#I'm hoping this formats properly

[ceedak]

can we get a ceedak timeline 🤔 i feel like there’s a lot idk abt them fr 😭😭

yes u absolutely can i could talk about them forever and ever 🥳🥳

disclaimer: i do wanna say this is just from what i’ve gathered because i didn’t become super fixated on nfl rpf until last year </3 one day i’ll do a legit deep dive like an insane person and update with all my findings…

second disclaimer: im delusional yes and a part of me straight up thinks that they’ve had to have hooked up at least once bc i love to psychoanalyze people i'll never meet but i’ll make sure to say when i’m being fully delusional KSDJFHSKDS

putting it under a read more because i’m sure it’ll be much longer than necessary

also i will reblog this and add links to some videos!!

SO before i get into like when ceedee was drafted and such i wanna talk about how invisible string coded they are because i love shit like this sm

both were born in louisiana only about an hour and a half apart from each other until ceedee moved to texas as a child after hurricane katrina hit (he’s said he’s moved around a couple of times as kid in interviews before)

dak went to mississippi st. in college and ceedee’s dream school was LSU (rival colleges… 🚬) but he had committed to oklahoma (also they wouldn’t have met or anything in college anyway because dak was drafted in 2016 and ceedee started playing in college in 2017 but i digress it makes my brain light up anyway lol)

when dak was drafted he was projected to go like late second round/early third round of the draft but 🗿 he got into some trouble beforehand (driving under the influence) and ended up falling to the 4th round (after the front office kept trying to trade up to get a different backup QB)

dak also had to compete for his spot as a backup and was named starter after romo was injured in 2016. this was dak’s rookie year and he led them to the playoffs - almost to the nfc championship game. after this he basically took the job from romo

okay so FAST FORWARD to the 2020 draft. ceedee was projected to go top 10 and he fell all the way to SEVENTEEN so the cowboys were able to grab him then (drafted bpa instead of for need)

idk all of this is just very <333 to me that so many things managed to fall into place just right and they managed to find each other on the same team out of THIRTY TWO teams it makes me weeeep 🤧 also just something else that i think is very cute because i truly am a little insane: ceedee was born april 8th and dak’s jersey number is 4 and ceedee’s is 88 so 4/8 ALL THE DOTS CONNECT SOMEHOW…

so we’ll go through a teensy bit about dak i suppose and then ceedee this won’t be too long

dak: baby of his family and has two brothers. his parents divorced when he was little and he was very close with his mom before she passed away in 2013 (he’s started a foundation since then for cancer research and suicide prevention/mental health). went to mississippi st, cowboys starter his rookie year, etc etc. he also lost his brother to suicide in 2020 and he’s said before he feels a responsibility to live on and carry his and his mom’s legacy throughout his life. he’s like suuuuuper underrated in the league i feel and a lot of cowboys fans are complete assholes to him all the time it makes me so mad cos they could literally never ever make me hate him - he makes me so weepy 😭😭😭 umm but yeah he’s donated a ton to children cancer funds too and donated during BLM protests and things like that - he won the walter payton man of the year award. he just had a baby and got engaged in october (remember for the yaoi LOL) ok im gonna stop here cause i don’t wanna rant too much lol

btw i know what you are dak prescott:

ceedee: MY BELOVED… my favorite my absolute favorite. he has two brothers and two little sisters. idk if he’s the eldest or not tbh i see different things all the time that he’s the second eldest whatever not that important i guess. so blah blah college blah blah - he wears 88 on the team because that’s considered really special to the cowboys franchise and is reserved for elite receivers. idk he’s the most beautiful man ever and he does a lot of donating too - i know he participates in a lot of football youth camps a lot to help kids out and he likes to provide meals to families around thanksgiving and christmas time. a loooot of cowboys fans have criticized him for not being that much of a leader and pouting a lot on the sidelines (which he does sometimes… my mimir) but i think this last season he’s reaaaaallyyy taken a step into more of a leader type position especially with dak being out and he’s proven himself more than enough. he LOOOVES spending money on clothes it’s so cute… gonna be a sad day when the class war happens and i’m faced with cedarian lamb. ummm i also legit think he’s gay and closet is made of glass but whatever

see this is the problem i never stfu but okay CEEDAK what you actually asked about ksjdksjdks

PRE-2020 SEASON: this was before ceedee was drafted (some stuff i found last night) and this is what i mean when i say i haven’t done like a deep dive into these things bc i’m sure there’s soo much more but this kinda gives the general vibes

“I was like a little kid at the playground,” CeeDee tells us. (on the first time Dak texted him to invite him over to his house, says it was surreal.) august 21, 2020

and i actually hunted the exact clip down where he says this: (will reblog with link - skip to 4:25 he talks for like a minute or so - sorry the audio’s funky it’s because of covid so all the reporters weren’t in the room i’m pretty sure) DELUSIONS: you can’t tell me ceedee wasn’t nursing a crush here idgaf

2020 SEASON:

ceedee’s rookie year

personal stuff happened with dak before the season started - this is when he lost his brother to suicide and he’s been really outspoken about mental health since then. on top of that he broke his ankle during week 5 of the season (and tried to snap it back into place by himself on the field). dak was performing on like a sort of insane level before the injury happened so </3 what could’ve been and all that… the what-ifs of it all… so that year they weren’t able to play together as much

Oct 11, 2020: “CeeDee Lamb said he texted Dak as soon as he got out of the shower. Thanked him for everything he’s done for him and they were gonna hold it down for him until they see him on the field again.” (after the game dak got hurt in)

POST 2020 SEASON:

"He came back from his second surgery about two months ago so he’s walking around, rehabbing, doing everything right," Lamb said Wednesday. "It’s great to see, especially when you seen him go down. You saw the look in his eyes and you saw how sad he was and how much this game meant to him. Just to see him smiling again, happy again, being with his guys is a great deal."

"First day he kind of caught me by surprise with his arm strength," Lamb said. "He knows the little nuances of the game to be better. He makes it easy to follow him, if you will."

2021 SEASON

ceedee’s second year, he was in a WR room with amari cooper (currently on the bills) and michael gallup (now retired) blah blah season happened whateverrrr but AFTER this season the front office (i’ll always be mad about this lol) traded amari to the browns for a 5th round pick 💀 hence THIS!!! which i consider the #Real beginning of ceedak:

“Dak Prescott asked for CeeDee Lamb’s locker to be moved next to his: ‘My two other locker mates left, so I was a little lonely. With him being young, hopefully he’s my WR until I’m done playing. Just bring him closer, more conversations, he’s right there to talk and communicate.’”

said he had no doubt ceedee could become his "main guy"

here’s some fun stuff i found from 2021 too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3hCmIZN-YI&ab_channel=DallasCowboys (7 min mark this was after a game winning td in overtime against new england)

“CeeDee Lamb on game-winning 35-yard TD: ‘It was the best feeling ever, honestly.’”

2022 SEASON:

https://youtu.be/T73xGDsFiVo?si=Qn_dwK1yfnHPiMya talks about dak here at 7:50 “all i need is him” 🤧

he’s actually said this a couple times lol he says shit like “we’re all we got” about each other - he’s said it this most recent season too so <3

dak injured his thumb this season though so he was out for like 7 weeks i think i can’t remember off the top of my head lol but again another season where they didn’t get to play much together

fun 2022 stuff:

“Last year, Cowboys caked Dak in the face on the field for his 28th birthday. On his 29th today, CeeDee told us they planned to do the same in the locker room. Hoped Dak would think he was safe after no cake on the field, and then locker room ambush.”

“Scene here: Dak was talking to us at his locker. CeeDee walks past wearing metallic red lens sunglasses indoors and eating chicken. Says the key to following up ass-kicking is ‘keep kicking ass.’”

“Dak on CeeDee’s vibe: Yeah, cool as hell - says ‘keep kicking ass’ while he’s eating.”

“Dak Prescott walked by during our interview with CeeDee Lamb - QB1: CeeDee’s that dude! / WR1: Happy birthday, Dak!”

link posted in reblog: skip to 2:30 he almost says he loves dak lol also very

2023: THE SEASON OF CEEDAK!!!

https://youtu.be/7_WRIzb5fPA?si=R0TETc2qtW0IOP5P the infamous "was gonna take him out for dinner tonight" clip is from this aka what got me hooked on ceedak lol (this interview is just so good in general i love ceedee sm - def recommend watching! such a nice look at his personality)

this is where my delusions take over i deadass think they hooked up at LEAST once around this time lol maybe end of 2022 season maybe early 2023 season IDK but anyway during this year the offense was soo wack for a couple of weeks until the bye week and then ceedee made some noise about it bc he felt like he wasn't being as utilized (which is true i'm so serious mccarthy was SUCH an annoying coach lol) but quotes:

“Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb said Dak Prescott approached him and said: ‘If you have a problem with anything, just come up to me and we’ll talk about it.’ Lamb said he and Dak worked on getting on the same page their first day back in the building after the 49ers loss.”

Dak: ‘I mean, a frustrated player that feels like we all could’ve done better and feels like he can change the game, I understand it. I really do. So it’s in the sense of just communicating with him… CeeDee is a guy that I’ll never lose confidence in and trust who he is and understand why he’s frustrated. But at the end of the day, he’s a leader. It’s about him leading other guys and picking other guys up and him just trying to make sure we’re all pushing our best. That’s where the frustration is, we have to remove that. And he will. He’s a young player that’s growing by the day and he’ll only get better. He’ll be better because of that.’

but after they switched the offense around dak and ceedee went craaaazyyy - ceedee was named all pro, dak was in mvp talks (should have won it to be honest i'm sorry lamar i still love you <3) but 2023 cowboys will seriously haunt me forever lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sudQu72KDXs&ab_channel=NFLonFOX

DELUSIONS: dak announced he was having a baby like two weeks after this game SO let’s just say…. maybe…. perhaps… they were hooking up… ceedee probably knew before the public did - not saying that’s why he seems a little upset at the beginning of this clip cause who knows 🤷‍♀️ like i said DELUSIONS but… i can’t help it when the timeline timelines don’t shoot the messenger

also i do wanna mention that dak’s fiance follows a loooot of cowboys players on ig but she does not follow ceedee and he doesn’t follow her AGAIN just delusions…. but… iykyk 👀

sooo they were poppin off in 2023, ceedee was breaking records and shit, won nfc east, went to the playoffs and then i DON'T wanna talk about it i have my theories about wtf happened during that playoffs packers game but 💀💀 anyway the offseason before the 2024 season was genuinely the worst of my life because BOTH ceedee and dak had to get extended and jerry jones (who is the worst) waited until after training camp to get them both signed lol so ceedee wasn't participating in training camp at all which affected them in the beginning of the 2024 season which was a complete mess A MESS but here's some fun stuff after ceedee signed his extension/during that offseason

“Remarkable. That’s who CeeDee Lamb is. … He’s special. He’s just getting going and as long as I’m here, he’s gonna keep stacking these records year after year.”

“CeeDee Lamb strongly defended Dak: No one deserves the criticism that he gets. The way he gets talked about is crazy.”

2023-2024 OFFSEASON:

worst months of my life lol ceedee was holding out for his new contract and didn’t get it signed until like… august i think? anddd dak was signed fucking three hours before kickoff the first week of the season lol i HATE this front office

but here’s some fun quotes after ceedee was signed:

CeeDee Lamb: “We were texting quite a bit. Obviously I missed being out there, competing with him… for is being so in tune together and all it takes is one text message or one conversation, one phone call… for us both… having the same passion for the game, same love for the game. I want what’s best for Dak and vice versa. Shout out to him too for getting that bag, too. We’ll be together for the next five years.”

Dak Prescott on CeeDee Lamb’s added muscle weight: “He’s wearing a lot more sleeveless shirts. As long as the speed is there, and it looks like it is (in practice), I’m fine with however big he is.” LMAO??

Dak Prescott: “I peeped the biceps. He’s wearing more sleeveless shirts now.”

Dak Prescott recently on CeeDee Lamb: “He’s talented. He works hard. He’s special. He’s the best receiver in the league for a reason. And I’ve seen Instagram videos. I know you’ve seen him. He’s working. And he works hard. So I have no angst, no worries about when he gets here that we’re not going to pick up where we left off. And when you're a stud like that and you’re smart like he is and you’re good at communicating, that makes that process that much easier. So it’s not like we’ve got to build something. We’ve got that. We just got to reignite it when he gets here.”

on how much ceedee worked with dak at the field at dak’s house even though he was staying away from the team: “Often. I would say quite often. Anytime that I’m back in town, and he’s obviously back here, I hit him and then… it’s very… good having a rich quarterback.”

Dak Prescott’s thoughts on the tandem of him and CeeDee Lamb being compared to legendary duos like Joe Montana and Jerry Rice: “I think that says a lot just cause we’ve only done it for four years and you just named some of those duos that did it for their whole careers. But then again, I feel like we can be better than all of them… so love the comparisons, they sound good and all, but hopefully one day people are saying these next duos and next tandems can be like me and CeeDee.” (i will kms over this quote one day)

i’m sure there’s things i’m missing but this is already sooooo long lol so

2024 SEASON:

WORST SEASON OF MY LIFEEEEEE / ceedak angst era

the front office set this team up to fail and let like a ton of players walk in the offseason, didn’t use free agency, injury riddled team, had a bunch of rookies starting but anyway just gonna go game by game really quick because this is when i was locked tf in and it’s more recent so ?? more detail seems alright when it's necessary also i wrote so many half-finished post-game fics this season to cope with how terrible it was i’m cryingggg it was insane

cowboys vs browns: i was at this game :) good game they won

cowboys vs saints: blocked this game out actually!!!

cowboys vs ravens: fake ass comeback also the game ceedee CRASHED OUT on the field lskdjslkdjsskjdsk which is so funny bc i literally love lamar sm and was so excited to watch but… my players wanted to make me MISERABLE

this was said a day or two after the game by ceedee (bc he fumbled during it and then wasn't there for post game media people andddd was yelling at dak on the sideline 🗿)

“Our relationship has, if anything, gotten stronger. Don’t let what, what’s out there fool you. We’re brothers to the end. We know that we all we got, and I tip my hat off to him. I got the utmost respect for him.”

“So with that being said, everything is gonna come out - the energy, the passion, the love, the fight - and then we’ll make up in the end. So no, no craziness now. Don’t.”

dak also said something about his rhythm with ceedee being a “rare feeling” which… okay internalized homophobia but i CANNOT for the life of me find the actual quote i’ve searched through my gallery but it’s not there </3 if i find i’ll add later (i’m pretty sure it was after the baltimore game but i can’t remember)

cowboys vs giants: this is a tremicah game no need to mention ceedak idt - nasty ugly win but whatever

cowboys vs steelers: dak prescott giving me a heart attack 12 fucking times during this game

cowboys vs lions: don’t wanna talk about it! i’m a hater! always will be sorry!!! ben johnson statpadding on my sorry ass terrible team i was SICKKKKK

BYE WEEK: my trials and tribulations…. my nfl rpf…

CeeDee Lamb on getting in some extra work with Dak Prescott during their bye week: “We love our bye weeks. We took advantage of it. We got right. We used every opportunity to get better and I feel like it’s going to show. We got on some routes, and obviously the timing is everything. We needed that.”

now ummm this is the week dak got engaged so. which is really funny because after the announcement post on ig ceedee went GHOST on instagramksjdjks like i went back to check because i’m crazy (these are delusions btw) and he had been posting like once a week… maybe once every two weeks PRETTY consistently like for at least a couple of months but after the engagement happened there was pretty much nothing for like… almost two months?? ummm which AGAIN i’m not saying anything i’m not insinuating anything buuuuut…… buuuuut….. also it’s really fucking funny because in this same interview ceedee dropped that he left the country during the bye week but didn’t post it on socials at all so i’m like ohhhh… you’re coping w the engagement… i see LMAO anyway

cowboys vs 49ers: sigghhhh….. lets get into it

SO this was a loss but two ceedee touchdowns.. i’m leaving with something!!!

“Yeah, I found CeeDee,” Prescott said when reflecting back on Lamb’s breakout in the Bay Area. “He did a good job of getting open, running all of his routes hard no matter where he was, if he was the one or if he was backside on a concept. Loved his intentionality in the game. He kind of said something like that to me during the game, midway through the game, like ‘Yeah, we’re back.’ And that was before, I think, his two touchdown drives. So just him even playing with that confidence, communicating that, it gives me a lot of confidence.”

super hopeful right maybe they'll really connect again and things'll be fine LOL

cowboys vs falcons: worst game ever dak tore his hamstring off the bone like a fucking idiot and ceedee sprained his AC joint and would not stop going back out into the game i was ready to kms

cowboys vs eagles: not talking about it idc

cowboys vs texans: loss because ofc but whatever ceedak hugged before the game tho so i didn’t gaf about the loss - i can’t find the clip rn but if i do i’ll post it

cowboys vs commanders: this is when i accepted they were tanking and then they decided to just be elite for whatever reason lol made me so happy though ceedee was so happy <33

cowboys vs giants: whatever

cowboys vs bengals: worst fucking game of my life nothing to do with ceedak but one of my other fave player’s (i also ship him w ceedee idgaf) knee EXPLODED so that was so much fun to deal with

cowboys vs panthers: i still can’t believe bryce young decided to forget how to play football in this game im crying

cowboys vs tampa: again they just wanted to be elite for whatever reason

cowboys vs: eagles: don’t wanna talk about it idc

cowboys vs commanders: WHATEVER thanks for the 12th draft pick ashton jeanty you will be a cowboy

SO. that’s basically where everything's at lmfao worst season EVERRRRR with ceedak ANGST um but yeah hopefully 2025 will be better... i’m cautiously optimistic because their old coach is finally FINALLY gone because he was really limiting them and their ability you know? 2023 season was amazing and then 2024 started and it was like… mccarthy just reverted back to his old scheme that wasn’t working. it was really annoyingksdkskds. but the new coach (despite it seeming like a silly hire) had a decent press conference (that ceedee didn’t attend bc he was playing around in paris LOL) andddd he seems to be setting up a nice staff around him so hopefully hopefully hopefully 2025 is a lot better and ceedak will save me again… can’t wait for training camp omg

anyway if u read all this i’m SO sorry i hope it’s… expansive enough?? i wanted to include kind of how it’s been through the years and i had a lot more to add for 2023/2024 because that’s when my adhd was just like Yea let’s hyperfixate on this so. been stuck here for awhile and i’ll probably be stuck here for years and years and years <3

[ferronite]

On Faded Gold and Starless Skies

Chapter 2: First Meetings

<- Previous Chapter Next Chapter ->

(A/N: This one is uh. quite a bit longer than the last (read: 2762 words) but I don't think it came out too bad, especially considering most of it was written between the hours of 1 and 5am. Might be a bit clunky in places though, so I'll apologise for that in advance. Anyway as always feedback/comments are appreciated ^_^)

It was around three days after that meeting that I found myself loitering nervously outside an employee breakroom. The second meeting – or, well, briefing, I suppose – hadn’t been anywhere near as jarring as the first, just a more detailed explanation of what would be expected of me in this job.

…I guess it was a little strange to be spoken to as something other than just another nameless employee.

Well, anyway, the meeting was fairly uneventful. Honestly, it was pretty boring, but I had to pay attention anyway – it was all important information, after all. A lot of it just felt like disclaimers – we won’t have access to the majority of the fancy tech that the LCB do, we’ll receive less support than them; that kind of thing. We don’t get a driver like them, either – I’m expected to do that, apparently.

I didn’t even realise I could drive, if I’m honest.

Turns out I can, despite – well, everything. Guess I must’ve had a license before all this. We’re lucky I apparently didn’t forget everything, huh?

…At least our mode of transport is fairly normal.

None of that was what had me standing awkwardly in front of the door to a seemingly random breakroom at 10:59 am, though. No, that was because behind that door, inside that room, were the six people I would be working with for the entirety of our mission. The people I was expected to… well, manage.

And honestly? I was terrified.

What if something went wrong? What if they decided they didn’t like me, or that they didn’t want to listen? What would I do then?

But then, those were all hypotheticals. And you can’t find out what’ll happen if you don’t try.

So I let out a steadying breath in a crackle of static, and reached for the door.

Nobody in the room seemed to notice when the door swung open. But the quiet chatter in the room paused abruptly as it closed again with a thud, six heads turning to stare in its – and my – direction.

There was a brief but extremely awkward silence before someone mercifully spoke up.

“Um, are you… the person we were meant to be meeting here? The department manager, or something?”

[Well, I’d guess so. I was told to come here after-]

I paused at the confused looks around the room.

[Oh. Dammit. Wait a second.]

I could feel everyone’s gazes boring into me as I rummaged through my pockets in search of a notepad.

“Sorry about that. But yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m the person you were waiting for. You’re the other LCS members, right?”

I handed the notepad to the person who’d spoken, fixing them with what I hoped was a suitably sheepish look.

“Oh, well… that’s good, I guess? It’s nice to meet you-”

“Hey, why can’t we understand what you’re saying? If this guy actually is our manager, the bosses would’ve told us about this, wouldn’t they? …It’s not just me that’s hearing static, right?”

Somewhat awkwardly, I took back the notepad they offered me. Chatter surfaced around the room as I wrote.

“Oh, don’t worry, I can’t understand them either. It’s a little odd, isn’t it?”

“This can’t be them. They wouldn’t be dumb enough to give us someone who can’t even talk.”

“Man, this is stupid. I knew I shouldn’t have listened to those guys. Can we go?”

“…They’re writing. We should be quiet.”

The room fell silent as I handed the message back to the same person as before, buzzing nervously. They read my words aloud this time, rather unfortunately for me.

“Yeah, it’s… not great, is it? I’m very sorry about all this. I was told I’d form some kind of pact or contract or something with you all, and that it’d let you understand me, but, well. They never actually… told me how to do that? So I really don’t know what I’m meant to do here. I’m sorry.”

The room erupted into chaos.

Their voices pierced through me, rattling around in my head; merging, morphing and overlapping until I couldn’t hear any words, only an endless, horrible din that left me unable to think.

But through that awful noise, I heard someone trying to get my attention. I couldn’t make out their exact words, but… it sounded as though they were trying to calm me down. Was I panicking? I must’ve been.

So, I did as they asked. Tried to slow my breathing, and focus on something that wasn’t this. I pictured a cliff overlooking the City from a distance, stars glimmering in the clear night sky, the quiet breeze brushing past, a distorted figure standing on the cliff’s edge in front of me-

A searing pain shot through me, blinding me for a split second just as something dark rushed past me – or was it coming from me? – and I was left almost doubled over as the agony faded. At the very edge of my vision, I registered that everyone else in the room appeared to be in varying degrees of pain, as well; some were doubled over like I was, most of the others recoiling with pained expressions – though one seemed unaffected, save for their tight grip on their arm.

[Talk about an awful first impression…] I muttered to myself as I straightened up.

“Hey, at least it wasn’t boring!”

Everything seemed to grind to a halt as their words registered with me.

[Wait, did you-]

“Did I just- Can I understand you now?”

Huh. Well, I guess that’s how you make a contract. Wish they’d told me it’d hurt so much.

“Oh. Well… that’s a good thing, I guess?” The person I’d been giving my messages to spoke up. Now that everything was a bit calmer, (even if I was still a bit thrown by what had just happened,) I could recognise them from the files I had been given.

Wavy black hair, green eyes and glasses – this was Susan. 24 years of age, the second child of a fairly well-off Nestborn family, and an employee at an unspecified Wing before ending up here (apparently recruited directly from there, though that seems a bit weird.)

The files had contained a lot less information than I had expected, if I’m honest – most of their contents had been redacted when I actually read them properly.

Anyway, their file described them as being fairly reasonable and unlikely to cause any fuss – I could only hope that turned out to be true.

“Yeah, definitely a good thing! Hey there- I don’t actually know your name, but are you okay there? You aren’t looking too great.” The other person, a man with red eyes, responded.

Ah, that would be Leo. The hat would’ve given it away even if I couldn’t see his face. His file didn’t say that much, honestly – just that he was a high ranking Fixer, around 42 years old, and that whilst he was unlikely to object to my orders, his enthusiasm might cause problems.

He was looking at me oddly. Oh, right, he was talking to me.

[I mean it feels like someone just tried to peel back my skin with a pair of rusted pliers, snap my ribs, and pull out my heart with their bare hands, but I’ll probably be fine in a bit.]

“Well, if you say so!” He smiled, seemingly not about to push the matter any further, and returned to where he had been sat before everything happened, lounging with his arms draped over the back of the seat in a rather inelegant sprawl.

The others seemed to take this as their que to sit down as well, though the room remained quiet as everyone stared at me instead of talking to each other.

[Um. Hi?]

Silence.

[I’m so sorry about all of this. I don’t think I’ve ever done anything like this before, and I genuinely had no clue that would happen. I thought-]

“Man, is this really who they put in charge of this? Some nervous wimp with an ugly prosthetic? They should’ve picked me instead – bet I’d be way better at it!”

My awkward rambling was cut off by the woman draped across the largest sofa in the room, lying across it so as to take up almost the entire thing by herself. Blonde hair and quite an attitude (though I couldn’t exactly claim she was wrong); this had to be Lillian. According to her file, she was a Syndicate member who ran away after some unspecified incident (the details of this were redacted), aged 25, and was noted to be likely to reject my orders due to believing herself to be better, which… yeah, that seemed accurate.

My attempt to formulate a response to her was mercifully made unnecessary by the older woman who was perched elegantly on the seat next to Leo.

“That’s quite the rude thing to say to someone you’ve only just met. I’d tell you to apologise, but I know for a fact that you won’t.”

Judging by the poise, this must be Mary. The 38-year-old daughter of a wealthy company owner (though, once again, the specifics were redacted – this was starting to get annoying) who had been engaged to the heir to a major corporation. Whilst I’d thought she was a widow when I glanced at her file, it turns out her fiancé died just under a week before their wedding date; a murder, though the culprit was never found. She was described as “unlikely to outwardly give you any trouble”, whatever that means.

“Why would I? They haven’t done anything to prove me wrong, anyway!”

“You shouldn’t make assumptions about people you’ve just met.”

“Nobody’s stopping me, are they?”

Their bickering continued, with Leo soon joining in – though he did little more than escalate the situation. I backed away quietly, only stopping when I bumped into someone slumped on a chair behind me.

[Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there.]

“…Don’t worry about it.”

The blank expression would’ve given away that this man was Mint, even if the covered eye and heavy dark circles hadn’t. 29 years old, and an information specialist Fixer for a relatively small Office, having joined after some mysterious incident at the school he had worked at – presumably at the same time as he started using his pseudonym. (his old workplace and name were, as expected, redacted.) The notes on his file were mostly about his general lack of emotional response, though there was something interesting mentioned – a piece of advice that simply told me to keep him away from birds of the corvid variety.

[If you’re sure… hope I didn’t hurt you, though.]

“You didn’t. Wouldn’t have mattered if you had, though.”

Huh. Well, the file wasn’t lying.

I was cut off from my train of thought as the argument in the background grew louder. It was presumably my job as the manager to stop them, but would they listen?

Possibly sensing my discomfort, Susan attempted to intervene.

“Guys? Do you think that maybe-”

“Attempted” being the key word there, as their voice was easily eclipsed by the shouting of the others. They closed their mouth and stared quietly at their lap as I attempted to shoot them a sympathetic look.

I cleared my throat, with the intention of interrupting them myself.

[H-]

“Would you guys shut up?”

Before I could even get a word out, the final person in the room (and the only one to remain standing) snapped at the three, the force behind their words seeming to shock them into silence.

“Thank fuck. You have enough sense to be quiet, at least.”

Amaryn was an… interesting case. His file contained virtually no information – just an approximated age (around 28 years old), and a warning about his volatility, especially regarding his past. There was a specific notice to not ask about his blindfold under any circumstances.

They seem to be right about the anger, so I wouldn’t like to risk asking him for details. I did, however, figure I should take advantage of the silence.

[Well then, now you’re all quiet, I’m sorry that this hasn’t exactly been the best of first impressions.]

“Yeah, I’ll bet.”

[Anyway. I am, as you have likely guessed, the appointed Executive Manager of the LCS, Eris. As per the contracts, and to ensure that our mission is completed relatively smoothly, you are expected to follow my orders – though, if I’m honest, I know you are unlikely to do so willingly to begin with. However, I will not let you hold me responsible if you decide to ignore me and get yourselves killed as a result.]

Luckily, my near-constant rehearsal of my introductory lines had paid off in the end. The others (or Sinners, as I supposed I should call them – the higher ups evidently decided not to bother with a unique name) didn’t speak out whatsoever during my speech, and the looks they were giving me seemed less dismissive.

Well, most of them. Lillian was still staring at me with a good bit of disdain.

“Hm. You don’t seem entirely useless after all!” She said.

[…Thank you? I’m guessing you’ve all already been told about our department and mission, right?]

“Yeah, we have been-” Susan was interrupted mid-reply.

“We’re the reject crew, right? Not good enough for the main one so they shoved us here instead.”

Well, that was one way to put it, but… Amaryn wasn’t exactly wrong.

“Hey! Isn’t that kinda rude, Ams?”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Are you calling me a reject?”

Just as it was starting to look as though yet another fight was going to break out, a sharp tone rang out from my pocket, cutting through the argument before it could begin in earnest. Everyone turned to stare as I dug out my phone.

The message contained two main pieces of information. One, someone had requested another meeting with me for some unspecified purpose, and two…

[Well, guys, looks like our Department has been fully approved – we’re going to be setting off in two days.]

“That seems rather quick. Are there any other details?”

[Not really, just that we’ll all be informed of the specific time later, and that I should remind you all that you will be expected to wear your company uniforms during all active hours once we’ve left.] Nobody had worn their uniforms to this meeting, myself included – I’d been specifically instructed not to, in fact, though I didn’t know why.

“Was that all? They… didn’t mention anything else?” Mary had an unreadable expression on her face – perhaps she was disappointed by how the Company was organising things?

[Nope. Is there something they should’ve told me?]

“Oh, no, nothing. I just thought it was a little odd that they sent you a message just for that.”

Hm. Okay.

“So, uh, now what?” Leo asked.

Good question.

[I guess we just wait for them to send the details through? I should… probably be heading off in a minute, though – someone just requested a meeting with me in half an hour.]

“Oh, really? Shame, I would’ve liked to talk to you! But yeah, makes sense.”

I would’ve liked to talk to everyone properly as well, honestly. But…

[Well, we’ll all have plenty of time to get to know each other once we’ve set off!]

“That’s a good point! Remind me to tell you about my trip to District 24 next time I see you!”

I heard a quiet, exasperated sigh from somewhere in the room.

[Alright, I will,] I said, turning to leave, [But I really should be going now. I’ll see you all in a couple of days.]

Various goodbyes could be heard as I left, some sounding rather more enthusiastic than others. Mint seemed to be staring at me as I closed the door, though when I tried to get his attention his gaze dropped to the floor once more.

I contemplated the “meeting” as I walked slowly down the corridor.  Sure, it hadn’t exactly been the most stellar of first impressions, and the group seemed to get into arguments concerningly easily, but… it honestly didn’t seem to be nearly as bad as I had been fearing.

In fact, I was almost hopeful. Perhaps with a bit of time (and some potentially life-threatening excursions), we could grow to be an actually functional and cohesive Department.

…It’s probably better to not let myself get too confident there, though.

(The figure in my dreams was staring at me, this time. Their face blurred when I tried to get a better look.)

[iamyounicorn]

∞

"Eu rio, você ama Eu rio, cê oceano"

[I laugh, you love it I river, you ocean]

(Estrondo by Plutão Já Foi Planeta)

[https-rediation]

Canon Heights(???) & Carmen Sandiego

Hi all 👋

I've recovered from the month and a half I spent on the Carmen Sandiego timeline and am back to my regularly scheduled obsessing

Which has expanded to the characters and how tall they are because seriously how tall are they oml????

Now, I assume plenty of us have seen this image before:

You can find it on the Official Carmen Sandiego Facebook back from Oct 2019 (not sure about the Instagram or Twitter I'm too lazy to check)

It's widely been used as the canon basis for the character's heights, though I found myself unsure of its reliability

There have been a multitude of posts using the same "Your [Insert Topic Here] Your Carmen Sandiego Character" format, none of which seem to be canon to the show

The Zodiac and Birth Month ones actively contradict each other after all

And I can hear you saying "this really doesn't matter, this is ridiculous online person I don't know"

And you would be correct but I'm nothing if not a nerd so guess what I stumbled upon during my timeline rewatch

Boom

Directly from the show, Graham's mugshot. This is a very frustrating image to be honest because if you look closely between the 5 and 6 foot mark there are 10 lines as opposed to the 12 there should be corresponding to each inch

But oh! There's another image with his mug shot!

This one has no numbers.

So I did what any sane person would do and resorted to math

First I took Chief's image and deleted her from existence, leaving only Graham

Then I undistorted the photo so that it properly lined up with the flat version Bellum displayed so I would know where the foot markers would line up

These were 14 notches apart. Equally unhelpful. So I accepted my fate and pulled out the pixel measurements. Between the 5 foot and 6 foot line was 405 pixels

Between the 5 foot mark and Graham's head was 358 pixels

Using this very simple equation

[A (px) / B (px)] * B (in) = A (in)

We can find out how tall Graham is

358/405 * 12 = 10.61

Round that up to 11 inches and add the 60 inches that makes up 5ft we get a resounding height of 5'11" (or 179 cm)

(if you're confused on why the math works, we know that 405 pixels = 12 inches, we're looking to find what 358 pixels out of that 405 is which is why we multiply that fraction by 12. 405/405 times 12 would equal 12, same idea applies to 358/405. I hope this makes sense.)

For the rest of the characters we can use this lovely height chart

You can find this chart on the Official Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (I checked). They're separated into individual photos, I just lined them all up into one big one here, it has been unaltered otherwise.

Using the same formula the character's heights are as such (rounded up or down accordingly by the decimals): Coach Brunt: 6'10" (208 cm) Countess Cleo: 6'6" (197 cm) Boris: 6'6" (198 cm) Male A.C.M.E. Agent: 6'4" (194 cm) Cookie Booker: 6'4" (193 cm) Chief: 6'4" (192 cm) Shadowsan: 6'4" (192 cm) Le Chevre: 6'3" (190 cm) Devineaux: 6'3" (190 cm) Prof. Maelstrom: 6'2" (187 cm) Zack: 6'1" (186 cm) Agent Zari: 6'0" (182 cm) Mime Bomb: 5'11" (180 cm) Crackle: 5'11" (179 cm) Carmen: 5'10" (177 cm) Tigress: 5'10" (177 cm) Ivy: 5'10" (177 cm) El Topo: 5'6" (168 cm) Vlad: 5'7" (171 cm) Julia: 5'8" (172 cm) Teenage Carmen: 5'5" (166 cm) Dr. Bellum: 5'3" (159 cm) Player: 5'4" (162 cm) Child Carmen: 3'10" (117 cm) Kid Carmen: 2'6" (77 cm)

What does this mean? Either the cast of Carmen Sandiego is ridiculously tall or this is all vaguely nonsense

Regardless of my dubious findings I thought it was fun and might as well post what I had

The chart itself does have some merit though, using Carmen's 5'7" that is listed in the Facebook post as a basis you get these heights instead:

Coach Brunt: 6'7" (200 cm) Countess Cleo: 6'2" (189 cm) Boris: 6'3" (190 cm) Male A.C.M.E. Agent: 6'1" (186 cm) Cookie Booker: 6'1" (186 cm) Chief: 6'0" (184 cm) Shadowsan: 6'0" (184 cm) Le Chevre: 6'0" (182 cm) Devineaux: 6'0" (182 cm) Prof: Maelstrom: 5'11" (180 cm) Zack: 5'10" (178 cm) Agent Zari: 5'9" (175 cm) Mime Bomb: 5'8" (173 cm) Crackle: 5'8" (172 cm) Carmen: 5'7" (170 cm) Tigress: 5'7" (171 cm) Ivy: 5'7" (170 cm) El Topo: 5'3" (161 cm) Vlad: 5'5" (164 cm) Julia: 5'5" (165 cm) Teen Carmen: 5'3" (159 cm) Dr. Bellum: 5'0" (153 cm) Player: 5'1" (156 cm) Child Carmen: 3'8" (113 cm) Kid Carmen: 2'5" (74 cm)

This one feels slightly less outlandish, but really Player is still stuck at 5'1" as a 16 year old so how realistic can it be

I hope someone enjoyed my ramblings, however inconclusive they may have been 🙌

[bamfkeeper]

Breed.

RQ: 'I hope you are doing well. I'm not gonna lie, I was so excited when I saw that your requests are open! I've been loving your work and I am pumped! I also have crazy baby fever and was eating up the pregnancy request you filled. Since you've already done that angle, how would you feel about the aforementioned breeding kink Kurt has in one of your original NSFW head cannons for him which includes info for a masculine but gender-neutral reader. It can be in any format you want and no worries if you don't feel like writing for it or for the gender neutral angle specifically. I understand writing every day is exhausting and appreciate all the work you've already done. It is excellent!' - Anon

Warnings: 18+ Minors DNI. Gender neutral reader, but masculine body parts are described and terms are used (hopefully I understood the request properly). Breeding kink, blowjobs & deepthroat, anal play & sex pls prep irl 😭, somewhat feral Kurt hehe.

A/N: I don't mind at all, I have been wanting to write more masculine readers anyway since I have had a handful of people message me and ask. Even though this is a gender neutral with masculine features, I still hope it is enjoyable. Did not edit any mistakes please ignore danke.

WC: 1.8k

"Kurt?" your eyes spotted your blue boyfriend after he teleported to your room. "What's gotten into you?" you questioned, you had been lounging on the bed with a book when Kurt appeared, nearly prowling and crawling his way over to you. He was nipping and kissing your neck before another word could be spoken, eager and desperate. You were surprised, he hadn't behaved like this before.

He had yet to speak to you, he was busy nipping and kissing your skin. You couldn't deny how good it felt, he always knew the spots to tease you. His hands roamed your body, feeling over you and teasing down your sides. His gentle fingertips tickling ever so slightly on your bare skin.

"Need you, liebe," he rasped, his hard cock grinding into your leg and making your cheeks flush, your own dick slowly waking up. When he lifted from where he was buried, you could see how needy he was by his expression. His cheeks dusted with violet and he was panting, almost whining at you. As you looked at him, you felt your heart speed up. He was so desperate, but you knew his patience was waning, his grip on you had become more possessive.

"Bitte....bitte," he groaned, his cock leaking and swollen. It made you swallow thickly, how big it looked just from his desperation. The pretty blue dick blushed with purple and the head so angry, slick with precum that had been spreading on your leg.

Your smile was soft and understanding, you reached up and cupped his face. His cheeks were so soft and velvety, you adored how he felt against your skin. "Are you rutting?" you teased, his eyes widened and the only response you got was a strangled cry. He pinned you down, his chest heaving as he stared down at you. "Can't...resist." he panted, his hand moved down your abdomen, gripping your hips.

Once he struggled to have you bare, he leaned down to your cock, literally panting by now. His mouth worked you, but he didn't waste too much time sucking you off, he flipped you onto your belly, moving and spreading you open. He gazed as you before he began lapping at your hole. His tongue pressed firmly on your tight ring, slowly and carefully prodding his way inside after a multitude of eager laps.

You moaned as you felt his tongue work you, it didn't do much to prep you other than get you nice and slick for him. You looked between your legs and saw his cock bobbing, you whined softly and pulled away from his delightful tongue, earning a confused growl from him.

You shifted your body, facing his eager cock and you gently stroked him, your tongue running over his head and he growled again. Kurt lifted himself up on his knees and his body moved over yours, pushing his hips so his cock slid further into your mouth. You groaned at the sensation of him stretching your throat, but you eagerly let him slowly thrust into you. Your tongue and mouth worked him as his hips moved, your nose buried in his pubic hair while he moved.

His cock was weeping, coating your tongue and the back of your throat in his precum with each thrust. Kurt's soft moans filled the room, your chin was coated with saliva, his balls gently slapping your chin each time his hips moved forward. You managed to make a whine, and he pulled out of you, allowing you a moment to breath and relax your jaw. "Turn around," he rasped, his eyes were darker than normal and it was hard to ignore your own cock throb at his tone of voice.

You felt his head poke your ass, and you stiffened up. "I'm sorry, liebe...I can't help myself." he whispered and he slowly sunk himself into you. The way his cock stretched you made your eyes widen and a loud mewl escape your trembling lips. It burned, and it felt so good. He pushed until he was completely hilted in your ass, his eyes half lidded as his hands gripped your hips.

His tail thrashed behind him, it took everything in Kurt's soul not to immediately thrust into you.

But he knew better.

He wanted you to adjust, he was rather eager anyway.

"Ahh...oh my god..." you gasped, your fists holding the sheets in an iron grip, your body struggling but you breathed steadily in hopes of tricking yourself into relaxing. You wanted to ease up so he could move without any sort of discomfort.

"How do you feel now, schatz?" he rasped after a few minutes, you could feel him shaking behind you, the poor German was struggling so bad. You gently pressed your hips back to him, signaling it was okay for him to move. With that silent invitation, he glanced down at you for a brief second to make sure that's what you wanted, then he pulled himself back slowly. His thick cock dragging out of you teasingly before thrusting back inside with the quick snap of his hips.

A soft cry exited your throat as you felt him thrust all the way back inside, and you felt your cock throb when he pushed against that sweet spot. Kurt's thrusts were slow at first, slow but firm, and then they quickened. Soon he was thrusting at an even and fast pace, his chest against your back as his hips refused to stop moving. Kurt's warm breath spread across your neck and back as he let out quick pants with each thrust.

Good god did you feel good, so deliciously tight, you were milking him.

"Naughty...gluttonous...little thing, Mein Gott..." he whispered through his teeth, baring them as he hissed slightly while your ass tightened around his base. "You are going to be the death of me..." he rasped out, looking down to watch his blue cock disappear within you each time. He throbbed more seeing how he stretched your sweet, swollen hole, moaning loudly against you as his balls slapped into yours.

"Mmn...Kurt, ah...you feel so good, you're stretching my ass out," you rasped to him, "I'm gluttonous for you only," you replied to his teasing comment, smiling a bit. "It's a sin and I should be reprimanded for it, right Mister Priest?" you teased him right back, pushing backwards into his thrust, the slight angle change made Kurt growl out.

Suddenly he was almost laying on you, pounding into you even harder. "Ah, ah, liebe....I am gonna put a bamf in you..." he groaned against the back of your neck, his teeth gently biting your skin and holding on while his body was controlling him. He couldn't help himself, he needed this. So badly.

You whined in response to this, knowing that no, not really, but fantasy was too much to deny. Poor Kurt was pent up and you could tell by the pure desperation he was fucking you in. His cock was also rubbing that sweet spot inside you perfectly, how could you deny him?

"Ah, yes Kurt! Put a bamf in me, put a lot of them! I wanna be full of you, full and bred, please," you moaned back out to him, egging him on with your wavering voice and tearful cries of pleasure. It seemed to be all he needed. His tail wrapped around your body and secured you against him, his hips snapping into your ass that you were sure a bruise would be left when you were done.

"I am going to fill you full of my seed, you will be full and bred like a good partner....you'll hold me in you, I will put more inside again and again...." he slurred like he were drunk, but just so taken with pleasure he couldn't help it. No one could make him feel so good, no one but you. He held you tight, hugging your body close in such a way that you knew you were loved, and he was fucking you so damn good all the while.

You couldn't even focus, god he was ruining you.

Your eyes were barely open, you swore you looked like an idiot, maybe they were crossed? You had no clue.

Kurt panted quicker, snapping harder and faster, his tail snaked down and wrapped around your poor neglected cock and stroked you, adding more fuel to the fire. Your cries increased, your cock leaked as his tail worked its magic. "Come for me, liebe...let me know how I make you feel...I will come with you, and fill you so good...I'll breed you nice and full..."

"I'm c-close," you warned, right as his cock found a new angle inside and continuously hit your pleasure spot, that tender bit of flesh deep inside that made you want to scream. And you did. You cried out, his name and a long list of 'oh god's' and profanities left your mouth as you felt your dick swell before releasing on to the sheets below your belly.

In return, Kurt also came hard, but his thrusting didn't stop. He continued, his hips moving back and forth as his dick continuously leaked out and shot thick ropes of his seed inside your ass. You felt it slosh as he just kept coming. Was he this pent up? Or just really horny? It made you want to come again, knowing this is what you did to him.

His head fell back and finally, he came to a stop, his cock still sheathed into you. The room was filled with heavy panting, you could barely hold your own hips up on your shaky legs. Kurt was dazed, he felt like he was completely empty, you had milked him. Your asshole squeezed him like a vice and refused to let him go.

After some maneuvering, Kurt laid beside you, his arms wrapped around your body and held you flush against him. You were both a little sweaty, but he didn't care at the moment, wanting to stay buried in you for the time being. "Liebe...you felt so...wunderbar..." he whispered against your neck, his lips pressing tender kisses on the spot he bit.

You snuggled back into him, pressing your back against his chest, feeling his cock still inside you but you didn't want him out yet. "Stay inside...keeps your cum in me." you whispered, Kurt's grip tightened on you in response.

"Ja...keeps my seed in you." he purred against your skin. "Bred so well..." he rasped weakly, he was so tired now, the sleepiness of the high was hitting him and he wanted to rest. You were both dirty, but for now, you both just wanted to relish and drag out the moment as long as possible.

Besides, feeling each other like this was your favorite thing, and it was his too.

Thanks for reading.

*BAMF*

Dividers by @/adornedwithlight

Cover image from X-Men 97.

[fauchart]

S?? E?? - 'When Snakey Met Annie...'

An early season Bob-centric episode in which Ann finds Snake again after he's robbed her diner and, charmed and stupid, she tries to get him to date her - he's entirely uninterested until she mentions living across the penitentiary. The wheels start to turn and all of a sudden, he welcomes the idea... Meanwhile, Bob had been reading self-improvement books (anger management, how to let go of grudges, revenge isn't the answer etc) and was on his very best behaviour, planning on waiting out his sentence and come back to society a changed man, ready for a fresh start... But when the opportunity to escape is presented as readily as it is here, he shrugs off all of his good decisions, throws his book above his shoulder and switches back to crazed maniac in an instant - and back to hunting Bart he goes! Though the focus of the episode will be Bob and Bart, several times throughout the episode there will be appearances of Snake trying to drop the charade with Ann now that he got what he wanted - but each time he'll have to keep up the farce for one reason or another;

(Listen, Snake growing a conscience and suddenly refusing to violate carpool lane rules for a one-off joke is hilarious to me. Don't look at me like that)

While their B-Plot is going on and intermittently shows them fleeing the law by car in gradually stupider situations - Bob has managed to corner Bart against the big window pane of the Mall. As he lifts his knife, about to strike... Snake's car suddenly crashes through that window and flies out of the mall above Bart, before ramming straight into Bob and splattering him on the pavement. The end of a sequence parodying the Mall Car Chase scene from the Blues Brothers.

"Dude, that was not a shortcut." Cut to both Bob and Snake getting handcuffed. Snake looks a little more sincere when he says "I'll call you!" to Ann-Doreen as the cops make him sit in the car. Mirroring that, Bob says "I'll kill you!" to Bart as the ambulance takes him away. Roll credits.

WELL THAT WAS A LONG ONE. LOL. I worked hard on this one, so for once I'll say; please reblog and give me your thoughts! I hope you liked it!!

BONUS INFOS:

This would be the second episode with Ann-Doreen (outside of like, crowd shots and other non-speaking appearances in the background) and the one to properly set up the relationship she has with Snake. Lots of fun for that poor bugger!

I've made all the panels rectangular because I wanted to try and work in a format that's similar to actually watching the show - it's not 16:9 (nor square like it should technically be for early seasons) but I think we get the feeling anyway :]

That one other guy in the prison is just this random unnamed prisoner from 12x10 'Pokey Mom'. His first appearance would thus be in that ep I made, since it predates season 12!

Also here's me knowing in advance I'm putting way too much effort into this post:

[sleepinghypnos]

ITZY Ryujin ft. Yeji x Male OC

Tags: Smut

Genre: Blowjob, Rough Sex, Self-degradation, Female Idol x Male Reader (OC), Cheating (Extreme... i guess.)

PS: Sorry for inconsistent story format, I'm still learning so be patient with me... and it's cheating again, if you are not into that then feel free to ignore this.

The encounter with the IVE members surely is a divine one, having them as 'yours' isn't bad. It's been three days since that happened and you are back at the ITZY's private home.

As per usual, Yuna and Chaeryeong always wants to do something with you. Making moves here and there non-stop and it basically became a routine. In the shower, dining room, living room, and even in the garden when the guards is out for lunch.

The other members don't care because they got used to it, so it's going to be a surprise if they don't see you plowing the fuck out of them.

You woke up and do all your morning ritual before you come out of your room, these past few days their lives has been peaceful. No stalking, no creepy encounters..

But you are still on your guard despite that because who knows what will happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

"Oppa?" You went back to reality when you heard someone talked. Then you gaze downwards to see a beautiful woman kneeling before you. It's Ryujin, the main rapper of ITZY, due to the constant persuasion of Yuna and Chaeryeong, she eventually let her desire get the best of her and do what she wants and this is it.

"Yes?"

"Are you feeling good?" she asked and you nodded, cupping her cheeks as assurance.

She shows her beautiful smile and continued to give your cock some passionate attention, gazing up with sultry eyes as she begins planting soft kisses along your length. Her full lips pout seductively with each press against your sensitive skin.

"It my deepest wish to worship this perfect cock properly..." she breathes out between sensual kisses, taking her time to build anticipation. Her mouth eventually reaches the tip, which she swirls her tongue around teasingly before placing a loving kiss right on the head. She maintains smoldering eye contact throughout.

"I hope my mouth can provide you the warm-up you deserve..." With that, Ryujin's lips part and she takes you inside, moaning at your taste and thickness on her tongue.

She begin bobbing slowly but deeply, caressing the shaft of your huge cock with both of her hands simultaneously.

As the pace increases, Ryujin's muffled moans vibrate around you. She is utterly lost in her oral worship. focused solely on giving you intense pleasure. Her skilled tongue on which she practiced on a dildo proves her dedication on pleasuring you, desiring nothing more than your complete satisfaction from her dedicated efforts.

"Shit, I'm cumming."

As you begin fucking Ryujin's throat intensely, she relaxes her jaw and trying hard to suppress her gag reflex to accommodate your dominant rhythm. Spit drips down her chin as vulgar wet choking sounds escape her stuffed mouth. She's still making an eye contact with you totally want to satisfy your lust.

This pushes you over the edge. With a final brutal thrust down Ryujin's tight throat, you flood her mouth with a massive cumshot. Her eyes roll back in ecstasy as she eagerly gulps down every drop of your virile seed.

When you finally withdraw, Ryujin gasps for air, mouth still open to show you she didn't waste any cum.

"Mmm... thank you for feeding me, Oppa." She purrs, then she turn her gaze behind me.

"So, you finally did it. Congrats!" The woman behind you finally speaks, apparently she's been there the whole time and Ryujin just didn't even bother to say anything since she is focused on pleasuring you.

"Please you use me next, sir..." Yeji begs, Ryujin on the other hand smile upon the idea of another member of ITZY being conquered and that makes all of them your sluts...

Based on Yeji's behavior, she's on par with Yuna if being a slut is a character trait so going gentle on her is a waste. She knelt down on her own without getting told and patiently waits your response.

Yeji parting her lips to welcome your massive length. You didn't waste any time and slides it inside. She moans loudly around your cock, struggling to fit it to her mouth. You feel her tongue sliding along your shaft as she tries to pleasure you.

She gazes up at you pleadingly, eager to be stuffed and fucked as she craves, her cunt drips with arousal, clenching around nothing. She needs your cock to fill her, to ruin her completely.

You plunge into her mouth, feeling her throat stretch around your size. She gags but does not protest, willing to please you however she can.

Her eyes glaze with lust and desire as she bobs her head, wanting to taste your cum.

"Your cock brings me the greatest pleasure, the dildos can't even compare." Yeji pants. "Only you can destroy my mouth as I crave... please, fuck me harder. Ruin me."

You pound into her mouth mercilessly, feeling her lips smack and slide along your length. She moans, the sounds muffled but full of delight.

You look at Ryujin playing with herself, feeling the lust as she watch you ruin Yeji's mouth just like how you did with hers. "Fuck us! Please.. Fuck us!" Words that came out of her mouth.

You are closing to your peak, and finally flood Yeji's mouth with your hot thick cum, she shows off her mouthfull of jizz to you and Ryujin before swallowing it all down.

"Delicious!"

The two idols leads you to your own bedroom tossed themselves to your bed waiting for you to come closer, quickly undressing and lay down as if they are presenting their pussies to you.

Foreplay wasn't needed, the facefucking is enough to wet their cunts like waterfalls. You position yourself with your massive length lining up to Ryujin's wet entrance.

With a single thrust, you bury yourself inside her tight cunt. She screams, overwhelmed by the sensation of pleasure and pain.

"Oh god! y-yes!" She moans. "Fill me. Oppa!"

You pound into Ryujin intensely, feeling her tight walls clench around your cock, she moans and curses, writhing beneath you in delight.

"Harder, Oppa!" She demanded. "I need your enormous cock ruining me."

You oblige, plowing into Ryujin with brutal force. She screams and moans, overwhelmed by the intensity of your thrust, you know she has a boyfriend but this is what she wants, you are just giving it to her.

"Your boyfriend doesn't have any idea that you are here getting plowed by such massive cock but that's fine, right? Since he's been getting along with other women as well, the difference is you are enjoying a much bigger dick compare to his." Yeji said and kissed Ryujin's neck while caressing her hair.

"My wish to try full nelson with my boyfriend is not possible since he is not well-endowed. I want to try it so bad, please help realize my dream." She added, it seems like she found someone and didn't get what she wanted. You just nodded to her and focus your attention on Ryujin.

You pinch and tease Ryujin's nipples, eliciting more moans from the writhing idol beneath you. her breast bounce with the force of your pounding, eager to be marked with your scent.

You switch from her pussy to her ass taking her ass virginity in the process. But she didn't resist, instead she likes the idea. Being used as a fuckdoll isn't so bad in her mind, as long as it's you who will be using her.

Her ass clenches around your cock, begging for the pleasure of your cum. She gazes up at you pleading to be filled.

As you felt your climax closing in you position Ryujin into a mating press, insert your cock into her cunt and plowed her fast and hard making her scream your name.

"Suho Oppa!" She said, her saying your name instead of Oppa made your raging fire to go wild even more. She's taking your huge cock in full length.

Many more thrusts and Ryujin screams in mingled pleasure and humiliation as you fill her cunt with your thick, hot, virile seed. It spurts into her in enormous ropes, filling her up and making her belly bulge as you wreck her completely.

Yeji in particular grins with cruel delight, pleased to see Ryujin so thoroughly used and degraded.

You withdraw from Ryujin's stuffed cunt, your massive cock dripping with cum and slick with her juices. She present herself for inspection, eager to atone for actually giving in to her desire in betraying her boyfriend and please you however she must.

"Oppa's cum fills me as it rightly should." Ryujin's says meekly. "I am but a vessel for your pleasure and release now."

Yeji nod in approval, pleased to see Ryujin so utterly claimed and humiliated.

"She will make a fine breeding cat to produce kittens for you." Yeji says meaningfully.

The bed in your bedroom is quite big, so even if you are fucking three people on the bed you can still do many positions.

Yeji positioned herself in all fours waiting for you to plow her. Without a second thought you penetrate the idol in front of you, she moans as she feels your cock stretching her out, her walls immediately clenched around your cock.

You pulled her hair while fucking from behind, your desire to plow her is nothing lesser than what you felt with Ryujin. Letting them have it the way they wanted it.

Then you pull out, she was surprised and asking for more but you have a different plan. If she wants to get fuck in a full nelson then you'll give it to her.

You positioned Yeji into full nelson locking your hand behind her neck and thrusting upwards making the idols dream come true.

Yeji moans loudly, her hips bucking wildly as she's pounded into oblivion. She can feel your thick cock stretching her pussy to it's limit with your girth and length, sending waves of pleasure through her body.

"Ooh! Sh-shit! This is it! FUCK!!! FUCK ME HARDER, USE ME!" She screams as if she's the only one in the room. "I'm yours to pound to oblivion. My pussy aches to be filled by your girthy cock, please take your pleasure from me. I want to be your little cumdump, filled and used for your pleasure alone."

She grinds her hips against you, eager to feel your cock thrusting deeper into her. She knows you won't stop until you pounded her into a quivering, cock hungry mess, and she craves every second of it.

She cries out in ecstasy as you plow into her, her body shaking with the force of your thrusts. Few deep thrusts and she received her first creampie from you. Her eyes widen, looking down at her swollen belly in shock as the cum continues to pump into her. She can feel it filling her womb. Your thick essence flooding her body.

"Yes! Fill me! Pump your hot cum into my womb!"

You slide her to you side and lift her ass up. "I'm not done with you."

But as soon so she's already to take her second round, her phone rings. Ryujin picks the phone up and gave it to Yeji.

"Oppa?"

"Where are you?"

"At our dorm? We don't have any schedule today..." She's talking to her boyfriend then Ryujin came up with a brilliant idea.

In a whisper... "Do a video call with him, and let Oppa fuck you. Just make sure only your face is visible through the camera." with an evil grin. She's totally getting revenge because of what Yeji did earlier. She knows that Yeji won't resist if you desires it.

"Oppa, do a video call with me." She said and waited for the call. She's nervous but also getting more hornier, this is her first time doing such a thing.

When her boyfriend video calls. I penetrated her immediately. Yeji bites her lip and answers, angling it so he can't see you fucking her.

"H-hi baby! What's up?" Yeji asks, voice trembling as you continue plowing into her pussy from behind.

Her boyfriend is oblivious, chatting casually. Meanwhile, You rail Yeji harder, watching her struggle to keep composure during the call.

"Is everything okay babe? You seemed weird." her boyfriend asks with concern.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine!" Yeji lies, moaning as you spear deep into her soaked cunt from behind.

You reach around and grope her tits through her top, pinching her nipples as you fuck her on camera. Yeji bites back whimpers of pleasure.

"Are you sure? You look a little flushed..." her boyfriend says suspiciously.

You slap Yeji's ass hard, eliciting a yelp. "I-I'm just tired from practice!" she covers. She stifle her moans with her hand as you rail her harder, claiming her body as yours in secret right before her boyfriend's eyes...

As you railing her doggystyle during the call with her oblivious boyfriend, Yeji suddenly makes an exaggerated ahegao face right at the camera.

Her eyes roll back, tongue lolling out as she moans like an anime girl. She's getting off on betraying her boyfriend.

"What was that face for?" He asks confused.

"N-nothing babe! Ryujin's massaging my legs since it's sore and she hit the RIGHT spot..." Yeji lies, stifling her moans as you spear deep into her cervix from behind.

She keeps making lewd faces, clearly getting aroused from cucking her boyfriend without him realizing. Her pussy is soaking wet and clenching around your pistoning cock.

Yeji is getting addicted to the thrill of cheating. And Ryujin is liking every second of this amusement.

She even mouthed... "Crazy bitch!"

Her boyfriend keeps asking what's going on as Yeji makes more odd faces and stifled noises while you rail her.

"What do you keep making those faces for babe?" He asks confused.

"Oh uh, my stomach! It's in my stomach..." Yeji lies unconvincingly as you spear deep into her womb from behind.

"Huh? What's in your stomach?" He asks, not catching her meaning.

"Nothing baby! You wouldn't get it anyway..." Yeji says with a hint of mockery, biting back a moan as your swollen balls slap against her engorged clit.

Her boyfriend is completely unaware as you thoroughly claim his girlfriend's pussy right before his eyes. Yeji is getting off on cucking him so blatantly.

Soon your cum will be pumping into the stomach she mentioned instead of his..

While you rail Yeji doggystyle during her video call, Ryujin is watching from the sidelines and giggling to herself.

She can clearly see you spearing Yeji's tight pussy while her oblivious boyfriend has no idea. Ryujin finds Yeji's poor attempts at lying utterly amusing.

"Oppa's huge cock is stuffing you so good! Your boyfriend is so clueless!" Ryujin whispers teasingly.

Yeji glares at her but can't hold back a loud moan as you start jackhammering into her g-spot without mercy.

"What was that? Is someone else there?" Her boyfriend asks, hearing the noises. Looks like Yeji is also his first girlfriend because he remains oblivious...

"No babe! Just the TV!" Yeji lies desperately.

You are railing Yeji relentlessly, her pussy squeezing your cock as you hit deep in her womb. With a few final powerful thrusts, you erupt, pumping thick ropes of cum directly into her womb.

Yeji's eyes roll back feeling you coat her insides. Her tummy begins bulging, filled up with your potent seed.

Right as you finish cumming inside her, Yeji makes an exaggerated ahegao face and moans loudly, putting on a final show for her boyfriend.

"G-gotta go babe, talk later! I think my legs needs some ice packs." Yeji excuses herself before ending the call. your cum still oozing from her used hole.

Ryujin laughs seeing Yeji's bulging creampied pussy after deceiving her boyfriend so blatantly.

"You bitch! You're sluttier than Yuna and Chaeryeong!" Ryujin added before pulling you to lay down on the bed.

"It's your fault! Who said you can come out with an idea like that?" Yeji's face is buried on the mattress while arguing with Ryujin.

"Just make sure he won't figure it out, your career might face some consequences." You reminded her while rubbing her back. She just nodded and continued resting.

Here it is.... Another piece. Thank you for reading!

[physalian]

How to Make Your Writing Less Stiff 8 | "to-be" and auxiliary verbs

Part 7

Part 6

Part 1

As I go through editing my latest manuscript, I'm faced with the dilemma of when to drop a to-be verb, but also when to keep it and how the differences between the two in any given situation can make just a little... a little *garnish* of a difference.

To-be verbs:

Am, is, are, was, were; a subset of auxiliary verbs

Auxiliary verbs:

To do, to be, to have (simplified)

Auxiliary verbs tend to indicate tense, but we use them more often as crutch verbs, filler verbs, because you can just conjugate the verb itself to the proper tense without the need of the auxiliary verb.

The advice generally goes to remove these, as they count as filler words when followed up by a second verb. Versus the TBV or AXV and an adjective.

He does look / He looks She is cooking / She cooks They were standing / They stood I am fishing / I fish She does cry / She cries We have slept / We slept

vs

He is afraid / He fears She was sorry / She regrets They were happy / They cheered I was confused / I hesitated

The verb+adjective combo can't so easily drop the verb without changing either the tone, the flow, or the actions of the characters, because one is an act of doing, and one is a state of being (for the most part, 'fear' is one of those exceptions in English).

You would have to rearrange the sentence, e.g. "I was confused by this" to "This confused me," to elimiate the TBV. Which, most of the time, does help the narrator feel less passive in the story, but, again, we're here for flavor text, not an MLA formatting guide.

So, sometimes the inclusion of the TBV or AXV adds subtext to the action itself.

"He does look" has slightly more urgency and weight than simply "he looks" because the AXV emphasizes that this is an action the actor might not have taken otherwise, for better or for worse.

In the silence, she stands there huffing, voice wrecked from crying as he heads for the open door. “Don’t you walk away from me.” He turns, face impassive. “There’s nothing left to be said.” vs He does turn, face impassive. “There’s nothing left to be said.”

The latter indicates that this might be hesitation or regret on his part, as opposed to a decisive, quick action, or that this is an action that she, the narrator, didn't expect him to take.

It also helps convey the tone of voice (or at least the general direction of the level of emotion in a voice). This absolutely varies on a case-by-case basis and the context of the action and should not be abused.

One of the juicier verbs for subtext here is "try"

He tries to coach her through how to do it properly. vs He does try to coach her through how to do it properly.

The former is direct and simple. He is attempting (he attempts) to help but through the act of "trying" and not "doing" there's an indication that she isn't getting it.

The latter is a little more hopeless, where he and she both know that whatever she's attempting to learn, she won't succeed, but he's doing it anyway. Maybe because he cares or he feels bad, or, that he wasn't going to help her, but something changed his mind.

Deciding when to use these helps convey the inner thoughts of non-narrating characters without head-hopping, and also shows the biases of the narrator.

Hope this helps!

[stitched-mouth-vs-the-world]

Master’s Whore

Pairing: Vincent Phantomhive x Fem! Maid! Reader.

Warning: NSFW, Smut, Master x Servant (possible power dynamic), Cheating, Pet Names, Creampie, Unprotected sex (please wrap it and stay safe everyone!), Intercourse (P in V), Breeding kink?

Summary: Vincent fucks his maid just a room over from his entire family.

Word Count: 806.

Format: Kinktober Fic, Day 1

A/N:

Welcome to Kinktober! My first fic, posted on time. Let's see if I can keep it up for the rest of the month. Hope you like the first edition to Stitched's first Kinktober!I did try to keep this gender neutral in the beginning, but it's a little hard to with smut so you can see when I stopped trying to be GN and just made the reader female. I suppose you can say the reader's gender is still ambiguous despite their female body (and though Vincent calls them 'Princess').I tried to make a McDonald's joke at the end but I don't think it landed at all (I can't fucking believe I made a McDonald's joke in a smut fic)

If you think this fic is good, just wait for Day 2...

Here is the masterlist for all of my Kinktober 2023 works.

—-///—

Your eyes slowly rolled back as the master fucked himself into you.

"Shh, baby, I know you can be quiet..." He whispered into your ear.

You whimpered against your master's hand. It was becoming harder and harder not to scream in ecstasy from his thin fingers and thick cock. Two fingers were pressed against your clit, rubbing in slow sensational motions whilst his dick eased in and out of you at nearly the same pace.

You were trying so hard not make a noise. The consequences of being caught in such a scandalous position with Earl Vincent Phantomhive could be devastating. Not only was Vincent's happy family was at risk, but most importantly your reputation and job was at risk.

Imagine what people would think of you, the Phantomhive mistress whore.

But the thought of the dangerous consequences thrilled the both of you. Made you both all hot and bothered.

"Oh Master!" You moaned out.

Vincent squeezed your jaw tightly, a warning to quiet down.

"Oh princess, you know my family are just outside that door. Are you trying to get us caught?" Vincent tutted.

You whined and lowered your head slightly. You stood facing the door with the Earl right you behind you and inside you, watching and almost daring someone to walk in and catch you in the act.

Vincent suddenly picked up the pace, moving faster in and out of your desperate hole. You placed your hands over Vincent's, the one still squeezing your face, as an attempt to hide your moans and cries better. Vincent groaned behind you, feeling himself grow closer to his climax.

"Oh God, I'm going to fill you up so good my little maid." He huffed into your ear.

"Please Sir!" You cried, the sound muffled behind both your hands and Vincent's over your mouth. You were just as close.

It wasn't long before you and your lover made it to your long needed orgasms. As promised, Vincent spilled his seed far into your awaiting hole. Whilst your cum spilled onto the carpet under you. You'd have fun trying to get that stain out later, seeing as you couldn't possibly leave it for your co workers to deal with.

You sighed and went to stand up straight, but Vincent stopped you with a kind hand on your back.

"Wait Darling, we can't let all this cum go to waste." Vincent chuckled.

He pulled up your panties nice and tight and lovingly tapped your pussy through your panties before letting you stand up and turn to face him.

Vincent tutted again and sighed as you looked down at your cum on the carpet, he was stingy with cum, always insisting both your fluids be properly taken by the other. Vincent liked getting his and yours cum worth. Oh well, he'd just have to make up for it later. He pulled himself back into his trousers and smiled at you while stretching a bit.

He walked over to the door but before opening it, he turned back to you and grinned, "I'll want you again before the day is over, so I'll need you stay later than usual. You don't have a problem with that, do you Princess?"

You stood in front of your master, skirt still pulled up, cum sticking to your thighs and filling your cunt also covering the carpet under you whilst your legs shook. His words had your pussy clenching around nothing, again.

So obviously you smiled and slowly shook you head, "Not at all. Master..."

[impulsivebrainrot]

A little king and his jester :]

Even more old art XD

Idk how many times I've posted this artwork, mostly because I'm inactive in other socmed platforms .-. I remember drawing this a little while after the release of King's Tide, which explains The Collector's slightly more purple palette XD

As for my fic, gosh, I was so ready to work on it again but ended up receiving Canvas notifs that I have three exams this upcoming week TT So yup, gotta focus on those first :'3

Then again, I think I need to fix my outline anyway, since there's so much stuff like progression toward multiple reveals aren't properly aligned yet. Hope you stick around! :3

For those new to my account and are interested in platinum bones content + Archivists lore, you can find the link to the fic here! ^^ I also upload art for it and other random TOH drawings.

💀Forbidden Friendship (49653 words) by impulsivebrainrot_26⭐ Chapters: 11/? Fandom: The Owl House (Cartoon)

🔖FIC SUMMARY:

It's been a little over a year since Belos's defeat. The Collector returns to the Boiling Isles after some time of exploring the stars. Unfortunately, he's not the only one coming home.

King and The Collector must now delve deeper into the history between their kins and unravel secrets that could help them stand a chance against this new threat. In a race against time, relationships are challenged along with the formation of an unexpected alliance.

[ltleflrt]

I'm very tired of the age difference = power imbalance or abuse discourse, for many reasons, but the big one that's bugging me today is that no one ever argues on behalf of it for good reasons. It's always "it's not inherently abusive", which is true, and "sometimes people connect anyway, despite the difference", which is also true, but it's never "the older person can teach the younger person valuable life lessons, and none of it has to do with abuse or power imbalances."

When I was 19-21, I dated a guy 28-30, and he taught me how to properly drive a stick shift because I was grinding my clutch too much. He taught me how to make a mexican pizza. He taught me how to format the hard drive on my computer. He taught me how to find a helmet that fit me properly. After we broke up, because he moved away and we didn't want to do Long Distance, we stayed friends for many more years, and he kept teaching me stuff. "Carrie, that guy's a creep, and here's all the things you're ignoring about him." "DO NOT trust cops, trust me because I'm an ex-cop, those guys are assholes. *continues to list off all the ways to stay out of trouble with cops." How to use a bong, how to give a guy multiple orgasms, how to make electronic music, how to how to how to. He's the one who relentlessly urged me to go to college until I finally got past my fear and did it.

When he called me and I told him I had a new boyfriend, he congratulated me and told me he hoped this new guy would be better for me than he was. I have been with New Guy for 20 years now, and ex-boyfriend still calls me once in a while to check in and make sure I'm okay.

Older lovers, like older friends, can be an incredibly positive impact on your life. Don't be afraid of them. Just know how to watch for the signs that they're not good for you.

[another-random-paradise]

Can I rq for hc about twst.. Where the fem!reader(gn!reader if like) has an abusive father and caused her a truma? And the boys ( the first years + lilia & leona & azul & trein) are shocked when they find out?

Something about angst/comfort with some fluff .... I hope you're comfortable writing that.

A new start

thank you for the request. I'll be honest, i was debating wether to write this or not, as abuse is a complex subject, and i was worried about misunderstanding or accidentally offending those who have gone/are going through this. But remembered that, I too, turned to fanfics for comfort during some of my worst days, and if i can be, or at least create, that comfort for someone else, then I'm satisfied with what I've achieved in live. But I do have a 4 character limit that i have to enforce for the sake of my own mental health, so i didn't do the first years, I'm very sorry.

---------------------------------------------------------

Reader opens up to them about their abusive father

Characters: Lillia, Leona, Azul, Proffessor Trein

Format: Headcanons

Warnings: Talk of past abuse

written platonically, but Leona and Azul can be read romatically

!Please note that this is not meant to glorify or romanticize abuse, but meant as a form of comfort for those that need it!

Lillia

-Lillia has always been one to sneak up on and scare people, he just found their reactions so funny!

-But he can easily tell that you react a lot more intensely than others. He eventually stops sneaking up on you, because your reactions aren't fun, they just seem.. sad to him.

-Instead of surprise, you feel fear, and he doesn't like it. He can tell, just from that, that something is wrong, and while he wants to know what, he won't pressure you. As a father, he learned quickly that, that only leads to dishonesty

-As the two of you become closer, you start to be more comfortable and open with him

-And during a particularly calm conversation, a rather rare thing with someone like Lillia, you finally open up to him

-You two are sitting on a bench near his dorm, with no one around, when your conversation suddenly shifts to the past.

-As you tell him what your father did, Lillia feels anger, no, rage.

-But not at you, never at you. No, he is enraged that your father could treat his own child like that. He raised his enemy's son, after a war that lastet years, the child of the same man that killed the woman he loved, and still managed to be the best father he could be. And that trash bag of a person- if you could even call him that - couldn't even take care of his own?! 

-When you see the look in his eyes, you almost get scared, but something just tells you, that anger isn't directed at you. And before you can question him, he pulls you into a hug. You would dare to call it the most gentle hug you have ever experienced.

-"You are safe now. You always will be for as long as I'll live."  His words are as genuine as can be, as his grip tightens ever so slightly. But it doesn't feel like a cage, more like a weighted blanket engulfing your body, the weight slowly lulling you to sleep.

-If you weren't crying before, chances are you are now. And he lets you, comfortingly rubbing your back your back as you sob into his shoulder, finally letting it all out.

-The days after that, you notice that Lillias attitude towards you has changed over so slightly, he is acting a lot more caringly, he is acting.. almost fatherly. And you don't even realize that, that is his goal.

-He makes sure you always eat enough, and will cook your lunch and dinner himself if he has to, and that alone is motivation enough to eat properly, checks up on you, helps you with homework and similar, and always lends you a shoulder to cry on.

-Lillia has already made up his mind. He raised a human and a fae prince, what harm could taking in one more human do?

-You may have not have had a proper father up until now, but rather late than never, no?

Leona

-He noticed how skittish you seemed to be when you first met. The fear in your eyes obvious, no matter whether you try to hide it or not, as he snapped at you for stepping on his tail. It was the main reason he let you of so easily.

-He saw it again during his overblot, right before he transformed, as well as shortly after his recovery, when he approached you to sort things out. He expected fear, an overblot is nothing short of scary after all, but something about your fear just seemed different to him, but he decided not to bother you about it.

-Eventually you two get closer, he considers you one of his closest friends ...which isn't that great of an achievement since he doesn't have that many- but at least actually becoming one of his friends at all can be counted as one!

-One day, while simply hanging out, he decides to bring it up. He says it casually enough that you know you don't have to answer, without him having to outright say it. 

-You decide you trust him enough and tell him about your father and what he did

-He's shocked. He doesn't know what exactly he expected, but it, for some reason, it wasn't this. He thought maybe bully's, a bad ex, or something like that... but your own father? He didn't know he could hate someone so much without ever meeting them

-He's now wide awake, but stays quiet. He has never been good with words, let alone comforting someone, so he just lends you an open ear. 

-The quietness might put you off at first, but his tail subconsciously wraps around your arm, as he processes it, I'm afraid this is as much proper comfort you'll get, but if you decide to hug or cuddle him, he'll let you

-While he may not be the best with words, he does know how to take action while still being lazy.

-He practically has his own fan club at his beck and call, also known as the savanaclaw dorm, and he puts them to use.

-He tells them to make sure no one gives you trouble, and that you remain harm free, or else they'll have trouble with him. And it works! Suddenly all your bullies leave you alone!.. you don't even realize the amount of savanaclaw members staring the bully down.

-It's Leona's way of comforting and taking care of you, because if your father won't, then he damn sure will.

Azul

-Azul can be very observant when he wants to be, so it wasn't hard to tell, that the fear you felt when the twins got violent in front of you.. your fear was different, than that of the usual person

-He has to be honest, when he first saw it, he thought maybe he could utilize it to make you sign a contract.. but after his overblot his entire perspective seemed to change, you just seemed to understand his childhood trauma a little to well, how the constant abuse could hurt and even change oneself

-He'd be lying if he said that, that wasn't part of the reason you two got as close as you did, you two just seemed to understand to understand each other on a deeper level

-One day, while simply sitting in the VIP lounge while he worked, you two once again ended up talking about the past, and this time, you decided to be the one to open up to him about your childhood

-Azul stops in his tracks as you do, horrified at the thought of that happening  happening to you. He was just quiet for a moment, and unlike usual, this wasn't a comfortable silence

-"Well.. you're here now, he won't reach you here. I'll make sure of this, I'll make a contract to prove it." His voice was quiet, as he was debating what to do, he wanted to properly comfort you, but he didn't know how. He was still very young when his mom got divorced and, well, the twins never exactly needed comforting. So instead, he does what he does best, write a contract.

-For once, it's a contract that benefits you more that him. It mentions that you'll get protection from bully's and your father, should he somehow end up in twisted wonderland, and that Mostro lounge can be like a save haven that you can go to even after it's closing times. In return, he asks that you come to him should anything happen to you, from your father actually finding you, to simply getting triggert by something that reminds you of the past, whatever that may be.

-He just hopes that, even though he isn't the best when it comes to comfort, he can be the save haven for you that your dad failed to be.

Professor Trein

-Trein likes you for the simple reason that you're one of the very rare students that doesn't either cause trouble or fall asleep in his class

-During the topic of ancestry and how it affected history, ever so often the topic would change to the students family's, some students interested in yours, since your from another world. He couldn't help but notice how you never brought up your father.

-Eventually Trein became your favourite teacher! Sure, his lectures can be boring, but history is one of the few subjects you can participate in, and as long as you behave, he's actually pretty nice!

-Trein, already a father of multiple daughters, couldn't help but feel fatherly towards you, he made sure you knew you could confide in him

-One day, the lesson is about the past of some important historical figure, as things happened to be, this historical figure was abused too. Trein almost immediately noticed how quiet you got, and how hesitant you were to do the assignments. So, Trein asked you to stay after class

-He told you he noticed the change, and you decide to entrust him your story

-Trein, as a father himself, is horrified. How could anyone do that to their own flesh and blood? He lets you speak, nodding occasionally to let you know he's listening.

-"I am so sorry that happened to you. you deserve better". If you need or want it, he'll hug you and let you sob into his shoulder

-Trein, similarly to Lillia, will start to act more fatherly after that. He won't be less strict with you exam wise, but if he feels a subject could be triggering to you, he'll let you know before class, so that you can mentally prepare yourself, or miss class with his permission if needed.

-Since you aren't from twisted wonderland, you don't have a legal guardian here, do you? How do you feel about adoption? He's already raised multiple daughters, he's sure he can do it again. That way you also have somewhere to go during holidays! 

-He can't change what has already happened, but he'll make sure your last few teenage years are spent happily in a proper home

Abuse is a sensitive subject, and while i tried my best to be as respectful as possible, I know it is very possible for me to have done something wrong. So, if anything here is disrespectful, triggering, or just generally insensitive, I beg you to tell me, so that i can fix it as fast as possible.

I admit to not being the most educated on this subject, but if you are still in this situation or believe someone else is, I believe there are different hot lines for different country's that can tell you what you can do to get help. If you can, find a public computer or use a friends phone to find and call said hotline.

I truly hope that your okay anon and anyone else that is reading this, and that this fic could bring you some comfort.

[moonjellysfeast]

Hanna and Arthur- Romans 8:36

cw; cult, power imbalance, worship, smut, minor dubcon, implied/mentioned pregnancy(both and not during smut), dacryphilia, vaguely mentioned human sacrifice.

A god is deserving of worship, a truly pure and good flock which he may shepherd and tend to. You had put great efforts into gathering your flock, all true believers weighed down into your web by many different factors. All walks of life followed your saccharine words. The best examples of this variety being Hanna and Arthur . Hanna had come to you quite early in your cult's formation, having previously been unreasonably devout to the god her parents had worshipped, she followed you for the freedom and power you could give as well as her belief that her previous god was a vile mockery of your truth. Arthur , however, sought guidance in you regardless of what you may be able to provide him. He came to you just recently, lost and burdened by immense self-loathing. To him, you were an answer and a relief, soothing the ache in his heart with each order you gave.

Despite his newness, Arthur  was very quickly gaining your favor. He was a perfect ewe for you, unquestioning and eager to please, he didn't even consider the concept of disobeying your orders. Your growing adoration for him was unfortunately something Hanna despised. She was of the belief that none of your followers deserved to know you existed, much less be as close to you as she was, as close as he was getting. You knew you would have to convince them to become friendly and ensure that Hanna wouldn't simply kill off Arthur . It surely would be no problem to the cult, they had already accepted the idea of sacrificing humans to you when need be, so you taking consorts would be unobjectionable.

And so, you summoned the pair to your abattoir at the end of the day, when all chores were finished and the flock was off to bed. Hanna had been beside you for several hours prior, cozied up to you and vying for your attention even as she was given all of it. When Arthur  came into the room, she scoffed and slumped into your bed, acting as if she hadn't just been posed and batting her eyes at you. Arthur  bit his lip and kneeled before you, head bowed and hands clasped in reverence. 

“My lord, you had called for me? Wh-What may I do to aid you?” he looked up, not moving his head as if to attempt to hide the shine of adoration in his milk and honey eyes.

“Stand, I have come to an important decision for you both, my sweet disciples” at your words, both stood and instinctively leaned into each other, fear and anticipation oozing off the pair, “I have found a need unfulfilled, left wanting. You both must work together to satiate me”

Arthur shouted out “Anything!” nerves only building from lack of understanding what you were implying. Hanna, however, broke into a grin, dropping to her knees and thanking you as she clung to your leg. You chuckled at them and lifted Hanna to push the pair onto the bed, watching realization dawn on Arthur as a matching ruby hue bloomed across both devotee's faces. Hanna quickly began peeling off her clothes, giddy at the prospect of giving you claim over her body. Arthur took a moment before following her footsteps, awkwardly shedding the robes your followers tended to wear.

“Please, Lord, I-I've been wishing for this, I'm-I'm so grateful!” Hanna tried to pose herself seductively, her excitement and nervous attitude evident. “I… Hope I can please you properly, my lord~”

“Ah, ah, ah. Don't get too ahead of yourself, angel~ As I said, you both must work together, that means you mustn't be greedy” You scolded, though you did slide your hand between her thighs to let her begin to ride you fingers all on her own. “Arthur come here, put your mouth to good use~”

You guided him to take your cock down his throat, pleasantly surprised by how little gag reflex he had. As you gently instructed him in how to properly suck your dick, you pulled your fingers from Hanna to harshly flick her clit, telling her to focus on the lesson more than her pleasure. She yelped and shuddered, grinding down harder on your fingers and trying as hard as she could to obey, even letting her mouth hang open as she tried to practice the movements to help herself focus, glazed eyes studying Arthur's weeping face as he diligently choked you down. Soon you pulled him off, relishing in his gasping whimpers, mouth still open as if waiting to be used.

You flipped him to his back, fully removing you hand from Hanna's pussy. “Use his mouth, Angel”

“N-No! Lord, I want you~” she whined, desperation evident. Though when you offered her a reward for being obedient, she straddled Arthur's head, face twisting in disgust and pleasure as he wordlessly obeyed you.

His legs were spread wide, welcoming you stretch out his hole. Once you pushed into him, Hanna was whimpering along with him, miserably grinding on his face and begging unintelligibly for you to fuck her already. Arthur's skin was cool to the touch, however his insides were warm and soft, pulling you deeper into him with each thrust. His velvety walls greedily clamping down on you. You quickly gained speed, humping Arthur as if to show him he was designed to be a toy for you, a sentiment his body clearly agreed with as he only squeezed you closer to him, ass milking you cock dutifully. You looked to Hanna, who moaned and spasmed, cumming on Arthur's face the moment you made eye contact. Once she caught her breath, she scrambled off of him only to begin rubbing her folds as she pouted at you. Once she was off, Arthur was no longer muffled, suddenly free to scream and cry out, shifting all of his attention to what really mattered, taking your cock. He let his upper half limply writhe on the sheets, babbling thanks and praise. He snorted and whined pathetically as more tears streamed down his cheeks and his own cock shot cum up his chest. Not stopping for him to recover led to more pitiful sounds and the near constant spasms of his hole, until he could hardly mimic any words.

He was nearly sobbing by the time you came, filling his tight ass. He was in a puddle of fluids, on the verge of passing out from exhaustion. You, however, were not done. You turned your attention to Hanna, who splayed her legs, pleading for her reward. When you thrust into her, she spasmed and rolled her eyes in the back of her head, clearly losing consciousness for a moment. Yet her pussy did not stop fluttering, damp heat seeming to be actively trying to make you cum. She clung to you, clawing her nails into your back in an attempt to press your bodies closer. Her moans were animalistic, half formed words cut off by gasps and squeals you would've never expected from her regal persona. Hanna pressed sloppy kisses on your neck, biting down on your nape as she spasmed again, only drawing more lustful noises from where you connected. At that, you pulled her off, shoving her back down to the bed and holding her down by her neck as she whined and tried to claw her way closer to you. You soon gave in, folding her in half as you flooded her insides before pulling off of her.

Letting her rest, you focused you attention back to Arthur, who had regained his composure and was now shyly watching you. You pounced on the poor boy, giving neither worshipper time to truly rest through the night. In the morning, it was already no secret that you had claimed two of your followers as brides. However, to formalize, you brought them out, loosely dressed and limping as they clung to your sides for support. You announced to your followers that the pair were now your ewes, destined to serve you and bear prophets, demigods, your children. The crowd cheered for them, some muttering to others in amazement, few whispering in shock that both would be able to bear children though they did not doubt it. Arthur buried his face in your side, flustered by the cheers and holding his stomach reverently. Hanna, on the other hand, beamed at the crowd, attempting to show off that she was full of your seed, though there was no real evidence by now. You assured your followers that with the change, more work would need to be done, there would soon be more mouths to feed. Most importantly, their devotion would need to be true or they would be unworthy of communing with your ewes and children. There would certainly be more sacrifice.

[aviiarie]

found family with Giyuu and his tsuguko (platonic ofc). like, imagine eating together, or helping each other with little things (like brushing hair or sharpening swords for the other) or protecting each other in fights.

˚ ₊ ‧ ♡ EVERY BREATH; EVERY HEARTBEAT — platonic giyuu & reader !

synopsis. moments with giyuu and his tsuguko. warnings. kny-typical violence. manga spoilers. notes. PLATONIC. reader uses water breathing. gn!reader. headcanons. found family. 1.1k words. i'm so sorry for how late this request is. i went with a headcanon format, i hope you enjoy <33

Giyuu had high expectations of them. He made that very clear from the beginning; if they were to be the next water hashira, they needed to be strong, capable. They needed to be able to match him in skill—and eventually, exceed him.

It's lucky for him that his tsuguko was a quick learner.

“Don't slouch,” Giyuu's face remains expressionless, but there was a slight pinch between his eyebrows that betrayed a barely hidden frown. “Keep your back straight, and your feet shoulder-width apart. If your weight isn't evenly distributed, you'll be knocked over as soon as you swing your sword.”

They quickly adjust their stance, gripping the hilt of their sword tightly. Their feet shift, one pointed forward and the other angled outward, with their body positioned in a slight crouch.

“Better.” Giyuu nod. “In an actual fight, you won't have time to focus on keeping your posture correct. You need to be able to rely on muscle memory, to fall into a fighting stance without even thinking about it.”

“How do I do that?” They ask, still frozen in where they stood. Their arm was beginning to ache from holding up their sword for so long, so they lower it to their side.

“You will learn.” He says simply. “Don't put down the sword just yet. We're not quite done.”

He's patient with his student, but is still as strict on them as he has to be. The last thing he wants is to go too soft on them, because he knows just how dangerous their profession is.

When they're out on missions together, he's very protective. Of course, he lets them fight—they're a capable Demon Slayer, after all—but the second he sees that they're starting to struggle, he steps in and kills the demon before they can blink.

It's just instinct. He'll hang back to let them prove their skills, but when they're hit with a particularly painful blow, his body moves on its own accord. He can't risk losing someone else, not to another demon.

Rather than going to the butterfly house for every injury, Giyuu is most often the one to help patch them up after fights. He isn't as skilled in medical treatment, but he has enough knowledge and is twice as gentle as Shinobu is, so he's their first choice.

While he's cleaning and bandaging their cuts and scrapes, he lets them squeeze his arm as tightly as they need to. He doesn't even complain when their nails dig into his skin.

Afterwards, he'll cook meal for them both—their favourite, if he's able to make it. they eat together, in a comfortable quiet. He's never been much for talk during meals, but he enjoys the company greatly.

For their first few meals together, neither said anything at all. But after a while, after they started to become more comfortable with each other, soon their silence started to be filled with something more.

“Why did you become a Demon Slayer?” The question makes Giyuu falter for a moment. His chopsticks, still raised to his lips, were slowly lowered away from his face.

“Why did I become a Demon Slayer?” He echos the question, making sure he heard them correctly. They nodded, and he sighed. “For no happy reasons.”

They're quiet for a moment, staring down at their food. “...I guess I can say the same.”

“It's quite a popular answer, among Slayers.” Giyuu says bluntly, returning to eating.

Maybe one day, he'll be able to properly explain the story to them without breaking his impassive facade, but even the slight memory is enough to force cracks into his blank expression. He focuses on the food in front of him, inhaling the rich smell and pushing away the clouding thoughts in his mind.

“What would you do if you weren't a Demon Slayer?” The second question almost makes him choke on his mouthful of food.

“Does it matter?” He swallows, staring at them blankly.

“No,” They shrug, not meeting his eye. “Just curious, I guess.”

Conversations were tentative at first, but he slowly opens up to them. They talk about their lives, before and after becoming Demon Slayers. Soon they move to trivial matters as well, favourite colours and favourite foods, random memories and amusing stories.

Then, it's the small moments between fighting and training. Giyuu helps them by sharpening their sword, and they help him with cleaning his after a mission. It all becomes a routine, and they fit into his life like they were always there, as if they've been a part of his family all along.

While he only intended to take on a tsuguko to train a successor, he ends up growing very fond of them. It becomes harder for him to send them out on missions, even they've grown strong enough to be able to fight on their own.

It's during the final battle that his sudden protectiveness towards them is tested, as he is forced to watch them almost die in the fight against Upper Moon Three.

For a moment, Giyuu's heart stops beating. He watches, paralyzed, as the demon—Upper Moon Three, the fourth strongest demon in the world—turns his attention towards his tsuguko. Their sword is raised in defense, lips parted to spit out the words that he taught them.

“Third Form—” The cry is cut off, as a fist is slammed into their stomach with enough force to tear through their skin and leave a mess of blood in its wake.

“Giyuu!” Their scream feels as heavy as the wounds weighing Giyuu down, but he doesn't stop; not even for a moment. He lunges forward, swinging his blade.

“Second Form, Water Wheel!” Giyuu yells, slashing the sword across the demon's shoulder and slicing his arm clean off. The attack distracts him long enough for [Name] to stumble back and away, pressing against the wound on their stomach to staunch the bleeding.

If there was any reason to keep fighting, even when weariness claws at his lungs and presses tightly against his chest, it was to stop the demons from taking anyone else. Tanjiro is ready beside him, and the grip on his sword is tight.

“Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux!”

The aftermath is heavy on them both, but they aren't alone. Together, they begin to rebuild their lives in the wreckage of the Demon Slayer Corps, forging a new future for themselves. And no matter where that future takes them, Giyuu will be there to support them.

They aren't alone. No matter how many people who have been lost, they aren't alone, and as long as he is still alive, he will make sure they never will be.

Family is a difficult subject for Giyuu, but in them, that is exactly what he finds.

🏷️ taglist: @mollzaj, @mitsvriii, @an-angstyteen

© aviiarie 2024. do not copy, repost, translate or use my work to train ai

[dysansohmin]

what do you think abt DT now?

(sucking down like an entire liter of water) hold on

I am not through 7.2 yet, but I suspect that's not going to effect my answer here very much! I've definitely had some time to sit and think about it, and my major takeaways are:

The format of main expansion story content has changed. I am not holding out hope for it to come back. The sidequests were crazy sparse, and Tural suffered for it. As overwhelming as it can be to get to a new area and see 50 sidequest markers, many of which are gonna feel like a chore to clear if you are rushing - every one of those is a character beat, a little nuance to the setting, a chance to pause and look around the environment. I think that there's a bit of rose-colored glasses about what I'm about to say next, and it's a sentiment I've seen expressed a lot, that previous expansions were **edgier** in that, we got allusions and direct plot-handling of lots of nitty-gritty everyday life shit. Dawntrail is the tail end of that progression, with like. The standard of living and intercultural conflicts in Tural being ironed over entirely, this sense of an absurd & universal standard of living, that Tural feels very much akin to Living Memory as being like, a perfect little facade. I am anticipating that this may be challenged, but I think it also may not be! (Much like EW's Garlemald segment, another bugbear for people with this opinion). I am frustrated that Alexandria is getting the goods when I was so excited to see what they did with Tural. There's a good chance Tural will continue to be a playground for a scavenger hunt, and Gulool Ja Ja's legacy will continue to be that of like, a beloved righteous superpacifist or whatever! We might never get Whalaqee either! I'm doing the Wachumeqimqi quests rn (I hate it I hate how they named it I hate it) and the fisher one is like. I don't want to be herrrrrre Then again, I am enjoying observing what the devs dive into and what they don't. I would love to peek at the JPN script, but my Japanese is rusty and elementary, so. I would LOVE to know if the Shock and Awe flyer in Living Memory was a localization insertion - it's one moment that comes to mind as "oh they are working with what they have to inject some interesting complexity." Woulda loved to see more of that in Tural proper and not have it all penned off in War Criminal Infinite Growth Torment Nexus Electrope Land. It made me yearn for Stormblood! I'm very excited to revisit Stormblood now! I don't think I appreciated Stormblood properly the first time through! I say this knowing that the Stormblood localization DOES make me want to claw my own eyes out every 20 minutes, and by GOD does Stormblood have its own issues about many of the same things- I think the localization HAS gotten better, and I think that there is a general move in fantasy games right now to tamp down on the colonial legacy of fantasy RPGs. I think Dawntrail is situated in that context. I feel they tried very hard to be respectful, and what we got is shallower for it. It's really hard NOT to read that next to, say, Veilguard as a State of The Industry thing. Anyway, this was the expansion with the graphical update, so it makes sense that there was less time/resources devoted to quest design and writing. But it's also a bar-set, and I understand how game studios operate.

I will be playing MSQ much more slowly going forward. Even with how sparse the sidequests were, completing them in time with MSQ as they unlocked left me with a MUCH more favorable impression of DT than most of the people I saw rushing through it. My full-game playthough on Evka, I am totally adjusting my approach to match how I played DT: clear every single area of quests before moving onto the next. This has helped me a lot with my FOMO about the game, and really helped me slow down and read closer. This approach is helping rekindle my appreciation for ARR. It puts me in a more receptive mindset for things like the interminable Tombstone Shaaloani bit, or the post-Titan wine fetching. And it requires patience. If I start feeling impatient, I stop playing. Believe it or not, I was like, not tremendously impressed with the post-ShB patches because I felt like MSQ was just rehashing. I remember sitting there looking at Ardbertlidibus like, "fuck man, power of friendship. we get it." I took it too fast, and I was impatient to be Caught Up. I genuinely wish I could replay ShB for the first time and NOT just mainline the primary story, because if I was close-reading I would have gone totally insane about this game like, two or three years earlier.

The on-level content's never been more fun. I loved the dungeons/raids this time around. They have really honed in. There's less though! There's less combat! There's less gameplay and more story, which is wild, considering how little story there is. This was a sparse expansion. But I'm having a blast with what was there, and did ultimately feel satisfied. Again, this is where I'm setting my bar for expectations going forward, if I'm pleasantly surprised than that rules. I like that they're getting goofy with dungeons ago. Much as I groan when I drop into Strayborough, it's fun, and it puts me in mind of things I liked about ARR dungeons. I also love how they continue to play with duty support as a diagetic tool. This is now approaching 100% on being a wonderful MMO for people who want a single-player experience, which is a weird sentence! Even though I like the social aspect, I appreciate being able to drop into a new dungeon as a healer and getting to learn the mechanics myself firsthand, instead of being obligated to spoil myself with a dungeon guide to ensure a zero-death run. Environmental design also wowed me. There is a great mix of detail and traversability. I do miss the little tiny tableaus and unused locations of HW & StB, having a multilevel space to poke around. I am not a huge fan of DT's "split the zone in half so we can use it twice" structure. I want those zones to become unsplit, at some point in the story, if that's the case, and have an available instance where a previously untraversable area becomes so. At least an interactable, like an NPC who will ferry you from one side to the other? But the zones were gorgeous, the settlements had tons of fun little details, Tuliyollal is, again, the most impressive hub city in the game. (Sorry Crystarium!!! SORRY!) There were places that could have used polish to match it - The settlements Urqopacha felt much more living than Kozama'uka, for instance.

Previous expansion content is starting to suffer. I have NO idea how they are going to manage further re-balancing. Many of the jobs are no longer any fun to play until like, 80 for me. This problem is only going to get worse, and it's going to require major overhauls more and more frequently, and those overhauls are going to simplify rotations and pare down interesting toolsets. I worry!

This game is going to be about itself for the rest of its lifespan. Shadowbringers was the thesis. Endwalker was metatext. Dawntrail is the rehash. It will be all rehash from here on out, mark my words. Unless they are willing to pull back the stakes and refrain from parallels and drop us back into something like HW or StB (which I desperately hoped DT would be!) It's going to be the Azem show forever. Which, again, means the story is now much less important to me in terms of perceived quality. I'm just hoping they get silly with it? I made a post about shark-jumping. I will be clapping like a seal as this story calcifies and crumbles under its own live-service weight. All that lives must someday die. Except our subscription based MMO, which you can play forever. The tension is impossible to reconcile, and this is the way of episodic stories. It's going to get funny. I'm ready.

I... Understand the beef with Wuk Lamat. The data doesn't lie. My girl Lamaty'i has an ASTOUNDING amount of dialogue. Record-shattering. My girl Lamaty'i cannot stop fucking talking. Hear feel think. Big bug. Oh no she's seasick again. I think Sena Bryer's been an absolute trooper, I think this is a star role she should be proud of, and I think she's settled into the character nicely. And also, I get it. Lyse didn't deliver the entirety of the StB script. If this was Alphinaud I'd be seething. But, and here's the kicker, here's why I love her: kibty.

I still hate that fucking train! THE TRAIN IS ONLY A METAPHOR FOR SOCIAL PROGRESS INSOMUCH AS COLONIZATION IS. YOUR WALKABLE CITY LIGHTRAIL IS NOT AN UNCOMPLICATED GOOD, AND ALSO NOT COMPARABLE TO A "TRANS-CONTINENTAL RAILROAD." TRAINS ARE NOT LEFTIST, WHATEVER THAT MEANS. ARE WOMEN BOURGEOIS ETC & also KOANA WAS SO HIGH ON ADOPTEE RECONNECTION HE SUDDENLY DECIDED HE LOST HIS PARENTS AS A SWADDLED BABE, WHICH. OKAY Subjecting me to the entirety of Smile for the first time during the inspirational train sequence probably didn't help me suspend my qualms long enough to huff that Spirit O' Progress. And I had source Jeryk & Train Friends ON my Dawntrail bingo card. I wanted to see it. I asked for this. (head in my hands) Actually, this is something I haven't talked about: I feel really conflicted about Smile! They tackled a lot of kinds of American music for this expansion and normally I would be really into gospel being one of those genres - but god is it a stinker. god does it suck. fuck. I really wanted Alexandria to be a little more experimental for the soundtrack. The gamer EDM thing is low-hanging fruit, imo. I wanted to step into Solution 9 and be as wowed as I was in Tuliyollal, I wanted like, avant-garde jazz or funk or blues. (Hang on I just imagined electroswing S9 and had a coughing fit.) I was even hoping for like, some disconnect between the sonic/visual environment. Haven't fought Dancing Green yet, so I'm excited to hear that track but. They could have been more textured with this. Vanguard having that dubstep breakdown over the Shaaloani music got me READY and then S9 let me down. Every time I go turn in materia clusters it's like stepping into an elevator. Snooze!

In sum: Still unhappy the game has contented itself to discard Tural as a backdrop for inter-dimensional Alexandrian drama. I think Tural was fun, and am sad it did not get more room to breathe. WRT writing about nations, peoples, colonization, technology: there is no winning, but there is trying. I felt like I could see things there that did feel like earnest attempts to engage - traditional ways of life being upended, lost knowledge & skills, indigenous ways of teaching, sharing economies, etc. And also, these themes are being evoked in ways that naturalize them in a way it's fair to file under "a bit noble savage-y" & are divorced from their relationship to colonialism. Why did all of the Hanu forget about the harvest festival that has ensured their livelihood for years on end, and had to be instructed on it by Wuk Evu? Well like, you know. That's how these stories usually go, isn't it? The lazy youth spurn their elders' knowledge, and there is no particular outside force that threatens to destroy indigenous technologies, and no purpose to those technologies being supplanted, Koana just happens to be the World's First Turali Sharlayaboo and the steam locomotive is a net good and obviously no one on the entire continent could have figured out A Balloon without the Studium's help... Hey what's this plot about a moneylender? You know, unless the Hanu were ALL play-acting for Wuk to teach a lesson, as in the quest chain that also occurs in Ok'hanu, and like the cooking contest in Yak'Tel and, well. That's not how it panned out! The Blessed thing was! like. La raza cosmica had to be on the mind, yeah? But... I can't even really articulate anything about the Mamool Ja because the logic of that story section is so alien and inarticulate itself. I think the Yok Huy were underutilized. I think blue-eyed-babyfaced Christopher Columbus in his magic avatar forest hut was weird. I FEEL LIKE I WON'T HAVE AN INFORMED OPINION ABOUT THE POLITICAL BAGGAGE OF DAWNTRAIL UNTIL I REPLAY ARR-StB! Genuinely! I need a refresher! This is a game written by a Japanese team which featured an entire expansion about occupied China! And I was, again, rushing through that! I think a lot of the people speaking about Dawntrail ALSO rushed through that! Because the playerbase EXPLODED with EW, and this is the first expansion where many people have been around for the full dev cycle. But anyway, This was a fraught setting, and it seems like they're eager to abandon it now that it's set up Azem's Weird Cup. That makes me sad, even despite all the failings, because I think they failed in interesting ways, and they were always going to fail, and they were always going to do some things right, and there is no ONE way to talk about these issues, yeah. Biggest gripe is still Xak Tural and the way it was handled, and choosing the spaghetti western vibe over like, the cultures indigenous to the American southwest, that hadn't changed. I wanted to see it. I still want to see it. Me and Erenville are going and you are all invited. But pulling away from text and into Me The Player My Experience: I'm sitting pretty tight with FFXIV. I think I'm in this longhaul style, and again, I am satisfied with it as a game. There is NO way they could have kept up those chops. We got a pretty incredible first run, and I will feel fondly about it as a piece of writing for a long time. And I don't feel like I'm settling! I'm having fun! Higher quality fights in lower quantity is FINE by me! And my favorite thing in this type of game remains the busy work & grind, and the outfits and the decorating. My gameplay experience has not suffered, I am in fact having way more fun now than I was pre-EW.

In sum in sum: I think FFXIV is still pretty good, for an MMO. The format of an MMO is at odds with nuance. The format of an MMO is at odds with a story about grief and mortality. That FFXIV has received its accolades and is being held to this standard is, frankly, insane, what a crowning achievement in narrative design within these constraints. I don't mean to sound like I'm shoveling garbage in my mouth but I don't think I could have taken another ShB/EW type deal. Now, if they would just Slow the Fuck Down and make something that is not trying to match Endwalker's pacing... & I still don't know what Solar Bahamut is. And that scares me.

[theoldgodsaredisappointed]

Idk y'all like at this point it just feels like there's nowhere to go for long time mtg fans who are more interested in the game's original settings and stories.

Half of all sets in a release block going forward are UB, and now UB is legal across all formats? Grand, sprawling stories like the Phyrexian invasion are given a set (and a shitty half If they're lucky) to resolve, when they would've been given a whole release block to themselves in the past.

Nothing against those who enjoy UB, I'm not gonna stand here and pretend I didn't buy the fallout edh decks. If you like an IP and it comes to magic it's exciting! If it brings in new players that's great! But at a certain point what's the true priority here?

Old players generally aren't interested in most or every UB set. Players drawn in by their fave IP being in magic are a lot less likely to invest in the next sets. More casual players often can't afford the premium usually placed on UB sets. Wizards has to pay out God knows how much in licensing fees to monster companies with more money than them like marvel. Clearly this isn't sustainable.

But at this point it truly and genuinely feels like magic is not interested in telling it's own stories in its own unique settings. It doesn't care about giving it's writers the time to actually Write. It's more concerned with original settings staying "on theme" then actually feeling like fleshed out worlds with deep and complex lore.

I'll be shocked if magic Doesn't become nothing more then an IP blender game within the next 5 years. And if it does become that then it'll be an even quicker limp into the coffin.

Draft is dead. The future of EDH is uncertain at best. Standard is basically just for competitive players and tourney grinders hoping to make money. UB is going to dilute any remnants of originality and writing magic could be bothered with.

But hey the hasbro stock holders are happy right? Number go up? Number go up good? Damn it all for short term profits. Who cares what happens in the long run.

(I want to clarify that I do not bash the writing and lore of magic to bash the People writing it. Rather the Company that does not properly support them and give them the room to nurture their stories. I don't even necessarily want to heap all the blame on wizards. I have no idea how much hasbro forces their hand. What a slap in the face to see magic have some of its most successful sales ever with lotr and bloomburrow and Still face massive layoffs. This. Isn't. Sustainable.)

These are my opinions I'm venting