#and she doesn't really gamble or enter in to things much

[merricatte]

I feel like it's the opposite tbh, I've met some individuals in my time that is just *improbably* lucky or unlucky. One person I knew in the UK had the worst luck of anyone I've ever met, and they didn't do anything to cause it, it was just maths gone wrong. You'd think at one point it would be confirmation bias, like we think they're unlucky so we notice all the unlucky things that happen, but no. One summer all their flights and holiday plans were cancelled day off due to something going wrong, there were like six of them, and they joked that "well at least they got to be somewhere nice for their cousins wedding.", they didn't, they ended up fracturing their shoulder and ended up in the hospital the day before. They have been in five car crashes that I know of, they don't drive. Their life is (or was, I don't really stay in touch with them much) a series of small misfortunes and there is no earthly reason as to why and has through sheer force of watching them exist made me believe in luck as a force in the universe.

Hi! Sorry if this is a silly question/you’ve answered it before, but do you consider luck to be real or is it in the same vein as magic?

You know I've never really thought about how real luck might be. I think it's less real than magic. Magic isn't real but there are actions you can perform that are flagged as magic by observers. Luck has no material or social instrumentality.

[melminli]

Dirty Cash (Money Talks)

summary - you had nothing against your colleague, but you weren't stupid enough to be fooled by his innocent smile and appearance since you knew exactly what kind of corrupt person was hiding behind that costume. after all, you were wearing the same one.

pairing: (gong yoo/ji-cheol) the salesman x fem. recruiter reader

word count: 1.4k

contains: talk about gambling + death and murder, sexual tension?, crack and just evil morals tbh

a/n: i watched maybe the first fifteen minutes or so of bullet train, but i thought of the two funny dudes from it while writing this bcuz their dynamic was funny af. also, i will use the actor's name in this fic since the character itself doesn't really have an official one that was mentioned in the series!

You straightened your tie with your free hand while watching your train approach from the side. The station was always pretty empty at this hour, which saved you the jostling and squeezing as you entered. After that, you sat down comfortably with a light sigh - next to the free seat beside your devilishly handsome colleague. “Are you alright? Don't tell me that you had a exhausting day?” he asked you worriedly with his typical innocent smile on his face but you've known the guy for a while now and you knew exactly how dishonest he sounded right now.

You returned his gaze for a second, uninterested, before turning it back in front of you to observe your surroundings from the window. “Exhausting day? Don't make fun of me or I'll punch you in the face,” you replied monotone and Gong Yoo didn't doubt your statement for a second - or Ji-cheol as you preferred to call him since you weren't a big fan of nicknames. “I had a great time punching those bastards in the face one by one. It feels kinda therapeutic, so I'm actually feeling pretty good right now,” you told him, talking about the subject as if you were talking about the weather.

Your colleague grunted with delight at your good news. “And I would never disagree with you on that.” he said and then just watched your figure silently for a while before speaking up again. “Since you're in such a good mood, would you be willing to play a more private game between the two of us?” he suggested, making you look at him in utter disbelief.

“A private game? With you?” you repeated, amused and laughed in his face. “Hell, no. But don't worry, I'll let you know next time I want to get totally screwed by a freaky pervert,” you added, your voice dripping with sarcasm. Which will be, never.

“Come on, don't be like that,” he asked you sweetly. As sweet as the wolf who pretended to be the mother of the seven little goats before he ate them all one by one. “It's just a tiny, harmless game. It's been so long since we've played anything together.” he complained to you earnestly as if you actually cared, and you didn't.

Yeah, you remembered the last time very clearly, even if you would much rather prefer that you didn't. You hummed. “Is that so? Huh. I mean, it could be because you almost killed me in a fucking game of tic-tac-toe the last time, but that's just a theory.” You said with a shrug, clearly still resenting him for that. However, he just rolled his eyes unaffected by your grudge. “But you didn't, right? It was the other guy who got the bullet in his head.” He replied, not even remembering his name. Not that he had to.

You just glared at him while you rubbed your forehead. “Yeah, maybe. But I'm tired of risking my life just because it makes you horny and you can jerk off to it.” You made your feelings on the matter clear. “You know that the whole living on the edge of death thing isn't really my cup of tea. At least try to understand me a bit here, too.”

I suppose she's not entirely wrong, I could give it a try. I never thought about it like that before, did I? He thought to himself in his head as he ran his tongue over the back of his teeth while he pondered. How selfish of me. “So what exactly do I have to do, to convince you?” He asked you while he already had a few ideas in mind.

You grinned. “You know that very well, don't play dumb.” You demanded as you leaned closer to him so that he could hear what you were singing softly. “Money talks, money talks - dirty cash, I want you, and dirty cash, I need you, oh ~”

He raised an eyebrow, not particularly surprised. “So you want to play for money?” He repeated it, not outright rejecting your request. “Don't you have enough of that already? You're really insatiable when it comes to cash and now you want mine, too?” he joked just to get you worked up.

Though, you didn't get the slightest bit offended by what he said. “Can you ever have enough money? Besides, I'm not forcing you to give it to me, am I?” you said with a smile, already knowing that he would agree to your terms. “But if you want me to play with you, I want eight million won for every round I win.”

She's so greedy for someone who is already more than wealthy. “Aren't you exaggerating a bit? Most people don't earn that much in a month,” he continued his act of - whatever this was - because he just loved arguing with you.

“So? We both have the same salary, I know you can afford it,” you said, holding a hand in the air as soon as you felt that he wanted to stretch this unnecessary conversation even more. “You have to decide now what you want to do or I withdraw my proposal again.”

Gong Yoo closed his mouth and started grinning even wider. “You don't even want to know what kind of game I want to play?” he asked curiously, nodding and accepting whatever you wanted as soon as he saw that you actually weren't interested. You couldn't even imagine how gladly he gave in to you at this moment. “All right, I agree with your request.”

You stood up with your briefcase in hand after your station was announced. “Good. Text me when you have something in mind, I'll be there as long as it fits timewise.”

Your colleague continued to watch you with a look on his face that used to make you more than just uncomfortable back in the day - though, it didn't even bother you in the slightest now. “You don't want to accompany me to the...office?”

You smiled while the train started to slow down. “Au revoir, Ji-cheol.” you just said your goodbye to him and stepped out of the doors. You didn't even spare the poor guy a second glance when he waved his hand at you from the window. She can be so heartless sometimes, he thought to himself, even if you were like this pretty much all the time. I'll have to think of something good to ask for in return should I win. I'm definitely not going to hold back when there's this much money at stake.

You didn't give a second thought to anything as you made your way home after a day's work like any normal citizen would do. However, your steps slowed considerably when you noticed a beggar in your field of vision and even though the rest of the crowd ignored the man and his entire existence, you couldn't help but focus your full attention on him. You looked at your watch, I've been off work for a while now. But even then, you couldn't help but notice that he was one of the people on your list to recruit for the game. He'll still be here tomorrow, but I don't mind another round of Ddakji. I love money more than anything - but I'm not doing this job for only that.

“Excuse me,” you spoke to the man with a polite smile on your face, and he only submissively avoided your gaze as he listened to you. After all, one rarely approached people like him and why would they? He held his cup of loose change out in front of him, probably expecting you to give him a small donation, but you wanted to give him so much more than that. Even if the guy didn't know it right now - you wanted to give him another chance in life, so that he wouldn't continue to be just a miserable failure.

You ignored his donation cup. “I was wondering if you might have a moment because I'd like to make you an offer,” you continued politely and the man met your gaze at that. Yeah, you were really looking forward to what was about to happen - after all, you were known for letting your opponent only win if you allowed them to.

[bennetsbonnet]

I find it interesting that in fanon Elizabeth Bennet is widely held up as an avid bookworm when, in fact, there isn't a great deal of textual evidence to support that particular headcanon.

Perhaps it's because Mr Darcy comments on her reading at Netherfield or thanks to certain adaptations, but I frequently see her depicted as a voracious reader when we have the benefit of her view of her relationship to books from Elizabeth herself:

'“I deserve neither such praise nor such censure,” cried Elizabeth; “I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things.”'

This is supported by the text as when Elizabeth reads in Chapter 8, it's only when she briefly ventures downstairs after attending to Jane for much of the day because Jane has finally fallen asleep. She picks up a book because the rest of the party are playing cards and, she suspects, gambling on the outcome:

'On entering the drawing-room she found the whole party at loo, and was immediately invited to join them; but suspecting them to be playing high she declined it, and making her sister the excuse, said she would amuse herself for the short time she could stay below, with a book.'

The fact that Elizabeth reads as almost a last resort makes Darcy's infamous 'improvement of her mind by extensive reading,' line all the funnier as it's further proof that he really doesn't know her and was only looking for superficial commonalities, rather than getting to know her on a deeper level.

There is one other time where she possibly reads, towards the end of Chapter 12, when she is briefly alone with Darcy. While he reads, there is no indication that Elizabeth does too:

'Steady to his purpose, he scarcely spoke ten words to her through the whole of Saturday, and though they were at one time left by themselves for half-an-hour, he adhered most conscientiously to his book, and would not even look at her.'

Actually, there are far more instances of Elizabeth picking up some needlework and sewing which perhaps point to that being her preferred method of passing the time...

In Chapter 10, when Caroline gives a running commentary on Mr Darcy writing a letter:

'Elizabeth took up some needlework, and was sufficiently amused in attending to what passed between Darcy and his companion.'

In Chapter 11, when Jane ventures downstairs and Bingley is fussing over her:

'Elizabeth, at work in the opposite corner, saw it all with great delight.'

In Chapter 59, after Mr Darcy returns from speaking to Mr Bennet to seek his consent:

'In a few minutes he approached the table where she was sitting with Kitty; and, while pretending to admire her work said in a whisper, “Go to your father, he wants you in the library.”'

In my opinion, I think most of us that adore Pride and Prejudice are likely bookworms ourselves and want to have something in common with a heroine we adore. It's far nicer to think of yourself as an Elizabeth Bennet than a Mary Bennet... though perhaps, unfortunately, such a sentiment is not supported by the text...

[phightingaus]

Ough hi I need to dump this idea somewhere before I pass out. So like, this started with an art request on my main Tumblr of Scythe and Boombox. Nothing specific, just those two for funsies. Anyways I think too much when I draw so it ended up turning into a stupid goofy comic (still working on it shhhh) where Scythe kidnaps Boombox because hey, free and portable country music jukebox! Medkit obviously doesn’t approve (finds BB annoying) and tries to convince her to dump BB back where she found him. Canonically (probably) she’d relent and put him back (or just, kill him. I wouldn’t put it behind her), but this is where the au part starts. Scythe decides to be stubborn and ignore Med’s pleas, so BB ends up being forced to join the church. Maybe he keeps his eye, maybe he doesn’t, but it’s not immediate because he’s charismatic and good with his words. Idk it’s hard to summarize it, but I’m rattling the idea in my brain trust. Might start a fic about it after I finish the comic but who knows

Anywho how I think relationships would play out:

Scythe

- Temporary interest probably, she’d find him funny for a little bit before getting bored

- Dragged him along with her on missions for the music only at first, but when he accidentally shows competence she starts thinking of other ways to make him useful

- She will push him beyond his limits, and not in a good or motivational way lol

Medkit

- The one that’d go through the most change most likely

- Dislike to silent respect

- Med would start to notice that maybe BB isn’t as stupid as he thought, and consider him to be one of the few sane inphernals in the church

Broker

- Like Scythe, temporary interest

- During this interest period, they’re definitely dragging BB into doing silly things

- Like gambling, and breaking and entering

Dollmaker

- Silent understanding maybe? Unsure, not much is known about her yet actually

- I just think she’d be the one he can relax around the most

Aw hell nah they done snatched Boombox 😭😭😭

Yeah, she's definitely the type to kill someone she doesn't have a use for. His relationship with Scythe/the church is, oddly enough, giving my court jester vibes.

I really wanna know how Boom feels about all this. Stockholm symdrome going crazy rn-/j

If he does lose his eye, it'd probably be hard to tell because of his visor. Maybe he'd use that to his advantage at first lol ("Yeah I gave up my eye. I just have the visor on." when he's lying through his teeth.)

I'm interested in that comic of yours! Would love to see it when it's done :)

[whennoodlesformwords]

One Joongdok Order To Go (arcade flavor)

had the idea of just posting these plot ideas as little food orders because I tend to add sidenotes and really enjoy them but sometimes they're optional to a plot so they can be little side dishes to a plot and this is how I got here. We'll see how this goes. this also got super long im sorry it was supposed to be short i swear

Y'know those arcade games with the joystick and how there's different ways to hold them? Y'know that one way where you cup the ball on the joystick from underneath and kinda curl your fingers around it from the bottom and instead of jerking it around from the top you kinda curl your fingers in and it gives more precise and measured movements or something and lots of arcade regulars use it a lot?

Well, kdj is a soda boi / food server in this (maybe early 2000's? when were arcades and pin ball machines and all that super popular) somewhat retro arcade and has to always deal with gum stuck to the bottom of machines and whiny kids and all sorts of annoying people with complicated orders (hsy just makes up food things and he lowkey enjoys seeing what she'll order next just so he has an excuse to make something up and waste some time and she knows he enjoys it too)

but no client is as stuck up or obnoxious or arrogant or annoying or handsome or utterly unbearable as this black haired guy who comes to the arcade every (insert day) of the week and buys out his entire stock of game prizes. From all the games. And constantly maintains his high score on all the machines.

Pinball, combat, claw, dance, shooter, even those little gambling ones that require precise timing and a fuckton of luck.

He never fails to strike fear in all the other employees, and comes often enough that everyone else refuses to work on his specific time slot that he decides is 'terrorize the local arcade' hour (it's never an hour, kim dokja counted all the time and it went maybe 4 and a half hours on a good day) and it leaves kdj with a double pay shift for about five hours on this specific day of the week.

The best part is everyone knows they saddle this random game terror with kdj regularly, but they lowkey kinda ship it for that exact reason (uriel started the trend and made sure everyone signed a contract making sure kdj didn't get help unless it was absolutely crucial before they could enter the ginormous betting pool on when they're getting together. The manager is even in on it *namgung minyoung maybe? that'd be hilarious* and rumor has it whoever wins gets half of the arcade business alongside her mysterious heir) and kdj hates all of his coworkers for it

yjh has an absolute mean streak and has been banned from every arcade in a 10 mile radius from his house, except this one, and he has always been very suspicious of why and the reason of why it's so empty of employees every time he comes over. Through the words of his mentor, he must hone his gaming skills in other ways besides his online gaming setup, so he started frequenting arcades to get a more hands on gaming approach.

Until they all kicked him out. It's sort of extra that Mia came home the other day to a poster with his name and picture on it saying he's wanted dead or alive, but all the owners would've had to do is email his company head. It's not like he wanted to play them out of prizes. Luckily, his mentor has been able to take all the prizes he won and do something with them (he doesn't know what) but at least she's more happy that his gaming skills have gotten better.

Sides/bonus points(not really):

namgung minyoung doesn't have to be the mentor but imagine the chaos if she was

the whole reason i wanted to write this was bc the image of kdj drooling over yjh hand movements as he plays with the joystick is just too good to pass up (works both smut and fluff in that way, but also so much crack if he develops a hand kink

sys and lgy can also visit kdj and get free drinks and food or he babysits them since the arcade is close to his apartment

yjh can glare and disapprove of kdj horrible creations that he makes outside of the arcade menu and kdj just looks at him like '?'

hsy and kdj have a streak going on of who can make the most convoluted order and who can actually deliver it, so kdj has a little bit of cooking knowledge, but sometimes he chooses to not use it

valentine's day at the arcade you get to order a cute little cake but you have to share it with someone but kdj is just grumpy and hates it and has to deal with these couples himself and yjh and mia come over but mia wants a cake for herself and yjh doesnt know what else to do so he tells kdj he wants to share a cake with him and makes kdj have a crisis for like 5 whole minutes (its an hour to kdj) and when he serves it up yjh goes point blank and says 'i lied' and slides it over to mia and now kdj has a Grudge

[mimumimumimimumimu]

Words of Encouragement

ෆ Words of Encouragement. In a private classroom repurposed for a high–stake gamble. Dim lights. Intense mood. Two players sit across each other at a table, a small crowd gathered, murmuring and observing quietly.

Rin Obami smiled politely at his opponent, cards in hand. He was able to successfully lur his opponent to his set trap, each round calculated to perfection.

He had his polite mask on, tone was soothing, but his mind was just a sharp knife slicing away his opponent's confidence. Just one more play, and he'd win both match and their election chips.

But then—.

"Rin? There you are!"

The crowd turned. Rin's eye twitched.

[F/n] skipped into the room with a warm smile, happy to see Rin, as if she hadn't entered a lion's den. She waved brightly as she walked up next to Rin, hands now behind her back.

"Ahh... [F/n]," Rin said smoothly, though his opponent smirked at the interruption, with the delusion that she might be able to distract Rin from focus, "didn't expect to see you here.

She leaned over the table, looking at his cards with fascination. "Are you winning? You look so serious. Like a really intense pigeon who's constipated."

"... A constipated pigeon?"

"Yeah! You know, all focused and tense, coo coo!"

A bead of sweat formed on Rin's temple.

His opponent stifled a laugh.

Rin's usual smiled tugged on his mouth, a hint of strain behind it. "It's a high–stake match, so—."

"oh no pressure!" She said cheerfully, "even if you lose, it's okay! You're still, like, the brightest carrot in the knife drawer!"

He blinked. "I-... I'm sorry?"

She nodded, a sincere smile on her face, "you know, like, when you shine even if things are stabby."

The crowd was silent, looking at [F/n] with confusion, and maybe a little bit of concern.

Rin's opponent, who was once confident was now confused.

Rin took a deep inhale through his nose, "that's... Very encouraging, thank you."

[F/n] smiled, her smile beaming as if it was a solar light powered by too much sun, "of course! That's what peers are for!"

Lol what the fuck.

And just as suddenly she had appeared, she wandred off to admire something she spotted in the hallway. Rin stared at her, his face expressionless for a few seconds.

Then, he turned back to his opponent.

The guy hesitated.

Rin smiled, sharper now, "you were saying something about having the upper hand?"

They played the next move. Rin crushed him in three turns.

After that, Rin didn't speak of her intrusion. From that day on, he refused to permit anyone to speak during his games—except for her. For some reason.

Her nonsense didn't throw him off. It threw everyone else off.

And Rin Obami never wasted a weapon—especially one as chaotically innocent as [F/n].

At another election gamble, this time, it's a group–based game with several players watching. Rin was sat at a table, his arms crossed and his head tilted, all while he wore his calm, calculating expression—until...

SLAM.

The door flies open, and [F/n] waltz her way in, holding a juice box and three different notebooks that doesn't belong to her.

"Oh! Rin! Hehe, I made it just in time to watch your math!"

He doesn't even correct her.

The other player glanced around, "math..?"

She sits down on a chair besides Rin—uninvited, all while she kicks her feet like a schoolkid waiting for lunch break. "I wanted to be here to support you emotionally and mathematically."

One player raised a brow, "do you-... Do you even know what the game is about?"

"Nop~..! But Rin's playing, so I'm sure that the vibes are ought to be immaculate."

Rin doesn't flinch. Not outwardly.

Inside, he's SCREAMING into the void.

Mid-way through the game, it required a lot of bluffing, number manipulation, and psychological dedication.

Rin's opponent made a risky move, and the whole table was tense.

[F/n] leaned closed to Rin, attempting to whisper but clearly it didn't work, "psst! Don't worry about losing, I know for a fact that you're as sharp as a melted hammer," she smiled.

The room was silent, trying to process her words.

Rin pressed his lips together, nodding slowly, "yep... I'll... I'll keep that in mind."

Later on, when Rin's bluff got called, [F/n] clasped her hands together with a determined look on her face, "no need to worry, I'm sure you'll land butter–side up."

The dealer actually stopped shuffling the cards to look at her.

Rin's lips twitch into a forced smile, "yes... Quite."

His opponents' composure? Gone. He doesn't know if he's losing to Rin or to [F/n]'s messed up sayings.

After the match, Rin barely won. Once everyone left, he looks over to [F/n] who was now chewing the straw from her juice box.

He sighed and shook his head, "you really have no idea what's going on, do you?"

She looked up with grin, "of course I do!"

"... And you just say things like that all the time?"

[F/n] proudly nodded, "duh, gotta keep the morale confusing and the floor emotionally stable."

There was a brief moment of silence before Rin lets out a genuine chuckle, "... You're impossible."

"I get that a lot."

[syndrossi]

Jon and Rhaegar have disappeared with their dragons again but this time they cannot be found, the entire castle is searched but they do not appear, Daemon checks the passages but does not find anything, hours pass and sunset is near, the knights were mobilized throughout the landing of the king and approaching Daemon at this moment is a death sentence, they are about to send ravens to all the houses of Westeros when a messenger from Dragon Well arrives, they have found the princes, they are fine and they are in Dragon Well in These moments, was the only thing he could say before Daemon ran through the doors followed by the others shortly after, the only reason they were able to catch up with nzarlos fue Daemon was because the dragon guardians demanded that he first calm down and calm down Caraxes. before entering, because a nervous Daemon was a nervous Caraxes and a nervous Caraxes would make the dragons nervous inside, that could cause hell in there and would endanger the princes, Daemon had to stay outside until then, when they could pass They were guided by a nervous dragon guardian who tried to explain the situation and why they could not take the children to the castle but all explanation died when they arrived, in the silence that was made by the elders as they held their breath, Laenor's gasp was audible. , there were the children, saved and sleeping along with their babies, sitting with Rhaegar resting his head on Jon's shoulder and the babies on his legs, but what had really left Daemon, Viserys, Rhaenys and Rhaenys breathless. that Laenor would almost drown in himself was the place where they found the children, the two great dragons that they quickly recognized were there too, Vermithor the Bronze Fury and Silver Wing, both dragons coiled in such a way that they left the children and the babies right in the middle, the elders quickly understood why the dragon guardians had not been able to take the children to the castle, there was no way in hell they could get the children out of there without dying trying.

That was the idea I had when I read Jon and Rhaegar's escape, I hope you liked the mini story I made in my head, I loved the chapter and let's hope that Rhaenys doesn't scold Daemon too much in the next chapter, the poor thing is new father and has no idea how to deal with his genius childrens genios. 😅❤️❤️

Goodness, the terror of trying to pry Jon and Rhaegar out from a protective ring of Vermithor and Silverwing! The two dragons watching over them, perhaps thinking that they would have been worthy riders, if not for the small hatchlings they carried.

I love the idea of Caraxes being very attuned to Daemon's distress/tension. They spent so long together at war, that it probably transported both of them back to that feeling of peril, of the enemy being on all sides. Poor Caraxes. 😭 It's the one thing that makes Viserys agreeing to allow Caraxes in the Red Keep a little bit of a gamble/risk. Daemon is more volatile than most, and he and Caraxes are still so fresh from the battlefield.

Honestly, Rhaenys has had only positive impressions of Daemon as a father so far. It's Daemon dealing with Viserys and the politics of the Red Keep / the threat posed by Volantis / the warlocks that she has concerns about. (Well, okay, and maybe some Laenor-esque "you are going to allow your children to do WHAT with their hathclings?")

[exquisink]

PROMPT: bodyguard!toji / afab!reader

Toji leans into the doorframe, eyes scanning you from toe to head as you wring your sopping wet hair dry from some crazed fanboy who accidentally dunked a bucket of whiskey on you. Definitely not the best way to go about impressing a gal you supposedly idolize. Toji has had a few blunders himself when it comes to picking up woman if anyone can believe it--actually, you can, he recalls, but you mean it in jest--and he can't help but feel sorry for the punk. You don't impress easily, and that's a surefire way to permanently ruin any chance of scoring with you at all. 

Leaves him more room to gamble with you, though. But after a certain point, he realizes he doesn't want to keep danicng around the bush and actually wants to confess. He never gives a flying fuck about rules. Most can be worked around, bent like a rusted wrench or cracked like a wish bone. They're only there for some level of regulation. The rest are left up to . . . interpretation, or something. 

"You don't have to be here all the time, you know," you comment, eyes rolling to meet Toji's. You appear just a bit intimidated, but that's not the goal here. His purpose is to make someone feel secure, for goddamn fucking once in his life. 

"Just want to make sure you're alright before I clock out," Toji grunts, "I won't overstay my welcome if you don't want me to be here."

"It's nothing like that," you begin, as you secure your hair in a towel wrap. You're clad in your robe since the fancy designer clothes you were just in got drenched by all of that whiskey, and you sent them off to get dried off and back good as new. You don't want to mishandle any of your nice keepsakes from your photoshoots, so you leave it up to a professional who is better equipped to handle delicate designs. 

"It's just . . . don't you have anyone at home? You know? A wife?" 

"I did. She died, sometime ago."

You clamp your mouth shut, as if you want to put your foot in your mouth. 

"Oh. Um, so you live alone?" 

"Yeah. Just me. " He might be lying by omission but you don't have to know absolutely every fuckin' detail about his life, and you honestly don't try to pry that much since you just learned his wife is no more.

"Well, there's a lot of room where I'm at. As you can see," you gesture to the vacant estate you've occupied since you started this gig. "I just don't get a lot of company. Unless it's the unwelcome kind. You know--like paparazzi."

"Hm. Am I in the 'welcome' category?" 

"Of course! That's why you should stay. That's if you really don't have anywhere to go. All this time I keep thinking you stick around all the time because you need the money. I get it, but you should worry about your folks at home."

"Well, I appreciate the offer, princess. If you really want me to move here as a live-in protector, I can."

"It might be good for us both. Before you grab your things and settle in, why don't I make you some dinner?" 

"I won't refuse the offer," Toji says with a smile.

★・・・・・・★ ★・・・・・・★ ★・・・・・・★ ★・・・・・・★

Is it awkward to let your assigned bodyguard live with you? Maybe, but maybe it might be beneficial for you both.  He’s getting some company. You’re getting some company. A quid pro quo as they call it. 

After dinner, Toji does bring his things, which isn’t much. He doesn’t explain much about his background and you don’t ask. Nobody likes feeling cornered. Toji can open up when he feels comfortable enough to. You’re just glad he’s comfortable enough to make this a permanent occupation. 

As you rest on your fluffy feather bed–yeah, feather bed!--reading some book you swiped off of your bookshelf you’ve yet to finish, Toji enters your room. You glance up just as you’re about to flip the page, which you’re shocked about because the book you’re reading isn’t a page-turner, hence why you haven’t finished it yet. But as you take in the sight of a shirtless Toji, big bara muscles and all, just as you may have fantasized about in your head while you needed to get off . . . 

Eheh. Well. This is going rather well! 

This might’ve been your worst idea yet. You think you’re over it, but then Toji approaches you until he stops at the edge of your bed, glancing at the spine of your book. 

“Tales of Woe? Never thought you were the sullen type. You always seem so happy.”

You shrug. “Eh, it’s not something I’m actually that interested in. This book is just a lot of flowery garbage.”

Toji laughs. “Seems like most literature is these days.”

“No kiddin’,” you agree, and then shuffle to make some room while gesturing to the new spot. “Sit.”

“You look gorgeous in that nightgown. Like a Victorian heiress,” he comments as he settles next to you, and you shift a bit in your spot. 

“I–thank you?” you stammer, unsure of how to react to that comment. Or to the fact that a shirtless Toji is sitting on your bed. And oh shit, he’s just wearing sweats. If you don’t know any better, he may as well just be going commando in those sweats because you can see something sticking out. 

Gods, you know they say confidence is quiet, but man is that thing huge and you’re suddenly more curious– 

“--Why’re you staring at my lap? Would you rather sit there instead?” Toji inquires, and you yelp as you feel yourself being lifted like you’re just a bucket of feathers and you’re seated in his comfy lap as opposed to your comfy bed. And you can feel his erection sticking up between your ass.

“I–!” 

“You’re beautiful, Princess.”

Are you dreaming?

You must be making this up . . . 

“Do you not want me to–?” he asks, resting his hands on your hips, grip gentle. Comforting. Secure.

You flush a deep scarlet. “Of course, I just, you know, need a–minute–!” 

But a minute you do not get because as soon as he hears yes, his lips suction on your neck like an octopus’ sucker. Leaving deep marks behind, and you can’t even say no, you don’t want to say no. He rests you on your back as he continues to puncture heated kisses along your neck and collarbone and you let yourself surrender. You want this, you so definitely want this. Toji’s gorgeous, Toji’s single. Toji’s widowed, specifically, but now you can fill the void if that’s what he wants.

“Fuck, Toji—!” you moan as your legs stretch out and hook around his neck, hanging a bit loose as he noses your pussy. He inhales your scent, and the intimate smells of you invigorate him. His mouth opens wide as he sighs in delight, before descending on you. 

His tongue pushes past your pretty pink pussy lips and you almost squeak from embarrassment. You must feel like a virgin because you haven’t been active in so long. Your last ex can’t even touch your nerves the way Toji just did in one swift movement and he hasn’t even started—

“—oh, fuck,” you’re running out of vocabulary—that’s a first. Even in bed you’re a rambler but none of your partners ever minded and Toji definitely doesn’t appear to be an exception. His tongue works magic on your pussy, running between them and hitting that little nub of hundreds of nerves. You can’t take it. You can’t take it and there’s still much fun to be had. You can feel the slick of your arousal squelching with his saliva. It’s lewd and disgusting but so fucking hot that you feel your legs tightening around his neck. You pull him in closer into your pussy until his nose grazes your trimmed hairs. 

“You better not stop,” you warn, and as if to taunt you, Toji brings a finger to rim your puckered ass. “Oh my God, Toji!”

He chuckles, and the sound vibrates against your clit and you whine from how unfair this is. 

“Don’t worry, Princess. We’re just getting started. I’m here to take care of you and this perfect pussy.”

Toji’s finger continues to play with the rim of your ass as he eats your pussy, focusing on your clit. The way his tongue curls against the sensitive skin, makes you want to thrash against the bed but you try to relax into it. It’s been so long and every time he touches you it feels like lightning surging through your body. You feel like something deep within you has awakened after being dormant for so long, and you want to erupt, you want to break free like a dove in a age. 

“Easy, Princess. I promise I got you.”

He does, you know he does, and you let yourself be whisked away by a man sworn to protect you. 

[sleepis4theweak]

Question for the Foodie Siblings AU (asking for research purposes)

How does the Battle Nexus work? Like would they be fighting creatures or would it be more like fighting other people? Is it always to the death?

I was holding off on answering this- because I have not thought about that at all hehe...

I think that the Battle Nexus would work in that there would be both fighting of creatures and other people. It would be mostly to the death.

I'm putting on my business cap rn to think like Big Mama. I'm just gonna make up how the Battle Nexus works... but I'm gonna try to make it logical and cost efficient.

So: I think that to have only fights to the death wouldn't really work. You would have to be replacing people constantly. Not very cost efficient. Sure, she could kidnap people, but again, that takes resources, time and money. It's much better if she can convince people to come to her.

And she can do that easily, I mean she has a very popular business going on. I imagine that (kind of like Senor Hueso's whole pizza death maze thing) people would join for fame and maybe a little reward.

I think she would also want to have fights to the death though. She is running a business, and a very aggressive one as well. People would probably like to see blood and guts and the desperation that comes with knowing you are about to die.

So I think it would be a range of different tournaments. AND- having a range means that she can price differently :)

So, you would have the baby fights. People fighting other people, not to the death. Maybe just for glory and a small prize. Tickets would be cheap for those I imagine. I also think that these people would be allowed to come and go as they please. You could pay a fee to enter, try to win, and if you don't, you can pay some more and try again! She covers her costs with the profits from the people entering and the people buying tickets.

Then you might have fights with creatures. Animals/creatures are easier to replace. They can be killed, and you have some of that desperation and excitement without having to worry about replacing your competitors. I imagine that the people entering this one might not need to pay. They already miiiight die from the beasts. That's a high enough cost, so she wouldn't want to dissuade people from entering by making that cost higher. People who win would probably get a prize again. I don't think she would bother associating with or manipulating these people either. I don't even imagine she would heal the losers either. Maybe the winners. Idk. Tickets to watch these would probably be more expensive.

Finally you would have the all out tournaments. Fights that may or may not be to the death. But these are the big costly ones. The ones where damage is done to the arena and she may need to cover the cost of someone getting injured. Here's where I'd imagine she'd be more involved. And here is where I imagine Milkshake would fit into. These are the tournaments with a big prize. Milkshake, of course, isn't going to get that prize. Maybe anyone who defeats her is promised a prize? Anywho- these are the battles in which she has players set in place. They are bloody and you have to pay more than the others to watch. I think that these would also be the ones Lou Jitsu was in. If she can slip someone in there that she doesn't have to pay, but still keeps the crowd interested, then she's definitely gonna do that! She makes a lot of money off of these games. And probably also has other stuff like gambling to make money off of for these.

-----

And for anyone wanting a Foodie AU character to be in the Battle Nexus: I don't think that those who compete in these type of fights would interact a lot. So if a character is regularly entering the 'baby fights' for the money prize, they aren't gonna interact with Milkshake. But a good fighter in a 'baby fight' might catch the eye of Big Mama! You never know who might be a good investment ;)

I'm not sure how much sense all of these makes, I'm a bit tired rn. But if you have any more questions- feel free to ask me!

AND- @mikebeanz, if you have anything to add lemme know! I'll add it in :)

(especially if it relates to Milkshakes because now I have some ideas mwhahahahaha...)

[josado]

The pleasure is to play

Chapter 1

- A Joseph Joestar x OC fanfic -

Word count: 3.3k

Tags: yumeship, female OC, gambling, mostly just Speedwagon for this chapter

Speedwagon sighed, a gentle smile on his face as he shook his head lightly. "Fine.. I suppose I could indulge you in a friendly game", he said, slowly walking towards the other room with the help of his cane. "But only if there are truly no stakes. I'm mostly doing this just to meet your associate, anyway - I'm not very good at poker myself".

The other man chuckled, patting Speedwagon on his back. "Mate, you're not supposed to tell people that.. You're giving yourself away and we haven't even started yet".

"Ah... I fear that the second we start playing you'll realize I lack the so-called poker face, so it won't make much of a difference. But...", he stopped at the door to the meeting room, his hand resting on the doorknob. He looked over to the other man, a serious look on his face. "But I really do hope you are on the correct trail. The Speedwagon Foundation has caught whiff of similar phenomena happening around the world... If you think this is one of such cases, well... It could change everything for us."

The other man nodded. He was slightly younger than him, his hair only beginning to go gray on the sides. He had a serious look on his face just like Speedwagon, but his was quite nervous as well - nervous for both his personal reputation and for all the future business he planned on doing with the foundation's founder. This meeting was his idea after all, so he really needed it to go well and show he's reliable. He was certain this was a textbook case which would fit perfectly in Speedwagon's new research. Meeting over a poker game felt less than appropriate for making new business connections and trying to understand and better the world.. But it would all make sense soon enough. "She might not accept right away.. But I believe the lady will not need too much convincing. If nothing else, then she will accept purely out of boredom. She is...", he nodded, letting Speedwagon know it was alright to enter, "...a bit... addicted to the feeling of uncertainty... one would not be wrong to call it that."

Speedwagon opened the door, taking a few steps inside. His brows furrowed a bit, not expecting the new associate to be this young. No alarms went off in his head though, and although it wasn't what it once was, he still had great faith in his ability to sniff out someone's character. His nose was currently telling him that the worst thing that could happen here would be wasting his time. A young lady in her 20s sat at the table, smiling a little awkwardly. She had long dark ashy blonde hair with a single platinum streak in her fringe. She wore minimal makeup, but her eyelashes were definitely covered in mascara, clumping together intentionally to bring even more attention to her doll-like hazel eyes. Speedwagon slowly walked closer and extended his hand out to her. "My name is Robert E. O. Speedwagon, founder of The Speedwagon Foundation. My associate has, surprisingly, not told me a lot about you at all."

"A girl has to keep some secrets, doesn't she?", she said playfully as a small chuckle escaped her lips. She shook his hand, her grip on the handshake unusually confident for a woman her age. Speedwagon found this promising, as it implied she had something to be confident about. Perhaps the intel would prove to be correct. "Adora Dodie. A pleasure to meet you".

"Quite a grip you've got there, Adora", Speedwagon said, raising both eyebrows and looking right into her eyes. His amber ones studied hers, his nose working overtime. He finally let go of the handshake and sat down at the table, right across from her. "And quite a beautiful fake name as well".

Slight shock appeared on the girl's face as she didn't expect him to figure it out right away. The associate also sat down at a seat between the two, looking really anxious. The only thing that was keeping him sane right now was the fact that Speedwagon himself didn't appear any more nervous than usual. The associate had only recently met her (and under this name), but never once questioned it. She just raised one eyebrow, cocking her head to the side, now amused by his keen perception, her facial expression not even trying to deny the accusation. "Oh?"

"He mentioned you were Slavic, and your fashion sense is certainly not typical American..", Speedwagon started explaining, gesturing to the girl's outfit. It was rather chilly outside, less so inside, yet she still wore her short leopard fur coat - although, only around her shoulders, her black sweater peeking through from underneath. She also wore an insanely short skirt, which immediately made him think that she must be used to colder weather than America has to offer, as she wasn't shivering or seeming like she minded it at all. Her legs were fully covered in sheer black nylon tights, which told him she had no patriotism for this country considering the nylon shortage the war caused to help the troops. The black leg warmers scrunched at the very bottom of her legs certainly weren't doing a great job at keeping her warm or at hiding the expensive tights. They were merely a fashion accessory. "So I would assume you came here with the rest of the refugees at the start of the war, not that you've lived here for a good portion of your life.. The name certainly doesn't sound Slavic either, so perhaps it's an alias?" He stared at her for a few more moments, studying her before speaking again. Her smell was balsamic, an odd mixture of sour cherries and bitter almonds. It was sweet but melancholy, like a strange sadness hiding behind the sourness of the cherries. "But the lie wasn't malicious, was it, Adora?"

Adora, or whatever her real name was, nodded softly, as she started to shuffle the cards in front of her. "I'm a professional gambler, sir. And as you can imagine, the job isn't exactly ideal for making friends and giving them my actual name.."

Speedwagon looked at their shared associate, piecing together how he even met this lady. The guy definitely had gambling as a vice, it was no tightly kept secret, but Speedwagon still didn't expect to see him testing his luck against professionals. That being said, what even was a professional gambler, anyway? Surely, it must have just meant bigger amounts being wagered, as it was a purely luck-based activity after all. He now carefully watched her shuffle the cards, trying to catch a glimpse of any sleights of hand. He had seen Joseph cheat at cards enough times that he felt positive he could catch any funny movements if they occurred. "So how do you become a professional at something that requires no skill?"

"By simply never losing", she said, a slight smirk on her face.

"I can vouch for her being a professional", the associate added, shaking his head. "I've never seen anything like it - it's like a superpower!" He also watched her shuffle the cards, but more in awe, rather than trying to catch her cheating. He knew there was no trickery involved, just pure luck. He knew that the girl enjoyed the sense of uncertainty that gambling brought, the stress, the adrenaline rush... Even the feeling that you could lose everything in an instant, the outcome being fully out of one's control. She loved this feeling, and he knew she wouldn't cheat now, purely to be able to experience it just a little. "But, dear, that's not entirely correct, though, now is it? You lose a great deal, actually".

Adora dealt the cards to each of them, her hands clearly experienced in holding a deck. "I suppose, but that's not what you brought Mr. Speedwagon here to see, was it? You want him to see me winning, no?"

"Correct", the man confirmed, turning fully to Speedwagon to explain. "No matter how badly she loses, she never ends a game on a loss."

"Well... Being lucky is hardly a good example of what I was hoping to find here..", Speedwagon said, feeling a bit like the guy wasn't fully grasping his research topic. "When I said supernatural powers, I didn't mean something as vague as this..." He sighed and rested his face against his palm, his elbow planted firmly on the table, and used his other hand to look at the cards he was just dealt. They weren't that bad, honestly. An 8 of hearts and a 10 of hearts - depending on what got pulled next, this could be an easy victory.

"Trust me, this is not normal luck", the man defended his stance. "At first, it seemed like a random string of wins and losses to me, but then I started watching her more carefully. It seemed like she had some wins that were pleasant surprises, which makes sense, but then some brought absolutely no emotion to her face. Just a good poker face, most people would think. But then why would she have such a visible reaction in other situations, right?"

"I never thought you to be such a devoted fan", Adora teased the older man, looking at her own cards. Upon seeing them she gave a little downturned smile - neither too pleased or displeased with her cards.

"Honestly, I just assumed you were a huge cheater and I kept following your games hoping you'd finally get caught. Though, if I may speak freely, Miss Dodie... I'd still argue you are one. A much worse one than I originally thought, even." Both of them shared a chuckle, much to Speedwagon's confusion. The man turned to him again, continuing his story. "You could see it on her face - plain as day. She was cheating. She wasn't surprised at some wins, because she knew they were going to happen."

"Did you ever get caught?", Speedwagon asked her directly, carefully watching her hands as she shuffled the deck.

“I would have to actually cheat first, in order to get caught”, she said, shooting the associate a small playful smirk. “In fact, Mr. Speedwagon, if it eases your nerves, you may shuffle the cards yourself”. Adora slid the deck across the table, leaving them right in front of him. Speedwagon took the cards and started shuffling them himself, though with much less ease than she did.

“She never got caught. Not once. And they did everything they could to try and catch her in the act.”, the associate said, shaking his head. “I approached her at the bar recently and told her I thought she was born under a lucky star. After a few drinks, she confessed that she was always this lucky, even as a kid. She even said it makes life boring…”

“..To always feel in control..”, she finished his sentence, sighing. “I won’t pretend like it’s a bad thing, obviously, but it’s certainly got its bad side as well."

“So she’s either born with a gift.. Or she’s the best cheater in the world”. The associate looked at his own cards, having a pair of 9s. He felt good about his hand, but he knew there was no point to it, as he knew Adora would still find a way to luck out and win. Speedwagon dealt the cards for the game, revealing them all on the table. A 5 of spades.. A 2 of hearts… Queen of spades… A 4 of spades... And the 6 of clubs. Both men thought the same thing for a brief moment - I could at least easily have the high card. They both revealed their cards, looking to her to see if she would win or not.

Adora showed hers as well, a 3 of hearts and a 4 of clubs. “Looks like a Straight.. Two, three, four, five, six… Yep. And a pair of 4s as well”, she said, giving her cards back to Speedwagon to shuffle again, a cocky smirk on her face.

As he started dealing the cards for the second round, he wasn’t exactly convinced yet. It would take a lot more than that to prove this was some sort of supernatural power rather than just plain old luck. But he wasn’t about to start complaining either, as there were certainly much less entertaining ways to conduct research. “Help me understand though.. So why would you come to me willingly? Isn’t this basically an admission to cheating of sorts?”, he asked her, raising both of his bushy eyebrows and dealing the cards to each of them.

Adora chuckled. “Hardly. I’d argue being lucky is a requirement for gambling.. Otherwise you are just giving your money away for no reason.” As she received her cards she didn't even take a quick look at them. Both men looked at theirs, both trying to maintain some sort of poker face. “Plus.. The way it was described..” She looked directly into Speedwagon’s amber eyes, as if trying to speak to him without using words. She seemed to have really resonated with the overall topic of the research, which was the only reason she even agreed to meet with him. "I feel like... This luck has been haunting me my whole life. I don't want it gone, but I would like a better understanding of what's going on and why it is here. Why it acts the way it does. If that makes sense". She emphasized certain words as she spoke to him, as if alluding to something. It was a test of her own and the real game she and Speedwagon were playing now - figuring out if they are talking about the same thing without giving anything away before any formal deal is made. She watched Speedwagon as he revealed the cards on the table. "So they're all clubs and they're just a Queen shy of it being a Royal Flush... Perhaps the queen of clubs in my cards would convince you a bit more about my... situation."

"But...", Speedwagon started, looking at her confused. He took a few moments to look around the table and under it, just in case, before continuing. "You haven't even looked at your cards yet. How could you possibly know you have the missing card?"

She revealed her cards to them by extending her arm so that they could clearly see the queen of clubs staring back at them. And yet she still hasn't looked at the cards herself. The associate sighed, shaking his head and turning to Speedwagon. "See? And she even does this often, as if being smug about it helps her case with the cheating allegations..."

"But, how?!"

Adora shrugged, finally taking a look at her own cards, before giving them back for the next round. "Just requires more luck than a Straight does, I suppose".

Speedwagon looked at her, squinting his eyes and studying her features one last time. She had a small mole under her right eye and another one above her left eyebrow, but the asymmetry was surprisingly pleasing to look at. It drew even more attention to her eyes, which she clearly treated as her best facial feature. Her eyebrows were very straight, her cheeks pink and her lipstick intentionally smeared across her lip lines in a shade that wasn't very bold, looking as if she just finished eating strawberries messily. Everything on her face was carefully set up to point in the direction of her looking gentle and almost angelic, and yet here she was in all her actual glory. A smug gambling addict and an obvious cheater. Still, he could see past the surface and smell out what was going on. He didn't know how she was doing it, and she would clearly never openly admit to it either, but he knew this was her confessing and seeking help. Clearly she was doing something. He thought for a moment as he shuffled the cards. He then picked up one random card and set it face-down at the table. "Try to guess which card this is, Miss Dodie."

"It's a four", she said, her voice monotone and unimpressed. Clearly he wasn't the first person to attempt this approach.

"A four of what?"

"I'll have to guess... A four of hearts".

Speedwagon nodded, revealing the card to indeed be a four or hearts. He thought for another moment, scratching his face as he did. It was definitely starting to look like more than dumb luck. "Hmm... Now I'm thinking of a number between one and one hundr-"

"Sixty seven."

He gulped. It actually was exactly 67. The associate nodded enthusiastically as he watched her guess everything right, hoping this will seal the deal. "It's insane, I'm telling you. It's not even just gambling, sometimes I fear she can read minds".

The girl chuckled at this, lowkey enjoying both the praise from her associate and the shocked look that Speedwagon was sending her way. "Oh, I wish I could read minds, but I assure you I unfortunately can not. If I could then I wouldn't even have to ask you this... But what is it exactly that you are even offering to me?"

Speedwagon thought about it for a moment before deciding that he would like to pursue this phenomena further. It seemed promising. "Well, is there more information that you have that you have not disclosed to me yet?"

"I will only say that yes, I have a clear understanding of the principle of how this luck works, just not... Why me, of all people?"

"And you would share this information with the Speedwagon foundation, correct?"

"Only if we are officially partners, but yes, I suppose."

He nodded, leaving the cards on the table and slowly getting up from his seat with the help of his cane. He extended his arm to her, finally officially making her a business offer. "I can offer you to stay at my house and have all your expences paid for the entire duration of the research. In return I would like to run some tests, hear your thoughts on the whole phenomena, get to know your personality, lineage, history…”

Adora nodded as she listened to his proposal. Certainly, having all your expences be paid for was an enticing offer, one which she would have a hard time justifying to herself if she were to decline it. She also simply wanted to know more about her own situation. The luck came at a price, one which she wanted to truly understand and perhaps even keep under control better. She extended her own arm to him as well, shaking his hand firmly. Speedwagon let go of her hand and started walking away, subtly gesturing to his associate to follow him so that they could discuss the oil business somewhere more private. He turned to her one last time, giving her a reassuring look. "Come to my house tomorrow and we'll get you settled in and start with the basics - getting to know each other." He then pointed to the associate. "He'll make sure you are given the proper address as well as take care of any transportation needs to my property for you or your luggage. Alright?"

Both Adora and the associate nodded. "Understood", she said, still thinking about this whole thing in her head. It was a little insane, perhaps even very risky on her end, but she was certain that she would have realised by now if this meeting was a stroke of bad luck rather than just an interesting new experience. And she definitely wouldn't mind shaking up the monotone routine she built up lately that consisted of nothing but her hotel room and various casinos. Perhaps it was the perfect time to get to know herself and her history better. "I will be there after lunch, then."

[twentybiirds]

yet more lempicka stuff

I love the way Eden changed her voice between older and younger Tamara. In Unseen she sheds the heavy coat and twirls around and asks "do you know who I am?" But it's the first time her voice is brighter, younger. That's the cue we've traveled back in time.

"I Will Paint Her" is every lesbian asking themselves if they're attracted to this person or if they just appreciate their beauty in a totally benign platonic way

"I know you because I am you" is giving "I know what you are"

I heard a recording of Mariand Torres singing Woman Is and I am unwell. She is criminally underappreciated.

I love that moment right before Woman Is where she asks "what have I done?" Obviously she's cheated on her husband and that's the plain meaning of the line. But the additional taboo of sleeping with a woman. What does this mean? What *have* you done, Tamara?

Woman Is is so sensual, even sexual ("her cry" hello??) But it's not explicit nor pornographic. Suzy is the character we can have a cathartic sexualized connection with- she invites the audience to laugh at innuendo, she makes us blush and laugh and feel naughty. But Tamara's song is about sapphic passion. It's not lust, it's love and carnality and intensity. Something about it feels sacred.

Amber Iman is a goddess and deserves every good thing.

Speaking of: the first time we see Rafaela is via spotlight. That's how she enters the musical. She's just standing, looking at the audience. I love it. She didn't wander in, she's not introduced passively. She's the muse: she shows up with pride. It breaks the fourth wall a bit.

I read some critics who didn't understand why Rafaela asked Tamara to leave her husband and love her openly. Politically and socially it was too risky to make logical sense. But she answers that question in her first song: "Live tonight, cause soon we'll all be dead." She's not concerned with consequences or playing it safe: her philosophy is never self-preservation.

How she doesn't even look at Tadeusz when she says "fuck you." Her head is held high. A+ choice.

I can't believe I didn't mention this before: the parallels in her songs. "you bet your life/don't bet your heart" "give back my life/give back my heart." And then "always be ready to walk away" versus a whole song about staying. She gambled and lost.

That heart-ripping cry in "Speed" where she goes "I can't let go!" That's it. That's her turning away. It's over.

My first time listening to Speed I thought Tamara said "they didn't touch me, I walked out of there clean" and that didn't really make sense in the plot. But with the real line "it didn't touch me" she's not talking about the physical, but the mental. Her trauma was minimized because she had a reason for the suffering (reminds me of Frankl's work, which is... fitting.)

The Baroness's song used to annoy me because I don't love their characters (we don't get enough time with them to feel connected) but I've been thinking how much of it is a mirror to Tamara's life, especially since Blasted California Sun comes right after. Sitting in moments, knowing they're fleeting. Getting up off the floor. Moving forward.

I'm chewing on the idea of speed being a symbol of human progress. Marinetti obviously sees it literally in automation and industry, while Tamara refers to woman as "a creature of great velocity." Which one ushers in the future? Which one *ought* to?

[turvuren]

Whump! Proceed at own risk

Rutile/Yellow whump dump - 50 edition

does contain upsetting things... well... it's whump

gendered

cw kidnapping, transphobia, abuse etc

Rutile coming home from work, tired, expecting to sleep the next week away when a hand covers her mouth and she does sleep... only against her will, waking up in a dark basement but with all the necessities she could ask for. A mattress, slightly dirty but comfortable enough to sleep on, a filled food bowl, water bowl. She looks up to see her captor; Yellow.

Yellow is Rutile's ex and first time. When he finds out she gets together with Padparadscha, his jealousy bubbles up over the surface and he feels the need to steal her for his own.

Yellow holding Padparadscha captive, and proposes a deal. His release, for her hand in marriage.

Rutile is blackmailed to bang Yellow.

Rutile forgets everything about the outside world, the only human contact she has being Yellow.

Yellow blinds Rutile and keeps her under his care.

Rutile is still not over Padparadscha, in grief and terror that his murderer would come for her next. Her worries end up coming true; a knock on her door and a peep through the crack in the window revealing Yellow.

Rutile is held at gunpoint.

For every time Rutile tries to escape, Yellow rewards her with one sawed limb.

Rutile loves Yellow, but whether that's her or the persona she maintains so he wouldn't keep hurting her, no one knows.

Yellow is Rutile's willing experiment.

Yellow is Rutile's UNwilling experiment.

Yellow agrees to date Rutile to make Padparadscha jealous, but ends up regretting that decision not even a day later.

Rutile skips her medication and has a really bad episode, enter Yellow.

Rutile is a deadbeat partner.

Rutile always comes home late, much to Yellow's dismay. But to keep their marriage the way it is, even though it hangs on a loose thread, Yellow tries to be a good husband and cook dinner and act normal.

Rutile cannot hold her alcohol.

Yellow smashes Rutile's bottles of booze and Rutile smashes his head in.

Rutile drunk drives, almost crashing their car, and Yellow has a mental breakdown.

Yellow wins Rutile in a gamble.

Rutile wins YELLOW in a gamble.

Yellow withholds Rutile's very life saving medication in return for her love.

Yellow lovebombs Rutile.

Yellow smashes Rutile's phone when he sees the collection of Padparadscha pictures in her gallery.

Yellow makes Rutile quit her job so she can spend all day with him.

Yellow drugs Rutile in her sleep.

Rutile lobotomizes Yellow.

Alternatively, Rutile lobotomizes Padparadscha, and Yellow finds out. Yellow threatens to rat her out and Rutile snaps.

Yellow kidnaps Rutile on her way to school.

Rutile kidnaps Yellow on his way to a retirement home 💀

Rutile bumps into Yellow in the hallway and the contents of his bag spill out. She immediately tries to help collect everything, only to see that they're all photos of her taken in... weird circumstances.

Yellow is Rutile's patient. Rutile takes advantage of her position.

Yellow is a creep. Rutile is a victim.

Yellow is a bigot. He's dating Rutile, who is a closeted trans man. He finds the chest binders and Rutile's search history.

Yellow sees his past partners in Rutile and never sees her as her own person.

When they're having sex, Yellow moans his past partner's name.

Alternatively, Rutile moans Padparadscha's name.

Rutile promises to be a better partner but lies again and again.

Rutile stabs Yellow in the eye when he keeps talking.

Rutile runs out of the basement, thinking she's finally free at last, only to find that the house she was kept captive in is in the middle of nowhere, and she doesn't know where she is.

Rutile escapes from Yellow, only to end up getting caught in a bear trap. Her leg bleeding and throbbing, Yellow drags her back.

Yellow brands Rutile's skin with a literal brand - hot burning metal, or freezing cold; depends on you.

Yellow carves his name into Rutile's skin.

Rutile is Yellow's unwilling pet.

Yellow wants to see Rutile break; she's been emotionless since Padparadscha's passing away. So he tries everything, but even as her legs are broken and twisted beyond repair, Rutile doesn't react.

Yellow uses Rutile's childhood as a way to control her.

Yellow ingrains a command in Rutile's head; snapping his fingers makes her react involuntarily, and obey his beck and call.

Yellow is Rutile's Master. Rutile does not want this.

Yellow poisons Rutile's food and withholds treatment/makes her feel worse.

Yellow tampers with Rutile's birth control.

[ectophasm]

so episode 1 <3

the only issue i've had is that the game runs like a cryptominer on my computer where it has absolutely no excuse to. this is a damn VN it has no right to be eating as much of my memory as a moderately-modded minecraft save i forgot to download optifine/embeddium on. it loaded in on ultra graphics but even after turning them down to medium i was still having my laptop fan blaring (less after medium graphics but still there) and frame drops (nonexistent before medium graphics but prevalent after) during the courtroom segments. i suspect a memory leak or things not unloading when they should be but i don't have the knowledge to have any say in it at all

you'd think the reading comprehension minigames are a pace breaker, but they tend to pop up when the game is slow anyway. this does hurt my ability to pay attention to them, but they are just a bonus most of the time. as a(n occasional) perfectionist i think this game might genuinely improve my reading comprehension and i think that's beautiful. they also provide a lot of worldbuilding, which is especially important with this genre + setting combo to set boundaries of what's realistic in this world and what isn't, so it can get your brain in the right mindset for Theorizing . they also get added to the archive so if you're like me and was trained in american public school to throw out all information once you've already used it on the test then you can reread it whenever

also ITS COURTROOM SEGMENTS

its trial system is like if danganronpa's trial system and ace attorney's trial system had a sexy sexy baby with a gambling addiction. when lag was minimal it felt satisfying as hell to play, and when you're up to bat with ace attorney and danganronpa that sort of gratification is tough to match but otD hits a home run. its minigames make more sense than danganronpa's (all beautifully themed) and it's SUPER engaging. i was liveblogging on bsky but locked in too hard at the court segment to say anything about it

past this point there will be ep1 spoilers. beware all ye who enter... admittedly i am very biased (this game isn't just up my alley, it's ringing my doorbell) but if you like mystery VNs at all then you will LOVE this game. at the very least play ep0 and see if you like it

guh momin ...

i LOVE this chapter. no notes here, just... it's fantastic. the mystery is paced well, the new characters are amazing, BLATANTLY CANON TRANS WOMAN, the animation of a card whacking emma in the face is funny as hell to me...

That aside. Some analysis because I'm a chronic yapper when I want to be.

idk if i'm reading subtext that isn't there but... morgan IS grieving. just doing it her own way. the way how in the trial she IMMEDIATELY jumps to the conclusion that serra killed david... before being like. wait. this isn't me. i've gotta consider all the variables here. there's a couple of other moments too (would she have flipped out that bad at the xmas photo if she weren't already exhausted?) this feels like a miniscule thing but morgan has a lot of nuance other media serial killers don't get and that's important when she's the protag. also i wonder if emma KNOWS morgan is the HK but doesn't have the evidence to get her on it. doubt it but she's got a lot else about the case on lock. i love morgan she is a fantastic character

serra is adorable and i will protect this robot with my life. david really did just force a serial killer to adopt his daughter huh... i've seen this trope with dads and daughters and dads and sons but never with a mom. i wanna see how this unfolds so bad

i could yap all day about this game but i should probably stop here for my own sanity. i need to go be mentally ill about this game in other ways too

so i saw of the Devil on bluesky and, as a self-proclaimed Detective VN Enthusiast, had to play the demo.

and it is FANTASTIC so far. so fantastic in fact that i am typing this up on tumblr for the higher character limit

first off, the game has INSANE style points.

morgan has a huge theme of poker/gambling, and that's reflected in the game's UI in an absolutely beautiful way. the UI also brings in the cyberpunk aspect, so just looking at the UI can tell you what kind of world morgan's in and how she thinks about her job. and also it looks awesome combined with the comic book motifs of the artstyle. my only complaint on this front is that london and reyes aren't very expressive in their sprites, but it at least makes a little sense considering they're detectives. and also i've been playing ai: the somnium files, which goes above and beyond on the expression front, so my perception may be skewed here. some extra poses in the sprites overall would be nice for the full game but they are absolutely great as is and do not need it to hold up

also i LOVE that you're rewarded for interacting with the game world and understanding it. reading comprehension game my beloved <3 being rewarded for investigating every object in the room my beloved <3

some extra notes under the readmore. don't click unless you've finished ep 0

also a spoiler for zero escape: zero time dilemma but i try to be as vague as possible abt it

God forbid women do anything.

i LOVE morgan already. i didn't see the twist coming at all, but the foreshadowing was extremely solid. it could have easily felt as bullshit as the villian's reveal in ZTD, but it didn't feel like that at all - it made a lot of her past lines make a lot more sense, and it being revealed this early in the game makes me excited about how the game is going to handle it. also you texted a heart emoticon to the fucking DEPARTMENT OF STATE ? absolute fucking menace

i was playing aitsf before i picked up otdevil. i will be drawing date and reyes together with their yellow prosthetic detective-assistant eyes as soon as i finish aitsf

also the interviews in extra content are a fucking fantastic idea and every VN should do them. i've only viewed reyes's so far (i need to be up in 6 hours </3) but it was AMAZING. tell me your character has autism in one easy step (and possibly a tgirl depending on what that third thing is)

that being said, i do have a few nitpicks.

- it's obvious from the moment the photo is shown that carlos isn't the killer. iirc we already determined that carlos didn't have a right arm at the time, and whether you account for the mirror or not, the suspect in the photo has both arms. this tripped me up for the rest of the mirror segment and i think it could be fixed (relatively) easily by altering the pose of the figure such that the arm not holding the gun is more behind the figure or perhaps less distinctly an arm

- some of the solutions are a little unintuitive. to me anyway. and sometimes i am a little stupid. the one that comes to mind is the smell of the jacket -- admittedly i'm not very knowledgeable on guns, but i don't think i'd have thought of the smell of the gunpowder not being on it. that being said, gambling's kinda the point, so maybe i'm bound to have to make a few guesses

- it's not very easy to jump back to a particular segment of the episode. i unlocked everyone's interviews but morgan's on my first run, but if i wasn't such a religious multi-slot saver i might've had to do the whole episode over to get morgan's unless there's a replay option i'm missing.

i'll prolly have more and better thoughts when i'm more awake but damn that demo was good and i'm so excited for ep 1

[the-firebird69]

99 Free Things To Do in Las Vegas - On The Strip & Downtown

He says he looks like this and she does too a little bit when they were there but they changed it up you know they're kind of hassled and people didn't like it they have a lot more fountains and a lot more atriums and people go in there quiet and they're contemplating and they like gambling they do it all their lives everywhere they have card games it's different for them for him it was a lot of pressure and her. She wanted to go inside the whole time and he kept her out and she got used to a little but then couldn't stand it. But he adapted a little bit but he's used to it then he said let's go like fast and they booked it to the car but really it's much more calm now and they have the streets of Venice and places you can stroll around hey we're going to do that and we'll have a lot of floral atriums and bird atriums and we're going to have a big aquarium and some small ones but really shells with mermaids and everything they have that too in Las Vegas but a small one this is going to be a grand venue everywhere and Vegas will not be able to do it the crammed in there but they did change their accent that's pretty nice it's actually a chocolate fountain in the Bellagio and tell me if still owns it and it's really Robert de Niro the actual Robert de Niro. We're going to have all this stuff at least and more he wants to have a full size Eiffel Tower and over the roadway and some people think that's really cool everything is really cool it won't fit downtown doesn't have to be there he says and you go out there and you can view the whole valley and all of the downtown area. You'll be able to see the city too and people want to do that and I didn't want to view it and bring telescoping and stuff like that will allow it too with cameras you can bring them the inspect of course but you can bring it up there people want to do it they'll be a couple restaurants and says like 3 or so cocktail bars and cigar places but when you're outside it's going to be he'll be kind of caging they have now at the towers in New York where you can go update they have safety equipment too many people jump. And it would be very nice and he's going to have lexan Windows so they'll be clean and you can look through them when you're up there I see have a clear view I might do like the whole thing in it this is a good idea so it's going to be very nice and it will be open to the top with lexan too but there's a lot of people are jumpers. Leaving several levels on the Eiffel Tower there's four and he said three restaurants in the fourth will be history and a viewing and pictures and a whole bunch of some enter tape entertainment and of course it's going to be a French cuisine so she wants to go and so does he and father is listening now and it's armon and Goddess Wife and he wants to help design it. And there's going to be more like that but that's intense full size is huge it is over 20 stories I hear it's like 30 stories which is really like almost 400 ft and our sunset is pretty damn big. They say they do James Bond on the real thing because of it it's true too we've got a lot of ideas but we'll do at least what's here and we're going to have zoo animals and tigers in the casino for a limited time people will be crazy about that might even have Zigfreed and Roy show up, if they can squeeze it in. They said they might they might even do an act I don't keep the tigers a little docile they don't mind that.

-we have a lot of Acts a lot of venues and we're going to request a lot of musicians and we're going to put our own hard Rock in and we don't need permission he's the founder as a matter of fact we know who owns it now and it's not Stefan it is BG so he wants to put a picture of he and himself you might have one of those and Hera photoshopped in. You saying it's a great idea he wants to be part of that place and have ownership part of it instead of that would be great cuz you sort of have to and he wants to have a memorabilia and everything of his what we say is that's terrific and of course it's always be yours we're not going to claim it you kind of likes the attitude it's part of his history. And Hera says he said that she was creeping him out as Gilene and she was doing that of it every once in a while. He says he's not realizing 100% but she knows his parents in the future when she's fat and when she was younger it was babies yeah and she did it again you saw a child at work and that's ridiculous so didn't that lady have it and she says maybe you had her bring your and my child to work and the others are astonished.. you have a huge sporting arena and it's going to be by Goo and oh yeah but they're separately and we're making a note of separate this is going to be for professional games we're going to have a huge outdoor partially indoor concert Hall or one that can be made indoors with tent material and they can do it it's a huge areas it's going to be Giant and kiss wants to go and her son and daughter say why not your corporation too you act like it says he's not a clone can we say okay what else would a corporation band be doing. He says he really means it and our son and daughter say you're one of these guys they're fighting over it yeah that's true. That would be intense just puts on a nice techno show big screens and flames and fireworks and they show up with his big boots and get big a little bit and it's intense the music is powerful and potent and Beth would be a huge song because of Cloverfield.

I'm going to close with this we can say a ton of stuff but we're going to have a lot of entertainment and a lot of fun things to do not only things to look at and Muse and sit down and think about but participation in things video game casino or where you're playing racing and you're racing against people and the winner wins the pot and the house takes a portion of it sometimes the house will win no so if you put in $20 for the game and usually that's the price the house will take like 10 bucks out of four people and then you play for the pot and you also play for score and you're trying to get the score you have to beat one and you can win more money and it's not that simple but that's the idea there's a lot of games like that he came up with we're going to do and we're building the games and it's going to be the man cave and right off the strip now but it's like a few miles away four or five miles and you can take our tram and it will run regular and it's free and the tram goes up and down the main drag of course both of them and I'll go down to go kart places and dirt tracks and night almost going to be day and night until you have to close and bars everywhere he wants to have like a little Mexico a little Tijuana and places usually don't do that but he knows people down there. And he wants some of them up there like mac and he can have sultana suiso pequeño, he says deal but he wants the stocks with his tequila and he agrees it has a worm in it and people want to see what the worm is so he's happy about that and yeah they want to see Little Tijuana his whole place is going to be called Little Tijuana where that is it's going to be a little gambling in town I'll be a big casino with the theme like that and I told and got us now on the line vital and got his wife it's terrible it never comes out right he's a lawyer and he's on it but for crying out loud he says and he can have those little Mexican tuk tuks taking people around and love huevos rancheros and taco stands and beer and drink on the sidewalk place is going to be intense and lots of wine from The vineyards and they'll be nice restaurants with fine wines from The vineyard so you'll get going on it

Lots to do way too much to say

Thor Freya

I have all these ideas they have them all in writing but people are looking at them now she says it too they're looking at all up it's such a huge Chinese casino it's going to have all sorts of fun entertainment where you can use bow and arrow and all sorts of things safely but it's for competition and gambling believe it or not they used to do a lot of it and it's a lot it's a lot of fun plus it would have a GIANT WOK people are really excited they want to see that this entertainment I mean you have a walk that's like 4 ft across like maybe a mega one with a few guys working with boat paddles that have no chemical on them

[thequietkid-moonie]

Ambitious and smart darling gambles a lot

[ YANDERE HEADCANONS ] [ Yumeko, Kirari ]

[ Kakegurui Compulsive gambler ]

⚠️ Yandere, I don't support nor try to romanticize this toxic behaivor, is just for entretaiment

This is the first time i write something with the whole powerful darling, I hope I made it right

I was on the middle of writing it when I remember Majo Taisen and the whole greed things, and I thought that is could be a pretty interesting crossover

Yumeko Jabami

Yumeko always acts really innocent and affectionate, clinging to those she likes and once she get even the smallest interest on you she will make her way into your life, but once she fall in love with you with that intensity she will pry every little detail she can of you as well as try to monopolize you

Even if you weren't into gambling Yumeko herself will make sure to make you enter in that world, so you already gambling a lot make her things easier. At first she thinks that is just for the school spirit or because you like it but it doesn't take her much time to realice that you have a second intention, even if you try to hide it she will know

Yumeko will find out how smart you are and that excited her, that means that the games with you could be even more exciting, and about the ambitious part she will notice it without much troubles, you are the love of her life so is normal to know those things, isn't it? And truth be told, she finds really exciting and interesting that part of you too

She doesn't want to ask you right away what is what you wish because she want to find it herself, it is riches? power over others? maybe is being above everyone? or maybe you just want to defeat others to mocke them? It doesn't matter what you want, what matter is that you are looking high and Yumeko wants to see you reach that peak or fall and lose everything

When Yumeko fell in love she was planning on drag you to everything and everywhere she will go, but knowing that you already have a plan she decides that is better to follow, she practically becomes your own shadow, making difficult to people to tell where end one and start the other, as well following you close and watching every step you do closely and excitedly, she wants to be there when you win and when you lose, when you take risks, when you get closer to your goal, she wants to see it everything and live it with you

But just watching you isn't funny so, you wanting it or not, Yumeko become part of your plan and help you find a way to reach your goal, gambling with you and even giving you the resources to do so if you need it, and now that she is part of the plan she make you see even higher and will make you take more and more risks

Yumeko become like a puppet master with this whole plan, she wants to convice you to take more risks, and even risking more and more, the whole plan if is need it, if she has to manipulate you to change your mind into one more appealing to her she will, still there is a risk of losing your trust or you wanting to throw her away for messing your plan, but isn't risking her relasionship with you, the person she loves the most and the one who she promised to follow blindly, the biggest risk she can take? And even that is exciting!

But at the same time she will be your puppet to use, you can use all the recurses she has and even put her life at risk as long as you feed her with the excitement of the gambles and your beautiful ambition

Even if you actually throw her away she will make her way into your life once again, she wants to watch every single one of your moves, she will hate to lose anytime you take a risk, and she waits excited to see the results of your plan, it doesn't matter if you achieved your goal or lose everything, either result will be satisfiting for her as long as you get it by risking everything

Even if you end up losing everything she will be there to your side to feed your ambition, helping you fill yourself with determination to stand up once again and make a new plan, to wish more and more once again

Kirari Momobami

Kirari is a kind of controlling person but not in the totality, she likes to create the perfect scenario for her to enjoy the view of how it behaves and develops, making the whole school in her little aquarium for her amusment

She never really thought that she will find herself amused for just a little fish, you were truly something else, something to catch her completely attention and something she wants for herself, at first she was just interested in how much you gamble but soon she start to notice a patron in your games, always challenging those who can give you something useful, with that winning more of her interest

The more she watch you the more amused she is, her little and innocent darling is actually a predator, her curiousity lead her to pry every little detail of you, either for her amusment or to be able to use it later, and without noticing it her curiousity quickly becomes a completely obsession and soon Kirari finds herself unable to stop herself from wondering what will be your next step, waiting expectantly

She is really smart so it won't take her long time to find out what you goal is, what you want, but it doesn't matter if is big or small she will try to put an end to it, Kirari just can't have her precious little darling going here and there doing whatever they want, as much as Kirari loves your ambition and wild spirit she want you to herself, and she has her own plans and goals to reach and yours just becomes a problem in her way

Even when she is a controlling person she always enjoys a good match and knowing how smart you are she knows you can become a really good rival so once day, when she is completely ready for what she is going to do, Kirari herself stands before you and with elegant and beautiful words she admit her interest on you just before declaring war on you

Kirari always fights for what she wants and right now you are the object of her desire, however she is giving you the oportunity to win the freedom to continue with whatever is your plan, you can accept and fight with her or just give up and be hers already, although if you accepted you better be ready because she isn't going to easy on you and she is willing to cheat if you become a true problem

It doesn't matter if you want to put it in just one game or make it a long war, Kirari is willing to fight until she finally defeat you (because in her mind there is no other option), she loves your ambitious personality but he is eager to see how will react the moment she breaks your pride and ambition, the moment you fail and become completely hers

This quickly becomes a truly war, a fight where it put to the test your desire, to see the ambition and determination of the one who is greater and more powerful, although no matter how the fights goes Kirari isn't really planning to leave you go, every second it pass make her more desperate to have you and if she has to make you lose and become a housepet to have you all to herself she will do it without a doubt

[interwcven]

[ india amarteidio, she/her, cis woman ] — was that DINAH NIGHTINGALE? the TWENTY THREE year old is a LADY, how exciting to see them this season! rumors have it they are WITTY and AMBITIOUS, but i’ve heard they are CYNICAL and REACTIVE as well — maybe that’s why they’ve been called the SPITFIRE. I have even heard that SHE WAS BORN AS THE RESULT OF AN AFFAIR BETWEEN HER MOTHER AND THEIR SERVANT —only time will tell.

name: dinah ( samirah - her ghanian name ) nightingale title: lady nightingale age: twenty-three birthday: march 29 sign: aries sexuality: bisexual languages known: english , french & german

BACKGROUND

dinah's mother , afryea nightingale , was born in ghana , where she came from a moderately wealthy family who grew rich off being merchants. they were world travelers who traveled & traded for a living. her mother , who was never far behind her father on his adventures , grew to love exploring new communities.

when she was 17 , she met dinah's father in france , laurence nightingale. he too was visiting the country , as he was from england. he came from extremely new money , a formerly low-class family who had earned their wealth unconventionally through a series of lucky streaks of gambling.

the two fell for each other headfirst and on impulse , days before she was meant to leave he proposed and asked her to return to england with him. however , the major secret between them was that already gotten pregnant during her time in france , therefore the wedding was extremely rushed as to avoid scandal.

they ended up having six kids , of which dinah is the youngest. things were good until her mother grew bitter with her life. she had always dreamed of adventure and hadn't had much intention to marry , but had acted impulsively out of love. her husband had very traditional views of marriage and didn't allow her to join his travels like he promised. this eventually led to her resentment of her own kids , feeling like her role as a wife and mother got in the way of her happiness.

dinah's birth served as the essential death of her parent's love. by the time she was born , her father had had countless affairs and put his gambling tendencies over his family. her mother had fallen for one of her male servants , and the two secretly had an affair , leading to the birth of dinah. while there were whispers amongst the staff about dinah's legitimacy , it's always been met with hostility by her mother.

dinah's always had her own suspicions , though she's never been told the truth. but she sees how differently her parents treat her , and how those closest to them seem to narrow their eyes just a little more at her. but most of all , she can't shake the sadness in the eyes of the servant who curiously looks so similar to her.

outside of her parent's , though , dinah's been grateful to afford a relatively free life. she inherited the adenterous spirit of her mom , and even though she hasn't traveled much , she grew a love for reading and language learning as they allowed her to mentally go someplace else.

she hadn't expected her parent's pressure to debut in society , by being the youngest of many other siblings. however , her father made a harsh comment to her , stating " she couldn't live off his money forever " , it made her feel horrible , but rumors have said it's because her family's entering fiancnail ruin due to her father's gambling addiction. so , she's taking this year more seriously as a real chance for her to be less reliant on her own family's wealth.

PERSONALITY

outspoken , opinionated , and unafraid to take up space , just like her mother. it's something that's always been celebrated within her family , though the same can't be said for those outside it. as the youngest , she is a bit spoiled , so hasn't ever really been told no ? therefore , she doesn't have much of a filter , and it's been a recurring challenge she's had to deal with ever since entering society.

spoiled , but not snobby. she's the youngest and therefore is often being doted on , but both her parents come from relatively new money and who's families were both hard workers. she doesn't scare away from spending , but less bc she has to and more bc she believes it's a privilege her family has earned ! but she's not yet in a place to feel her family is fully comfortable in nobility , so doesn't quite feel as ingrained in that part of society as others may.

a little artist ! she loves all things creative , and spends a lot of her free time painting or wandering around art galleries. but her favorite medium is just doodling in her free time. it's not odd to catch her hiding away from others in the grass , drawing people faraway as she people watches !! if it's someone she knows sometimes she'll slip the drawing under their door without saying it's her , totally not a way to creep people out dinah !!

a huge learner. not the athletic type , would much rather spend her time inside with her nose in a new book. she mostly enjoys foreign language or exciting adventure books. secret lover of romance books , but she's sure to keep those books buried underneath her pillowcase.

on that note , she's a bit cynical about love. it's not that she doesn't believe in it , but every example of it in her life has taught her it's bound to fail. she's a natural hopeless romantic who use to fantasize about love , but time has made her grow cold to the idea. she feels love exists , but isn't enough.

so as she looks for her future partner , she is seeing marriage as more contractual and less magical. more than anything , she wants someone who grants her freedom , who allows her to explore her passions and learn more as she always has. but there's a sliver of hope somewhere inside her that hopes that love can be found somewhere in the equation , though her expectations are low.

her mom always has those faraway eyes and smiles so much when she speaks of finding love , but it confuses dinah bc it's not what she's seen ? her siblings saw her parents in love but ever since she's been around , there hasn't been much of it for her to understand her mom's fixation on it ?

despite her pessimism , she does adore being in society now. with her friends , she's a known gossip , and she loves finally feeling in the mix of all that happens around the most vibrant time of the year. even if love isn't in the cards for her , she's had plenty of fun getting to flirt with pretty girls and guys of the ton !

and while i say she's flirty , she's a very "blink and you'll miss it" flirt. she's not into cliches , she sees right through it so it makes things boring for her. she likes being kept on her toes , and therefore enjoys those who challenge her the most ! the very typical swooning style will make her roll her eyes HAHA

also incredibly competitive , which definitely contributes to her fun during the social season ! she's not there to find love but she is there to win , so even if it's not her type of game she'll play it to beat everyone else !! will literally turn walking to the bathroom to the race to the top if she has to LMAO

i would say she's extroverted , but easily exhausted from pleasantries and polite society. she could spend the entire night out w no problem , but if that night involves having to lie and shmooze uppity adults , she's gonna find away to sneak out when no one's looking !!

WANTED CONNECTION

pleeeease give her friends to spill the tea with (metaphorically LMAO ) !! someone who she can run over to during parties and be like do you see what i'm seeing ?? she's such a gossip and it's only natural she'd attract friends who are like her !

maybe a long-term crush ? someone she took a liking to before she got to her no-love-for-me phase , but could never really shake her crush off ?? bonus points if they were childhood friends for all the teasing and embarrassing stories that could ensue !

on that note , platonic childhood friends ! could also be working class , i could totally see her sneaking off to play w the kids of the town ! the nightingales are fair to their staff , as i said they're not very snobby , so i could definitely also see them allowing their children to play w dinah and the rest of their kids !

siblings ?? this is a more formal wc but an older sibling who feels bitter towards her mother's differing treatment of her vs them would be v interesting ! i could see this being either a really cute positive or a really messy negative connection , i'd love either !

enemies ?? she's so competitive though this could've originated from the most stupid , petty reasons ever. but whatever the cause she can't stand the sight of them and she's not afraid to say it !

a more recent love interest she's found after entering society ? this would be much newer and probably more push-pull , since she's actively rejecting being vulnerable to love atm. it could be fun slow burn though so i'd definitely be interested !

someone who either likes art or helps her w her doodles ! she's not a formal artist by any means , but it'd be great to have someone she could paint with or who'd pose for her to draw !

chaos buddies !! she's been trying to be on her best behavior as per her family's wishes , but i'd love to see someone who knows exactly what to say to get the chaos in her to return ! downing her family's wine collection , giggling about other members of the ton , sneaking out to go on late night adventures , all of it !!

this is by no means an exhaustive list though , just a way to get the ideas flowing ! pls know i love braintorming as well and if none of this works i'd love to just talk about our muses together and see what fits !