#yeah i played this section for the first time today I was NOT happy

[seepingfrommyskin]

what should’ve happened or something idk

[hoejosatoru]

it's nice to have a friend

Pairing: Fem!reader x Bachira, readers hair color/texture and skin color not specified. Characters are aged up 21+

Summary: You have been keeping a secret from your best friend for years: you're in love with him. Throughout the years it gets harder and harder to be close with him, but not in the way you really want. You reach a crossroads: tell him how you feel and risk your friendship, or accept it was never meant to be.

a/n: This took me way longer to write than I expected, but I'm happy to finally have it out. Title based on the Taylor swift, which is what inspired aspects of this fic.

Word count: 4.5k

Warnings: Slowish burn friends to lovers, light bullying in childhood sections from unnamed character to reader, mutual pining, fingering, pet names, unprotected sex, cream pie. Not proof read. If aging up characters make you uncomfortable, don't read. MDNI

When you were 8 years old...

You met Bachira for the first time. You were at the park, collecting little flowers to put in your hair. You were about to pick a rather pretty pink one when a soccer ball rolled over it, crushing the delicate flower.

"Hey!" you grumbled at the young boy chasing after the ball, "You ruined my flower!"

The boy, who looked your age, looked down at the damage his ball caused. "Oh, I'm sorry," he said apologetically. He twisted around, scanning the grassy field. "Hold on!" You watched as the boy dashed away, picked a flower, then return to you. It looked just like the one you had been about to pick.

"Thank you," you beamed.

"Do you wanna play soccer with me?" he asked. He was passing the ball back and forth between his feet.

"I don't know how," you replied.

"I'll teach you! It's fun." He was balancing the ball on his foot now, which you found impressive. You'd always been a more solitary child, opting to play things on your own, however something about this boy made you interested in trying something new.

"Yeah, okay. Just a second." You quickly tucked the pink flower into your hair.

"Pretty," he smiled. "I'm Bachira, by the way. C'mon let's go!"

And so began your chasing after Bachira.

When you were 10 years old...

You and Bachira were each other's best friends. He never was able to get you into soccer, but you still humored him by kicking the ball around. Mostly, you just stood as an obstacle for him to practice his dribbling around, but you didn't mind. It was cool to see your best friend be so good at something.

Plus, Bachira was a fair sport. You loved drawing, which he'd always do with you. You thought Bachira's mom was so cool because she was an artist. You loved going over to his house and painting with her and Bachira.

Today, though, was a soccer day. You were passing the ball back and forth when it got away from you, as it often did. You ran after it, but it came to a stop in front of a boy’s feet. You gulped as you looked up, finding the class bully staring down at you.

"Watch where you're kicking that, loser," he sneered at you.

"'M n-not a loser," you replied, attempting to sound brave. The bully only laughed at you.

"Y-yes you are," he mimicked the catch in your voice meanly.

"Leave her alone!" Bachira shouted as he ran to your side.

"Aw look, it's your weirdo boyfriend!" he mocked.

Your cheeks flushed, embarrassed by this for a reason you couldn't quite place. "He's not my boyfriend!"

"He should be, no one else likes you," he replied.

"Shut up!" you snapped, trying to get the ball away from him. You lacked the skills Bachira had, so he was able to keep it away. Your efforts made you stumble closer, allowing the bully to yank a lock of your hair. The force caused you to topple to the ground.

"Ow!" you cried as your knees hit the hard ground.

Bachira's eyes flared with anger. "Don't touch her!" Bachira lunged at the bully, who tried to evade him, but failed. Bachira managed to steal the ball back and then shoved the bully to the ground. He hit the ground with a resounding thud. An embarrassed flush reddened his cheeks.

"Whatever, you guys are freaks!" he yelled, before scrambling away.

Bachira turned to you, anger replaced by concern on his face. "Are you okay y/n?”

"Yeah, I'm fine," you nodded. Your cheeks were flushed, but for a completely different reason that your bully's were. Seeing Bachira stand up for you like that made you feel a way you never felt before.

"C'mon let's go back to my house. My mom will take us for ice cream." Bachira held his hand out to you to help you up. When you took it, your stomach flipped. A soft sort of warmth filled you, like hot chocolate after a day in the snow. Bachira held your hand the whole walk back to his house, chattering on as he often did when he knew you were upset. You, however, had practically forgotten about the bully, your attention completely taken over by this new feeling brought on by your best friend.

When you were 14...

You had long since come to terms with what those feelings meant. You had a crush on your best friend. It was your biggest secret, the only secret you kept from him. The two of you were as close as ever, despite gaining some more friends in middle school. Bachira had joined the soccer team and, unsurprisingly, was one of the top players. He made some friends on the team and you made some in art club. Though none of those relationships came close to what you had with Bachira. You refused to ruin that by blurting out how you really felt about him.

On this day, you both sat up on Bachira's roof, as you did more frequently now. The sun was setting on the last day of summer and tomorrow you'd be starting high school. You were nervous about the transition. You felt the levity of childhood waning behind you, as if all the choices you made from now on would hold more weight.

"What do you think high school will be like?" Bachira asked you. He had his hands behind his head, watching the sunset in a relaxed manner.

"Dunno," you replied, "Everyone makes it seem like a big deal. What do you think?"

Bachira shrugged. "I don't think it will be so bad." That was Bachira for you, always unbothered.

"I'm so jealous you never get nervous about anything," you sighed.

"I get nervous about somethings, like what if I don't get on the soccer team," he countered.

You rolled your eyes, laughing. "You're absolutely going to make the team, Meguru. I bet you'll even get on varsity."

"Don't jinx me now," he replied, grinning. He wasn't superstitious at all, but hearing your unwavering faith in him delighted him.

"Just don't let it get to your head and ditch me for cooler friends," you replied, covering your real fears in a jovial tone.

Bachira snorted. "I don't think you have to worry about that." Bachira rolled over to face you, jabbing his finger into your ribs. "Besides, no one is cooler than you."

"Yeah, whatever," you laughed nudging his shoulder back. "Just don't want things to change. People start dating and stuff and shit gets messy." You never had a boyfriend, though a few of friend dabbled in dating in middle school. You simply weren't interested in anyone. Bachira did not seem interested in romance, either, but you knew that day would come and you were dreading it.

"You stress too much, y/n," Bachira replied.

"Ugh I know I do," you sighed, "I'll probably end up like Isagi." You referenced Bachira's teammate who after weeks of stressing about how he would go in for his first kiss ended up biting the girl on accident.

Bachira laughed. "Is that what you're worried about? No way your first kiss could be worse than that."

"God I hope not," you replied, "Just that all my friends have kissed people. Sometimes I feel like I'm falling behind."

"I haven't kissed anyone either," he pointed out.

"That cause we're both losers."

"True," Bachira chuckled. He was quiet for a moment before adding, "Hey I've got an idea. Why don't we just kiss each other?"

Your head whipped around. "Huh?"

"You know just to get it out of the way, so you're not as stressed about when you have to kiss someone," he replied.

"Are you messing with me?" You couldn't believe what you were hearing. Bachira liked to pull little pranks and if he was just joking around, you didn't wanna agree and look like an idiot.

"Why not?" Bachira shrugged. "We're just friends, it doesn't have to mean anything." While it stung a little to hear Bachira say kissing you wouldn't mean anything, you couldn't pass up an opportunity to kiss him.

"Okay, yeah," you nodded. "Why not." There was a beat of silence before you both started to move closer to each other. You both let out awkward little laughs before your eyes fluttered shut. The next thing you knew, Bachira's mouth was pressed against yours.

You weren't sure how long it was, it really couldn't have been that long, but you swore time froze. Your entire body felt alive, buzzing with warmth. You leaned into him, letting yourself soak up every second of his soft lips against yours.

When you pulled away you were breathless and flushed. You quickly turned away, afraid that he might catch how much you enjoyed that. "Thanks," you mumbled, laying back down.

"That's what friends are for." Bachira laid beside you once again. The two of you stayed up on the roof until the sun dipped below the trees surrounded by a charged silence. You never spoke of the kiss again.

When you were 16...

You were heartbroken for the first time. Bachira had a girlfriend.

As you had predicted, Bachira made varsity in his freshman year and quickly became a star player. You went to every single game, happy to cheer on your best friend's success. With the success, came more people wanting to befriend him and, eventually, girls who were interested in dating him.

It wasn't until now, in junior year, that he ever accepted anyone's advances. You didn't know the girl very well, but you tried to be friendly. As much as it hurt to see Bachira with someone, you did want him to be happy. His girlfriend, however, had no interest in you. She was cold at best, often trying to keep Bachira from spending time with you.

Bachira still made efforts to hang out with you, but it was different. To fill the void, you tried dating yourself. A nice boy from one of your math classes. He asked you out and you figured you might as well give it a shot. Maybe, you thought, this would help you get over your unrequited love Bachira.

The relationship did not last long. He was a great guy, truly, but your heart wasn't in it. Nothing made you feel like Bachira did. You were grateful to part amicably with him.

Luckily, just a few months later Bachira ended his relationship as well. "She was a total bitch," he said as you walked home together after his game.

"I coulda told you that," you replied.

Bachira was bouncing the ball between his feet as he walked. "Next time please do. I didn't like how she treated you, I'm sorry I didn't realize sooner."

You shrugged. "It's whatever. Just try to find someone cooler next time."

Bachira grinned. "Gonna be hard to find someone cooler than you, but I'll try."

When you were 17...

Bachira asked you to go to prom as friends. Neither of you had any other relationships after your respective first time failures. You were ecstatic to be going with Bachira, even if it was just as friends. Your parents fawned over both of you, making to take about a million photos before you left. You both acted annoyed, but loved it. It was an excuse to touch, to be close. You were happy with Bachira's arms around you, even if it was just for a photo.

You put upcoming graduation out of your mind, determined to just have fun. College was looming, the inevitable separation of the two fo you. You just wanted to enjoy every minute with Bachira tonight.

Unbeknownst to you, Bachira was harboring similar feelings. He's had a crush on you for as long as he could remember, but never felt brave enough to tell you. He told himself it would be tonight, prom being the perfect time to make it special. But all the nerve he had worked up dissolved when he found you dancing with your ex after he stepped away for the bathroom. He suddenly felt foolish and locked his feelings deeper inside.

When you were 18...

You and Bachira were apart for the first time in your decade long friendship. Bachira went to one of the top collegiate soccer programs and you found yourself at a college known for the arts. While you were excited for this, it was difficult to be without your best friend.

"We'll be in touch," Bachira promised, "You'll get so sick of hearing from me so much." While you doubted that, you were reassured that he valued your friendship so much.

But it was easier said than done. In the beginning, you facetimed each other nearly every day, but as his soccer training picked up and your coursework increased it became difficult. The daily calls devolved into texts every few days, with the occasional FaceTime. There was a small part of you that was okay with the communication dwindling. It was hard to see Bachira without you, knowing his life was growing in a way you wouldn't be a part of. That people would enter it that he may come to care for more than you. It was almost easier to just ignore it.

When you were 22...

You were graduating from college and Bachira was set to play for a pro league overseas. As you progressed through college and Bachira pick dup training to be a pro athlete, your presence in each other's day-to-day lives dwindled. You kept contact with each other as best as you could and even visited each other at your respective schools a few times.

The best part of being with Bachira was that it was like nothing had ever changed. As sad as it was at times that you didn't get to see each other much, it felt good that it never impacted the core of your friendship.

Both of you had a string of relationships in college, none of them lasting that long. There was always something missing in the other person, a spark that they couldn't quite ignite.

As you hugged Bachira goodbye at the airport, you couldn't stop tears from flowing down your face. Not just for your best friend moving half a world away, but for all things you never said. For how you wished things could be different between the two of you. It all felt too late now.

"Oh come on y/n, you're not gonna miss me that much," Bachira teased lightly.

"Don't worry these are tears of joy," You replied, wiping them away. "I'm glad I'm finally getting rid of you.

Bachira grinned. "You'll never get rid of me."

"Is that a threat?"

"Nah, a promise."

When you were 25...

You got a call from Bachira. He was moving back home. Bachira had been offered a spot on the national team after his years of success overseas. His time away was not that much unlike when you were both away for college, checking in with each other whenever time allowed. The best part of him being away was being able to visit him. The fondest memories you had of the last year few years were when you traveled to his games and you got to explore different countries with him. Leaving was always difficult, so you were elated to hear that he would be just an hour from you.

But as you drove to his new place to see him for the first time in months, a choice weighed heavily on you. You've spent the last few years trying to find a relationship that would shake your want of Bachira. All your attempts, however, failed, leaving you feeling hopeless. So, you made the decision it was time to tell Bachira how you felt. You didn't expect him to reciprocate your feelings at all, but your hope was that getting it out of your system would allow you to finally move on.

You were scared, of course, that it could make your friendship awkward. But at this point, you felt there was no other choice.

The anxiety in your stomach to a backseat to the beautiful house you pulled up to. "Jeez, Meguru what are they paying you?"

"Too much, probably," Bachira replied with a grin. "C'mon, lemme give you the tour." It was a spacious, modern home with big windows the let in a lot of natural light. The artist in you would kill to have a space like this to paint in. One room, not furnished yet, had large windows overlooking the spacious backyard. The perfect place for Bachira to get his own practices in.

"A lot of house for one man," you said as you settled into his couch.

"I'm a big guy."

You snorted, "You're like 5'9."

Bachira huffed in faux offense. "I'll have you know, I measured in at 5'9 and a half."

"Wow, at that height you might have to switch over to basketball," you retorted. You and Bachira fell into you normal banter, which filled you with the comfortable warmth it always did. You chatted for awhile, catching up on all you've missed while away from each other.

Time slipped away from the two of you easily, the light fading from golden to an inky black of night. A silence settled over the two of you and nerves fluttered through your system. Now was your opportunity.

Just as you were steeling yourself to tell Bachira, he broke the silence. "Do you remember that night on my roof? The day before high school started?"

"Of course," you replied. Though it was over a decade ago at this point, it was a memory you replayed often.

"I had such a big crush on you," Bachira dropped this tidbit of information with a soft, nervous laugh.

Your head whipped around, certain you didn't hear him right. "What?"

"I liked you," Bachira repeated, "I was actually gonna ask you out, but then you said something about dating making things weird. I thought you were trying to subtly hint you weren't into me like that."

Your brain could barely process the information just presented to you. Bachira liked you. He had been that close to telling you and you fucked it up. You covered your face with your hands groaned. "I'm such a fucking idiot."

"What do you mean?"

"I liked you, Bachira. I only said that because I was convinced you didn't like me and I was scared you were gonna start dating other people and forget about me," you explained. You were seriously kicking yourself at the moment. "If only I had kept my stupid mouth shut... all this time."

"Wait are you, serious? You liked me?" Bachira, replied, seeming genuinely surprised.

You nodded. "I... I still do," you answered. Might as well put all your cards on the table now. "I was actually planning to tell you tonight. I wasn't expecting to do it like this, but I couldn't hide it anymore."

"Wow," Bachira breathed.

"Yeah," you replied, "It's okay if you don't feel the same anymore."

Bachira laughed. "Now you are being a bit of an idiot." You shot him a look. "Oh come on, y/n, you really don't think I don't have feelings for you? For as well as you know me I can't believe you didn't see it."

"You didn't see that I liked you either," you countered.

"Well, I admittedly am an idiot," Bachira replied, making you both laugh. "I have something else to admit."

"What's that?" You couldn't imagine any more information, your head was already spinning.

"Well, I sorta bought this place with you in mind," he replied. "I also was planning on telling you how I felt when I returned home. If you felt the same, I was hoping you'd move in with me. That little room in the back looked like the perfect place to paint."

"You're fucking with me." You were too shocked to think of anything else to say. Meguru liked you. All this time, all these years he'd longed for you the same way you had. So much so that he was willing to shape his life around yours, to make space for the things he knew you loved. You felt tears prick at the back of your eyes.

"As much as I love fucking with you," he replied with a hint of a teasing grin, "This is not one of those times. And the offer stands. There is a place for you here with me, if you want it."

Your body moved on it's own accord, flinging yourself on to him. Your lips connected to his and suddenly you were 14 again. In that second where everything felt right in the world. Only this time it was not a fleeting moment, it was something real, something you could hold on to.

"I'll take the at as a yes?" Bachira asked when you pulled away, both breathless.

"Absolutely yes." Bachira was pulling you back into him as the words left your mouth. You were giddy as you kissed each other, hands exploring the other's bodies. Neither of you wanted to hold back after years of wanting this moment. You straddled his lap, pressing yourself even closer to him.

Bachira gripped under your thighs and held you as he stood up. "I have not waited this long to be with to have our first time be on a couch." He carried you with ease to the bedroom.

"When did you get this strong?"

"It's like you forget I'm a pro athlete." Honestly, sometimes you did.

"Yeah, but soccer players have strong legs not arms," you countered as he laid you down on his bed. Well, it was your bed too now. Bachira chuckled and kissed up your neck.

"All of me is strong. You'll see." He pulled off his shirt, revealing toned muscle and paving his point.

Bachira slid your shirt off, letting his hands explore your bare skin. He rolled your nipples in his fingers as his teeth tugged at your lower lip. A soft whine escaped you as you bucked your hips up for friction.

"Mmm, should I take these off you?" Bachira mused, hooking his finger into your pants. You nodded eagerly, wanting nothing more for Bachira to strip you, touch you. He did as you bid, leaving you bare for him.

"Fuck you're so beautiful," Bachira murmured. His hand traced down the length of your body. "Better than I ever imagined. Because to be honest I imagined you naked. A lot." You giggled, not bothered by this at all.

"It's okay I have pictured you naked plenty of times." Bachira grinned at that. It struck you how natural this all felt. The nature of your relationship had changed drastically in the last few minutes, and yet it didn't feel different at all. You were afraid that the admitting your feelings would take away the friendship you had, but it had done the opposite. It felt stronger, heightened, like this was always how it was meant to be.

"Guess I shouldn't keep you waiting, then." You pulled your lip between your teeth as Bachira took off the remainder of his clothes. Your body churned at the sight of him. His cock was long and flushed a pretty shade of pink. He looked painfully hard, leaking at the tip. "How's it compare to your imagination?"

"So much better."

Bachira leaned back over you, settling his hand between your legs. "Gonna prep you for me, okay angel?" His middle finger stroked up your slit. "Fuck you're soaked." Bachira breathed against your neck as he rubbed little circles over your clit. Your pussy clenched in response, desperate to be filled. He connected his lips back to yours as his slid a finger inside you.

Bachira kissed you deep and a little messy as he played with your pussy. His middle and ring finger were deep inside you, pressing your g spot with each curl. "Megu- ngh- feels so good." You were already breathless from his touch. It was if he already had you memorized, knowing exactly how to make you come undone.

"Gonna cum for me pretty? Wanna feel it on my fingers." He moved faster now, the sound of your wetness was damn near pornographic. With anyone else you may have been embarrassed, but you didn't care. Your mind could only focus on the pleasure that built, then finally snapped inside you.

"Meguru!" His name was honey on your lips. Your pussy clamped down around him, coating his fingers with your release. He pumped his fingers as you came, getting your pussy nice and slick for his cock.

"That was so hot," Bachira marveled. "Need to be inside you." You urged him, wanting to finally be full of him, not just his fingers. "Oh god," he groaned as he pressed inside you. Your wet, warm walls welcomed him, pulling him deeper inside you. You let out sweet little gasps as your body stretched around him.

"Feels amazing y/n," Bachira groaned, sliding his cock slowly through your walls. "So fucking perfect... can't believe I've wasted so much time... could've been fucking you like this for years." His hips snapped harder and faster as spoke. He was getting lost in the feel of you. Every time he thought he couldn't get better, your cunt fluttered around him and he reached a new lever of pleasure.

"You have me, Meguru," you replied, wrapping your arms around his neck. "All of me. Forever." Your back arched, making his cock his a deeper angle inside you. You both moaned into each other mouths as you kissed.

"Gonna cum y/n," Bachira babbled, "Gonna fill you up... cum with me angel... wanna feel you." He slid his hand down to toy with your sensitive clit as he thrust into you. Your body responded with a sweeping surge of pleasure throughout your whole body. You shook and slurred out his name as your second orgasm lit up your body.

Bachira's forehead fell to the pillow, beside your head as you clamped down on him impossibly tighter. A low groan escaped him as his hips halted deep inside you, filling you with his release. You felt his cock throb inside you as his warmth spread inside you.

"Fuck." Bachira was breathless and still buried inside you, even though you were both finished. "Promise I'm not just saying that because that was amazing. But I'm in love with you. I can't believe I waited so long to tell you that, but it's true."

You smiled, pushing the hair out of his eyes. "I love you too, Meguru."

When you were 26...

You and Bachira took a trip back to your hometown. You visited the park you first met in, reminiscing on old memories.

The next thing you knew, Bachira was down on one knee.

You said yes.

When you were 27...

You were dancing in a wedding dress with Bachira. You had a small ceremony in your backyard with your close friends and family. It was magical, better than anything you dreamed up when you envisioned this day as a child.

As the two of you swayed slowly together to the tune of your wedding song, Bachira pressed his forehead to yours. Instantly, it was like you were the only two there. Bachira said I love you in your favorite way.

"I'm so glad you're my best friend."

[candypalace]

Translation: the GazettE/Decade Book (Reita&Uruha Interview Snippet)

Hello friends, long time no see. A while ago I translated a part of the Decade Book interview section where Reita and Uruha talk about their indie days for my friends and promised I'd do the whole thing one day.

Posting this piece ahead of the full interview to appreciate the bond the guys had with each other, and, in a way, thank them for not giving up.

scan credit: @rad-is-more

REITA : … I don't really think about the roles within the band, but each of us has a natural role, and I think that's why we've been able to exist for more than 10 years. Um, well, I kinda don't want to talk about this embarrassing stuff…

URUHA: You're embarrassed?! I really don't think it's embarrassing?

REITA: No-no, it’s not like that! I don't think I'm ashamed of what I'm saying, it’s more like when I say it out loud, it makes me feel a little awkward.

URUHA: Aah, so that's what you meant (laughs).

REITA : I think for all five of us the GazettE is very important. Even though me and Uruha first started a band as “a continuation of child's play”, we thought: “I want to take things seriously”, but still those bands didn't last long and always broke up after a few months.

URUHA: I guess that's true. Before we became the GazettE, we played with a band called Kar+te=zyAnose, where Ruki was also the vocalist. The drummer did not even show up for our breakup show, and when we announced “We’re disbanding today”, we heard a faint laugh from the audience. It was a real shock, wasn’t it? It was also the moment when my groundless confidence that made me think “We’re absolutely badass!” collapsed with a loud crash.

REITA: Indeed. It was TOUGH at the time. I guess it is precisely because of that experience that I am so happy to be able to celebrate 10 years with the current members of the band. It is also precisely why I cherish the relationship between the five of us now.

URUHA: That's so true. Before the GazettE settled down, me, Reita and Ruki also played together in bands called Ma’die Kusse and L’ie:Chris before Kar+te=zyAnose. It took us a long time to reach the GazettE.

— You never gave up, did you?

REITA: No, I gave up once! I thought there was nothing next for me. But honestly, I'm glad I didn't quit! (laughs)

URUHA: It’s because me and Ruki desperately tried to stop you, m?

REITA: Really, thank god you did. But back then, I couldn't see the future at all. Even my parents said “Giving up someday is also brave”. There were many times when I wondered “Is now the time?”. When I saw all my friends around me getting jobs and having families and stable lives, I thought maybe this was also a way to happiness. Still, I decided for myself “I’ll try to do my best for one more year”, and it was during that year that the GazettE was formed. I really think it was fate.

URUHA: But it was difficult, right? We didn't have many shows, and we couldn't tell if we saw the future.

REITA: Yeah. If the GazettE had not continued with the current members, I really would have quit.

[yuri-is-online]

Fyuuture Kid AU is actually my favorite au of yours; I just think it's cute! How's floyd Yutu? I feel like there would be a thin line between "You're cool ig" and "You and shrimp are a little... close. Stop it." But once he knows that's his kid? Yeah all bets are of. Sorry Azul; he actually CANT go to work today he's too busy being a FATHER and a HUSBAND (these single fucks can cry about it)

No because this is exactly what I see happening and just the image of Floyd being like "nah I can't hang out spouse needs my help with the kid. Oh you wouldn't get it because YOU GOT NO BITCHES" he's just so silly I love him so much (つ╥﹏╥)つ

notes: they/them used for Yuu, this is part of the fyuuture kid au, Floyd's part can be found here, and the explanation for the au can be found here. You can find even more stuff for it on my masterlist under the series section.

Yutu wasn't really prepared for the first people he saw to be his parents. He knew he was going to have to see them eventually, and he did a lot of preparing mentally for seeing Yuu again but his dad? His father who he has heard so many stories about, the person he admires second only to you?

"And who's this little guppy?" The whites of Floyd's eyes widen as he zeros in on him, Yutu's senses force him to drop into a defensive stance and get in between the danger and Yuu. He's being circled by a larger, more dangerous predator. Every nerve ending in his body is screaming he is in danger, that Yuu's in danger, but he feels happy. He knows what his father's voice sounds like now.

"I ain't a guppy." The points of his teeth flash, but Floyd isn't amused by Yutu's claim.

"You are what I say you are, small fry."

Floyd! Yutu is very extroverted. He enjoys talking to people and had a lot of friends before and after being isekaid. If Yuu or one of his friends was more introverted he took a great deal of pride in doing most of the talking for them. He likes being helpful, or at least he says he does. If you've seen those videos of morays who act like puppies around divers they've known for years, that's sort of how Yutu acts. He's a big puppy who pretends not to know his own strength. Unless your his parent, he fears no man, but Yuu's wrath? That scares him.

He's similar to Floyd in school performance, he doesn't like to pay attention so he doesn't always do well. He didn't have a choice about paying attention to magic classes though, among all the different versions of Yutu, Floyd! Yutu might be one of the most cracked when it comes to combat magic. If you were to ask him about it, he'd say he sees his skill as another way of being helpful, but that prey drive is no joke he does like a good fight. Just not when that fight is against his dad...

He has always loved the water, whether he was swimming or out playing in the rain he always felt most at home in the water. In your world he was on his school's swim team, and while Yutu gets why he isn't allowed to be on NRC's he is still a bit salty about it. On the one hand he gets to actually live in the water now. On the other he sort of needs to find a hobby.

Maybe he could focus more on cooking? Or fishing? Or would that just be hunting under the sea...

The oceans of Twisted Wonderland were never safe, but in the time that Yutu arrived in they had become borderline unlivable due to blot pollution. Yutu really loved being in Octavinelle for allowing him to experience a little slice of what the Coral Sea was supposed to have been like. The version of the dorm he was placed in didn't have the lounge anymore, so he is very curious about Azul's business.

Papa (Floyd) Leech isn't very impressed. On the one hand he thinks it is kind of funny watching the shrimplet run around campus following Yuu like he's convinced they're going to disappear. Floyd feels like that sometimes too, it makes him want to drown you in his embrace and keep you here forever but he tries to ignore those feelings most of the time.

On the other hand knowing he can't just drop by Ramshackle and have you all to himself anymore makes it really hard to ignore them. Shrimplet doesn't even have the sense to be afraid of him, Floyd swears he gets excited when he threatens to give him a squeeze. And what's worse is you are really protective of him! Sure you're protective of Baby Seal too, but he's got enough sense to piss off when Floyd glares at him. He does leave when Floyd threatens to fight him, but not because he's scared. He looked sad actually, which Floyd clocks and brings back to Jade and Azul.

You asked another question about what happened to the boys in the bad future, and I want to save most of my thoughts related to what happened to Floyd for that answer, but Jade was still alive when Yutu got isekaid and he was able to meet him. They had a really good relationship, so when Jade comes sniffing around for information, Yutu is able to dodge his questions pretty easily. Future! Jade actually used his signature spell on him before he traveled back in time just to fuck with his past self. He did make his nephew promise to tell him if the one use rule applied to this case. Partially for science, partially because he knew that it would give his younger self the chance to keep the information to himself.

And keep it to himself he does- sort of. He makes sure Yutu knows he knows, but he never explicitly says anything to him. No what he wants to do is distract Yutu so Floyd can be a sulky coward in peace. That he does make clear to Yutu, he would like his brother to have more than one kid for him to be a bad influence on and he needs him to actually make a move on Yuu for that to happen.

I am not 100% on how the reveal on how Floyd learns about what's happening and who Yutu is, but once he does he is very serious about it. He wants to know what Yutu thought about him, why he knows more about Jade then his dear old dad, and what happened to Yuu to make him so protective. Wasn't he there at all? He'd never abandon his mate or his son... little shrimplet knows that, right?

Well he's just going to have to make sure he does know that. And everyone else too, "these single fucks can cry about it" indeed. Yutu is getting dragged to the Atlantica Memorial Museum so they can swim and talk about Azul's overblot, and how cute his parent was for standing up to him. He still wants to spend time alone with Yuu sometimes, but he gets why Yutu is afraid of letting them out of his sight now. He would feel the same way. If Floyd can manage it he wants to take him back home too (not to introduce him to the grandparents since that would just raise questions), since Yutu never got to go there.

Floyd would be such a good dad. An embarrassing one too, you know he teases Yutu, roughhouses with him, and openly flirts with Yuu in front of him. He's really looking forward to getting to be embarrassingly in love with Yuu in the future, and no silly "end of the world" thing is going to stop him.

[rollinouttahere-writes]

yandere jabra x woman reader

I'm on the Hunt, I'm After You

Yandere Jabra x Fem!Reader

Chapter 1

3.6k words

Warnings: harassment, unwanted advances and touching, implied stalking, yandere

“Oh (Y/N), your favorite regular is here~!” Gatherine called out in a singsong voice.

“No! Come on! He was just here for breakfast, you can’t be serious!” You slapped the order ticket onto the table and spun around to face her.

“Yes, and now he’s back for lunch,” she snickered, absolutely no sympathy for your plight. 

“My entire section is packed full, you’re just trying to pawn your customers off on me!” You hissed.

“Oh trust me, he’s in your section. When the hostess tried to explain that there weren’t any openings in your section, he went over there and threw out the people at one of your tables.”

You gawked at the woman, aghast at how casually she was telling you all of this, “Are you kidding me? I don’t suppose he got them to leave the money for their bill behind first, did he?”

“Probably not, but I’m sure you could get him to pay it if you play your cards right,” she winked at you, and the subtext was heard loud and clear.

“Ew, no thanks,” you had to suppress the urge to gag. “He’s so sleazy, how in the hell did you ever date him?”

“I mean, it wasn’t for very long, but he really wasn’t bad or anything. Kinda clingy, though. But now I’ve got my sights set on someone else,” she sighed dreamily.

“And how’s that working for you?” You asked dryly, rolling your eyes. How anyone could want to pursue someone like Rob Lucci was beyond you. Sure, he’s good looking, but that ice cold look in his eyes was extremely off putting.

“It’ll happen,” she spoke resolutely. “These things take time, you know.”

“Yeah, sure.” You had your doubts about her most recent romantic pursuit, but that really wasn’t your business. You ripped another order ticket off your pad and scribbled down your regular’s usual lunch order before placing it with the rest. Fortunately, that man was predictable in what he ordered, so you could spare yourself at least one trip to his table.

Gatherine was continuing to wax poetic about Rob Lucci behind you, but you had your own problems to worry about. You grabbed a bottle of sake from the liquor cabinet and an ochoko to bring with you to the table. 

The kitchen door stood before you, acting as the last barrier between you and the customers. You took a deep breath, forcing yourself to relax. It’s just another customer. A creepy and annoying one, sure, but it was nothing to get so bent out of shape over. You’ll be fine.

With a nod, you confidently walk out and scan the room to figure out which of your tables had been evicted. It didn’t take long to do so, Jabra stuck out from the other customers. Much to your chagrin, he made eye contact and flashed you his typical wolfish grin. As per usual, he was happy to see you.

Making sure to keep your face as neutral as possible, you approached the table he had commandeered. He was here alone this time, which was less than ideal for you. If he was with one of his colleagues, the experience was much more tolerable since they would tend to keep him distracted. Kumadori, as dramatic as he was, kept Jabra more than occupied with his antics, and Fukuro was fun to have around because he would always let loose some piping hot gossip. It was especially funny when the tea he was spilling was at Jabra’s expense.

Alas, you would have no such fun today. 

The ochoko is set onto the table and you pour a generous helping of sake into it, “Good afternoon, sir. I don’t suppose you would know what happened to the people who were here before, would you?” Of course, you already knew what had happened, but you wanted to make the bastard explain himself in hopes that maybe, just maybe, he would feel a bit of shame.

Their plates and glasses were still on the table, though they had all been pushed to one side. You’ll have to flag down a busser to get that cleaned up, lest the manager complains about looking “unprofessional”.

Jabra grins, “Oh, them? They were already done eating, so they let me have their table.”

Your eyes drift over to the half eaten meals, “Is that what happened?”

“What? Are you calling me a liar? That hurts, you know!” Taking a page out of Kumadori’s book, he dramatically clutched at his chest as if your words were so sharp that they actually cut you.

You rolled your eyes, not caring if he saw it, “I would never.” Every syllable was completely flat and monotone.

“Well, maybe I pressured them a little,” he snickered. “Did they not pay before they left?”

More like before they were kicked out. Whatever, you don’t want to prolong this interaction by arguing with him, “Nope, can’t say they did.” 

Jabra gasped in mock outrage, “How could they do something like that to you?! Some people are shameless!” He could say that again. He dug around in his pocket, “Tell you what, I’ll cover their bill. I would hate for you to have to pay because they ran out on you.”

Thank god, you had been worried that you were going to have to foot the bill. Jabra acting like this wasn’t completely his fault was certainly annoying, but you could take it if it meant not losing a chunk of your paycheck over his stunt. A wad of cash was held out to you, but all you did was stare at it.

“That is way too much.” Without even counting it, you knew that was easily three or four times their bill.

“C’mon, just take it. It’s a nice tip, isn’t it?” Undeterred by your hesitation, he holds it out more, trying to force the money into your hand. 

You took a decisive step back. You know what game he’s playing here. He isn’t being generous to make up for evicting your table, he’s trying to make it so that you feel like you owe him. Your hands fidgeted with your apron, “It’s too much, I can’t accept that.” The last thing you wanted was for him to have some perceived leverage on you and try to use that against you.

“Since when do waitresses refuse tips?” His fingers drummed against the table, the once relaxed smile had become rigid. “How about this: You can use this to cover my meal, too.”

Even if you took what his bill would be into account, it would still be an absurdly large tip. Now you were torn between standing your ground so as to not give him an in, and caving so that he doesn’t get upset.

Apparently, your internal debate was taking too long for his liking. Jabra reached forward suddenly, grabbed your apron, and yanked you towards him. You yelped as you stumbled and scrambled to stabilize yourself. The first thing that your hand found purchase on was his shoulder. If you hadn't grabbed onto something you would have fallen right onto him. Now that you think about it, that was likely what he had hoped would have happened. 

Sleazy pervert.

Jabra took advantage of the close proximity to stuff the money into your apron. Rather than retracting his hand now that his mission was accomplished, he rested it on your hip, thumb tracing circles over it, “See? You’ve got the money and nothing bad happened”

You begged to differ. Between the smarmy smile on his face and the unwanted touches, you had to fight the impulse to slap him. He deserved it, but unfortunately that would absolutely get you fired. You had to settle for wrenching yourself out of his grip and taking several steps back this time. Through clenched teeth, you mutter out a ‘thanks’.

Taking a moment to calm down, you try to excuse yourself, “I need to go tend to other tables now.”

You try to hurry past him, but he catches your wrist, “Hey, wait! You haven't taken my order yet.”

“You get the same thing every time, I already submitted the order to the kitchen.”

His smile widened, “Well maybe I want to try something new, you never know.”

This man was definitely trying to get a rise out of you. You haven’t bothered giving him a menu after the first time when he waved it off and said he didn’t need one. But if he wanted to play stupid games, then you suppose it was your right to let him have stupid prizes. For once, you found yourself to be the one grinning. Albeit maliciously. 

“Alright. I’ll cancel the lamb chops and fetch you our vegetarian menu to look over.” His smile dropped and he looked downright panicked. Deciding to take it a step further, you reach for the sake bottle, “My bad for bringing this out, I’ll switch it out for some water. Good on you for making healthier choices.”

Finally, his hand abandoned your wrist and snatched the sake bottle out of our other hand, “Whoa there, I was just joking!” Once the adrenaline rush of almost losing his precious alcohol passed, he chuckled, “Didn’t know you could be so funny, rabbit.”

The nickname made you scowl, you hated when he called you that. Any attempt at expressing as much only seemed to encourage him to use it more, so you’ve learned to bite your tongue.

Jabra leaned forward and propped his chin up on his fist, “It’s sweet of you to remember what I like.”

“I’m just doing my job,” you explained flatly before bolting out of there. You wiped your palms on your apron, they had become uncomfortably sweaty during that whole interaction. Him being touchy wasn’t anything new, but he was escalating it beyond the point where you could grin and bear it for the sake of employment. You don’t remember him being this bad when him and Gatherine were still together. Then again, you really hadn’t been paying that much attention, so maybe you just missed it. 

What had you done to be forced to endure this treatment? Even if you did get fired, you couldn’t escape. Working at a place as secretive as Enies Lobby came with pros and cons. Sure, you were being paid extremely well, but that came at the price of not being able to leave freely. If this job didn’t work out, you would be shuffled to a different, less desirable position. Waiting tables was among the better positions given that you made tips on top of a decent wage. You were only five months in on a ten year contract. 

Based on what you’ve heard from your coworkers, you would be pressured to renew your contract after it ends, and if you did choose to leave it was a grueling process involving being thoroughly interrogated to ensure you hadn’t overheard anything you weren’t supposed to. It’s been said that being allowed to leave was virtually impossible and unheard of, they always find something to justify keeping you here. Hell, you wouldn’t be surprised if speaking to Fukuro was an immediate disqualifier in and of itself. 

The odds of ever being able to leave were unlikely to say the least. This was something you hadn’t known until after you were hired and signed the contract, but that seemed to be the case for everyone. It was scary and disheartening, but you’re trying to stay positive.

If you could just keep this up, your family would be set for at least the next ten years. You sent them almost everything you made, only keeping enough for the most basic of living expenses. Even when you were living as barebones as you were, it felt luxurious by comparison to what you were used to. Your home island was so poverty stricken that your family’s only hope for survival was for as many of you as possible to leave and send back money to those who couldn’t. A handful of your cousins had also applied to work here, but only you were hired. Presumably because of your brother being a promising marine that was climbing the ranks. No doubt he put in a good word for you.

Was it selfish to wish he hadn’t? Probably, but there’s no point in dwelling on that, is there?

After you finished checking on your other tables, you went over to the register with the bill from the guests Jabra had thrown out. You paid it and couldn’t help but be awed by how much berry was still left over. It was enough for a month of groceries back home. You can’t fathom being paid so well that this would be seen as disposable income.

As uncomfortable as Jabra made you… your family needed this money. Maybe it wouldn’t be the worst thing to indulge him at least a little if it meant keeping your loved ones from starving. Maybe you could learn to take it in stride and not let it get under your skin when he leered at you like you were a piece of meat.

You shoved the money into one of your pockets and lightly slapped your face. You’re on the clock, now isn’t the time to be getting hung up on your unfortunate situation. Spinning on your heels, you head for the kitchen to see if any of your orders are ready yet.

Someone was coming up on your side, and you turned slightly to see who it was. William, one of the busboys on shift today was heading for the kitchen as well with a tub full of dishes. Oh right, you needed him to clean off one of your tables.

“Hey, Will. After you drop that off could you clean off table 13 for me? Jabra’s at it, but he kicked out the people who were there and their plates need to be taken away.”

He stopped dead in his tracks and gaped at you, “He kicked them out? The fuck is his problem?”

You snorted, “Do you think I know?”

The tub was unceremoniously dropped on a nearby counter and Will less-than-subtly looked out over the dining room. His lip pulled back in disgust when his eyes landed on Jabra and the leftover remains of the previous diners’ meals. He ran a hand through his frizzy red hair and huffed, “What a fucking creep, he’s lucky he’s so high up because if he wasn’t I would kick his sorry ass myself.”

The bold threat made you chuckle. Will was like this with all of the staff here. He didn’t give a shit if someone was a high ranking marine or government agent, he would call out anyone for making the wait staff uncomfortable. Well, almost anyone. Even he knew better than to confront a member of CP9.

“Thanks for worrying about me, but it’s fine. I can handle it.”

Just like that, his attention was back on you. His arms crossed over his chest as he regarded you with an exasperated expression, “Just because you can “handle it” doesn’t mean you should have to. That asshole needs to learn to leave you the hell alone. He didn’t get handsy again this time, did he?”

The way that you immediately averted your gaze and grimaced answered his question. His expression darkened and he began untying his apron, “I’ll kill him.”

“No! No you will not! It will be the other way around, calm down!” You latched onto his arm and tried to talk some sense into your hot headed coworker. “It’s fine, really!”

Will was glowering in Jabra’s direction. His chest heaved with each agitated breath and his hands clenched and unclenched repeatedly. Sharply, he turned his attention to you. His rage contorted face slowly relaxed into a deep scowl and he sighed, “Fine. Whatever. He’s lucky you’re holding me back.”

“Sure he is. Now get back to work before Mal catches us slacking off.” The manager, Mallory as she preferred to be called, was a hardass. You did NOT want to be caught being idle by her.

“Yeah, you’re right. But hey, you better let me know if that creep tries anything else. Even if I can’t beat his ass, maybe we can get something worked out so that you’re less likely to see him.”

You shook your head, “Okay, mom, will do.”

Will grumbled at you to watch it, but ultimately decided to drop the matter for now. You approach and go through the kitchen doors, keeping them open just long enough for William to slip in before they can close. You check the counter and find that fresh plates of hot food are being piled on and one of the cooks slaps the bell a couple of times to signify that an order is ready. From the looks of it, there are a few orders done. 

A quick glance at the tickets confirms that most of these are for your section, so you waste no time piling them onto a tray so you can haul all of these out at once. One of the completed orders was Jabra’s, much to your dismay. You just got away from him and now you’re going to be forced to go back. Lucky you.

Wanting to prolong the inevitable, you saved his table for last. None of the customers you had leading up to him were feeling particularly chatty, so this wound up not being as much of a buffer as you had hoped.

Sucking in a breath and plastering a fake smile onto your face, you hurry over with the hope of dropping off the plate and running before Jabra could harass you again. The table had been cleared, and you can’t help but wonder if Will was mean mugging Jabra the entire time he was there. 

“Here’s your meal,” you state plainly.

You tried to just keep going, you really did, but Jabra’s arm snaked around your waist, effectively keeping you from running. Your mind was screeching for him to stop touching you, but such comments had to stay in your mind.

“What’s the rush? It’s like you’re trying to run away from me,” Jabra’s tone was teasing. If only he knew how right he was. Or maybe he did and this was all some sick joke to him.

“We’re in the middle of the lunch rush, I have a lot to do right now,” you’re surprised at how calm your voice is despite how irritable you felt. Hopefully he’ll accept the answer and let go of you. His grip was so strong that you couldn’t easily step out of it.

“I guess you’ve got a point, I won’t keep you here long.” If only he wouldn’t keep you here at all. “It’s a shame you have to work so hard. Why don’t you let me take you somewhere nice tonight?”

There he goes again. This was far from the first time he made this proposal. He’s nothing if not persistent, you’ll give him that. Your nails dug into your palm as you mulled over your excuse this time. Hanging out with Gatherine? No, you’ve used that too many times. It’s not like he was going to stop if you gave a masterful excuse, you suppose anything would work, “Sorry, I’m going to be busy cleaning tonight.” This wasn’t even a lie, you’ve been meaning to do a deep clean of your apartment for a month now.

Jabra huffed, “You’re going to work all day here only to go home and work some more? Come on, let me treat you to a fun night. It’ll be nice, I promise.” His arm constricted, forcing you even closer.

“I’ve been putting this off for a while, I really want to get it done,” you insisted.

A tense staredown ensued, and you weren’t sure who would win. Would you lose your nerve and break eye contact first, or would he give up? The hair on the back of your neck felt like it was standing up from the tension in the air. His jaw was tight. It appeared your string of rejections were starting to get to him.

“Alright, I get it,” Shockingly, he let go of you and looked down at his food instead.

For a moment, you were too stunned to move. “I get it”? Did he finally get the hint? He shot a questioning look over his shoulder when you didn’t immediately leave, and that was enough to prompt you into scurrying off. You’re not sure what made him see the light, but who were you to look a gift horse in the mouth? 

Despite the discomfort you just felt, you went about your shift with a skip in your step. The possibility that Jabra was going to leave you alone was downright euphoric. You felt bad for whoever was going to be his next unlucky target, but at least you were in the clear! The tips would be missed, but you would allow yourself to be selfish just this once.

The lunch rush slowly came down to a trickle as customers filtered out (of their own volition this time) and weren’t immediately replaced with more. One of the guests that left was Jabra, but you were surprised to find more money left next to his empty plate. You had already covered his bill with the money he’d given you previously, like he’d suggested.

Your fingers ghosted over the berry, then quickly slipped it into your pocket. Maybe it was an apology for his behavior? Unlikely, but not impossible.

Maybe things are going to get better for you now? You had a rough start, but it’ll be smooth sailing with Jabra having called it quits. Everything is going to be fine, great even! You’re finally going to be able to relax.

Surely that sensation of feeling like you’re always being watched will go away now that you’re no longer paranoid about Jabra.

[vanillanaps]

Friday’s | Rafe Cameron

Summary - Deciding on whether Friday was your favorite work day or not was hard, until today.

A/n - I’ve rewritten this a hand full of times and this was the best version but it literally strayed so far from what I was originally trying to write. Hope you guys enjoy tho

Category - Rafe Cameron x BevCart!Ready

Warnings - borederliner fingering in a public area, not proof read as always

Word Count - 980

♡♡♡♡

You couldn’t decide whether Friday's were your favorite days to work or your least favorite. Like clockwork, as you were bringing out your cart to set it up with all of your essentials you’d be needing for today, the all popular Rafe Cameron was seen walking out to his first hole of the day with Topper and Kelce. Coincidentally enough, Friday’s were the days you worked doubles and the day that the three of them loved being at the Country Club all day.

First, He’d be on the course for the entirety of your first shift, bugging you each and every time you passed by him, asking for something different even before he finished whenever he stopped you the previous time. Then after you switched over from bev cart to serving in the dining hall, Rafe and his minions would sit at their table, which had happened to be your section. That was the reason it’d be your least favorite day working. But it’d slowly turn to your favorite when Rafe would get to you alone.

“There she is, my favorite bev cart girl.” The voice came from behind you, one that you could recognize from a million miles away, because truthfully, who couldn’t?

You turned to him, happy yet surprised when you noticed that his two friends hadn’t trailed behind him, “You flatter me, Rafe.”

“Yeah? Where’s that flattery gettin’ me?” He smirked, coming closer to you and leaning one arm on the cart as he watched you stock it up.

Trying, yet failing to hide your smile, you ignored his question trying to remain as professional as you could, whatever that was when it came to Rafe, “What can I get you Sir?”

“Still playing that hard to get act, huh?” He teased which resulted in a pointed look from you.

“I’m not playing anything Rafe, I’m working.” You spoke lies. You were definitely playing a hard to get act, but only because you knew of Rafe and his reputation.

He was the type to talk a girl up, take her out on a date, sleep with her and then say it never meant anything and you didn’t want that to be you, especially with your status. He was a kook and you were a pogue, working to try and survive on your little side of the cut. So, even though his flirting and his compliments felt good, you took his words with a grain of salt.

Again, he stepped closer to you, leaning down so his lips were positioned near your ear. The feeling of his lips ghosting the skin of your ear stopped you in your tracks, “Look, I know what you think of me, I know what this town says about me, but if you give me a chance, I can prove to you that I can be more than that,” He starts, eyes shifting around, trying to catch any emotion from you, “You think I don’t notice you looking when you think i’m not looking, or how you stumble on your words when I flirt with you heavily. Or how you cross your legs while you sit on your cart because you get wet when my shirt lifts.” His hand comes up using his finger to softly trail the elastic of your tennis skirt, wanting to badly to hook his fingers in them, pull them down your thighs and take you right there, “I notice you, Y/n, more than you think I do, and if you’d let me–” Rafe paused, lowering himself just enough to press a kiss into your neck, smirking at the gasp, his name leaving your lips immediately after, “I can give you the world.”

At the point, you didn’t even have control of your body as your eyes closed and your head tilted to the side to give Rafe more access to your neck and he continued his plethora of soft kisses. Your brain was scrambling everywhere as you were barely able to form a thought. For the past few months, you had been ignoring Rafe’s advances at you. Thinking nothing more of Rafe being his usual playboy self and just something to get you through your shift, but right now in this moment, you felt like you were fooling yourself if you denied yourself from this feeling any longer.

“All you have to do is say yes.” Rafe spoke again, this time he moved behind you, blocking anyone from the view of what he was about to do. His hand, slowly trailed your hips, smoothing down the length of your skirt until he got to your bare skin, slowly trailing back up til he reached the hem of your panties.

Your breathing hitched and your heart was nearly thumbing out of your chest. Right as his fingers were beginning to push past the fabric that was covering your now throbbing core, you blurted out your answer, “Yes! Yes, I'll go out with you Rafe!”

His movements stopped just before he removed his hand from your skirt and took a step back with a smile on his face, “Good, I’ll pick you up tomorrow at eight.”

Not even giving you time to regroup and respond, he took what he needed from your cart, knowing you knew to add it to his tab, and made his way back over to his friends who were watching from a distance.

You took a moment to gather yourself, quickly looking around to make sure that no one else other than Topper and Kelce had just seen what transpired otherwise, you’d be losing your job. Clearing your throat, you shut the top to the drink cooler and started on your route, seeing as you were late as is and couldn't take anymore time to freak over what just happened, but at least now you knew that Friday’s were definitely your favorite day to work.

[onlyhereforthestories]

Pretty In Pink (Niamh Charles x Reader)

Happy Birthday Little Hermana! I hope you have an amazing day and the football goes the way you want! I hope you enjoy this little fic

You were both excited and nervous for today. It was your girlfriend and her teams game for the semi-finals of the women's world cup which is why you were so nervous. You were excited because it was your birthday and you were finally in Australia at least close to your love.

Niamh had no idea you were here, her parents had managed to get you a ticket in the family section and helped you sort out flights and accommodation last minute something you were extremely grateful for. It had been over a month since you had last seen her in person and if you were being honest it was starting to wear on you.

You had first met to woman when she had transferred from Liverpool to Chelsea in 2020 but it had taken a god year for anything to happen between you two due to the pandemic. When you eventually got the courage to ask the full back out, neither of you looked back and the relationship has blossomed over the last 3 years.

Just before Niamh had left she had asked you to move in with her and you had of course agreed which had been what you have done in the time she had been away. Taking the time and space you had alone to get your life integrated into her space, well your joint space now. you were still on break since the WSL season was obviously over and that meant your media duties were pretty limited and the stuff that was needed to be done could be done by some of your amazing team.

With the selling of your single bed apartment, you had sent what rent money you needed to Niamh and the rest was spent on the flights and accommodation for where you were currently sitting in a hotel room in Sydney Australia. You had been here for 2 days now and that meant you had managed to semi acclimatise to the time zone changes and were ready for this evenings match.

Gearing up in your number 3 Charles jersey, you received the text from her parents that they were outside your hotel ready to head to the stadium with you. Taking a few breaths and sending a good luck text to your girlfriend you headed out to meet them. You had been trying to make sure you texted Niamh at times you would have been if you were still in your home country so she didn’t have any idea you would be there today. The woman was not too happy she was missing your birthday and had spoken about her disdain for not being with you on your day, something that had not happened yet. Little did she know it wouldn’t happen this year like she thought it would.

As your car approached the ground you could feel your nerves building, your girlfriend had only played a few minutes this tournament but being English yourself meant that it wasn’t just her you were nervous for. Football has always been a passion of your hence why you pursued a career within the profession so watching players represent your country meant a tot. you also knew a lot of them from your time as one of Chelsea's main media personal. So yeah you were bricking it.

You got to your seats in time to watch the girls warming up, the family section was right by the pitch but a little away from the bench so you knew unless Niamh looked for her parents she wouldn’t spot you. What you hadn’t expected was for all the English girls to head for the family section after their warm ups were done, before heading into the tunnel. You could see Millie spot you first, her eyes shining with mischief as she spun around obviously in search of your girlfriend.

They were too far away to hear what the blonde had said but whatever it was had Niamh looking frantically at the family section. Her eyes locked with yours and you felt at home once again, the time a part melted from your mind and you were once again content with life. And that might sound cheesy but that’s just the way she made you feel, safe with one look.

You met her at the railing and were happy to be pulled into a bone crushing hug. Her head buried its way into your neck and you felt her press a few kisses there as she soaked you in. You rubbed your hand up her back closing your eyes to commit this moment to memory, you were in a beautiful country on your birthday about to watch the love of your life and her country women compete for a place in the biggest final there is in woman's football. It honestly doesn’t get any better than this.

“Happy birthday baby.” Niamh didn’t wait a second to say it as her eyes locked with yours once again. You beamed at her in response trying to convey with your eyes how much you loved her.

“Best birthday gift ever is being here to hear that and see you in pink in person. Need to make sure I thank your parents again for getting me here.” The eye roll was worth the teasing, you don’t think you have ever seen our girlfriend in anything pink before so you were soaking this in. You saw Niamh glance in the direction of her parents and reach out for them. You heard her thanks whispered to them in the hug she shared with them and you felt your heart burst at how much you being there meant to her too.

“Soak it in baby, I know I look good but you won't see it often. Pink really isn’t my colour, ruins my cred.” You giggled at her obvious joking before pulling her back into a tight hug having missed the contact.

As she pulled away from the hug, you saw most of the other girls leaving the section and knew it was game time. You reached out to brush your hand on the woman's cheek which she melted into before kissing your palm and starting to pull back to walk back to the field.

“Oi babe. No matter what happens today it is the best day ever because I get to be here with you but if it's possible a win would be the icing on my birthday cake” you sent her a cheeky wink as she muttered no pressure then under her breath before running to catch up with the rest of the girls.

You knew that no matter the result you would be proud of every one of them out there, but no one more than your girlfriend who did look mighty fine in pink.

[nevertheblood]

🎃🐦‍⬛Trick or treat🎃🕸️

happy early halloween! 🎃

i bring my current WIP~~ a little bit of mer!dazai and lifeguard!chuuya

working on this currently so the section i was gonna share just grew and grew and grew LOL

CW for injury and (dazai-typical?) suicidal ideation, plus some extremely vague references to physical intimacy (you'll see)

pls enjoy your treat!! 🍬👻

Dazai comes to as Chuuya is paddling them both to shore, struggling to balance two bodies on his thin surfboard amongst the heaving waves. Dazai tries to sit up, tensing his tail and nearly pitching them both off and into the sea.

-------

“Do not,” Chuuya barks at him, pushing him back down, a forceful palm in the centre of Dazai's chest, “Don't you fucking dare. I'm getting you on land, and I'm getting you patched up. Don't you dare tip me into the sea, drowning is not on my agenda.”

“I was playing the long game,” Dazai answers. He's barely audible over the rush of the waves, his voice croaky and rough with sea-salt. “Didn't you know? I'm one of those merfolk who lures men to a watery death. I just like to take my time with it.”

“Well, you're shit at it,” Chuuya says. “Stop trying to kill people, the sexy siren thing doesn't suit you. Stick to being a cute lil' annoyance in rockpools. That’s your day job, right?”

Even with his gaze set on the horizon, Chuuya sees Dazai smile, tired and faint, out of the corner of his eye. “I’m cute?”

“An annoyance,” Chuuya says firmly. Dazai’s smile carves itself deeper, looking just the slightest bit stronger.

By the time they reach the safe harbour of the sands, one of the many small coves in between the town beaches, where they're less likely to be seen by people, there's blood staining the waxed surface of Chuuya’s board, seeping into the scratches, the small crevices, dribbling off the sides and onto the sand. It might be permanent, but the thought doesn't stay in Chuuya's mind for long. He pulls Dazai carefully onto a sandbank, away from the advancing tide; notices the way the merman tenses his fins in distress, wincing as the sand drags against his scratched and bleeding scales.

“I've got you,” Chuuya says on a exhale of breath as he lays Dazai down. He's not sure Dazai hears him at all, the words lost to the crashing of the waves and the rush of the wind surging down the cliffs.

He doesn't mourn the moment as it passes. Instead, he gets to work, knowing immediately what he needs to do this time, checking Dazai's skin and scale and the extent of his wounds.

“What happened?” he demands. “Got caught in coral again?”

“Yeah,” Dazai says. He’s not looking at Chuuya, gaze sliding away to the left somewhere, draining away into the sand like the tide. The sun is bright, today, dancing in and out of clouds, teasing dazzling hints of pure blue sky, but the light hasn't reached Dazai's eyes. They are as dark and dull as river-rocks, muddied by the wash of rain.

“You need kelp, right?” Chuuya asks. He's trying to be concise, prioritising haste in order to help Dazai quicker, but maybe it comes off as too brusque, too demanding, too harsh, because Dazai doesn't even answer with words, just the tiniest of nods, arms lying listless on the damp sand.

“Stay here, then.” Chuuya doesn’t wait for Dazai to respond – he’s clearly not going to, not in his current state. Whether he’s weakened from his wounds or just mentally exhausted, Chuuya isn’t sure, but it almost doesn’t matter either way. Chuuya’s not a doctor and he’s not a psychiatrist, and he cannot fix whatever is wrong with Dazai beyond the most basic first aid.

That’s not the most reassuring thought. Still, he knows what he’s looking for, this time, and of course the light is much better, so he’s able to find what he needs quickly; zeroing in on the patches of green in the scattered rockpools and gathering each plant easily. He picks up enough that the kelp spills over in his arms, dripping on his wetsuit and onto the cool sand as he hurries back across the beach, to Dazai. There is still urgency, still, even if he does know what he’s doing slightly more than last time, and he feels the anxiety shake and rumble in his ribcage like distant thunder.

“Sit up,” he barks at Dazai on his return, not sparing any softness, nor wasting time on pity. “I’ll check your upper body first, okay? I figure that’s where your organs are.”

Dazai shrugs, complying but still saying nothing. His body is floppy as Chuuya pushes him upright – he’s not resisting, but his limbs hang languid, heavy, impossible to work with.

“Little help might be nice,” Chuuya snaps. “Didn’t you say your dad was a medic? You must know something about how to care for yourself.”

“Chuuya prob’ly knows more’n me,” Dazai mumbles back. “Your body’s more or less the same as mine… from the waist up, anyway.”

“I don’t know shit about your body.” He’s more than a little aggressive with his care, pulling the makeshift kelp bandages harshly around Dazai’s midriff. “You don’t breathe the same as me, I know that much for sure. I think your heart rate is different, too. Slower. Makes it fuckin’ hard to tell if you’re alive or not, which would be fine if you weren’t nearly dying every single goddamn week.” He’s pissed off, and it’s obvious; the way he manhandles Dazai’s arms and fins this way and that, tucking each piece of kelp a little too tightly, fingers digging into skin.  

Dazai notices his ire, of course, dull eyes flicking from staring vaguely at the horizon to focusing on Chuuya as he works. The merman seems to think about it for a moment, and then –

He takes Chuuya by the hand, webbed fingers wrapping around his wrist surprisingly gently – Chuuya growls wordlessly, affronted by the interruption to his work, but allows Dazai to guide his hand and lets it be placed, palm flat, against Dazai’s sternum.

“You’re right,” Dazai says, and Chuuya feels the buzz of his voice like electric shocks along his palm, “My heartbeat is slower than yours, and shallower. I don’t need to pump oxygen quite the same as you do, since the ocean carries my movements.” He drags Chuuya’s hand lower down, over his wet skin, and Chuuya wants to pull away because this feels so close, too close, but he can feel the light ridges of Dazai’s ribs under his fingertips and a corresponding ache answers in his own chest.

“I do have lungs,” Dazai says, “But they’re much, much smaller than a human’s – I mostly use my gills to breathe. Smaller ribcage, too. You can feel it, right?” His eyes bore into Chuuya’s, dark and endless as the bottom of an ocean trench, and Chuuya can only nod in response, breathless and mute. He curls his fingers, just slightly, to trace the shape of Dazai’s bones.

“My bones are lighter,” the merman continues, not looking away from Chuuya, as though reading his thoughts, “To make me more buoyant. My fins and tail make me a faster and more agile swimmer. But—” here he pulls Chuuya’s hand still lower, over his stomach (too thin, Chuuya thinks, isn’t he?) and down to where skin meets scale. Chuuya’s gaze breaks from Dazai’s to follow the motion. There’s a nasty-looking cut that drags deep red over his hipbone, or what Chuuya assumes is his hipbone. More than wanting to reach for the kelp bandages, Chuuya realises, more than just wanting to help, he wants to brush his hand over that wound, to whisper soft words and offer comfort, to sweep Dazai’s hair from his eyes, hold his face in one hand and tell him he’s safe.

The feeling stabs and roils in Chuuya’s stomach, sick and aching as though he’d swallowed a gallon of seawater. He’s good at fixing, that he knows. Good at helping. He’s not sure he’s so good at being soft, at being gentle. Especially not to Dazai.

“Inside, the rest of me is the same as you.” Dazai smirks, lopsided, the humour only half-there. “Nervous system, digestive system, reproductive system – pretty much just like a human’s, only positioned a little differently. Y’know, on account of the tail.”

Chuuya’s a grown-up. A normal, well-adjusted adult. Still, he thinks he feels his ears turn pink. Reproductive system. Pretty much just like a human’s.

It doesn’t matter to him. It’s none of his business. It’s not like he has any particular interest in Dazai in that way, right?

Still, his thumb strokes almost unconsciously over Dazai’s blood-streaked stomach, and the word that slinks unbidden into his mind is compatible.

We’d be compatible.

[novantinuum]

heya! :D I'm so happy I found your blog, I just did a su rewatch this summer and I'm obsessed again! I was wondering if you had some fic recs to share? especially any and all that deal with steven's trauma (whether that be corruption aftermath, his abandonment issues, any of the traumatic experiences he had), anything really, just some nice and thorough hurt/comfort and healing <3 definitely up to any other recs you might have, even if they're about something completely different haha. thank you in advance!!

Ooooh heck yeah I can rec some of my favs! Admittedly, these days I haven't been reading that much new fic, so I'm not sure what new stuff is out there that's gone unnoticed, but I went through my bookmarks and found a few fics that still stand out to me today as ones I remember really vibing with when I read them-

First off, some fics that I remember delving into Steven's trauma (along other things)-

Aid to Navigation, by Ppleater (or @infriga here on tumblr)

Honest to god, this is my favorite Steven Universe fic on the whole goddamn internet. Post I Am My Monster hurt/comfort content galore. Emotional catharsis out the wazoo. Fascinating theorization about how Steven works as a hybrid. Sometimes there's even chapter artwork. ALSO NANEFUA AS AN IMPORTANT CHARACTER, WHICH I RARELY SEE LET'S GO NANEFUA

a world for the birds, by @fanfoolishness

Do you like Uncle Andy? Do you vibe with the idea of bird watching? Do you wanna read about Andy's outsider observations of the trajectory of his nephew's bizarre life as he shares his hobby of bird watching with Steven as a bonding activity over the years moving into the events of Steven Universe: Future??

Go read this fic, it destroys me. In fact, just do yourself a favor and check out this author's whole catalogue, because my next fic rec is from her, too.

Comminuted, by @fanfoolishness

Post Growing Pains hurt/comfort focused on Steven and his dad's relationship. I remember this one dropping pretty damn soon after the episode aired and it w r e c k e d my emotions and gave me all the catharsis my sappy little heart desired at the time.

WELCOME BACK TO THE VLOG, steven universe here! by waddlesthejoghog (or @thisisnotacreativeusername here on tumblr)

Here's a story with a COMPLETELY different format than all the others- this one chronicles Steven's life through a variety of videos he posts to his TubeTube channel over the years. (Which, if you watch the SU shorts, is a canonical fun fact about him! He posts unboxing videos and reactions and stuff online, ahah.)

Each chapter sorta like, "transcribes" what's happening in the video, and there's even a little views/likes/dislikes/subscriber count + mock comments section at the end of every one! I found it a very charming and fun read- but also it punched me in the face by the end because it's like a whole microcosm of Steven's character development throughout the entire show mashed into one 59 chapter story.

This one is not wholly focused on Steven's trauma, as it spans the events of the entire show, but that does play a decently big role later on in the fic.

__

As a quick little self-plug, I've also written a good deal of fics focused on various shades of Steven's traumatic experiences, and the following is (probably) my favorite of those:

A Memoir of the Marks Unseen (uhh... by me lol)

This one is focused on the topic of Steven + the headcanon of him having corruption scars like the other healed Gems, and picks up pretty soon after I Am My Monster. It spans months (and later Years) after that, detailing his journey towards accepting these remnants as a neutral part of him. I'm still very proud of finishing it, as I was pulling from some raw personal experience with this one.

__

Lastly, here's two Connie focused fics I remember slapping ass in their own various ways:

Xenopology, by CompletelyDifferent

Some Connie + all the Gems character study pieces!

The Stranger in Me, by Cyberwraith9

Connie accidentally gets perma-bonded with a poofed gemstone retrieved from a corrupted Gem. Hijinks ensue. I remember this one having a legendary level of character development for Connie and her whole family especially ;w;

[norinenglish]

Team Rancher - Guide of Canon - Tango Episode 2

Notes on the episode below the cut

Guide of Canon: Team Rancher

Tango's Episode 1 - Tango's Episode 2 - Tango's Episode 3 - Tango's Episode 4 - Tango's Episode 5.

Tango’s Episode 2: TREACHERY AT THE RANCH!

The episode opens with Tango inside their base. As he opens the door Jimmy claims, “We’re back at the ranch!” while goat horns are heard in the background. 

“Welcome home, honey! How are we, team rancher?”

“It’s good to be back.” 

“Yes, and already the horns with the mocking continues as always.”

“It’s happening today, I’m getting one today!”

“This is the quest, yeah. Horns will be acquired.”

*

Tango shows Jimmy the secret chest full of goodies (mostly food, leather, wood, wheat and seeds) below the regular ones. Jimmy is excited about it. He repeats “Stop it!” while laughing with happy disbelief as Tango nods proudly. “We ain’t just a ranch.”

“We ain’t hungry anymore!”

“Oh my gosh! You’re a genius!”

“Yeah, I did a little work with the cow, the moo-moos and the chick-chicks downstairs, so we’re good.”

*

They still don’t have enough iron to be fully clothed, so they decide to make leather armours and they laugh at how poor they look. They consider upgrading the ranch, with the wall and an archway entrance, a lookout tower. 

“Tango, you told me you weren’t a builder…”

“I’m not! I’m not!”

“Let me tell you, everyone in my comment section was like, ‘what, you know who you’re playing with?’ and I was like, ‘let me just look at his latest- ah! there it is.”

“Oh, nooooo.”

“So uh… Yes, you will make a watchtower on top of that box, thank you very much.” Tango is protesting a bit, so he adds, “You will!”

“Fine!”

*

They decides to breed goats to get the horns. Ren stumbles upon the ranch. He wanted to steal a few cows (he brought a boat with him for it) 

“Welcome to Team Rancher!” Tango tells him as he puts a sign saying just that on top of the newly made archway. 

Ren asks for a tour. Jimmy gets him inside and creeps him out (in good humour) by saying, “Well, this is the ranch. This is where you step through these doors and… you don’t go home. You’re at the ranch now.” They all have a good laugh.

They offer an exchange to Ren, two goats for two cows. 

*

While with one goat, Tango sees Jimmy with several from far away, and Scott coming to talk to Jimmy. “Oh, no, he’s getting hassled over there!”

*

Jimmy wants Scar’s horse for the ranch. Scar refuses and leaves. 

*

They make the pen for the goat. Martyn comes and gloats about the fact that he has a horn and they don’t. They struggle a long time to get one. Pearl helps them get some. It’s sing. Jimmy gets the first one, sounds it and immediately says: “We need one more for Tango.” They sound it together and scream with excitement. They praise and thank Pearl. 

They sound the horns and people answer in the distance.

“I like how ours is different as well.”

*

They cover the goat pen with dirt. 

“This is what the ranch is all about: we’re saving animals. Our next thing will be stealing horses- I mean- uh… Capturing horses.”

*

Tango visits Bdubs building his house. 

“Have you been with Jimmy at all today?”

“Oh, the whole time!” Tango shows him “the fruit of their labour” and sounds the horn. “We’re setting up Team Rancher, you should stop by.”

*

Tango mines a little and gets a few iron ingots. “I need more. I need stuff for tools and I need stuff for Jimmy.”

*

At the Panda Reserve, Scar tries to get Tango to trade him his horn, then to try to get Jimmy to not have his horn anymore “We just take it away for like a few minutes from him”. 

Tango doesn’t understand the second part and gives his own horn to Scar. 

“No, we gotta get his!”

“Oh! Oh, I can’t get his,” he says immediately.

He doesn’t want to get Jimmy and run away. “It’s not very team-like.” He still seems to agree to do it, though.

*

Tango chats with Scott about cows, then about Pearl and being paired.

“She’s fully unhinged, like- off the rails”

“I love it, I love it.”

“You wouldn’t say that if you were the one getting- uh…”

“Probably not. But I’m the one who killed my partner, so.. So I got one coming.”

“That’s fair. You seem reasonable. It’s just a shame you got paired up with Jimmy.”

“Yeah, well, we do what we can, you know.” Tango doesn’t seem aggravated by the idea of being paired with Jimmy. 

He sounds the horn and Scott apologizes for not being able to answer it (they agreed on the server to ignore Jimmy’s horn on purpose). Tango doesn’t mind. “I understand, that’s Team Rancher,” he says simply. 

“This is why- I mean, I feel bad for you and your ranch partner.”

“I just got flocked* down by you inner vendettas, yeah.”

“Yeah, it’s the curse of Jimmy. That’s the real curse this time. Last season was the boogeyman curse, whoever got Jimmy this time was the Jimmy curse.”

“Yeah, yeah. This is great,” Tango says before promptly changing the subject.

*

Tango gets an iron ingot from Cleo with his bad advice stand before upgrading his “box of birch sadness”. Etho comes by the ranch and they chat about the Deep Dark. Tango laments about Jimmy being down there. Etho says he got peer pressured into it. 

They trade chicken for iron. Tango bargains for more. 

“I gotta provide for my teammate who’s in leather.”

While the talk, the sing horn sounds in the distance. Tango responds and says, “There’s my buddy. He’s coming home.”

*

“Jimmy! Jimmy, we need to have a discussion here!”

“Tango-”

“You’re risking your yellow life.”

“I can explain.”

“Uh, hu.”

“I can explain alright.”

Tango takes a deep mafia voice and makes a movie reference? “You got some ‘splaining to do, Bessie.”

“Peer pressure. That’s the explanation.”

*

“It’s looking lovely over here.”

“Oh you notice my super beautiful tower?” Tango is still being self-deprecating but Jimmy is genuinely happy with the build. 

“It’s fine!”

“I’m enhancing the organic shape and, you know-”

“It’s amazing.”

“-monotone block palette, yes, yes.”

The tower is crooked and looks like a foot. Tango is proud of it. 

*

Later at Grian and Scar’s bases, Tango says he’s trying to get the horn from Jimmy for Scar. 

*

They decide to add an R to the foot tower. 

*

Cleo comes distracting them. They go to Scar’s panda enclosure “a good couple’s retreat.” Jimmy steals Scar’s horse. Tango hadn’t planned for it (he claims so at least), he leaves when Scar and Grian gets angry. 

“Where are you my friend, you expert rancher! I’ve never been more proud of anyone in my life.”

“Victory horns, there it is!”

The horse is in the goat pen that is otherwise empty. They realize the goats are gone. They think Cleo run a distraction for Martyn. They are mad. 

“Hey Martyn! You suck!”

*

They fume and talk about the event. Jimmy asks about Tango and Scar whispering together (about the horn). Tango brushes it away as him being a distraction for the horse stealing. Jimmy doesn’t seem convinced but doesn’t insist. “If you say so, okay, okay.”

*

They go have a word with Cleo. Scotts advocates for Cleo (but he’s the one who killed the goats.) Tango is crossed. While they talk they see the base being on fire and run back to the ranch.

Tango is already fuming before they get there: “Ohhhhh, he’s gonna die!” 

“The ranch is on fire!”

“I hope he doesn’t like his building!”

“We kill him.”

They panic and try to put the fire out but it’s too late. Tango shoots him with a bow as Scar flees. They take burning damage and scream and laugh and run everywhere. 

The rage is starting to build up. The boat boy comes to help. Martyn, Scott and Cleo are also here.

Tango chats, “IT’S BBQ PANDA TIME. SO TASTY.”

Tango is grunting and yelling about having flashbacks from Last Life.

Jimmy comes in his face and tells him to snap out of it. “Look, the R survived.”

The neighbourhood watch is trying to egg Tango on to burn the pandas. Tango wants to do something bigger. Jimmy is trying to calm him down. “Tango, Let’s think about this! Don’t go straight over, we gotta talk it through.” Jimmy tells him to listen to the horn. Despite everyone else saying otherwise, Tango immediately uses sing. 

“This is horrible! There’s holes! It’s Swiss cheese ranch!”

[astraysimp]

Who is Mouse? Pt.2

hehee ....I'm back pookies-and on my laptop this time LMAO!..part two babies! I'm so happy that you enjoyed part 1! Enjoyyyyyy🫰

Warnings: Banch Chan x reader, gn!reader, fluffy , stayville is in a PANIC(not at the disco -.-)-in a good way

Summary: a week has passed since you and Channie have released y/n's first song. Stayville is in a panic trying to figure out exactly who mouse is. After putting off checking stays's reaction, you and Chan have decided it's about time...LET's GOOOOOO 🫰🫰

~A week after release date~

It had been a week since you and Chan released your song. You both had wanted to check and see how stays took it, but decided to wait- relishing on your baby and your little secret for a little while longer. Alas.....you couldn't wait forever and today.....you'd check the stays reactions. "Mousey.........it's time we check hm? The boys are stays are going crazy trying to figure out who mouse is. They like it- no they love the song! And and....stays probably love it too." He'd gently smiled at you, running an encouraging hand over your shoulder. "I....I guess so, baby. I'm just nervous is all." Y/n mumbled squishing their face into Chan's hoodie, inhaling his cologne.

Pulling his laptop out- yes the same laptop that he's had for years, holding so many unreleased songs, memories, pictures- Chan pulled your song up on youtube. "mousey, come on, it'll be okay, yeah? you can stay hidden, my little mouse." He'd whispered, gently pulling your face out of his chest, after a loving kiss was pressed to the crown of your head. "I know, baby I know. Let's do it." You'd nodded, pressing play on the song, hearing each and every crescendo, decreased, beat , note. Listening the song through, you and Chan smiled at each other, singing along gently....then 3 minutes and some odd number of seconds later, it was over and you scrolled to the comment section.

Immediately , you and Chan were overwhelmed with an abundance of positive comments, love and support. Between all of the lovely comments, you and Chan saw stays going wild, trying to figure out who mouse was. Giggling, you'd started reading some of the comments, aloud.

"WHO is mouse?!"

"I KNEW HE WASN'T SINGLE....THE INSTAGRAM PICTURES, THE WAY HE LOOKS AT HIS PHONE IN SKZ LOGS AND NOW THIS SONG?! I WANT A CHAN"

" I need to know who mouse is....so I can thank them for making our Channie so happy;')"

"Mouse.......whoever you are.....stays love you....this song is such a bop and masterpiece"

These were only a few of the comments you'd read. You hoped that stay would like the song. But, this? The level and outpouring of love, support and praise you had received.....brought tears to your eyes. "Wow......I....this is amazing." Chan could only smile, leaning to press a kiss to your forehead, feelings happy tears build in his eyes. Quiet sniffles were shared and Chan had pulled you into his side, continuing to read through the comments. "My mouse, you deserve it. You poured your love, heart, soul and passion into this song. I think you could even help me and the boys with new music. Only if you'd want to though...up to you." The last part of his comment had surprised you.....help him and his members with new music?

"baby...are you sure? I know you guys have a process to it." You'd slightly pulled away, to hold his cheeks into your hands. "Y/n, my little mouse, of course. The boys love your song and have even asked if you wanted to..." Chan had blushed, nudging his nose against yours, before planting a kiss to the area between your eyebrows, as your eyes closed. "Channie......" Y/n smiled up at him, nuzzling their face in his neck. "Hm? You can say no....but...if you do.....you can still be under the name Mouse.......just think about it?' You nodded, face still hidden in his neck," I'll think about it, baby." You pulled away from his neck, thinking about what he offered. The boys wanted your help with new music stays loved your song, you loved making music, you Love Chan, you love the boys and you generally just love music....

Maybe being a producer( and helping Chan and his members) to make new music isn't a bad idea. So, will you do it?

[retphienix]

So after many many many years I'm finally playing Starbound and it's been, interesting.

So out the gate, some context on my 'experience' before playing.

When starbound came out I was OBSESSED. I wanted it so bad because it was colloquially considered "Better Terraria".

If you weren't active in this section of gaming at the time, it really was painted that way.

Terraria at the time of Starbound's release had just hit 1.3, Moon Lord is finally a thing.... but there's something to be said of what pop culture knew vs the reality- because Terraria's time in the spotlight was finally slowing and most people thought of WoF as still being the end game. Another group still thought of the mechanicals and Plantera as the end-game range of things- Moon Lord was NEW but also the audience was momentarily distracted away from this silly 5 year old 2D minecraft.

It wasn't uncommon for the discussion around Terraria to be "Oh yeah that was fun, but did you hear about the 'kickstarter' for Starbound? It's Terraria IN SPACE!

A former dev of Terraria just up and left and made BIGGER, BETTER Terraria!"

Or that was the casual pitch between gaming circles.

The hype was heavy and I never got to play it, womp womp.

Fast forward a few years and talk starts up about Starbound again, for all the wrong reasons.

The main guy did some mega shitty things to contributing artists and didn't compensate them, videos begin appearing in my circle of the internet that both exposed this story and talked on the game at large.

I learn that this indie darling title apparently SUPER failed to meet expectations over time. That it promised ports that never happened. That updates apparently focused on aspects it didn't need to and the end result is a messy title with a TERRIBLE gameplay loop for the main quest, among other things.

At this time I decide to glance back over to Terraria, a game that had sat off my radar despite my initial love for it- and I find out Terraria FUCKING EXPLODED.

TERRARIA BECAME A FUCKING MEGA HIVE OF CONTENT AND QUALITY THAT YOU CAN DEDICATE 120 BILLION HOURS INTO AND LOVE EVERY SECOND.

From humble beginnings, lol.

So at this time I figured I lucked out, in a sense. Starbound always looked interesting, but I got to enjoy Terraria back in its humble days AND at it's height today, it's okay that I didn't play Starbound, I probably won't bother :)

Then a bud who casually enjoyed it years ago bought it for me since I was talking about Terraria and I figured "Fuck it, let's find out."

And uh, Buddy lol

Okay, my experience so far, because it's kind of a roller coaster of highs and lows.

Right out the gate my first hour or so was Not particularly fun.

Combat felt terrible, the weapon you start with has a bizarrely unfun combo it deploys and movement SUCKED- it felt bad to fight and it felt bad to explore, I was not happy- but:

I have eyes, I can see in my inventory that I'm missing "Techs" and I begin finding a couple (still bad, but less bad) weapons and start thinking "Okay, okay I'll keep going this is obviously not the game yet."

By the time I get to the outpost and unlock my techs I've also got a couple new weapons- I'm still mostly unimpressed with melee, with all the flashy energy depleting moves not making up for how they "feel" to me, especially with how many enemies either CHARGE, or shoot, but I'm beginning to enjoy combat because of the alternatives.

Shields are a nice addition that makes 1 handed weapons my immediate preference since many of them don't rely on bad combos or gimmicky (underwhelming) energy attacks.

Guns become more common and I'm REALLY enjoying the gunplay since they ALSO get secondary fires- it's at this point I realize this isn't entirely different from Terraria where most players (myself included) find ranged combat with magic, bows, guns, throwables, and even non-true melee to be more fun than true melee- I appreciate the comparison.

Movement becomes IMMEDIATELY less shit with techs. Some techs are underwhelming, but I become a fan of the multi jump and spike ball rather quickly.

I enjoy the quest to repair the ship, though I'm mostly getting the hang of things and my weapons still aren't "really" shining.

Once my ship is repaired I'm sent on the first Trek, this is both the beginning of my least favorite part of the game AND this SPECIFIC instance is 100% my favorite part of my experience thus far.

At this point I can move my ship, I get a mech, I am told to explore a planet and scan things to get access to a dungeon, and this entire process feels like a training montage of sorts- I'm learning to use my tools and I'm making some upgrades to my gear and home base, it's nice!

I gather a lot of resources but before I can really use them I've completed the scan and go in to the dungeon.

I FUCKING LOVED my entire time in the Florian dungeon.

I've got my weapons in check, I'm loving the dungeon challenges, I'm tricking enemies into traps, I'm LOVING it- at this moment I'm at the highest point, movement is feeling nice in this arena, combat feels great, the boss was fun- love it, 10/10

I can't emphasize enough that this Trek from "research stuff" to "First dungeon" was my most fun period with my grasp of mechanics growing during the Trek and then the dungeon being a REALLY fun arena to play with it all- loved it!

I even explored a hostile glitch castle for the hell of it because I had all these new toys and wanted to :D

...

Then it ended.

Then I get told to just, do it again. The research part immediately becomes my least favorite thing in the game. It was fun in the context of 'training' as I learned how to play, but now I have to travel to new planets that have 1 or 2 new ores and seek out key items to scan- I'm bored, I hate this. Where's my miniboss fight like on the first planet or when you repair the ship? Where's the hand crafted content? I'm just finding wood homes and scanning whatever is highlighted green.

I return home and realize something else I hate, crafting becomes a fucking chore. I upgrade all my benches and realize actually using them is a challenge in defeating tedium and nothing more.

You can't craft from benches using nearby chest contents- a common mod in games of this sort (which isn't available as a mod here), you can't craft from chest content AT ALL since you can't open the crafting menu and a chest at the same time (A feature Terraria has which alleviates this problem altogether), chests are TINY- even the best of which like the one in your ship are not big enough to hold every kind of crafting material you'll find, and the game FLOODS me with new resources that all do mostly nothing.

I end up with 10-20 filled 20-40 slot chests of blocks and materials and crafting immediately becomes unbearable because you can't even sort or quick stack with chests.

I hate it.

So now I'm confronted with the crafting aspect of the game becoming suddenly unusable, storage becoming annoying as hell, and the game saying "Go scan stuff, idiot :)" and I'm just frustrated.

So I opted to try and improve these aspects.

I sought out basic mod workshop support to make these 2 problems less annoying because I realized "This fucking game is going to ask me to do this SIX times, ridiculous."

I found some basic storage mods that let you manage containers so they can sort, search, and quick stack along with increasing chest size based on overworld size (It results in chests being buffed across the board)- this all told really did fix my crafting problem because while I still can't open a chest and craft from it like Terraria- I can now actually fucking find my stuff in this mess because BASIC QOL fucking exists for chests now (and I no longer need 15 chests for materials which helps too lol).

The research problem was a bit tougher to tackle because I didn't want to just change the entire game with like a "skip this part" button, or by playing an overhaul mod, I wanted to play Starbound- I just want to make it more enjoyable.

So after passing over a lot of mods I found something.... interesting to attempt and make the enforced exploration grind less annoying- an RPG mod that makes killing things give xp so you can improve and refine your character over time.

A unique solution, but my thought process was that I had just made crafting no longer a complete chore- so I have "small" reasons to explore for materials right now, but I needed another motivator on top of that and then exploring and scanning stuff would become less annoying- so "grinding xp" + "collect materials" sounded like enough to me and I installed and got started.

My second Trek was miles less fun than my first, but my solutions did help quite a bit.

Researching just feels entirely worthless- I scan a gong and get told "Yep, they swing at this thing" and that somehow eventually teaches me that they had a library someplace. It's... stupid! It's unfun and stupid. On paper it's clearly "encouraging exploration" but they didn't make exploration fun since every planet is a nothing-burger with some ore in it.

The most interesting thing I found was the hostile glitch castle and that was NOT RELEVANT to anything progression based! Every planet I find stuff to actually scan is just a boring landmass with some chests- why not toss more mini-bosses like the starter planet has onto these? Force me to fight a mini-boss to discover the next dungeon- don't tell me to go "scan a vase" wth???

My mods pan out, I end up focusing on them a lot more than the dumb scanning task (again, why not mini-boss progression instead, scanning is not gameplay) and I make it to the second dungeon.

The second dungeon.... is.... fine?

The first was SO FUN and the second is just a lot of empty rooms and far less exploration to be had? I mean the first was also a straight path but it was designed well enough to have fun- this one arguably has more routes but far less to enjoy while exploring?

No fun traps or enemies in death boxes, just tubes and mountains of books.... a severe downgrade.

That was capped off with a much less fun boss as well. Instead of being more freeform like the spider, the sword boss is just "Learn the pattern and hit them when they are stuck in animations or "exhausted"" and.... it's fine.

Just like how the dungeon on paper is "fine and expansive" but in practice feels less fun to explore than the florian one, the boss on paper is perfectly acceptable- a billion bosses work like this- the FIRST dungeon boss works like this more or less- but the damage is high to punish you and it's just not fun?

The rush ball attack is just fucking stupid to avoid or block so I just gave up and tanked half the damage during that phase because you can survive every time and fuck that move it's stupid.

But core to it all, it was disappointing and unfun. The spider was fun to shoot and avoid and spawned adds and you had an AI buddy helping- it was neat!

This boss was just "Stand on the bookcase and shoot down at her. Okay jump now. Okay rush ball so block and dodge. Okay wail on their stupid health bar while they are tired. Rinse repeat a couple times and you win."

And that's pretty much where I am now.

I had a bad first impression.

An okay time repairing the ship,

A REALLY REALLY REALLY good first trek + dungeon.

A sudden blast of annoyance at how crafting and progression is handled with bad QOL and even worse quest design (scanning).

I modded it slightly to improve this and had a decent time on the second trek + dungeon but vastly less fun than the first.

All in all, I haven't begun to experience any of the things I only half remember from retrospective videos talking about uneven development pitfalls, but my experience has been plenty uneven all the same lol.

Really it just comes down to me being annoyed that so little thought was put into QOL for crafting despite having so many materials and me being VERY FUCKING ANNOYED at the scanning progression objective- it's just not fun or properly encouraging exploration- it's busy work- it's bizarre?

I mean hell, now I'm going out scanning bird relics to find the bird coords.

I'M BIRD.

I'm looking at crates identical to the crates I've supposedly seen my entire life and going "Oh I see, this definitely gets me 3% closer to finding the next dungeon" this objective isn't good lmao.

It feels like something a version 1.2 release of the game would revamp and remove so that you instead get directed towards the proper star/planet combos to find semi-pre-genn'd towns that tell you to go to pre-genn'd dungeons to fight a mini boss like the first planet does. Like legitimately- THAT is exploration showing you each race's theme and giving fair explanation as to why you now know the coords (they tell you them for killing the boss, or the boss has it etc).

THAT is what the game should have been like 5 years ago, instead they stuck with this placeholder model which is not particularly entertaining lol.

Anywho. I'm rather enjoying myself now that I've given myself more reason to explore with mods. Hoping beyond hope that the game shakes up this scan objective going forward but uh... doubting it.

I really am sorry to have my first (only?) post about Starbound be so negative on things but it's my experience with it so far. And I really can not emphasize enough- that first trek + dungeon combo FUCKED. It was SO FUN shooting shit and rolling around and running into some pre-gen content that gave purpose to the random-gen stuff around it (the castle I stumbled upon and the mini-dungeons you go through to repair the ship followed by the good dungeon you do for the florian orb). All great there :)

[starrenati]

A little introduction into a fanfiction that I'll try to continue and finish. I hope you like it. It's based on Deadpool and Wolverine (only on that, not the whole franchise).

I'm sorry for any spelling mistakes, english isn't my first language :(

CHAPTER 1

"Children of stars, that's what we are"

The air was hot, thick and carried a sweet scent of fruit. Oh, to be fruit, to be rotten and still as sweet as ever, to still be desired at your worst. To be even sweeter than the prettiest of flowers. To rot with a purpose...

Weird things come to humans' minds when they're high, music blasting into their ears and while cooking something they have no idea how to cook actually. The same thing was happening to Alice. Her mind was elsewhere as her body was desperately clinging into this reality, such a funny combination. But here she was, peeling apart a pomegranate, while the mango cubes were sizzling on one of the pans. Music blaring into her ears, louder than her mind. A moment of relief. The chaos of thoughts stopped for a second, letting her take a breath without a fear of causing another outburst of voices. Having to reach for a joint wasn't on her to-do list for today, that's for sure, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

As her hands got covered in red, sticky juice while carefully peeling the fruit apart, her mind somehow managed to focus on the scene. The air was hot and heavy, filled with the weight of the upcoming storm, sticky with humidity, not even the AC could fight that. Filled with the smell of fruits spread out on the counter, the sizzling mango and freshly cut open pomegranate, of lemons resting nearby waiting to be used. It was rotten, but in that sweet way, filling her lungs with sticky sweetness, making it hard to breathe sometimes...

"Hi Allie, what ya doin'?!"

She jumped in place, suddenly pulled out from her focus. Turning around and taking one earbud out to face Wade. All happy and excited. Did that man even have a different setting?

"Cooking. Don't scare me like that when I have a knife in hand."

"Afraid I might like it?"

"Sometimes I forget you're completely insane."

She muttered, turning back and peeling the fruit apart, in the meantime turning the heat off under the mango so it wouldn't burn. She was peeling the fruit apart gently, each section. Juice staining her hands red but the seeds weren't flying around, she was careful with it, after all cleaning the whole kitchen like it was a murder scene wasn’t really in her plans or tonight. Her mind felt a bit hazy again as she shook the open fruit over the bowl to empty it at least a bit.

“You were smoking again, weren’t you?” he asked with a serious tone in his voice. 

“It got loud again. I needed a way out, before I end up like you.”

“You don’t need to be rude to me all the time. you know? Second, you mean the voices?”

“Sorry,” it was sincere, “I told you I don’t like it when you call it the voices. They’re much more than that, unfortunately. Or it is much more to be precise. It’s only my voice, speaking over and over again, and I can’t silence it. So I am willing to sacrifice a bit of my health to not go mental.”

“Fair. But maybe find a different way? It’ll end you…”

“Oh well…” she said with a simple shrug of her shoulders “I guess I’ll head out for a walk then.”

“High?”

“Yeah. If something happens, I’ll call you or Logan. Or Laura. I guess she’s the most responsible out of you three.”

“Rude again.”

“Bu-bu-boo”

“You spend too much time with Logan.”

She rolled her eyes at that with a hint of a smile on her face. Alice finished preparing the fruits and cleaned up the mess she made. She felt Wade watch over her as she prepared to leave. Sure, everything around was a bit blurred and shushed to some point, making the world a bit more bearable. She put the earphones back in, took her phone and just left the flat, sinking into the music playing in her ears, breathing in the heavy air, this time filling it with the unpleasant scent of the city, instead of fruits. Ugh, such a shame, that going on walks is connected to leaving such a perfect environment for something so disappointing. 

But how did it happen that she knew the mighty Wolverine and not so mighty Deadpool? It was probably one of the fate cruel jokes that led to it. In short, being abandoned by your family can lead to meeting two people that are sort of like heroes and then them ‘adopting’ you. She didn’t regret that, but for now her mind was letting those memories slip away, her feet carrying her to her usual spot. Cassandra Nova… It was in her mind again. That topic of someone who almost destroyed the whole multiverse, someone so crazily powerful that got defeated by them. Why was she coming back to it? Why ever since hearing that story, her mind was wandering over to that person? To that stuck up, bald, void princess as Wade sometimes called her? Maybe, just maybe, it was about the fact that Alice was also a telepath. Not near as powerful as Cassandra, but sure she understood the pain and complications of being one. Or so she liked to believe that she did. After all it was possible that everyone had it differently and maybe she was the only one suffering from too many thoughts in her head at the same time. 

She walked ahead of herself, her eyes stuck on the invisible horizon, hidden behind many buildings. It was a long walk to her favorite thinking place, she turned up the volume of her earphones, feeling almost like the song was now coursing through her veins, washing out any noise. Outside and inside. She felt the urge to just run, to chase the invisible sun, to see it set once more, to see hope disappear into the void of darkness just to reappear in the morning. Her heart beating faster, her lungs chasing after it, soon she was in motion against herself, picking up speed with each step, like she was escaping the feeling of insanity. To leave it all behind means to be free. 

She ran for long, her red hair many times ending up in her eyes. She should touch up the roots though, they were already showing and that wasn’t good. Her lungs and throat filled with the burning sensation, she slowed down when finally reaching the bridge. It was as busy as ever but luckily with just cars, it was comfier when there were no people walking around and getting in her way. In the way of her small ritual. 

She walked down to it, slowing her breath and following the pavement by the side of the road, watching the golden ray slowly disappear in the dark waters. One by one making the air and earth colder with each passing moment. When she reached about the middle of the bridge, she slowly pulled herself up to sit on the railing, her back to the sun. Watching the passing cars. Her mind is getting louder, not even music silencing it anymore. So the effects are wearing off. Such a shame. How long has she been running for? It’s a big distance. Few nice kilometers. Oh well, not like it was really that important right now. 

She looked down on her hands, holding the railing tightly, she slowly let herself bend backwards as the last rays of sun sank into the waters. It was ironic that this was comforting. She was scared of heights and couldn’t swim, yet almost dangling over such a vast void was comforting, the thrill of being near death, the feeling of freedom mixing with adrenaline with each breath she took. The lights on the bridge were still off, so she could see the sky get painted with more and more stars each moment. 

She looked up at the sky above her, a smile spreading on her lips on its own, her eyes filling with tears caused by the cold wind. Cassandra Nova… She came to her mind again. But why? Could she really be gone? Could a powerful being like that vanish from the Earth plane forever? With no trace left? Was it really the end of the story? Was it really that simple? Or maybe she was somewhere out there in the stars still? Reaching out to an open mind? Was it possible? 

“If he was Xavier… Why were you Nova? Was it to be different? To not be seen as him? Maybe it was like a supernova? Or hypernova? Powerful event only some chosen by fate people will ever witness. To be significant, to fall under your own weight and desires. Was it all what you were meant to be? Power that collapses due to its own fault?” 

Alice asked more herself than anyone else, her words barely a whisper carried on by the wind. She closed her eyes, sinking into the darkness of her own mind. To soft tones of music piercing it every now and then. On night like that, she was unable to calm her mind, to silence it and not come back to a topic that should be gone from it for a long time now. 

“And if you were a telepath like me… Did you struggle the same? Was there a way to silence your thoughts? Or were you just left to be consumed by the void of your mind?”

[manonamora-if]

May Check-In

This is a bit late, because I've been debugging the past two days.

So I bought Tropico 6 during the last Steam sale. If you haven't seen me posting for a while, blame by wish to be a benevolent dictator of a fake Caribbean island.

Onto the usual index:

Recap of last month’s progress

IF Events in the Next Month (I won't do this anymore)

Plan for the next month

Still long post under the break. If you want a mini version, head on over to itch.io as usual!

April Progress

From last month, what did we do:

Play more games: ✅

I started so good, finishing reviewing the SeedComp! entries, as well as the Revival Jam and had started on the Spring Thing... then I got distracted by the TALJ and Tropico... I also need to update @manonamora-if-reviews at some point... It's at least 100 reviews behind.

Finish the Code of Ch5✅ of Harcourt and edit the Ending Chapter ✅

YES! IT IS DONE! I have finally fixed those godamn doors in the maze that were giving me so much trouble. Also MelS has gotten my edits on all the Chapters/files (and was given extra comments because I also fixed some code in previous chapters). He is hard at work dying editing the missing text.

The only thing left for me is to: - add the maze visuals (map, book/letter formatting) - settle on a design for the final maze puzzle (need to so some research) - include the missing chapter/text (waiting for MelS)

Finish fixing The Roads Not Taken. Or An Eggcellent Preparation. Maybe the other parser too (it just needs a smidge of polish).

LOL... This is the shameful failure that is following me around, ringing that darn bell.

Should i give up on it? Maybe one day...

Complete the TALJ entry. ✅

I have been battling this one the whole morning trying to fix so many bugs. But I'm pretty happy about it. For one: it was actually tested by someone (not like last year). For two: it's actually an easy parser (like you can't lose!).

And the idea had been ringing in my head for so long, I had the prompt submitted to last SeedComp!.

But yeah, this had been happening for a while already. And even though it doesn't have the level of polish I had hopped (future me problem with updates), it is probably one of the better one I've made.

Anyway, play Lysidice and the Minotaur (I'll have an official post tomorrow). (and you can vote for it if you want...)

What else happened this month????

Well, the SeedComp! ended, so I had to deal with all the admin, and making the cool stickers for the different entries. That took quite a bit of time... but worth it! Some really cool entries this year, yet again!

Well, this is more of it's been done last month but released this month: Les lettres du Docteur Jeangille has been translated into English, for the Spring Thing (in the Main Garden, if you feel like voting for games). You can find the post there!

I've been also drafting some post-mortems, one for Jeangille and one for Lysidice. They should come out during the month, at some point.

:/ I have to update my website again now...

I wanted to do an entry in the Dialogue Jam, but my idea didn't pan out on time (too buggy for release). Or eer... cough cough... I had enough will power not to do it? Anyway, also I made the Really Bad IF Jam, which starts today!

What’s happening in May?

As mentioned at the start, I'm dropping this section from my check-in. First, it's buried deep in a wall of text, so no visibility (it should have been a separate post, oh well). If people actually check the events out, I'm sure it would be a miracle.

But mainly... a zine has popped up recently, specifically about IF called What's New in IF? (@if-whats-new), releasing weekly. Since it includes events, like the jams/comps/conferences I used to mention here (and it looks more sleek than a Tumblr post), I'll just leave them do all that hard work instead 😅

So yea... as long as the zine is happening, I'm out 😅 Well, I'll drop them links to my jams and stuff I see, because they seem to be looking for help in finding stuff.

The PLANtm for May

I'm playing Tropico, so I'm getting and will probably going to get less stuff done. Which is not a bad think. Breaks are important. Will I go on a break this month?

Probably should...

But if I don't, where's what I hope to do:

Play more games: On my juicy list I have: the Spring Thing, the newly released Dialogue Jam and TALJ, the Locus Jam and Really BAD IF is happening this month too (so more gameses!), and a few non-comp releases I've had my eye on.

Code Chapter 6/Endings: I need to wait for MelS for this, since he's editing my comments. I'll prob look for visuals for the puzzle in the meantime.

Fixing an older games. Instead of new, do something old.

Write the next Chapter/Scene of a WIP, because it would be good to actually do that. And make some actual progress at seeing stuff being done. (I want to write some Razac snippets....)

Let's have a boring month!

~

The 2024 To-Do List:

LOL, I've only done the website! :D

The hopefully maybe easy to handle To-Do:

fix the bugs in EDOC + overall the French version to match (waiting for Adventuron to get the French language)

fix the bugs of TRNT + find a way to add the missing pieces (giving up on the translation)

fixing the interface of LPM and the popups + check animal interactions

figure out the One-Button JavaScrip/jQuery issue...

edit the loading screens of the completed tiny games to include the program/format logo at least.

The 'Need a Bunch of Content to update but it's planned!' To-Do:

Update my website (bunch new title - also I don't think the logo clicky thing work...) + redo my itch page

Finish TTATEH (MelS dependent)

Finish Exquisite Cadaver (half-way mark by this summer - manif)

Finish P-Rix - Space Trucker (main path at least)

Update CRWL (it's been almost two years... I'm ashamed)

The Unlikely But it Would be Dope To-Do

Finish The Dinner as it was planned (and translate)

Finish In the Blink of an Eye as it was planned (and retranslate)

Finish The Rye in the Dark City

Fixing TTTT (at least fixing, maybe try adding some storylets)

And finally The 'It's impossible, but one can wish' TO-DO:

Remaster SPS IH (if I managed to start this after completing the rest... I'm going to eat a whole sheet cake).

Start the IFComp project (2025? Might end up being a ST?)

[player1064]

June 2021!

WIP asks but it's just the various sections of my happy (???) beville (/angsty carraville) WIP

ohhhh this bit is pure sappy beville nonsense... no jamie in sight... what a beautiful world.... (sorry carra i love u really)

---

June, 2021.

The call is answered quickly, a half-shouted “Gary?” over the sounds of ninety thousand other people.

“Um, is this David?”

There’s a muttered curse, then nothing for a second but the background noise, the sounds of jostling past people with ‘sorry’ and ‘excuse me’. And then, a door opens and shuts, and silence.

“Yeah, this is David. Where’s Gary, is he okay?”

“Um. He’s alright now, they think, but he needs someone to take him home, and you’re his emergency contact. How soon can you –”

“—I’m at Wembley too, but my box is – I’ll be ten minutes. Fifteen, max.”

*

“Oh, you idiot,” is the first thing David says when he rushes into the media lounge eight minutes later. Gary’s sat on a couch, sipping carefully at a cup of orange squash, and David makes a beeline straight for him, kneels in front of him and places his hands on his thighs. “You absolute numpty, what’ve you done now?”

Gary is well aware of what a sight he must be. He feels clammy, cooling sweat making his shirt stick to his back. Every time he lifts the plastic cup of squash to his mouth he sees the slight tremble in his hands, and he’s tired. He feels like he’s just played a full ninety, when all he’d been doing was sitting down and talking into a microphone.

“I’m fine,” he lies, closing his eyes for a second while he takes a deep breath. “Becks, I’m fine. There’s people around, don’t be –”

“Gary, shut up.” Becks looks around, nods towards the man in the St John’s Ambulance uniform. “What happened?”

The man’s eyes go wide at David addressing him, but thankfully he’s enough of a professional to shake it off quickly and say “he collapsed. Some kind of fit, we think. He should be fine to go home, but he’ll need to see a doctor sooner rather than later.”

“You idiot,” Becks repeats, reaching one hand up to cup Gary’s face, his thumb gently rubbing at his cheek. “You wouldn’t’ve even told me, would you?”

The door to the room clicks open and David jerks his hand away like he’s been burnt.

“Jesus, Becks, it’s only me,” Roy says as he walks up to the two of them, hands a coffee cup to David. “You think they’d let just anybody in here? I thought you’d be longer to get across, went to get us a drink.”

Gary looks hopefully at the steaming coffee that Roy’s carried in. Both Roy and Becks say “no” at the same time.

He goes back to his stupid orange squash.

Thing is, he really is very tired.

“Becks,” he mumbles. He waits for David to meet his eyes before looking pointedly at the spot on the sofa next to him.

Again, David looks at the others in the room – the paramedic, Roy, the runner from Sky sat anxiously in the corner.

“Go on then,” he sighs, getting up on to the sofa and snaking one arm around Gary’s middle to adjust his seating position, “give us a cuddle.”

Gary lets himself lean back , rest his head against David’s chest, and he feels some of the tension leave his body for the first time all day. He rests his hands on top of David’s, even though they’re cold and sweaty in a way that would usually have him running off to wash his hands. Today, though, Becks just laces his fingers through Gary’s and gives them a little squeeze. 

His eyes are starting to drift shut when Roy sits down on the armchair opposite, quietly asking Becks “you gonna drive home tonight?”

Becks shakes his head, his chin brushing against the top of Gary’s hair. “’s way too far, we’ll go in the morning. Let this one get his beauty sleep.”

“Bit late for that,” Roy says automatically. The corner of Gary’s mouth twitches up a tiny bit at the familiar teasing, though he’s too close to sleep to give any more reaction than that.

Roy clears his throat, then adds “that was scary, earlier. I’m glad he’s alright.”

“mmm, well if he wasn’t I’d probably kill him, so…”

“Says you who gets separation anxiety if you’re apart for more than a week at a time.”

Gary expects to hear David laugh the comment off, to say something about Madrid or international breaks or Valencia, but instead he feels him press a soft kiss to the crown of his head. “Yeah, well,” he says, with far more fondness than Gary is able to process in his current state, “’least we don’t have much reason to be, these days.”

[theclearblue]

Ok, ship ask but this time shoujo/josei edition... (just saw your top fav manga list, love them 🥰). What do you think of these ships :

Fruits Basket :

- Yuki / Kakeru (sorry I don't really ship him with Maki)

- Hanajima / Uotani (kinda dislike end pairing for Arisa, she deserve better)

Yona of the Dawn (don't get me wrong, I love Yona/Hak but I like these ships too) :

- Suwon/Hak & Yona/ Lili

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu

- Kikuhiku/ Sukeroku (one of my fav ship, tragic yaoi, I really dislike 'that woman' that ruin everything for my ship)

Sorry if my ask got too long, you can pick whichever ship that you want....

Hello again anon!! Love to see you pop up in here and I'm happy to answer all of these lol 🫡

Yuki/Kakeru

Ship it

1. Not sure if there was one specific moment for me, but I think just seeing their friendship develop over time to the point where Yuki is able to really open up to a friend for the first time is a really compelling journey for Yuki!

2. I think it's funny how Kakeru is able to just piss off Yuki with his antics lmao, but it's also kind of a big moment for Yuki where he isn't pretending to play this "prince" character, Kakeru is able to draw the real Yuki out.

3. Hmm I do probably ship Yuki with both Kakeru and Maki, I like both pairings in different ways

Hanajima/Uotani

Ship it

1. Ahhh I don't think there's ever just a moment but these are the most obvious lesbians of all time ajaksldlvl. Love their opposite vibes but they way they both scare everyone around them and are #1 Toohru protectors is soooo funny and also iconic.

2. I suppose I answered it in the previous section lmao but I think there's such a pure love between them and the love that they share for Toohru they just look out for each other so well and their opposite vibes are so cool, especially because it's like no big deal at all to them.

3. Anon you're so right WHY DID UOTANI END UP WITH A MAAAAAANNNN. Technically not sbout the ship I guess but yeah I really wasn't a big fan of Kureno and her ending up together, felt homophobic 💀

Suwon/Hak

Ship It (Lightly)

1. This is like on the border because even though I'm usually a big multishipper, Yona/Hak are really It for me ya know. I also hc Suwon as aro/ace, but there is some real good potential with Suwon/Hak, and I'm sure this will come as a surprise (after saying it for 500th time ajslslf) but I'm a big angst enjoyer. I probably did ship this more than Yona/Hak at the beginning lmao, and then them reuniting and Hak still feels so hurt? Not just for Yona and her father bur also himself? Wowowowow yeah this ship is pretty good.

2. The angst potentiaaaaallll childhood best friends with maybe a little crush to enemies to !?!?@(#$)#)@*$*@! Goooood they're so messed up Hak is so hurt from everything but he also understands where Suwon is coming from and Suwon giving up that relationship with Hak in order to help the country?? How do you recover from all of these different feelings?? Very good food

3. As much as I like their ship potential it really is Yonahak today, Yonahak tomorrow, Yonahak forever

I'm going to kinda skip Yona/Lili cause I need to reread/catch up on Yona and I don't think I could give a solid answer on Lili rn 🤧 Do trust though I believe in bi4bi Yonahak 🫡

Kikuhiko/Sukeroku

Ship It

1. Everythinggggggg. From the start from the beginning they were IT. I don't even have like, a SUPER good memory since it's been so long since I've watched Rakugo, but god they really are the definition of soulmates (even if sukeroku doesn't realize it...)

2. I think just their journey together is so compelling, they complete each other and bring out their best but also their worst. Kikuhiko is too in his head at all times, Sukeroku is too impulsive, but the way that they balance each other personality wise and also in their rakugo is so enticing to watch, you can't look away from them. They walked so that other disaster gays could run lmao.

3. Yeah ok let's get into the ending lmao. I will always choose to interpret that Shinnosuke is the spiritual successor to Kikuhiko's and Sukeroku's rakugo not...blood related successor of Kikuhiko lmao. I think that fits the story and the themes and the characters waaaay better than Kikuhiko having Shinnosuke as his biological grandchild 💀 It's nature vs nurture in my eyes! He has the nature of Sukeroku because that's his biological grandfather, but Kikuhiko raised him, it's the nurture side! Why it was left open ended...hmm I think it's supposed to be a stylistic choice to reflect how one unravels a rakugo story? But yeah I refuse the other option for my own sanity lmao. Also also people always ignore/forget about Kikuhiko's struggles with gender expression and I'm sad about that :( so important to his character and his relationships throughout the story.