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acute-crashout-jeyuso · 28 days ago

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D*ck U Down..

Jhea

Requested by: @astrikmoon

⚠️ Warnings: this one-shot contains explicit sexual content, rough sex, dirty talk, light degradation, use of “daddy” titles, creampie, squirting, possessive behavior, minor impact (furniture damage), and emotionally tender aftermath. Intended for mature audiences only (18+). Please do not interact if you’re underage. NSFW.😇

bfflsssss: @spiicii @acknowledge-reigns @cheappop @love4brutality @maineventabbey

AN: last request. Gotta focus on my long fics now. It was fun while it lasted 🤣🤣🤣🤣

The room smelled like champagne and body spray, and the air was riddled with the high of victory. Rhea’s gear was half-hanging off the chair, one boot still unlaced, and the glow of the city lit the edge of the hotel curtains like something out of a movie.

She sat on the floor in one of Jey’s oversized tees, legs crossed, holding a red solo cup full of whatever tequila mix he made.

Jey was leaned back against the bed, championship belt beside him, wearing grey sweatpants and a smug grin. “You realize we both just pulled off the biggest fuckin’ wins of our careers and we’re drinking outta cups like we still on the indies.”

Rhea smirked. “That’s how you know it’s real.”

They clinked cups. Drank. Laughed. The kind of laugh that comes from months of road trips, inside jokes, and being each other’s emergency contact when shit got too loud in the locker room.

She winced mid-laugh and twisted her body. “Fuck. My lower back is wrecked.”

Jey’s brows pulled in. “That same spot from SNME?”

“Yep. Same one. Like clockwork.” She sipped again. “Every big match, that bitch flares up.”

He watched her for a second, something shifting behind his eyes. “You want me to try and work it out?”

Rhea blinked. “You massage now?”

He shrugged. “Had to learn. Jon gets all kinds of tension from traveling. Seph’ too. I ain’t bad at it.”

There was a pause.

Long enough for the music on the speaker to switch songs.

“You don’t have to,” she said, voice a little lower.

Jey leaned forward. “I didn’t ask if I had to.”

Another pause.

“…Okay,” she said finally, setting her cup down. “You can try.”

He motioned for her to lie on the bed, and she did, belly-down, pressing her cheek into the pillow. The moment he straddled her thighs to get into position, everything in her body lit up.

She didn’t say anything. Neither did he.

His hands were big, warm, rough from years of ring work, and when he started working into her lower back, her breath stopped. He didn’t press too hard at first, just worked in slow circles, thumbs easing the knots out of her muscle.

“Tell me if I hit a nerve,” he muttered, his voice deeper now.

“You already are,” she said before she could stop herself.

Jey froze for half a second—but then his hands slowed, softened, pressing into her hips. “You good?”

“Yeah,” she breathed. “Yeah, I just—forgot how good touch feels.”

His hands trailed lower, just above where her waistband started. “We never crossed that line before,” he said, like he was checking.

She turned her head slightly. “Maybe we should’ve.”

Jey leaned down so his chest just barely touched her back. “You sure about that, Rhea?”

“Yeah..”

Jey’s fingers pressed down her spine, then slowly fanned out along her sides, grazing just under the swell of her ribs. The pads of his thumbs flirted with the edge of her chest, light enough to feel but not enough to claim.

Rhea’s breathing was elevated, but she kept her face buried in the pillow, biting the inside of her cheek.

He moved lower, dragging his palms along her hips and down the curve of her ass, kneading gently.

“You’re poking me,” Rhea muttered into the pillow, voice low and mischievous.

Jey snorted, his laugh rumbling low in his chest. “My bad.”

She turned her head and smirked over her shoulder. “Nah, you’re good. But lemme undress a bit more so you can work.”

He sat back on his knees as she pulled herself up, grabbing the hem of his oversized tee. Her movements were slow, almost teasing without meaning to be, and as the shirt lifted, inch by inch, Jey’s eyes traced every exposed detail—the taut lines of her back, the curve of her waist, the deep bruises along her sides that looked like battle scars. She turned to look at the Samoan, eyes widened slightly.

Then she tossed the shirt to the floor and glanced at him.

His gaze stayed on her a second too long.

“Damn,” he said under his breath.

“What?” she asked, brows lifted.

“I’ve seen you in your gear a hundred times,” Jey said, voice husky. “But you look different right now. Raw. Real.”

She didn’t say anything at first. As if she was wondering if they should cross the line. She pondered… and then she asked, quiet but bold, “Are you gonna kiss me now or not?”

That was all he needed.

He reached for her, hands curling around her waist as he pulled her into his lap. She straddled him instinctively, palms braced on his chest. His hands smoothed along her bare back as their lips finally met—slow at first, unsure, as if testing how much heat they could take without catching fire.

Their mouths moved together like they were syncing breath, finding rhythm, not rushed but aching with held-back want. Jey’s hands smoothed up and down her bare back, fingers splaying wide like he needed to memorize her. He kissed her deeper, slower—tongue teasing the edge of her bottom lip before breaking away and dragging his mouth along her jawline.

Then lower.

His lips found the sensitive spot behind her ear, then moved to the base of her neck. He kissed there with a kind of reverence, like he wasn’t just kissing a body—he was claiming a piece of history they’d both tried to ignore.

“You’re so fuckin’ beautiful,” he murmured, mouth brushing her pulse. “You don’t even know, do you?”

Rhea shivered, her nails curling slightly into his chest. He nipped at her throat, then smoothed his tongue over the spot. “You’re strong, yeah. But soft right here,” he said, fingers ghosting over the inside of her thighs, just under her sleep shorts. “I see it. I feel it. Let me take care of you.”

She leaned her forehead against his, their breath mingling, her lips parted and eyes heavy-lidded.

“Tell me what you want me to do to you, Rhea,” Jey whispered, his voice so low it felt like a secret.

There was no hesitation.

“Dick me down,” she breathed.

Blunt. Bold. Honest.

Jey blinked, a grin appeared before it melted into something darker. “Say it again.”

Rhea slid her hands up his chest, grounding herself before she said it again—slow and rough, like a challenge.

“Dick. Me. Down.”

Jey let out a low, guttural sound as he flipped them, laying her back against the mattress and hovering over her. “Bet,” he said, lips brushing hers. “You better hold on.”

Jey didn’t waste time as he hooked his fingers into the waistband of her underwear and slid them down with deliberate slowness. Rhea lifted her hips to help, breath catching as the cool air kissed her now-soaked center.

He tossed the fabric somewhere behind him without looking. His hands gripped her thighs and pushed them open, wide enough that she gasped at the sudden exposure.

Then his mouth was on her.

No hesitation.

No teasing.

Jey dove in as if he’d knew she hadn’t received this type of pleasure—like he knew exactly how she needed to be devoured. His tongue moved with rhythm and precision, curling and flattening and flicking in ways that made her legs twitch.

“Fuck—Jey,” she moaned, her voice cracking around his name.

He groaned into her, like her praise fueled him, like the way she tasted only made him hungrier. He locked his arms around her thighs when she tried to scoot back, overwhelmed by the intensity.

“Uh uh,” he said against her skin, voice thick and deep. “Stay your ass right here.”

His tongue returned to work, and Rhea’s head fell back into the pillow, her hands fisting the sheets. She couldn’t think straight. Couldn’t breathe without moaning.

“Shit, baby, your mouth is dangerous,” she breathed, her voice tight with pleasure.

Jey hummed against her, then lifted his eyes to look up at her—his chin wet, lips swollen, pupils blown. “Say that again.”

“You’re so fuckin’ good at this,” she moaned. “You’re gonna make me—”

“Then let it happen,” he growled, dragging his tongue one long, slow stroke. “Let me taste everything.”

Jey’s tongue never left her. His mouth moved with a hunger that bordered on worship, but when she thought she’d adjusted to the intensity—he upped it. Without lifting his head, he slid two thick fingers inside her, slow and steady at first, then curling up just right until he found that sweet spot that made her toes curl instantly.

Rhea jerked, nearly coming off the bed. “Oh my god, Jey—”

He didn’t answer. Just groaned low against her, tongue flattening while his fingers kept their perfect rhythm. He was relentless. Focused. His free hand gripped her thigh tighter as she writhed beneath him, trying to get away—but he wasn’t letting her go anywhere.

“Wait—fuck, I think—” she gasped, one hand flying to grip the headboard. “I think something’s happening—”

Jey knew exactly what.

And instead of easing up, he doubled down. His tongue moved faster, wetter, sloppier, and those two fingers angled just a bit deeper, pulsing against her g-spot like he was tuned into every nerve in her body.

“Jey—Jey—!”

Her voice cracked as her whole body locked up, then shattered. Her legs trembled uncontrollably and her hips lifted off the bed as a sharp gush of release sprayed against his mouth, her thighs, the sheets—everywhere.

Jey didn’t flinch. Didn’t stop. He moaned, tongue dragging through the mess, swallowing like it was the best thing he’d ever tasted.

Rhea’s body collapsed back against the bed, panting, dazed. “Holy shit.”

Jey pulled back finally, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, his eyes dark and proud. “Told you,” he said, voice husky, “I was gon’ taste everything.”

Rhea tried to flip over, still catching her breath, but Jey pushed her shoulder gently, keeping her flat on her back.

“Nah,” he said, a dominant undertone. “I wanna see you take this dick.”

Her breath caught again—this time not from pleasure but from the way of his words.

Jey stood at the edge of the bed and finally peeled down those grey sweatpants, revealing the thick, hard length she had definitely noticed earlier but hadn’t been ready to face. Now, with him towering over her, body carved in gold and victory, her mouth went dry.

He climbed back onto the bed, hands strong as he grabbed her waist and lifted her effortlessly. Her legs dangled for a second before she instinctively clutched his shoulders.

“Jey—” she whispered, “I’ve never had this before.”

His gaze locked with hers. Serious. Focused. Soft around the edges, but feral at the core.

“I know,” he said. “That’s why I’m gon’ give you exactly what you need. Just hold on to me okay?”

She nodded. Chest to chest, breath mingling in the space between them. He gripped her thighs and guided her over him, the tip of his cock sliding against her slick folds, not entering—not yet—just resting.

She shivered, nails pressing into his skin.

Then Jey lowered her down.

Stretching.

Her lips parted, eyes fluttering shut, and a loud hiss escaped her mouth as he filled her, inch by inch.

“Fuck—” she gasped. “Oh my god.”

Jey’s arms tightened around her waist, holding her in place as she adjusted to the fullness.

“You feel that?” he growled, his nose brushing hers. “That’s my dick, right where he’s supposed to be.”

And Rhea? She believed it.

Her walls pulsed around him, greedy, already messy from earlier, but this? This was a different level.

Rhea moaned, long and unfiltered, rolling her hips slightly as her forehead pressed to his. “Fuck, Jey…”

“That’s it,” he murmured, his voice pure gravel, hot against her ear. “Take your time, Rhea. Feel all of me.”

She did. God, she did.

Her hips began to move, slow at first, riding him in long, grinding motions. Her moans turned into soft cries, and then—gasping pleas.

“Daddy…” she breathed, barely audible.

Jey’s jaw clenched tight. His grip on her ass tightened, rhythm stuttering for a moment before he caught it again, pumping up into her as she moved down. “What’d you just say?”

“Daddy,” she whined, needier now, fingers tangled in his hair. “I love it. I love it so much—”

He let out a growl so deep it vibrated through both of them. “Look at you. Already creaming on this dick. Fuckin’ messy for me.”

Rhea couldn’t stop the sounds spilling from her lips. She loved the way he held her like she was weightless, the way he filled her to the brink but kept control like he’d been made to fuck her.

“I love it, I love it,” she repeated, head falling back. “Don’t stop—”

“I ain’t,” he said, grabbing her hips and slamming her down harder. “Take it. You said you wanted it, right? So fuckin’ take it.”

Her thighs trembled, moans choked by how deep he was hitting now. Every thrust felt like it reached her soul, her sex drive overwhelmed and thriving in the possession, in the stretch, in the way Jey looked up at her like he owned her.

Because right now?

He did.

And before he knew it, he couldn’t take it anymore.

Her whines, the way her walls kept clenching around him, how she looked every time she cried out—it was driving him to the edge. So he shifted, pulling her off his lap effortlessly, his dick sliding out with a wet drag that made her whimper.

“W-what are you—?”

He didn’t answer.

He turned, carried her across the room like she weighed nothing, and sat her on the cool wooden dresser. Her skin prickled from the contrast, her legs spreading instinctively as he stepped between them.

Jey stroked himself once, twice, gaze locked on hers. “I gotta pull out,” he growled, tip dragging along her beautiful folds. “But you’re makin’ it real fuckin’ hard not to.”

Rhea’s lips parted, breathless and needy. “Then don’t,” she whispered, shameless. “I want it.”

“Yeah?” he teased, dragging the head of his cock through her again. “You want daddy’s cum that bad?”

She nodded frantically, her hands gripping the edge of the dresser. “Yes—yes. Give it to me—need your cum, daddy, I need it.”

Jey didn’t wait.

He slammed into her in one fluid thrust, making the dresser knock against the wall with a loud thud. Rhea gasped, head falling back, a cry escaping her throat.

“Shit,” he muttered, hips rolling deep. “Look at you—so fuckin’ wet for me. Beggin’ for this dick like you were made for it.”

“I was!” she moaned, barely able to catch her breath between thrusts. “You feel so good—daddy, harder—”

“You gon’ keep callin’ me that,” Jey grunted, fucking her deeper, rougher, until the sound of skin meeting skin echoed through the room, “I’m gonna make it permanent.”

Rhea choked on a moan, her body shaking, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes from how deep he was going.

“Take it,” he growled. “You said you wanted this? Then fuckin’ take it, Rhea.”

She did—and she never wanted it to stop.

Rhea clung to him, nails digging deep into Jey’s back, leaving red, angry lines as she moaned against his shoulder. Her thighs trembled where they wrapped around him, and her voice was cracking from how long he’d been working her over.

“Daddy,” she gasped, voice soaked in lust-filled desperation, “please, give me your cum—fill me up, daddy, I need it—”

Jey gritted his teeth, holding himself back even as her words made his cock twitch inside her.

“Nah,” he growled, pulling out with a wet pop that made her whine. “Not yet.”

“W-what—?”

“Flip over,” he ordered.

Rhea obeyed instantly, hair sticking to her sweaty skin as she turned and braced herself against the dresser. Jey stood behind her, dragging his cock through her folds once, then slammed into her from behind with a thrust so hard the entire dresser slammed into the wall—so violently it cracked the drywall behind it.

She screamed from pleasure.

Jey grabbed her hips and snapped into her again, again, and again—until the dresser rocked with every movement, the sound of it thudding against the wall in sync with their moans and cries.

“Take it,” he snarled. “Take that dick like the slut you are.”

“It’s your pussy, Daddy!” she cried, voice ragged, hands slipping on the wooden surface.

Jey leaned over her back, his breath hot at her ear. “It’s mine?”

“Yes—” she screamed as he pounded into her deeper. “Yours, daddy!”

“Only I can fuck you like this from now on?” he grunted, slapping her ass so hard she jerked forward.

“Yes—yes—yes!”

“You want me to cum in this pussy?” His voice was so dark now—possessive, dangerous. “For real?”

“Only you, Daddy,” Rhea sobbed, pleasure overtaking her. “Only you, daddy, that’s your pussy! Always—yours—fuck!”

Jey slammed into her one last time, hips jerking as he let go—finally—with a moan so deep it sounded like it came from his chest. His arms wrapped around her waist, locking her against him as he pulsed thick inside her, flooding her with everything he’d been holding back.

Rhea cried out, arching beneath him as the heat and pressure of his release sent her spiraling into one last, shuddering orgasm.

They both stilled.

Breathing hard.

Sweat-slicked skin sticking where it touched.

After a long moment, Jey slowly pulled out, both of them groaning at the sensation. He looked down—and paused.

His cum was already dripping from her, a creamy mess sliding down her thighs, smeared between her legs, and pooling slightly on the carpet beneath her.

“Damn,” Jey muttered, running a hand through his hair. “You okay?”

Rhea, still breathless, looked back over her shoulder. “Yeah… It’s okay.”

Jey stood up, grabbing a towel to toss her way, still watching the mess with a mix of awe and oh shit dawning on his face. “You want me to go get you a Plan B?”

She hesitated, but then nodded. “If you don’t mind.”

Jey stopped in his tracks, halfway toward his sweatpants. “Were you serious?” he asked.

She looked up at him, brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“You want me to be the only one?” His voice wasn’t teasing. It was honest. Careful.

Rhea froze. The heat between her legs still throbbed, but now it was her chest aching.

“Well… I’m divorced. You’re divorced,” she said softly, tugging the towel across her lap. “I’ve always thought we had some kind of connection. Something real. Even when we didn’t say anything.”

Jey blinked, surprised—but not unhappy. “Really?”

“Yeah,” she nodded. “I know we never talked about it, but… I felt it.”

He stepped back toward her, still shirtless, still wrecked, but smiling just a little now.

“You regrettin’ it?” she asked, testing him.

Jey looked down at the dresser, the mess, the cracked wall—and then at her, glowing in sweat and honesty.

“Nah,” he said with a smirk. “I mean… I’ll have to tell the hotel about the hole, but…”

He ran his hand across his jaw. “How about we go out to dinner tomorrow? You pick the spot.”

Rhea smiled—soft, genuine, that rare kind of post-sex glow only women have when they feel safe.

“I’d like that.”

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mattiesgf · 6 months ago

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scribbles - m.r x reader

summary - dash&lily!au, mattheo and reader communicate through a book, and perhaps its comforting to rant to someone without knowing them?

word count - above 2k

a/n - okay omg, this is literally my first fic ever so don't judge? and I really wanted something like an anonymous romance because I think it fits mattheo. enjoyy

ch2

The Hogwarts library was insanely huge—everyone knew that. Its sections seemed to stretch endlessly, shelf after shelf, book after book. And it wasn’t just academic texts; there were novels too, tucked away in those maze-like aisles.

So here he was, Mattheo Riddle, probably the last person you’d expect in front of the literature shelves, fumbling through titles in a half-hearted attempt to find A Farewell to Arms for his Muggle Studies class.

Professor Charity Burbage wouldn’t shut up about the so-called "sappy Muggle romance." For the sake of his grades, he had to find it. After scanning what felt like every spine in the row, he finally spotted it.

“Finally!”

He grabbed the book without hesitation. Staying in the library wasn’t on his agenda—it never was. The place didn’t exactly hold the sweetest memories for him. The silence, so absolute, seemed to lure the worst thoughts to the surface. It was the perfect breeding ground for overthinking, and Mattheo had no patience for that. He much preferred the controlled chaos of the dorms or the common room. Maybe he’d been alone too long. People could be annoying, sure, but they kept the silence—and his thoughts—at bay.

Just as he was about to leave, something caught his eye: a bright red book on the same shelf. It wasn’t a novel, not with that unmarked spine and leather cover. Curiosity got the better of him, and he pulled it out. The journal smelled faintly of Chanel—a stark contrast to the old-book musk around it. Stickers covered the spine, obscuring what might’ve been the owner’s initials. Lana Del Rey. The Smiths. A tiny “A” tucked in the corner.

He opened it.

The first page was written in delicate cursive, the kind that practically screamed “perfected over years of writing essays on parchment.”

“Do you dare?”

His first instinct was to chuck the thing out the nearest window and let it flop onto the frozen lake below. This felt eerily close to one of his father’s tricks. But then again, when had Voldemort ever cared for indie aesthetics or Muggle music?

Curiosity won. He flipped the page.

“Ah, so you do dare. And no, I’m not trying to lure you into the Chamber to kill you. I just figured if you’re in this aisle, maybe we have something in common.”

“I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please—this is kind of my one shot at finding a literary soulmate.”

The handwriting, undeniably feminine, had that neat, practiced vibe. Someone who probably spent way too much time perfecting it in their first year. Definitely not him.

“ALSO, if you’re not a teenage boy, I’d suggest putting it back. And if you’re Madam Pince, I’m definitely a Gryffindor. ;)”

Mattheo let out a low chuckle. She was funny. Slytherin vibes, or so he thought.

The next page revealed a string of numbers:

“1111111”

Some sort of code?

“Solve it, decipher it, and it might just lead…”

He sighed, already feeling the time he’d need to spend on this. But he was hooked. What better way to pass the time than chasing cryptic clues from a journal that promised not to kill him, right?

Tucking the book under his arm, he headed for the exit, but of course, Madam Pince’s sharp voice cut through the air like a spell.

“Mr. Riddle, you must check that out before stuffing it in your bag and leaving.”

“Uh, yeah, of course.” He handed over A Farewell to Arms.

“And the other?”

“That’s mine. Just a journal,” he lied smoothly.

“Right.”

He nodded quickly and slipped out before she could've said more.

As he walked away, a soft voice called out behind him. “You took the journal?”

He turned, spotting a fifth-year—a library volunteer, maybe.

“I did. Why?”

The kid shrugged, barely pausing. “Solve the riddles and put it where you get. She’ll answer.”

“Wait—”

But the kid was already gone.

“Wait—”

But the kid was already gone.

So, it was a girl. Cursive handwriting, fancy perfume, and riddles designed to intrigue. Maybe this wouldn’t be such a waste of time after all.

He made his way back to the dungeons, the familiar stone hallways feeling like they were meant for him, even if he wasn’t sure what “home” really meant anymore.

He reached the dorm, the one that was always a bit of a mess, the one he shared with Theodore and Lorenzo. The air had that funny, almost burnt toast scent to it that Mattheo had gotten used to. It wasn’t perfect, but it was his.

But his mind wasn’t on the dorm or the mess. It was on the journal. It had been... interesting. Why would Mattheo Riddle, of all people, take the time to talk to someone who had no idea who he was? Maybe that’s exactly why—someone who wouldn’t judge him for the name or the bloodline.

“Oi, Enzo, give me a hand with something?”

“God, Matt, do you ever think maybe I have my own stuff to do? Maybe Enzo has plans, y’know?”

“Shut up and help. I totally covered for you with Greengrass about your stupid book, remember?”

“Fuck you.”

“Yeah, yeah, come on.”

Lorenzo flopped down next to him on the couch, eyeing the journal in Mattheo’s hand.

“So, let me get this straight. You’re talking to a girl—who could very well not be a girl—and you want me to solve the riddles and help you, because you’re actually interested? AND, you're intrigued by one line? the one line she wrote-?”

Mattheo rolled his eyes. “Yeah, but it’s a good line.”

Lorenzo gave him a skeptical look. “A good line? She could be some weird third-year with a collection of creepy journals. I’m just saying, don’t get too attached.”

“Relax, I’m not getting attached,” Mattheo said, but the words felt hollow even to him.

Lorenzo snatched the journal from his hand, flipping through the pages. “You’re telling me you’re not intrigued by this?” He raised an eyebrow. “I mean, ‘Do you dare?’ That’s some serious mysterious girl energy.”

Mattheo leaned back, watching as Lorenzo scanned the riddles, his lips curving into a smirk. “Just help me solve it, alright?”

Lorenzo paused, glancing over at Mattheo. “Fine. But don’t blame me when this turns into some weird obsession.”

“Alright, mystery guy, string the letters together and let’s see where we end up.”

Mattheo leaned back, watching as Lorenzo eyed the list of riddles. He was already beginning to look like he was about to fall asleep.

“Okay, Enzo, do them for me,” Mattheo said, tapping the page impatiently.

Lorenzo groaned but took the journal from him, reading the first riddle aloud.

“There’s a light that never fades,

Shining bright even through melancholy haze.

Name the song that calls out for comfort and trust,

It’s about heaven, but grounded in the just.”

Lorenzo paused, scratching his chin. “Okay, that’s definitely an old one, maybe like Lana? Considering the stickers?”

Something seemed to have clicked for mattheo, “No, no, no The smiths! SHE LIKES THE SMITHS, ENZO- oh my god, there’s a light that never goes out, thats it!”

Lorenzo kept going, flipping to the next one, sighing at Mattheo. "Once again, same music taste does not equal soulmate- god, do you ever learn?"

Mattheo rolled his eyes, "Alright, shut up, go on"

“If sweets are your craving, step through my door,

From Chocolate Frogs to Fizzing Whizbees galore.

In Hogsmeade’s heart, where sugar dreams thrive,

Name the shop where treats come alive.”

“Honestly, that’s a no-brainer. It’s Honeydukes,” Lorenzo said without hesitation.

“Right, right. You’re on fire,” Mattheo teased, as Lorenzo moved on to the next.

"I’m often served up cold or hot,

A liquid refreshment, I hit the spot.

I come in flavours, both sweet and bold,

What am I? Guess me, I’m quite old."

Lorenzo grinned. “Coffee? Like, uh, lets say expresso? ”

Mattheo rolled his eyes. “Of course you’d get that one first try.”

Lorenzo continued to read, now with a slight smirk.

“An ode to a woman with a celestial name,

Her vibe is electric, not one you can tame.

From the album that rocked the world wide,

Name the track.”

Lorenzo stared at the riddle for a moment, clearly deep in thought. His lips curled slightly, as if trying to put the pieces together.

Mattheo watched, his mind already racing through possibilities. "Come on, Enzo. It’s not that hard."

Lorenzo looked up, clearly struggling to connect the dots. "I dunno, man. Celestial name... electric vibe... It’s throwing me off."

Mattheo’s eyes widened. “Wait... Arabella,” he said suddenly, catching the reference. “It’s got to be ‘Arabella’ by Arctic Monkeys.”

Lorenzo blinked, then nodded slowly. “Oh, yeah. That makes sense. Good catch, Riddle.”

Mattheo grinned, feeling a little bit smug. “I know my stuff.”

Lorenzo looked at the riddle like Mattheo was crazy.

“I’m a serpent, sleek and sly,

With emerald scales and cunning eye.

In the house where ambition reigns,

What’s my symbol? Speak my name.”

“Matt, come on. The locket, duh.”

“Oh, right,” Mattheo muttered, tapping his fingers on the journal.

Lorenzo barely hesitated before moving on to the next riddle.

“I’m the one who guards the goalposts tight,

Stopping the quaffle with all my might.

I block and deflect, keeping the score low—

What’s my position? Now, let me know!”

“Keeper,” Lorenzo answered with a smirk, like it was the easiest thing in the world.

“Should’ve known,” Mattheo grumbled, half to himself.

Lorenzo moved on, flipping to the final riddle.

“I’m a potion that makes truth come clear,

In Hogsmeade, I’m sold with no fear.

A drop or two, and secrets unfold,

What’s my name? It’s liquid gold.”

Lorenzo grinned. “Veritaserum. Honestly, these riddles are too easy.”

Mattheo rolled his eyes, trying to suppress a smile. “You really think you’ve got this figured out, huh?”

Lorenzo raised an eyebrow. “Well, if I’m solving all the riddles, maybe I should be the one old-timey flirting with her through a book. What do you think?”

Mattheo’s eyes widened in mock horror. “What? Absolutely not. I found the book. Plus, you think she could be a possible psychopath—what about that, huh?”

Lorenzo shrugged, unfazed. “Eh, it’s a possibility. But if she’s that crazy, at least it’ll be entertaining.”

Mattheo shook his head, but couldn't help the smirk tugging at his lips. "Not happening."

“Anyway, let me put it together. It says ‘string the first together,’” Lorenzo said, already scribbling down the letters.

Mattheo watched, tapping his foot in rhythm. “Uh, T, H, E, A, L, K, V…”

Lorenzo stared at the letters for a moment before glancing up. “Alright, so… ‘THE ALCOVE.’” He shrugged. “Sounds like the one by the lake.”

Mattheo raised an eyebrow. “Oh, like our Alcove, Alcove?”

Lorenzo gave another shrug. “Could be. Or maybe something else. Who knows? It’s just a game, Matt.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Mattheo said, leaning back with a grin. “I’ll go check it out.”

Lorenzo chuckled, tossing the journal back at Mattheo. “Right, because you’re definitely not getting invested. Go ahead, find the weirdo.”

Mattheo smirked, flipping through the journal and eyeing the letters. “I’ll figure it out. But, uh, if she’s leaving clues like this, she’s got a decent sense of humor.”

Lorenzo raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, sure. Just don’t get too carried away with it, alright? Since it’s just a game.”

Mattheo sighed and plopped down onto the stone steps, resting the journal beside him. He leaned back, his gaze wandering aimlessly around the alcove, still trying to make sense of the place. The stillness of the moment almost felt like an invitation to relax, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this. There had to be.

He scanned the surrounding area, eyes tracing the worn edges of the stone, the lake shimmering faintly through the trees. And then—there it was.

That familiar "a".

On one of the tiles, nearly hidden beneath the edge of the stone step, was a small sticker of the letter “a”—it wasn’t much, but Mattheo immediately recognized it. The same letter from the journal. The same one that had popped up in the corner of the pages, taunting him with its mystery.

Mattheo’s heart picked up pace, and a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. Now we're getting somewhere. He bent down, carefully peeling the sticker off the tile, wondering what kind of clue this could lead to.

Whatever it was, he was definitely invested now.

Mattheo stared at the sticker for a second, waiting for something to happen, but when nothing did, he was about to brush it off. Then, in a blink, the sticker seemed to melt away, its glossy edges rippling like the surface of the lake on a windy day. Before he could process it, the sticker was gone, replaced by a folded note.

He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. Hogwarts magic, never a dull moment.

He unfolded the note, the handwriting neat and familiar:

"Leave the journal, I'll answer."

The next day, Mattheo found himself walking past the alcove again. The events from the night before still lingered in his mind, but he'd almost convinced himself it had all been some weird fluke, or maybe just a one-off game.

He hadn't returned to the alcove since he’d left the journal there, figuring he’d check back in a day or so. But as he passed by, he couldn’t resist stopping. The place seemed quieter now, the magic of the night before no longer lingering in the air.

But when he got to the spot, he was surprised to see that the journal was still there. Nothing else had changed. Mattheo stared at it for a moment, debating whether to just walk away, but something—curiosity, maybe—kept him rooted to the spot.

He bent down, picking up the journal and flipping through it.

"Aha, u so could be kinda smart huh? I can’t believe someone’s actually answered, that journal was probably there for a year? And good job with the riddles, I guess? I’m surprised you got the Smiths and Arctic Monkeys one, maybe u have a similar taste Mystery Boy. Your chance now, you give me the dare and I’ll follow through."

- A,

Mattheo leaned back against the wall, grinning to himself. So, she was serious about this. A dare, huh? This could get interesting.

He quickly scribbled in his response, his hand steady as he wrote. "Alright, mystery girl, you asked for it."

omggg, I actually wrote this? I'm very happy about it, and i'd love if people interact w it, also ty @sunkissedscribbles for helping since my first draft looked like a seven year old wrote it 😭 also yes, this will be a series and I'm very open to suggestions and any improvements. (I should probably make a taglist?) - rey

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dorothylarouge · 8 months ago

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Dorothy's Big List of Comic Book Recs - DC Comics Edition

I often get asks about getting into comic books, and how daunting it seems, given the huge back catalog of titles and issues available. I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to be scary! From miniseries that act as good introductions to characters to runs on ongoing titles by individual creators that serve on jumping-on points, there's lots of ways to get into comics without having to have a lot of background knowledge, and I'm going to give you a lot of potential places to start. Please note that this post only covers DC Comics; Marvel and indie lists will follow! Also note that I haven't read everything, and I won't recommend something I haven't read, so a few runs or books some consider must-reads may not be on here. This is based purely on books I have read and enjoy, and that I think are suitable for new readers. I'm also not including books from the Milestone and Wildstorm imprints as they're kind of a separate sphere to me, although some Vertigo books may be included.

SUPERMAN

All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely: This is the book that made me a Superman fan. It is an out-of-continuity celebration of Superman and his world, and an exploration of why Superman as a character has endured for nearly a century.

Superman For All Seasons by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale: A gorgeously-illustrated and Americana-flavored recounting of Superman's early years in Metropolis, anchored narratively by the changing of the seasons.

Superman: Birthright by Mark Waid and Lenil Francis Yu: For my money, the definitive origin story for Superman. Great characterization of the entire supporting cast, including Lex Luthor, make this a perfect entry point into the character and his world.

Action Comics (1939) and Superman (1939) by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster: The earliest Superman stories are still really great, and have a populist edge that many later stories sanded down. They're pulpy and fun and I recommend them!

Action Comics (2011) by Grant Morrison: This run spans issues 1-18, plus a special issue 0, of the series launched as part of DC's mostly-failed 2011 reboot, and covers Superman's early years in this continuity. The early issues bring back some of the edge that was present in the Golden Age comics, and the rest of the run is solid stuff as well. Morrison always comes highly recommended.

Superman: Red and Blue: An athology series that focuses on a broad sampling of Superman's world and supporting cast, written and drawn by various creators.

Action Comics (1939) by Geoff Johns: Specifically, I would say that issues 855 to 870 are a good span to be checking out for Geoff Johns' run on the book. These include some great stories focusing on classic Superman villains such as Bizarro, Toyman, and Brainiac.

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang and Guruhiru: An adaptation of a classic Superman radio story set in the 1940s and focusing on Superman's place as an immigration narrative. And Superman gets to rough up some Klansmen!

Man and Superman by Marv Wolfman and Claudio Castellini: Another story of Superman's early years, this one focusing on his struggles to adapt to life in the big city after moving from Smallville, as well as his first encounters with Lois Lane and Lex Luthor.

Superman: Up in the Sky by Tom King and Andy Kubert: A lovely self-contained story which demonstrates just how far Superman will go to save a single life.

Superman (1939) by Elliot S! Maggin: This mammoth run spans issues 247 to 400 of the classic title, and includes some fantastic stories such as "Must There Be a Superman?" (issue 247), "The Greatest Green Lantern of All" (issue 257), and "The Living Legends of Superman" (issue 400)

Superman (1939), Adventure Comics (1938) and Action Comics (1939) by Mort Weisinger: This run spans a lot of the Silver Age era of Superman, including Action Comics #241-392, Superman #120-231, and Adventure Comics #247-396. It's a lot of issues, but in those days you can mostly read them in any order since they're pretty self-contained. This run includes a lot of classic villains and stories, as well as the earliest adventures of the Legion of Super-Heroes.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bliquis Evely: A spacefaring take on a True Grit-style western with gorgeous art, and a definitive story for the Girl of Steel.

Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen (2019) by Matt Fraction and Steve Liber: a madcap romp and a delightful sendup of Silver Age weirdness.

BATMAN

Batman: The Long Halloween and Batman: Dark Victory by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale: Another Loeb/Sale joint, focusing on Batman's earlier years and the transition of Gotham's underworld from the mob to a coterie of costumed kooks.

Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean: An examination of the facility housing Batman's rogues, and what those rogues symbolize in his world.

Batman (1940) by Dennis O'Neil: This is a classic run which re-established a dark tone for the Dark Knight which has endured to this day. The run spans Batman #224-268, along with a handful of issues of Detective Comics. Among the major developments of this run are the introduction of Ra's al Ghul and his daughter Talia.

Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying by Marv Wolfman, George Perez, and Jim Aparo: The definitive story about why Batman needs Robin. Read it in trade since the story spans both the Batman and New Titans titles.

Batman by Grant Morrison: I'm hesitant to include this because it delves so deep into Batman lore, but it really is essential reading, introducing Damian Wayne along with other concepts. Please do disregard Morrison's frankly appalling characterization of Talia. Read in omnibus format as the run spans multiple titles.

Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland: It's cliche at this point but the story still is fantastic and one of the best Joker stories ever written.

Batman: No Man's Land: An epic storyline across many titles dealing with Gotham being cut off from the US after a massive earthquake and Batman's efforts to keep the peace in an abandoned city. Read in trade format.

Batman (2011) by Scott Snyder: This run spans issues 1 through 51 of the New 52 relaunch, and introduces concepts such as the Court of Owls. It's a fun run, including a brief period where Jim Gordon acts as Batman.

Batwoman (2011) by J.H. Williams III and W. Hayden Blackman: A gorgeously-illustrated book about Batman's cousin and her adventures as the Batwoman. Worth reading for the art alone.

Nightwing (1996) by Chuck Dixon: Dixon's a tool but this is still the definitive Nightwing run. This run includes volume 1 of Nightwing, a 4-issue mini, as well as issues 1-70 of volume 2, which establishes Dick's home base of Bludhaven as well as his rogues' gallery.

Detective Comics (1937) by Paul Dini: This run spans issues 821 to 852, and features some great stories by one of the great Batman writers and a co-creator of the classic animated series.

Robin (2021) by Joshua Williamson: A great run that helps to flesh out Damian Wayne's place in the DC Universe.

The Boy Wonder by Juni Ba: A great story with gorgeous art that focuses on Damian Wayne and his relationships with the other members of the Batman Family.

Batgirl (2000): The first series to focus on a Batgirl, specifically Cassandra Cain, the best Batgirl, as she struggles to adapt to life after an abusive childhood being raised as an assassin.

WONDER WOMAN

Wonder Woman (2006) by Gail Simone: Simone's run is the longest that a woman has ever written comics' premiere female superhero, and it's just good comic book fun. The run spans issues 14 to 44.

Wonder Woman (1987) by Phil Jimenez: Jimenez's childhood love of Wonder Woman shines through in his run, which placed a renewed focus on Diana's supporting cast and especially her family. The run spans issues 164 to 188.

Wonder Woman (1942) and Sensation Comics (1942) by William Moulton Marston: Wonder Woman's creator laid down the basics of the character and her world, and those early Golden Age stories are still a great read. They're fun, engaging - and more than a little kinky with hindsight.

Wonder Woman (1987) by Greg Rucka: In the early 21st century, Greg Rucka was The Guy for writing female superheroes, and his run on Wonder Woman is great. It features Diana becoming an ambassador, writing a book, fighting Medusa, and matching wits with Veronica Cale, her own Lex Luthor. The run spans 196-226. I must also mention Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia, also by Rucka, which is a Greek tragedy where Diana finds herself torn between duty and justice.

Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons by Kelly Sue DeConnick: A beautifully-illustrated story of the Amazons and the Greek goddesses, which lays the foundations for Wonder Woman's world.

Wonder Woman (1987) by George Perez: This run reintroduced Diana after Crisis on Infinite Earths, and the first 25 issues feature Perez's simply-unmatched artwork. The whole run spans the first 62 issues of the book, and serves as a blueprint for most subsequent takes on the character.

THE FLASH

Flash Comics (1940) and All-Flash (1941): The Golden Age Flash and his early stories by his creator Gardner Fox. Must-read if you're interested in Jay Garrick, the first Flash.

Showcase #4, 8, and 13, and The Flash (1959): The Silver Age Flash, Barry Allen, made his debut and early adventures here. Much of the art is by the great Carmine Infantino, and Gardner Fox returned to write some stories. The whole concept of the multiverse debuted in this run.

The Flash (1987) by Mark Waid (as well as Grant Morrison and Mark Millar): This run starts in issue 62 and lasts until 162, with a brief run by Grant Morrison and Mark Millar towards the end. This run is the definitive Flash run, focusing on Barry Allen's protege Wally West maturing in the role of the Flash and establishing himself as the true fastest man alive.

The Flash (1987) by Geoff Johns: This run spans issues 164 to 225, and refocuses the Flash's traditional rogues' gallery, offering modern origins for many of them, while also introducing new foes like Girder, Blacksmith, and a new Reverse-Flash.

The Flash (2016) by Joshua Williamson: This run spans issues 1-88, as well as 750 to 762 of the relaunched volume 1 of the book. I hate the recentering of Barry Allen from 2009 to 2019, but Williamson's run is the most tolerable, and serves as a love letter to the Flash, while also setting the stage for Wally to return as the primary holder of the mantle.

The Flash (2023) by Simon Spurrier: The current run of the Flash, it focuses on Wally as the main Flash and the Flash Family as an ensemble. The extended first arc features a threat to time itself, and goes into some really surreal and experimental territory for a Flash book.

Impulse (1995) by Mark Waid, et al.: A more lighthearted and comedic companion book to Waid's run on Flash, this book focuses on Bart Allen, Barry's grandson, who was raised in the future and has the attention span of a goldfish, as well as his relationship with the zen guru of speed, Max Mercury.

GREEN LANTERN

The Green Lantern (2018) by Grant Morrison: A police procedural starring Hal Jordan that gets into some pretty freaky territory, with gorgeous interiors by Liam Sharp.

Green Lanterns (2016) by Sam Humphries: A buddy cop type title focusing on the team of Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz. Humphries' run spans the first 32 issues of the book.

Far Sector by N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell: A murder mystery in space which establishes a new Green Lantern, Jo Mullein. Super easy to get ahold of since it was rereleased as part of DC's Compact Comics line of $9.99 trades.

Green Lantern/Green Arrow (1970) by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams: This run brought a social conscience to comics as Green Arrow was reinvented as a left-winger and a man of the 60s counterculture, joining Green Lantern on a quest across America. The run spans issues 76 to 89 of the book.

Green Lantern (1990) by Ron Marz. Marz's run starts in issue 48, and sees the Green Lantern paragon Hal Jordan descend into darkness before being replaced as defender of Earth by Kyle Rayner. The run lasts until issue 125, and as Kyle is my favorite Lantern I have a fondness for it.

Green Lantern (2005) 1-67 and (2011) 0-20 by Geoff Johns: Johns brought Hal Jordan back as the main GL, and his run expanded the world of Green Lantern by introducing the emotional spectrum. His run is the basis for most Green Lantern lore going forward, and is pretty essential reading.

Green Lantern: War Journal by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Montos: A 12-issue series featuring John Stewart as he ventures into space to fight a dark force corrupting life in the galaxy. The new definitive John Stewart run.

TEAMS AND TEAM-UPS

JLA by Grant Morrison, Mark Waid, Joe Kelly, et al.: This was a back-to-basics approach to the Justice League with a core group of characters. Morrison's run on the book is probably the best, but Waid and Kelly also bring in some good stories.

Justice League of America (2007) by Brad Meltzer and Dwayne McDuffie: Another relaunch of the time, this time with a large roster inspired by the classic 1970s era of the League. Some great stories in this run, including a crossover with the Milestone characters.

JSA (1999) by Geoff Johns, Paul Levitz: The first team in comics was relaunched in the 90s by Geoff Johns, who established the Justice Society as a family first, later bringing in the Marvel Family for some great stories fleshing out Black Adam's character.

Justice Society of America (2007) by Geoff Johns: Johns' second run on the JSA is a continuation of the first, with a focus on legacy and new heroes reclaiming the mantles of Golden Age heroes. Introduces the delightful Maxine Hunkel as the wind-powered Cyclone.

New Teen Titans by Marv Wolfman and George Perez: Lightning in a bottle. This book likely saved DC after the disastrous DC Implosion. The best Titans run of all time, quality of art and writing that has never been recaptured with this team. If you loved the cartoon as a kid you will love this book.

Young Justice by Peter David and Todd Nauck: For all intents and purposes, the Teen Titans for the 90s generation. Funny, heartfelt, with great cartoony art by Nauck.

Doom Patrol (1987) by Grant Morrison, Rachel Pollack: A truly, wonderfully weird tale of the most off-beat superheroes of all, with themes of identity, life, and art woven throughout.

The Terrifics by Jeff Lemire, Gene Luen Yang: At a time when Marvel was treating the Fantastic Four like dirt, DC put out their own version, which captures the wonderous adventure of a Silver Age science fiction book with some great character work from a great core cast. A thoroughly underrated title.

Suicide Squad (1987) by John Ostrander: An often darkly-humorous book about a team of second-string supervillains coerced into doing the government's dirty work. The definitive Suicide Squad run.

Villains United (2005), Secret Six (2006), and Secret Six (2008) by Gail Simone: A group of supervillains forced together by circumstance and find themselves working together as mercenaries. A real found family of freaks type of situation.

Legion of Super-Heroes by Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen: This run spans issues 282 to 313 of the 1980 book, and 1 to 63 of the 1984 book. Includes some of the greatest Legion stories, including the Great Darkness Saga.

Birds of Prey (1999) by Gail Simone: This run covers issues 56 to 108, and focuses on female heroes kicking ass, basically Charlie's Angels with superheroes.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest by Mark Waid and Dan Mora: A team-up book between Batman, Superman, and the DC Universe, set earlier in their careers.

Justice League International (1987) by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire: As much a workplace comedy as a superhero book, this is a very different take on the Justice League, from the time when "bwa-ha-ha" ruled the DCU.

THE FOURTH WORLD

The Fourth World Epic by Jack Kirby: Read in omnibus or trade format. The first stories of the Fourth World from the King of Comics, Jack Kirby. The story spans Kirby's run on Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen, The New Gods, The Forever People, and Mister Miracle, and ends in The Hunger Dogs.

Orion (2000) by Walt Simonson: A follow-up to Jack Kirby's epic, this book focuses on Orion, the son of Darkseid, and his quest to vanquish his father once and for all.

Bug! the Adventures of Forager by Lee Allred and Mike Allred: With Mike Allred's striking artwork, this book serves as a love letter to Kirby's time at DC Comics.

Mister Miracle (2017) by Tom King and Mitch Gerads: A slightly-psychedelic take on the Fourth World, focusing on Scott Free and his family with the backdrop of a bloody war unfolding between New Genesis and Apokolips

New Gods (1989) by Mark Evanier: This was a return to form for the New Gods, who hadn't had a lot of new stories to themselves since Kirby left DC, and it's a great read.

AND THE REST

Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters (1987) and Green Arrow (1988) issues 1-80, by Mike Grell: Probably the definitive Green Arrow run. Political, edgy, and mature.

Animal Man (1988) by Grant Morrison: A fun and surreal series of adventures featuring one of the DCU's unsung heroes.

Booster Gold (1986) by Dan Jurgens: A Reagan-era story of a money-obsessed celebrity superhero rediscovering the altruistic spirit of a true hero buried deep within him.

Zatanna: Bring Down the House by Mariko Tamaki and Javier Rodriguez: A quest through the realms of magic as a reluctant witch gets caught in the crossfire of a mystical war.

Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld (1983, 1985, and 1987): For fans of magical girls and sword and sorcery, this is a must-read. A girl from Earth discovers she is the princess of a mystical realm and embarks on a quest to save it.

The Question (1987) by Dennis O'Neil: A grounded, philosophical story of a man trying his best to make things better in a city abandoned to corruption and decay.

Monkey Prince by Gene Luen Yang and Bernard Chang: Drawing on Chinese mythology, this book focuses on an unlikely superhero with connections to the monkey king, Sun Wukong.

Blue Beetle (2006) by John Rogers and Keith Giffen: Giffen leaves after issue 10, but Rogers continues until issue 25, and the rest of the volume is pretty decent as well. It establishes Jaime Reyes as the Blue Beetle, and if the cards had been better he could have easily become DC's answer to Spider-Man. Ah, well. It's always nice when he gets a book, and this is probably the best one.

Galaxy: The Prettiest Star by Jadzia Axelrod and Jess Taylor: a YA graphic novel featuring a transgender alien princess. What's not to like?

Hawkworld (1989 and 1990): A science fiction epic of Thanagar, world of the hawks. A great read on its own, but it unfortunately did a lot of damage to the continuity of the Hawkman family of characters.

Hawkgirl (2023) by Jadzia Axelrod and Amancay Nahuelpan: A fun little miniseries focusing on Kendra Saunders moving to Metropolis and having to deal with the trauma and hardship of her past. Guest starring Galaxy from that other book!

Starman (1994) by James Robinson: A grungy, Gen X book about legacy and what we leave behind, with plenty of hooks for the new reader to investigate regarding the Golden Age superheroes.

The Power of Shazam! by Jerry Ordway: The post-Crisis take on Captain Marvel and the Marvel family. A great read, and the last great run for the classic versions of these characters.

Sandman (1989) by Neil Gaiman. Obligatory Neil Gaiman is a piece of shit out of the way, his Sandman book is a beautiful and at times horrifying read, and its importance as a story manages to outweigh my disdain for its creator.

Swamp Thing (1982) by Alan Moore and Steve Bissette: Moore's run begins in issue 19 and ends in issue 64. This is the definitive Swamp Thing run, which set the standard for all to follow. It's a creepy and often touching story which remains some of Moore's best work in the medium.

#comics #long post

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floralcavern · 3 months ago

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Indie pilots/shows/projects to support!

Click titles for links!

1)) Gods’ School

Do you like Greek Mythology? Do you like drama? Then you would probably love Gods’ School! Indie French Artist, Gaylord, has been working on this series for 7 years! Incredible animation, interesting spins on mythology, and fun voice acting. The only downside is how infrequent the uploads are :(

2)) Pretty Pretty Please I Don’t Want To Be A Magical Girl

Are you a magical girl enjoyer? Or do you hate magical girls? Either way, you will love this pilot! Aika is a magical girl who has grown to hate her job. With just a pilot out, it is hilarious with beautiful art and incredible cast of voice actors

3)) My Pride

An incredible show! Sadly, today (Feb 28) marks the 4 year anniversary of since it’s gone on hiatus. But meet Nothing, the outcast in her lion pride, as she has to fight against the ableism and discrimination she faces while also getting tied up in godly affairs and lions from the outside of her pride

4)) Persona Project

This one is a bit more.. unique. Created by PetPyves, a veteran of indie animation. This is how I found their content, but Persona Project is extremely unique, as it tells the story of the animator PetPyves, Hawley, and them working through their trauma by personifying different phases of their life into characters, or personas. All animated, voice acted, and directed by Hawley, and with frequent uploads, it is incredible and a beautiful project I feel like everyone should check it out. So much respect to Hawley for telling their story and for this incredible animation. Treat this project with extreme respect and care, as Hawley is putting their heart into this and has already had to deal with people being disrespectful, sadly. (Here’s a set of ground rules and boundaries they’ve set, if you want to check it out)

5)) Chikn Nuggit

A silly series of shorts telling the everyday stories of Chikn and his other food-based animal friends. Surely, there’s nothing sinister going on.. right?

6)) Epic the Musical: concept album

Another mythology based thing! While not animated like the other things above, there are many small time artists doing incredible animatics for this indie project! A musical telling the story of The Odyssey!

7)) Theratpy

There is sadly not much out for this one, but I still love it! It follows Ratticus, a rat with anger issues and intrusive thoughts, going to therapy sessions with Dr. Zoro. It’s simple, but it makes me happy. It reminds me of Good Will Hunting, which will always be a plus in my book!

I may do a part 2 if I end up finding more indie projects that I love. I just wanted to share. Check these out and support indie creators and artists!

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self-indulgent-fanfics · 27 days ago

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a poem said by a lady in red

Bo Dallas x Reader, The Wyatt Sicks x platonic!Reader

A/N: Hello my love @nekosounds I’m so sorry this is flaming hot garbage, life has been rough for a moment but I didn’t want to keep you waiting any longer. This makes reference to reader having a twin sister that she’s fighting with, assume this fight is within kayfabe, no real family trauma here today y’all. Also this doesn't follow actual timelines so that non-American readers can enjoy WWE visiting their hometown. Title comes from the first song that came up on shuffle.

Request: May I please request a Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy x reader were reader feels all alone on Smackdown, but has always had a crush on Bo. Little signs appear like roses or something, the other Wyatt's watch over her, and finally Howdy comes out and confesses?

You entered the world an hour after your sister, and from there, it always felt like you trailed behind. She was the one who first started watching WWF when you were kids, she was the one who signed you both up to a gym, she decided your ring names “Havoc” and “Chaos” right before you entered your first indies tag team match.

She held you while you cried as you both realised your dreams were coming true and you were wrestling in the WWE together.

So when she told you, in the middle of the ring on Friday Night Smackdown, that she didn’t need you anymore, that you were holding her chaos back, your soul was crushed. Then she hit you with her finisher and it completely tore you apart. You were left on the mat, tears streaming down your face while she marched up the ramp.

Life was pretty lonely after that. Chaos was making a name for herself, defeating half of the Smackdown Women’s roster in her quest. Meanwhile, you had lost all three of your solo matches. No one in the locker room even attempted to check in with you. Chaos herself ignored you entirely.

Any time you weren’t wrestling, you were wrapped in a hoodie with headphones blaring. Any time you were wrestling, you went through the motions, taking heavier and heavier bumps.

One night your lip was busted open from a stray elbow and you didn’t even have it in you to mop it up. The ref was the only person to make sure you were ok, but that was literally her job. Finally, your opponent pinned you and it was over. You rolled out of the ring and made your way to medical to get your face checked out. Once you were cleared, you returned to the locker room. Resting gently on your hoodie, folded on the bench, was a black rose and a note on beautiful cardstock.

You are not as alone as you think.

You looked around confused, wondering if whoever left the rose and the note left some other sign of their identity. Nothing. But smelling the rose made your heart skip a beat.

Your next three matches were more losses, but they led to more roses, white, pink, and orange, and more notes appeared with your things.

We see you.

We know you.

We will be your family.

And somehow that sounded pretty enticing.

You looked into what the colours of the roses meant, and for the first time since your sister broke your heart, you couldn’t stop smiling.

Smackdown came to your hometown, so naturally Chaos felt like calling you out. She claimed it was the perfect place to do it, right where it all began. You made your way to the ring with your head held high. As a signal to your… new friends (?), you wore the orange rose behind your ear.

Chaos mocked you as you walked toward her, teasing you about the rose, taunting you about your poor record, saying that all you were doing was proving her point. You were the weak link all along. Ignoring the tingle in your nose that signalled tears, you clapped back, telling her how you should have known she would turn on you, it was so predictable. She used you to get where she wanted to be and then kicked you to the curb.

As she sensed the crowd turning on her, your sister stole the rose from behind your ear and stomped on it, grinding the petals into the mat. You lashed out, trying to slap her but she grabbed your wrist then kicked you in the gut. You doubled over on your knees, coughing hard. Your sister laughed over your body, then lifted the mic to her mouth.

Then the lights went out. When they came up again, you saw her. Abby the Witch. A member of the Wyatt Sicks. She stood between you and your sister, who scrambled out of the ring.

Abby turned and reached out a hand, lifting your chin. She placed a red rose behind your ear and leaned down, whispering only to you.

“Join us. Join him.” She turned to walk away and you tried to grab her. How did she know? Only two people knew about your crush on Bo Dallas. You and… your sister. Oh, that bitch and her mouth.

Your feud with your sister escalated from there, sniping each other on social media, taunting each other in promos, culminating in a best of three tournament between you two to determine who would contend for a belt (and you supposed, for bragging rights).

The first match, she won. The second, you won. And after your win, you were visited again. The lights went out in the arena. Chaos abandoned you in the ring, running through the crowd.

This time, the entire family was there. Clearly Abby was their “spokesperson” when it came to you. She approached first, reaching out a filthy hand. You stepped closer, ignoring Wade and Joe begging you not to. You held her hand tight as she led you up the ramp to the intimidating head of the family. Bo stood tall and you couldn’t help the shiver up your spine.

He gave you a gentle kiss on your free hand and you felt a little overwhelmed with all the eyes on this strangely intimate moment.

You pulled back and ran back down the ramp, following your sister in escaping.

Finally the deciding match between Havoc and Chaos arrived. You were on later in the night, so you made sure you were fully warmed up and limber. Then you sat with your eyes closed and your headphones on, readying yourself for war.

The match was hard fought, both of your bodies battered and ruined, the bumps getting harder and harder to take. But you won. You did it. You proved that Havoc no longer needed Chaos. You were just fine on your own.

But you weren’t on your own, not anymore. The lights went out once more as you stood victorious over your sister’s broken body.

A lantern called to you from the dark. You moved like a moth to the flame. Bo held the lantern high, using his free hand to caress your cheek gently.

“I’m proud of you my angel.”

You smiled wide and kissed him firmly on the cheek. He wrapped an arm around your shoulder and led you away. You had found your new family.

#wwe imagine #wwe x reader #bo dallas x reader #the wyatt sicks x reader

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makingqueerhistory · 11 months ago

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Can we like recommend Queer books by indie Queer authors?

I would love to, but first, let's deconstruct why indie queer books and authors are not the majority of the content I share.

There are some big barriers for me and indie queer books, the most relevant one is that I read audiobooks almost exclusively. Audiobooks are expensive to produce, and many queer indie authors are simply not able to justify spending that money, which isn't a decision I judge in the slightest. That being said, that takes out a huge section of the books I pick up.

Next, I almost exclusively read books through my library. I request indie books often, but my library often rejects those requests because many indie authors make their audiobooks exclusive to Amazon. I do not and will not use Amazon. I do not and will not judge these authors for their decision to go exclusive to Amazon, because Amazon has set it up so that the royalty percentages favour that option heavily.

Luckily, more and more indie queer books are being added to Hoopla specifically, which is an app I adore. There is one big drawback and that is I mostly use Hoopla for work reading, which means queer nonfiction, which is far less populated by indie titles in my experience.

Lastly, I don't like how this was broached at all. While I have opened myself to a little bit of criticism on my reading due to the fact I share books here, I don't feel like it's okay to make rude demands. While I use affiliate links, and that does give me some kickback, I offer my recommendations freely and spend much more time on them than makes sense financially. I do that because y'all seem to enjoy it. I do not do it to open myself up to my reading choices to be decided by the public. Please do not make a habit of demanding things from me like this.

All of this being said, I love reading queer indie books when I can! But I never will say I am the best resource to find queer indie titles, for that I generally recommend checking through Rainbow Crate Book Box's social media!

#queer #lgbt #answered

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trashtank · 14 days ago

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Heading to MCM London next week? Fan of RPG Maker classics? Check out our RPG Maker stamp rally! We're offering a bundle of awesome prizes inspired by some beloved titles and all you need to do to take part is make a purchase of ANY amount at each of our tables!

To start, find your way to one of our tables and make a purchase. Ask about the rally and one of our lovely artists will happily hand you a freshly stamped card to begin your mission! We'll be happy to help you out if you're confused or unsure about anything!

NOTE: There are a limited number of rally cards and prize packs so please be mindful to prioritise getting started ASAP if you're interested!

Celebrate the amazing world of indie games with us this MCM! We're excited to nerd out with you!

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charlesf1leclerc · 2 years ago

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KUWTL

Summary- a night in the life of the leclercs

Warnings- cuteness, badly translated French, talks of bathing kids, poorly edited ( like not re read so if you see some really bad mistake please tell me )

Notes - Inds- Indy’s nickname, Lily- Sicilys nickname

It was currently 5:30 on a Saturday evening and it was time to start the Leclerc family house good night routine. You and Charles had a system a system that works as sometimes it could get a bit challenging with two little girls 6 and 2 especially they were both in polar opposite stages of their life’s but vogue just as crazy in their own way.

Both girls were sat on the couch watching cartoons to entertain them. Charles was on the dinning room table looking through that notebook of his were he writes all his racing notes, you weren’t 100% sure but you loved how committed he was to his work. You were in the kitchen getting dinner ready for your family tonight spaghetti bolognese and of course you were the one cooking as well all knew Charles could not cook for the life of him. As you were chopping up the carrots for the sauce Charles got up from the table

and can over and kissed you on the lips.

“ I’m gonna get the girls in the bath “ He spoke rubbing your back.

“Thank you, good luck” I laughed as he walked over to the couch we’re the girls were sat

“ ok my angles time for a bubble bath”

“No papa show not done” Sicily spoke in her cute toddler voice

“ I know but do you know how fun it’s gonna be in the bath, with bubbles and we could even get some of those bath time markers out” he kneeled down beside the couch rubbing her chubby little cheeks

“ sounds good to me” Sicily smiled jumping down from the couch

“ Ind’s you too come on Cherie “

“ 5 more minutessss”

“ how about I pause it and we come back and watch it again later”

“ if I must” she spoke getting off the couch as well following her sister as they both toddled us the stairs. This girls were getting far to sassy for your liking.

The girls were now currently splashing in the bath with the bubbles flying around. The bath titles were covered in doodles from the bath markers you and Charles had brought in order to keep them both occupied during bath time. Charles was shampooing both of their hair and rinsing it off with a little cup filled with water.

“ look papa flower” Sicily pointed to her drawing on the tiles that looked like a blob.

“Wow that’s very beautiful” he spoke leaning on the bathtub and stroking her freshly washed hair.

“That’s not a flower, this is” Indy spoke to her as she draw a flower on the tiled wall.

“ their both beautiful flowers girls , all flowers are different” Charles didn’t want either of the girls to get upset.

“ ok time to get out loves dinner is basically ready I can smell it up here”

Charles had gotten both girls out of the bath and wrapped up in their little towels.

“ Indy why don’t you go get into your pjs and wait in your room I’ll be in once I’ve gotten Lily dressed”

Charles had picked out the cute little pks and gotten the youngest daughter dressed and her hair brushed out knot free ready for bed.

“ ok Lily go down stairs and keep mummy company while I check on your sister” he encouraged as she ran down the stairs excited to see her mum and to eat of course that girl loved food.

Walking into the oldest daughters room seeing her all dressed in her pj’s Charles grabbed the brush and began brushing the girls long brown locks.

“ ouch papa”

“Sorry chérie since when did your hair get this long “ he apologised

“ it just grew I don’t know” she shrugged

“ Dinners ready everyone “ y/n called from downstairs

“ ok let’s go eat that delicious food Cherie”

Indy walked down the stairs and Charles closely followed behind her. By now the time was 6:30.

Indy walked over and pulled a chair out to sit in at the dinning room table. While Charles swept Sicily up and placed her into her high chair she has basically grown out of.

You laid the dinner out on the placemats infront of everyone.

“This looks delicious baby” Charles spoke taking his place at the table digging into dinner.

To say dinner was well enjoyed was an understatement the girls ate every last bite and so did you and Charles although a lot of Sicilys food ended up on her bib that you would rather she not wear as you thought she was to old but you didn’t want her to keep getting her clothes dirty.

“Papa can we finish the cartoon like you promised now?” Indy shook Charles arm in a pleading manner

“ ok girls but only 20mins and then time to get ready for bed ok”

“ yay thank you” Indy spoke running away

“ up papa me wanna watch” Sicily put her arms above her head.

Charles lifted the 2 year old out of her high chair and she copied her sisters movements running into the living room behind her.

Charles packed up the dishes on the table taking them into the kitchen. While you put the placemats away and wiped down the table and high chair.

Charles had started on washing the dishes and you moved to stand next to him drying them and putting them away. There did need to be constant conversation between you two that’s just how you worked you loved each others presence.

By the time 7:30 had rolled around The two girls were both back in the bathroom this time brushing their teeth. Charles had placed the barbie toothpaste onto their toothbrush and Indy was brushing her teeth while Sicily was trying to but Charles had to help every now and then.

You were in the kids bedrooms folding back the covers and trying their night lights on getting their bedrooms ready for bed. Laying out their teddies the way they liked or you knew they wouldn’t sleep.

It was now when you and Charles split up you alternated each night what girl you would get into bed. Tonight it was Charles job to but Sicily to bed and your job to put Indy to bed.

Charles had gotten Sicily into bed and tucked her in. They had chosen out a book to read for the night and Charles had sat on the bed next to her reading to her in a soft voice.

“ The end”

“ no more papa more”

“ tomorrow night sweetie time for bed now, but first let’s say our good nights”

“ good-“ Lily went to start saying her good nights

“ how about we say it in French tonight Cherie” Charles encouraged

“ ok, bonne nuit étoiles, bonne nuit lune, bonne nuit maison, bonne nuit maman, bonne nuit papa, bonne nuit Indy ( goodnight stars, goodnight moon , goodnight house , goodnight mum , goodnight dad , goodnight Indy ) Sicily said her good nights

“ good job, ok night sweetie I’ll see you in the morning “ Charles stood up putting the book back on the bookshelf kissing her head and leaving the room shutting the door.

At the same time you were coming out of Indy’s room shutting the door as well.

“ both asleep huh “ he asked

“ yep “ you replied

“How is this how we are spending our Saturday night?” Charles asked

“Yeah but you know you love it “ you laughed

Charles wrapped his arm around your waist as you both walked down stairs to watch Tv and snuggle on the couch before going to bed yourself.

———————————————————————

Thank you so much for reading I hope you enjoyed feel free to leave any comments. Or leave any requests in my request box. Xx

#charles leclerc x reader #f1 x reader #formula 1 #charles lecrelc #lando norris x reader #f1 #x reader #arthur leclerc #fanfic #lando norris #charles leclerc x you #charles leclerc fluff #charles leclerc imagines #pierre gasly x reader #ollie bearman fluff #fluff #blurb #one shot

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offtorivendell · 1 year ago

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My thoughts on the Bryce, Azriel and Nesta HOFAS bonus chapter...

Disclaimer: as suggested by the title, the following discusses the Walmart HOFAS bonus chapter featuring Azriel, Bryce and Nesta. I haven't read the main text, so it won't feature anything related to that, but there are massive Maasverse and HOFAS spoilers ahead regardless. Please beware.

These are just my initial thoughts, not expanded upon in any substantial way and, as usual, I could always be way off the mark.

Also, yes, fair warning that I'll be mentioning the ACOTAR characters a lot. If that's not your jam, and you'd rather avoid any of the possible implications of the crossover, then I'd give this post a miss. On the other hand, if you're interested in how CC/HOFAS may affect Prythian going forward, please read on.

Music:

The Stone Mother song has me 👀 especially as the stone and water were "talking" at the start.

@cassianfanclub and @wingedblooms have already posted about the Stone Mother (here and here); @ladynightcourt3 has found the Phrygian goddess Cybele, also known as the "Mountain Mother," who sounds very relevant.

That being said, am I crazy to think Elain could have been listening in? Is Azriel stone and Elain water? His stone siphons - which Elain called beautiful, did she hear their song, as kin? - and Elain possibly as water? Was she using salt water to boost her powers, or a reflection pool to scry, and keep tabs on her sister and friend?

Or is it the space between linking worlds? Are the old gods talking?

Alternatively, could stone be referring to Nuala and Cerridwen, who are capable of manifesting stone around themselves and others (ACOTAR).

Is this what SJM meant when she said we'd see Elain in "some form" in the next book?

@psychee92 said she wished that SJM had somehow included Mr Brightside, and now I wish the same; even a mention of indie rock. 😭

Josie and Laurel - "He/god will add/increase" "(laurel) trees/victory"? Elain? Lol sorry, but it's either giving gardener, or Elain killing Hybern.

Wraith-like harmonies? After the description of Josie and Laurel's voices? It's crack, but is it a metaphor for Nuala and Cerridwen?

The musical similarities between what Juniper dances to and Prythian's music?!

Azriel's humming/singing made the shadows dance, once more suggesting that shadows dancing is a response to power, not mate bonds

The music Az liked was death metal. Could this link to any sort of metal artefact, like an iron crown for grounding? Or wyrdstone jewellery?

The glass coffin?

"Nineteenth century literature presents the glass coffin as a prison within which sleeping women are frequently mistaken for dead or vice versa." (Source). It's giving Sleeping Beauty (credit to @elriell for the OG SB theory), and a little Snow White.

Check out this tale from The Brothers Grimm, which sounds... suspiciously relevant to Elain.

@cassianfanclub also suggested that it's giving necromancer vibes, and I'd love that for Elain.

Feyre once said she could sleep for a hundred years after coming back from the Prison, right before going to the Hewn City in ACOWAR. After Elain had left the room, and before Feyre went to check in on her to find her "asleep—breathing."

Let's not forget Elain's assistance in rescuing the human COTB, Briar, from Hybern's camp.

Will Elain prick herself while weaving?

I was tired enough that I could barely summon the breath to ask, “Do you think the Cauldron made her insane?” “I think she went through something terrible,” Lucien countered carefully. “And it wouldn’t hurt to have your best healer do a thorough examination.” I rubbed my hand over my face. “All right.” My breath snagged on the words. “Tomorrow morning.” I managed a shallow nod, rallying my strength to rise from the chair. Heavy—there was an old heaviness in me. Like I could sleep for a hundred years and it wouldn’t be enough. “Please tell me,” Lucien said when I crossed the threshold into the foyer. “What the healer says. And if—if you need me for anything.” I gave him one final nod, speech suddenly beyond me. I knew Nesta still wasn’t asleep as I walked past her room. Knew she’d heard every word of our conversation thanks to that Fae hearing. And I knew she heard as I listened at Elain’s door, knocked once, and poked my head in to find her asleep—breathing. - ACOWAR, chapter 27

Azriel specifically said Nesta "beheaded" Hybern, after looking down at Truth-Teller.

This is not Azriel giving Nesta credit for the assassination. If anything he's hiding Elain's involvement.

I've said before, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has done so, but I would expect Azriel to protect his LI with silence, whoever they are.

He had to have been thinking about Elain, who I've theorised could now/soon be known as "The Shadowsinger's Knife" after she became the "knife in the dark" in Azriel's place at the end of ACOWAR.

The young girl sitting on the mushroom:

I'm still looking into the carving of the young girl sitting on the toadstool with the hound sprawled on the ground beside her, as I find it really interesting. My initial thought was that it seemed like a convenient place to drop a mention of a garden-like fairy carving with a hound right after Bryce had quizzed Azriel about his hypothetical mate, or lack thereof (Elain being both heavily associated with plant life, thanks to her "little garden," as well as dogs, after Nesta called her one in ACOSF).

I also wonder if it has anything to do with the Czech tale that amanita muscaria - while psychoactive/toxic - are said to protect from lightning and other ill fortune. If this is correct, it reminds me a little of the markings - wyrdmarks - on the Archeron cottage.

I don't know where Bryce and co were walking, as I have only read this bonus chapter and the prologue, but given it was carved on an underground wall, and I suspect that there are underground portals in at least the Hewn City and the Prison, and maybe the waterways... could it have been for protection against the invading lightning Asteri? Or did the Asteri (Daglan?) put them there to protect against Thunderbirds, or whatever Hunt is?

Miscellany

Maybe Bryce hadn't been sent there by Urd? Who then? Was @silverlinedeyes right all along?

The mention of pleasure halls seems like a call back to Azriel's bonus chapter, but it's also likely that they aren't all brothels (see Rita's).

Azriel listening closely about Nesta now liking being Fae; he could extrapolate her responses to Elain. Maybe she's no longer miserable, and in need of their pity. And maybe she's changed her mind from ACOFAS, when she said to Feyre "I don't want a mate, I don't want a male."

Azriel said "no" to whether or not he has a mate rather quickly. Hmm... the shadowsinger doth protest too much?

It's also potentially important that Nesta said "yes, WE are" curious about Azriel's mate status. Her, Azriel and most of the fandom! 😂

"Okay, okay," Bryce said. "But it'd be cool to know something about your world. Or about you." They were both silent. Bryce asked Nesta, "You have a mate, right?" She nodded to Azriel. "Do you?" "No." Azriel said quickly, flatly. "A partner or spouse?" "No." Bryce sighed. "Okay, then." Azriel's wings twitched. "You're incurably nosy." "I think that's the nicest thing you've said about me." Bryce winked at him. "Look, I just... I'm curious. Aren't you?" Azriel didn't answer, but Nesta said, "Yes. We are." - HOFAS, Bryce, Azriel and Nesta bonus chapter

All in all, while there were no overt mentions of Elain - and really, why would SJM do that in a series that wasn't Elain's own - imo we got the Elain-shaped holes in the text that I was hoping for, and I can't wait to see if there are any more in the full book.

#hofas spoilers #hofas bonus chapter #bryce azriel nesta bonus chapter #crescent city spoilers #hofas #hosab spoilers #acotar cc tog crossover theory #bryce quinlan #azriel shadowsinger #nesta archeron #elain archeron

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hummingbird-games · 1 year ago

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2023 In Review (Indie Games)

Last year's! | 2021

I apologize in advance for how long this might be. As a reminder, I don't bash games here so even if I hated something with every fiber of my being...I ain't sharing. As a second reminder, my more in depth reviews and live blogging has moved to Gem's Game Gems so I don't clutter the HBG's main blog. Okay. ON WITH THE REVIEW!!

DEMOS

Diffraction (Demo)- A rainy day otome indeed. I love the quiet gentleness of this game, the two romance options, and the fact that our MC is a photographer and struggling with her art and stack of life "failures" (because...SAME!!)

Alaris - I was asleep and now I am awake: I came late for the advertised fae and dragon lore, stayed seated and waiting for Fenir zjgjdf. Oh, and I guess the mystery surrounding our MC's abilities LOL.

The Summit Library - When I say I was maaaaaad when I realized I blew through chapter 1 and would have to go back to waiting for more content??? LOL, I was very miffed. Anyhoo, check out this title for the gorgeous art, another intriguing mystery (like what is *up* with the magic in the poor library?? who or what is to blame?? 👀) and of course the lovely characters we've been introduced to thus far.

Of Sense and Soul - I'm a regency romance girl. Like after you strip away the other stuff, I am but a poor woman with simple needs: a good ass love story 🤧💛 It's about the yearning and the slow burn and the will they/won't they/PLEASEEE they...I've never been so charmed by a demo, and the full game is going to be amazing I just know it!

Made Marion - This project is a game I've been keeping tabs on for a hot minute but hadn't taken the time to sit and properly enjoy the demo. I'M SO GLAD I DID!!! It's in early access now, so I'm hoping eventually I'll be able to carve out some time to play, but guysss Velvet Cupcake is doing the Thing?!? No idea which love interest I'll go for first, but I had a fun time meeting the Nottingham peeps in the demo.

Herotome (Super Demo) - Oh gosh. Oh gosh oh gosh oh my GOSHHH. Where do I even began?? (Really the question is where the hell do I end because this is one of those projects I talk about a lot/think about a lot and surprisingly haven't run out of things to say zkjfksjd). Another game I've been following for a while, it 100% lives up to the superhero genre in its aesthetic, the characters you interact with, the music and sound design, and of course the slowly unfurling story. Jade and Mia had come out as my top faves, Warden is still there, like hovering in the backgroud, shhhh but I have a special place in my heart for Griffin too (that conversation we have with her?? I have so many screenshots just so I can go back and reread and sear the words in my brain. Like a weirdo. Yup.)

Celestial Crowns - Stats building, celestial royalty, dating sim where you fuck around and find out your choices directly affect your MC's personality?? I'm sat. I supported the Kickstarter and now I try to practice patience for the full game's release siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighh.

OTOME/JOSEI JAM

Please note this is a SUPER abridged list for my sanity and I fell a little more in love with these 2 jams with each entry I played...

Intertwine - As embarrassing as it sounds, I've never given much thought to the "red string" thing, and I consume more than enough romance media LOL!! But Van is suuuuuch a beautiful man, the UI for this game is so interactive and lovely, the music is ALSO lovely, just lovely-love all the way around teehee. (Also this game encourages replayabillity so like, do with that info what you will.)

Spring Boy [Demo] - I believe this game is going through a complete rehaul, so my thoughts and feelings refer to the original jam entry I played. The art is bright and cute and it's a super super short demo, but I was intrigued by the other student we meet on our mission to plead with our professor about our bombed exam lol!

Assignment Due: Project Blue - IRl group projects??? Suck absolute ass. Group projects with a guy name Asher?? Suddenly it's my new favorite thing in the world 😁

Cryptid Campaign Manager [DEMO] - Remember the last time I looked over a cryptid dating sim??? Remember how I was SUCH a fool?? Good thing I didn't make that mistake again!! The prologue is such a tease but you get an idea of what the full game is gonna be like, and I'm excited to see where my career involving love (and politics) goes!

Heart Cage [Demo] - Yoooooo I stay my ass far far far away from yanderes (could never get into the trope or the character type). WELP. Guess I just needed to keep searching because I really downloaded this off a whim--well, the whim being one of my fellow dev peers playing and rating-- and proceeded to get sucked in 🤧I thought being a detective would be the highlight, but I guuuueeesssss I was more into the romance options than I thought. Oops.

Evernight - I tried to explain what this game meant to me on the side blog, but words failed me. I still don't know what to say other than I loved it?? Which is like ummm I say I love everything, and yeah I'm easy to please BUT Y'ALLLLLL if you play no other game, play this one. Please. Date a werewolf. Or a vampire. Or a fae. Plz. Also figuring out the mystery of your MC's abilities and past is just delightful, ugh.

Bright Oak (demo) - Anotha one I wrote about on the side blog!!! Play this one!!! The writing is lush and atmospheric and the characters are all delightful and it's another game with a mystery to untangle!

The Faithfulness of the Universe- This one gets the award for most unique all around entry that I played. Theeeeee prettiest pixel art to bless my eyeballs, and this tasty mystery concerning Fate and witch Faustina's future (or lack thereof 👀) and what it all means. As a player I very much want to know what it all means!

A Cup For All Seasons - Another game that needs its flowers y'all. It's short but super healing and super cozy and the voice acting and music really tie the gaming experience together???

The Working Woman's Guide to Burning Bridges - DEMO - It's the way I played the demo twice and I've been thinking about it ever since 😭😭😭🙃 obviously life happens and things come up, plus this was a demo. But. BUT!!! I am on my hands and knees prayinnggg the team gets together again to finish the game. I love playing as a stressed, lowkey bitter hot mess who doesn't have her life together 😂somehow the fictional version is soooo much more entertaining!!!

Keyframes (Spring Demo) - After the game College Craze, this is legit THE college, slice of life visual novel of my dreams. I cannot wait for the updated demo next year, and the Kickstarter whenever that rolls around. And now that the developer is on Tumblr, I've definitely been stalking the account and reading each new post like it's my day/night/weekend job 🤧

Hello Counsel 💋 - Okay I take it back, Evernight is like a 20/10 but Hello Counsel is like an 100/10 👁️👄👁️ This game is necessary for my mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, alright? The banter ✅ the character designs ✅ the music ✅ the sizzling chemistry between Poise and Salem ✅ I wish this game had more buzz because IT'S SO GOOD!!! (also the dev, Miseri, is who I wanna be when I grow up. I've made it through almost their whole backlog of games and there are no misses and EVERY game is different from the rest and it makes it hard for a toodler dev--ME--to cope LOL)

Candied Hearts - Isekaied into a candy themed game?? Sign me TF UP!!! (Peppermint I love you dearly, you must understand.)

Fully Released & Played (at least 1 playthrough)

The Knight's Dilemma - I don't even know how I originally stumbled upon this??? I just know it had been in my backlog for a hot minute and I was intrigued enough to save it way back when. Y'ALL WHY DIDN'T I PLAY SOONER SKJFHFJFH! There's a couple different endings, I loved the voice direction, AND it's such a simple concept of a game that was just executed beautifully.

Trouble Comes Twice - If I had to make a top 5 list of romance VNs, guess who makes the list?? Guess. Guess guess guess. Have you guessed yet??? LOL! I have been in love with TCT since it's development days and with each passing month, waiting in anticipation, playing the Pateron beta builds, screaming on the main blog about every single thought I had about Jace and Hazel (shoutout to Jace for helping me figure out *me*) Lol if you're curious about said thoughts, those posts are on this blog and not the side blog.

Aelfric the Wondrous - 10/10 would love to forget my first play through JUST to have that experience fresh again 😭😭💛Cute and funny and a wonderful parody type game all around.

A Summer's End - Hong Kong 1986 - Goodness, there's no excuse for why this took me years to finish but anyhoo, I finished, I loved it, I recommend it! It's romantic and achingly authentic and the art is soooo gorgeous I literally can't stand it 😭

The Things You Do For Love - Unhinged yandere manages to entertain and garner sympathy and laughter from Gemini. And that poly ending is chef's kiss too????

Band Camp Boyfriend - There are a handful of games I found and loved before I began my game development journey, and this is one of them. BCB is so dear to me, because of the story and characters but also because of the Dynamic Duo creators and their team behind the scenes. I was never a band kid I was a chorus kid but just as the band geeks loved this game to pieces, us normal folks do too!! Even the boys who I didn't like I STILL managed to find joy in playing their routes (still have a few more to finish at the time of this posting lol, GOTTA GET THE FINAL ROUTE YO). Anyway, this game more than delivered for me and I hope more people keep discovering it!!

Belle Automata: Chronicle I [RELEASED] - While only Chronicle 1 is out at the time of this posting, I already know that the 2nd and 3rd parts are going to be just as amazing???? I wrote about this one on the side blog, so here's my copypaste that still rings true:

I love TNP (The Nightmare Prince) but Victor’s route hit the sweet spot for me. Maybe it’s the slow(er) burn nature of this route, maybe it’s the reserved nature of Victor and watching him slowly start to care (AND NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE FEELINGS TEEHEE) for me.

A Date with Death - I wrote about this on the side blog--again--. The demo. And then right after finishing a route. And then again where I was fully awake and still managed to sound deranged. No copypaste for that, I shall be nice. But yeah!! Another game where I was screaming at the sky about how much I love it and how I'll never know peace as long as I live.

Our Life: Baxter DLC - I need to offer an official apology to both Cove and Derek because falling head over heels, down the stairs, crashing into the parking lot, falling again but down a manhole for Baxter's infuriating ass was NOT on my 2023 bingo board??? HELLO???? I bought his DLC just to complete my OL collection. Was not expecting to love it this much. Was not expecting to be called to write fanfic and abandon all responsibilities to do this. WHILE DOWN WITH COVID TOO. Allow me to play the song of my people. *Send in the Clowns plays*

Our Cinderella - (this is so funny I'm taking about a side game before the main game LOLOLOLOL) Guys. Guysss. You guyyyysss 🥹if you're looking for a cozy, hilarious, equally oddly and wonderfully sweet short game, this is the one!! You may have your personal favorite Iggy ship (like me) but all the pairings are so amazing and just make sense lol!

Wylde Flowers - This is the only non visual novel game on here but it gets the spotlight because I did NOT spend 90+ hours on this game to gatekeep this beauty. No. It the coziest, the funniest, the funnest, the most addictive Switch game (after Teacup) I've ever played.

Fully Released (& still on 1st playthrough)

Garden of Seif: Chronicles of an Assassin - Life kicked my butt and then sat on me SO while I finally got my grubby hands on the full copy, I still have only played the entirety of the demo. But. We will return to this in 2024 and hopefully I'll have a full review for the next wrap up!

Our Wonderland - I looked back at the side blog and I can't believe it was only THIS year that I started OW??? Because I'd known of the game and the dev for longer than that??? So basically what I'm saying is that I was chicken shit for longer than I've been in love with this world that Developer Carrot has created kjzhhshggj. But OMG to get me, who is scared oh so easily to get hella invested in this clearly labeled horror game??????????????? And even with shit gets super absurd and hella disturbing, I cannot stop playing. At the time of this post, I'm only in Act 4, hence the category above, but it's only because I play each act in a sitting and lose track of space and time and myself. That's a compliment btw.

...

Okie!! That's 2023 in a nutshell! I played a looooot of really good games this year and while I would have liked to talk about them all, I think this list provides a nice overview.

Let me know if we share any favorites!

- Gemini 💛

#gaming year in review #gamedev rambles #yeah no I cannot keep creating more work for me #2024 I am GOING to make a shorter list 😭🤧#hmmmm fun drinking game:#take a shot every time the word 'mystery' is used ☠️

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