finished helping Jensen do up his guitar strap... he walked up on stage and sat on the stool.

Jensen: “tonight i dedicate this song to a woman who has helped me day in and day out with my entire life & daily schedule... this is for you YN i wouldnt be who i am wthout you...”

he started strumming his guitar the room went silent and all you could hear was the sound of his guitar and then his voice...

Jensen (singing): “give me a moment to try to explain it and how it has changed the man that i am, life has a way when you try to arrange it of making a fool of the best laid plans. guess what i’m tryin to say, is that you took me by surprise. one word is all that it takes, and forever’s on my mind it happens every time...”

thats when you stood up you were beginning to realize what he was saying... but you locked eyes with him as he continued singing...

Jensen (singing): “i hear the sweetest sound, my world stops turnin round, like i’m on holy ground when you call my name. it sets the sky on fire, burnin with my desire, stronger deeper higher when you call my name..”

you made your way to the stairs to go up on stage... you knew if anything he had been expecting this... but he continued singing and now you were standing beside him and he just continued through the last bit of the second verse...

Jensen(singing): “when you call my name, angels start singing most beautiful sound that i ever heard. and it starts all over again, this feeling deep inside, a blessed chain of events, a heaven set design it happens every i Love you YN...”

you stood there now in shock as Jensen stood up moving his guitar from in front of him and pulling you close he kisses you the crowd erupts in a roar of applause... 

Jensen: “sorry guys about the song interruption, i guess hey now is as good a time as any to make the announcement... YN i love you, i have loved you forever... this is how i want to spend every single week, of every single month of every single year with you... for the past 5 years now you and i have made a solid team of assistant and celebrity but now i feel like its time to skip one step and dive straight into another...”

Jensen places his guitar on the stand and pulls a small box out of his back pocket and gets down on one knee he opens the box as he continues speaking...

Jensen: “YN will you take this ring and make me the luckiest man on the earth and marry me?”

the ring was a 14k rose gold petite twist vine diamond ring... you nodded your head and smiled...

YN: “yes Jensen Yes Yes Yes!!!!”

Jensen slid that ring on your finger and spun you around, kissing you as both of you walked off the stage and spent the rest of the night in peaceful, happy bliss...

[legion1993]

When You Call My Name

title: when you call my name

inspired by: When You call My Name by Paul Brandt

pairing: Jensen x reader

Kink 2020 sq: free space (voice kink)

Fluff 2020 sq: realized feelings

rating: pg

tags: fluffy romance, jensen singing, feelings coming out through song, lots and lots of flirtation…

summery: not telling!

word count (optional):

Kink 2020 Masterlist. Fluff 2020 masterlist

Love is a beautiful thing, very few ever truly embrace it. This is the story of how you went from being an assistant to one of the most eligible bachelor’s in the entire continental USA to being the love of his life.

——————————-

twas a beautiful summer morning, this be the morn that you and Jensen were to go for your normal summer routines…  taking in every single day one at a time.. arriving at his hotel room, you knock twice before using the key card…

you entered, upon doing so you hear Jensen strumming his guitar…

YN: “that sounds different from your usual cheerful strumming…”

Jensen: “its just something new im working on, ready to go on that run?“

YN: “i have a better idea.. lowkey parkor in the park… its better than running our usual half a mile and it still gets us our exercise… then breakfast and normal routine…”

Jensen finished putting his guitar down and smiled as he grabbed his vest and duffle.. following you out the door… going down to valet parking to your car… getting in you drive to the park…

Ah the sweet sights of the park… the fave place to hang out go for runs or just walk… in your case you loved to come out here and do low key parkour off the small skate ramps.

Jensen: “what else do we have planned today?”

YN: “we have to be at the studio to do some scenes obvs.. then after that well it is wednesday and we usually go to song night but if you…”

Jensen: “are you kidding me i look forward to it every single week… now where is our parkour course…”

You stop at the edge of the small skate park… Jensen stops and looks…

Jensen: “how exactly are we supposed to do parkour off of this?”

You back flip off of the edge and land in several flips off of the next few ledges… Jensen was right behind you… Following you was one of his greatest adventures.

Unbeknown to you, Jensen was falling in love with you… You were completely un aware of it… He planned to tell you at song night through his latest song… after the course you stopped at the fountain, leaning over you take a long swig of water…

Jensen stays back catching his breath but also catching a secret look at you… he was so sure of his feelings, he knew that he would be the luckiest man in the world if you felt the same way…

Jensen approached you from behind…

Jensen: “wear something pretty tonight I have a good feeling about tonight…”

YN: “i have my outfit picked out already… i know you are gonna rock the house tonight you always do… what are you singing tonight?”

Jensen: “something new… dont worry you are gonna love it… now lets go back to the car and get to the studio im sure they will be missing us…”

it was true they were missing you because you guys were now 10 minutes late… neither of you had realized it, because you both had been starring into eachothers eyes for the past almost half hour…

YN: “we should go… but your eyes are so handsome!!!”

Jensen: “your eyes melt my heart your the reason why i have a fantastic career…”

YN: “i dont want to leave your eyes!”

Jensen: “you’ve always had them on you…”

you turn away as both of you begin to walk towards the car, the silence was nice cause both of you knew what had been said, what was said and what soon to be would be if timing was right…

driving to the studio you and Jensen stop at the trailer to change and get ready to face the people… stepping out of the trailer, you both run onto set… 

Kripke: “you both are very very late.. explain one of you…”

Jensen: “we left kinda late for our morning run… we had to make up the time that we missed… but we are here now lets get the filming done…”

kripke: “alright everyone places now that everyone is here lets film what is planned for today and we will call it a day…”

jensen went and did his thing, he as always had you sit in his chair that way he could catch glimpses of your beautiful face when he could.. cause if the script said “look backwards” you were the one thing he was looking at… 

the filming time lasted several hours, it was 430pm by the time you and Jensen got out of the studio… wrapping up the time there by getting in the car and going back to the hotel, you both go inside and up to the rooms… 

Jensen: “what time does it start?”

YN: “at 7pm but that will only give us time to get ready…”

Jensen: “plus i believe its my turn to cook tonight…”

you nod…

YN: “ill be back with my stuff and my appetite…”

Jensen: “just let yourself in when you arrive… ill be waiting…”

with those words you both were in your respective rooms… you went to pick an outfit… you had no idea what the hell even to wear… then you saw it… the brand new in the bag off the shoulder striped romper you had been saving for a special occasion…

you stuck that in your bag, and decided that you would take a shower before you had to be across the hall… you stuck on your playlist and went into the shower you washed, shaved and clensed your body… head to toe you now were very clean… 

you got out of the shower and smiled, you now had a really good feeling about tonight… you now were the one with which the good feelings and butterflies were rollin’…

Jensen however was picking out his outfit as well as throwing some pork chops in the oven then went to take a shower so he could be fresh for your arrival and outing tonight…

before he got in the shower he sent you a sweet flirty text sounded like something out of a romance novel… you blushed upon reading it… you knew what was through your mind…

YN (to self): “nah nah thats crazy he is a amazing friend he cant be in love with me…”

Jensen (to self): “she is amazing!!! i hope she understands what im saying through this song tonight…”

you gathered what you needed from your place before heading across the way, you used your key just letting yourself in like usual… you dont see Jensen but you hear the shower and you hear him singing…

you think of how amazing it is to hear Jensen singing… enjoying the song so much you now were putting on your outfit… about halfway into putting it on you heard the shower turn off… you knew Jensen had to dry off get dressed and such still so you hoped to still be somewhat decent…

that of course is when your zipper got stuck… Jensen who was just coming out of the bedroom having just put on his khakis and muscle shirt saw you struggling…

Jensen: “you need some help…”

YN: “i decided to get ready but i wasnt expecting my zipper to get stuck… can you help me?”

Jensen: “of course… now hold still…”

Jensen came up behind you, his hands on your back trying to fight with the zipper, after 5 minutes the zipper went up.. 

Jensen: “there all done… you look amazing…”

YN: “you said something pretty… this was sitting in my closet this is the first time im wearing it anywhere…”

Jensen: “well it looks smashing on you… dinner will be ready soon… we will be having pork chops as well as some instant potatoes… i didnt think you would mind..”

You shake your head…

YN: “nope i dont mind… im so excited for tonight… i cant wait to hear that new song you have been working on…”

Jensen finishes preparing dinner, you finish doing your hair putting in your hair band and then going over to sit in the kitchen…

jensen: “your thinking again… arent you?” 

 you nod as you continue to stare at Jensen who turns to face you… he notices the sparkle in your eye and he smiles… he then puts on a slow song.. he comes up to you and reaches for your hand…

 jensen: “when was the last time we danced…” 

 you take his hand and walk out in the middle of the living room with Jensen who is happily gliding across the floor with you… both of you are disturbed a few moments later by the dinner timer going off… 

You were in a blushing fluster when you guys stopped dancing. It felt like nothing was changing between the both of you. This felt completely normal. Jensen and you sat down to eat dinner, the giggling and harmless shameful flirting came now from both of you. 

Neither if you realizing it, neither of you acknowledge it, cause this felt absolutely one hundred percent normal… 

Jensen: “I am ready to own the night… How bout you mi'lady?" 

Yn: "yep and your guitar is still in the car so let’s go my good sir!" 

Walking to the car you both smiling like mindless love struck idiots, you let Jensen who insisted on driving open your door for you and smiled when he had his arm around your shoulder while he drove… 

parking the car he came round to help you bring everything out of the car… the way things were looking for tonight you might be happy by the end of things...

Of all the nights to break out a new outfit you are certainly glad you chose this one... It was once said your love would come out in the open when you least expected it... 

This is what you had been waiting for... Entering the lounge you put Jensen's name on the sheet of performers, Jensen orders you both drinks... sitting at a quaint little table near the stage you and Jensen prepare for the night of your lives. 

YN: “this is amazing evening so far... we are doing what we love and we are doing everything exactly how it should be...”

Jensen: “i can’t wait to sing this new song. you are gonna love it... or at least i hope you do...”

You place a hand on Jensen’s slightly tightening your grip...

Yn: “i know i’ll love it... if its anything like your other songs i know ill love it...”

Jensen’s eyes brought a small swoon from your lips, the only person who caught that swoon was Jensen and he just smiled... his only thoughts were of how good it would feel to wake up next to you every single damn day...

your only thoughts were of how good it would be to just plant a kiss to Jensen’s lips and to sleep next to him every single night for the rest of your lives... Jensen placed his hands on your shoulders, you weren’t startled but you instead had lots of happy feelings in you... 

Jensen: “im so excited to play up there tonight... but most importantly im just happy to be here once more with you...”

YN: “im happy to be here with you too... i propose a toast to you, may tonights performance bring about many many more nights exactly like this one and may tonight be ever in our favor...”

Jensen: “wise words from a sexy and beautiful woman!”

you look at him and smile deeply...

YN: “sexy eh... hmm how bout you let me help you put on your guitar strap tonight handsome?”

just as you finished saying that last word, yours and Jensen’s ears caught wind of the announcer that evening...

Announcer: “good evening and welcome to another performance night... tonight our first performer usually doing a duet with his special lady friend tonight performs by himself something brand new tonight give it up for Jensen Ackles...”

the crowd went wild as you finished helping Jensen do up his guitar strap... he walked up on stage and sat on the stool.

Jensen: “tonight i dedicate this song to a woman who has helped me day in and day out with my entire life & daily schedule... this is for you YN i wouldnt be who i am wthout you...”

he started strumming his guitar the room went silent and all you could hear was the sound of his guitar and then his voice...

Jensen (singing): “give me a moment to try to explain it and how it has changed the man that i am, life has a way when you try to arrange it of making a fool of the best laid plans. guess what i’m tryin to say, is that you took me by surprise. one word is all that it takes, and forever’s on my mind it happens every time...”

thats when you stood up you were beginning to realize what he was saying... but you locked eyes with him as he continued singing...

Jensen (singing): “i hear the sweetest sound, my world stops turnin round, like i’m on holy ground when you call my name. it sets the sky on fire, burnin with my desire, stronger deeper higher when you call my name..”

you made your way to the stairs to go up on stage... you knew if anything he had been expecting this... but he continued singing and now you were standing beside him and he just continued through the last bit of the second verse...

Jensen(singing): “when you call my name, angels start singing most beautiful sound that i ever heard. and it starts all over again, this feeling deep inside, a blessed chain of events, a heaven set design it happens every i Love you YN...”

you stood there now in shock as Jensen stood up moving his guitar from in front of him and pulling you close he kisses you the crowd erupts in a roar of applause... 

Jensen: “sorry guys about the song interruption, i guess hey now is as good a time as any to make the announcement... YN i love you, i have loved you forever... this is how i want to spend every single week, of every single month of every single year with you... for the past 5 years now you and i have made a solid team of assistant and celebrity but now i feel like its time to skip one step and dive straight into another...”

Jensen places his guitar on the stand and pulls a small box out of his back pocket and gets down on one knee he opens the box as he continues speaking...

Jensen: “YN will you take this ring and make me the luckiest man on the earth and marry me?”

the ring was a 14k rose gold petite twist vine diamond ring... you nodded your head and smiled...

YN: “yes Jensen Yes Yes Yes!!!!”

Jensen slid that ring on your finger and spun you around, kissing you as both of you walked off the stage and spent the rest of the night in peaceful, happy bliss...

[thelifetimechannel]

The Dave and Dirk log, for obvious reasons, was something I wanted to try very hard to get right. That meant although we drafted it together via msparp, as was our custom, I ended up overhauling it way more than any of our other combo walkaround logs. A few chunks did survive the transfer, though.

In other news, we’ve made a solemn pact to finish TLC over winter break, which is good because I’m running out of bonus content. Hopefully we’ll have some assets to show off soon. I’ve already seen a few; they’re very nice.  

DIRK: Hey, dude. You did pretty well out there. DIRK: Didn't even die once. DAVE: twice in a day is my max im satisfied with keeping that record DAVE: even if getting machinegunned is rapidly becoming my "thing" DIRK: Seems we each have our respective "signature deaths". DIRK: Or at least it ain't a party until I get decapitated. That sure was something we needed to do again. DIRK: Just once, for old time's sake. DAVE: well that puts the nail in the meme coffin DAVE: any time you panic someones gonna tell you to keep your head on DAVE: like keeping your hair on except you know that shit aint going anywhere its probably shellaced DIRK: That shit is bolted to the floor. Did you know I walked around with a girly-ass pink tiara on my head this whole day and had no idea? DIRK: I had no idea. Couldn't feel a thing. DIRK: And people let me do that. DIRK: Can't fuckin' believe it. DAVE: oh DAVE: i figured you knew DIRK: I am less than pleased with my Skaia-ordained divine color scheme. DIRK: But I guess I have to live with it. It's part of the team aesthetic. DAVE: you could always change DIRK: Nah, with the tiara and tights ditched I have at least mitigated the enforced flamboyance. It's bearable. DIRK: I can't be the one dude out of uniform. Couldn't bear the shame. DAVE: my outfit is pretty sick ngl DAVE: sburb knows everyones secret desire is to have a cape DIRK: Unfortunately, mine isn't long enough to also make for a good tactical maneuver. DIRK: Not gonna lie, that was pretty funny. DAVE: if nothing else my attempts at combat can provide a source of humor in our lives DAVE: but honestly id be fine if my fighting days were over DAVE: i was never into it DAVE: rose on the other hand was obviously itching to beat people up DAVE: one of those 12 year olds who wants to get jumped in an alley to work out her suppressed anger DIRK: Maybe Skaia did make a few miscalculations in dumping your asses with your respective guardians. I think you'd get along well with Roxy and her cats, make her budget her time away from the alcohol. DIRK: ...in theory. DIRK: Rose can go a few rounds with me if she wants, we still need to sort out who has the rights to document our legendary journies. DAVE: ill plan your funeral DAVE: what kind of flowers do you want DIRK: ...there's different kinds? DAVE: damn thats right you grew up in waterworld DAVE: these choices matter DAVE: allegedly theres a thing called "flower language" DAVE: whether you can actually send someone a boquet telling them to meet you in the pit i dont know DIRK: Like, I get that, in theory, different kinds of flowers exist. But I fully anticipate any attempt on my part to conjugate in the language of said plants would end in my coffin declaring my hovercraft was indeed full of eels. DIRK: Maybe it'll have thorns on it. Or it'll be like the sixteen millions tons of green bullshit covering my land and making my nose itch. DAVE: probably DIRK: Worst case scenario, I'll pick out something orange and present to a prospective love interest and it'll mean something like "my brotherly passion for you knows no boundaries, and also no homo". DAVE: my bro wouldnt go for flower arranging DAVE: or pink tiaras DAVE: he was pretty uptight about the whole rah rah macho act DAVE: probably subscribed to alpha males weekly DAVE: which is weird considering DAVE: well DAVE: youre gay right DIRK: Uh. DIRK: Well. DIRK: My symbolic quest land is not covered in green bullshit, but I. DIRK: Happen to like watching birds, if you know what I mean. DIRK: Fuck, you probably don't know what that means. Jake and his goddamn thousand euphemisms. DAVE: cant say i do no DIRK: Nobody knows what it means but Jake. It's an old time epithet for being into dudes. DIRK: He knows all the old epithets, including some I suspect he made up. DAVE: so DAVE: thats a yes DAVE: in a roundabout way that includes birds DIRK: I've never denied it. DIRK: I'm just. DIRK: Not a huge fan of the word. Why, in this world post-society, do we need to confine ourselves to labels like "gay"? Such constraints were washed away from my world with the rest of the human race. DAVE: holy shit that was such a pretentious dodge DAVE: dont let rose hear you say that DIRK: Rose can hear all she likes. DAVE: but anyway DAVE: i wasnt asking to get up all in your business like SOME PEOPLE DAVE: who are so into getting into other peoples businesses theyre basically the fucking mafia or the irs DAVE: but DAVE: it explains some stuff DAVE: but on the other hand it doesnt DAVE: the way you raised me was kinda aggressively mainstream masculine enough that it wasnt something that ever seemed to come up as an option DAVE: [describe that type of culture and mindset better later, I KNOW what i mean but im tired rn lmao] DAVE: and anything outside of that id just brush off because it couldnt apply to me DAVE: and that went for pretty much everything that went against what you wanted for me DAVE: including that DIRK: And yet, here the man was, subconsciously shrieking his desire for floppy felt dong through, DIRK: What I guess you could call his art, for want of any other applicable word at all. God, the mental images are crawling up the insides of my skull like the Exorcist child, do I want to know? DAVE: probably not DAVE: guess trying to act peak male has its drawbacks DAVE: weirdly enough troll culture is obsessively hyperviolent but doesnt give a shit about sexuality DAVE: they dont see the difference most of the time i guess DAVE: and so like DAVE: maybe it rubs off on you because in some ways that kind of makes sense DAVE: but after so long its hard to know what i feel and what it means because i spent so long ignoring it DAVE: so i guess i was wondering DAVE: if you had anything that might help with that DAVE: or if youre also trapped in this whirling screaming maelstrom of bullshit DAVE: while kinsey sits in the eye of the storm laughing DIRK: Wait, wait, wait. DIRK: You're coming to me. DIRK: For advice. DIRK: Do you know what a laughable hurricane of disaster my interpersonal life has been? DIRK: Like, in a weird way, I'm kind of honored, especially since about five hours ago you were scared shitless to be around me, but. DIRK: I'm standing here and waving my credentials in the air just to display how I don't fucking have any. My degree is a sham and my hands are empty except for a crudely scribbled on piece of construction paper. DAVE: are you suggesting theres a gay university DAVE: where you study bird watching DIRK: Do I look like a man who's been to college? DAVE: fair DAVE: but like DAVE: your friends know DAVE: how did you broach the subject there DIRK: I might as well have been dating a Yoko Ono for the devastation it wreaked on our friend group, so yeah, it was a little hard to ignore. DIRK: Compounded by the fact some smartass from Gay University was using my social circle for romance geometry homework. DIRK: It wasn't even a love triangle so much as a love roundabout. DAVE: ok but thats just because you were a dipshit not a gay dipshit DAVE: they were chill about the first part right DIRK: Thanks. DIRK: I mean... Roxy always seemed disappointed. DAVE: luckily i dont think anyones waiting in line for me DAVE: i guess im blowing it out of proportion DAVE: i dont think anyone will MIND DAVE: no one did about rose and kanaya DAVE: didnt even question the vampire bit which goes to show what our lives are like these days DAVE: like ok our outfit has vampires now DAVE: thats a thing that we have DAVE: if i say oh hey i might be bisexual theyll just say sure pull up a chair at the acronym table DAVE: the only one who might be weird about it is john DAVE: but hed be just as weird if i told him id changed my favorite color hes just like that DAVE: the only person its really a big deal for is me DIRK: Jane was a little bit like that. I'm pretty sure the only reason she had to object was because she found out the day I made a move on her crush. DIRK: It might just be growing up in a household where you're not regularly fighting for your life, and thus what genders are kissing whom has the space to be higher on your priority list. DAVE: that aint anyones priority these days DAVE: im prepared to acknowledge the concept that hey maybe everyone elses lives dont revolve around me and my personal drama or self revelations might have some merit at least as a hypothesis DAVE: when i met kid english he kept going on about how i was the most important person and everyone else was side characters DAVE: and maybe ive acted like that sometimes DIRK: Yeah, like you alone are the one responsible for everyone around you. DAVE: and maybe ive acted like i think that way too sometimes DAVE: ive been wrong about people DAVE: people i care about people i shouldve known better DAVE: i was wrong because i wanted to believe things that matched how i wanted the world to be DAVE: things that made it easier for the story i was telling myself DAVE: i dont think kid english meant to call me on it but damn DIRK: Reality is, after all, something we construct for ourselves. DIRK: I think maybe I knew that all along when I surfaced for air inbetween shoving my head as far up my ass as it would go. DIRK: Or maybe that's just what I try to tell myself in hindsight. DAVE: well if it takes a hyperactive 12 year old version of the final bosss creepy hero worship of me to make a point i guess thats not the least subtle way the universe has sent me a message lately DIRK: You want unsubtle? Let me tell you about my damn planet quest. DAVE: haha DAVE: i didnt have to do much of my quest because im invisible DAVE: thanks mom DIRK: My denizen practically sat me down like it was my life coach and growled in my ear about improving my communication skills with a guy I told to go fuck himself not eighteen hours prior. DIRK: So while I'm glad SBURB has a vested interest in me repairing my friendships, playing electroshock death DDR with him was a little on the nose. DAVE: maybe getting shot again wasnt that bad DAVE: so weve all learned our life lessons good job team DIRK: Exactly. Can we wrap this up now? Can we please go rest? DIRK: I'm so exhausted I haven't even noticed I'm still hungover. DAVE: sure thing DAVE: but if i need tips on leaping out of a closet to intimidate passerby i might text you DIRK: I mean, I can try. As long as you don't ask me for dating tips. That, I definitely shouldn't be helping you with. DIRK: Go talk to your sister for that. DIRK: ...wouldn't she, by the transitive property of siblings, also be my sister? DAVE: yeah i guess DAVE: but theres no way in hell im asking rose for dating advice DAVE: on her first date which she refused to admit was romantically oriented she got wasted in anticipation forgot to show up and then fell down the stairs DIRK: Oh my god. DAVE: she tries to look like shes got her shit together but its a lie DAVE: if you find my corpse floating on lolar in the next few hours dont let the truth die with me DIRK: Why are we like this? DIRK: Is there actually something hardwired into our DNA that predisposes us to being disasters? DIRK: But, that aside. DIRK: I won't object if it's me you come to talk to. DAVE: ill hold you to it DAVE: and if you ever want to publicly you admit you DAVE: "enjoy birdwatching" DAVE: in less vague and evasive terms DAVE: ill have your back DIRK: Thanks.

[mabaris]

honestly thinking about it more, i should have waited to do any romances. the first time i played the games i was just kind of bumbling around with absolutely NO idea how the romance mechanics worked, and there was definitely enough going on just stumbling blindly trying to keep up with the plot. for the most part, i tend to prefer my second romance choices because i knew what was going on and could focus actual brainpower on choosing a love interest

my first choices for the first two games (leliana, merrill) were really just bc. they were the only wlw options and i picked up the crumbs i was given. nothing against those two characters, theyre absolute sweethearts but i say this very platonically. im just not accustomed to having a lot of options; you get one (1) gay one and you have to settle for whoever it is. (at the time i was dealing with Plenty of internalized stuff and still felt too ashamed to be comfortable engaging with isabela and realize it's ok to be into it, she's not just horny as a joke lol)

josephine is absolutely an exception to the above; the first time i saw her i was smitten but in the same breath didn't want to admit it. it felt like the set-up for a self-deprecating joke. i told myself not to get my hopes up, that because i liked her so much, she wouldn't be romanceable. of course i would fall for the unattainable character, that was my thing with morrigan when i didnt do my research and just went in blind with a female warden. she's hot but obviously not made with people like me in mind, move along

as much as i love her, i definitely didn't come to josephine's romance at the right time; i was nearing the end of the period where i'd been struggling with "am i actually objectifying women by finding them attractive" and the beginning of realizing "hey it actually sucks that so many wlw relationships are either made for the male gaze or theyre sanitized, very 'pure uwu soft romance' with Some Chaste Kissing Only" the former of which made me feel guilty for having actual interest in pursuing her, the latter which made me uncharitably angry at the way her romance was written. it felt like another thing where it's just like, well you cant have it all

(anyway now that ive let myself be horny and romanced isabela and sera, and seen that these games are actually capable of doing it well, ive calmed down and realized i was being unreasonable. i actually love how josephine's is written like an homage to classic romance novels, 12/10)