#made it almost impossible for me to find the fun stuff i wanted to enjoy without scrolling past a bunch of hateful vitriol first

[thatswhatsushesaid]

i do understand and acknowledge that most people who pick up mdzs and get really into it walk away from the experience with wangx!an brainrot that brings them joy and suffering (affectionate) in equal measure, and--unless they're assholish at me or my pals--i wish all of those people well and hope that the veritable cornucopia of wangx!an content on this webbed site and AO3 is everything they've ever wanted out of their fandom experience. wwx is the protagonist, lwj is his court-appointed soulmate, their happily ever after is what most people pick up the books wanting to experience, and that's, you know, fine. live your bliss etc.

i just hope that one day it won't be such a hot and controversial take for fans who didn't develop wangx!an brainrot, and who found something and/or someone else more compelling and engaging about the text, to be able to say as much, and talk about it as much as we want to, without generating a bunch of passive-aggressive--or aggressive-aggressive--commentary from hardcore wangx!an stans who seem to take our disinterest in the central romance personally for whatever reason. like genuinely i would probably not dislike wangx!an as much as i have come to dislike them if i hadn't been inundated with very rude reblog commentary or anon asks early on in my fandom experience just for saying /checks my notes, "maybe jin guangyao isn't evil, actually. maybe wei wuxian did some things wrong."

dgmw, i'm glad that lots of people here are able to like jgy, for example, and still enjoy wwx and wangx!an specifically. but for those of us who don't, or who are struggling to rediscover some affection for the main pair, this attitude.... did not develop in a vacuum lol. i would just like for people to bear that in mind, i guess.

[cinnbar-bun]

Zoro Birthday HCs!

Rating: SFW + NSFW hcs (NSFW under read more)

A/n: these were posted during his birthday im only just posting it here now haha.

GN reader and pronouns.

Read at my ao3 here!

SFW

It’s Zoro’s birthday! Yay! And that means lots of celebrating.

Or, in Zoro’s case, it means more napping and drinking.

Yes, it is a bit different but Zoro likes more lowkey birthday celebrations where he can rest as an excuse.

“Fine, since you’re twisting my arm about it, I’ll just go and lay down.”

He says, as if he wasn’t smiling and wanting to sleep after eating you and Sanji’s birthday breakfast.

He mostly wants birthday cuddles and kisses while he’s trying to sleep. He wants to have you slung on him like a koala and snoring in his ear for his nap.

He admits he doesn’t really need any gifts, but he’s not going to complain if you got him something. He’s not going to look a gift horse in the mouth when you reveal the gift box(es) to him.

If you get him something personalized or something like jewelry, expect him to glance in confusion at you.

“Why’d you get me something like this? Not really the fashionable type, ya know.”

But he will be wearing it every day from then on and will never take it off.

Author note: god he’d look ridiculously hot with a thin gold chain on his neck and I want it so bad.

Drinks a lot tonight. He’s going to deny that his birthday is anything special but he’s chugging it like he’s liberated another country. Maybe it’s because you and the crew care so much that it makes a day he normally skips on so full of love and joy.

Sanji made the cake (and designed it at your discretion) so Zoro acts like it ain’t shit.

“It’s just a cake. No need to go crazy over it.”

He ate like three slices before Luffy barged in and swallowed the rest of it.

He continues to have a great day with the crew after they make sure to throw him a small party as well as give him their gifts.

Speaking of gifts…

NSFW

When you tell Zoro you have another gift for him in his quarters, well, he’s a bit shocked. You already did so much for him, and you’re giving him another gift?

He follows your instructions and finds you on his bed, naked, pressing one his swords against your body while you’re holding a bottle of expensive sake.

Let’s just say his fourth sword started getting up.

He can’t wait to dive in and have fun with this “gift.”

He manhandles you a bit more, holding you tightly and gripping your hips while he’s busy kissing you roughly and exploring your mouth.

He enjoys drinking the sake from your mouth in these scenarios, mostly because he likes to fluster you enough to let it drip from your mouth.

He also likes to lay you down and pour the sake on your body so he can lick and slurp it up. The sounds are almost so obscene it makes you turn red.

“Eyes on me. Don’t get shy on me now. You’re the one who wanted to give me this gift, right?”

He’s happily performing oral on you over and over, to the point where you’re wondering if he remembers it’s his birthday, not yours.

If you insist on giving him oral, he ain’t complaining. Just know he’ll be a bit rougher and grip your hair tighter. And the stuff he’s whispering and telling you is so sinful, it’s almost impossible not to feel your heart race.

“Fuck. Just like that. You can take more. I know you can.”

You two are going at it all night, and while Zoro normally is keen on keeping you quiet, tonight, he throws caution into the wind and doesn’t care how loud you are. Heck, he even starts encouraging you to scream his name.

“Just like that, baby. Who’s fucking you this good?”

Maybe it’s the alcohol making him rather tipsy enough to not give a shit about what could be going on.

When you two finish after a long night, he pulls you in close and kisses the top of your head.

“Hey… I don’t think I thanked you for today… thanks. Really.”

You’re falling asleep on his chest but the look in his eyes is so full of love and adoration for you, and he sighs happily knowing he’s got you.

You’re the best thing in his life, and he knows that despite all the gifts he got today… you’re still the best gift he could ever ask for or even deserve.

So he presses another kiss to your forehead and enjoys the afterglow of a wonderful birthday night, his mind drifting away to things he could do for you.

[nofingjustaninchident]

i saw ur requests are open and i got excited 😵

would u be willing to write a jason grace x apollo!reader one shot? specifically one that’s kinda angsty but has a happy ending?? maybe the reader gets really hurt on a quest with Jason and he’s genuinely scared but she ends up being okay in the end? i’m not sure what other details but i’d love to see what you do with this (if you want!!!)

:0)

we’ll be a fine line, we’ll be alright.

content: jason grace x apollo!reader

warning: bad BAD writing, angst but then it’s fluff, blood, almost dying experience, octavian’s still alive, cursing, post Blood of Olympus

a/n: hello! this is my first request and i wanted to post it before the other stuff i’m working on (especially cause i can’t finish any of the shit i’m working on). this is kind of fast paced but don’t blame me, it’s 12am in brazil right now so.. yea. also, i kinda diverted from the whole hurt in quest thing, i’m sorry! i didn’t have enough ideas for a whole quest. but i hope you enjoy! oh and this is placed after the first book of TOA

⛧° 。 ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆༺♱༻⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ 。°⛧

Sure, a heartbreak did hurt. But have you been stabbed by Imperial Gold? Dude. Brotha.

Sure, it was a normal thing for you to argue with Octavian. Hell, it was. normal thing for everyone who’s sane to do. This scrawny boy was just… a piece of shit. Yeah. And the worst part? You’re related. He’s one of the “legacies”, whatever that is. That stupid roman dipshit.

And today was no different. You two were arguing about some trivial shit, as always, but things escalated quickly. Soon you two were sparring (how was a mystery, since you didn’t even know that thing knew how to hold a sword) and it was quite fun.

You see, you got to camp Half-Blood when you were just seven. Since then you’ve been trained all year, since you didn’t have any other family - besides the godly side of it, duh - and Octavian was… well, Octavian. You were much better than him.

The whole problem is that Octavian likes to play dirty. So eventually he makes you trip and fall and he leaves gashes around your arms and legs. But with imperial gold it was sort of painful.

Till one of those times came again, but this time he didn’t leave a gash or a scratch. He stabbed you right in your stomach.

“Oh, gods!” He said, with fake concern. “I’m so sorry, cousin! My bad. I should go looking for your boyfriend, right? But… i didn’t see nothing. Bye!” The blond said with a devilish grin and left.

You knew you needed help. You were applying pressure to the wound, trying to use your healing powers to at least slow down the bleeding.

You tried to get up to look for help, but it was almost impossible. Even with that, you had to. ‘Oh, come on,’ you thought, ‘i’ve faced Kronos, Gaea and Annabeth mad at me. I’m not gonna die for a stupid legacy.’

And that’s exactly what made you move your body towards the via principalis, where you knew someone was gonna help you.

When you got there, the first person you saw was - thanks the gods -, Reyna. When the praetor looked at you, her face was horrified.

“y/n? What-“ She began, but you cut her off.

“I-i’ll explain later. Just… medical cabin. Please.” You begged, your words barely above a whisper.

Reyna nodded and helped you lean on her for support, as she walked you towards the medical cabin. You didn’t know the name of the boy who was currently there, but he looked as horrified as Reyna.

“Oh gods. Oh, my gods.” The boy said and you smiled, trying to fight back the urge to pass out.

“Ha, thanks. I thought it was bad.” You half joked as Reyna and the unkown boy put you on a vacant stretcher. When you were laid down, you looked up at Reyna with pleading eyes. “Bring Jason here, please?”

“Of course. I’ll go find him. The brunette said and left the medical cabin.

“Ok. uh… care to tell what happened with you?” The boy asked and you turned your gaze back to him.

“Got stabbed by imperial gold. What’s your name?” She asked, but the look in the boy’s face didn’t seemed to register the question.

“My gods… i’ll do my best to help you.” He said and grabbed a bottle of nectar, pouring it to your mouth. “Ok, i need to-“

Before he could finish, a certain blonde boy barges past the doors, looking around the medical cabin, desperately trying to find you.

When his gaze fell into you, he rushed to your side, grabbing your hand. His eyes were glossy behind his glasses and she knew he already wanted to cry.

“Y/n, what…? What happened? Are you okay? Who did this?” He asked, and she tried to laugh, but the pain was becoming unbearable. You couldn’t even talk anymore, as the only thing that came out of your mouth was a whiny breath. “It’s okay, i’m here with you, hm? I won’t leave.”

He kissed your forehead and you squeezed his hand softly just before you felt a tear fall in your cheek. That was the last thing you heard or saw before passing out.

⛧° 。 ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆༺♱༻⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ 。°⛧

Jason is desperate. He’s beyond worried about you.

He knows what imperial gold does to someone. Gods, he was stabbed by imperial gold before. And if she wasn’t treated in the right way… he didn’t even want to think about it.

But other than that, he needed to know who did this. He was going to kill this person with his bare hands.

It had been two days since you blacked out and you hadn’t woken up yet. He was starting to get even more worried, but he hadn’t left your side for one second. You couldn’t even go back to Camp Half-Blood (obvi), so your closest friends and family came to visit.

Will had cried his eyes out when he saw her there. Nico had to comfort him as his pupils leaked salty water. Lester/Apollo was back from his quest with Meg, and he also came to visit his daughter. The man was very… emotional, let’s say that.

But on the third day you were finally beginning to wake up. Of course, Jason was there.

“Hey, honey… you’re back, hm?” He asked, caressing you hair as you smiled, trying to reassure him. It still hurt as hell, but it could be worse. You could be dead.

“Hey…” She mumbled, her voice a little smudgy. “How long was it out?”

“A few days. But you’re back now, that’s what matters the most.” He said as he gave you a soft kiss on the lips. It was no tongue, just affection. He was showing you he was there for you.

“I feel fine. Like, not fine, but definitely better.” She said, as she pulled away from him.

“Yeah, i imagined. But, baby, i need you to tell me something.” Jason said, still holding your hand softly.

You nodded, waiting for him to elaborate.

“Who did this to you?” He asked, and you felt him squeezing your hand tighter. His voice was also harsher, as if he was restraining himself from killing someone.

“It was… it was Octavian.” She said, in a whisper-like tone. His face hardened immediately as he got up and went to the boy that was standing at the door.

“I need you to call Reyna and Frank. Tell them it’s an emergency.” He said and the boy quickly left.

Jason rushed back to your side. “I swear i’m gonna kill that son of a bitch.” He muttered.

When you were about to answer, Reyna and Frank rushed past the door, both looking worried. Behind Frank, there were a few other people - Will, Nico, Hazel, Annabeth, Piper, Leo and Percy -, all looking worried.

“You’re alive!” Will shouted and rushed to your side, tears welling up his eyes again.

“What, you thought that a little stab was going to kill me? Please.” She scoffed and Will laughed.

“So, who did this?” Reyna asked, also going to your side and stroking your shoulder softly.

“The most stupid, idiotic, son of a bitch augur that we ever had.” Jason said through gritted teeth.

“Octavian did that? I knew he was annoying, but at this level?” Percy asked, his face contorted in a mix of anger and disbelief.

“Mhm. We were sparring but… he likes to play dirty, i guess.”

“I’m gonna murder him.” Will groaned.

“Get in line.” Jason, Percy and Nico said at the same time.

You chuckled a bit, even if it hurt. Cause you knew, with that family right there, everything was gonna be fine.

a/n pt2: so… i like it but i don’t but i do. u get that? yea. i don’t know, i think i could do better, but i kinda liked it. I was going to make octavian’s trial and all but it would be too fucking long, so i gave up. that’s it for today, sorry that it took so long!

[storieschats]

I feel like we are following the least interesting people on the ACOTAR universe?😂 Why can't we see Tarquin's history?

Note: Check out previous reactions here. Feel free to comment, reblog, like and talk to be about books whenever!😊

Book 3 Page 403 of 703

What's happened so far: We've had a battle in the summer court and now we're going to have the meeting of the high lords.

What I'm thinking so far: Out of all the 100-page blocks so far this is the one I've enjoyed the most and I'm excited to get to the book and start reading the part about the meeting.

Positive points:

The battle part was nice, I can't believe I'm saying this as someone who tends to love long descriptions and slice of life stuff but we really needed some action and some adventure and the descriptions were good!

Every time we see another court I have to mention it and oh my god a dawn court sounds so beautiful!!! And with that I think we've seen them all!!!

Tarquin, summer court high lord is such an interesting character. I'll go into more detail about how this is good and bad on the negative points.

A bit more history of the continent and what other species live here with Nephelle's story!

OMG they genuinely want to try diplomacy at this meeting instead of lashing out like they normally do. So proud of them!

Nesta, Amren never leave me my darlings.

Negative points:

Honestly I loved seeing Tarquin again but what it made me realise is that I just want to get out of Freye and Rhysand's story and into the story of all these other characters who seem much more interesting but the book forces me to be inside the head of this twenty-something girl who has an almost impossible to believe lack of curiosity about everything around her ugh.

Okay, apparently the other high lords hate Rhysand because he acts horribly to protect his true identity as a good person and until a few moments ago to hide the fact that there was a good city in the night court. Okay, but we're supposed to feel that he's right about this, but he's not... Being good on the inside counts for absolutely nothing, it counts for god maybe, but for the rest of the world I mean, what you are is what you say and what you do. If you do horrible things but you feel bad, well who cares?! You are a horrible person. I hope they don't make the other high lords automatically forgive everything and feel sorry for poor Rhysand (I don't even dislike him, I just dislike the fact that the book is trying so hard to excuse him).

Ugh why do we have to do this Mor vs Nesta tension??? Why??? They don’t have to be best friends but I think the narrative going out of its way to pine them against each other is silly.

More pain for Lucien fun...

Stars so far: ⭐⭐

Predictions: The high lords will soon forgive Rhysand (except for like Beron and someone else who will be seen as the bad guys), Jurian will show up at the meeting and we'll find out that he's actually good, Lucien will save the missing queen and bring her armies!

[tellmewhatyouc]

Congratulations on the milestone! Especially with the amount you've written, could I get your thoughts on Ace x Law they're my favorite rare pair and I love the way you write them

thank you!!!

and acelaw 💞 i haven't engaged with them much in A While because my brain has been elsewhere, i feel like i could get back there eventually but i haven't watched OP in ages so i'd probably have to do some re-watching to get familiar with them again. either way they will always be a fave, i'll always fondly remember our little community back in 2020-21 and appreciate the people who have dropped by my fics since then

honestly the initial appeal to me was just that they're my 2 favorite characters and i wanted to write them interacting, and that's how my longer fic soft focus started out. and then i got Invested. i think it's the grumpy x sunshine vibe, which i know also exists in law/luffy but i'm not personally that into shipping w/ luffy so it worked out nicely.

i think they also both have complicated feelings about life and death, law what with the Trauma and the tattoos and ace feeling like he shouldn't have been born in the first place. i'm pretty sure that's a thing forgive me if i'm just remembering wrong again my OP brain hasn't been active since like 2021 kasjdfkdj

and idk! i just had a lot of fun writing ace being a goof, law tolerating him because he is so lovable. i think they can bring out the best in each other and look out for each other and that's all i ever want in a ship tbh. i really enjoyed writing luffy into the dynamic too, deeply important to ace and becoming important to law as a result.

with all that said i dug around in The Archives because i knew i had some unposted stuff, and here's a cut(??) snippet from soft focus i wrote in late 2020. this scene turns into Drama because i had a lot of ideas about law that i was gonna get into but idk if they'll actually make an appearance in the rewrite so. here's some softness:

Ace had made himself comfortable on Law’s couch. He’d kicked his shoes off to pull his legs up, his knees pointed towards Law. Part of him was wishing they’d get to have a Teen Movie Moment and snuggle up together during the movie, but it seemed unlikely. Law kept almost a full cushion’s distance between them, so even “accidentally” brushing their legs together would be an impossible task.

By the end of the next movie, Ace was fading. He knew for sure this wasn’t a sleep attack sort of tired; it was too gradual. He just needed to go to bed.

“Where do you want to sleep?” Law asked as the credits started rolling onscreen.

“Huh?” Ace asked. It was as if Law was reading his mind-- or, perhaps just his body language. “I didn’t know I had options.”

“Of course you have options,” Law said. “If you’re looking for something more comfortable than a futon, I just changed the sheets on my bed earlier today.”

Ace’s heart skipped a beat. Law, who hadn’t even let Ace hug him, was suggesting they share a bed? Was he dreaming already?

“I’ll be spending most of the night in my office down the hall,” Law added, “I probably won’t be sleeping until early in the afternoon. So as long as you don’t sleep past noon, I don’t mind.”

Ace’s posture relaxed somewhat. Right. Law had mentioned he wouldn’t be sleeping that night. “Oh, uh… sure. As long as it’s cool with you.”

Law nodded as he stood from the couch. “It’s the first door on the left,” he said. “I just have to relocate Cora before you go in, but the bathroom is right across the hall. I’m pretty sure there’s an unopened toothbrush in the medicine cabinet.”

Ace cracked a smile as he stood up beside Law. “Thanks,” he said. “Do you… have anything I could wear?” He was still wearing jeans, and while he usually slept in nothing but boxers, that… wasn’t something he wanted to do in Law’s bed. Not under his current circumstances, anyway.

Law looked Ace up and down. “I’m sure I could find something,” he said. “I’ll leave it out for you.”

“Thank you,” Ace said with a nod. The idea of sleeping in Law’s bed, wearing Law’s clothes, had him a little weak in the knees as he walked over to the bathroom. Sure, it wasn’t anything romantic-- he wanted to keep his mind away from those thoughts for the moment. But Law genuinely cared, his hospitality showed it, and Ace couldn’t help but feel a little giddy about that.

He found the toothbrush without any trouble, since Law’s bathroom was well-organized. He avoided snooping around too much, turning a blind eye to the row of orange pill bottles on one of the highest shelves, and brushed his teeth before he got out of there.

He found Law across the hall in his bedroom, placing a folded set of clothes down on the bed. There wasn’t much to the room— just a queen-sized bed pushed into a corner, a nightstand, and a dresser. No pictures, no decorations, nothing. Just like the rest of his home.

“These should fit,” Law said, gesturing towards the clothes. “I’ll be in my office down the hall if you need anything. Just knock on the door before you come in.”

Ace nodded. “Sure, I’ll keep that in mind,” he said. “Thank you so much.”

“It’s no problem. Better to sleep here than go home in the dark.” Law took a quick glance around the room, and his gaze lingered on Ace for a moment too long before he nodded. “Well… goodnight.”

“Night,” Ace said, offering Law a smile. Once Law left the room, he stripped down to his boxers and left his clothes folded neatly on top of the dresser. The clothes Law supplied fit fairly well; the pajama pants were a tad too long, but the cotton t-shirt fit just right. He plugged his phone into the outlet by the bed before he climbed into bed, already half asleep. 

He drifted off within minutes.

[snailsbigrace]

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

A/N: Angst, sweet, sweet, angst. How fun. Basically don't read this one if you don't like kinda sad stuff.

Pairing: KEL x Gn! Reader

Warnings: None!

Genre: Angst

Summary: You go to a party because you hear that a good friend of yours is going to be there, you find out something you really didn't want to find out. At least you're taking it well?

Word Count: 2.4k

Rain poured down, the cool night air brushing against your skin violently. You weren’t in much, at least, not enough for the current weather. Hell, you weren’t even wearing shoes, you were in soggy socks. You hadn’t been bothered to prepare yourself, you just needed to get out of the house. So you did, not caring about how you shivered in the cold. 

There had been a graduation party at your friend's house, you weren’t going to go, not until you heard that one of your best friends, Kel, was going to be there. Parties were always fun when Kel was there, though he usually didn’t get to go because his parents didn’t let him. But for once they made an exception and let him join a party, you were positive he was probably begging them to let him go and they eventually agreed or that he had simply snuck out. Kel was definitely your typical high school student, always wanting to party and go out with his friends at every given moment, it doesn’t help that he’s so popular. He’s good at sports, gets along with people easily, he’s loyal to his friends, and he’s brothers with Hero who is known by everyone, their parents, and even grandparents. Kel comes from a definitely more well off family as well, in conclusion he’s a fun guy to be around and he’s definitely well known around Faraway Town. So when you heard he was going, how could you not?

When you got there you immediately noticed the rowdy man, causing problems as per usual. He was being obnoxiously loud and bugging basically everyone that was in his sight, though it didn’t seem like they minded all too much. That was the thing about Kel, sure he was annoying but his positive attitude and just how fun he was made up for it, and you’re pretty sure that everyone agreed with that. It did look like there were some people who were starting to get just slightly fed up with Kel, such as the delinquent Aubrey and her ‘gang’. But they just seemed to mind their own business, letting Kel have his fun. 

It didn’t take long before he noticed you, giving you the biggest smile you had ever seen in your life. He ran over, without a second thought, quickly engulfing you in a big hug, he once again surprises you with his strength like he always does by lifting you off the ground, but he only lifts you off the ground slightly, not wanting to cause you panic from the sudden action. Your face goes just a little red, he seemed to be in a good mood, but then again when was he not? You attempted to return the sweet gesture by wrapping your arms around him but it was a little hard, he was squeezing the life out of you making it damn near impossible to move at all, you weren’t even sure how you were breathing at the moment. He eventually put you down but kept his hug a little longer before letting go of you much to your dismay. 

“Y/N! I didn’t know you were gonna be here! Wowie, that’s so exciting! Why didn’t ya’ tell me?” He tilted his head to the side, almost like a dog would when confused, it was cute. You were told he tried to act like his dog Hector when he was younger, so maybe some of those learned traits never went away.

“Well I wasn’t sure if I would actually show up, but I did! That’s all that matters right?” You decided to mimic the action, tilting your head to the side as well. You giggled slightly when Kel gave you a lost look, not exactly understanding why you did that. He didn’t even seem to realise that he had been doing that as well and was still currently doing it. Your giggling didn’t help as it only made him even more lost. But he enjoyed hearing you giggle, so he played along, laughing as if he understood what you were giggling at. He knew it was something he had done and that’s all he really needed to know. Even though his laugh started as a fake, confused one, eventually it turned real. He lightly punched your shoulder once he finally started to calm down. 

“Heh! Yeah! I guess so huh? That’s pretty rad though! Actually hey, I had an idea and you seem like you’d have great input!” He beamed. He was clearly looking forward to your answer.

“Oh yeah? Well hit me with it!”

“Okay, so, clearly all the ladies and even some of the men here want to see more of me right?” He put his hand on his chest in a dramatic overly confident way. You snort but decide to play along with him and his already stupid sounding idea. 

“Oooooh yeah, trust me I know. Personally, I would love to see more of Kelsey.” You swear you could see his face go slightly pink for a moment and his expression drop into a more shy look, which is a look that he had never had on his face before. But you must’ve been seeing things because his expression went back to normal immediately. Kel gives you a smile full of pride.

“See! The people want me! So my idea is that I can let them hear my lovely singing voice!” His movements are exaggerated and even still it’s hard for you to tell whether he’s joking or not. Either way you know you shouldn’t encourage it.

“Kel, listen, I would never encourage you to give up on something that’s special to you and that you’re passionate about, but come on, even you know better. I think everyone here likes to hear you talk but if I’m being honest your singing voice is not as nice as your normal talking voice, everyone here would fall to the floor dead if you started to sing.” Kel faked a pout, crossing his arms looking down to the floor, slowly shaking his head. You chuckle and put a hand on his shoulder, just barely able to do so. You seem like a parent who just had a serious talk with their kid and is now trying to comfort them afterwards. “I’m not telling you this because I want to be mean, I’m telling you this so that you don’t embarrass yourself.”

“So you say.” Kel scoffs out, giving you an exaggerated suspicious look. You fake a sad look.

“Also me and your father… We’ve had our run Kel. I’m sorry but we’re-”

“No need to tell me I already know.” He copies your expression, but the dramatic lore you two had just come up with was interrupted by someone calling out to Kel, asking him to go over to them for a moment. Kel gives you a smile, patting you on the shoulder. “Seems like I’m needed, thanks for your advice Y/N! Even if you’re wrong. Catch you later!” You scoff at his comment but watch as he runs off to meet with whoever called him.

Most of the night was great! Even though parties were sometimes awkward it wasn’t this time, because Kel was there. Even though he was with his other, closer friends most of the night you still bumped into him from time to time. He’d give a smile or continue the previous conversation you had by asking questions like “Will you and dad still talk?” or “Do I still get to see dad sometimes?” You’d give him a short response and go your separate ways once more but would inevitably bump into each other again. The night seemed to be going well. Or it was going well, but then you saw Kel, he was talking to someone which wasn’t unusual, he talked to everyone. But this time it was different, no one could miss the way he blushed, or the shy look he gave them. The same one he gave you earlier, which also confirmed that it was a look he had given you, but this time it was consistently on his face. Of course you didn’t want to believe he had feelings for someone that wasn’t you but after the conversation had finished between him and that person you overheard him talking to his friends. They were teasing him about liking that person, he tried to shoo them off, and told them to shut up, even attempting to lightly hit them which only earned laughs from his friends.

The rest of the time you spent in that party was painful, Kel had tried to joke around with you some more when he passed you, just as you two had done before, you did your best to respond and Kel being Kel didn’t even notice that you seemed upset. He took the response you gave him and happily went off somewhere else while you stood there, completely still and silent. It wasn’t until Kel got up onto a table and got everyone to look at him and stop the music did you hope that the night would get better. But it only got much worse. 

He started to sing, which you had recommended he didn’t do but it seemed like he didn’t really care all that much about what you said. You didn’t really mind, you got a good laugh out of it at first along with everyone else, but suddenly, just as the night seemed to start getting better the lyrics registered in your head, it was a love song and as he continued to sing he dramatically held out his hand to that person he had been talking to before, he looked like he was trying to poke fun at movies for doing the same thing but with the evidence that suggested he had a crush on that person you knew it was also his way of trying to give them a hint. You stood there unmoving once again, the feeling of tears welling up in your eyes, you were quick to wipe them away though. You didn’t want to be there anymore, you needed to get out of there before someone noticed you were upset, and so you left, and nobody noticed, all too focused on Kel’s act.

This led to now, you were running in the rain, in soggy socks because you had left your shoes and everything else that you used to keep you warm at the house, you’d have to get it tomorrow. Tears were beginning to form and fall but you couldn’t really tell since they were mixed with the rain. You didn’t even know where you were running, you knew you had some idea in your head as you were clearly going somewhere but you didn’t know where specifically, but you trusted yourself enough to know that it wasn’t someplace you would regret going. Soon enough you found yourself outside your house, your body had brought you home. 

You were quick to go inside and head to your bedroom, avoiding anyone who might notice that you were upset and in soggy socks. You sat on the floor, too unmotivated to move from the spot and too busy trying to calm yourself down. It wasn’t that big of a deal, at least it shouldn’t have been, so why was it? Sure you had a little crush but why was it now feeling like a breakup? It wasn’t that! You had liked Kel a lot more than you thought you did. You weren’t mad, that was a good thing, not at Kel, not at that other person, not at yourself. Not anyone, and at least the warmth of your home was bringing you some comfort, it was definitely better than outside.

After a moment of sitting there, calming yourself down enough to function, you decided to take a much needed bath and head to bed early. You couldn’t be bothered to stay awake, not while knowing that you could get riled up again. But as you were preparing to head off to bed you noticed a flower, one that you had picked from the ground earlier that day, and decided to give yourself one last chance with Kel and it all depended on this flower. You sat down on the floor once more with the flower in hand and pulled a petal off.

He loves me

You pulled another off.

He loves me not

And again.

He loves me

Why were you trying so hard?

He loves me not

It wasn’t that big of a deal.

He loves me

He was happy.

He loves me not

That’s all that mattered wasn’t it.

He loves me

You should just let him be happy.

He loves me not

You two could stay friends still.

He loves me

But could you really be happy when around him knowing that he loves someone who isn’t you?

He loves me not

Just stop worrying about it.

He loves me

Just close your eyes and move on.

He loves me not

He loves me

He loves me not

He loves me

He loves me not

He loves me

He loves me not

He loves me

He loves me not

He loves me

You pause, taking one deep breath before opening your eyes, you sigh. You had done this in one last ditch effort to convince yourself that maybe you still had a chance with Kel but it seems that the world was just going to give it to you straight out, no games. There was still one last petal, and that only meant one thing. Though you don’t want to, you grab it and without thinking very quickly pluck it off.

“He loves me not.” You stare at the petals all over your floor. You supposed that this was just an extra confirmation that Kel was not interested. That’s just how it was, there’s not much you can do about that. It still upsets you because you had only just found out that Kel had liked someone else, but knowing that Kel would be happy and be with who he wants to be with is enough to give you the motivation to stand up and head to bed. One day you would find someone who loves you, you’d just have to wait until you find them, even if they’re not Kel. Surely this just meant that someone else was interested right? You were sure of it. So trying to not think too much about the awkward conversations that will happen tomorrow, you slowly drift off into sleep, praying that anyone, especially Kel, wouldn’t question why you had suddenly disappeared from the party.

Thanks for reading! <3

[intertexts]

OKAY. HI HI HI HI HI. THOUGHTS ON NHW MAL POWERS

i am going 2 leave the actual classification up to you because i dont have the innate sense of them yet like i do for classpects and such and i know im banned from the wiki rn so ill just talk about. base level What I Think He Can Do.

FIRST OF ALL. THE BIG THING. GHOUL. so. technically if i remember correctly. mal isnt a planeswalker like william is so ghoul is technically a separate being? ghoul is his guide, which is what allows him to go between the real world and the spirit world. HOWEVER. ghoul is nothing to me so in nhw world i think he should just be like. a separate form. mal turns into ghoul and its the same consciousness u know? hes the same guy hes just a freak now. worm comparison i am thinking is like. what rachel does to her dogs except hes doing it to himself. with the gross muscles and bones and big mouth and shit.

OTHER THAN THAT i thinkkkkkk. ok. hear me out. i am going 2 base this on a tweet bizly made forever ago (that im SO MAD i cant find a picture of rn) but the basics was like. u remember that nightmare dakota had back in season 1 where he saw william and vyncent kill summer . that was a nightmare that mal gave him in order to split the three of them up. SO WHAT IF. nhw mal has some sort of dream/mind manipulation abilities or something. hes had so many moments where he just like. appears out of the shadows in order to get them to do what he wants im just imagining the horror of that from an outside perspective just seeing one of the heroes mid battle just Fall Asleep for a while. but to them its like nothing happens and they dont realize it until he leaves and theyre waking up. do you see my vision here.

either that or i think his powers should be like. kind of countered to wibby? i know in pd his powers are similar to williams bc hes a ghost and everything but. im thinking we dont do that in nhw. INSTEAD. maybe in ghoul form or whatever he has heightened senses/abilities that allow him to see through things like invisibility and touch things that are intangible. (thinking abt this strategy-wise, it would be their goal to take him down as mal BEFORE he transforms bc then he becomes almost impossible for william to fight) . maybe this seems too targeted against william specifically but im jsut thinking like. ghoul in general just makes him more powerful and those are just a couple specific advantages he gets? uh oh im running out of words in my brain help

MAYBE THIS IS. TOO MUCH IN TOO MANY DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. so he doesnt have to have all of these at once. i am really just throwing spaghetti noodles at your inbox and seeing what sticks to the wall or whatever the phrase is. hi it took me like an hour to type all of this bc i kept getting distracted and forgetting words!!!!!!!!!!!

YEAHHHH YAYUAYAY THIS IS ALL GOOD SPAGHETTI!!!!!!! too much in too many directions is so fun dude i fucking love being the rubber ducky for shit like this!!

i REALLY ENJOY fucked up body horror changer shit... ough. (thats what him physically changing like rachels dogs would b, as opposed 2 breakers who-- oh god it's too late for this. umm. physical change different than energy form etc.)... he should get 2 be a weird terrifying freak thing. with bone & blood n stuff. & there's precedent for changing in a way that alters ur senses & powers etc..... maybe he choose what and how he transforms to respond in a certain way or target a certain scenario. i dont wanna go fishing rn but remind me tmrw n i'll rb this with some screenshots from ward of the guy im thinking of who this reminds me of!!

that being said the idea of him having big mind manipulation stuff is also SO compelling. god. being able to like... create illusions & scenarios that are completely fake. delude people or put them to sleep or mess with their cognition in ways they dont even notice... alter perception of reality.... especially if he has a wide range of effect?? that goes hard!!! how long would it last... how would u snap out of it... could he make u feel stuff that's not real??? ok ok ok getting off track. anyway. i love the idea of a fight with him being timed because he's transforming.... maybe a form that's just. very good at Seeing Things? mal/ghouls original job was like, as a cleaner for clarence, right? making sure everything in the afterlife's in order? so many choices...

[mar64ds]

Can I know what's exactly sam and max and where should I start watching/play/reading it? Your posts make me feel curious and the energy of these two fill me with good vibes

Sam and Max is a comedy series about two guys solving strange crimes, they are married too, it's a lot of fun

It started with comics but then had a tv show and lots of videogames adaptations

-If you search 'sam and max comics' they are pretty easy to find

-The whole tv show you can find on youtube, there is even hd upscales

They have five videogames, you can either play them yourself or watch playthroughs on youtube, your choice

-The first game is Sam&Max Hit the road, an old pixel art game made by Lucasart. It's very short but this game is famous for having extremely difficult puzzles, unless you have a guide it's going to be almost impossible

-Then there is three seasons of Telltale games: Sam&Max Save the world, Sam&Max Beyond time and space, Sam&Max The devil's playhouse. They have remastered the first two seasons and they are working on the remaster of the last season right now, it's meant to come out this year apparently. My advice is to play the remasters, they look better and have removed a couple of bad 'jokes' from the original, as well as giving a black voice actor to a black character that used to be voiced by a white man

The first season starts slow but gets better as episodes go, it's a silly season, it has 6 episodes, the other two seasons have 5 episodes. The second season has a lot of highs and a lot of lows, when it's good it's good when it's bad it's bad, it feels like it has less of an idea of what they wanted the story to be but i suppose that doesn't matter much with sam&max. The third season............... oh, well, let's just say it gets a little less silly sometimes, there are high stakes here, there are tense emotionals moments, if you like these two characters you might cry. But truthfully, it's also a very dumb game with dumb adventures lol

-Then we have a VR game, I wouldn't buy a VR set for it, just go watch a playthrough. The gameplay is not that good and i'm pretty sure the devs are cryptobros, so just enjoy seeing sam and max talking to each other and to you for a couple of hours and then move on

I think it's important to warn that some stuff in this franchise hasn't aged well, some because it was the 80s/90s (comics, tv show, hit the road), others because some writers wanted to be edgy family guy writers i guess even though that's not the humor sam&max is supposed to have (the telltale games). No excuse for either of those though, it sucks that stuff is here at all and it would be bad that i talk about how much i enjoy these characters and not warn that there is bad stuff here from time to time. From the top of my head i remember the comics, show and Hit the road have racist caricatures of indigenous people (the comics have a one page comic long that includes this, hit the road has bigfoots that are kind of meant to be that as well and i would skip episode 3 of the cartoon altogether + edit: i forgot to add that there are characters in season 2 episode 2 of the telltale games that are also racist indigenous stereotypes), the telltale games have a bunch of fatphobia (mostly towards sam), ableism (mostly with a character named timmy, honestly skip the cutscenes once he shows up, you can skip dialogue in these games) and racist comments and stereotypes (like making max say a bunch of conservative stuff for no reason when he canonically kills n*zis and white supremacists in the comics. Caricatures of mexican people in s2 and romani people in s3, you could say the way they write black characters can be a bit stereotypical too but it's not my place to talk, but just a warning overall). There is more and if anyone wants to add more warnings go ahead

It's a fun franchise with fun characters, especially the main duo, when it's good it's really good, but when it's bad it's really bad, it's important to be critical about it. Wether you want to give it a try or skip this franchise altogether it's your choice, i'm always here to give the information necessary for newcomers of the franchise

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I’ve read so far in 2023!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

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204. The Parasite by Richard Paul Evans--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I can't believe we get more MICHAEL VEY stories! I was in love with this series when I did my re-read and I didn't know we were going to get a sequel series with them being in College until I saw this one pop up at work last year. Although it's a wholly new adventure, the suspense and fun is just the same.

Although it reads more like YA like the other books in the series, the characters are definitely older (wouldn't be surprised in they're at least 20). I liked this side of it because it felt more proportional with the violence they experience.

I also mainly loved reading this book because while it was fun, we got to have the opportunity to see how the characters were doing beyond the initial series, which is something so rare. AND it is a great story, too, it's not some sad attempt at writing yet another MICHAEL VEY story.

The team goes back to the site of one of the places that started it all because one of their old teammates has gone missing there, and two other have been abducted. It was nonstop action and intrigued.

If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. I think it's good for any ages because it's just pure fun. (My review rambles because I don't want to spoil anything LOL).

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205. The Traitor by Richard Paul Evans--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The way I always devour these books. Since I waited to read the last book in this series, I was able to read this one immediately after.

I loved the twists and turns, and the constant adventure. I also almost cried during this one because it feels like the impossible has happened near the end of this book. I'm not going to say much because of spoilers, but I'm left with questions and I'm eagerly waiting for the next book, since this one left off on a cliffhanger!

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206. Come With Me by Ronald Malfi--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I've been meaning to read a Ronald Malfi novel because I came across a couple of his short story collections that looked really good to me. I wanted to see if I vibed with his writing and while it took me a little bit to get into it, I think I'm going to enjoy his stuff.

COME WITH ME dealt with not only a chilling mystery to be solved after the tragic killing of the MC's wife, but also the shadows of grief that haunt us when we're stuck in that immediate loop of not being able to cope with the new reality that loss paints for us. We see the personification of this grief in Malfi's novel as the MC struggles to find the answers his late wife had secretly been hunting for while she was alive.

This is definitely one of those horror books that masquerade as a ghost story, but is actually a tale of human-created horror and the haunting of grief. The actions of several people, including police officers, is another one of the chilling topics brought into focus in COME WITH ME.

It took me a while to get into the book because the first few parts are about the MC's reality shifting and in retrospect, I think that it was a very necessary introduction. We are being brought into the MC's very real horror story and then we start exploring the true crime aspect of this book.

I think what made this book all the more compelling was how consistent Malfi was throughout the story when it comes to grief and the horrible things humans do to one another. Even the ending was a jarring reminder of this.

COME WITH ME leaves you with questions like "Why?" and "What now?" and I have zero regrets about finally reading this book. I've read a lot of iterations of grief and how it can be explored in fiction. I think Malfi does a great job and I'm excited to read more of his work!

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207. Hello Stranger by Katherine Center--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm a huge fan of Katherine Center. I've enjoyed pretty much every book she's ever written and that hasn't changed at all after reading this new one!

HELLO STRANGER was such a cute and unique story following a woman who loses her ability to recognize faces after a life-saving brain surgery. She's an artist and while she's struggling with her new (and potentially temporary) reality, she grows closer to the resident playboy (or is he?)

I loved seeing their banter, her hilarious take on certain situations, and how obvious the conflict was--but in the funniest way possible. This was truly such a sunlight of a book during the scariest of months.

Center's writing is always such a joy and HELLO STRANGER is perfect proof of that. It's not smutty, so know that, but it does focus on a classic and fun will they/won't they romance between two enemies (maybe?). If you like stories that feature a guy who falls first, but let's the FMC do her enemies bit, then you're going to really enjoy this.

Also, much like Center's other books, the MC also has a complex storyline. Her complicated relationship with her family, the grief that has helped shape her as an artist, and her need to be the best friend possible make her a fun narrator for HELLO STRANGER.

Add this one to your TBR if you want a fun romantic comedy with a little puppy, an evil stepsister, and a sexy man who just wants to be helpful.

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208. The Fate of Ten by Pittacus Lore--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Well, that ending was...I'm very glad I'm reading these years after they've all been released. I don't know if I'd be able to handle having to wait a year for the the final book after that ending.

Much like the rest of this series, this was a fantastic book. Will always be a fan of how the characters have grown so much and the complex relationships between all of them. They all work off each other so, so well.

I liked the twists and there were definitely moments where I thought the storyline was getting really cool. Not going to lie, series like this one make me feel like a kid again. The fun of them, the emotional weight of them, and the "will they actually succeed?" urgency of these stories hook me every time.

I can't say too much because they're super easy to spoil, but if you've been on the fence about reading this series, I highly recommend that you give yourself a few days off to just sit and read these (or listen to them). They're that good and addicting. Even though I'm giving myself breaks in between each book, I am always thinking about them!

Seriously can't wait to get my hands on the next one!

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209. The Ferryman by Justin Cronin--⭐️⭐️⭐️

It has been a LONG time since I've read anything by Justin Cronin. I remember that summer, years ago, when I fell into THE PASSAGE--the bible-thin pages taunting me--and completely falling in love. I didn't know what to expect from THE FERRYMAN, but the concept seemed interesting and I wanted to read something new from Cronin that didn't have to do with his spooky tome of a series.

Long story short, I thought THE FERRYMAN was...okay?

I THINK I understand what Cronin was trying to do with this one. I even see this as a bittersweet love letter to grief. Grief over a future lost; grief over what could have been and is actually a completely different existence. The whole experience was like a manic dream highlighted by the grief that the characters carry in their hearts. This aspect was powerful and honestly so heartbreaking.

One of the things that I recalled from THE PASSAGE were the parental undertones when one of the children lacked a parent to help guide them in their scary new world. This is another part of THE FERRYMAN that I think Cronin did well.

What I think was a flaw in THE FERRYMAN was the structure of the story and the at-times wordiness of the story, even though this book was much shorter than THE PASSAGE. We kept jumping from one storyline to another, and another, and another. Just when I thought I was getting a grip of where the story had jumped to, we were thrust into another new reality. The structure was akin to an onion full of layers--metaphorical layers that made me cry with frustration because understanding was such a slippery concept. Thankfully, the ending really and truly helped me understand what the hell was going on, but the journey was admittedly exhausting.

I'm happy I read this because it was different and challenged me, but the exhausting nature of it also makes me happy I made it to the end. (I don't foresee a re-read in my future.) Overall, I enjoyed the messages in this, but the execution could have been done better (unless disorienting the reader was the goal, then bravo!)

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210. Time to Shine by Rachel Reid--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a copy from the publisher. This did not affect my rating in any way!

I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Listen, I haven't stayed up until 5:30AM listening to a book in FOREVER. Rachel Reid hits us again with another incredible M/M hockey romance! I simply adored this--in the "kicking my feet with joy" way.

The himb0 MC is the cutest person I have read in a book in a long time. One of my favourite lines he says is "Sometimes he had thought ideas were great and they turned out to be terrible, like the time he stirred peanut butter into his coffee." (Quote is from the ARC.) My sweet summer child. This quote pretty much paints a perfect idea of how he his. He's the sweetest and most...sexual guy ever and I fell immediately in love.

The second and quieter MC is this tall and shy badass goalie who is the biggest cinnamon roll. I wanted to hug him (after asking first) and take on some of the grief and guilt he carries with him for a good chunk of the book. His anxiety and adverseness to his talkative counterpart was hilarious and watching him slowly open up was the absolute best.

One of the best things about this book, which I have already told a couple of people, is the communication between the two characters. Consent is always important and it is definitely highlighted in this book.

TIME TO SHINE is an apt title, not just because we see these characters grow to be the brightest people they can be (in their worlds), but because this book is a like a ray of sunshine full of important topics, but most importantly, such a pure and sweet love.

I giggled, fell in love, and sweated my way through the smut.

I'm in love and I hope there's more coming in this world (or at least from Reid!)

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211. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I listened to the audiobook and this was an incredibly great choice. The production level was incredible and I can see younger readers falling in love immediately. I almost wish the sound effects had played throughout the whole book.

The mini storylines of how Roz the robot made friends and survived on the island were so sweet that I couldn't help but smile throughout the whole book. I especially loved the storyline where she was the mom to an orphaned little goose. It made my heart feel so warm and fuzzy--it was just so, so cute.

Now I understand why so many little ones come into the bookstore looking for this series! It has a lot of great messages of forgiveness and the complexities of the topic, friendships, different kinds of parents, never judging someone before getting to know them, and how family isn't always blood-related but can be made up of those around us who love us. It's an incredible wholesome book.

I think this would be a great book for an even younger demographic than 9-12. I think I'd recommend this for as young as eight or nine--especially when one considers what some kids are reading now. This is a wholesome read with very, very minimal violence and a whole lot of love.

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Have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts!

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Happy reading!

[servin-up-surveys]

survey #206

Do you like hot chocolate? Yeah, especially when made with milk.

Who was the last person to promise you something, and what was it? shrug

Who is someone you’ve made a bad first impression on? I dunno.

Who is your best guy friend? My boyfriend, but idk if he counts 'cuz like, of course he's my best friend.

Do you think walruses are cute? lol I do

Do you read cereal boxes while you’re eating? No.

What’s the last thing you accidentally (or purposely) burnt? Uhhh good question. I don't cook or anything, so...

Have you ever given birth? Nope, never plan to. Even in the wild world where I have a child, I'd almost certainly have a c-section. I cannot handle abdominal pain, it's the pain I tolerate the absolute worst. I also panic too much for labor to go even remotely well.

Do you enjoy making out? If I'm in the mood to.

What’s your favorite food to put ketchup on? Ummm probably chicken nuggets.

Do you know anyone who works in a laboratory? I might, but I'm not aware of this.

What was the very first social media site you signed up for? MySpace.

Can you see yourself marrying your current partner? (if you have a partner) I can easily envision this and I hope it happens. But if it doesn't, I'll survive.

Do you have commitment issues? Not at all, this is an issue I've thankfully never dealt with.

Are there any flowers planted outside your house? No. Well, not planted by us, because on one side of the house, there's a line of azalea bushes that blooms yearly.

Does anyone in your family smoke? I know my dad and his wife do. Realistically, I'm sure there's more.

What’s an opinion you find impossible to take seriously? Dinosaurs never existing. I try to be very tolerant of this sorta stuff, opinions that really don't matter, but no, you're just fucking ignorant if you say anything like fossils being a scam from Satan or whatthefuckever. My half-sister's husband is one of these people and he's a fuckin lunatic.

What is the highest name-brand thing you own? Hell if I know. Nothing pricey.

What are you scared to death of? Parasites, especially internal ones.

Where is your favorite place to go out to eat? The Cheesecake Factory.

What is one thing that you constantly think about (other than material things)? The future.

Does your job allow visible tattoos? I'm unemployed, and call it petty, but I wouldn't work anywhere that didn't allow tattoos. My job isn't keeping me from decorating my body in ways that make me enjoy my body more.

What Hogwarts House are you in? ew, the invention of a violent transphobe

Do you delete people from Facebook if their views are vastly different than yours? This depends on how verbal you are about it, really. I have no shame in this; if seeing your bullshit beliefs adds even a moment of "bleh" to my day, bye, I don't want to follow you. Social media is meant to be fun, and I've gotten much more serious about making my social media experiences truly enjoyable. That's what it's meant for. It's not meant to annoy me.

What are three things you have been a victim of? Poverty, I'm sure sexism at some point (what woman hasn't, let's be real), and fat-shaming.

What is your passion? Nature; wildlife and habitat conservation and education probably top the list. Also devillainizing reptiles and arachnids. Photography, of course, with nature being my favorite focus.

Are you dating someone? Yeah, he's the dopest.

Does your first crush know you liked them? He probably had an inkling.

Have you been bullied? I'm VERY grateful that I've never been properly bullied. Sure, I've had people be mean to me, but not chronically or anything.

Do you still cross paths with your first crush ever? No, I removed him from my Facebook for religious fanaticism/shaming non-believers. He got some royal shit for that post, but I didn't hang around to see it all.

Who are some of the most selfish people you have ever met? Colleen, somehow a former best friend, is easily the most selfish person I've ever met. She was so needlessly mean to people. One of her most unattractive traits was her "let me talk to the manager" tendency, like she was so rude to people who worked with the public, and for ZERO reason. Where I am now, I'm ashamed that I ever let my loneliness warrant our friendship, we were nothing alike, and never were.

Have you ever seen a spirit/ghost/shadowy figure, etc.? I've absolutely seen something that was not normal.

Do you have regrets? I do.

Do you have an ex-friend that you miss? There are multiple.

What is something a lot of people like but you don’t? Pie.

How many people have you kissed? Four.

How many of those people are you still friends with? I'm dating one; he's the only one I'm still "friends" with.

Where did you go, the last time you left your house? I went to see my psychiatrist.

Who has the nicest singing voice, that you know personally? Girt.

Are you afraid to sing in front of people? Yes.

Do you enjoy the presence of children? Eh, sometimes. I have to be in the mood to deal with them. I never really enjoy the presence of random children I have no bond with.

Do you know anyone who has changed their first name? Yeah, I've a number of trans friends.

What was the last necklace you wore? I think it was a silver one with a meerkat charm? I hate that I can't wear it all the time, I'm just allergic to the material; it turns my skin green and itchy.

What was the last carbonated drink you had? Mountain Dew.

Does anyone in your family have schizophrenia? My half-sister Tiffany that I've never met.

What was your favorite book you ever read for a school assignment? The Outsiders and The Handmaid's Tale.

Have you ever been in an abandoned house? Yes. My sister and our childhood neighbor used to play on the property; there was an almost entirely dilapidated shack where we spent most of our time, and then there was also two other buildings that more accurately resembled proper houses, but we were ballsy enough to only go into one, the smaller one that was more like a shed. It didn't have rooms, it was just a large square, and FULL of newspapers and other miscellaneous stuff. Eventually, after a streak of spending days there playing and exploring, a neighboring old lady eventually warned us to stay away because it wasn't safe, and we were never brave enough to go back lmao.

Do you have any plans for tomorrow? Yes, it's my sister's birthday and we're going out to dinner.

Do you like cucumber? As much as I can like a vegetable, lol. I love cucumbers with vinegar, though.

What’s the last sitcom you watched? Young Sheldon, probably.

What was the last thing you wrote down in the notes app on your phone? I wanna say a drawing idea. Or a gift idea for Girt.

Do you still have Facebook? If so, how often do you check it? Yeah, I check it daily.

How many times in your life have you been in love? Twice.

Do you like your name? I do, actually.

Do you know anyone who had to have tubes put in their ears as a baby? Yeah, me.

Were either of your parents baptized? There is absolutely zero chance my mom wasn't (her mom was a raging Catholic), but I have no idea about my dad.

The last concert that you were at, was there a mosh pit? No, it was a pretty small gig. Nearly no one in eastern NC is going to a classic rock concert.

Has anyone killed one of your pets before? In my childhood, we had cats run over by cars, but I'm sure that wasn't intentional. I would at least hope not.

Does your bathroom have a theme to it? No.

Are any rooms in your house themed? No. I WANT to give my bedroom a nature theme, but it's a very slow process since I've had to buy new decor and we're poor.

When you are eating fast food, do you tend to get burgers or chicken? Usually burgers, sometimes chicken tenders. It depends on the restaurant; I have different go-tos depending on the location.

If you were to join one of the armed forces, which would it be? *points at the "I'd rather be served rat poison than serve this country" meme*

Have you ever been to see stand up comedy? No. It'd be nice to go at least once, though, to see someone I enjoy. I like stand-up.

Do you believe there used to be dragons? No. Sadly, lol.

Who’s your favorite god from ancient history? I'm not sure, my mythology class was waaaaaaaay too long ago, lol.

What was the last present you received? Our family friend Tobey gave me a bag of Twinkies for Easter, lol.

Could you ever have an affair with a married person? Big no, I ain't fuckin with that kinda stuff.

When was the last time you climbed a tree? I've actually never done this. My childhood home only involved pine trees, and most trees in this area ARE pine trees, and you can't just climb those, the branches are far too high.

Are you cool with swimming in a lake? I was fine with it as a kid, but now as an adult that's aware of risks that come with that, I feel like it would depend on the lake and also how I felt at that moment.

Do you listen to any talk shows or podcasts? No. I've tried podcasts a few times, I just can't get into them.

Are you waiting to have sex until you’re married? No.

Do you believe the Holocaust happened? Y'know, I don't consider myself the smartest, but I damn sure am intelligent enough to know the Holocaust was very real and should never, ever happen again. I had the absolute privilege to listen to a survivor's story in high school.

Are you someone who actually likes to babysit children? NO. I've done this only twice (once very against my will) and did not like it. The second time I had to suppress an anxiety attack.

Are you waiting for something to arrive in the mail? No.

Do you like coconut flavored things? Very rarely. It can't be a high concentration.

Have you ever met a famous author before? No.

[TW: RAPE] Do you know anybody who has been raped before? Yes.

List all the stores you’ve been in this past month. I think just a dollar store. I ride with Mom when she picks up her Walmart orders, but we don't go in, it's brought out to us.

Does/did either of your parents serve in the military? No.

Do you like sour candy? Yes, I love sour candy.

Do you like McDonalds? I feel like I'm the only adult that genuinely enjoys McD's lmao

Do you have a Steam account? I do.

What do you think of Fifty Shades of Grey? Never read the book, never seen the movie, completely disinterested in doing either.

Do you swear in front of children? No. I don't believe in "bad" words (save for things like racial slurs and stuff that were completely made to be hateful towards certain groups), but I also don't at all think it's a good idea to encourage children to throw around profanity willy-nilly. They're kids, they're not going to understand when and where it's just not appropriate.

Have you ever had an STD? No.

What do you hear right now? I'm having a paranormal investigation videos binge, I've been watching OVERNIGHT shit for days lol.

Have you ever been ice skating? No.

How many pillows do you sleep with? Two.

What’s the worst thing you have ever done? I consider it to be telling Jason no one could ever love him like I did. I DID genuinely believe this, I didn't INTEND it to be manipulative, but it absolutely, factually was, and I'm permanently humiliated that I ever did such a thing. I don't even like sharing it, it's disgusting.

Have you been to an escape room? Was it a success? No, but they sound very fun.

Ever performed on stage? Was it scary or amazing or both? Yeah, many times for dance recitals and competitions. It was really neither for me. I was always a bit nervous, sure, but I never performed alone and the anxiety wasn't overwhelming.

What was the last animal/pet that you met? Shadow, Girt's cat that has 1,000% become his child. He just showed up on his porch on a rainy day, and initially he didn't intend on keeping him, but he sure did and he's completely obsessed with him, it's adorable. Apparently Shadow is his first truly personal pet, and it shows.

[medicinemane]

See... I played enough Path of Exile that I think that my complaints get to be valid (was pulled into playing a lot of it despite never really enjoying it)

To be clear, they're making the game they want to make the way they want to make it and I can respect that... I just but heads with almost every design decision

The biggest complaint I have... well no, that's second biggest, the biggest complaint I have is actually about the seasons

Like fuck having to lose all my progress every couple months in order to be allowed to play around with the new shiny shit. If you know anything about me, it should be that I like permanence. Look at me with minecraft, I'm not a massive world hopper, I do something and I stick with it and I want it to retain it's meaning

So that's far an away the thing I hate the most about it (that for other people it seems to keep things fresh, but for me I hate it)

Second biggest complaint is how you better damn well have a build in mind from the very beginning and have it all mapped out cause otherwise... with how much it costs to reset things (and with how just getting back one skill point is done with pretty expensive currency cause... all the stuff you use is currency, which I also don't like)... just start a new fucking character and do it right

Makes it impossible to experiment because you can just lock yourself into being trash, if you're not a number cruncher you better just find a guide for a good looking build and do that... like I'm not even joking, having played probably like 500 hours I'm just telling you... if you didn't plan that build from the beginning it's probably infinitely faster to just roll a new version of that character and give them your gear

...which I think super sucks

I get that it's intentional, and technically you don't have to play optimally but like... again... having sunk as many hours as I did in, I'm telling you it sucks by the time you beat the campaign if you don't have a really overpowered build

Compare that to City of Heroes where thinks to Mids build planner (strongly recommend, pretty indispensable) I just... make my own builds

Cause what do I lose if I fuck it up and make a bad build? I lose... the money I spent on enhancements I'm not gonna use (but get to keep those enhancements), I in theory might have to farm a respec but in practice never ever ever once have cause you get like 5+ for free just by leveling, and... that's about it... I sucked more than I could have for a while I guess

That lack of being locked in lets me experiment a lot more (which is also helped by the fact with the massive number of power set combos you can do, CoH isn't actually a solved game the way PoE is... like CoH has some solved math you can find, but how you want to apply it is up to you and even the number crunchingest people I've found in the forums often shrug and say "there's pluses an minuses to both of these" and say you should play what's fun... while PoE... the number nerds know everything and you know nothing unless you're one of them so just do what they recommend)

I just really really prefer free (or close to free) respecs cause every game that hasn't had that has been annoying, and everyone that's changed over that has suddenly got way better... it's ok to have a hoop to jump through, but "just make a new character" shouldn't be (and I'm dead serious here) really good advice if you mess up

So I'm not gonna say it's a bad game (it was a game made by people to cater to their own tastes which aren't at all mine), but it's a game I can't stand playing and I bet anything PoE2 is more of the same cause boy that's what it looks like... which is great if you loved the first one I bet

Plus it has so many roots in Diablo for obvious reasons and... guess what? I don't really like Diablo very much either... it's not a genre I love and if you look at the games in the genre I do like such as Marvel Heroes (poor dead bastard) and Lost Ark (100gb is too big and fuck you wanted me grinding not just every day but at like 3am if I wanted to go to such and such island) you'll see I value permanence and progression

I like building my roster and growing my over all power, not bi monthly resets on everything I've done

(And hitting on Diablo again, I hate nightmare and inferno and all that kind of stuff cause oh... fun... doing everything again but with less resistance... yay... doesn't feel at all like padding)

...I don't even know why I'm talking about this, I forget what made me mad with it. Path of Exile just occupies a place of pissing me off in my brain and something I just get angry at it (mostly cause I was dragged along for pretty much all the hours I played it by a real selfish ex-friend)

If you like it that's cool, you're not wrong to. It just hits pretty much every note that's gonna make me miserable

Wait, I remember why I'm mad, briefly saw a clip of people playing it and they were trying to decide what attribute to put stuff into and it reminded me of how you actually really want to preplan that to an insane degree cause if you get it too wrong just reset

I'll never call it a bad game, but I will call it a game I can't stand and find miserable on basically every level

They put a lot of thought and work into it, and almost every choice they make is exactly the one most likely to set me off like a raging baboon

I do hate that game, but if you like it you shouldn't let that stop you, cause I bet you like it for the exact reasons I hate it, and it's good that you have something that caters to you even if part of me can't help feeling like you're all just wrong

Anyway though, like I said I think I've played enough to have valid opinions on it, and I feel like how much concrete stuff I was able to say here kinda proves my point that I'm not just... shaking my fist cause it annoys me, I have deep seething hatred for specific mechanics for specific reasons

Legit could probably do a pretty good job of helping someone figure out if they'd like it or not just by listening to what they enjoy and seeing if it sounds like they'd love the stuff that made me miserable

[sometimesiammybpd]

have you ever written a hate song about someone (or someones)? i have and it's strange. also, for the sake of transparency, i will not mention names or specifics outside of the lyrics shown (i made them vague-ish on purpose and left out names).

one of my favorite interests is writing lyrics and i can't lie and say that it didn't feel satisfying to see it on paper because it almost felt like for once, i could vocalize how i'd been feeling for months. it's not easy losing friends over and over again. it's not easy for me to move on from anything. been that way all my life and i want to say it's a battle i can win, but it absolutely does not feel like it. most people just do not understand what it's like to relive the worst moments of your life on the daily like as if it's a tv channel you can't change because someone lost the remote and you're too lazy to get up to find it. except instead of being lazy, i'm mentally destroying myself. and what makes it harder to deal with is the feeling that if i brought up the same issue again, my friends would stop talking to me. either way, it's not fun.

it's why i wrote the song that i did. i pretended like i had an intention to make it a reality but i knew even if i tried, i'd never allow myself to release it. it's just not something you put out there because i honestly don't know if i could really say i was in the right in a lot of the situations i bring up in the song. i just knew that i had to get the hate out of my body because i couldn't stand it anymore. i don't enjoy feeling that much hatred towards a person no matter what they did (or didn't) do. in the case of the people the song is about, it's incredibly complicated and there isn't really one side to take. they'd probably say otherwise and that's fair but imho, it's not that easy cause none of the issues were straight black and white. but i'm not really wanting to talk about this to make myself seem like the good person in a situation the internet shouldn't really be involved in.

a lot of the people that ended up getting written about in this song have history with me and it's not good. because to a lot of them, i was the problem for years and that's completely true. i will most likely make a proper post about changing as a person and stuff but understand that i was toxic for a very long time. not irl toxic, but online levels of toxic. so it was bad and i take full accountability for it. and most of said people originally met and dealt with me in that stage. and that also means they got more than their fair share of it, for worse. if you wanna talk about hard pills to swallow, that's about as bad as it got for me because i couldn't accept it. i don't know, it's a mess and i'm trying to watch what i do and don't say. if they somehow end up finding this post, i don't want it coming across as me trying bring back the dead or something. because no matter how many times i say it, no one believes me that i DO want to move on. but it makes it impossible when i can't even think about them without feeling a burning hatred and just . . . every fucking emotion at once. which is honestly why i tried writing that song. i just fucking wanted things to change. i wanted to be able to start the real process of letting go and closing this chapter for myself because trying to live like this is not possible.

okay so i'm going to show the lyrics, but here's the thing. please don't ask me specifics about what i wrote. i am not showing this to cause problems. this song will not ever see the light of day outside of this post. anyways.

[verse 1] i’m a ghost in this world and i am losing myself the mirror looks back at me, no one is looking back i feel like what once kept me going is now my enemy you blame yourself, i blame my self-destructive tendencies does the thought ever cross your mind like you’ve left something behind like your soul has been declined to make suffering streamlined is that something to do with me? what if it can’t become concrete what happens when i can’t handle the shit you’ve poured all over me [verse 2] nice guys finish last and yet somehow you’re behind them burning through all your money with your unhealthy obsessions $5,000 worth of debt, no job, no urge to get one stupid or suicidal, do you really not see the long run you’ve been made into her bitch, to do whatever she wants you stopped thinking for yourself, acting all nonchalant maybe that’s why you gave up, you just really don’t care you can’t see that you’re uninformed, thinking you’re self-aware

[verse 3] i bet your perception of me starts and stops at the courts the same way you flipped like a dime with your support you're living in the past like it's a kind of glory days treat your boyfriend like he's your bitch, set us all aflame tell me, what will you run your mouth about now? say kill yourself like it's just a joke, somehow you want to control everyone who's involved with you trash them behind their backs, how so adult of you  [chorus 1] i'm a ghost in your world and you're my purgatory make me relieve the worst memories like it's mandatory i’ll be the star in the sky watching your downfall cause i'm tired of the lies, the “end-alls and be-alls” my back is about to break and the cuts are still hurting the wounds continue bleeding, you continue to assure me that white noise will drown out your actions, so moronic you’re setting yourself on fire and i think it’s fucking ironic [verse 4] you got dumped and it's sad but no one wants to hear you whine they didn't cheat, you just suck and your soul’s on the decline lure in another victim, let the delusions loose “it's only been a month, i already want to marry you” will you treat her like you do your failing YouTube career? the work you stole the credit for that made it “oh so sincere” leave her to die in the rain, you’re a walking disaster to you, people are trivial cause the views are what matters [verse 5] let’s play a game of 20 questions, i’ll go first how would you feel if the roles were reversed if i started to use you like you’re just a therapist friend and then left you behind when there was nothing left to expend or what if i came to you, saying they’re all out to get me they want to destroy my relationship, would you call me crazy would you tell me the truth and tell me i’m in the wrong or would it end up how it went down, like we just didn’t belong [verse 6] blame me as if i was the reason why i made the optimist die, mr. “i’m not the bad guy” you told me it was nothing, led me to a false sense of security then ripped it out from under me, goes to show your maturity it made me start to wonder what kind of person you are all the “issues” had with others, coming out like an all-star waking up to see the blood on your clothes “maybe i’m the problem, maybe i should stop hiding in the shadows” [verse 7] sitting here with papers scattered like a conspiracy theorist wondering if it's okay to do this, am i being a realist maybe i should put the knife down and ask if you'll survive ignore what made me hate you, it's okay if i'm not alive cause when we’re all dead and buried, i’ll always have the upper hand we'll all be in hell, did you forget about your sins i’ll let lucifer himself torture me for eternity so long as you get it worse, it's like a fucked up six-part harmony

it's a lot lol. and it's honestly really hard to look at for me because if i did for some reason try to make it a reality, how well do you believe that would age lmao. and i want to say above all else, despite all the hatred i feel, i don't hate these people. and yeah that's extremely paradoxical, but it's true. i feel hatred because of how things went (again, very complicated and very none of your business) but the more i think about them, the more i realize i just don't care. i really don't hate them even if i probably should.

i don't know. the point of this is just to point out that we all handle things different ways. i default to anger and hatred because well, that's where i am right now. i go to therapy when i can and i am doing my best to understand why it goes that way and what i can do to prevent or dull it down, if i cannot outright stop it. it's not something i can just say "oh, i don't like this. i am not doing this" and then have it stop immediately. it's hard to explain that it's something you don't even feel in control of. anyways, i hope y'all can get some enjoyment of the lyrics. and if any of the people find this post, i am not trying to shit all over you so please don't take it that way. yeah, the lyrics are hateful and spiteful, but i didn't decide to release them for the sake of "eh it'd be funny to get one up on them" or whatever.

also thank you guys for reading my posts and so far liking what i have to say :)

[healeroflightanddark]

Stolen Hearts, Chapter 9: Text

Sawatari lay in his bed later that night, texting Yuya with a warm smile. Yuya still hadn’t told his parents about them, but the blonde didn’t mind. He was perfectly fine with keeping their relationship secret, a delicious secret all for them, for as long as Yuya wanted. Although he would love to broadcast the news of Yuya being all his on every social media account he had, Yuya’s comfort and happiness was more important to him than boasting about his pretty little boyfriend.

As Sawatari and Yuya texted, the blonde had almost forgotten about his dreams. But one little text from Yuya brought them all back to the front of his mind.

Yuya: So, I was wondering about something you said earlier. You said after the last fifteen, I think you said? nights you had to find out if I was attracted to boys. What’s been going on those nights?

Sawatari: Uhm… I might have maybe kinda sorta had some dreams about you every night?

Yuya: Awww! That’s so sweet! I’ve had dreams about you too! Like a few nights ago, I had a dream that you and me were at the arcade playing games together and having fun!

Sawatari: Well, your dreams sound cute. Mine are more… NSFW…

Yuya didn’t respond for a few moments, and Sawatari thought he might have screwed up big time. He was about to send a frantic apology text, when Yuya suddenly started typing again.

Yuya: Sorry, I had to stop Yugo from going to his D-Wheel. He was reading over my shoulder :( I’m sitting on his back now lol

Sawatari: So… You’re not weirded out by my dreams being not-so-innocent?

Yuya: Nope! I don’t mind at all! <3

Yuya: Oh, uhm, if Yuri offers you some flowers, DON’T accept them. There will DEFINITELY be a dangerous plant among them. Seriously, Yuto’s the only one who isn’t plotting to get you for your dreams… I think…

Sawatari: Good to know

Yuya: Hold on, let me try to calm them down

Sawatari waited patiently, focusing on the heart that Yuya had sent when he said he didn’t mind the not-so-innocent dreams. It made his own heart flutter in his chest. After what must have been at least fifteen minutes, Yuya finally sent another text.

Yuya: I think I got through to them. Told them it wasn’t your fault that you were having those dreams, and pointed out that it’s impossible for you to control what you dream about unless you’re able to do lucid dreaming, and even then it’s not 100% guaranteed that you can really control whether or not your dreams are lucid anyway

Sawatari: Oh, believe me, if I could control my dreams they’d be all about sweet stuff about you, not dirty dreams. I wanna have dreams about going on picnics with you, and watching the sunset together and dueling and dancing, not dreams about you walking into my bedroom wearing nothing but a towel and teasing me until I wake up with a problem every night!

Yuya: O////////O

Yuya: NGL, I’ve had one or two dreams like that…

Sawatari: >////////<

Yuya: Yugo just forbade me from ever going to your house alone for a sleepover lol

Sawatari: XD

Sawatari: While I would love for you to spend the night at my place sometime, I would NEVER do something like that to you without your consent

Sawatari: But, you know, if you DID want to do something like that…

Yuya: lol as much as I’m enjoying talking to you I think I should go before Yugo wakes up the whole neighborhood with his screeching. I’m just glad Mom and Dad are out of the house atm

Sawatari: lol, alright, talk to you tomorrow?

Yuya: Definitely!

Sawatari: Love you, Yuya! <3

Yuya: Love you too! <3

Sawatari sighed happily and lay his head on his pillow. He was so happy that he felt like he was floating on air. Yuya really was the perfect boyfriend for him.

[7-wonders]

Hiya! I hope you’re having a good day, I had a fun idea for a Michael Langdon x reader where the reader just kinda asks him to use his Antichrist powers to help them with stupid normal stuff like getting something off a top shelf or something! Thanks :)

Today just really had to try and test you, huh?

Normally, your favorite mug was on the second shelf from the bottom in the cabinet that contained your cups. But since Michael had offered to put the dishes away and didn't have as much of a system as you did, which meant that your favorite mug was on the very top shelf. It's not that you're short, it's just that Michael is annoyingly tall. For him, the mug would be easy to reach. For you? Not so much.

And since you had had a tough day, you really wanted your favorite mug so that you could have some hot chocolate.

You huff and put your hands on your hips, staring up at the mug and trying to calculate your next steps. You could hop up on the counter and grab it. But after the last time you did such a thing, when Michael came in and his shocked "what are you doing?" scared you enough that you jumped and fell off of the counter (Michael was quick enough to catch you, thankfully), you weren't keen on repeating that occasion. Your mind made up, you turn your head in the direction of the living room.

"Hey, Michael?" you call, knowing that he's just working on reading through a couple of Kineros's R&D proposals.

He appears in the entryway a couple of seconds later. "Yes, my love?"

"You put my mug on the top shelf and I can't reach it." If you pout exaggeratedly because you know it will make him feel just a little guilty, well then, that's your secret. "Can you grab it for me, please?"

Michael nods immediately, both because he finds it almost impossible to say no to you and because he knows that he's at fault for your current predicament. When he steps forward, though, you shake your head with a smirk.

"With your magic?"

He sighs. "Really?"

"It's really cool when you do magic!"

Michael had made the mistake of using his magic to complete a mundane task a couple of weeks ago—he needed some occult books that had been left behind in the old Hawthorne school, and had simply...waved his hand and made the books appear. You're sure that the actual explanation was pretty simple, but magic would never cease to blow your mind, and you enjoy watching it in action every chance you can get.

Michael raises an eyebrow, obviously not impressed at your ask. "I'm the literal Antichrist, and you ask me to use my powers to fetch your mug?"

You bat your eyes at him. "Pretty please?"

Though he rolls his eyes, he lifts a hand and points a finger at the mug on the top shelf. It flies down off of the shelf and lands gently in your waiting hands, making you gasp in excitement.

"Anything else you need me to fetch for you, my Lady?" Michael says dryly.

"No, just that." You dart over and give him a chaste kiss on the cheek, crooning, "Thank you, I love you!"

"Love you too." Michael tries to act offended, but you see the smile on his face as he turns to go back to what he was doing and you turn to get started on making your hot chocolate.

[husbandohunter]

A Small Predicament [Baby Genshin x Reader]

Characters: Scaramouche, Diluc, Kaeya, Childe, Xiao, Zhongli, Albedo

Synopsis: Cursed for a week, the boys either have to live with it or find a cure as soon as possible. You on the otherhand hoped otherwise.

(A/n): It only takes ONE glance for me to start having ideas. It was twelve in the morning yall, enjoy~

Oh here's part 2

--------

Scaramouche

• "Oh you shrank? I couldn't tell-"

• Threatens that he will murder you to pieces and burn your remains but his voice was so squeaky and high pitched (voice crack) that you couldn't help but burst into a tearful laughter. 

• Its payback time  Bully him, take his hat and hover it above his head. Truthfully, without his hat Scaramouche looks like a little schoolboy. Overall less intimidating.

• Tries glaring. Cute. He's really bratty as a kid, sitting on a high chair (which you had to help him get on) and demanding his servants to do his bidding. In reality, his personality never changed. You realized that even as a grown up he still acts like this (bratty kid in a grown man body).

• The curse made his week a living hell. Signora had the audacity to pull his ear when he misbehaves. Childe constantly messes with his hair while giving head pats and the WORST of all, pinching his cheeks. Scaramouche never wanted to commit arson so bad in his life.

• Eventually finds a cure so he doesn't have to deal with it anymore and orders everyone to never speak of it again. Though, he's plotting how he'll get revenge on everyone who made fun of him using the very same curse (You better run).

~~x~~

Diluc

• "Oh…Oh my! Diluc you're just so cute!" 

• Diluc grimaces as you glomp him in this state. How can you help it? With his head so small it makes his hair all the more fluffier! His coat no longer fits him to the point the sleeves had made past his fingertips. He tried wielding his claymore again, only to lose balance and fall flat onto his bum

• (insert kid voice "Retribution!") Did I mention the babyface?

• Diluc tries to act as if everything was normal, acting like the Darknight hero and Mondstadt's Tycoon but fun-sized. He couldn't. There was no way people would take him seriously in business meetings. Same with fighting abyss mages, his smaller form was too much of a disadvantage. Thus you ended up doing most of his paperwork.

• One time you caught him sitting on the floor couldn't reach his office desk  while reading away the various books for a cure. It was three in the morning. You told him it was way past his bedtime and he argues saying when did he ever have a curfew schedule. In the end you managed to convince him and he begrudgingly obliges.

• The type to NOT ask for help even when it's obvious that he really needs it. Before he was the one who helped you reach things from the top shelves, oh how the tables have turned. He avoids Kaeya like a plague unless he was in it for another round of funny remarks. When he wanted to go out and get some fresh air, you insisted on accompanying him. Worst mistake in his life. A travelling merchant bumps into you and commented that you had a very cute son. Diluc was mortified.

• The day ended up with him sulking in his room. Although it was tempting, you resisted from cooing over his adorable form after days of treating him like a child. It wasn't because you were teasing him, Diluc just works so hard that you wanted to spoil him a bit. At least he could still play a game of chess with you.

• When things went back to normal, Diluc ensures that you will NOT see him as your son.

~~x~~

Kaeya

• "Well look who it is, my little Prince Kaeya~"

• Tries really hard not be bothered by it at all. Kaeya still maintains his suave facade, throwing in a couple of flirting lines here and there (and forcing his voice to go a few octaves too low in which puberty has yet to occur HA). Though no matter what approach, he couldn't ignore the sparkling mischievious glint in your eye. You were obviously not taking him seriously.

• Things couldn't get any worse. He lost his masculine physique and boob window, he wasn't able to go to certain places without supervision. But the worst thing of all was that he was underaged. Kaeya hated the fact he couldn't drink anymore, he even insisted you to sneak him a few bottles (which you refused) and had to settle with plain beverages such as fruit juice (what an insult). He was never really grounded since his childhood days but he certainly felt like he was grounded now. 

• Kaeya still kisses you on the lips whether you like it or not. If you ask him to sit on your lap, he will find a way to turn the position into his favour such as resting his face between your breasts. You're not gonna treat him like a kid, nuh-uh, he actively avoids it.

• Since his personality still remains, Kaeya is a naughty child. He will use his innocent appearance to sway people (even you) to get what he wants. That was how he was able to take a sip of the wine he stole somewhere (he wouldn't tell you). Diluc scolded him heavily and threatened to ban him from drinking from his Tavern for a week (they ended up arguing, Kaeya being the passive aggressive little shit he is).

• He was extremely relieved to return back to his normal form again. He has so much to catch up (specifically his bedtime activities with you *wink wonk*)

~~x~~

Child(e)

• "Hmmm to be honest, this actually suits you very much."

• Unlike the other boys, Childe was completely okay with it. Turns out that YOU were the one who was not going to be okay. If you thought taking care of Teucer was energy-draining then expect Childe to take that tenfold and beyond.

• You've officially became his full-time babysitter who is in desperate need of a raise (and rest). You can't take your eyes off of him and archons forbid that he will ever meet Klee. One point he'll be running ahead by your side and the next you'll find him getting himself in a 1vs7 situation with some shady looking treasure hoarders. Childe genuinely thinks he could take them on but the curse downgraded his abilities. You carried him and barely made out of it alive. (This made you ponder whether the best solution would be to strap him against a chair for the time being…)

• Childe being a child will eat all the candies and ice cream he pleases. You wonder if the curse also turned him a few years back or was it that he acts like this simply because he wanted to (it was the latter). He loves being spoiled, spoiled by you! Childe demands your full attention, spoon-feeding his meals, back rubs and head pats. Yep, he's definitely doing this on purpose.

• Did he just call you 'mommy'? (Childe has mommy kink confirmed).  He has so much energy that it was exhausting, you literally had to drag him away from what ever he was doing in order to get him to bed. "No Childe, your sleeping time is 9p.m stop whining." He bargained that he'll sleep if you sleep beside him (you didn't get any sleep. You knew what he was planning. In the end, you tried to make sure he didn't sneak out behind your back.)

• Finally you were able to get out of that hell-hole. Childe promised to make it up to you, you deserve it after all~

~~x~~

Small (aka Xiao)

• "Did you know in the Liyuean language, Xiao translates to small?" You didn't say that out loud. Not when he's this angry (this angy)

• He just stands there, crossing his arms and grumbling. You were hesitant to touch him in case he might hiss at you. Xiao has always been short, maybe an inch taller than you, but seeing him like this made you think 'my almighty yaksha can't be this cute♡'

• He gets mad when you no longer call his name for help. How could you? He's just so precious~ Xiao makes it clear that no matter what form he takes, it doesn't make him weak ("Adepti and you mortals are nothing alike." Or so he says but you could tell he wasn't running as fast as he used to because…small legs). You may not comment on it aloud but he can tell just by the look on your face and it irritates him.

• Also the type to not ask for help but worse. Xiao is an agressive little kid, he seems as if he'll be willing to bite someone's finger off if they try to pet him (He gives strong cat vibes, so thats understandable). His spear was too big for him to wield so he often has to put it away or else he might knock someone over with it. Xiao hates being short so you'll be hearing him complain alot.

• Since he was an adepti, he didn't need to sleep however, the curse must have brought down his power by a significant amount to the point you DID catch him napping. You almost swooned out loud just by taking a glance upon his face. For once he didn't wear his signature grumpy look. Xiao appears like a normal child, one full of innocence. His snoring was soft and breathly but that just meant he was deep asleep. (You wished to take a picture). 

• Of course, everything had to come to an end (much to your disappointment), he still complains about the incident to this day.

~~x~~

Zhongli

• How is it possible for a baby to still look so handsome? (Must be his godly abilities)

• Zhongli is unfazed by this 'curse' since his past lives have already taken many forms. Though for some reason whenever he walks down the streets of Liyue, young girls, mothers, ladies all come him was and start complimenting him and gushing over him (he was suffocating). They'd squeeze him tight or squish his cheeks, it only takes once glance before the little girls start blushing and hiding behind their moms.

• Needless to say, despite what form he is in, Zhongli is still able to get free stuff. He got some free candies and some free kites to play with. You had to help him carry his items. Zhongli ends up tripping too much because his tailcoat reached his feet (he decided to just take it off. You had to hold that too). Seems like he can have anyone do things for him in the end HA.

• He still got that drippy voice and you're just like ???? "What on Teyvat Zhongli, you're a kid." This is why you can't see him as one, its nearly impossible.

• Actively avoids Hu Tao and Childe. Once Hu Tao caught sight of him and chased him for hours, he couldn't stay in one spot knowing that she might just pop out of no where. Childe still spoils him, however Zhongli feels irritated by the fact the only things Childe buys him toys (its different when other people do it.)

• Everytime you guys go back strolling through Liyue, you had to hold his hand in case more women come swarming hin again. You swear that at this rate he might get kidnapped because hes just such a beautiful baby.

• Zhongli learned an important lesson after his curse was lifted: no matter how many years he lives throughout  never take a form of a child.

~~x~~

Albedo

• You find him buried beneath a pile of books and had to dig him out before he suffocates.

• Albedo has the cutest eyes, they're big and round full of curiosity and they sparkle too (he has the prettiest eyes out of everyone tbh). He is the only person who is fascinated by this outcome and immediately goes in the wild to test out his new physique. 

• He was always curious why Klee T-poses when she runs so he decided to try it out himself. She was thrilled to find out that she now has a little brother to play with. In the end, Albedo indulges in the games she always wanted to play but couldn't because he was too old: princess dress up tea parties.

• You felt many things when you saw Albedo wearing a frilly gown and a plastic tiara tucked on his head. Deep down you knew regardless of what gender Albedo was still pretty. Klee even had the guts to redo his hair and hardly anyone was able to recognize it was him at all. He has pigtails, PIGTAILS! You made sure to burn that image into the very depths of your mind forever.

• The only advantage was the he was ablw to fit through small spaces, other than that, being small was way too inconvenient. He knocked down a few of his potion bottles which damaged the floor (thankfully not him) because they were lethal (he wonders how Klee was able to not injure herself when using bombs). You carried him and lifted him to alot of places such as trudging through the snow because Albedo would surely fall on his face due to his small form.

• Enough was enough, he only lasted a day with this and decided to just make a potion and put an end to the curse once and for all. 

[comicaurora]

This question has almost certainly been asked before, and apologies if it has, but I've been thinking about creativity and creative endeavors and such and I was very curious. This comic has clearly been in development for a long time, so my question is, what was the creative process of developing this world and story like for you? Where did you start, stuff like that?

Like many projects, it started because I was bored and unhappy and I wanted a fun place to put my brain. I was eleven-ish, socially isolated, ADHD-undiagnosed, internet-free and entertainment-deprived. When I read Diana Wynne Jones's Tough Guide To Fantasyland for the first time I had a sudden burst of clarity and realized if I couldn't have entertainment I liked, I could make it. (A lot of my issues were permanently resolved as soon as I got an internet connection, for the record. It's like an IV drip for an ADHD brain.)

I started building a fantasy world, initially just by throwing in everything I liked and every idea I thought was fun. It was like I'd just discovered the concept of drinking water for the first time - there was no strategy and no higher plan at the beginning, I just really needed it. At the time I thought my end goal was to create a comic I could read and enjoy, but I realized gradually that it's impossible for an artist to ever be their own audience - instead the enjoyment I was getting from the process was the actual act of creation itself. I liked having ideas and having somewhere to put those ideas. I liked fitting ideas together and finding bigger, more coherent patterns in the mess. I shifted away from "piling on every single thing I liked" and towards a more coherent strategy - building a world that actually held together, a magic system worth exploring, and a gradually-expanding cast of characters that were fun to play with.

At this point I'd say this wasn't too far off from how a kid would play with dolls. You have characters and dynamics and maybe even an overarching plot, but ultimately it's freeform; you're not aiming to construct a coherent narrative, you're having fun. But the idea that someday this world would be something I actually made was very useful for me, because it became something of an unreachable star I could orient towards.

As a side effect of Who I Am As A Person, I have a lot of trouble learning skills if I don't have a reason to want to know how to do them. The process would be incredibly slow and incredibly tedious until I was given something I could tangibly connect the skill to, at which point I would suddenly pick it up startlingly fast. For instance, I was initially slow to pick up how to read - I had the alphabet down, but putting the characters together into words was hard and boring. I could pick out the names of storefronts, but who cares what a store is called? And then my dad started reading me Harry Potter as a bedtime story and I got so invested I decided he was getting through it too slowly, and somewhere in that fugue state I apparently just learned how to read so I could get to the good stuff faster.

So before I had the beginnings of this world, I had been taught how to sketch and how to write, but in my head those skills were tedious to learn and pointless to master. I didn't want to sit down and draw owl wings from every angle, and I had no stories I wanted to write, so the good-natured attempts from my parents to teach me those skills were just deepening the tar pit of my constant, crushing (undiagnosed ADHD) boredom. But now I had a concept I wanted to create - and more than that, I wanted to do it justice. And that meant I had a lot of stuff I was suddenly very invested in learning how to do.

Art was the big one. I was also obviously bad at writing, but that was harder for me to notice. I knew when I tried to draw things they didn't turn out the way I saw them in my mind, and that frustrated me. This is when my habit of doodling in class went from a minor distraction to a full-on menace, and also when I started contemplating the logistics of actual comic creation and distribution. I knew from my mom that the comic industry was a huge pain in the butt and not a good way to get your story told the way you wanted it, and I also knew many comics were having newfound distribution success as webcomics, which at the time was a fairly new form of the medium. So that meant I had to learn how webcomics worked, and I had to either get really good at physical art or I had to start looking into the also-new field of digital art.

It kinda continued on like this. I got better at sketching, won a gift card in an art competition and used it to buy my first digital drawing tablet, honed my skills and continued to work on the lore and story of the world, which at this point was threatening to become too massive and unwieldy to do anything with. Some of my early digital art went into my college application art portfolio, so somewhere on some eight-year-old uchicago computer there's a very dramatic drawing of Falst and Kendal fighting in the rain. I was juggling a lot of different things at this point - the channel was just starting to become A Thing, so that was taking up some attention, and I was developing an interest in voiceover and prepping for college, so the story sort of ended up on the backburner for a bit. I think this was good, because a lot of projects like this really need time on the backburner so your subconscious can look them over, clean them up and drop in some editing notes for the next time you pick it up.

When I got back into it in the first year of college I'd started experimentally drawing comic shorts, character intros and chapter covers. I had the cast and overarching plot pretty solid at this point, so with the basic framework of the story ready to go, I just needed to make sure the art was up to snuff. And it wasn't. So I took a few more years, honing my skills by drawing lots of video frames and more test comics and getting acclimated with Clip Studio Paint's tools, and after I graduated when I was in the post-college haze of Suddenly Absolutely No External Stressors And Schedules, I said "fuck it" and bought the domain name.

This story, in a very real way, grew up with me. It provided structure and stability that my mind needed, and in return I could refine and rebuild it better and better over time. I didn't want this to be A Good First Try, I wanted to be good enough to make it good. I was a tool to make the story better, and the story was a tool to make me better.

I have no idea if this is applicable to literally anyone else, but that's basically been my process. All things considered, I'm quite happy with where we've ended up.