#So anyway I have a new set :D It's been years and I've missed them so much!

[sysig]

Hhhhh I have missed x12s so much <3 <3 <3

[joesalw]

You really can't write this shit lmao...

TS's friend group consists of Miss 'idc about genocide and continue to employ a bloodthirsty zionist CEO for my makeup brand' and Cara D who's great grandfather created the Black and Tans which is a terrorist organisation that killed Irish people during the Irish War of Independence. A group that also sent their people to kill Palestinians in favor of establishing the state of Israel. Last night these 3 went to Ramy Youssef's (who Taylor probably met at the "Poor Things" premiere) comedy show in NYC and 100% of the proceeds would go to the Gaza relief fund. The thing is, Selena and Taylor are getting all the credit and praise for Ramy's activism. I've been a fan of her work for the past 10 years and her recent activities have turned me off of her completely. The turning point was that pathetic TIME interview.

I've always thought of her as this well-read individual who can masterfully express herself whether it would be public speaking or writing but I couldn't help but cringe while reading that article. She tries too hard to appeal to gen z and younger millennial crowd when she herself is practically pushing 40 atp. I feel like all of her 'intelligence' came from being around Joe Alwyn who's a notorious bookworm. The fact that she describes her Rep era as 'goth-punk' was the first strike, the 2016 hate train as a ' career death' was the 2nd and the whole patriarchy delusion she went into just hit the final nail in the coffin and I was like 'nope, not doing this shit anymore'.

I know that swifties have been comparing her to Beyonce lately saying things like 'well, Taylor writes her songs' or 'Beyonce can't read' and talking about how she doesn't give interviews so people don't know that she's dumb. And as a comparison I've found her Harper's Bazaar interview that she gave when she turned 40. And good God, I've slept on this woman for way too long. In the interview she talks about building her work ethic from an early age. The dedication of her life's decades (First decade was dedicated to dreaming, the teens were about the grind, the 20s were about building a strong foundation for her career and establishing her legacy, the 30s were about starting her family and prioritizing her own life over her career). She started her own management company at 27, in 2013 she started her charity foundation in which she helps hurricane relief, education, supporting minorities businesses, families with housing needs, water crises, pediatric health care and pandemic relief. She talks about expanding her business ventures beyond music industry, talks about setting boundaries in the world of celebrity culture, about her friends being a group of strong independent women, about the importance of mental health. She also says that she's most inspired by her parents ("My mother has always been my Queen and still is. She has always been so strong and is filled with humanity", "No matter how tired she was, she was always professional, loving, and nurturing."; "My father constantly encouraged me to write my own songs and create my own vision. He is the reason I wrote and produced at such a young age."). That woman is so well-spoken and genuine you can't help but feel warm while reading it and she doesn't feel the need of throwing unnecessary 'smart people' words to seem that way.

Reading Taylor's "Person of the Year" profile and Beyonce's 'Entering 40s' interview were completely different experiences. And as a result, one of them lost a fan and the other gained one. I wish Tree Paine would stop Taylor from giving these interviews because everytime she does, she comes across as tone-deaf, out of touch, mentally stuck overgrown teenager, try-hard bratty diva who can't stand being not the only one praised.

Anyway, I'd recommend to read the full interview and watching her new film. I've watched it yesterday and got the urge of turning my life around. That lady is truly such a light.

Taylor's friend list also includes 'Mr. and Mrs. plantation with slave cabins on the property wedding', 'a sex offender and a SA apologist as the newest addition', 'Ms. "I assaulted my own sister", ' an insecure and whiny music producer who likes to stir drama on Taylor's behalf'. And not to mention that she's dated a nazi this year and her newest flavour of the month is a fatphobic jock with a double digit iq, her father is also an avid republican voter. I think the people she surrounds herself with tell about her more than she does herself.

And concluding with two cents about Joe Alwyn. I'm glad she's out of his life. While I was a swiftie I've watched his interviews and he always came across as a very gentle, calm, well-spoken and a bit introverted man. And she's... well, her. I also think that she'd held him back in her job in regards of producers and directors not wanting their work to be overshadowed by 'Taylor's BF is in this' articles. I'm hoping he does more projects in the future or maybe dips his toes in writing and directing something because clearly he's a talented writer.

Sorry for the long rant, had to get it out of my system <3

I love reading your rants, keep it coming. they are so on point.

[kkelouise]

second choice [xiao x reader]

slightly angst (wanted it to be really sad to the point it would make it cry but failed miserably so why not add slight) MODERN AU!!!

THIS IS MY FIRST TIME WRITING A FIC PLS FORGIVE ME FOR SOME MISTAKE I'LL MAKE😢😢

a duo very popular in the campus, of course, it's none other than the ever so grumpy cat and the person that can replace the sun. one would ask, how can two polar opposites be friends with each other? not just friends, but best friends to be exact. the reason behind this mystery wasn't that surprising, they were just neighbors and as usual, (name) doesn't let any opportunity to befriend him slide.

it took a few months for him to finally open up to them, almost everyone that knew their friendship admired (names) dedication. one day, a very weird occasion happened, it was so rare that if you told somebody it they would've thought you were lying. it was none other than xiao and... another person. they were so.. happy and carefree.

(name) can't help but to have mixed signals. sure they were happy that xiao finally found someone else he can be with, but rather than feeling quite supportive, jealousy only rose. unhelpful thoughts only filled their head. "how did she get so close to him in just a span of few days?", "how can he smile so wide with her but I've never seen him like that at all?", and so on. it's been a year since they've realized their feelings for him, it was actually time for them to confess eventually, but the butterflies supposed to be felt was only left with utter despair and emptiness after hearing the news.

that said news is no other than xiao and his... friend was now his first ever girlfriend. "i was supposed to be his first. why is it her. if I actually planned to confess earlier would've I be in that spot?" (name) can't help but to miss school for a few days taking time to process the information, just as they were ready to finally ready to confess their feelings from before, opening their phone to message xiao, a post from a certain short green haired guy popped up in the notification bar. it was rare because he barely posted anything at all, not like he has something to post anyway.

but there stood two people, kissing while the sun sets finally entering the night sky.

there it goes, the chance flying away from their grasps. ah.. if they would confess right now it would really ruin the moment right..? forget trying to talk, it would be better to just lay an distance away from xiao to atleast move on.

alas, without any warnings (name) decided to move to another country for atleast a few years just to forget.

-

xiao didn't even notice their best friend slipping away from his life. he only noticed it after you haven't replied to his chats, weird. dont you usually reply so fast? so he figured you were just busy doing other things. days without replying turned into weeks. where did you go?

after some time, xiao's girlfriend broke up with him saying she doesn't want him anymore and found a better person. heartbroken, he runs into your rented space hoping you'd welcome him with open arms and comfort him. but the only thing that greets him is an emptied place. what happened? did he perhaps get the room number wrong? knowing he didn't, he panics and hastily tries to talk to the landlord where you had gone, you moved. you didn't even try to tell him. why didn't you tell him? who's going to be with him now that you're gone? so many events that he can't handle at all piling on top of another, his head is in an absolute mess.

-

knowing what happened to xiao, you couldn't help but not care at all. after all, he only ever came looking for you when his girlfriend was gone. you were just nothing but a second choice in his eyes that will always welcome him when he needs you.

but now, times have changed and he knows he'll never feel your presence again, inhaling ever so sharply trying to guess what will happen to him in the future. yellow eyes darting to the floor, tears spilling uncontrollably. oh what will he do without you now?

[northwest-cryptid]

Jumping off the anon from earlier: I don't think anyone likes the new world set and I've seen plenty or people call out the devs for it so your def not alone there. Also I thought the Ala mhigan gown was African American patterns, since that is what they take inspo from?

Also as a certified zenos simp he calls even himself savage and while I sympathize with you having it used against you I dont think its as deep as you're making it out to be, zenos is a villain of course he's going to say rude shit to the wol

Anyway I dont go here and I don't doubt you'd block me for this if I wasn't on anon and I don't feel like being attacked for an opinion. So ✌️

A. The fact "no one likes the New World Set" isn't good either, the thing I dislike about it is the headdress specifically. As I said the actual outfit itself feels very "Party City Native" but it's the headdress that's actually offensive. Everything else about it is fine, at least more or less.

B. "He's bad so he's gonna do bad things it's not that big of a deal" I'm gonna say it again, SAVAGE IS A SLUR THAT HAS BEEN USED AGAINST MY PEOPLE FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, DENIAL OF IT BEING A SLUR DOESN'T MAKE IT ANY LESS OF A SLUR. This is exactly what I'm talking about when I say people don't listen to Natives. I don't care if he's a bad person doing bad things you're REALLY missing the point, he's not real, someone at Square wrote that shit into the game thinking it's okay to use a slur and you are living proof that people do not care, congratulations you are part of the problem. Again people wouldn't be saying this shit "isn't that deep" if he used a different slur, you just don't think Native problems are worth worrying about unless they're cookie cutter shit like the New World Set which you still miss the point about.

C. You thinking the Ala Mhigan gown was African is exactly what I'm talking about, Natives aren't given any recognition when our culture is being stolen and profited from. I literally told you I'm Deer Clan Lakota and those very same patterns are on clothing passed down from my father's grandfather to him, and from him to me; patterns on clothes made by our people.

D. The entire ending of your message shows you don't know me but assume your opinion would upset me enough to block you rather than correct your misunderstandings, what do you take me for; some kind of savage? (See I can make that joke.) Ask yourself why you think I'd block you and ask yourself why you would be "attacked" for your opinion.

I genuinely do mean people like you when I say I wish people would listen to Native voices. A lot of people don't actually know squat about us, our culture, or our problems. Since you were so confident in making an assumption about me, allow me to do the same; you would not say these things about other minorities. Because you feel safe telling a Native that slurs that have been used against us aren't that deep, but you sure as hell wouldn't tell a Black person that the N word isn't a big deal, and before anyone says "well you can say one of them and not the other!" Yes I can, savage is our word, the N word is not. If I were Black it'd be the other way around for me.

People do not want to accept what we as Natives have to say unless we specifically say what you want to hear. This is specifically a big reason why most people don't know about our history, our culture, and our problems; it's not that we're not sharing them, it's not that we're not trying; it's that most people don't care enough about Natives and would rather get up in arms about FFXIV.

Do you realize how little I care about FFXIV?! There are Natives being raped, and murdered every day. The government has told us that if we cannot keep the blood of our people pure enough for them to consider us Native we won't be able to inherit our land and the American government will just take what little we have left because Native American people will no longer legally exist, our options are inbreeding or choosing to give up our very existence and we don't want to take either opinion.

And you want to argue with me about whether or not a slur is a slur because you're horny about a fictional video game character who says a slur.

I don't even have to say "people aren't listening to Natives when we try to tell you something is bad" because not only do people STILL think this is about FFXIV but people are willing to tell me it's "not as deep as you think it is" yeah alright cool thanks, let's not pay attention to the fact that it took until the 70s for Natives to be able to practice our culture and religion off the res, and even then where my father grew up, if a Native was off the res past 8 pm they would be violently beaten by cops. On my father's res the young men were taught how to survive in the white man's world of business while our young women were taught how to please the white men and not make them angry so they wouldn't be murdered or worse. Our culture was literally taught out of the youth because we are being forced to conform or die.

Let's ignore the decades of hate crimes committed upon my family alone, let's ignore every time I've heard the word savage while being beaten, mocked, and harassed. Classmates would try to hold me down and cut off my braid because they heard it would dishonor me. Classmates would grab me in the hallways and beat me, if I defended myself at all I'd put up with the parents of these kids screaming about how "this savage hurt my son" and when I'd explain I was just trying to get to class and was jumped by 3 kids with sharp objects even the principle would say I shouldn't have used force only to remark how he realizes "my people often don't handle conflict with words" so sure yeah, you can deny racism all you want.

Because it doesn't hurt you, and it's easier to look away and pretend this is all about some MMO than some actual real world problem that I was literally just saying the MMO exemplifies in its use of our culture and the use of a slur, and sure you can continue to defend it, to be mad about the wrong things because listening to Natives is hard.

But hey maybe it's just not as deep as I think it is, right? Perhaps all the racism and rape and murder and erasure of a whole people isn't that deep, because after all "savage" is just a word.

Look you're going to need to excuse me here, because yes I am upset; you have no idea what it's like to never be listened to when you try to explain racism and the problems your people are facing. Only for it to get some traction and then every inbox message I get completely misses the point, okay fair I'll explain things, no one has been offensively misguided until now; but to get this in my inbox first thing in the morning is like waking up to someone saying "no one cares about Native shit, shut up it's not that deep" and then ending it with the most passive aggressive "you're just gonna block me anyways and I don't want to be attacked for my opinion so ✌️" that tells me your not listening, you don't care to listen, you didn't want to learn you just want me to shut up.

This whole answer isn't for the Anon who sent me this message. This answer is for you, the individual who's actually taking the time to read it, because I do appreciate that you're actually reading what I have to say, even if it's easier to say it's not that deep; even if it's easier to look the other way and pretend we don't exist. I say these things in hopes my message reaches you and that you are aware of the kind of shit we deal with. I want for a world where the needs, concerns, and racism against my people receive the same coverage and care that other minorities get. We're being ignored, we're being intentionally forgotten, swept under the rug by anons like this who can't accept that our problems are real.

Do not be that person. Be better.

[hekateinhell]

Devil's Minion AU but it's Armand and modern mortal!Lestat instead of Daniel. Send tweet.

Idk if this has been done before, in terms of set up let's say Lestat has been pursuing Louis (who Armand still spent all those years with, Louis just gets to the theatre via other means and situations) because he met him a few times in a bar and fell head over heels despite Louis disinterest. Anyway Lestat goes too far and finds out too much about what Louis is (completely unperturbed) and that is how he comes to Armand's attention.

What in your opinion happens next? Does Lestat play along with the cat and mouse chase? How well does he hold up over the years in comparison to Daniel? What is the dynamic like with Lestat as the guide to the mortal world, and how well does he do at it? Does this stories version of Night Island look different? When does Armand turn Lestat, is it sooner than he turned Daniel or does he still wait to the last possible second? This is a lot of questions and obviously you don't have to answer them but I can't stop thinking about the different ways this could play out 🤔

I'm supposed to be sleeping but this is my intrusive thought, I can't relax because OH. MY. GOD. Like, I know I've talked on here about what if Lestat and Armand had gotten together in 1781 Paris and it was Lestat that re-introduced him into the world, but I never thought of this.

It's so interesting for me to consider because we know what Lestat was like as a young mortal man! We know about his abusive childhood, his early education, religion, personality, everything! There's no guesswork/pick-your-headcanon like there is with Daniel.

I wonder... knowing that Armand's first time seeing Lestat in Paris immediately conjured up the memory of Marius, would he have felt the same seeing mortal!Lestat? Because I think he would've. And then my follow-up question is: in light of that, do we think Armand would treat him better or worse than he did Daniel in those early days because of it? I could work with either scenario here, but I'm inclined to think that he would have been more merciful because Lestat instantly reminds him of someone he so dearly loved. 

So maybe he skips the whole let's-play-a-game Jigsaw bit and jumps to "You will be my teacher", only 'no' is not an option. There's definitely an element of fear and coercion here, which is missing within that particular scene in Pompeii in Devil's Minion. And on the flipside, we're missing the love that was present then with A/D because Lestat and Armand do not know each other at all yet, but it is kinder than Armand and Daniel's initial meeting.

I think the London/New York years would've played out similarly with mortal!Lestat as they did Daniel. Perhaps a bit wilder even, because Lestat himself has an extremely hedonistic streak (Dionysus and all). They would fall in love incredibly quickly; it was lust at first sight and love at a-couple-sights-later between them in canon, so I'll just translate that over here.

Lestat would probably want to be an actor or a performer of sorts, and Armand would finance him! Think the dancer in QotD but with music or the theater or film! It's weird for me to separate the context of Daniel from Night Island, but Miami could still work for them. Although if Lestat's in entertainment, perhaps an island off the coast of Southern California might make more sense. Armand could create his own film and recording studios for Lestat to do his thing, and if Lestat ever has to make appearances for movie premieres or concerts, it's always at night and via Armand's private jets with Armand in tow.

The most fundamental difference to this AU though is the fact that canonically... Lestat did not want to become a vampire! He was turned against his will! So this immediately eliminates the source of conflict that Armand and Daniel had. Armand and Lestat are not having fights (about that anyway), Lestat's not running away, etc. It's much calmer and less all-consuming because that complete and utter helplessness and desperation on the human's part isn't a factor.

It is the insane '80s though, and Lestat's living it up with his usual enthusiasm for life and absolute recklessness. Maybe he drinks a lot, maybe he's overdosed a couple times and been brought back. And he is shacking up with a vampire that straddles his lap and sucks at his throat every night. He's not dying but he's certainly gambling with his life, and not realizing it in the name of enjoying his youth. Opposite to Daniel, Lestat thinks he's invincible. Armand knows he isn't.

At this point, we have to remember that the whole Devil's Minion arc was for Armand to rediscover his humanity and ultimately make the final surrender by breaking his vow and turning Daniel. I don't think Armand ever intended to turn Daniel during their first years together, it wasn't supposed to happen, this was just an era in Armand's life (like he'd said to Louis about Claudia). But I do think that definitely changed as time went on, and he knew he was going to turn Daniel sooner rather later well before Chicago.

So to think about it with regards to mortal!Lestat, I can easily see a similar outcome where something happens (maybe he's 32, maybe he's older) and Armand arrives in time to ask Lestat for the first time if he wants the Dark Gift. And now, with nothing to lose, Lestat says yes.

~ fin

*remembering when I posted Devil's Minion: Loustat Edition and in the same post noted it just wouldn't be Devil's Minion without it being Armand and Daniel. The Armand/Lestat version is more like Devil's Playmate lmao less edgy and more flirty, a completely different dynamic but oh wow so fun to consider!

[fandomdumpsterfires]

(I couldn't sleep last night so i wrote this.

Warning: gets very gay, sappy and a little spicey. I am cringe but i am free)

It was all gone in a flash.

Audrey, the ink demon, the keepers..everything. the cycle had been respun, erasing wilson's hold on joey's world inside the ink machine.

But, even the end couldn't erase his feelings.

Henry stood in that familiar entrance hall, old ink stained cartoon posters on either side. The first of many floors was deffinately worse for ware than the last time he saw it, and yet it was all the same.

"Norman?" His voice echoed faintly. His only response was the quietly dripping ink from the leaking pipes. C'mon, he had to be here. He couldn't be all the way back down in level fourteen, he had to be..

Henry didn't care about turning on the ink machine. All he wanted was some sign that the projectionist was here, something to let him know that he was alive.

Room to room, corridor to corridor, he looked. Nothing. He was beginning to lose hope..

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Three small, delicate taps on old wood. Hesitantly, he replied to it.

Tap tap tap

...

Tap. Tap. Tap.

'I. Love. You.'

He recognized that gesture. Norman couldn't speak as the inky projector creature he had been turned into, so they resorted to communication through sign language and gestures. Eventually, norman even found a way to express his love to the artist, just three gentle taps on the chest or shoulder.

'I. Love. You.'

The taps sounded off again. It was closer this time. Henry kept following the sounds, finding out that they lead into the break room. Rushing down the stairs, henry stood in the center, looking around frantically.

Nothing.

His shoulders dropped as he sighed in deffeat. He was just hearing things, the ink must be playing tricks on his mind..

'I. Love. You.'

The taps came from his shoulder. Glancing over, he saw a hand with four fingers that tapered into claws, another appearing on his other. There was a familiar gurgling purr from behind, henry whipping around and engulfing norman in a hug.

"I thought you were back in level fourteen!!" The artist cried. Norman perched his chin on top of the other man's head, gently stroking his back.

"The cycle didn't wanna seperate us again, i guess."

Henry froze. Did norman..?

He stepped back, looking up at the projectionist. Astonished "d-did you...?"

Bringing both clawed hands up to his projector and pushing it up, norman revealed a human face underneath. Despite the ink drenched hair and long fangs lining his mouth. It was unmistakably him "just a little somethin' the new cycle lord gave me." He smiled warmly. It was nothing like bendy's smile. Norman's was gentle and sweet, just like it had been all those years ago.

A short sob lept from henry's throat, which immediately caught norman's attention.

"H-henry? What's wrong??" He asked, confused.

Henry chuckled, hastily whiping tears out of his eyes "nothing.." he sniffled "i just..missed your voice. S-so much. Never thought i'd ever here it again outside of the voice recordings.."

Norman's worry melted away in an instant. He approached, gingerly taking both of the artist's hands into his own. The size difference was very notable.

"Henry. I've wanted to say this to you, for..a very long time now.." he began, tail twitching. A faint yellow hue rose to his face. C'mon..he had thought about this for years. If then wasn't the time to say it, then right now deffinately was.

"I..." he paused again, taking in a deep breath "i-i love you. A lot. Those old visits to my booth back in the day..they meant a lot to me..and going back up there after you quit..it felt so. So lonly without you.." He went on, swallowing back his body's sudden urge to cry "you mean a lot to me, too. Your drawings would always set me in a good mood no matter what..i even still have one of them at my desk. I think so, anyways..." his memory was fuzzy. All he remembered was henry gifting him a drawing, but that was just enough.

The projectionist inched closer, hands trailing away from henry's hands down to his elbows, having to crouch a little to get at proper eye level with him. They locked eyes. Brown staring into gold, so entranced that neither noticed how they got even closer.

"..you mean a lot to me too, norman." Henry began "every single time joey got on my nerves, you listened to my rants, helped my blow off steam.." his eyelids drooped a little, grimacing "..i should've gotten you to leave with me.." there was a pang of guilt through his heart. Norman tilted the other's head up with one finger, smiling "ink monster or not..i'm glad we could spend so much time togrther." He leaned in closer, his own eyes beginning to close.

"..yeah, me too." Henry replied. Their eyes closed, and the two finally locked lips.

They held the kiss for as long as they could, pulling away once air was needed, immediately going in for another one. Each kiss more passionate and love filled than the last. Henry moaned in bliss as his and norman's tongues met. He didn't here if it was made of ink, he just focused on winning this battle for domination. Of course, norman was victorious. As the two pulled away, a thin string of inky saliva hung between their mouths. They panted. Norman licking his mouth his his slender, snake-like tongue.

Henry could feel the projectionist's warm breath against his face, eyes still half-lided. Norman grabbed for a nearby chair and sat down, pulling henry into his lap.

"I've waited thirty whole years for this..." norman said, still out of breath. Henry gave a small nod "met too..." he replied. A sudden shiver ran up his spine, norman's tail was snaking its way around his waist, bringing him in closer.

At first, he thought norman was going in for another kiss. However, instead he went lower, going for the neck, warm exhales against sensative skin sending another wave of shivers up the artist's spine. Gentle little pecks were planted all around henry's neck, causing him to giggle a bunch. Norman grinned against the other's skin, just taking a moment to relish in the other's joy and the surrounding peace.

"Hey..." henry said, looking down at the projectionist "hm?" Norman hummed "you still remember how to dance?" Henry asked. Norman sat up straight (something he clearly wasn't) and thought for a moment "..sorta, i'm deffinately rusty..." he replied. Henry grinned "want me to teach ya again?" He offered.

Norman smiled back "yeah. That would be nice."

After a nice journey down to the music department, the two met up with an old friend. And with sammy directing a band of searchers and lost ones to play a gentle, melodic tune, the artist and projectionist slow danced under projector light.

Sure, sammy had to admit that their footwork was a bit sloppy, yet didn't want to ruin their fun. If they were happy, he was happy.

[funnefox]

I wrote an entire mini fanfic in the comments of this one obscure Gorillaz video that I don't want to go to waste so I'm sharing it with you

March 7th, 2006, approximately 10:00 AM British time. The windmill island, seen in the worldwide phenomenon that was the music video for "Feel Good Inc.", is attached to Kong Studios as out steps from it not its' owner Noodle, but her bandmate, Murdoc Niccals, cracking his back after hauling some boxes onto it.

"Alright, lass" Murdoc greeted what looked like an ant-sized Noodle from his perspective. "All your stuff's just about ready there. When this shoot ends you can go out into the world and do your own thing for a while." The shoot he was referring to was to be for the final single off of their band, Gorillaz', second album "Demon Days". Murdoc planned a whole action movie-like sequence where Noodle and her island would be gunned down by helicopters and blown up as commentary for the terrorists that have invaded the world since the Iraq war started. To Murdoc, it was a perfect end to a perfect album cycle. To the other members, however, this was seen as something that was gonna be gruesomely sad for all of them.

"I-i'm having second thoughts, Murdoc" Noodle spoke up, sniffling a little bit. "This video isn't good for me"

"Whadaya mean, Noodle?" Murdoc asked his asian partner "We all agreed on this, you know what you're getting into. Plus, this could mean a whole lot for you"

"I know" Noodle admitted "It's just... it's just..." Instead of finishing her thought, the 15-year old music master broke down in tears, crying on Murdoc's blue jeans. "I don't wanna do this. This could be a disaster and end our careers and..and..." She broke down again, leading to the other two members, 2-D and Russel, coming outside to see the commotion

"We started shooting yet? I've been setting up these walkie talkies all day" 2-D started, holding one of the devices in his hand. Russell saw Noodle in her position and piped up "Hey noodle, what's up?" Noodle looked at the 2 boys, still with tears running down her face, and promptly ran up and hugged both of them, commencing more waterworks. "Russel, 2-D. You don't understand how frightening this is."

"I know noodle, it's tough doing stuff like this" Russel said hugging back, surprisingly gentle for a guy his size "I had my fair share of episodes when I first lost Del"

2-D joined the hugging "me too, even during video shoots. When we were making 'Dirty Harry' I had so much heat stroke I could've cried for weeks"

"T-this is different though." Noodle interrupted while still keeping her hug's grip "Murdoc planned something that frightens me. I'm thinking about all these scenarios in my head. What if the island goes out of control? What if the helicopters land on top of me? What if I... die?"

"DIE?!" all 3 boys asked in unison, with Murdoc seeming the most loud. "Listen Noods,you know papa Murdoc always has your best interest in mind."

"That goes for all of us" Russel added "Y'know we always keep you happy in scenarios like this. Remember when you first joined and we got you the best room in Kong."

"Or when we got you a new pet after your dog went missing" 2-D continued.

"Or when we loved your demos so much. We turned it into an album." The typically egotistical Murdoc finished.

Noodle started to calm down a bit from those words "Y-you think this is just another one of those?" She asked

"Positive, lass" Murdoc answered "I would never kill anyone including you and excluding 2-D"

"Yeah, that's ri-wait, wot?" 2-D piped up as he realized what Murdoc said.

Noodle sniffled happily at that remark before simply stating "Arigato. That helps".

"You're not gonna miss us for too long anyway. We'll be giving cues for you on these walkie talkies" 2-D instructed

"Yeah, all you gotta do is listen to the three of us and the whole shoot will be over before you know it" Russel said in his street connotation

"You promise it'll be that simple?" Noodle asked.

"Promise" all 3 boys responded

"Noodle! Hurry up!" A voice belonging to director Jamie Hewlett screamed "the video was supposed to be shot yesterday"

Noodle, still a little nervous about the video despite the pep-talk, climbed onto her island using the rope that it was tied to.

"You won't forget about Mike while I'm out there, will you?" She asked before making it all the way on

"Will never be outta sight" Murdoc answered "I'll give him plenty of fluids"

"That's Shaun! Mike's her Monkey" Russel corrected

"Right, right, of course" Murdoc murmured, the alcohol from his box lifting starting to kick in

"See ya later, Noodle. Good luck in the video" 2-D happily waved.

"Sayonara for now, 2-D. Don't forget to talk" Noodle waved back as she fully stepped onto the island.

With that, Noodle went to the anchor mechanism at the back of the Windmill island and turned the crank on it. It was soon unleashed from its' shackles at Kong, floating off into the british sky. The last thing Noodle heard before she fully left the studio's vicinity was Murdoc's pet raven, Cortez, cawing at the island.

[operafantomet]

Has there ever been a non-replica production that had great sketch-to-costume interpretation in your opinion? The Greek revival costumes look so different from the Greek premiere/Norwegian revival ones.

Good question. To be brutally honest I'm not really loving most of the costumes in non-replica productions. I find most of them too modern or low-key (Serbia, Finland/Sweden), or too jarring (Bulgaria, Estonia). So many of them intentionally do another era than the 1880s, which I have a hard time getting on board with, and for the majority of them I never saw the costume designs anyway.

Of those I've seen some costumes designs from - largely Norway/Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary and Sydney Harbour - I tend to like the costume designs more than the actual stage costumes. Being sketches, they can of course to edgier silhouettes and more details. but the beauty of the actual costumes is that they can play with fabrics, trims, drapes and beading and make the look rich and sculpted. And for some reason I often think this does not happen.

OK... Gabriela Tylesova's design for Sydney Harbour. She went for fairly clean hoop skirt looks for Christine. To create some drama - especially for such a big outdoor arena - it would be cool if they did the finished costumes larger-than-life, like in the design. A more exaggerated off-shoulder look , a pointier bodice, a bigger skirt, more frills and details on the wedding dress underneath. A big fat Aminta rose in her hair. PIMP IT!

And yeah, the aforementioned wedding dress, which was worn under the Aminta dress in PONR... It needs something more. Surface, depth, defined skirt hem, and this too would have been cool with a more exaggerated off-shoulder look and longer bodice. It looked like the white fundaments to a hoop dress on stage, more than an actual costume. Zooming in on backstage photos do reveal more details, but in that giant arena they need twice as much going on for it to be visible.

But there's also costumes I think turned out wonderfully in the Sydney Harbour production, like all the ballerina costumes, Christine's dressing gown, and Raoul's Hussar costume. Here's the latter! It has drama, details, funk. Perfection.

In general I liked how the costumes turned out in the first act and the Masquerade costumes, while the majority of the second act looks a bit more... rushed? So Sydney Harbour is a 50/50 affaire for me. (but I loooooooooved the sets)

Norway/Greece... I liked the way Andrew Riley pimped his costume design for the Norwegian premiere, with many new costume designs much changed from the Romanian premiere some years prior. But I don't always think the costumes was faithfully recreated from the designs. The silhouettes were - as in Sydney Harbour - smaller and straighter than the costume designs, and details often left out.

Take Christine's Elissa costume, which is large and dramatic and draped in the design. In the stage costume the drape was reduced to a minimum, and both skirt and skirt hem a lot smaller. There's also less relation between the bodice and skirt, which in the design has a golden neckline and choker, while the gold is almost gone from the stage costume. It makes it seem like the bodice and skirt is not really related.

This went for a lot of the costumes of the leads. Cool details in the designs, a bit lost in the finished costumes. It also went for a wonderful ensemble costume in Masquerade, where the design shows different board games, while the finished costume just sports different black and white patterns decorated with gold. Missed opportunity, dude!

On the other hand, I think Christine's Masquerade Angel costume turned out better than the design, with its richer bodice and three-tiered skirt. It was more defined and more glittering. And this meant Andrew Riley re-did the costume design for the Greek revival in 2023, closer resembling the stage costume. Which is pretty cool, and a testament to the skills of the costume maker.

The Phantom's Red Death costume in this production is also a good example of a cool transition from design to costume. So Norway/Greece is another 50/50 hit and miss for me. And no, I don't really like the new Greek costumes. They have weird silhouettes and underwhelming details. I'm actually quite disappointed. And again, this goes for the actual stage costumes and not the designs.

A production I think has a funky and successful transition from design to costume, but which interestingly often depart a bit from the design, is Roman Solc's design for the Czech production. For example the Red Death:

And the Hannibal Slavegirl costumes:

But what the stage costumes do, which I like a lot, is to keep the exagerrated lines, bold colours and ornate surfaces. So in many ways I see this as one of the best design to costume transitions, even if the stage costumes doesn't reflect 100% on the designs. But I think they reflect on its style and impact, if that makes sense. Which I also realize is a bit hypocritical, as I often critize costumes that depart too much from the design... But there ya go.

Speaking of which... I have always been absolutely gaga over Nelly Vagó's design for the Hungarian production, the first non-replica production. She has a style that reminds of Maria Bjørnson, and also sticking close to Bjørnson's choice of colours, but still adding a dash of her own flair to it. It's high drama and beauty. And then... I frankly don't think one single of the designs was translated well onto stage. And it makes me so sad. It makes me so sad to think of what the costumes could and should have been.

Christine's Elissa costume, with its ballet-like bell shaped skirt with drapes and bodice with tabs and peacock-like decorations... Does not look like that on stage. It looks lumpy. I can kinda tell it's the same costume, but I'm not loving it.

Same with the dressing gown - feather light, flowing and poetic in the design, a not-super-becoming stiff bodice and hip flounce in the stage costume. It looks so heavy in comparison.

So yeah. I think Nelly Vagó's costume design is stellar, and I do think that the Hungarian costumes works well on stage. Which of course is what matters. But imagine Vagó's actual costume design on stage! Oh my. Ironically I think Roman Solc's design is more different from the stage costumes as such, but they managed to transform his larger-than-life expression into the costumes, and I appreciate that a lot.

The Norwegian/Greek costumes have nice designs and many nice stage costumes, but there I wish they managed to incorporate more of Andrew Riley's ideas from the costume sketches. They have many good details and shapes which never made it to the stage. Same for Gabriela Tylesova's design for the Sydney Harbour production. And those are the ones I've seen the costume design for. It might be that some of the other non-replica productions has super good design-to-costume details, but as long as I have only seen the finished stage costumes it is impossible for me to tell.

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk! :D

[doriana-gray-games]

Collection of asks !

Hi! Don't want to clog up your dashboards so I am answering some asks that have piled up while I was a bit absent <3

(Game update status: both going good and bad. Stuck on this one scene, but I am starting to see the end in the tunnel lol. Have been trying a new approach where I don't edit while writing :0 it's hard but does increase productivity! I just hope the quality isn't too bad after it lol. You can tell me once the update is out haha!)

Bahaha Love that! W deserves all the love <3

😏😏😏 Watson likes all of Sherlock, tho I'm sure they are partial to some... parts hehe

But the reaction is not new!! Tho I know a lot of people miss it (there's a few easily missed things tbh haha, maybe not optimal, but I find it fun to hide little things). There's one reaction with small waist too !

lolol I see it. I have a scene in my notes where MC basically has to teach H to sit on (and touch) grass...

@jumpyhamster Maybe? Not sure yet, sorry!

Ah--was it so obvious i'm not english haha! Yeah, I might as well tell you all too (despite my best efforts of internet anonymity, I talk too much on discord lol) I am Swedish. So if I make some weird English mistake or miss some quintessential British thing the MC or NPCs would know plz let me know! <3

Aww I think I know who this is!!! 💛💛💛 hearts right back!!!!

@4332 <3<3<3 I'm so glad you liked it!! (I don't recommend it to 12 years old tho! might be too adult for that haha)

<3 <3 <3

I am for sandwich solidarity in all forms haha! XD

Hopefully MC will be able to get them a not-chewed on sandwich soon <3

It seems I can't paste more images sorry-- One similar question I got was what the elegant body type looks like:

Currently the body types won't assume a lot much more than the word and possibly synonyms to the word. That's because it's so subjective. So--if I were to make further content about it I probably will have to ask further questions about that setting <3 I do think it would be fun and interesting to do!

Elegant, is again, what you want it to mean. But generally I've heard it to mean semi-long limbs with "ideal" like proportions. And in mass perhaps somewhere between tall-athletic and lean. I personally think of grace kelly I think

Love this game and the new details you added <3 this is definitely a spoilery question but man, i gotta ask... what happened in Lestrade's life that to made him so... unhappy? Careless with his own wellbeing? :(

<3

A previous answer I have given: "Just a spiral of things. Life turning the wrong way, things looking bad on the horizon, failing to take care of themselves so they have poor chances of climbing out or realising they even can." In addition to this. This had not started when MC and L first met. And there was a catalyst event, that set it off, and in a way MC is involved in this.

💖💝💕💯💐

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

you deserve to go to jail for making me choose between two cute love interests... that aside, your game has helped me a lot while struggling with mental health problems. which sounds a little silly but genuinely it warms my heart when i don't feel well. so thank you for creating something so wonderful. + i know most asks here are RO-related but im also very excited to see how the story goes!

Gosh Anon, you gave me a heart-attack with those first few words haha-- but to the rest, thank you so much <3<3<3 That's very sweet. I'm really glad and honoured to help in anyway I can. There's a lot of plot coming anon! Don't you worry! :D

harrypotternerd934 asked:

I need to say that I'm absolutely amoured by your story. I really enjoy playing as Sherlock and I think you did a really great job at capturing the vibe of the setting.

Much love and further luck with your story 🤗

@harrypotternerd934 <3

Aww, thank you so much! <3<3<3

approxtwelveangrybees asked:

I need you to know that I had so much fun with the Victorian gazing in the first two chapters

@approxtwelveangrybees <3<3<3

Congratulations on the anniversary <3 the update was so good.. all the little reworked scenes... the love kernels... But wait, will there actually be a love triangle route!!!!?

Yeees <3 Lot's of them <3

phaedraismyusername asked:

My favourite line of the update - just a top tier IQ drop right there 😍 lol

The whole thing was so good! An absolute joy to read as always ❤️❤️❤️

@phaedraismyusername <3<3<3 You're a joy!!! <3<3<3 (I love how people are discovering the thigh line haha)

and to "The trio Lestrade/hungry tumblr anon" Thank you for your story <3

[teaandfiction-28]

Hi. Long time lurker, love your work, I've been following on Archive of Our Own. Seriously love all your writing! 😍😍My request is Angst 6. Anywhere on the time line will do, but I feel like a lot was missing between the hospital and the baby so maybe somewhere in there...? Not going to lie, my favorite fics are the ones where Hank gets a bit of a reality check, when he actually shows some emotion and breaks down. Anyways....much love, thanks for writing, your the best. -Amber

Well thank you for no longer lurking! Honestly, I don’t think I’d be publishing half as much content if people like you weren’t so kind so thank you 🥰

You’re absolutely right, there was a big chunk missing between PS & BND but I felt like, if I didn’t stop writing somewhere, I never would! 😅

Anyway, here we go with some angst - hopefully this hits the spot! 💛

—————————

Prompt: “You’re not sorry.”

Word Count: 1k

Warnings: Mentions of gun violence.

Timeline: Set between C1 and C2 of “Brand New Day”. 

Ten days. 

If he really wanted to be pedantic, just over fourteen thousand minutes had passed since he had cradled her lifeless body in his arms and prayed to a God he wasn’t even sure he believed in that she would make it through. And as each of those fourteen thousand minutes passed, the guilt that had settled like an anvil on his shoulders seemed to sink deep into his bones, festering in his chest to the point that he felt like he could barely breathe. 

He had spent almost every one of those fourteen thousand minutes at her side, listening intently to each cautiously optimistic update from the doctors until the nurses forced him home for sleep and sustenance but he was back before their shift started the next morning. 

But now the day they had been impatiently waiting for was finally here. She had been cleared by both her surgeon and her obstetrician to continue healing from the comfort of her own home. As relieved as he was that they deemed her healthy enough to discharge from their care, he was utterly terrified at the prospect of being all the way across town should she require medical attention. Nonetheless, he had eased her into the front seat of his SUV and driven like an eighty year-old lady all the way from Chicago Med, breathing a subtle sigh of relief when he rolled to a stop outside of her apartment in one piece. 

Despite having spent ten days confined to a hospital room with nothing but idle chit chat to keep them entertained, they hadn’t really talked. They hadn’t discussed his behaviour in the days leading up to the shooting, they hadn’t spoken about her keeping the pregnancy a secret and they hadn't really broached the topic of what the future held for them as a couple. 

“Can we talk?” She had asked later that evening as they occupied opposite ends of the couch, the distance between them feeling like a bottomless gulf rather than just a few inches of fabric. Swallowing thickly, Hank switched off the evening news that he hadn’t really been watching anyway and turned slightly towards her but, for a few long moments, neither of them spoke.

“So, uh-”

“Did you-”

They broke off with awkward huffs of laughter, Hank lifting a hand to scratch the side of his face nervously before resting his arm along the back of the sofa. 

“Do you love me Hank?”

His heart fell into his gut at her quiet, vulnerable question and he had to force himself to remain where he was because every fibre of his being was telling him to close the space and hold her. But he knew he needed to give her space if they were going to get through the next few minutes. 

“More than you'll ever understand.” Was his gruff reply, the emotional tension hanging thick in the air between them. 

“Then why did you leave me?”

Again, her question was like a swift punch to the chest but he knew it wasn’t anything he didn’t deserve. Because he did. He did leave her. 

“Kate, I’m sorry-”

“But you’re not sorry, Hank. Not really.” She said softly with a shake of her head, cutting his apology dead. “I don’t think you’d even be here right now if I hadn’t of gotten shot.” 

The implication that he would still be wallowing in self-pity, blaming himself for the death of his best friend was louder than her words could have ever been and, he had to concede, she probably wasn’t wrong. But where he was dark, she was light; and where he was corrupted, she was pure. Quite simply, he knew he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if his damaged soul somehow managed to defile hers. 

“I can’t raise a child with someone who’ll cut and run the minute things get tough.” Her hands subconsciously settled on the blanket covering her barely visible bump at the mention of their unborn baby and Hank felt his eyes prickle with tears. “She’s gonna need to know that you’ll be there...that, no matter what happens, you’ll always stay.”

“Christ Kate.” He whispered, caving in to the overwhelming desire to comfort her as he shuffled along the couch, grasping both of her hands in his, intertwining their fingers and replacing their joined palms gently over her midsection. 

“She’ll always be just as much yours as she is mine and I’ll never stop you from being in her life if that’s what you want.” Tears were rolling down her cheeks in thin rivulets, her lower lip quivering as she fought to hold herself together. “But you have to promise me that you won’t leave her, Hank.”

Her broken request shattered his heart into a thousand tiny pieces, not only because of how visibly upset she was but also because it was the first time she had ever vocalised anything but complete trust in him. But despite the hint of doubt that coloured her tone, her eyes were pleading for him to confirm that the past year hadn’t just been a figment of her imagination. 

“Listen Kate, I know it’ll take time for you to trust me again but I swear to God...” He lifted a palm to her face, his chest physically aching when her eyes fluttered closed and she leaned into his warm touch. “I will never leave her.” 

Kate released a slow, shaky breath, the tension seeping from her shoulders as though hearing the words out loud finally gave her the reassurance she had been desperately seeking. Hank patiently waited for her eyes to drift open before making his final promise. 

“And I’ll never leave you.” 

Mindful of her sutures, he leaned forwards and gently touched his lips to hers, hoping to convey everything he was feeling at that moment. Remorse, hope and unbridled, unconditional love. 

When he pulled away, his thumb brushing over her damp lower lip tenderly, her own apologies began tumbling forth in a slightly breathless rush but, in his mind, none of that mattered anymore. All he cared about now was spending the next six months keeping them both safe and healthy. 

She had told him when she regained consciousness that she wouldn’t be able to do things halfway; that it needed to be all or nothing. As Hank slowly eased her body against his, pushing a soft kiss to the crown of her head, he realised that he had never been more ‘in’ in his whole damn life. 

[sherrifdoggo]

The Map's Setting, A History

Long Talky One Again, this time it's gonna get autobiographical.

So, as i've eluded to in the past, the map (rp_chicago, see previous posts) is not say in our 1930s. It's set in my funny lore setting that i've been cultivating for the past few years that even though has had more abandonded projects tied to it than i can count still doesn't have a name that isn't a working title.

Ladies, Gentlemen and Etceras, It is my honor to present my baby to the world,

The Staten Island Universe

Yes the name sucks and makes you ask more questions than a title should, but there's a fun story behind the bizarre name i promise. Anyways here i go.

The beginings of the Staten Island universe started back in my highschool days, when i used to DM some D&D for a big friend group i had. One day, after playing too much Grand Theft Auto on my PS4 (This was in 2017? or so i think), i had a moment where the stars aligned.

What if i made a D&D campaign set in a modern crime story, without removing all the D&D elements.

And so it was, i never finished it, but we did play an unfinished version of it a couple times and it was very enjoyable. Specially the quest where you had to kill a bard with an electric guitar in the abandoned times square toys-r-us.

Unluckly, me sucking at math caused my grades to slump and now i had less time to make more D&D shit, and ended up throwing the whole project away in the dreaded vault of dead projects.

Now skipping ahead a couple years and it's my last semester of high school, in 2020. So i'm locked in my room pretending to be paying attention to whatever the teacher was saying (maybe related to my slumped grades from above) and making a new D&D campaign that my friends and i were gonna run over the internet this time. The plot of it was unimportant but what was important was my recent (at the time) acquisition of my current computer and a vr headset.

Before i got the VR headset, and around the time I upgraded from a ok-ish Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop to this thing, i was making a really shit gmod map.

Stallen Island i called it,

and it was my headcannon version of what the missing part of New York City (Staten Island) would look like in GTA IV's map, of course with nowhere near the amount of skill and art-direction to pull it off in fucking Gmod, but i tried my best.

Eventually i got bored of making this map, and/or ran out of ideas for it so i receded into doing whatever it is i did for fun back then. Until my high school friends contacted me over the internet.

They wanted to play some more D&D over the internet, so i obliged. I made them a new campaign and had a silly little idea for it. What if all the maps for it were actually gmod maps instead of PNGs.

These are my only published maps, The D&D map collection.

Info about them individually on their pictures, but i did actually get to play it with them and they enjoyed it very much.

But...

Around the same time i had finally gotten my VR Headset. And i'd been playing a lot of Skyrim VR, which influenced the design of this D&D campaign. Specifically I inserted my Khajiit into it, Mr. Ralasajeeno as a Theif.

But all this is just autobiographical shit right what does this have to do with the big name you put in yellow up there?

Well one night i was writting more shit for the campaign when it hit like how the best ideas hit you, blasting directly into your brain at 3AM.

I remembered the other D&D campaign again, and i revived it as a really big design doc i still have on my computer for a open world crime sandbox game that plays like a mix of GTA and D&D / Skyrim, A.K.A. a game that would cost too much time and money for me to ever make.

Every day, i would wake up and add more and more lore, characters, ideas for situations, missions, locations, items and it would grow so god damn big that eventually i felt like i had to make something for it.

So i had an idea, how about i make a new version of that map i mentioned earlier.

It's name was Staten Island, and it fucking rocked

Staten Island was the biggest map i ever made, and i never really finished it.

Not because of a lack of ideas, because i had plenty of ideas for it, i just outgrew it. Though it forever holds a part in my heart as the map that really kickstarted the Staten Island Universe as it's own thing. Many of the things written down in the lore for it are direct from either me needing assets for the map or questions people would ask while playing on it.

Afterwards there were a couple more Modern Staten Island Universe maps. Pictures Here:

Finally, how does Chicago fit into all this?

Well after a really long time of making smaller maps that didn't go anywhere, making other types of addons and being a support dev for other people's addons, i finally had a good idea for a map again.

This map was the current map, Chicago.

I had the idea while playing lots of Mafia: Definitive Edition a couple months back and having a grand old time.

I always wanted to do something in the past of the Staten Island Universe, so the idea was to make this map and then make a couple more maps.

Each map would pick a different time period and location, moving slowly towards today. Chicago is step one of this plan and unlike all these other maps, i do intend on sticking with this one all the way to the finish line.

trust me bro, i swear

please trust me

[turnaboutimagines]

its been 2 years, how are you doing ?

It... It's actually HAS been over two years, hasn't it? That feels wrong, but I know it's not. I'm okay, though, mostly! Things aren't great, but they could be so much worse so... I'll take it.

I will say that I still have notifications for this blog, my side blogs, and my AO3 in these two years away. I have seen every single comment, message, like, reblog, and kudos. I'm so glad people have continued to read my silly little AA fanfic pieces, it means so much to me. Writing for this blog was (is?) such a joy that it still brought a smile to my face to see someone engage with my tumblr and AO3. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

... Anyways, I'm playing the AA games again for the first time in a while so I may get back into writing? A very tentative maybe. Things will be different around here if I do! I'll be making new posts soon and revamping the blog. So keep an eye out! :> But for those of you who see this and are curious about where I've been or life updates, it's under the cut!

The most important thing though: I am very sorry for vanishing off the face of the earth. I didn't really want to come back here until I felt like I could stick around for more than just one post, which in my head meant potentially returning in some capacity or deciding to shut this blog down for good. And so, two years of silence has passed as a result. I am what I've always been: an anxious, awkward, and indecisive disaster.

But to those of you who read my stuff years ago and totally forgot you followed an AA imagines blog or just have no interest in AA content now, I see you and there's no shame in unfollowing as I dust things off. I just appreciate that you were here at all, pal!

Okay, now onto the personal shenanigans. Since I was last on here, I started playing with my beloved weekly D&D group (we've been playing for over 2 years now and are on our second campaign! <3), got REALLY into Critical Role and Dimension 20, graduated with my master's, landed a job right out of my practicum, read SO many wonderful books, and I'm 26 now! ...Which means that I've got way too many games and hobbies I'm interested in and not enough time/energy for any of them. :"D

I'm still just as in love with stories as ever, but I've barely written anything outside of D&D fic in 2 years.

Of course, it hasn't all been good, I've had my fair share of grieving, family drama, mental health issues, work as my personal hell, and grappling with my sense of failure and hopelessness. I've barely left my house in two years and I honestly don't remember how to socialize or be a person among other people anymore -- I barely knew to begin with. But I'm just going one day at a time and taking my time to catch back up.

But I miss writing. I'm apprehensive to post again because it's gonna be bad for a while. I am rusty. But I wanna pick it back up again. And I LOVE Ace Attorney. I love these characters. I love this setting. And I've dearly missed the whimsy and heart of this series.

My inbox is open for messages, I'll do my best to respond to things? I'll probably leave old asks in my inbox to rest, but I'll respond to any new things! For those of you who sent in anons checking on me, consider this an open letter to you, too! I got quite a few of kind anons in the past two years and I appreciate y'all taking the time to check in on me.

Thanks for reading all of this. Keep an eye out for future posts and some blog modifications but I'm signing off for now!

[palialaina]

Wild ride?

Wild ride.

Where do I even begin...?

Oh, I know. Let's start with the fucking heart attack Reth tried to give me! I need to tell Lark to smack their boy upside the head for me a few times because I swear, this incident took years off my life.

So, okay. I've known Reth's been doing Flow-stuff smuggling, and I knew that technically, it was illegal, but he was doing it for Tish's sake, so keep her healthy with that hairpin and all.

And then the idiot nearly gets caught!

Seriously, Majiri are so bad at this sort of thing, oh my god.

Anyways, he told me that Eshe had confiscated a package that had Tish's very illegal treatment in it (I will murder him), and asked me to help figure out a way to get it back. He is so lucky I like him, and also so lucky that it took me until now to get mad, because I would have y e l l e d.

But like, I'm surprised he didn't think of Kenyatta himself. She's always down to fuck with her mother (and is actually in the process of making me do that so she can finish becoming Chayne's apprentice.), so asking her to steal from her mother was like giving a toddler sweets and a noisemaker.

Suffice it to say, she stole it, laughed at me about it when she gave me the package, and then told me to tell Reth that he was absolutely nuts. I have not done that yet. I will do that if he comes around. He did give me an old soup pot of his, saying it was his lucky pot, and like...

It needs a bath before I put anything in it.

Kenyatta herself is having me stall Eshe for her, by dragging out party preparations for her path declaration. Majiri traditions apparently had a lot of steps for becoming an official apprentice to someone like Chayne, so I'm having to drag this out a lot. Lucky for her, not hard, because I can't make the things Eshe wants, so I have to hope Tish might have them in her shop.

I wish I could ask Tish directly, but she's still pretty shaken about the whole... 'discovering Reth's in debt to a cartel because of her' thing. And I know if she asks why I will spill the fact that I need these to pay back Kenyatta for stealing the package for me to give to Reth.

So we're just... we're not going there. Nope.

Personal news is no less chaostic; I broke Hassian's brain the other day. I didn't mean to, but like...

Okay. So. I've been bugging him to actually help me with this hunting stuff for a while. I am no one's idea of an ideal hunter (I'm getting better, but like...), and I just want to at least be able to hit the target more than I miss. Arrows are hard to make!

So I finally convinced him, and we went to his grove where he has targest set up. He had me working on my stance, and how I hold the bow and draw it, to the point of coming up and actually... yanno, touching me. I don't think he thought of it as anything more than being a hands on instructor, and I didn't mind until I kinda of sort of turned to ask him a question and...

um.

well, he was close enough that it was actually kind of a kiss. And apparently it wasn't a very good kiss (because it was an accident!) so he decided to give me an actual one.

So there was that.

After... that, I decided it would be a good idea to go and try to find some iron so both of us could have some breathing space, and uh...

That ended poorly.

Kind of how Lark got injured, actually... I had their letter (and one from Orion too about the Maji Market), but I put them down to work on something and when I turned around a bratty thieving chappa had them. So those are gone. But anyways, Lark's glider got damaged, and they fell down a hole and got a nasty sprain, and had to be rescued by Hassian (thank goodness Hassian knew where they were...).

Me? The boards had water damage and I was... distracted. So, we kinda fell down the same hole. I was also found by Hassian, fortunately. Well. Sort of fortunately. I think he used Tau to track me, and he was so cranky about needing to help me back up. Nothing's broken, but he gave me a piggyback to Chayne's, and loomed until Chayne said I would need a sling for a few days, and should go home to rest.

I am entirely anticipating too many visitors, because I bet Hassian will tell Sifuu, who'll tell anyone at the inn in the evenings, and then Chayne will probably also tell Dad. It's just a strained elbow! I'm fine!

...okay, maybe not fine, but It's really not that bad.

Hassian complained about the humans he knows and sort-of-likes being absolute klutzes even as he got me home and made sure I didn't actually need anything. I'm a little concerned that someone's going to show up with a pot of Reth's lettuce soup (please no, something with actual flavor thanks), and goodness only know what Jel's reaction is going to be.

At least it was my off hand...

[spinnychaircirclecasting]

On today's episode of I Work In A Comic Shop, I'm crying just a little bit.

I'm setting up for my weekly kids' game of D&D - the last one for a while, before I go to college. I'd mentioned this to everyone last week, mostly to give them the heads-up that they'd have a different DM soon.

And they surprised me with good-bye presents.

One boy, we'll call him X, came in with both his parents. He was the 8-year-old who last week made me realize that Big Hero 6 is somehow not a new movie anymore. He's also our party's goblin druid, who can wild shape into a giant frost salamander (with crocodile stats other than size. He wanted to be able to use his super-badass mini he'd been painting. We found a way :3). They all come in, and he's getting settled while I'm grabbing stools and finishing setting up the table, and X says "We brought you a present."

And he gently slides across the table to me, a little lizard mini. It's hand-painted, has some turf around its feet (including a skull - this kid loves skulls and gore and I'm honored that he gave me a skull too) and is on a base maybe the size of a nickel. He then proceeds to tell me all about how he painted it, how he used tweezers to set the itty-bitty rocks into place. And his parents explain that he looks forward to these games every weekend. Me too kiddo. Me too. 🥹

Fast-forward to the end of the adventure. The day has been saved, rewards have been granted, and we're starting to tidy up. And this girl (we'll call her Y) and her dad (he'll be Z), who've been at almost every one of my games for the past two months, slide an envelope over to me.

It's a lovely Robin's-egg blue, and it has my name written on the back. The handwriting is definitely Y's, a little messy in that kid way but extremely sweet. My name is even spelled correctly. (I have an extremely uncommon name and most people forget how to spell it, including some of my coworkers and occasional my friends. To be clear, I don't mind in the least if it's misspelled - but seeing that they took the extra second to get it right really does strike me as extra sweet.) And inside is a very sweet message, signed by the both of them. (Also, some cash. They really didn't have to- 😭💜).

So I'm gonna talk about Y for a minute. The first day she and Z came in was Father's Day, with a bit of an unusual request. Normally, parents leave their kids alone to play and then pick them up a few hours later. Z explained that Y is autistic, and gets really bad social anxiety on her own, especially alone. (Honestly? Not sure if was neurodivergence [I've never been tested], but I was just as freaked out by strangers and loud other kids at her age. I understood.) So Z asked if it would be okay for him to hang out, and kind of be her spokesperson so it was less scary. I was fine with this, and so was the other dad and his son who showed up later that day. Again, it was Father's Day, so the dads actually joined in on the game. Y and Z came back pretty much every week after that. And every time, Y got a little less shy and a little more comfortable. The last few weeks, I've seen her laughing and joking and coming up with crazy schemes with the other kids, even at a full table of 5 or 6 others. I've been so excited every time I see her laugh, because I know that a couple months ago, she wouldn't have.

Anyways. I'm gonna miss the crap out of these kids.

[sleeperagentclone]

@figsandphiltatos Tagged me!

shuffle your on repeat playlist (on spotify) and list the first 10 songs and then tag 10 people

1. Roses are Falling by Orville Peck

OOOOH BOY. So like I have a very vivid imagination and a very good minds eye and for years I have been plagued with visions when listening to this song. *Exterior, wild west, sunset* A cowboy stands smoking a cigarette and watching the sunset, back to his companion who is rummaging through a saddle bag "I guess they say nobodies perfect" The second cowboy turns "But they've never" aims his revolver at the first cowboy "Met a devil" cocks the gun "like you" a single gunshot rings out across the prairie. Anyway I can't fucking draw so now I'm writing a book about outlaw lesbians in the wild west who have a totally normal and fun time and nothing bad happens to either of them, I promise

2. Miss Chatelaine - Iron Hoof Remix by k. d. land and Orville Peck

Imma be real with you, never heard this song before in my life, I have been shuffling Orville Pecks entire discography recently while working on aforementioned book and I've definitely fallen asleep to it, so I guess it played than. It's good, I like it

3. Brick By Boring Brick by Paramore

I am too shy to tag people in this but I will tag @ribbittrobbit because I've been listening to their Crisis of Faeth playlist and I doubt this will be the only song from it making an appearance. Absolute banger of a playlist, absolute banger of a song

4. Seven Nation Army By The White Stripes

What did I fucking say, another Crisis of Faeth song! Fucking love The White Stripes and this is undoubtedly a classic. Fun fact I was at the thrift store a couple of weeks ago and found a White Stripes funko pop set for probably at least half as much as it would be new

I normally think funko pops of just full on real people of a little odd but I had to fucking do it

Other fun fact, to me Gorgug is very Meg White coded, widely considered one of the greatest drummers of a generation but steps out of the limelight because performing just isn't for them

5. I Don't Care - single version by Fallout Boy

Say it with me now, Crisis of Faeth! Listen to it! I like never on purpose listen to Fallout Boy but I was a teenager in the 2010's so I do love Fallout Boy

6. Dead of Night by Orville Peck

I love Orville Peck, I have a pinterest board that's just outfit inspiration for if I ever get to go to one of his shows

7. Dancing on My Own by The Regrettes

Besides being another Crisis of Faeth song, all of The Regrettes song are so fucking Fig Faeth coded to me, like nearly a 4th of my Figayda playlist is The Regrettes because they just sound exactly like something Fig would write about Ayda

8. Satanist by boygenuis

Crisis of Faeth also finally forced me to listen to boygenuis, and I can almost listen to them without having an existential about Lucy Dacus now so 👍👍👍

9. Summertime by Orville Peck

It's extremely unfair that none of the other Orville Peck songs that remind me of my outlaw lesbians come up, like it's a great song, but, come on man

10*. Fences by Paramore

Fucking love Paramore dude, Haley Williams is truly one of the greatest vocalists of a fucking generation and they put on an incredible fucking show (The only thing that could ever get me to go to a music festival is Paramore, I would love to see them live but I know they tend to do some like flashing effects so a dark venue would not be ideal for my epileptic ass) (This is also a Crisis of Faeth song)

*I cheated on this one because the real 10th one was a song Orville Peck featured on that I just don't like very much so I skipped it

[soot-and-salt]

2,13,21,24,37

Oh wow, someone actually asked me things, okay this is EXCITING!

2. What's your shortest fic? What's your longest?

I tend to write about 1,500 to 3,000 words per fic, which isn't a bad spot for a one shot. I'd love to write longer things but my attention wavers. I usually will write everything in one sitting, usually in about two to three hours, and then post it. Sometimes I put down ideas or lines and dialogue into a Google doc or my notes app but I'm mostly, uh, doing it live, as it were. And usually right into the AO3 text box, much to the chagrin of my friends who think that is INSANE. And I can't say I blame them. I never said I was good at this, okay.

Anyway, shorter fics work better for stuff like comedy. My shortest fic is just under 1,000 words and was written as kind of a joke, based on someone's tweet. I love doing stuff like that, writing based off of weird prompts, in jokes, or artwork. My brain is a magpie and when it sees something shiny, about 2,000 words (give or take) falls out.

13. How many works have you published?

So I'm on my fourth or fifth AO3 user name by now. I usually get a new one when I write for a new fandom, my soot_and_salt name is the first time I've made a multi-fandom one. I simply couldn't wait the few days to get a new name email from AO3 to post a Hazbin fic, which truly is the entire vibe of my admittedly frenzied writing there. Over all my usernames, though, it's somewhere in the realm of 50-ish works.

21. What year did you join your chosen fanfic posting platform?

My first AO3 name was made back in 2018, which feels a little late, honestly. It's been my only place to post fic since then (unless private discord servers count too). Before that, I didn't write fic for a solid, god, ten years or so? I was big into fandom spaces when I was in school, mostly over on Livejournal. That is, regrettably, how old I am.

24. What are some of your favorite tropes?

Holy shit do I love a good, well done AU. I love examining characters through the lens of an entirely new experience for them. Like, yes I know you're USUALLY a war criminal drow wizard but what if, for about, oh, 30,000 words, you were now a violinist? Or a figure skater? Bookstore clerk? It's a fascinating way to really dig into a character. I also go nuts for a good evil turn for someone, just some nice indulgence in their worst habits. That can be a very good, usually bloody and violent, good time. Speaking of, enemies to lovers is also delicious when they're the right characters (cough-AlastorandVox-cough). One bed, getting together, and fake dating are all fun too, if done right. Oh, and I go nuts for vampires.

I'll usually read almost anything, honestly, as long as it sounds interesting. I have like nearly 100 AO3 tabs in like four fandoms open right now, it's a problem.

37. Do you have any older fics you would consider rewriting?

There are fics with really solid bones I wish I'd written when I was better at writing but I don't think I'd rewrite them. They exist as they are, a testament to where I was at the time, and there's something good and important in that too. So I take what I think worked or what idea I had and save them for another day or another fandom, but the fic itself remains.

I usually post a fic, re-read and edit it obsessively for a day or two, and then move on. Sometimes I'll spot a typo or a missing word weeks or months later and fix them up, but usually after a few days that fic is set in stone.

Okay this was really fun, send me more! :D