#everyone come join >>:000

[novaursa]

Good evening, can you write about daemon x little sister

If we can see their relation evolved from really protective brother to lover obsessed.

He was always protective of her, he doesn’t like that Viserys come close to her. And when she grow up he scared every men that came closed to her.

She was supposed to married a Lannister but Daemon could not accept it and take her to dragon stone. Everyone thinks she’s dead because they never see her again but when Daemon came back to King’s Landing, he’s not alone but with his sister wife and their children.

Dragonblooded

- Summary: You always belonged to Daemon. And when Viserys gave you away, the dragon took what was his.

- Pairing: sister!reader/Daemon Targaryen

- Note: For more of my works, visit my blog. The list is pinned to the top.

- Rating: Mature 16+

- Word count: 5 000+

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff

The sound of laughter echoes through corridors, a joyful melody that bounces off the ancient stone walls. You are no older than five, your golden-silver hair, so much like your mother’s, trailing behind you as you run through the hallways. Your small feet tap lightly against the cool floor, your tiny hands reaching out to grab at the air, chasing an imaginary butterfly.

"Come here, little dragon!" Viserys calls out, his voice warm and inviting, as he pretends to chase after you. His laughter is softer, more measured, but it carries the same affection that glows in his eyes. He is gentle, your eldest brother, always careful not to frighten or startle you. At ten years old, he already shows the signs of a future king—kindness, patience, a quiet strength that soothes those around him.

You turn, giggling, and reach out for him, and he catches you with ease, lifting you into the air. "I have you now!" he declares, spinning you around in circles, your peals of laughter mixing with his. 

"Viserys, higher!" you plead, clinging to his tunic, your small face lighting up with glee.

But as Viserys twirls you again, you catch sight of another figure standing just beyond the doorway, watching the two of you. Daemon, your other brother, leans against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, a frown tugging at his lips. He is only two years younger than Viserys, but where Viserys is gentle, Daemon is fierce, his eyes always smoldering with an intensity that belies his young age. 

He steps forward, and though he doesn’t say a word, the air between you shifts, a tension that even you, in your youthful innocence, can sense. Viserys notices too, lowering you to the ground but keeping a protective hand on your shoulder.

"Daemon," Viserys greets, though there’s a hint of wariness in his voice. "We were just playing. You can join us, if you’d like."

Daemon’s gaze shifts from Viserys to you, and his frown deepens. "She’s my sister," he says, his voice low, almost possessive. "I don’t need your permission to play with her."

There’s a beat of silence as the two brothers stare at each other, a silent battle of wills. But before it can escalate, you tug at Daemon’s sleeve, drawing his attention down to you. 

"Daemon, play with me!" you say, your eyes wide and pleading. You adore both of your brothers, but there’s something about Daemon that always draws you to him—perhaps it’s the way he looks at you, like you are the only person in the world who matters to him.

His expression softens the moment he meets your gaze. The hard lines of his face melt into something gentler, something only you seem to bring out in him. Without a word, he scoops you up into his arms, holding you close. You wrap your arms around his neck, resting your head against his shoulder, and he presses a kiss to your temple.

"She’s tired," Daemon announces, his voice brooking no argument as he starts to carry you away. You peek over his shoulder at Viserys, who watches with a resigned smile. 

"I was only playing with her," Viserys says, but there’s a note of understanding in his tone, an acknowledgment of something that has always been between you and Daemon—something he will never quite share with you in the same way.

Daemon doesn’t respond, his attention solely on you as he carries you through the halls. His grip on you is firm but gentle, his warmth seeping through his clothes and into your small frame. You yawn, your eyelids growing heavy, and snuggle closer to him.

"Rest now, little sister," Daemon whispers, his voice soft in a way it never is with anyone else. "I’ll always keep you safe."

And in that moment, as sleep begins to claim you, you know it’s true. You may be Viserys’ beloved little sister, the youngest and most cherished of the Targaryen children, but you are Daemon’s before all else. In his arms, you feel safe, loved, and most of all, his.

The years have passed, and you have grown from a spirited child into a young woman of striking beauty. Your silver-gold hair cascades down your back in soft waves, your violet eyes—so reminiscent of the Valyrian ancestors—shining with a quiet intelligence. Your resemblance to your mother, Alyssa, is so uncanny that it often leaves those who knew her breathless, lost in memories of the past. You are the pride of House Targaryen, a true dragon in both blood and spirit.

The lords of the realm have taken notice of you, their eyes lingering a bit too long as you walk through the halls of the Red Keep. Whispers of your beauty have spread across the Seven Kingdoms, and it seems that every highborn man with a title to his name seeks your hand in marriage. The attention is overwhelming, though you do your best to remain composed, as you were taught. Still, you cannot ignore the way your heart flutters with nerves when you catch their lingering gazes.

Today, you find yourself in the gardens of the Red Keep, the sun casting a warm glow over the roses in bloom. You stroll through the maze of greenery, the scent of flowers filling the air, when you hear the soft murmur of voices behind you.

"My lady, you are a vision," one of the young lords says as he approaches, his tone smooth and rehearsed. He is tall, with dark hair and a confident smile that seems to have charmed many a court lady.

"Lord Caron," you greet him politely, inclining your head. "You are too kind."

"I speak only the truth," he insists, stepping closer. "You grow lovelier with each passing day, my lady. The realm is fortunate to have you."

You offer a tight-lipped smile, trying to mask your discomfort. Though you are used to such flattery, it always feels hollow, lacking the warmth and sincerity you crave. 

Before you can respond, you feel a familiar presence behind you, a shadow that has always loomed large in your life. Daemon steps forward, his eyes cold as they fix on Lord Caron. There is a tension in his posture, a barely restrained fury that makes the young lord falter, his confident smile wavering.

"Lord Caron," Daemon says, his voice a low rumble, "I believe my sister has endured enough of the sun today. She is in need of rest."

Lord Caron glances between the two of you, clearly weighing his options. But the sharpness in Daemon’s gaze leaves little room for argument. He bows stiffly, offering you one last smile before he retreats, his footsteps hurried as he leaves the garden.

As soon as he is gone, Daemon turns to you, his expression dark and unreadable. "You shouldn’t be out here alone," he chides, though there is an edge to his voice that you have rarely heard before.

"I wasn’t alone," you reply, meeting his gaze evenly. "And I can take care of myself, Daemon. I’m not a child anymore."

His eyes narrow slightly at your words, as if the thought displeases him. "You think I don’t know that?" he mutters, his gaze sweeping over you. "I see the way they look at you—the way they covet you. They are like vultures circling above a feast."

You blink, surprised by the venom in his tone. "They are only being polite," you say, though even as you say it, you know it’s more than that. The attention you receive is not just polite—it is predatory, something you have tried to ignore but cannot entirely dismiss.

"Polite," Daemon scoffs, taking a step closer to you. His presence is overwhelming, a mix of anger and something else that you can’t quite place. "They want to marry you, to own you, to take you away from me."

You look up at him, your heart skipping a beat at the intensity in his eyes. "Daemon, I’m not a possession," you say softly, though your voice wavers slightly. "I will marry one day, and when I do, it will be my choice."

His jaw clenches, and for a moment, he says nothing. The silence stretches between you, heavy and charged, until finally, he speaks, his voice low and dangerous. "No man will ever be worthy of you. No man will ever deserve you. You are mine, and I will not let them take you from me."

You stare at him, your breath catching in your throat at his words. The possessiveness in his voice, the raw intensity of his emotions—it’s more than just a brotherly concern. There is something deeper, something darker that simmers beneath the surface, and it both frightens and intrigues you.

"Daemon…" you begin, but he cuts you off, his hand reaching out to cup your cheek. The touch is surprisingly gentle, his thumb brushing over your skin as if he’s memorizing the feel of you.

"You are my sister," he says, his voice rough with emotion. "You are the only person in this world who matters to me. I will not let anyone take you away, not Viserys, not any of those lords who think they can lay claim to you."

His words send a shiver down your spine, and you find yourself leaning into his touch, despite the confusion swirling in your mind. "I am not leaving you," you whisper, your voice barely audible. "But Daemon… this is not—"

"Don’t," he interrupts, his thumb pressing lightly against your lips to silence you. "Don’t say anything that will ruin this moment."

His eyes bore into yours, and you feel a heat rising between you, a dangerous pull that you know you should resist but can’t. Daemon has always been the center of your world, but now, you realize, he is something more, something that both terrifies and excites you.

For a long moment, the world seems to stop, and it’s just the two of you, standing in the garden, the air thick with unspoken words and forbidden desires. Then, as if sensing your hesitation, Daemon leans down, his lips brushing against your forehead in a gesture that is both tender and possessive.

"I will always protect you," he vows, his breath warm against your skin. "No one else will ever come between us."

And as he pulls away, you find yourself nodding, unable to voice the turmoil inside you. Because deep down, you know that what he says is true—you are his, and in some twisted, inevitable way, he is yours as well.

The wind howls around the towering battlements of Casterly Rock, the seat of House Lannister. Below, the sea crashes against the cliffs, the waves like thunder as they break upon the ancient stone. You stand on a high balcony overlooking the expanse, your heart heavy with the weight of what is to come. The golden light of the setting sun casts long shadows, and though the view is breathtaking, you find no solace in it.

The marriage to Jason Lannister had been arranged swiftly, a decision made by Viserys in a moment of political strategy. It had all happened so fast—one moment you were in King’s Landing, the next you were being sent across the realm, far from the comforts of your home, and even further from Daemon.

Jason Lannister is a man of means, a wealthy and powerful lord, but he is not the man your heart longs for. Despite his handsome features and polite demeanor, he leaves you cold. You do not love him, nor do you wish to, but the weight of your duty had left you with little choice but to obey your brother’s command.

Tonight is to be your wedding night, a thought that fills you with dread. The thought of sharing your bed with a man who is a stranger to you, despite his politeness and charm, makes your skin crawl. You had always imagined your wedding night to be something sacred, shared with someone you truly loved—someone like Daemon. But such dreams seem so far away now.

As you clutch the stone railing of the balcony, you hear the faintest sound of wings cutting through the air. At first, you think it’s your imagination, a product of your desperate longing. But then the sound grows louder, more distinct, and your heart begins to race.

In the distance, you see it—Caraxes, the Blood Wyrm, his massive wings beating against the darkening sky, his crimson scales gleaming like fire in the dying light. On his back, you spot a figure clad in black and red, his silver hair streaming behind him like a banner. Daemon.

He’s come for you.

Your breath catches in your throat as you watch him descend, the great dragon’s roar echoing through the air as he nears the fortress. Panic and excitement mix within you—Daemon, your beloved brother, has come to take you away, to rescue you from a life you never wanted.

Caraxes lands with a deafening thud in the courtyard below, his long neck arched as he lets out another earth-shaking roar. The guards and servants scatter in fear, unprepared for such a display of raw power. You waste no time, gathering your skirts and racing down the steps toward the courtyard, your heart pounding in your chest.

By the time you reach the courtyard, Daemon has dismounted, his presence commanding as he strides forward with purpose. He looks every bit the rogue prince, his eyes alight with determination and something far more dangerous. He spots you immediately, his expression softening for just a moment before hardening once more as he glances at the keep behind you.

"Daemon!" you cry out, rushing toward him. He catches you easily, his arms wrapping around you in a protective embrace that makes you feel safer than you have in weeks. The scent of him—salt, leather, and dragonfire—fills your senses, and you cling to him as if he were the only thing keeping you tethered to this world.

"I’ve come to take you away," he murmurs into your ear, his voice rough with emotion. "You belong to me, not to some Lannister dog."

You pull back slightly, searching his face, your own heart torn between relief and fear. "Viserys… he ordered this marriage. He’ll be furious if you—"

"Let him be furious," Daemon interrupts, his eyes blazing. "You are mine, not his to give away. We will go to Dragonstone, and we will marry in the traditions of our House. Fire and blood—that is our way, not these weak southern bonds."

Before you can respond, you hear the clattering of armored boots and turn to see Jason Lannister approaching, flanked by a dozen guards. His face is pale, though he tries to maintain a confident air as he confronts Daemon.

"Prince Daemon," Jason says, his voice steady but laced with underlying fear. "This is madness. She is to be my wife by order of the king. You cannot simply take her."

Daemon’s lips curl into a dangerous smile, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of Dark Sister, the Valyrian steel sword that has tasted the blood of many a fool. "Can’t I?" he says, his tone mocking. "You think to keep her here, hidden away in this golden cage? You think she will ever be yours, truly yours? You’re a fool, Lannister."

Jason stiffens, but to his credit, he doesn’t back down. "This will bring war," he warns. "If you take her, Viserys will have no choice but to act. The realm will not stand for this."

Daemon laughs, the sound dark and menacing. "Let the realm do as it will. I’ve never cared for the opinions of sheep. You think you can threaten me with war, boy? I am war. I have fought in battles you cannot even imagine. And if it’s bloodshed you seek, I will gladly spill it."

Jason falters, his bravado crumbling under Daemon’s intense gaze. "I…I only seek what was promised to me," he stammers, clearly trying to find a way out that doesn’t end with his blood staining the courtyard. "If you take her, I will not pursue her. But I will require compensation for this slight. The Lannisters will not be insulted without recompense."

Daemon’s eyes narrow, and for a moment, you fear he might draw Dark Sister and end Jason’s life right then and there. But instead, he takes a step closer to the lord, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

"You dare to speak of recompense?" he hisses, his face inches from Jason’s. "She is worth more than all the gold in Casterly Rock, more than your entire house. There is no recompense for what you tried to steal from me. But I will leave you your life, if only because I have more important matters to attend to."

Jason’s face drains of color, and he takes a stumbling step back, nodding quickly. "Yes… yes, of course. Take her, and may the gods be with you."

Daemon doesn’t spare him another glance. Instead, he turns to you, his expression softening as he reaches out to take your hand. "Come, sister," he says, his voice gentler now. "Let us leave this place. We will wed on Dragonstone, and no one will ever come between us again."

You nod, your heart swelling with a mix of relief and trepidation. Daemon leads you toward Caraxes, his grip on your hand firm and reassuring. The dragon lowers his massive head as you approach, and with Daemon’s help, you climb onto his back, settling in behind your brother.

As Caraxes takes to the sky, the wind whipping through your hair, you cling to Daemon, feeling the power of the dragon beneath you and the warmth of your brother in front of you. The world below falls away, and with it, the fear and uncertainty that had plagued you for so long.

As the Red Keep disappears into the distance, you lean close to Daemon, your voice barely a whisper. "Thank you for coming for me."

He turns his head slightly, his eyes meeting yours with a fierce intensity. "I will always come for you," he vows, his voice full of conviction. "You are mine, and I will never let you go."

And as you soar through the skies on the back of the Blood Wyrm, leaving Casterly Rock and all its golden confines behind, you know that he means every word. The path ahead may be fraught with danger, but as long as you are by Daemon’s side, you are willing to face whatever comes.

For you are his, and he is yours, bound by blood and fire, as it was always meant to be.

The tourney grounds outside King’s Landing are alive, a sea of banners fluttering in the wind, each representing the great houses of Westeros. The air is full of the scent of sweat, horses, and the faint metallic tang of freshly forged steel. The tournament held in honor of the impending birth of Viserys' child has drawn knights and lords from across the realm, all eager to witness the splendor and skill of the finest warriors in the Seven Kingdoms. 

King Viserys himself sits upon the royal dais, a smile of pride and expectation on his face. He has every reason to be joyous today—the maesters have assured him that this time, his wife Aemma will deliver a son, a true heir to the Iron Throne. But there is an undercurrent of unease in the king’s heart, a shadow that lingers at the edges of his happiness, for it has been years since he last saw his beloved sister.

Not a word has come from Dragonstone since that fateful day when Daemon stole you away, defying the king’s will and igniting a scandal that has only grown with time. Rumors have spread like wildfire, each one more outlandish than the last—tales of dark rituals, of dragons terrorizing the Narrow Sea, and of a brood of Targaryen children raised in exile, far from the eyes of the court. But none of these rumors have ever been confirmed, and Viserys has learned to silence any mention of you in his presence, the wound too deep to bear reopening.

As the king watches the jousting field, his thoughts drift to you, wondering where you are, how you have fared all these years. He tries to push the thoughts away, focusing instead on the spectacle before him. But then, a murmur runs through the crowd, growing louder as the people begin to turn their heads toward the sky.

Viserys follows their gaze, and his breath catches in his throat. 

There, descending from the clouds, is a dragon—its great wings casting a shadow over the tourney grounds as it circles above. The creature’s scales shimmer a deep, blood-red, and its roar is like the rumble of distant thunder. There is no mistaking the beast or its rider. 

"Caraxes," Viserys whispers, a mix of shock and something else—something like hope—rising in his chest.

The dragon lands with a thud just beyond the field, the earth trembling beneath its weight. The crowds part, a mixture of awe and fear on their faces as Daemon Targaryen dismounts from the dragon’s back, his presence as commanding as ever. His silver hair, untouched by time, glints in the sunlight, and his dark cloak billows around him like wings as he strides forward.

But it is not Daemon alone who captures the attention of the gathered lords and ladies. For behind him, gracefully descending from Caraxes, is a figure draped in black and red, a crown of silver-gold hair flowing down her back—you.

Gasps ripple through the crowd as they recognize you, their whispers growing into a chorus of disbelief and astonishment. But you pay them no mind, your eyes fixed solely on the dais where your brother, the king, sits in stunned silence.

You walk toward him with the poise of a queen, your hand resting protectively on the head of a small boy who clings to your side. His hair is a pale silver, much like yours and Daemon’s, his eyes wide with curiosity as he takes in the spectacle around him. Another child—a girl with your likeness—follows close behind, holding onto Daemon’s hand with an air of confidence that belies her young age.

When you finally reach the dais, the entire tourney ground has fallen silent, all eyes on this reunion that none had expected. Viserys rises from his seat, his face a mask of disbelief, his hands trembling as he reaches out toward you.

"Sister," he breathes, his voice thick with emotion. "Is it truly you?"

You nod, your eyes meeting his with a mixture of longing and caution. "It is I, brother," you reply, your voice soft but steady. "I have returned."

Viserys hesitates, his gaze shifting to Daemon, who stands beside you, his expression unreadable. The king’s eyes then fall to the children, and his heart twists with a sudden, overwhelming mixture of emotions—joy, sorrow, anger, and relief all at once.

"And these…" Viserys begins, his voice faltering as he looks at the boy and girl, "are your children?"

"Our children," Daemon corrects, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. There is a proud, possessive note in his tone as he looks at you and the children, as if daring anyone to challenge his claim.

The boy, sensing the attention on him, steps forward, his small chest puffed out with pride. "I am Aegon," he announces, his voice clear and strong. "Aegon of House Targaryen."

"And I am Rhaella," the girl adds, her violet eyes sparkling with the same fierce determination that burns in Daemon’s. "Daughter of Prince Daemon and Princess Y/N."

Viserys looks at them, his eyes filling with tears he can barely contain. "Aegon… Rhaella…" he murmurs, reaching out a hand to them. "My niece and nephew."

But before he can take another step, Jason Lannister, who had been standing nearby, watching the scene unfold with barely concealed anger, speaks up. "This is an outrage!" he exclaims, his voice carrying across the silent grounds. "This man stole the king’s sister and has kept her in exile for years, and now he parades her and their bastards before us as if we should welcome them!"

A hush falls over the crowd, tension crackling in the air like a storm about to break. Daemon’s gaze snaps to Jason, his eyes narrowing into slits of cold fury. He releases Rhaella’s hand and steps forward, every inch the dragon that he is, his hand resting on the hilt of Dark Sister.

"You dare speak of my children in such a way?" Daemon’s voice is deadly quiet, each word laced with barely restrained rage. "You, who couldn’t even keep what was never yours?"

Jason’s bravado falters, but he presses on, his pride wounded. "They are illegitimate! Faith of the Seven doesn't acknowledge such unions!"

Daemon’s lips curl into a predatory smile, and in one swift motion, he draws Dark Sister, the Valyrian steel blade gleaming wickedly in the sunlight. He moves with the deadly grace of a seasoned warrior, closing the distance between himself and Jason in the blink of an eye.

"Speak another word," Daemon hisses, the tip of his blade hovering just above Jason’s throat, "and it will be your last."

Jason freezes, the color draining from his face as he stares into the eyes of the rogue prince. The crowd watches in breathless silence, the tension palpable. You can feel the eyes of everyone on you, but your focus is on Daemon, on the way his hand steadies, his grip sure and unwavering.

"Daemon," you say softly, taking a step forward. Your voice, gentle yet firm, cuts through the tension. "He is not worth it."

For a moment, it seems as if Daemon might ignore you, might spill blood here and now just to make his point. But then, slowly, he lowers the blade, his eyes never leaving Jason’s terrified face.

"Remember this, Lannister," Daemon says, his voice low and menacing. "The next time you speak ill of my wife or my children, I will not be so merciful."

With that, he sheathes Dark Sister and turns away from Jason, dismissing him as if he were nothing more than an insect. The Lannister lord stumbles back, pale and shaken, and quickly retreats, disappearing into the crowd.

Viserys watches all of this in stunned silence, his eyes wide as he takes in the scene before him. When Daemon turns back to you, his expression softens, and he takes your hand in his, pulling you close.

"We are here now, brother," Daemon says, his tone more measured. "We are family, and nothing will change that. Not time, not distance, and certainly not the words of a fool like Jason Lannister."

Viserys looks at you, his eyes searching yours for answers, for reassurance. "Why now, sister? After all these years… why return now?"

You look at him, feeling the weight of all that has passed between you, the distance that had grown and the love that had remained. "Because I could not stay away forever," you say softly. "Because you are my brother, and I have missed you every day. And because our children deserve to know their family."

Viserys steps forward, pulling you into an embrace that is both warm and desperate, as if he fears letting you go again. "I have missed you too," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "More than you could ever know."

Daemon watches the two of you, his eyes flicking between you and Viserys. For a moment, you see something unguarded in his expression—something like relief, though quickly masked by his usual aloofness.

"Let this day be a new beginning," Viserys says, finally pulling back and looking at Daemon, his tone almost pleading. "For all of us. Stay in King’s Landing. Be at my side. Let us be a family again."

Daemon’s eyes harden slightly, as if considering the weight of Viserys’ words. He glances at you, searching your face for any sign of what you might want, what you might ask of him in this moment. For years, you have been his anchor, the one person he would follow anywhere, the one person whose opinion could sway him.

You meet his gaze, and though your heart swells at the thought of reuniting with Viserys, of your children growing up surrounded by family, you know what Daemon is feeling. King’s Landing has never been kind to him. It has always been a place of politics, betrayal, and intrigue, a place that tried to mold him into something he was not. And yet, the desire for peace between the brothers, for some semblance of family, tugs at you.

Daemon’s grip on your hand tightens slightly, and he turns his attention back to Viserys. "You speak of family, brother," Daemon says, his voice carefully controlled, "but it was you who sent your own blood away, who sought to wed her to another man against her will."

Viserys winces at the memory, guilt flashing across his face. "I made a mistake," he admits, his voice pained. "One I have regretted every day since. I thought I was doing what was best for the realm, for our family. But I see now that I was wrong."

Daemon’s expression remains inscrutable, but the tension in his posture seems to ease slightly. "And now you want us to stay," he says, not quite a question, but more of a challenge.

"Yes," Viserys replies earnestly, stepping closer to you both. "Stay. Let us rebuild what was broken. You are my brother, and she is my sister. We should stand together, not apart."

You feel the weight of the moment pressing down on you, the air thick with the potential for reconciliation—or for more conflict. You squeeze Daemon’s hand, hoping to communicate your own longing for peace, for a life where your children can grow up knowing their uncle, their heritage, without the constant threat of exile hanging over them.

Daemon glances at you, his eyes softening as he reads the unspoken plea in your gaze. He exhales slowly, as if releasing a great burden, and finally nods, a small but significant gesture.

"We will stay," Daemon says, his tone firm but not without warmth. "But make no mistake, Viserys—I will not be made a tool in anyone’s game, not even yours. We come as equals, or not at all."

Viserys nods, relief washing over him. "Equals," he agrees, his voice thick with gratitude. "As it should be."

The tension that has hung over the tourney grounds like a storm cloud begins to dissipate, the atmosphere lightening as the onlookers realize that the confrontation they feared will not come to pass. Instead, there is a sense of awe, of history in the making, as they witness the reconciliation of the Targaryen siblings.

The children, sensing the change, tug at your hands, their eyes wide with curiosity and excitement. "Will we stay here, Mother?" Rhaella asks, her voice full of wonder. "In the big castle?"

You smile down at her, brushing a strand of silver hair from her face. "Yes, my love," you say gently. "We will stay, and you will have your uncle Viserys and many others to meet."

Aegon’s eyes light up, his young mind already racing with possibilities. "And will we get to see the Iron Throne? Will we be able to ride our dragons here?"

Viserys, hearing the boy’s excitement, kneels down to their level, a warm smile spreading across his face. "You will see the Iron Throne, and much more," he promises, his voice full of affection. "You are both of the blood of the dragon, and this is your home as much as it is mine."

Daemon watches the interaction closely, a flicker of something like contentment in his eyes as he sees Viserys embrace his role as uncle. There is still wariness in him, a reluctance to fully trust after so many years of betrayal and bitterness, but there is also a sliver of hope, kindled by the presence of his children and the woman he loves.

As you and Daemon stand beside Viserys, the king rises and takes both of your hands in his, his eyes shining with the beginnings of tears. "Thank you for coming back," he whispers, his voice full of emotion. "Thank you for giving me a chance to make things right."

You nod, squeezing his hand gently. "We are family, Viserys," you say softly. "And family is worth fighting for."

Daemon, ever the rogue prince, adds with a smirk, "Just remember, brother, that dragons cannot be tamed. We are here because we choose to be, not because we must."

Viserys chuckles, a sound full of warmth and brotherly affection. "I wouldn’t have it any other way," he says, pulling you both into a rare embrace that speaks of years of lost time and the possibility of a future where the Targaryens stand united once more.

As the sun sets over King’s Landing, casting the tourney grounds in hues of gold and crimson, the three of you—Daemon, you, and Viserys—stand together, a family reunited at last. And though the path ahead may be uncertain, for this moment, there is peace, and there is hope, both of which have been hard-won.

And as you look at the faces of your children, who gaze upon the world with wonder and excitement, you dare to believe that this peace might just last—if only for a little while.

[stinkysam]

Choi Subong “Thanos” - Golden child.

Warning : this is not an x reader cuz they’re brothers. Drugs, death, violence, lots of scenes retranscriptions, really long (11k3 words)

Genre : fluff

Synopsis : “You’re Thanos’ little brother and you decide to join the games to help him pay his debts.” - anon

Reader : male (you/yours)

A/N : bold is in English // pt.2 Bro.

You were the second and last child, the favorite. The one that succeeded in everything he tried and never brought troubles home.

Unlike Subong who had bullied some of his classmates before leaving school at a young age to focus on his rap career, had some moderate success and then failed, you were still in school, mixing studies and work in a tight schedule.

That didn’t stop your dad from giving you a hard time at certain moments, though it was your older brother who took most of it during your childhood. 

When Subong left the house, your father badmouthed him for it, saying he didn’t care about the family or taking care of your parents, but when you did you almost got praised.

“Ah, my successful son.” You received a pat on the head, a bit too strongly for your liking.

Your mother on the other hand had congratulated you the same way she did with your brother. Buying and cooking you food for your own place to fill the fridge.

You knew she worried about him, and you did too.

Despite these differences as you grew up, Subong always saw you as his baby brother that he needed to take care of.

In his own way though. 

But you felt more like it was the opposite since the day you began to understand how your family worked. You didn’t mind though, you loved him and his antics, actively hanging out with him once school was over, from elementary school till you got into university. 

You didn’t care if you had to solve his problems, you knew he’d do the same thing if you got into trouble. Which you tried to hide a lot of times because you knew he would beat up anyone bothering you. And you didn’t want him to go to jail because of you.

So when a weird man approached you on a Sunday at 10am for a game of ddakji with money for the winner, you wondered if he was some kind of gambler trying to get his fix.

You weren’t particularly looking for money, but 100 000 per victory was still appetizing and you thought about your brother.

He sometimes asked you for money and even though it was always small amounts he never refused when you gave him extra cash. He never told you he had debts yet you easily guessed it despite not knowing how much he owed exactly.

You accepted to play. You could give what you earned in that small game to give it to him.

Rubbing your stinging cheek you took the money the man gave you, counting it before folding it and pushing it in your pocket.

He handed you a small card, telling you you could win more by playing a few more games.

It smelled fishy but you still took it, wondering how much you could make and if it’ll be enough to help your brother.

As you walked away, you immediately called him.

“Rise and shine ! I got something for you.” You said a sing-song tone as soon as he picked up after the third try.

“Huh ?” His voice was rough, you knew you had woken him up, it made you laugh.

“400 000 won. What do you say ?”

“Huh ?” He repeated. “Mh, I don’t need money…” He said uncharacteristically quiet, you scoffed.

“Yeah, right. You’re at your place I suppose ?”

“…Yeah.”

“Coming.” And with that you hung up.

-

You woke up at the same time as everyone, quickly emerging, looking around and at all the people surrounding you.

From above, you spotted on the ground someone with purple hair walking around amongst the others. You tried to get a better look when suddenly a big door of the lobby opened, pink masked men coming in with guns.

A man with a square on his mask welcomed you all, explaining what you were going to do for the next following days. Then questions came. Why the kidnapping ? The masks ? Why all those secrets ?

As the square responded, talking about security of the staff, a girl commented on her clothes, finding them ugly, preferring to wear the pink suit the armed guys were wearing.

That’s when the man with purple hair you saw earlier spoke, talking about his limited edition shoes. You recognized the voice instantly.

“Subong ?” You said to yourself, not believing your ears and eyes.

Another man intervened, asking about his phone, needing to monitor the crypto market at all times.

You supposed the square no longer had patience, showing and giving the names of everyone that had asked questions. Your brother appeared on the screen above the pink man. There were no doubts anymore. He’s here.

Fuck.

The square continued talking, speaking about second chances while the screen continued to display everyone in the room playing ddakji. You weren’t listening, hurrying out of bed and climbing down to find your brother.

You quickly stopped though as the lights dimmed down and a giant piggy made of glass came down from the ceiling.

“How much is the prize money ?” A curly haired man asked.

“The prize money for the games is 45.6 billion won in total.” The square replied as you almost fell from the ladder in shock. 

Regaining your composure, you slowly began searching for your brother again as more questions and answers were given, and apparently you weren’t the only one searching for someone. Just as some old woman found that curly haired man, you saw Thanos’ purple hair.

“Bro ! Subong !” You whispers yelled, making your way toward him.

Subong’s head shot up, looking around for whoever had called him. His eyes widened when he saw you approaching. What ?!

“What the fuck are you doing here ?” He asked a bit too bluntly, making you grimace at him.

“I came here to get you money. You’re not supposed to be here as well.” You sighed, putting your hands in your pockets. “If I knew you’d be here too, I wouldn’t have called them.”

“You should’ve told me, man ! No secrets between us, remember ?”

“Like your big debts you hide from mom, dad and me ? Wasn’t it 1.19 billion ?”

“How do you know ?” He asked, genuinely surprised. He thought he had hidden it well. “Ah, they said it when they showed me. Did I look cool ?”

“No.” You said, too seriously, making him huff. “And no, I knew before that.”

“Huh ?”

“I’m smart, you’re dumb, remember ? I smelled your debts from kilometers away.” You said with a proud smile, dusting off your chest.

“Ah, that bastard.” He said under his breath, glaring at you. “Is that the way of treating your older brother ? Mh ?” He pushed your shoulder, making you smile.

“Sorry. But seriously, why didn’t you tell me you met that sketchy guy when I told you how I got the 400 000 won ?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you’d call them ?”

You stared at him and gave him a sigh.

“Alright. You got a point.” 

“No more secrets, okay ? You know everything anyway.” He said, showing you his pinky. “Promise ?”

You looked at his hand and groaned.

“You have my word but no pinky promises. It’s fucking cringe at your big age.”

He put one hand on his heart, acting hurt, his other one still waiting for yours.

“Do it.”

“No.”

“Come on ! Do it !” He loudly said, losing patience and attracting attention, making you give in.

“…Alright.” You sighed, one hand on your face in embarrassment as you locked pinkies with your other one, thumb touching his. “Promise.”

“Good.” He said, rubbing your hair quickly. Before hugging you. “Ah, I’m so happy you’re here. We’re gonna make so much money, my little guy !”

-

You gave each other a thumbs up as you signed the consent form to play the games and walked back behind the lines, waiting for everyone to be done.

That’s when a young man approached you two, 124 written on his sweatshirt. 

“Thanos. Do you remember me ?” He asked, a bit awkwardly.

“No.” Subong replied. You tried not to smile at his bluntness. “Who are you ?”

“I’m Namgyu, from club Pentagon, we met a few times, don’t you remember ?”

“No.” He said again, shaking his head after thinking quickly. “What do you want ?”

You barely listened to Namgyu’s answer, focusing on trying to find the highest number on people’s sweatshirts.

“Oh, there’s MG Coin.” Namgyu said, pointing to the front. Subong suddenly stood up, walking toward where 124 was showing. 

You saw them talk with another guy, 333 on his clothes, their discussion grew more heated and you grimaced as Subong grabbed him, about to punch the man, but Namgyu stopped him.

Your brother walked away only to go back toward 333, probably menacing him before sitting next to you once more.

“You lost money because of him ?” You asked, trying to understand what happened.

“500 million won. That fucking bastard.”

You stared at him, dumbfounded. You said nothing though a hundred things rushed to your mind. Why the fuck would he spend that much on it ? Was it the money he won by rapping ? Does he even know how crypto works ? Why did he trust some random guy on the World Wide Web ? Was he… truly dumb ?

You sighed, massaging your forehead.

Soon, everyone had signed the consent form and the square told you to follow them for the first game.

You patted your brother’s back as you stood up.

As you formed a line, Subong behind you and Namgyu behind him, you tried to find where you were by looking for windows.

But there were none. Long corridors with unnatural lights, stairs in every direction, no views to the outside. You could still be in Korea or on some random island in the middle of the sea. Or maybe even underground in another country.

Your photo was taken and as you walked away you looked at your brother. Someone had recognized him, a fan, asking for a photo with him. Soon more people came asking for a photo, squeezing in the shot to be with him in the picture. You smiled, amused and laughed when the square said it was not allowed.

You walked away, still chuckling as your brother told him to get in the shot as well.

You continued going up and down the multiple stairs, seeing the other lines taking a different path than yours. You wondered if you’d all end up in the same place.

Suddenly Subong pushed you, rushing past the people in front of you. You wondered what was going on until you saw the lady who spoke about how ugly the green tracksuit is.

“Ah, who does he think he is ? Casanova or some shit ?” You sighed, rubbing the bridge of your nose.

Next time you saw him, it was on a big empty field, with what seemed like all the other persons from the lobby. You wanted to approach him but as soon as you heard him talk to that girl you walked away.

“Fuck. So cringe.” You huffed, slapping lightly your face to recover from that sight. Sadly you weren’t far enough as you heard him rap for her. You tried not to laugh, your eyes watering in embarrassment. “Surely he’s adopted.”

The doors closed as they announced the name of the first game, Green light, red light. Seems easy. You liked playing that game with your brother as you were a kid, though he always added new rules so you’d lose.

Then a man rushed to the front, 456, the highest number you’ve seen on someone. He yelled for everyone to listen to him, that losing meant dying. 

No one seemed to believe him, even arguing back and saying it was ridiculous.

So 456 continued, saying the doll had motion detectors in her eyes. You knew this whole situation was weird, but didn’t expect the other people here to be weird as well.

But still no one believed him. Even as the first few rounds started, everyone was moving and freezing in time as he stayed still, yelling to stay relaxed.

It was going so well until that girl your brother was flirting with moved, scared of the bee on her neck.

“Crap, I just moved.” She said, before getting shot in the head and falling to the ground. Your breath was caught in your throat as you almost jumped at the sound of a gunshot. Your brother was frozen, though you couldn’t see his face, you knew it was covered in her blood.

“Fuck- what the fuck ?” You whispered, staring at her body while yours began to shake.

“Nobody moves !” 456 screamed. Could he just shut up ? “You must not move !”

“Player 196 eliminated.”

Then a woman looked at 196 before screaming in horror and getting shot as well. More people moved in shock, screaming, rushing to the back, pushing people which made them move as well.

Through all the noise, you could barely hear 456 screaming, but you knew he was still telling you to stay frozen, to not move and wait or you’ll die.

“Let me repeat. You can move forward while the tagger shouts ‘Green light, red light’. If your movements are detected afterwards, you will be eliminated.”

No one dared to move when the doll turned and sang again, too afraid to die. As she did it once more, you saw your brother move, quickly getting something from around his neck.

“You will also die if you don’t make it there in time !” 456 yelled, urging you to move as soon as you could. “That doll is a motion detector ! But it can’t detect motion that’s not visible to it ! Go behind someone bigger than you, like you’re doing Follow the Leader !”

2 minutes 19 were remaining, and you were close to the middle of the field. Time is short but if you hurry up you could make it.

Everyone moved when the doll turned around, already forming lines as they hid behind each other. But her song got faster and faster, never leaving you enough time to properly run.

That’s when you saw your brother push three people before him, sending them to their deaths. Fuuuck. He had his fucking pills with him and took one of them.

He was also the first one to move again as the doll faced the wall, skipping, jumping, heel kicking.

You tried calling for him, telling him to hide behind someone. He was in plain sight, easily seen by the killer doll. But he was too out of it, the only one in the field taking pleasure playing.

Only a few meters remained, Subong crossed before you, dancing in joy as you finally reached the finish line too, out of breath. You were ready to let yourself fall to the ground to rest when he grabbed you, making you celebrate with him, but you just pulled away, throwing up. You had seen enough blood and deaths for a lifetime.

Everyone looked up when the sky closed. Pink guards coming in to bring you back to the lobby. Not a word was uttered on the way.

Subong tried to get you to talk, but you ignored him. You felt like if you spoke you’d cry or throw up again.

You all sat as one united group in the lobby, still silent.

You brother was sniffing and fidgeting. Namgyu asked him if he was alright.

“Don’t worry.” Subong replied.

“What ?”

“I’m okay.”

You were shaking, anxiously swaying when the lights were turned on, the square and a few triangles entering the lobby. Everyone moved away, trying to hide behind the beds to not get shot. Subong barely moved while you hid behind him and Namgyu.

The square congratulated you for making it through the first game, and announced how many people were remaining.

Scared, the old woman you previously saw with the curly haired man moved forward, begging to spare hers and her son’s life, promising she’ll find a way to repay her son’s debts. People followed, begging on their knees as well. You were still watching from behind Thanos.

“We are not trying to harm you. We are presenting you with an opportunity.” Said the square.

“Close three of the consent form !” A man yelled as everyone went silent, looking at him. “‘The games may be terminated upon a majority vote.’” It was 456. “Correct ?”

“That is correct.”

“Then let us take a vote right now.”

The square agreed, talking about respecting the right of freedom of choice. Everyone signed in relief, and you did too, relaxing slightly.

“But first, let me announce the prize amount that’s been accumulated.” He added, before clicking on a remote, and the glass piggy appeared again. Before you could wonder what was happening, money fell into it in large quantities, gaining everyone’s interest, slowly coming out of their hiding spot. 

Subong and Namgyu moved, getting closer from the center to get a better view as you remained on the floor, too stunned to move.

“The number of players eliminated in the first game is 91. Therefore, a total of 9.1 billion won has been accumulated.” The square announced. “If you quit the games now, the 365 of you can equally divide the 9.1 billion won and leave with your share.”

“How much is that ?” Someone asked.

“Each person’s share would be 24,931,500 won.”

Which meant 49,863,000 with you and your brother.

“Twenty million ? You said 45.6 billion !” Yelled Subong.

“The rule is that a hundred million won will be accumulated for each eliminated player. If you choose to play the next game and more players get eliminated, the prize amount will increase accordingly.” The square replied.

Your mind was racing, barely listening as more questions were asked. The square’s answers seemed to please everyone as they all began to whisper among themselves.

If you and Subong survive, it’ll be 45.5 billion won in total, so 22.75 billion each. Fuck. Could you stand more games ? There was this guy, Namgyu, that could help but could you really trust him ?

“Now, let’s begin the vote.” Said the square as some circles entered to place a machine with two buttons before him, an O and X lighting up on the floor. “If you wish to continue the games, press the O button. If you wish to end them, press the X button.”

456 voted first, not even hesitating as he chose X before walking to the X side of the lobby.

454 chose O and did the same, standing on the other side of the room.

Slowly, 54 people had voted. There was no real big majority, though it seemed like more people voted X. Then the Os were winning, 92 people against 87. Your brother rushed to the machine, pushing the O button without hesitation. 93.

You sighed.

Fuck. You’d have to vote O too.

456 suddenly intervened, telling people to come to their senses. Why did so many want to keep playing after knowing how the games were ?

100 argued back, asking who he was and why he kept egging everyone on.

“You scared us by saying they’d shoot us before the game even began !”

254 spoke too, saying she almost died because 456 made her so nervous.

That’s when 226 asked the real question. How did 455 know they were going to shoot those who moved ? Was he one of them ?

456 stayed silent as they continued to argue back, chaos erupting as both sides yelled at each other.

“I have played these games before !” 456 finally yelled, shutting up everyone. “I have done this before ! I knew about the first game because I had played it before ! I played the games here three years ago. And everyone who was with me… died here !”

This stunned everyone. But not for long. He already came here ? How did he survive alone ? Was he the only winner ?

“I was the final winner.” He added, quietly. “If we continue the games, every single person here, just like all the people back then, will die in the end.”

100 scoffed, not believing him. What was he doing here if he already won 45.6 billion won ?

More people voiced their disbelief as you saw your brother approach 456 confidently.

“If you really won, it actually works better for us.” He pointed at him. “You can give us some tips on how to beat these games.”

“That’s right ! We have a previous winner with us, so what do we have to worry about ?” 100 added. “Come on, let’s do this !”

“Come on !” Your brother yelled, as other Os agreed, encouraging the others to vote O as well.

You saw 456 walk toward those who hadn’t voted yet, begging them to vote X to stop the deaths. As he was talking a triangle had approached him, planting his gun on his back.

“From here on, we will not tolerate actions that disrupt the voting process.” Said the square. “Now let’s resume the vote. Player 228.”

And so the vote continued. Slowly the X returned the situation, voting in mass while you stood next to your brother with an O on your chest. You heard him sigh, annoyed with how this was going.

331 people had voted, the Xs were winning. Then the Os, then the Xs again and so on.

As only a couple persons were left, each side cheered when a vote their way was made.

“Player 001.” Called the square.

“Everyone, say O !” Your brother yelled, raising his fist in the air and quickly each side did the same thing. Yelling what to vote. 001 could change everything, getting you out or keeping you in. His vote was crucial.

Silence fell as he stood in front of the buttons, visibly hesitating before choosing O. 

Everyone cheered, Thanos was jumping in joy, his hand on your shoulder to reach higher before bumping his chest against Namgyu’s.

After the vote and when everyone had calmed down, the pink men came back, putting you all in lines to give you food. Fried egg and rice with a bottle of water.

You were eating calmly with your brother and Namgyu. They talked first about the prize money and slowly the discussion drifted toward the YouTuber that had scammed them. If they get his money as well, it would make a really great sum.

Namgyu left first, rubbing his hands, Thanos followed quickly, leaving you his rice to finish. Though you didn’t feel too hungry after what happened, you still took it, watching where they were going.

Toward the YouTuber, obviously.

It didn’t take long for them to throw hands, 333 throwing himself on your brother, both landing on the floor as Namgyu tried to help.

Subong got back up and began punching the poor man.

“Son of a bitch.” He cursed, 333 was on the floor as he began to kick him. “I lost all the money because of you, fucker. You piece of shit.” 

Fuck. You quickly finished your rice and stood up, wanting to stop him before he could beat him up too much.

“Boys, what are you doing in the middle of mealtime ?” 001 intervened, slowly making his way toward Subong, Namgyu and 333. “No fights during mealtime. There are elders present. Mind your manners. And two against one… aren’t you embarrassed ?” 

Your brother stopped, looking at him before approaching him, confidently closing the distance.

“You’re lecturing me when you ended up in this shithole too ? Dude, stop running your mouth and take care of your own damn kids.”

“What did you say ?”

“I said save the lecture for your own damn kids.”

Then 001 grabbed him by the throat, making you jump and hurry toward them with Namgyu. The man kicked you two without breaking a sweat, sending you to the floor before letting go of your brother.

Knowing him, he was seeing himself as the strongest here, so he wasn’t going to back down from this fight. As he approached 001, he got punched in the stomach, bending down in pain and trying to catch his breath.

“Wait-” He said, trying to put a hand on the man who grabbed his arm which cracked loudly, and sent him on the floor before kicking his face and shoulder, making him lay on his back.

001 was above him, strangling him and ready to punch him again as you stood up with difficulty, limping toward them.

“I’m sorry.” Subong said, struggling to speak.

“Please let go of him, we’re sorry !” You said, bowing completely, desperately trying to help your brother not get killed here. You could not take that man in a fight. “Please, sir !”

“Please… let me go…” Subong’s face was red, voice strained, hands by 001’s wrist.

Slowly, 001 pulled away as your brother coughed, finally getting some air. You rushed to his side, helping him up.

People were clapping, applauding the man for stopping the fight. He nodded slightly before walking back to the group he was with.

You sat with Subong in a corner, Namgyu joining you rapidly, limping as well. You stayed together till it was time to go to bed.

But despite his loss, your brother still looked confident, he was not going to be put down so easily. If he wasn’t the strongest, he was the second strongest. You sighed, exasperated and placed your hand on his head. If you could just give him some of your brain cells… Just a bit…

“What ? What is it ?” He asked, looking at you.

“No, nothing. Keep yapping, I’m going to bed.”

“I’m not yapping. Hey ! Come back here !” He sighed as you ignored him, climbing to your bed. “That asshole…”

-

You woke up to the sound of classical music, and soon a voice in the speakers spoke, announcing the start of the second game as armed pink men came in. You began to climb down, and as you reached the floor you looked at your wrist. Your watch was gone.

“What time is it ?” You asked.

“Too early.” Your brother responded still on his bed, opening his cross and taking a yellow pill.

“My god.” You said, watching him annoyed. You knew you couldn’t stop him even if you tried. “It’s always too early for you.” You added, before walking away.

He just tsked, swallowing the pill. 

From above, Namgyu knocked on the bed frame, gaining his attention, asking what he was taking.

“You don’t need to know. It’s time to play the game.” Subong replied, standing up and following you.

You arrived in a big room, two giant colored circles on the ground. They looked like rainbows. Purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red.

The voice told you to divide into teams of 6 by the end of the 10 minutes. Quickly people began to look for partners.

Your brother wrapped an arm around you and patted Namgyu’s back.

“Three !” He announced proudly.

“Yeah, three missing.” You added.

“[Name] ! Namsu !”

“Namgyu.” Namgyu corrected.

“Excuse me, can I team up with you ?” A voice spoke from behind. As you turned around you recognized the man. He was the fanboy who wanted a photo with Thanos yesterday.

You nodded, eager to find the missing team members.

“Of course !” Your brother added, hitting the man’s shoulder.

“Thank you so much !” The fanboy quickly bowed.

“What’s your name ?” Namgyu asked.

“Gyeongsu.”

“[Name].” You said, pointing to yourself, then pointed to Namgyu. “Namgyu.” And then to your brother. “Him.”

“‘Him ?’ I’m fucking Thanos the great ! The legend !” 

“Yeah, yeah, we’re aware.” You said, nodding, making him glare at you. You could be really annoying sometimes.

“So… 2 more people, right ?” Namgyu pointed out, looking around for two more people.

That’s when Subong left without a warning, making the team follow him. Something had caught his eyes.

A girl.

Obviously. 

“Not again…” You whispered. “One of us really must be adopted.”

“Señorita, excuse me ?”

“Oh my god.” You hid behind Gyeongsu, too ashamed of your brother.

The girl turned around, staring.

“Let’s play the game together.” Thanos said, crossing his arms with a smirk.

The woman looked at all of you before answering, unsure.

“Well, why should I ?”

“Don’t you know who he is ?” Gyeongsu asked. “He’s Thanos, the rapper.” As he said that your brother posed, you just wanted to walk away and find another team. “I’m gonna kill half of humanity with my raps.” Gyeongsu rapped, imitating him.

You felt sick. Why were you with them ?

“Hang on, a girl ? We don’t know what the game is.” Namgyu finally said as she tried not to laugh.

“I, Thanos the great, will protect you.” Your brother said, ignoring him.

“Right, Thanos...” The girl said, looking away, seemingly thinking. “So you have all the Infinity Stones ?”

“Of course.” He showed his nails proudly. “I’m gonna destroy anyone who gets in my way !” And took a step closer. “Just stick with me, and you’ll be safe. Okay ?”

“But I already asked someone to join me.”

“No problem.” He replied, rolling his R. “Who is it ?”

The woman looked at all of you before taking a step to the side, showing a smaller man. 125 written on his sweatshirt. He had voted X.

Namgyu sighed as you poked your head from behind Gyeongsu to look at him.

“What’s your name ?” Thanos asked.

“…It’s Minsu.” 125 replied.

“He looks like a freaking dork.” Namgyu argued but Subong ignored him.

“What’s up ? Nice to meet you, my brother.” He said, walking closer to him. “Welcome to the Thanos world.” He grabbed his hand and wrapped an arm around him. Continuing as he pulled away. “You’re cute. Come on.”

You looked at the timer, 1 minute 58 seconds remaining. You sighed, glad you found everyone you needed under the time limit. You used it to present yourselves to Minsu.

When the time was over, everyone sat by groups in the colored circles. Namgyu stared at Minsu while your brother swayed side to side, fidgeting excitedly.

The voice over the PA system announced the rules of the game. Presenting each mini game.

“Number one, ddakji. Number two, flying stone. Number three, gonggi. Number four, spinning top. Number five, jegi. Number six, cham cham cham. Your goal is to win all the mini-games and cross the finish line in 6 minutes.

“You guys pick.” Your brother said, not caring at all about what he’ll have to do. You elbowed him and he just looked at you, confused.

The first two teams were ready to start, everyone anxiously staring at them while continuing to pick what mini-game they could do.

“Let the game begin.” The voice said.

“Let’s get it ! Whooo !” Your brother yelled, hyped for it. 

The square shot in the air, and the timer began to run.

Everyone watched the two teams play, failing certain mini games repeatedly. And eventually, the 12 of them got shot. Making most of you jump.

Fuck. Could you really make it ?

Namgyu quickly turned to your brother who was in his own world, wiggling and shaking his head. You were breathing heavily, lost in your thoughts.

“I don’t know what the fuck are you talking about.” Subong said a bit loudly, bringing you back to earth.

“If I get nervous and lose the game, we’ll all die. My hands are shaking like crazy.” Namgyu said, showing his hands. He was shaking more than you.

“Namsu.” Your brother started, only to be cut off.

“It’s Namgyu.”

“Right, Namgyu.” He took his cross in his hand. “Do you know what that is ?”

“Ecstasy ? Ketamine ?” Namgyu whispered.

“It’s a new kind. It’s fucking crazy, man. You can’t handle it.”

“Hey.” Namgyu rolled his sleeve, showing a scar on his left arm. “I did all kinds of stuff when I was working at the club. I even bought you some when you came to the club.”

Subong looked around, and opened his cross discreetly, giving him one pill.

“You junkie.” 

Namgyu quickly took it, chewing it before swallowing. You simply hoped they wouldn't get too high and fail the games. Praying to any gods to help you.

“What ?” Namgyu asked Minsu who was staring at him, Subong back in his imaginary world.

“Uh, nothing.” Minsu replied awkwardly.

“What’s your name again ?”

“It’s Minsu.”

“Minsu, what’s the famous quote by Admiral Yi Sun Sin ?”

But Minsu didn’t answer. Confused by the question at a time like this.

“‘Those seeking life shall croak. Those seeking death shall live’. So don’t be scared. Just tell yourself that you don’t care if you die. Then we’ll survive, win the money, and get the fuck out.”

“Hey, mind your own business.” Finally said Semi. Gyeongsu looking at the two.

“Me ?” Namgyu asked.

“Yes, you. Mr. Shaky Hands.”

“What’s with the attitude ? We shouldn’t have picked a girl. She’s got an attitude.”

“You’re a prick. You had to pop a pill for your nerves.”

“Fucking bitch.”

“Ah, calm down you two.” You finally said, trying to lower the growing tension among the group. 

Then the doors opened. By instinct you leaned to the side to hide behind your brother who put a hand on your knee.

“Don’t worry. I got you.” He said, confidently, trying to reassure you. But with so many guns in the room, it didn’t work.

You watched in silence as the circles got in with big boxes, putting the dead inside. A triangle approached one of them, requested to open it before shooting the person inside twice.

You leaned even closer to your brother, jumping at the gunshots, trying to make yourself as small as possible.

“It’ll be our turn soon.” Subong said.

“Shut up.” You whispered. Your forehead against his back. You really wanted to go home.

Then it was the turn to two other groups. Nervously walking toward each mini game, as everyone looked anxiously at them. You all cheered each time the team of the old woman aced a game, tension growing. They had time, they could make it, right ?

Slowly people stood up to cheer for her team, encouraging them, only staying silent to let them play and focus.

You gasped when 120 slapped 044, staring shocked. But everyone cheered again as she succeeded, counting with them the steps to the next game then turning silent.

120 asked everyone to look away, so you all showed her your back, counting the number of kicks. Then cheering.

“One, two ! One, two ! One, two !” You screamed with the team, taking one step after the other toward the finish line. In the end both teams succeeded which shifted the whole mood.

Each passing team was encouraged, the tension was still here but the weight of death wasn’t as heavy as before.

As you were on the starting line and the guards tied your feet together, you tried to ignore them and relax. No timer, no guns, it was just you and your team having fun. You breathed deeply, wrapping your arm around your brother’s shoulders who was completely hyped for it. You tried to imitate him, confidence could get you far after all.

Gyeongsu was first with ddakji, rapidly succeeding after a few failed attempts. Then it was 380’s turn with flying stones. Namgyu was so nervous his knees kept violently shaking, even when cheering. You wondered if he was gonna piss himself.

Minsu’s turn was up with gonggi, while Subong was just vibing while Namgyu was making noises each time the plastic stones were in the air. You swore to kill him if he made Minsu fail a second time.

Then it was his turn, knees still shaking for the spinning top. And he failed twice. 380 got so close to punching him, grabbing him by his sweatshirt and cursing at him. Subong was dancing, throwing his arms in the air a little too close to Namgyu who had to push him away slightly before trying once more, finally succeeding.

It was now your brother’s turn with jegi, which he easily won, kicking 5 times the fluffy ball.

Came your turn. You stared at the circle, facing him, ready for cham cham cham. Your heart was pounding. You tried to go fast, not much time remaining.

Subong was patting your back, either encouraging you or simply vibing to the music in his head.

You didn’t let the losses shake you, breathing loudly, shaking but rapidly starting over until you succeeded, then the circle looked in the same direction you pointed 5 times. You had won.

You cheered, throwing your hands in the air, and you understood why Namgyu’s knees were shaking like that.

Then the team quickly moved forward, crossing the finish line in time and celebrating your victory.

You were fucking alive ! It was hysterical.

You continued shaking, adrenaline rushing through your blood as they unchained your feet, letting you go back to the lobby group by group.

“I told you we’d win !” Subong said, hand squeezing the back of your neck.

You then waited by your brother’s bed for the rest of the groups to come back.

You exhaled slowly, trying to calm yourself, but your brother kept talking about the games, making you relive the emotions.

“I know, I know, I was there, will you stop it ?” You replied, voice shaky with excitement.

“Why ? We did it !” He laughed. “ And a lot of people are gonna die in groups of 6, so we’re gonna get tons of money !” He added with a confident smile.

“Ah, why did you have to remind me that people die ! Seriously !” You groaned, throwing your head back and climbing on the above bed so he wouldn’t talk to you anymore.

More time passed, and more people came back.

Namgyu sighed, upset that so many “animals” had survived. He turned to Minsu, asking him how many he thought remained.

“Sorry ?” Minsu asked.

“How many roaches do you think we have left in here ?”

Minsu looked around, thinking before answering.

“About 200.”

“200 ?” You said quietly, no longer listening. That’s a lot. Why was there only one survivor in the previous games ? Were the games harder ? Or are they gonna become harder now ?

Shortly after, 6 more people came in, 455’s team. And soon, the square with his triangles entered the lobby, congratulating you all for making it through the second game.

You all looked up at the glass piggy as money continued stacking up inside. And as it accumulated, the square announced the number of people who were eliminated, the amount of people remaining and prize money total and the one to share if the majority decided to leave.

Ah, still not enough for your brother’s debts…

You were not the only one disappointed. It was still nowhere near 100 million won. People argued back, insinuating that the pink men counted the dead wrongly, asking to do it again.

“I completely understand your disappointment.” The square replied. “However we always keep the door open for you to pursue new opportunities. You will now take a vote to decide whether to continue the games or not.”

As he said that, the door opened again, the voting machine being pushed in and placed before him.

You thought it was smart of them, making people want to continue by showing how little they earned right before the vote. You wondered if the result was gonna be as tight as the first one.

It started by 001, changing his previous vote to X. You were a bit taken aback, he is the strongest in a fight and is in the team with the previous winner. What is he scared of ?

As the vote continued, your brother patted your back.

“You’re gonna vote O, right lil guy ?” He asked, looking at the numbers growing on each side.

“Of course, we’re gonna win these games.” You said puffing out your chest, smiling. Namgyu turned toward Minsu, telling him to not betray them.

“What ?” Minsu asked, confused.

“That.” Namgyu grabbed the X patch on Minsu’s chest. “We all agreed to play one more game, right ?”

“Yeah.” Minsu replied quietly. It’s clear he didn’t want to.

Once again there was no real big majority, each side always winning my one or two votes. Came your turn, O, then Namgyu and Minsu, both voting O as well.

You were winning by three votes, when suddenly 001 yelled to stop, and to come back to your senses.

Like the first vote, people argued back and forth about dying and having a second chance at life if they survive. And quickly all the Os with you and your brother were screaming “one more game” under the disappointed look of the Xs.

As time went on, an actual big majority happened, 23 votes separating the two sides. You were the winners.

The square announced the result of the vote, adding that the next game will happen tomorrow and the left.

Time went by and pink men came back to give you food, making you wait in line. You thanked them and walked away, following your brother and sitting next to him.

Everyone in the group gathered near, some more quiet than the others, not interested in participating in the discussion. You didn’t speak either.

The adrenaline had worn off and you just felt utterly tired and too hungry to be satisfied with what you got. Thanos noticed you chewing too much for the bites you took and knowing your eating habits, he gave you a third of his soboro bread to help fill your stomach.

You continued eating slowly, trying to trick your own body into thinking you were eating enough before the guards escorted everyone to the bathroom.

As you came out of the stall, your brother along with Namgyu and Gyeongsu were by the crypto YouTuber’s side. Probably annoying him. You approached, listening to their discussion which seemed a little bit too calm compared to their other altercations.

“You’re my slave until you pay me back.” You heard your brother say. “My slave.”

Ah, they’re still after him…

“So you have to keep playing the games until the end. And who knows ? You might win the entire prize alone.” Subong continued before beginning to rap. “Then I will get my money back, and you will get your happiness back.”

“If I win the prize money alone, that’d mean you’re dead.” Replied 333 as Subong thought about his words. “Why would I pay you back if you were dead ?”

True. You nodded slightly.

“How do you even remember your lyrics ?” 333 continued. “Oh, right. You forgot the lyrics in the show’s finale.”

Ouch.

“You son of a bitch. You have a death wish ?” Your brother grabbed him by the throat, pushing him near the entrance.

“Alright Subong, that’s enough.” You said, pulling him away from 333. You glared at Namgyu who was about to put a hand on your shoulder to stop you. You were not going to let him enable your brother.

Subong was about to go back toward the YouTuber when suddenly 390, 001 and 388 entered. 

He stared at them then at 333 before looking at you. You shook your head ‘no’ as you looked back at him and at 001. You weren’t sure 001 would be as kind as earlier and let him go again if he picked a fight with him.

“I’m watching you.” Subong finally said, pointing at 333 before walking away. You bowed your head slightly as you passed the three men, quietly apologizing for the trouble.

“If you kill him he’ll never pay what he owes you.” You said, walking next to him back to the lobby. He just hummed, still upset he couldn’t finish him.

“Next time it’s on sight though.” Added Namgyu.

“Didn’t you hear what I just said ?” You asked, turning to look at him. He simply rolled his eyes, ignoring you.

As you entered the lobby, a quiet music was playing, announcing that soon the lights will be off for nighttime.

You told your brother to calm down and sleep and he rubbed your hair.

“Good… night.” He said, posing.

“Ehh, so embarrassing.” You tsked walking away and climbing the ladder to your bed.

“[Name] ! Stop being a brat !” He yelled, pointing at you and you laughed, flipping him off.

Acting shocked by your gesture, he quickly grabbed the ladder and began to climb as well.

You hurried up, not wanting him to catch you, and hid under the sheet. That didn’t stop him from arriving at your level.

“Yo, lil bro.” He said, shaking you. “You really think you can tell me to fuck off ? Huh ?”

Your hand slid out from under the covers, flipping him off once again, more discreetly. He still saw it though, grabbing your hand and squeezing it shut tightly. It was starting to hurt.

“Alright, alright !” You quickly said as you came out from under the covers, trying to pull your hand away from his grip. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I won’t flip you off ever again !” You added, hissing.

He took your second hand, squeezing it as well, making you grimace though you were still smiling.

“Are you sure ?” He asked, leaning closer, your fingers cracking.

“Yesss. I promise. Pinky promise even. Ahhh, let go please !”

He let go of your hands, smiling before rubbing your hair once more.

“Good.” He showed you his right hand, wiggling his pinky. You sighed and groaned with a chuckle, accepting your fate as you made another pinky promise. “Flip me off once more…” He warned.

“And I eat dirt. I know. But if I do…” You wiggled your eyebrows, leaning closer. “I’ll tell mom.” You whispered.

“Ah ! You bastard !” Thanos hit your shoulder as you laughed. “Mom can’t always protect you.”

“Yeah but I’m the favorite, remember ?” You replied, posing cutely. “She’ll be so sad to hear you kicked me, your own poor little brother. The family’s little meow meow.” You pouted, making a sad face.

He sighed, a hand in his hair. 

“Fuck off.” He finally said, giving up and climbing down as you chuckled.

“Good… night.” You said, imitating him.

You heard him laugh before replying.

“Hey, sleep with one eye open tonight.”

-

You woke up once more to the sound of classical music, the PA system telling you to get out of bed quickly before the start of the third game. Ah, you could’ve used some more sleep. Whatever.

You stretched and climbed down, seeing your brother share a pill with Namgyu. You sighed, ignoring them and walked amongst the others, waking your legs.

In the long and narrow corridors, Subong and Namgyu were already hyped, joking together. Whatever deadly game was coming, they didn’t care. 

You entered a big room with lots of colored doors, with some kind of round platform in the middle. As you got in, the name of the game got announced.

“Woah, we’ll be mingling together !” Said Subong excitedly looking at the group. “Doesn’t that sound like so much fun ?”

Only Namgyu seemed happy about it, jumping forward instead of walking.

The voice told the rules, repeating itself once more so everyone had heard and understood.

Soon the game started, the platform turning on itself with a song playing on the speakers. Round and Round.

You tried to relax, ready for the voice to announce the number while your brother was shaking his arm in the air, enjoying himself.

The song and the platform stopped suddenly, almost making you fall over.

“Ten.”

You quickly looked at your group, a 30 seconds timer playing. You grabbed the person behind your back as your brother, Namgyu and Semi did the same while taking Minsu and Gyeongsu with you, holding onto each other as you rushed inside a small room.

You looked through the small hole in the door, watching as the remaining people were shot, before being placed inside boxes. The doors unlocked themselves, allowing you to walk out.

You went back on the platform, staring at the puddles of blood splattered on the floor. Your stomach doing a flip.

The song started over, Namgyu and Subong locking arms and dancing.

“Five.”

You stared at your group. You were 6. You saw your brother look at Minsu and Gyeongsu, hesitating before stopping and only looking at him.

“Please…” Gyeongsu said, scared.

“Gyeongsu, you’re out !” Subong finally said, kicking him in the stomach. “Let’s go ! Whooo !” He rushed away, grabbing your arm as you looked at Gyeongsu, shocked. 380 grabbed Minsu who was also standing still.

“Wait- Gyeongsu !” Minsu yelled, wanting to help him as he was pulled away and into another small room, door locking behind him.

“Namgyu, what happened to Gyeongsu ?” Minsu asked as you stared at your brother, unable to wrap your head around what happened.

“Minsu, you fucker.” Namgyu replied, hitting his chest. “Talk to me like I’m your friend again, and I’ll leave you out there next time.”

“Wait !” Subong raised his arms, gaining the attention of everyone. “Where did you leave my boy Gyeongsu ?

You looked at him, utterly confused, as you were about to reply, gunshots and screaming were heard. He brought his hands to his head as he tried to remember what happened.

He suddenly pushed Namgyu to the side, looking through the hole.

“Fuck ! Gyeongsu !” He yelled, horrified.

You stared at him like he had grown a second head.

The doors were unlocked after a couple minutes and you slowly walked out, more blood on the floor, it was hard to not walk on it.

Minsu was distraught by it as well, looking at a puddle by his feet.

“Hey Minsu ! Come on, my boy, come on !” Your brother called him, waving at him to join the group.

It was time for another round, now there were less people on the platform as it began to turn once more.

“Three.”

Subong turned to look at you to grab you and Namgyu but you had disappeared.

With the way he was acting, you couldn’t lie and say you weren’t afraid of what he could do. Not wanting the same fate as Gyeongsu, you left to find two players to go with you.

You were holding one by the hand, frantically looking for one more person. That’s when you saw Semi alone. You grabbed her as well and rushed to a room, closing the door behind you.

Shaking, you tried to calm down, heart pounding. Semi stared at you. The sound of gunshots echoed again and then the voice over the speaker announced the players that had died as circles were putting them in boxes.

The doors reopened and you walked out, fidgeting with your fingers. When is this going to end ? You and 380 noticed Minsu, who stared at her with a relieved expression.

As you went to the platform again, you tried to blend with the other players so your brother wouldn’t find you. Which didn’t work.

“Where did you wander off to ? I thought you died !” He said, frowning, wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

The platform began moving again but after a few seconds only it stopped.

“Six.”

You knew you couldn’t find 5 people in only 30 seconds, so you stayed with them to find 2 more, before rushing inside yet another small room.

As the doors unlocked after some time, you walked out, almost slipping on a puddle of blood. You felt sick and didn’t know if you could keep trusting your own brother.

“Now, the final round.” The woman on the PA system said.

“Fucking finally.” You whispered as you bent down, hands on your knees, tired of it.

The platform began to move, one last time, Round and Round still playing. 

“Two.”

Subong’s head was shaking, cartoonishly looking at you, Namgyu and Minsu. You rolled your eyes and grabbed Minsu, rushing away, closing the door behind you two.

You should’ve known this would happen.

When you were finally allowed to walk out and into the corridors, you didn’t wait for Subong. You were one of the firsts entering the lobby before climbing to your bed. You sighed, at least you made it out alive.

You saw your brother arrive with Namgyu, rushing to Minsu’s side, hugging him energetically. You rolled your eyes, falling backward on your bed, closing your eyes.

Barely a minute after, you heard someone climb your ladder.

“Hey bro. Why did you leave like that ?” Subong asked. “You even wandered off in the middle of the game !”

You ignored him, turning to face the other side.

“Ah, don’t be like that. I knew you’d survive.”

“Go away. I’m voting X.”

“Oh come on, don’t do that.” He whined, a hand on your shoulder, shaking you slightly.

“Picking that guy over your own fucking brother ? No, no, I understand.” You scoffed, refusing to look at him.

“Heyy, you picked Minsu first.” He said. You could hear his smile in his voice. He was still not taking this seriously.

“Your ass was not about to pick me, don’t fucking lie.”

“I was !”

“Is that what you told Minsu too when you got back here ? My boy, I thought I was with you but turns out it was this bastard.” You said, imitating his voice.

“I’m serious ! I was really gonna pick you !”

“Right. Go away, please.”

You heard him sigh, probably running a hand through his hair. Why were you so stingy about it, you survived.

“You’re gonna tell mom ?” He asked, trying to make you laugh. But you said nothing instead, ignoring him again.

He huffed, patting your shoulder before climbing down and going back to Namgyu and Minsu.

You stayed like this for a moment, trying to calm your nerves until the square and his triangles came in. He congratulated you all once more, announcing the results of the third game.

356 million won were accumulated in that glass piggy.

“The vote will once again be conducted in reverse order of your player numbers.” The square said, the voting machine now installed. “Player 456, please cast your vote.”

As the vote went on, you watched as Semi picked X. You looked to the side where your brother was. He was looking at her, making a ‘watching you’ sign with his hands. You smiled before wondering if you could really pick X as well. Subong’s money plus yours would equal 712 million won. Still not enough for his debts, even if you add player 333’s gain.

And as much as you were mad at your brother, you came here to help, not abandon him.

God this was giving you a headache.

The vote continued, your brother skipping to the buttons, kissing the O before turning around to scream while making a circle with his arms.

“Circle ! Let’s go !”

You sighed. You just wanted to go home.

Then it was Minsu’s turn to vote, choosing X. That surprised you.

Namgyu’s turn came right after him, and with no surprises he chose O again.

You did the same, though you had hesitated a few seconds before the buttons. Fuck it, we ball, eh ?

“I knew you’d do the right thing.” Subong whispered to you as you passed next to him to climb to your bed. But you didn’t say anything.

The scores were tight, no side truly getting ahead of the other.

Then the Os were winning again, 50 against 49.

Only 001 remained. His vote barely mattered. It’ll either make a tie or reinforce the Os.

It ended in a tie. Which means the vote will happen again.

Ah, you really didn’t wanna do it. You stayed on your bed until the circles came back with food. You climbed down, and waited in line for a bottle of coke and gimbap rolled up in tin foil.

Subong stopped before you, but you continued walking, passing next to him.

He rushed after you, handing you half of his gimbap.

“Don’t want it.” You said, not looking at him.

“Come on, I know you’re hungry. Take it. I’m sorry.”

“Give it to your new brother.” You replied before climbing to your bed.

As you were eating and drinking calmly on your own, the Xs called the Os to change their vote, saying they’d invite him for some beef and noodles.

Oh, how you wanted to change your vote. Beef and noodles…

The Xs didn’t take this kindly, arguing back until both sides were at each other's throat though they never crossed the red and blue lines separating them.

Slowly the chaos died down, and people were led to the bathroom. You decided to go as well, since you saw both Subong and 333 walk out. Seeing how it went last time, you knew it would end the same way. And if you or 001 wasn’t here to stop Subong, it could end really badly.

“Ah, that bastard.”

You were waiting by the exit door, watching, ready to leave once your brother and Namgyu were done talking to Minsu hiding in the stall. 333 was doing his thing. Everything was well.

But things escalated quickly, the YouTuber interrupted them to protect Minsu’s vote.

They faced and threatened each other, gathering Os and Xs behind themselves. Soon, Minsu rushed out of the stall, hiding behind others Xs.

You stayed by the door, not wanting to have anything to do with it, especially at this scale. You could handle your brother fighting but not a handful of men.

Then, of course, a fight erupted, 333 throwing himself at your brother who quickly sent him to the floor before punching him. Amidst the chaos, you moved closer to them, ready to pull Subong away.

As they strangled each other, you saw 333 take something out of his pocket and quickly you grabbed Subong, pulling him from behind. But that bastard was strong, resisting.

You let go of him before putting all your strength into one more pull, 333 stabbing the air as you and Subong fell on your back, your brother landing on you.

Before he could ask you why you did that, 333 threw himself on him once more, successfully stabbing his left arm and his right hand. 

Luckily, your brother was stronger, pushing him off and standing up quickly again, kicking him in the head and stomach.

You stood up as well and pulled your brother with you, walking out of the bathroom. He argued back, wanting to continue the fight and kill him. 

You refused to let go of him, both pulling in different directions. You accidentally let go of him and he hurried back to the bathroom until you grabbed him by his hair. He let out a scream of pain before doing the same to you with his unharmed hand. Both holding a fist full of hair.

“Come on, stop it !” You yelled, grunting, trying to move your head toward his hand so it wouldn’t hurt you too much.

“You fucking stop it ! Why are you against me ?!”

“Because you’re being fucking dumb !” You winced. “You want to make mom proud !? Don’t fucking kill anyone, that’ll- That’ll fucking help !”

“Let go of me !”

“Not before you calm down !” You pulled his hair harder. “I’m not fucking stopping until you go back to the lobby !”

“Ah ! Fucking bastard !” He yelled, hissing, before finally letting go of you. “Okay I did it, let go of me ! It fucking hurts ! Come on, bro !”

You waited a few seconds before finally pulling away, he rubbed his head, soothing where it was hurting as you did the same. Fuck, maybe you should shave your head so it wouldn’t happen again.

“You.” He pointed at you, approaching. “Why the fuck did you stop me ? Mh ? You should have my back at all times !”

“I fucking do !” You sighed, rubbing the bridge of your nose. “I told you. Do you think mom would be happy to hear how you egged Minsu to vote O, or how you harassed that crypto bastard, nearly killing him ? Or how you pushed those three people to their death during Green light, red light ! I haven’t forgotten ! Or Gyeongsu !”

“Alright, I get it ! Shut up !” He put his hands on his forehead, frowning. He barely remembered what he did. Did he really push three people ? Was it him who killed Gyeongsu ?

“I know you don’t care about dad, I don’t either, but if you go back there and kill that bastard, everything he said about you would turn out true.”

“I said I get it ! Shut your fucking mouth !”

You stared at each other in silence, regaining your calm slowly.

“It fucking scared me, dude.” You started. “That shit you take- After Gyeongsu I thought you’d get me killed as well. That’s why I took Minsu with me when you hesitated.”

“Okay ! I know, I’m sorry !”

You huffed. God, you wanted to punch him.

“Do I have to drag your ass back to the lobby or are you gonna walk with me ?”

“Guys !” You heard coming from behind you two. “Oh my god, guys, you’re here !” Namgyu. You sighed, rolling your eyes. “I got MG Coin’s fork !” He said, rushing to your side, showing it off.

Subong took it quickly, looking at the tines.

“It got my fucking blood on it !”

“Thanos.” You glared at him, warning him. He stared at you, surprised to hear you call him by his stage name. 

He gave the fork back to Namgyu with an annoyed sigh, making his way down the long corridors.

“Let’s go.” He said, waving at you two to follow him.

Crossing your arms you walked behind him until you reached the lobby’s door.

As Namgyu entered, he yelled that the Xs had attacked you three, nearly killing your brother and successfully killing more people.

Both sides slowly approached as Namgyu continued to lie about what actually happened. You walked away from them, going to your bed as you looked at Subong, giving him a ‘watching you’ sign with your hand before climbing up the ladder.

Soon after, the rest of the people in the bathroom arrived, the Xs quickly argued back, defending themselves and trying to spread the truth but the Os refused to believe them. 

The old man, 100, stopped them, asking which side had lost more men, stunning everyone into silence. That’s right, which side ?

Quickly the Xs and Os gathered to count themselves. You stayed on your bed, not really caring if your side had lost more. You knew the result would influence directly on the result of the vote tomorrow, but you didn’t care anymore. You just wanted to go home with your pain in the ass brother.

Your back against the wall, you were already dozing off when the voice over the speakers spoke, telling you to return to bed for nighttime, the lights turning off in 30 minutes.

Slowly the two big groups separated themselves into smaller ones as they rejoined their bed. Continuing talking until the last few minutes of light.

You were practically asleep when you felt your bed shake, someone climbing up the ladder. You groaned, already guessing who it was.

“[Name].” Subong said, shaking you. “You have to get down.”

“No.” You replied quietly, tired.

“They are planning to attack the other side, Namsu and some others have forks but so does the Xs. You can’t stay in the open.”

You sighed, sitting up.

“Huh ?”

“Come with me. We have to hide.”

“You’re not gonna participate in the fight ? Really ? Not even to try and kill crypto man ?”

He shook his head ‘no’ though it was evident he wanted to take part in it.

“Gotta protect my little brother.” He replied, pinching your cheek.

You slapped his hand away, groaning.

“Stop that, I’m not a baby.” You said, but he ignored you, climbing down.

“Come, quickly.”

You groaned, following him. Why did they want to kill each other like that when the games were already doing it ?

“10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…” The voice over the speaker counted.

As you reached the floor, the lights were out. Subong grabbed your arm, pulling you with him, quietly searching for a hiding spot.

“Under the beds, on the floor.” You whispered as you went down, crawling.

He followed you, lying on his stomach next to you as you tried to see what was going on.

You heard a scream from the X side, then rushed footsteps and more screaming. The lights began flickering as chaos quickly followed, everyone fighting. Punching, kicking, stabbing. Killing.

“Don’t make a sound.” Your brother whispered, his hand on your back.

After what could be 5 minutes, the lights were back on again as a group of triangles with a square entered, shooting in the air to stop the fight. 

They walked in, aiming at everyone standing up, making sure they stayed still before scanning the dead.

Your eyes widened when you saw 456 grab a triangle and steal his gun, killing the pink man, followed by more people doing so.

You and Thanos looked at each other, confused.

“What the fuck ?” He said and you shushed him rapidly.

You watched from under the bed as the triangles retreated, leaving behind them the square. An X tried to kill the Os remaining with his gun, but 456 stopped him, before yelling, gaining everyone’s attention.

“Everyone ! Don’t be scared ! Gather round, please !”

Subong shook his head, silently telling you to not move and stay hidden.

“It’s okay to come out !” Another man yelled.

“We’re not trying to hurt you !” 456 continued. Then you heard gunshots again.

It was 120 shooting the cameras.

Soon, everyone except you two was standing up, out of their hiding spot as they gathered guns and ammo in the middle of the room.

“Everyone.” 456 started again. “We will now head up to the masked men’s headquarters. We’ll capture the ones who captured us, put an end to this game, and make them pay !”

You watched as each member of his team was holding a gun.

“Anyone who knows how to use a gun and wishes to join us, please step forward. You tried to make yourself smaller, fearing to be seen even though you were still hiding.

“Hey. I know you’re scared.” Began 390. “I’m scared too. But this may be our last chance to make it out of this place alive. Fight with us so we can go home together. All together.”

“I’ll fight with you.” Said a man, quickly followed by others.

You grabbed Subong’s sweatshirt. Though he didn’t know how to use a gun, except in video games, you believed him dumb enough to try and go with them.

“I’m not gonna go.” He whispered.

“Are you sure ?”

“I’m not dumb.”

“Are you sure ?” You repeated again, smiling. He tsked, pushing your hand away.

“Ah, they left.”

You looked toward the front, no longer seeing 456 and his team. You sighed, relieved.

Now what ?

[simplegenius042]

Music Monday & WIP Wednesday

Tagged by @direwombat and @josephseedismyfather

Tagging @inafieldofdaisies @voidika @raresvtm @imogenkol @noodlecupcakes @socially-awkward-skeleton @adelaidedrubman @josephslittledeputy @cassietrn @g0dspeeed @aceghosts @cloudofbutterflies92 @derelictheretic @icecutioner @shallow-gravy @strangefable @statichvm @carlosoliveiraa @wrathfulrook @starsandskies @ladyoriza @la-grosse-patate @thewanderer-000 @omen-speaker @alypink @shellibisshe @skoll-sun-eater @afarcryfrommymain @strafethesesinners @turbo-virgins @florbelles @minilev @justasmolbard @yokobai and @saynogrumpy + anyone else who'd like to join.

Music for The Silver Chronicles, Life, Despair & Monsters and the terrible trio Noir, Nova and Noa, as well as an WIP for a new FC5 AU called Doll!Silva AU... I'll elaborate some more later below the cut:

Noir, Nova and Noa are a trio of sixth-generation kin whose entire purpose is to act as both an obstacle and represent the number one thing to keep in mind about the multiverse, especially while Jade Smith and Jasmine Rafiq are exploring the various worlds; everything and everyone they will come across will be unpredictable and are never as simply good and bad. Noir, Nova and Noa are both nuisances, guides, roadblocks and advisors. If Jade and Jasmine can adapt to their wacky antics, then to the three kin, the couple are ready for anything that comes their way.

"I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drums Oh, what a shame that you came here with someone So while you're here in my arms Let's make the most of the night like we're gonna die young We're gonna die young We're gonna die young Let's make the most of the night like we're gonna die young!"

"Whoa-oh, whoa-oh, like we're gonna die young Whoa-oh, whoa-oh, like we're gonna die young Whoa-oh, whoa-oh, like we're gonna die young!" "Let's make the most of the night like we're gonna die young!"

Out of all the stories in The Silva Chronicles, I think the most tragic of them all is my Bloodborne WIP, thus far, that is. I only say this cause while WIPs like La Última En Pie, Ain't It A Joy? and How Good Is A Heist If It's Improvised? (although Silva's Hope, Call To Arms and No One's Safe At Home can qualify) are all expressively tragic and often end more bitter rather sweet, they are also kind of connected together, their previous arcs and growth following over to Silva's Hope and then ending rather hopefully in Old Dusk. Meanwhile, the Bloodborne WIP, which I shall call Hematophobia: Fear The Paleblood, is the MOST tragic and the only one I'm confident in saying has a downer ending for majority of characters, even if I keep some of it very ambiguous, like the game itself does. Yharnam and its inhabitants, are doomed to fall. The hunters get little to no peace for their duties, in fact most go mad. The Jäger siblings, Tobias and Caroline, went to Yharnam to cure Caroline of her blood disease, and in the end, one is too ignorant towards duty over family, while the other is irreversibly changed by the knowledge accumulated and all the violence and horror that was witnessed over the course of the long night, and neither will ever be able to see each other again. Splinter succeeds in killing Nigel but fails in his vows to protect others and can't rectify his mistake once he's awoken from the dream and detained by the Time Bureau Authority. In fact, with exception to Caroline's actions (although that's being too generous), mostly everyone else fails in their missions or suffer from the Monkey Paw effect, meaning a lot of everyone's actions throughout this WIP end up being all for nothing, really. It's weird that one Soulsborne WIP (this one) ends ambiguously but certainly the closest to an outright downer ending in my series, while the Elden Ring WIP (another Soulsborne game), ends up being the closest to an actual legitimate happy ending in this series (I'd say Old Dusk is the second closest to a happy ending for Silva, Azriel, Nadi, Alexander, Schrödinger, Isiah and Gemini in addition to most canon characters, though it still has a few bitterness to its overall sweetness).

"Do you realize? That you have the most beautiful face

Do you realize? We're floating in space

Do you realize? That happiness makes you cry

Do you realize? Everyone you know Someday Will die

Do you realize? Everyone you know Someday Will die!"

And lastly, let's talk about one of the little cheeky themes of Life, Despair & Monsters. That being: Connection and bonds, and how strong bonds can make and break a person. How bonds can be the greatest and worst thing. How bonds if maintained well can never shake against adversity, and if maintained poorly, or just one-sided/superficial, will result in failure. The bonds of siblings (like between Haoyu and Monika, Icarus/Hatsukami/Xavier and their family, or even Corvus and Rhaenyra and their half-siblings), the bond of lovers (Sonya and Jennifer, Guenevere and Morgana, Haoyu and Icarus), the bond of friends (Rico and Lora, Lora and Lancelot, Hatter and Marinette & Adrien) and other type of bonds are important in their success to be maintained and reinforced, lest they fall apart and are left alone. To serve as a contrast, the members of the Ruins of the Midnight Rise do not manage their bonds rather well; Malvolio is a being incapable of comprehending the importance of connection and bonds considering he originates from a wild dimension where the main consensus is "survive or die" and therefore his bonds with those around him (such as Denise, Evie and Inviticus) are more superficial rather than deeply genuine (he cries no rivers when Evie dies, only expresses disappointment that his favored creation has failed to continue living, and abandons Denise when she's proven unable to uphold her end of their accord with her lack of arms), with members like Inviticus and Impulse, and allies like Paul Yellowjack, being aware of this fact, and only keeping up their ends of this social accord to get what they want out of it. The only exception to this is Uni (or rather, the Unity) and Frederick Rosemary, the former of whom is an amalgamation of the worlds greatest Third Eye users downloaded/possessing in a mechanical monstrosity holding history and knowledge and scientific endeavors, which is something Malvolio can connect with, while the latter is unbothered by the "necessity" to do horrific things in the "name of progress" with a darkly crude sense of humor, something Malvolio finds himself flocking to the closest thing of a genuine if twisted friendship with Frederick despite his depravities. Minor note is that Denise doesn't really like the other members with exception to the Director, Evie only cares about gaining Malvolio's praise, Inviticus and Impulse only desire to hunt, and the other Displacements are enslaved by Malvolio. Sliding away from the Midnight Rise and focusing on the Occult, Aggrevor genuinely doesn't care about his fellow cultists and the relationship between the Occult and the Kin they want to bring back and worship is explicitly either one-sided or mutually abusive. Haoyu, Icarus, Sonya and the others are able to rise above their enemies due to learning to secure and keep their bonds strong with mutual respect and genuine friendship, even when they are all at their lowest point in the journey.

"We're gonna ri-ri-ri-ri-rise 'til we fall They say we got no-no-no-no future at all They wanna ke-ke-keep us out Can't hold us down anymore We're gonna ri-ri-ri-ri-rise 'til we fall

When we hit the bottom, nothing gonna stop us Climb to the top with you We could be the greatest, ones who never made it Yeah, I could be talking to you They tryna hate, hate, hate But we won't change, change anything at all, oh We're gonna ri-ri-ri-ri-rise 'til we fall

They think we're just dropouts Living at out mom's house Parents must be so proud They know it all No, they don't speak out language They say we're too savage, yeah No, no, we don't give a- anymore

We're gonna ri-ri-ri-ri-rise 'til we fall We're gonna ri-ri-ri-ri-rise 'til we fall No, they don't speak out language They say we're too savage, yeah No, no, we don't give a- anymore We're gonna ri-ri-ri-ri-rise We're gonna ri-ri-ri-ri-rise We're gonna ri-ri-ri-ri-rise 'til we fall

They say we're goin' no-no-no-no-no-no-nowhere But what they don't know, know, know is that we don't, don't care We're gon' keepin' on, keepin' on goin' 'til we can't go no more We're gonna ri-ri-ri-ri-rise 'til we fall, yeah!"

And here's the WIP snippet for my newest FC5 AU for Silva... Doll!Silva AU, inspired by Bloodborne yet again, but this time, neglecting the werewolves and gothic horror for just the existential and lovecraftian horror with the main focus being on the altered Gehrman and Plain Doll dynamic (old badass mentor appears physically weak with only the human-sized and somehow magically alive doll of his equally badass pupil to take care of him but he feels self-hatred and guilt for making her every time he looks at her due her having more subjectively traditionally feminine and obedient qualities which misses the qualities that the original alive woman had in the first place and is nothing more but the physical manifestation of his shame and mistakes), but with Silva and Paul instead. And in Hope County. So here's Mary May (in contribution to... ahem, Mary MAY) coming across the spitting image of a rookie deputy who is supposed to be dead but yet is alive in front of her and very off-putting and different from before she maybe died(?). Read below:

Mary shut off the radio, much to Drew's complaints, shaking her head as she continued to drive them back to Fall's End, which was a long ride away while in the Henbane.

But shutting up her yapping brother and that irritating music wasn't enough to escape the topic of the cult; they passed a multitude of billboards and signs of Eden's Gate propaganda.

In the span of two years, they've spread like an infection across the county's three regions. And yet, the Henbane seems to have gone through the most changes. Especially with the introduction of those batches of white flowers.

Flowers that either make you high or nauseous when going too close to it, Mary snarled in her mind, How is that NOT considered a health issue, or extremely dangerous? Why haven't the Sheriff's Department actually done anything about that yet?

She remembered Deputy Omar seemed keen on tackling a potential investigation, probably one of the few deputies who actually took the cult's growing influence with serious consideration, much like her father...

Not like it matters much now, considering the funeral last week.

Such a reminder made Mary huff, taking a swift glance to Drew in the passenger seat. Her little brother was quiet, looking out the window, trying to read whatever were on the billboards they passed. Most likely the cult's, since she picked him up from the Convent.

Her grip tightened on the leathery wheel. She hoped Ma and Pa could talk some sense into Drew. She could see how curious he was about the cult, and she was so afraid of how far they hot their claws in him. She hoped he could be dissuaded by seeing how bad Eden's Gate had effected business at the Spread Eagle.

She couldn't fathom the feeling of losing a family member. Not like how Paul had recently. Considering she hasn't seen him since a little after the funeral when he came to the Spread Eagle, she was certain he wasn't doing well.

That was a pain she wasn't going to let happen to her family. Not now, and especially not by the cult.

She opened her mouth to say something to Drew; to let him know he can talk to her, that his older sister is just worried for him, that she loves and cherishes him just as Ma and Pa do, even if they are a little hard on him. To affirm to him that he can turn to them for anything. Better than the cult could possibly do.

However, no such words leave her mouth as she spotted something out on the side of the road.

Her gaze locked on to a crouching figure adorned in black as the truck passed them, a little way on the side of the road, way too close to those pale flowers that the cult owned.

Does this person not know about the flowers? she pondered briefly, as it seemed to be the only reasonable explanation considering how new those flowers are. They certainly didn't appear to be a Peggie, usually the cult were adorned in white, browns and sometimes an occasional red and black. Never just... black.

Regardless, while watching from her rear view mirror, Mary watched in abject horror how the person - a woman, she was sure now - picked a flower out and curiously brought it closer to her face.

Not a moment longer, Mary slammed her foot down on the breaks, much to Drew's shock, swerving to park on the side of the road as she unbuckled her seat belt and practically hopped out of the truck once she opened the door without further elaboration.

She urgently ran towards the black-clad woman who held the flower up to her nose. The woman still hadn't noticed her yet. There was something familiar about her to Mary, but she couldn't fathom what it was; the dark hair or the silvery white flowing down the braid tail behind her.

It didn't matter; she had to get the woman away from the flowers.

"Hey!" she shouted towards the stranger, gaining closer, "Stop!"

Her shouts seemed to alarm the woman, causing her to lift her head away from the flower and towards Mary's approaching figure.

Once she gained close enough to be a few big steps from coming up to the woman, Mary states, "You need to get away from those flowers-"

Her words caught in her throat as the woman stood up from her crouched position. There were a total number of three thoughts that crashed Mary's brain.

Her first thought being, Oh, she's TALL. With how the woman loomed over her, and the way she had to tilt her head down to reach eye contact with Mary. A part of Mary wanted to claim the woman was eight feet tall. Perhaps it wouldn't be quite an exaggeration, but reasonably the woman had to be at least a little over seven feet.

The second thought was focused on what the woman was wearing; obviously it was a modest knee-length black dress (the hem of which seemed to reach a bit more below the knees), dark gloves with leathery knee-high boots that successfully covered the rest of the woman's legs. Even her neck was covered by an ascot of some kind. She also adorned a laced veil or shawl over her dark and silvery hair, with a large comb fixed in her braided hair. Every inch of the woman's body, with exception to her face, didn't allow any skin to show off.

She looks like she came back from a funeral, is the impression Mary got.

But the final thought was what truly had Mary staring at the stranger's face in a state of shock. Except, it wasn't a stranger's face she was looking at.

It can't be, Mary struggled to contextualize the impossibility of what or rather who she was in front of her. Skin that held a dark complexion. The faint scarring from a time before entering Hope County. Chapped lips that hadn't been healing for long since arriving to the county. And although her eyes weren't as dull or grey as they should have been, the silver that practically illuminated from those rings around her pupils were not far off from the color she did possess.

Mary wondered if the nearby pale flowers were messing with her mind, their sweet and citrus smell not too far off. Because how else could she rationalize seeing a dead woman standing in front of her.

Though the more she stared at her, the more she her head pounded, her blue eyes blinking as it felt like her retinas burned, and how ill she felt from just standing near her.

It had to be those flowers that were causing such a reaction out of her. Although that didn't explain why the woman in front of her didn't appear to even be as effected by them as she should be. After all, she practically had one of those flowers up to her face, and here Mary was struggling to stand by being a couple steps away from the batch.

"Are you alright, señorita?" the woman asked in a clear and non-slurring tone, with such a familiar voice that held the same purr of the accent that had Mary almost shamelessly swoon when she first heard it, and fuck, did that not sound like her voice.

She could practically remember like it was yesterday, even if it was a little over last week, answering the woman - the deputy's - questions in regards to the cult.

There was no way to get a confirmation without forcing her tongue to form the words and ask the one question that she most certainly knows the answer to.

"I'm fine," she said all too quickly, her words struggling to form properly as her mind withered at the sight of this spitting image of someone she knew and saw on a regular occurrence, "It's just- who are you? What's your name?"

She could hear Drew's steps come closer, but she couldn't focus on that now, even if it was more bearable than focusing on the woman before her, who's very appearance both made her want to collapse from the confusion of it all and yet also hurl from the mixing scents of sweet citruses, sharp woodwork, nature and decay. She blamed that particular response on those flowers though.

The woman before her tilted her head curiously, unblinking, even if the first thing she should be asking was who Mary was, or the approaching Drew, or why Mary shouted to her to stop and get away from the pale flowers, or any number of questions that wouldn't make such a interaction feel even more off than it already was.

Instead, the woman, a mirror of the dead rookie deputy Mary attended the funeral for a week ago, merely gives her a polite smile, and bows her head slightly in greeting and responds to her question with an answer that Mary feared to hear.

"I am Silva. Caretaker of Paul, mi... padre," she tells a disbelieving Mary, her silver eyes glinting with familiarity as she adds, "It is a pleasure to see you again, Señorita Fairgrave."

[matty-bear]

XI. Out [N.S]

type: The Influencer series FINALE

pairing: nick sturniolo x male!oc

warnings: sfw, tooth-rotting fluff, implications of sex (NO SMUT !!)

summary:  in which Finn and Nick come clean about their relationship to the fans on the Cut The Camera Podcast

notes: oh em geeee the influencer is done :000 I’m so grateful for all the support you guys have given me while Ive been working on this series <3 I could have never finished this series without you guy;s love and support fr fr . I might re write this after I write a bit more but I’m happy with how this series is right now ! hopefully you guys are fed with this but if youre not, don't fret there will be more finn and nick content in the near future ^^ thank you again for joining me on this ride and i hope to see you guys on my future works ! <3 p.s., hope you guys dont mind this extra long chapter ;3 

WC: 8033

CH10

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“My love~” The sound of Finn's voice echoing from their dimly lit shared bathroom causes Nick to abruptly lift his head from the pillow he’s laying on. 

“Yes?” Nick replies as he pushes himself up into a sitting position. The soft sound of footsteps pattering against the floorboards sounds through the male's ears as he swings his legs over the side of the bed. 

“I should've done my skincare last night.” Nick didn’t need to lift his head to know that Finn was frowning. His tone sounded nothing but upset and Nick's claim seems to be correct when he lifts his head to be met with his boyfriend slightly pouting. 

“What makes you say that? Did you break out or something?” Nick instinctively grasps Finn's hips to pull him in between his legs. He watches as his boyfriend slowly nods and removes his hand from the left side of his face to reveal a small, baby blue star patch.

“I got a pimple.” Finn raises a finger to point at the covered pimple, his frown not faltering. Before Nick gets the chance to add to the conversation, Finn sighs deeply and takes a seat on his boyfriend’s leg. “I envy you and your clear skin.” 

“Do you now?” Finn rapidly nods his head as he rests his chin on Nick's semi-clothed shoulder. 

“Yeah. You rarely break out. And when you do, it doesn’t take you very long to get rid of the pimples of whatever pops up on your skin.”

Nick simply hums softly and begins to drag his fingertips against Finn’s clothes back. “Baby, I have a question for you.” 

“What is it?” 

“I was talking with Matt and Chris last night about us coming clean about our relationship to the fans. They both made some pretty good points and I wanted to know if you were okay with coming to join us for a podcast so we can, you know, properly come out and I can introduce you to everyone as my boyfriend. It was either that or doing it in a car video but I feel like fans would want to know more about you, especially if they don’t follow you on social media, so they can get to know how wonderful you are from you from the podcast. What do you say? we’ll be filming the episode later today so you practically have all day to think about it.” 

The faint sound of Finn humming runs through Nick's ears for a moment, followed by the soft vibrations of his chest against his arm. “I'm down.” 

Nick's eyes light up as he leans back slightly to peer down at Finn. “really?” 

The taller hums again with a small smile as he gets up from his spot on Nick's leg. “As long as I get to sit next to you in the studio and if Chris and Matt aren’t gonna tease us the entire time.” 

“Well, I can't promise you that, but I'll talk to them later. Anyways, where are you going? Come back.” 

“I need to change!” A small laugh escapes Finn’s lips as he excuses himself to go to the closet. Upon opening the door and letting himself inside the small space, Nick quickly gets up from his spot on the bed and rushes over to the male. The moment he steps foot inside his closet, his eyes narrow as he watches his boyfriend shift through his rack of sweatshirts. 

“What are you doing?” Nick asks, his arms crossing over his chest. 

Finn momentarily shifts his gaze from the hangers in front of him to look over at his boyfriend who’s leaning against the doorframe. He sends the male a soft smile and returns to shifting through the hangers before he replies, “Finding a sweatshirt to wear.” 

“In my closet?” 

“Yeah.” Nick rolls his eyes as Finn finally settles on a clothing item. The redhead can practically see the happiness and excitement radiating off his boyfriend as he slips a black sweatshirt with large gray stars off a hanger. He watches as Finn quickly flips the item around to allow Nick to see it, a cheesy smile clear as day on his lips. 

“This is what you bought on our first date.” Finn says, his arms quickly getting to work on getting the sweatshirt over his head. 

“First date?” Nick asks, a single eyebrow raising as he watches his boyfriend’s head pop out of the top of the sweater. 

Finn lets out a small sigh as the familiar smell of vanilla runs through his senses. “Yeah, first date. Well, I considered it to be a little date, a blind one in a sense if you get what I mean.” 

“You know, we haven’t gone out on a proper date in a while.” At Nick's statement, Finn can't help but smile widely. As he approaches the redhead, he slowly wraps his arms around the shorter’s waist and peers down at him. 

“Is that a way of telling me that you want to go on a proper date?” Finn asks, his smile not faltering as he watches Nick’s facial expressions carefully. 

“Obviously, yes. I’ve actually been planning a little date for a few days now.” Nick smiles as he watches Finn’s eyes mimic those of a child being surprised on Christmas day. “Before you say anything, that’s all I'm telling you.” 

Finn’s excited expression drops and is quickly replaced with a small frown. “Oh come on~” The male whines as he begins to sway himself and Nick back and forth. “Just another hint, please?” 

“Nope. You're just gonna have to wait.” As Nick slips out of Finn’s hold and exits the closet, the latter gasps dramatically and quickly follows him. 

“Come on, please?” 

“Nope.” Finn lets out a small whine as he follows Nick downstairs. He quickly turns the corner when the male enters the kitchen and he immediately leans against the counter closest to Nick with his arms crossed over his chest. 

“Well, good morning you two.” Matt greets as he passes the kitchen upon exiting his bedroom, his mop of messy and fluffy chocolate brown hair being a sign of his good night’s rest. 

Finn quickly turns his head around to face the younger male. “Oh hey.” Matt shares a quick smile with Finn as he walks towards the fridge. 

“So…” The brunette starts as he grabs a bottle of root beer off the top shelf. “Are we having a guest join us for the podcast today?” 

At Matt’s straightforward question, Nick quickly shifts his gaze from the small ceramic bowl in his hands to Finn who’s next to him. The redhead shares a quick look with his boyfriend before the taller smiles softly and looks over at Matt who’s taking small sips of the beverage in his hand. 

“I believe so, yes.” Finn replies with a small head nod. Matt lets out an excited shout before he makes his way over to the couple on the opposite side of the kitchen. 

“Did it take a lot of convincing?” Matt diverts his question to Nick who’s busy stirring a serving of dry cereal in the milk in his bowl. He waits for the older to take a quick bite and swallow the contents before he replies, “Not really no. I just gave him a quick rundown of what happened last night and he agreed to join us today.” 

After seeing Matt look over at him, Finn gently nods his head with a small smile. “Well, I’m glad you’re joining us today, Finn.” Matt says as he takes another quick sip of his root beer. “Should I start prepping questions with Chris then?”

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. When you guys are done, send me the list.” Nick replies with a small head nod. 

“Alright, I'll go do that then. See you guys later.” Matt sends a quick wave goodbye to Nick and Finn as he excuses himself to go back to his bedroom. After ensuring that the male shuts the door behind him, Finn immediately wraps his arms around Nick’s waist and pulls him flush against his chest.

At the sudden movement, the redhead lets out a small noise of surprise and removes the spool full of cereal from his mouth before it spills. After setting the utensil down in the nearly empty bowl, Nick turns his head to be met with a smiley Finn who’s resting his head on his shoulder. 

“Can we go back to bed please?” Finn asks, his speech slightly muffled due to his mouth being inches away from the exposed skin on Nick’s shoulder. 

“Baby, it’s 2 o’clock in the afternoon.” Nick starts, his eyes momentarily shifting over to the microwave nearby to double-check the time. “I don't think it’s a good idea to go to bed right now. Besides, if you want to cuddle, we can do it in the living room.”

“Fine.” Finn huffs slightly, his grip on Nick’s waist tightening ever so slightly. “Hurry up. You're taking too long.” 

“Calm down Mr. Eager. I'm almost done.” Finn impatiently watches as Nick picks up his spoon and scoops up a few pieces of cereal and some milk. At the sight of the male slowly risking the utensil to his slightly opened mouth, Finn groans and drops his head to his boyfriend’s shoulder. 

“You hate me.” Nick can’t help but chuckle at the taller’s statement and quickly stuffs the food in his mouth before going for another portion. 

“Glad you're aware of the fact so I don’t have to verbally say it.” Nick bites back a laugh when he hears Finn gasp dramatically. He watches from the corner of his eye as the male stands upright, his mouth wide open in shock drawing a small chuckle from him. 

“That's so disrespectful.” Finn waits for Nick to eat the contents from his spoon before he lands a poke on his side. The redhead flinches at the small touch and quickly whips around to narrow his eyes at the taller. 

“No, it’s not.” Nick defends as he points the tip of his spoon at the male. 

“Yes, it is.” Finn frowns, “Hurry up and finish your cereal.” 

“You’re the one that interrupted me.” 

“Yeah, yeah. Just hurry up please I’m getting cold.” 

“Baby, you have a whole-ass sweater on. The only person here that should be cold is me.” Nick gestures to the white tank top hugging his torso before he turns around to face his bowl again. 

“Hey, you’re the one that decided to change out of your shirt to put this on.” Finn starts, his pointer finger hooking underneath the strap on Nick’s tank top. “You could’ve left it on.” 

“Okay true,” Nick mumbles, his speech slightly muffled due to the food in his mouth. Finn simply hums as he watches the redhead walk over to the skin to wash his dish.

After turning off the tap and wiping his hands dry, Nick makes his way over to Finn and wordlessly grabs his hand to guide the two of them to the living room. The shorter momentarily releases his hand from Finn’s to sit down as as he reaches over to grab a pillow, the taller’s eyes stay glued to Nick’s arms which slightly flex as he reaches over. 

“I can feel you starting. Well, see you staring as well.” Nick states, his eyes momentarily shifting up to see his boyfriend before he fixes it back onto the pillow in his hand. 

“Are you sure you haven’t been working out?” Finn asks, a single hand resting on his hip as the other points at Nick. The latter quickly raises his head at his boyfriend’s question and chuckles softly before reaching forward to grab his waist. 

“Finn, we've been around each other almost every single day. I think you would know if I was working out.” Nick guides Finn to sit in his lap before he continues, “Besides, you know damn well I'm not about that physical activity shit.” 

Finn can’t help but giggle at Nick's last statement. “Oh trust me, I know. But I'm just saying that you got a little muscle building up.” 

Nick raises an eyebrow at the taller tucking his head in the crook of his neck. “I heavily beg to differ but whatever you say.” 

“Look, I'm not lying!” Finn quickly removes himself from his spot in Nick’s neck to grab into his arm. His hand quickly shifts up to the male’s bicep and the moment he squeezes the area, he feels the shorter tense underneath his fingers. “You definitely have some muscles here. Look, just flex a little.”

“Finn, I am not flexing.” 

“Come on, why not.” 

“Because.”

“Because why?” 

Nick lets out a small sigh and looks over at Finn, the sight of his puppy eyes causing his heart to ache. “Alright, enough of that.” He gently sets his hand on the taller’s face to push him away.  “If I flex my arm will you paint your nails with me?” 

“Abso-fucking-lutely. Now flex, cmon!” Nick sighs yet again and waits for Finn to remove his hand from his bicep before he quickly flexes his arm. At the excited shout escaping his boyfriend’s mouth, Nick instinctively hides his face behind his hand. “You do have muscles you fucking liar!” 

Nick doesn’t say anything and instead shakes his head in response. Finn playfully rolls his eyes at the male before he grabs the hand covering his face and slowly pries it away. “Why are you so flustered?” Finn teases, a large smile appearing on his lips at the sight of his boyfriend’s flushed face. 

“Shut it,” Nick mumbles as he leans forward to hide in Finn’s chest. The latter giggles at his boyfriend and cards a hand through his dark red locks before landing a small peck on the crown of his head. 

_____

“Baby, you know you don’t have to do a full face of makeup right? It’s not like we’re going out in public.” Nick says as he steps into his bathroom, his fingers getting to work on zipping up a purple sweater that’s loosely hung on his shoulders.

“It’s just guy-liner I swear.” Finn defends, his tall frame leaning back from the mirror to look over at the male standing next to him. He gives his boyfriend a small smile before lifting the eyeliner underneath his eye again. Nick sighs softly and shakes his head as he lifts himself on the counter. He wastes no time in grabbing Finn’s free hand and fiddling with the few rings hugging his fingers. The latter, noticing the male’s change in behavior, momentarily stops what he’s doing to look over at him. “My love?” 

Nick quickly lifts his head to meet Finn’s worried gaze. “Yeah?” 

“You’re nervous. What’s wrong?” 

“Nervous? Pshh. I’m not nervous.” Finn exhales deeply through his nose before turning his body so he’s fully facing Nick. He sends the male a knowing look before saying, “You don’t think I noticed that you play with my rings when you're nervous?” 

Nick forces his lips into a straight line and allows his gaze to fall back down to Finn’s hand which is still in his gasp. “Okay, maybe I am a little nervous.” 

A small frown makes its way onto Finn’s lips before he takes a step close to Nick and sets his free hand on his clothed thigh. “Why?”

“Don’t know.” 

“Nick…” As Finn cups the latter’s face with a single hand, Nick sighs softly and looks up at him. “Is it because this is gonna be the first video that’s gonna be posted of us being together?” Nick slowly nods his head. “Oh baby, you don’t need to be nervous about this. Just think about it like this; When this podcast gets uploaded, we can finally be open to doing whatever we want. You want us to be free with this, right?” Nick nods again. “Okay, then let’s get this done and we can do that.” 

Finn lands a quick peck on the younger’s forehead before returning to his space in front of the mirror. As he touches up his slightly smudged eyeliner, the faint sound of the door opening alerts Nick and causes his head to quickly lift and turn towards the sound. 

“You guys getting ready to go on the catwalk or what? The hell's taking so long?” The annoyed voice of Chris echoes in the bedroom as the male steps inside and makes a beeline for the open bathroom. The male sighs softly and crosses his arms over his chest when his eyes land on Nick and Finn who have both stopped what they’re doing. Finn slowly turns his head around to meet eyes with Chris, the hand that’s holding his eyeliner still inches away from his eye. 

“Just give us five more minutes,” Finn says with a soft huff. 

“Can you knock, please? You have no manners.” Nick mumbles as he lightly shoves Chris’s shoulder to push him out of the bathroom. 

“Whatever. Just hurry up please.” Chris rolls his eyes with a small sigh before he exits the room and gently shuts the door behind him. 

“You done?” Nick asks, turning his head to look over at his boyfriend who’s ruffling his hair. 

“Yeah, I'm done,” Finn replies as he shakes his head, his slightly curly bangs flopping down neatly over his forehead. “Wait, do you wanna wear something of mine before we head to the studio?” 

“Wear something of yours?” Nick repeats, a single eyebrow-raising. 

“Yeah.” Finn hums and guides the shorter out of the bathroom. “Since I'm wearing your sweater, you could wear the one I wore here. The fans would see that we’re wearing each other's clothes and they would freak out about it.” 

Nick softly hums as he watches Finn walk over to the stack of neatly folded clothes sitting on his desk. “I’m down.” As the redhead unzips his sweater and shrugs it off his body, Finn slips a hoodie with dark green and black stripes out from his pile of clothes. He walks over to Nick, the item in his right hand, and gives his boyfriend a small smile before handing it to him. “Will it fit me?” 

Finn’s smile immediately drops and he narrows his eyes at his boyfriend who gently slips the hoodie out of his hand. “Nick, are you serious?” 

“Dead serious. I’m clearly larger than you and have never worn your clothes before so.” 

“Nick… You act like you're two sizes larger than I am. You’ll be fine, baby. Just put it on.” Nick glances up at Finn and sends him an anxious expression before hesitantly slipping the hoodie over his head.

He swiftly pulls his arms through the sleeves and pulls down the end of the clothing item once it’s fully on him. Nick takes a moment to stare down at his torso and examine the hoodie loosely hugging his torso before he looks up and gives a small smile to Finn. 

“See? It fits you!” Finn beams with a wide smile. He walks closer to Nick and begins to fix his hair which was messed up while he was putting his hoodie on. As he begins to card his slim fingers through his boyfriend’s hair, the redhead hums softly and subconsciously leans into the touch. 

“Yeah, I guess it does.” Nick hums softly. “I think we should go to the studio before Chris beats our ass.” 

“I think so too. Let’s go, c'mon.” Finn takes Nick’s hand in his and intertwines their fingers before he pulls him to the door. The moment they both step out of the room, they enter the brightly lit podcast studio. 

At the sound of a door softly shutting, Matt perks his head up and looks over at Nick and Finn who are walking towards the pink and white booth he’s sitting in. 

“Finally.” Matt sighs as he shuts his phone off and tucks it under his leg. “Was starting to think that you two would never show up.” 

“Okay, calm down. We’re here, are we not?” Nick says, shooting a glare toward the younger. The male steps aside when he reaches the booth to allow Finn to take a seat first. After his boyfriend settles in front of a mic at the edge of the table, Nick slips into his usual spot in the booth as well. 

“Everyone good with their spots?” Chris asks, mainly asking his question to Finn. As he gently sets his hands on both sides of his mic, Finn abruptly lifts his head to meet Chris’ gaze. After locking eyes with the boy, he gently nods his head and shoots the male a small smile. 

“The cameras are on right?” Nick asks, his eyes drifting from the various cameras tucked in the corners of the room. 

“Yeah, they’re on. We’re all good to go, kid. Start when you’re ready.” Matt confirms with a small head nod. 

Nick lets out a small exhale through his nose before looking over at Finn who’s sitting fairly close to him, however not close to the point they’d be in the same camera frame. The taller looks over at the younger and swiftly takes his hand that’s under the table.

As he begins to trace comforting circles on the back of the redhead’s hand, Nick cracks a smile and averts his attention back to his mic. He looks down at it for a moment and glances over Chris, who gives him an encouraging head nod. Nick nods faintly, more as a reassurance thing for himself, before he looks towards his camera. 

“Good morning Campers and welcome back to the Cut The Camera Podcast!” Nick greets, a warm smile immediately taking over his features. “I am Nick Sturniolo and I will be your favorite host for today's episode.” 

“Yeah, yeah favorite host my ass.” Matt mumbles, rolling his eyes for a brief moment before he looks at his respective camera. “I’m Matt by the way.” 

“And I'm Chris!” The youngest triplets exclaims, a large smile clear as day on his face. The male plays his imaginary air guitar for a moment and mimics the sound of the said instrument before he stops and rests his hands on the table in front of him. 

“I’m going to go ahead and do the small introduction for this episode because someone over here is getting nervous.” Matt begins, his eyes shifting over to lock with Nick’s who sends him a warning glare. “Today is a very special episode because we have someone joining us today. You guys might know this person, some of you may not, but I'll allow Nick to introduce this person to you guys. Nick?” 

“Thanks Matt,” Nick mumbles, his voice trailing off as he subconsciously begins to fidget with Finn’s fingers under the table. 

“Is that sarcasm?” 

“That’s up to your interpretation.” Matt shakes his head with a soft sigh as Nick looks over at his boyfriend. The redhead can’t help but smile when the male sends him a small wink and quickly looks away from him to look at his camera. “Today joining us in the studio is my boyfriend, Finn. Would you like to introduce yourself to the viewers and or listeners?” 

“I’d love to.” Finn replies with a small smile. He brings his mic closer to his mouth with his free hand before he continues, “Hey guys, I’m Finn as you may know. I am 21 years old and have been dating Nick for almost three months now. I am a full-time Instagram influencer but am close to being a full-time model as well.” 

“Wait, you're close to being a full-time model? I thought that was a side job you had.” Chris asks, his head tilting to the side as he looks over at the blue-haired male. 

“Yeah, it was a side job but since my manager, shoutout to Kim.” Finn starts, making a small finger heart with his free hand before he continues, “Has been booking me a lot more, I’ve been getting more modeling opportunities. It’s like every other day that I need to go to a shoot so I'd say that I'm very close to modeling full-time.” 

“This isn’t a question we have prepped but since we’re on the topic, would you drop Instagram if you did decide to go full-time with modeling? I know that job is a lot, from what I hear from you, and I'm just wondering if it’d be a little difficult to juggle two jobs at once.” 

“That’s a very good question hmm..” Finn ponders for a moment, his lips momentarily shifting into a straight line as he thinks. “I don’t think so, no. Instagram means a lot to me considering how much of a following I have on there and everything. Not to mention how I started my entire career there so I think that suddenly dumping Instagram would be a lot. I’ve been healthy balancing that and modeling with no problem right now so keeping up my account shouldn’t be a problem if and when I decide to go full-time with modeling.” 

“I see, I see.” Matt hums, “Was it hard making a face for yourself on social media through Instagram? I feel like it’s a lot harder for people to reach popularity through Instagram since there’s so much on there. Also, guys, don’t worry we will get into relationship questions here in a minute.” 

Finn chuckles softly at Matt’s last statement, his head dropping for a second before he looks back up and replies, “It was a little difficult, yes but I just kept being constant with posts and stuff. I feel like the key to growing on any base is being consistent so that’s exactly what I did. I did experience some setbacks a few years into gaining popularity but I got over them eventually.” 

“When did you start social media? Like age-wise.” Chris asks. 

“I wanna say like 16,” Finn replies with a small head nod. “I wanted to start way younger but my parents didn’t let me so.” 

“I feel like 16 is a decent age to start this stuff at. I mean we started our YouTube career at 17 and just continued to work towards getting popularity. I was about to say fame but I find that a little corny. Besides, I think fame is too big of a word to describe what we have right now.” 

“I completely agree with the fame thing. I would never use that term to describe myself, no matter how big I get. I just feel like that’s more of a celebrity term. You know, singers and actors usually have that term tied to their names.” 

“Yes! I completely agree!” Matt exclaims, his voice raising a few octaves as he points a single finger at Finn. 

“Great minds think alike,” Finn says with a large smile. The two share a quick handshake before Chris breaks the small silence. 

“Nick, I haven't heard from you in a good minute. You doing okay over there?” Chris asks, a teasing smile creeping onto his lips as he glances over at the older who’s staring at his boyfriend. 

“Huh?” Nick hums, quickly snapping out of his gaze when Chris’ voice runs through his ears. “Oh, yeah I'm fine.” 

“He’s been staring at Finn this whole time. Is the sun shining out of his ass or something?” Matt asks, adding to the teasing as he nudges Nick with his foot. 

“Alright, enough of that. I didn’t sign up to sit through an hour of teasing from the two of you.” Nick mumbles, shifting his gaze from Finn to his two brothers. As he seemingly stares daggers at the two, Finn speaks up. 

“I can smell the edits now,” Finn says with a small laugh. “Oh my God, the way he looks at him.” 

“Not you too,” Nick says, his jaw dropping slightly as he looks over at his boyfriend who’s already gazing down at him. 

“I gotta agree with Finn here. I’m gonna see a shit ton of edits of the two of you on my for you page after this episode is out.” Chris chimes in, his speech slightly muffled due to his hands covering and rubbing his face. 

“Speaking of which!” Finn exclaims with a small smile, “If you guys make any edits of Nick, tag me in them, please. I need to see every single Nick edit in existence for me to live a happy life, thank you.” 

“Baby, I'm literally right here. Why do you need to see edits of me when I'm right next to you?” Nick asks, his eyebrows furring together as a bewildered expression takes over his features. Before he allows Finn to reply, he points at his camera and says, “Do the same with me please but for Finn edits, thanks.” 

“Okay, fucking hypocrite. I was just about to defend myself but it seems like we both have the same idea.” 

“Okay but in my defense, I rarely see edits of you. I need more in my life, seriously.” 

“What the hell is this conversation?” Chris laughs, gaining a small shrug from Matt who’s simply staring at the couple in front of him in disbelief. 

“Can we go back to questioning the kid, please? Or you two to be specific?” Matt asks, chucking when Nick and Finn both stop their conversation to look over at him. 

“My bad. Go ahead with the questions.” Finn apologizes with a small giggle. 

“Alright, first question about you and Nick.” Chris begins, scrolling through his notes for a moment before continuing, “When did you two first meet? Matt and I know what went down but the fans don’t so please enlighten us.” 

“Enlighten us is crazy,” Nick mumbles, his statement earning a small chuckle from his boyfriend. 

“Do you wanna say it or should I?” Finn asks, adjusting his position on the booth slightly so he can face the male next to him. 

“You can,” Nick replies with a small smile.

Finn gently nods his head and clears his throat before he starts explaining, “So the triplets and I were invited to this large influencer party in downtown LA. When I first met Nick, I found him staring at the bottles of liquor like he was seeing colors for the first time. I asked if he needed help and he agreed and let me help him. And before you guys say anything, I made him the least alcoholic beverages possible. Anyways Nick doesn’t know this but I could see him staring at me out of the corner of my eye the whole time I was getting his drinks.” 

“YOU COULD?” Nick exclaims, his face flushing in embarrassment as he looks wide-eyed at the male next to him. 

“Yeah, I could.” Finn giggles. 

“Stop, that's so embarrassing, oh my God.” As Nick hides his face in his hands, collective laughter sounds from the three boys in the studio. 

“Hey, I was staring at you too so it’s fine.” 

“You were?” 

“Absolutely, yes. The second you left the drinking area, I purposely dragged my friends closer to the area you guys were at so I could get a better look at you.” 

“I didn’t see you when I was looking for you, though. You must’ve found a good spot.” 

“You were looking for me?” Finn smiles widely at Nick as the male’s face heats up and takes on a soft red hue. 

Nick sputters for a moment before he voices his reply, “Yeah when we were leaving.” 

“Seeing how easily Finn makes Nick all flustered like this is fucking insane to me.” Matt states as he rubs a hand over his chin. 

“You guys will definitely see more of this when we get Finn in vlogs and whatnot but this kid literally has Nick wrapped around his pinkie finger. It’s fucking hilarious.” Chris adds with a small laugh. 

“Okay, can you two shut up please? Thanks.” Nick says, subtly flipping off the two males before he turns to face Finn again. 

“They do have a point, my love. You do get flustered quite easily.” Finn says, his statement earning a hurtful expression to spread across Nick’s face. Before the male gets to retaliate, the taller grabs his face with a single hand and brings him closer to him. Nick’s face darkens a shade or two as his nose brushes against his boyfriend’s and he slowly shrinks in his seat under the male’s strong gaze. 

“CLIP THAT! CLIP THAT!” Chris exclaims as he gets out of his seat and points at the two boys a few steps away from him. 

“The editors are gonna get a kick out of this episode.” Matt says, his eyes staying fixed onto Nick who’s staring up at Finn with slightly wide eyes. 

“Nick editors to be exact.” 

“Can yall shut it please.” Nick mutters, his efforts of sounding threading failing when Finn sends him a heart melting smile. 

“Finn, you’re gonna kill him.” 

“I’m stopping, I'm stopping.” 

_______

It’s currently Monday and Nick and Finn are huddled up in the redhead’s bedroom. A random movie they both agreed to watch is playing on the television however neither of the boys are paying any attention to it. Rather, the two are too occupied in being wrapped in each other's arms under a large blanket they stole from Chris. Comfortable silence drifts between the two, the only real sound filling the room being the movie and their synced breaths. 

“The podcast episode is being released in ten minutes,” Nick mumbles, his soft voice breaking the small silence in the room. 

Finn lifts his head from his spot on Nick’s chest. “Really?” 

Nick hums in response. “That means you’re gonna have to let me get up so I can upload it.” 

Finn chuckles softly and reluctantly removes himself from Nick’s hold to sit up and lean against the headboard. He takes a moment to stretch his sore limbs before he looks over at his boyfriend who hasn’t moved from his position. “Do you want me to get your laptop or are you gonna get up?” 

Nick shifts his eyes from the television in front of him to look over at Finn. “Can you get it for me, please? I’m too comfortable.” 

“Of course, give me a second.” Nick silently watches as Finn gets out from underneath the covers and slips off the mattress. The male walks a few steps to arrive at Nick's desk and disconnects any wires connected to his laptop before picking it up and returning to bed. “Here you go, my love.” 

“Thank you, baby.” Nick sends Finn a warm smile as he hands him his laptop. It was only then that the redhead decided to sit up and lean against the headboard. As he sets his laptop on his lap and turns it on, Finn shuffles closer to the male and leans against his shoulder. “I can’t believe this is happening.” 

“What? Us coming out as a couple to the public?” 

“Yeah. Don’t get me wrong, I'm glad we’re doing this but I'm still a little nervous.” 

“I am too, but don't worry too much. We got this.” Finn sits up a little to nestle his face in the crook of Nick’s neck. The latter can’t help but tense up at the feeling of the taller peppering the side of his neck with soft and tender kisses. Nick opens his mouth to comment on his boyfriend’s behavior but cuts himself off when the male bites down on the skin under his ear.

“Finn,” Nick whines, his eyes shut tightly as he subconsciously tits his neck to the side to give the male more access to his skin. 

“Hmm?” Finn hums, his focus staying fixed on the younger’s skin in between his teeth.

“I need to upload this, you’re distracting me.” 

“Am I now?” 

“Yes you-“ Nick cuts himself off yet again when Finn begins to suck on the same area he was biting moments prior. A low groan slips out of Nick's mouth as he moves his laptop off his lap and grabs his boyfriend’s bicep. “Finn, please.” 

The latter bites down on Nick’s tender skin once more before finally stopping and pulling away. Finn eyes the area he marked for a moment and can’t help the proud smile forming on his lips as the sight of a purpling spot under the redhead’s ear. “Might need to cover that up before we go downstairs.” Finn says as he rubs over the area with his index finger. 

“You’re helping me.” Nick grumbles as he grabs his laptop and pulls it back on his lap. “I’m getting your aas back for this by the way.” 

“I’d like to see you try.” Nick looks over at Finn and takes in his cocky grin. The male can’t help but scoff softly at the sight and returns to uploading the podcast episode. It only takes about five minutes for Nick to upload the video and when he’s done, he softly shuts his laptop and sets it on the nearby nightstand. 

“I’d like to try now.” 

_____

“Guys the fans are going fucking insane. I swear i’ve never seen so many fan pages edit a video of ours so quick-“ Matt starts as he opens the door to Nick’s room. He quickly shuts his mouth and stares wide-eyed at the two shirtless males on the bed, the only thing covering their lower halves being the blanket they were using earlier. Nick quickly slips off Finn and looks over at Matt who’s standing in the doorway, his face flush in embarrassment. 

“Matt! Fucking knock!” Nick exclaims as he pulls the blanket up to his chest. 

“My bad. I'm gonna go bleach my eyes now.” Matt sputters, his words mumbling together as he quickly exits the room and loudly shuts the door behind him. 

“God, that kid.” As Nick lets out a heavy exhale, he looks over at Finn who’s still lying on his back.

He takes a moment to stare at the male while his eyes are still shut and allows his eyes to wander down to his slightly parted lips which are taking in heavy inhales of air, his chest rapidly rising in the process. Nick’s eyes eventually wander to the taller’s hair, which is a lot messier considering what they were doing before they got interrupted. Before he allows his gaze to wander down to his exposed chest, Nick quickly rips his gaze away when Finn opens his eyes. 

“We should do this more often.” Finn breathes out as he blinks up at the male hovering over him. 

“Are you sure about that? I don't think you could go for much longer considering how fucked you look right now.”

“Oh, I looked fucked right now?” As Nick hums softly in response, Finn sits up slightly and leans against his arms, the crown of his head inches away from the headboard of the bed. As the taller gazes up at his boyfriend, he can’t help but let his eyes wander down to his chest. “Wait, I just realized you don’t have a shirt on.” 

“Oh,” Nick quickly looks down at his torso and peeks into the gap made from the blanket covering the majority of his upper half. “Yeah, I don't.” 

As Nick looks back over at Finn, a confused expression overtakes his features at the sight of the taller’s wide smile. “Why are you smiling so hard?” 

“Well it’s just that you’ve always been so huge on keeping a shirt on and not allowing anyone to see you shirtless and the fact that you are currently topless is just making me a little happy. You know,  because you were comfortable enough to take your tank top off and be bare during what we just did.” 

“Oh,” Nick mumbles again, a single arm raising to rub his nape. “Yeah, I do feel quite comfortable with you now. Besides, I feel like if we’re going to have 

sex or make out then I can't have my shirt on.” 

Finn’s eyebrows furrow at Nick’s last statement and he quickly sits upright. “Love, you know you don’t have to feel obligated to not have a top on when we do this shit right?” Silence falls over the two boys for a moment.

At the sight of Nick forcing his lips together and looking off to the side, Finn heavily sighs and leans his head against the male’s shoulder. “Sweetheart, if we’re going to have sex or shit like that, it is completely okay with me if you want to keep your clothes on. It’s not like I'm going to get upset or anything. I want you to be comfortable, okay?” 

“Okay.” When Nick turns his head to look over at Finn, the latter immediately captures his lips with his for a quick kiss. When the taller pulls away, he removes himself from his boyfriend’s shoulder and begins patting the area around him. “What are you doing?” Nick asks, his eyebrows knitting together as he watches the male slip his hand under the blanket. 

“I wanna see the feedback from the podcast episode. Matt said the fans are flipping their shit and I wanna see it for myself.” Finn replies, momentarily shifting his gaze to look at Nick before he pulls his phone out from under the blanket. As Nick gently nods his head with a small hum, Finn situates himself back against his shoulder and unlocks his phone. “I’m gonna check Tiktok first.” 

Finn spins his thumb around a few times as his eyes scan his lock screen for the said app and when he finally finds it, he clicks it open. It didn’t take a single scroll from the male for a video of himself and Nick to pop up on his feed. Immediately, the room fills with the sound of both boys talking with Daylight by Taylor Swift playing softly in the back. 

“I’m just really grateful that I met Nick at that party. At the time, I was struggling mentally, obviously, it wasn’t shown on social media and I tried my best to now show it either, but when I met him I just felt all my worries and shit wash away. He brings me such peace and happiness and seeing him nearly every single day just makes me so fucking happy. Honest to God, I don’t know what I would be doing if I never went to that bar that night.” Finn says, his eyes not breaking away from Nick’s as he looks at the male with a loving and heart-stuck gaze. 

“God don’t even get me started with how amazing a boyfriend he is. I swear he knows me better than I know myself. He knows me like the back of his hand and immediately knows if something is up just by looking at me. He’s so caring and sweet and I need to figure out how to repay him because he’s just so fucking amazing.” 

“Oh, cut the bullshit.” Nick states, his eyes rolling rather playfully before he shifts his eyes up back to Finn’s, “I haven’t really been in a proper relationship before so all this shit is new to me, and still kinda is in a sense, but I appreciate how Finn takes things so slow with me. Like when we first started dating yes we kissed and whatnot but it was slow like how we both agreed on. He didn’t overstep any of my boundaries and constantly asked me if what he was doing was okay with me physical touch wise and always asked if I was comfortable. I couldn’t be more thankful for how patient he was with me. I could go on a whole fucking tangent about how much I care and appreciate this kid but I think I’d need a whole other podcast episode for that.” 

“Might as well give you guys another episode to gush about each other,” Chris says with a chuckle. 

“Well, the next podcast episode will be a Nick and Finn exclusive guys! Be on the lookout for it.” Matt exclaims as he points at the camera in front of him. 

“Okay, don’t put that out there. Doing this shit was anxiety-inducing enough. We’ll feed the people when we feed like feeding them.” Nick says, his statement earning a small head nod from Finn. 

“Nick and Finn content soon guys!” Finn exclaims with a wide smile.

The TikTok continues for a little while longer with various clips of the couple being shown as Daylight plays more loudly. Nick and Finn take a moment to scroll through the latter’s for you page, the sight of the support from hundreds of fan pages bringing large smiles to their faces. 

“I think this was a success, don’t you think?” Finn asks as he shuts his phone off and reaches over to set it on the nightstand.

“I completely agree,” Nick replies with a small head nod. As Finn returns to his previous spot against the headboard, Nick wordlessly moves the blanket further down his legs to lay down on his lap. “Should we do a photo dump later?” 

“If you want, it’s your call.” Nick nods his head and abruptly stops when Finn begins to card his fingers through his hair. The redhead can’t help but the large smile creeping onto his lips as he subconsciously leans into his boyfriend’s hand, his actions drawing a smile from the taller who’s gazing down at him. 

“Thank you for being with me.” 

“Oh, Nick.” Finn bends down to land a soft kiss on Nick’s temple. “I should be thanking you, to be honest.” 

“Yeah, yeah,” Nick mumbles. The male takes a moment to flip onto his stomach and bury his face in Finn’s bare thigh. “Let me be sappy please.” 

Finn softly laughs at the male, “Alright, alright.” 

As Nick begins to land light kisses on Finn’s thigh, the latter begins to drag his fingertips up and down the younger’s bare back. The moment Nick feels the male’s fingers lightly brush against his skin, he tenses up with a choked giggle. 

“Finn…” Nick warns, “Don’t fucking start I swear to God.” 

“I’m not doing anything?” Finn asks, his eyebrows furrowing in pure confusion as he dips his head down to glance at the male in his lap. 

“Finn, you know damn well what you’re doing.” 

“Do you want me to stop? I will if you want me to.” 

“No, no!” Nick quickly reaches an arm back to grab Finn’s hand when he pulls away. “I didn’t mean to sound harsh or anything, I promise. It just feels really weird.” 

“Oh,” Finn mumbles with a small chuckle. “So can I continue?” When Nick nods his head and returns to his spot in Finn’s thigh, the latter continues his previous actions. 

The two sat there for the remainder of the day, their energy levels boosted up to the max simply by being in each other’s presence. Both boys finally had a weight they’d had on their shoulders for a month lifted off their backs and they couldn’t be happier. They finally felt free to do whatever they wanted couple-wise and knew that the fans would eat up all the content they gave them. They were forever grateful for the fans and made sure they were plenty aware of the fact through a few ‘thank you’ posts made on their public stories. 

In all, both Finn and Nick continued to stay happy with one another. They relied on each other constantly and were always there for one another. Nothing was getting in between the couple, their bond was simply unbreakable. Yes, they still had a long way to go in terms of their relationship but they were very content with where they are right now. Considering how the full story of how these two boys met and stole each other's hearts has finally ended on a happy note, most would believe that this would be the end. 

But that is not the case for Nick and Finn. 

Who says that there will stop being more content just because their series has ended? Their story has just started! 

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[babbletaels]

I don't know exactly how to put this into words without rambling too much. I saw some people say something along the lines of "totk and botw have bad stories but so what, all zelda stories are bad because zelda games focus on gameplay". Now, of course I saw a lot of people and youtube videos proving this post wrong by pointing out the amazing stories in oot, majoras mask, twilight princess, and more.

But something they fail to ever mention is.. breath of the wilds story is not bad!!!! It's just not!

Breath of the wilds story IS:

Short

Simple

Told in a very new format

Not experienced totally by the protagonist

But that doesn't make it a bad story! But all these qualities DO make tears of the kingdoms story bad, and that's because the way of telling the story of breath of the wild was curated perfectly in order to tell that story, not tears of the kingdoms story. It's very clear to me that with this brand new open world format they thought very hard about how to make the game "as free as possible" and still make it interesting to play through, and they did this by putting you totally in Links shoes: You and Link both wake up with no memories of where you are or why, with the vague idea that your name is Link and that you're supposed to like save a princess or something. You and Link both set out to explore this world in the way that you want to do it. That's how they made you relate to the protagonist, not by giving him a gripping story but making him and you have the exact same experience going through this world. Instead of throwing you into a world where the protagonist knows everything but you don't, and making the protagonist learn things that he probably already knew, they made him and you be in the same boat. I don't know about you but I loved exploring this world and wondering what different places could've been a hundred years ago, so that's what my Link was doing. All of the "bad" game decisions made in this game were made so that you could feel as free as possible. Yes, the divine beasts were all the same kinda which is boring, but they did that because they wanted to emphasize the freedom in this game, they wanted it to be a totally new kind of zelda game. Yeah it was a bad decision, I agree, but like that's their idea on how to make the game as open as possible, okay? I personally don't care how many "walking through the door" cutscenes a game has, but that's me and whatever they wanted it to have as little as possible, that was their vision for this game.

The actual story of breath of the wild is not bad, but it IS short and simple, and it takes place 100 years before we come into the picture so it feels a bit detached, however I personally found it very gripping figuring out what happened all those years ago and very tragic knowing that there's nothing I can do to save those people who I failed. I don't want to ramble on about the zora storyline but that story is especially gripping as suddenly everyone in that domain knows who we are and blames us for the death of their princess or were jealous of your relationship with her and just finding out how much she loved you and realizing yeah, they're right, she did die because of you. She only joined this mission because she wanted to help you and your cause because she loved you so much. I felt sad learning this in the story, and knowing there's nothing I can do to bring her back or make things right. Not only because of Mipha but also because of Link, how tragic his story all of a sudden became, knowing that he can't do anything to right this wrong and imagining the future that he could've had if all of this never happened, possibly a future together with someone he loves, but all of that's gone now. The story feels detached because it IS detached and it's so tragic because of it, and the world feels so lonely because of it.

This format does not work in tears of the kingdom. If there was any chance of me having actual emotional attachements to characters from 10 000+ years ago that my character never even interacted with, that chance was minimized by a million percentages because they were the exact same cutscene where they say the exact same thing, they always wear masks so you can't even see their face, and we just know literally nothing about them. We get to know three characters a little bit, but it's like.. Can I really be that invested in what my new girlfriends adoptive parents and aunt did 10 000+ years ago? Yeah I want to find Zelda and finding out she's a dragon and all that was very cool and stuff. But the story doesn't work, especially since it doesn't fit in with anything we saw in breath of the wild AT ALL except one npc saying she can see a castle in the sky. Ooh we're finally learning what the Zonai ruins were! Oh, they're actually not where the zonai resided at all and actually the ruins didn't even look like that somehow someone built the ruins around a different ruin how do you even do that using stone? Are the zonai ruins made of clay since they're wrapped around the older zonai ruins? Like idk they didn't tie any of this to anything we were emotionally invested in, so why is it in a direct sequel? Oh wait I know why, because they wanted to reuse the world since they had already created it and it's so big and it did have untapped potential. But then make a story that actually has anything to do with the story that its a sequel to!!

Actually, majoras mask did the exact same thing as tears of the kingdom, kind of. Except the story in majoras mask, while largely detached from ocarina of time, is an actual good and gripping story!!!!!

Okay I can't rant any more. Breath of the wild is an actual good game that actually had a good story even if it was short and simple, and it accomplished exactly what they set out to accomplish, and it does not deserve to get dragged as a bad game just because tears of the kingdom had a bad story and used the exact same format as botw. Since you're reading this I assume you have played botw and don't need me to explain exactly what happened in the story. Like you know, how everyone failed? How the kingdom fell to ruin because literally everyone failed at their job? That story.

[merrydock]

Older Than the Universe — Chapter 35: The Vessel

Hey, folks! I come bringing a new chapter! You can read Older Than the Universe Chapter 35: The Vessel on AO3 here.

I've been very excited to post this chapter, not only because I had a ton of fun writing it (and am so eager to hear your thoughts) but also because it brings us to a big milestone for OTTU!

We've now hit over 200 000 published words! I just want to give a huge thanks to everyone who's been there since word one, and to everyone who's read all 200 000 of those words I've written. I know it's a big time commitment, and I'm so grateful to have had so many people interested in this story of mine. I hope you continue to enjoy the chapters I put out!

We've still got a lot of story to go, so I hope you'll join me in seeing how the Hatchling handles their newest discoveries in the next chapter. Have a great day!

[unioncolours]

1 Million Words ✨

[Image ID: Screenshot from AO3's statistic page with the word count 1, 000, 116]

I will let the picture speak for itself. I have, as of now, published over 1 million words on AO3! 🥂

I am super happy and relieved, as it was my goal to reach this number before 2025.

I thought for the fun of it that I would make a statistical breakdown of these 1 million words.

Out of 1 million words:

Shikajin-centric fics consist of: 561 616 words

ShikaTema or Temari-centric fics: 280 621 words

Saiino or Yamanaka family-centric fics: 17 162 words

Platonic Ino-Shika-Cho fics: 6087 words

Shikadai-centric, platonic: 52 292 words

Shinki-centric: 2396 words

WLW fics with main ships InoHina, InoTema, SakuTema and SakuIno: 77 244 words

That one JJK fic: 2728 words

Thank you everyone who has read, commented, bookmarked, everything! You made this journey lovlier than it would have been alone 💖

Below is an introspective discussion about this journey. I have written every year a Majsasaurus Year post where I go into detail about each journey for each individual fic (links in pinned post), so this one will be more general thoughts about my goal. Thank you.

Back in 2020, when I was feeling the biggest high of being part of fandom, I saw already my newly gained Naruto friends, one after one, say they have or will or want to retire. I was at that time so confused by what they meant, why would they want to retire? In that covid year I wrote the most, over 300 000 of my words were published that year (among them Trial of the Heart and To dance above the Stars), and by the end of 2020 I alredy started dreaming of reaching one million published words. If I could write over 300 000 words a year, simple math told me I'd reach it in no more than three years. I told everyone, self-confidently and annoyingly as always, that I won't retire from fandom before I have reached my goal of one million words.

Now, life isn't as simple as that math, and my depression in 2021 crushed that dream already. I think I got 150 000 words published in 2021, and on that road I stayed, and the yearly output dwindled. I still wanted to reach one million words before 2025. Of course I had a happy civilian life in real life with family and work, but the fandom life has for a longer time felt like slow strangling.

This summer I already tried to quit fandom, lacking only 50 000 words of my goal. It was agonising to want to delete myself from online while still holding onto that dream, and in the end, with the help of my little InoHina idea and #ShikajinWeeked24 I managed to break through that goal. I reached 1, 000, 000 words 12th of December, 2024.

And now, I am free to retire, free of my own silly self-made shackles. Do I want to retire? I don't know. I don't think I want to. But I don't feel genuine happiness right now when it comes to fandom. I still get panic attacks sometimes.

Don't get me wrong, I have one fic I'd love to write, a ShikaTema long-fic, canonverse. But I will let the idea rest for a month. I will gather strength. I will try to make up new goals for myself.

I want to join some fan weeks!

This got a bit sadder than I thought it would be, sorry! You will see more of me later, I dearly hope. I dearly want to.

So see you on AO3 sometimes in 2025 again, shall we? Get your tissues ready ❤

[takahashi-labs]

Multimuse OC Blog for Megaman Gigamix.

❀ Indie ❀ Selective/Mutuals only ❀ OC and Crossover friendly ❀ Written by Kitt, she/they, 22+

Inbox status: Open

Rules | Muses | Mun

Non RP Blogs Please DNI!

other blogs:

@melodic-mayh3m | Ariga! Verse Multimuse Megaman RP Blog

@spaced-out-muses | Multifandom Multimuse RP Blog

Rules and Mobile-Friendly muse list under the cut:

Muses:

DTN-000: Jazz

DTN-001: Rodeo Man

DTN-006: Moth Woman

DTN-008: Shark Woman

Tentatively Low-Activity/Request Only Muses:

Dr. Mariko Takahashi

Rules:

1. This blog shares canon with @melodic-mayh3m. While the main events of the Ariga Manga have taken place, many of my muses and their stories have been expanded on and can be considered canon divergent. One of the big differences is XVerse does not happen for me. X and Zero do still exist, and there is still conflict, but there is no calamity and no Maverick Virus. Within current canon, we're coming up on the events of Megaman and Bass, but I can and am willing to jump around the timeline!

2. I’m very OC and crossover friendly! Having said that, there are some franchises I can’t really see myself writing with, unless I’m familiar with you as a mun. I am also very liberal with the block button, and reserve the right to cease interaction if someone makes me uncomfortable.

3. On that note: For my comfort, please do not interact if you are a Personal blog/Do not have an rp side blog, or are below 18+. If you would like to follow for my writing, that is fine. However, any personal blogs that reblog things or spam-like will be blocked on sight.

4. I am a slow writer. There are some days when my writing energy is higher, and there are days when I physically cannot bring myself to focus on it. While I do not mind and actually appreciate thread reminders, I will not tolerate constant badgering.

5. Additionally, there is no time limit with me! RP is a hobby first and foremost, and I expect everyone in the RPC to treat it as such. Everyone has other things going on in their lives, and writing our characters comes second to that.

6. Communicate!! That is the key! Whether it be about plotting interactions or if an issue springs up, I greatly prefer if we can talk things out one-on-one. I do not tolerate vague posting.

7. Unless I reblog an ask meme requesting them, I do not accept magic anons. Any that are sent in will be deleted.

8. I don’t mind darker themes nor topics—though I do have my own limits—and as such I do my best to tag them whenever they arise. Rape, incest, and pedophilia are topics I will not entertain. Full stop. Please let me know if there’s anything in particular you need tagged. Mun ≠ Muse.

9. Regarding shipping, I am very much a multishipper! Having said that, I tend to run based on vibes as opposed to running straight into things. If our muses have chemistry or a potentially fun dynamic, I’m usually good to go! I do not ship just to ship, and will not appreciate being pushed into one.

10. Mun is of age, however I will not be roleplaying anything sexually explicit on this blog. While I may occasionally join in on Sinday shenanigans (I do enjoy sexual HCs and jokes), anything that leads into spicier territory will result in a fade to black. Any continuations will likely be written on Discord.

11. On that note: I do not hand out my discord to just anyone. I am extremely selective about who I give it to, and I usually prefer to do so if we’ve had substantial interaction.

Updated 06/5/25

[navcommrelay]

Wrath

/////Transmission Start///// CFRI OPSCOM N. LINDSBORG TO ALL OPERATION TOUCHDOWN SLDF AND ALLIED ELEMENTS: At 1526 hours local standard time, CFRI Angel Squadron performed an escort operation alongside a DropShip from @seafoxmathias delivering 'Mechs to in-field forces of @harwood-pmc-official. During this operation, COMSCAN detected a spike in ambient heat bearing southwest of the operational zone, and directed Angel Squadron on a pass-by course to check the area... Captain Molly Sanders was the wing lead of Angel Squadron. Had been for the better part of a decade, now- ever since Captain Raiken had that unfortunate engine failure. Captain Sanders was confident, assured, and in control- especially in the cockpit of her Sparrow, Angel-1.

Right now, though, she was none of those things.

The cockpit was alive with panic alarms- proximity warning for incoming Long Range Missiles, radar lock warnings, damage control warnings, and- most notably- the piercing whistle signifying her canopy had been breached by whatever the hell had taken potshots at Angel Squadron as they breached the horizon over the main road. Cursing wildly, she peered through the spiderwebbed ferroglass in front, trying desperately to assess whether her flight path was stable. The damage was impact- no molten airframe, no scorching heat filtering in through the damaged cockpit meant whatever had hit her wasn't an energy weapon. A world-shaking BOOM rocked the Sparrow in midair, sending the craft arcing through the sky away from the rest of the formation as Angel-6's bomb load detonated midair. The cloud of smoke and ash provided a reference point, and as she frantically righted the crippled aircraft, a blurry and fractured silhouette was visible below. Angel-4, unable to avoid both the debris from the bomber and the incoming autocannon fire, started coming apart piecemeal, blasts tearing great rents through the light armor of the fighter before it simply broke in two. A momentary flash of light, heat- not only visible but tactile even at this distance- lit the world like a thousand fireworks as an impossibly bright beam lanced up from below and simply erased Angel-2 and Angel-3. No explosion, no flame, just a streak of light and two puffs of smoke. Careening towards the ground, Molly frantically grabbed for the canopy breakaway lever, hauling with all her might, before the seals gave and the wind tore the structure from her aircraft. Blinking against afterimages, she banked, ejecting chaff, flares, and her reserve fuel tanks, desperate to outrun the incoming missiles. A last-minute ping from her craft's sensors sent a brief, surface-level analysis of the strange structures below that had turned her squad into a memory, before she joined them in oblivion. PAN PAN PAN EMERGENCY BROADCAST ANGEL-1 TAC ASSESSMENT: Manufacturer: Unknown Production Year: Unknown Model ID Beacon: JHA-000 Jericho Class: Superheavy 'Mech Type: Word of Blake Drone Hex-Mech Error: 'Mech size exceeds integer bounding parameters. Override. Mass: 250 Tons Chassis: Reinforced Structure Armor: Improved Ferro-Lamellor Engine: UNKNOWN Heat Sinks: UNKNOWN Speed: UNKNOWN Armament: 1x Experimental Extra-Light Naval Subcapital Laser 2x Gauss Rifle 2x Extended-Range LRM-20 6x LBX Autocannon-10 6x Ultra Autocannon-2 12x Micro Pulse Laser 6x Variable-Speed Medium Pulse Laser 6x Laser Anti-Missile System Improved C3 Computer Beagle Active Probe ARCHANGEL Advanced ECM Suite WARNING: Multiple units detected. WARNING: Accompanying elements detected. Error: Transmission offline. Get ready, everyone. /////END TRANSMISSION/////

[itzynabi]

produce 48 episode 9

word count: 0.6k

warnings: none that i can think of

an: words in bold are japanese. feedback and reblogs are much appreciated 💐

eve’s masterlist // produce 48

The girls sat in the classroom, separated into rows depending on their team.

“Unnie, it’s just you and me,” Eve said to Miho, who was sitting behind her. The two girls were the only ones from their team to survive the latest ranking announcement.

“We’re the only ones,” Miho said.

Eve reached back to hold her hand.

A video from Seunggi played. He told the trainees that the number of trainees allowed in each song is five and that they were going to rearrange the groups so that the groups with extra members would vote out members to be added to groups with not enough members.

The trainees went to their different practice rooms. Miho and Eve sat in silence.

“Who do you want to join the group?” Miho asked.

Eve hummed as she thought. “Goeun-chan would be nice. She’s a good vocalist and I think she’d fit the concept.”

Miho nodded. “Right. Sakura-chan would also be nice. Or Chaewon-chan.”

Eve agreed. “There’s many people that could come. We just have to wait and see who they’ll be.”

The girls stood up when there was a knock on the door, gasping when they saw which trainees had been kicked out of their groups.

“1 000% is a great song, you know?” Miho comforted the trainees.

“It’s very fun and refreshing,” Eve added. “We even have a nice colour!”

The teams were in the middle of practice when a trainee told them that Seunggi had arrived. They all ran to the practice room he was in, sitting down with the other trainees. He gave the trainees some advice before announcing that there would be a surprise evaluation. The trainees entered the room with the trainers and producers all standing stiffly. They went to the side as other groups performed.

In their practice room, the 1 000% team went over the song.

“Shall we pick the centre?” Chaeyeon asked. Eve raised her hand along with Moe and Miu.

Eve ended up getting the centre position with both Miho and Chaeyeon agreeing that her facial expressions fit the song the most. When they were practising, Eve and Chaeyeon led the dance practice and helped everyone learn the choreography.

“Next, let’s see 1 000%,” Seunggi said as the girls walked to the centre of the room. “After the ranking announcement, everyone except Miho and Nabi changed. But you all recorded the song in such a short time.”

The girls first sang the song, doing the dance after.

“I don’t want to compare,” Cheetah said, “but they only had one day to practise. They memorised everything well. They’re energetic and well-balanced.

“I think Nabi did a good job,” May J Lee complimented. “You go well with this song.”

“Refreshing concepts is where she shines,” Youngjun added.

“Her movements when she dances are very big,” Seunghee, the choreographer of 1 000%, noted. “She doesn’t cut the moves off early so that she can move to the next one, she uses as much time as possible for each move and makes sure to put emphasis on the important ones.”

After complimenting everyone, Yoonjung looked at Eve. “Yah, you.”

“Yes,” Eve answered, smiling sweetly at her trainer.

“What’s your question?”

Eve stared at Yoonjung in confusion before gasping. “I didn’t think of one. This was a surprise evaluation, so I didn’t have time to think of one,” she whined.

Seunggi looked around in confusion. “What’s going on?”

“Nabi always asks us random questions during classes,” Hoonggi answered, gesturing at the girl who had her eyes squeezed shut as she thought.

Thinking of a question, Eve opened her eyes, clapping her hands. “If you were an animal, would you rather be a hippo or a bear?”

“They both seem horrible, though,” Cheetah complained, thinking about her answer.

“I’d be a hippo,” Soyou answered. “I’d always get to be in the water.”

“I choose bear so I can sleep in winter,” May J Lee said.

Youngjun laughed. “We take these questions so seriously,” he commented.

“It’s because she asks them with so much sincerity,” Cheetah told him. “If we don’t take them seriously, I fear she’ll be sad.”

outfit

tagging: @seolboba // @ateezivy // @ateezjuliet // @cafemilk-tea // @smh-anon // @alixnsuperstxr // @cosmicwintr // @girlzwfun // @txt-yaomi // @ctrluvz

©️ kim nabi

[vibratingskull]

My hand joined in prayer

Part1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Tag list

Tags : Religion, church, temple, Mass, community

FemaleReaderxThrawn

Nather brings you to a temple on Coruscant, hoping it would ease your sentiment of solitude. Unbeknownst to you, destiny is in motion.

You take a step back to have a good view.

You gulp.

The building is enormous.

In a pyramid form with steps, the building in what appears to be beige marble clashes with the rest of Coruscant. Sitting at the top of a tower of apartments and offices near Core Square, the construction of more than 21 000 meters square takes center stage of the neighborhood, less tall but more wide than the other buildings, the sun rises behind it and shines all its light on the smooth surface of the marble. Already a huge crowd is forming at its door. 

You tug your suit to smooth and flatten it. A hand appears on your backside, you turn your head to Nather who just parked the airspeeder. As always, a smile is flowing on his lips, with his hand he gestures to you all of the building. 

"Welcome, (y/n)!" 

Your gaze comes back on the impressive built. 

"What's this ?" You ask with a voice filled with curiosity.

"This is, I hope, the remedy to your loneliness! Come." He takes your hand and guides you toward a small group of people talking with energetic tones.

"Demat my friends!”

They all turn towards you with smiles on their faces. You can’t really say because they wore civil clothes but you think one of them is another governor. An old man in a grey tunic opens his mouth first.

“Demat Arzel. What a beautiful day for a ceremony isn’t it ?”

"Indeed. Let's hope the future days will be as clement. Is the beleg officiate today?”

“Oh yes! He came back last week with news of others kenvreuriezh…”

You let them talk without understanding the jargon, you just nod silently with a polite smile, not daring to interrupt them. A woman between two ages looks at you up and down and takes the floor.

“Arzel, honey, who’s that pretty thing accompanying you?”

Your lips part at the demeaning compliment, taken aback you don’t know how to respond without missing a beat. Nather flies to your rescue, pushing you slightly forward in the circle of friends.

“This is my pearl. Everyone meets (y/n)!”

They all smile at you, nod, and exclaim some welcoming formula. The woman takes your hands in hers and squeezes them as a salutation.

"So it's her? Welcome my child." she pinches your cheek like she would a baby. 

"Tell me, what did he told you to convince you to come ?" 

You ostensibly massage your cheek, still with a polite smile. 

"Huh… He wanted to present to me his friends, ma'am."

"Don't ma'am me, my child. We are all friends here, we use each other's nicknames!" You realize she didn't release your other hand, you squeeze it but she didn't take the hint. "We should find you a nickname!" Her eyes glow as she speaks. 

"That's a bit premature, no?" Nather interjects, his fan touches her hand and she finally releases yours, you quickly retract it. “This is her first time, you’re gonna scare her…”

“A nickname?” You ask. “What for?”

“Oh it’s just a silly little thing.” The woman says. “A way to strengthen ties between us. For example my nickname is Berc’hed, Nather is Arzel, this is Gleann.” She designates the old man in grey. “And you, my dear…” She takes your face between her two hands, making you look like a fish, you have to challenge all your patience to not pull them off. “You have a visage to be called Roween. Am I right?” She asks the rest of the circle. They all agree with enthusiasm.

This woman is really exhaustive, you decide. You can’t wait to be away from her, fortunately Nather seems to share your sentiment.

“Alright, that’s it. Enough!” She lets you go. “I had all the pains in the world to get her to accept and you’re gonna make her run away the first day…” He wraps his arm around your shoulders and guides you away.

“Bye Roween! We will see each other next time!” They all cheer as you walk away, you wave at them with an embarrassed smile.

“I’m sorry.” He whispers in your ear. “They tend to be a little… enthusiast when I bring someone new .“

“I saw that.”

“Come, I have other people to greet. They are more calm, I promise.” As you walk you see him nod or wave to different people, he is visibly famous. And with great people too! Other governors, commandants, even an admiral. There are some connections to make, you think. 

You both pass the door of the building to enter a large room with tapestries, sculptures, high stained-glass, a large carpet running in the center of the room from the entrance to three large wooden doors, the hall is filled to the brim with people of different ages, from toddlers to senior. They are gathered as little cells, dispatched, the sound of their conversation resonating inside the room. 

"I have something to check up on, Can I leave you alone for two minutes? You are gonna be okay?”He asks, genuinely concerned.

It makes you laugh.

“Yes, I think I’ll survive.”

“Good.” He kisses your forehead and you lose him in the crowd.

You take this opportunity to observe your surroundings, clenching your purse. You notice there is a buffet, of an impressive size to sustain such a crowd, shelves with medals and cups, and different stalls. The crowd is diverse, human and aliens, of different standing and economic background alike are mixed in a bubbling melting pot. You head towards the information stand, decided to get some infos.

“Hi! Sorry to bother, but could you tell me… what this place is?” You ask the hostess standing behind a counter with different books for sale. You have to raise your voice to be heard. The human woman looks at you with a pearly white smile, in an impeccable uniform she slightly bows before you before answering.

“Welcome! You are at the temple of the Church of Unifying White Light. Also called Heaven Hall.” 

You blink.

A church? Nather didn’t cross you as particularly spiritual. And neither are you.

“A church?” You repeat. “And what do you believe in?” you ask cautiously.

“We believe in the reunification of all the races, miss.” She gives you a colorful flier. “We are a large organization that promotes different initiatives and philosophic principles, we preach acceptance and pray for a near unification of all the sisterly species under the same banner.” She gestures to the books for sale. “But you will find everything in the books of the beleg, all our beliefs and what we stand for.” She hands you one of them that you take and leaf through.

Well, to say it surprised you is an understatement. Rare are the movements of equality under the Empire, despite numerous protests and actions it doesn’t really move the global population. And the simple fact that this church can operate questions you on its ability to fight for equality, but it's better than nothing you think. You read here they are against slavery. Eli would have liked this church, you think. But you grow uneasy, you’ve never hated aliens, but you’ve never felt comfortable near them. It wasn’t always like that, before the incident you thought of everyone as your brother and sister but since then you grow wary of the other. Standing here makes you feel like a hypocrite. You hand her back the book but she refuses it without abandoning her smile.

“The first tome is free.” 

“But I don’t… I don’t think I-”

“You’re not a believer.” She cuts you with an accomplice wink. “But that can change. Stay for the mass, speak to the people, maybe you will see the light. And recognize your fellow beings as your siblings.” She gestures to the crowd of humans and aliens, mixed as one. “Maybe you are here for a reason, maybe it is time for you to do some soul searching and extend your hand to your next one.” She looks at you without judgment, confident. 

You look at them. Could you? After what happened, could you still believe in them? 

Thrawn’s face flashes in your mind. You believe in him, despite what happened. Could this happen? A world where you could be his sibling and walk with him, even from far away?

 You want to believe it. Even if the hope is thin, you wanna believe it is possible.

And Nather is a believer of that movement, so maybe you should look into it. 

You hold the book close to your heart with a newfound smile on your lips.

“I will try.”

“Wise decision.” She nods at you with a satisfied grin. “And as there is no better moment than the present to start changing, can I ask you for a generous donation for one of our causes ?”

 You’re taken aback by the sudden shift of subject.

“Huh, maybe. What are they?”

“We have different ones. There is one for the integration of the youth in our sponsored team sports or we have a program that finances the construction of schools in regions touched by the war.”

“Oh…The school one.” You decide. It will be your Good Action of the day.

You proceed to the exchange and she bows once again.

“Thanks miss, you are one step closer to the White Light.”

“Thank you. Say, I have a last question. What is it about those nicknames?”

“Once you are considered a real member of the church, you get a new name. See that as a baptism for your rebirth as a more enlightened person.”

You salute her and head towards the center of the room. You think you recognize someone.You approach the group and your instinct didn’t lie to you, there are officers of the Marine here. You recognize some. 

"... And he gave himself all the merit! I've never seen that !" Says the admiral Wiskovis.

"And who might you be to eavesdrop on others, little one?" Ask a ginger woman you don't recognize.

"I am (y/n) (y/l/n), I work in the Imperial Marine." You stammer.

"Oh really? What is your rank miss (y/l/n)?" 

"I'm a junior lieutenant." You announce with the ardor of youth. 

"Ha…" Says the admiral, already disinterested. He turns back to his group of friends "He executed this interrogation like a master, but still. Can we allow such behavior from low ranking officers?" 

"What are you talking about?" You demand, trying to create a connection. 

"We were talking about the new mascot of the marine, an alien straight up from wild space. You might have heard of him, he has a bad habit of shaking the established order.”

“I might have heard about him, yeah.” You pout.

Even when he’s not here, Thrawn makes everyone talk about him.

"Did you hear? Another person has been poisoned." Exposes a second woman with blue eyes. "The killer vanished without a trace. It's the third high ranking of the Empire to be killed like that after those two senators." She says with an air of conspiracy. 

"Bah. Another settling of score between them, it's commonplace among the politicians" Wiskovis laughs. 

"But it's a Major of the Imperial Army who died this time!" She counters. “Do you think it's connected to the robbery of slaves?”

You are losing interest in the conversation when something picks your attention.

A very specific shade of blue in the crowd.

Impossible. You think.

You go after it without thinking about it. You try and navigate your way among the sea of people, eyes fixed on the blue.

That beautiful blue.

You extend your hand and reach his shoulder.

And are met with green eyes.

Before you stand a Twi’lek with a surprised look on his face, with the exact same skin as Thrawn. You quickly retract your hand, all your senses alert.

“I’m sorry, I mistaked you for someone else.”

“No problem.” His eyes laugh “You’re new too?”

You frown then notice the first tome in his hands.

“No. I’m…” You silently berate yourself. You’ve just said you would make an effort. “Yes. It’s my first time.” You try to calm yourself down.

He nods with a shy smile.

“Me too. I wonder how it will be.”

“The prospectus said there will be a demonstration then a mass with the… Beleg?”

“You’re more informed than I am.” He extends his hand. “I’m Vez’lajui, but my friends call me just Vez.”

You hesitate a second but shake his hand with a smile you hope appears sincere.

“Pleased to meet you! I’m (y/n).”

 “Who did you mistake me for?”

“A… Friend. Yes. A friend.” He raises his eyebrow. “You have the same skin, so…”

He laughs looking at his hand.

“We indeed have a very specific shade of blue.” You nod. “ So, (y/n), what do you do in life?”

“I’m a lieutenant in the marine.”

His smile vanishes and he seems to move back.

“And you?” You try to hold him back “What do you do?”

“I’m an artist.”

“Really? My friend is a real aficionado of art!” He seems to relax a little. “What do you do?”

“I paint and sculpt. Your friend likes art?”

“Oh it’s more than just liking.” You grin. “It could be his religion.”

You both laugh, the atmosphere slowly alleviating.

Suddenly, the central doors open and the crowd starts moving inside. Away, you can see Nather waving at you, jumping on site to be seen above the moving wave of people. 

"Let's get inside !" You say joyfully to Vez.

He follows you through the crowd to Nather that seize your hand.

"Our seats are on the front row."

"Can Vez come sit with us ?" 

He looks at him up and down and shrugs his shoulders, guiding you inside the room. 

This new room is gigantic. With several floors and balconies, you estimate it can accommodate at least 100 000 people, and almost all the seats are taken. You’ve prepared yourself for cheap chairs and decolored walls but you're graced with padded armchairs and sculpted moldings on handrails and walls.  Even more tapestries are hung, in beautiful shades of red, gold and blue. A large scene with a podium has been built with a sculpture of the logo of the church hung over it in a golden material; heavy white curtains prevent the crowd from seeing what's behind the stage. Your breath is taken away. You didn’t expect such rich decor.

“Who finances the church?” You ask Nather as you take your seat. 

"The Empire would never finance a church with this ideology for now, so it runs on the donations of the parishioners and fundraising."

You whistle. It must have some generous crazy rich parishioners. 

"For now?" Inquiries Vez. 

"Well, we are working hard for it to come as soon as possible." Nather responds with a grin. 

The room goes dark as you sit down, and rhythmic music starts to rise. Everyone goes silent waiting for something to happen. The large doors open once again to let children in costumes appear, with sticks, balls and ribbons they set off on the alleys, throwing their instruments adroitly to execute a figure and catching them back without missing a beat. They walk down the aisle, human and non-human, with broad smiles and impeccable hairstyles. The audience applauds with tenderness in the eyes, forgiving the minute errors and failures of the children doing their best. Following them, teens and young adults execute pirouettes, spins, somersaults, moons and splits. 

“That’s one of the gym teams we sponsor!” Nather tells you over his shoulder. You don’t lose a crumb of the spectacle, cheering the little guys.

They traverse the hall to place themself before the scene, under the applause and the hurray they perform figures more and more spectacular in perfect synchrony, throwing each other more and more rapidly, building human pyramids higher and higher. At some point the crowd gasp as a little pantoran jump off the top of a seven meters pyramid, you grasp Nather’s arms, shocked. But she’s caught by her comrades without breaking a sweat and you can release a sigh of relief, a hand on your heart. It continues for five more minutes until it escalates to a grand finale. You applaud so much your palms burn. They bow to the audience before trotting towards the exit and the claps subside as the lights come back. 

“Well that was entertaining!" Vez exclaimes himself. 

You nod in agreement, it sure must change from those traditional sermons, way more dynamic. 

A middle-age man you assume to be the Beleg passes the white curtains on the stage, walking like he owns the place and the audience goes completely crazy. The crowd rose like one man, shouting to the point of losing its voice, chanting praises and hurrays, applauding like thunder, making the whole room tremble. The racket is deafening but you participate gleefully. 

The man wore a white and golden robe, of rich fabric and a ceremonial scarf with embroidery. With gray temples, he conducts himself haughtily. He walks with a tranquil pace, saluting the crowd like he would old acquaintances. The standing ovation continues as he walks from one side of the stage to the other, laughing as he plays with the public. He finally takes place behind the podium, inviting the public to calm down. 

"My friends! What a pleasure to see you all once again!" 

New ovation. You notice a scar running from his neck to his temples, you bend towards Nather.

“What happened to him?” You whisper.

“There has been a police raid at one of our last sessions, he refused to back down.”

"The Empire tried to take us down! But they can not defeat the truth!” He speaks with a clear and strong voice. “And the truth is : we are indissociable! United!” He welcomes the praises with open arms. “I didn’t waste my time being away, I traveled from many planets : Charros, Edusa, Sullust,… Spraying the good words of the White Light. And I command you to do the same, my friends, share the words, build bridges! Do not let people in ignorance. Every soul enlightened is a soul saved!”

A murmur of agreement spread through the audience, Nather slowly nods. Your gaze travels over the room observing the people's faces, their smile, their light applauds not to disturb the speech. 

"But before the sermon, it came to my attention that some of you brought newcomers with you and I would like to talk to them, know them a bit. See you, my young friend, what is your story?" He says designing Vez. 

A projector turns on and illuminates the Vez and a staff member’s hands him a micro. He stands up and takes a deep breath. 

"My story is quite common, bullying when I was young, little to no opportunity when I became an adult. I own a studio where I sculpt and paint, it has been sacked several times." You look up at him, feeling sorry and ashamed. "For a long time I only felt hatred, fear and anger, but it was burning me slowly, depriving him of who I really am. And recently someone extended their hand to me and showed me the way. I don't want to fear all the time, I don't want anger eating at me slowly and consuming who I really am, I want to believe in justice, so I decided to come here.”

You applaud with the audience, nodding approvingly as he sits back down. The beleg nods approvingly.

“And you, my child? What is your story?”

You slowly stop applauding as you realize the spotlight is on you, for all to see. Vez puts the mic in your hand and you turn towards Nather unknowing what to do, he simply gestures to you to get up and speak.

“I, huh-” You rose slowly from your seat “I don’t have anything to say.” You try.

“Come now.” He tempers. “We all have a story, that is why we are all here.”

“I…” You gulp. “I don’t know what to say…” You laugh nervously ”We herberged a young pantoran when I was a child, then…”

A memory flashes in your mind.

“Then…”

It imposes itself to you, replaying in your mind without your consent.

“Then I saw…”

Shut up.

“I saw…”

Shut the fuck up.

“I saw my cousin get shot… By a Togruta and a Twi’lek…” Your voice cracks at the end.

The room is dead silent, not ready for a bomb like that. You hear some gasps and a light murmur across the hall. Nather and Vez look at each other, disconcerted. Congrats, you idiot ! You’re frozen in place, incredulous that you actually said that out loud. The beleg keeps silent, looking at the floor for a split second before taking back the floor.

“This was very brave of you to say. Thank you for sharing.”

He continues to speak but you don’t hear him. Shaking all over, you give the mic to Nather , take your purse and run out the church.

Why did you say that?! You didn’t confront it for years and you drop that at a church meeting?! Trembling, you stop next to a bench, taking out tissues to dry your wet cheeks. You take deep breaths, trying to take back control when a feminine voice rises behind you. 

"(y/n)?" 

Surprised, you turn towards a young woman in clothes faded but still in good conditions. Dark rings under her eyes are the witnesses to her sleepless night. You've never seen her in your entire life. 

"You are with him, don't you?" 

"Huh ?" You sniff, not understanding a word being said. 

"Listen, I should not being here,I-" 

"Indeed, you should not be here." Nather appears next to you with an icy cold voice. 

She looks at him in shock, not expecting him. 

"Go away, Ashcorah. You've lost your privileges around here."

You watch the silent duel between the two without interfering. The gaze of the woman slides back to you, imploring. But you don't budge, still trembling. She finally steps back and runs away without any more words. Nather places himself in front of you and take your face between his hands, brushing your cheeks with his thumbs. He looks at you longingly.

“Are you alright, my pearl?”

You nod slowly, sniffing away your tears. He pulls you into a hug, you bury your face in the crook of his neck, wetting the hem of his coat. You look in the direction of the departed woman. 

"Who was she ?" You manage to ask. 

He squeezes you. 

"Just someone who doesn't believe in our values anymore, we didn't have any other choice but to shun her when she decided to go vocal after our belief in equality."

You don't say a thing, fixated on her direction. 

She knew your name. 

“It was so brave of you to share your story!” He cradles you. “You know, we all have a story here, but we are here to grow. Together, hand in hand.” 

He parts and wipes a tear of your cheek.

“Will you think about it?” He whispers.

You nod once again, putting your head on his shoulder.

“I wanna go home” You sigh. 

_________________________

You stand before the door, apprehensive. You turn to admire the blue trees and their chanting birds. 

How many years since you came here ? 

You barely remember anything. 

The door opens behind you and you turn towards a woman of approximately 40 years. 

"Yes ?" She asks suspiciously. 

"Hello ! I'm (y/n)." You extend your hand to her with a polite smile. 

 She opens her eyes wide open like saucers and shuts the door right into your face. You stay speechless, not knowing what to do. You hear ruckus behind the door, like someone failing to speak with a low voice and another one surexcited. 

The door reopens to an old woman and the same woman. They look at you like they saw a ghost and you do not dare to move. 

“(Y/N)!” Exclaims the old  woman, pulling you into a bear hug.

“Yes… that’s me.…” You manage to say, without being strangled.

“I’m your grandma!” She parts with you, holding your face. “Oh dear Maker, you’ve grown so much! But you surely don’t remember me, you were so young when I last saw you” 

You search in your memory, deep down, and vaguely remember an already old woman inviting you for an after-school snack on her lap when you were maybe three or four.

You smile.

“Yeah, I remember you.”

“Oh Maker. Look at you! You’re a full grown woman, now!” She gasps with emotion. “You must see your grandpa! He will be so happy to see you!” 

Without any warning she pulls inside the house. Damn! For a frail old woman she sure does have some strength! Your parents would choke if they knew who you were.

You arrive in a well lit room with an old armchair near a window, in it seats an old man, eyes lost in thoughts. He barely reacts to your arrival.

“He had an accident last year and has been let diminished since then.” Says your grandma with a pained expression. “But go see him, it can only do goods.”

You carefully approach, trying to catch his attention.

“Grandpa?” 

He doesn’t react, eyes lost fixed on the void of the window.

“Grandpa, it’s me.” You try, delicately taking his hand.

He slowly turns his head towards you, staring into your eyes without recollecting who you are. His eyes are void of anything. You barely know this man but it still pains you to see him reduced to this state. You turn towards your grandma with pleading eyes, she just gestures to you to try again. 

“I’m (y/n). Do you remember me?” You squeeze his hand.

To no avail.

You’re about to get back to your Grandma and your aunt when you see something clicks in his eyes. He slowly brushes your cheek with his hand. You see his eyes getting wet.

“Of course I remember you.” He simply says.

Your aunt gasps with relief as you put him into a hug, relieved to see him out of his coma state. You would lie if you said it didn’t pinch your heart. 

You appreciate having him in your arms before remembering why you were here for.

“Grandpa, I have a question.”

___________________________________________

“That’s all I could find.” You send.

“That is plenty, it will be useful to me. Thank you for your cooperation.” Thrawn replies.

“Take good care and make the most of those infos, I had to deceive my grandparents to get them.”

This time his response is slow to come.

“I am truly sorry to hear that. I will make the most of it, I promise.” 

You stare at his response, you feel guilty for having to mislead in such a way your own grandparents, all bandits they might have been in the past. You’re pulled out of your thoughts by a message in the loudspeaker of the Zephyr.

“Junior lieutenants (y/l/n) and Norcaus, you’re awaited on the bridge.” The message ends in statics.

You sigh. Another day, another crisis, you think. You take your cap and head towards the bridge, ready to hunt down pirates.

@Bluechiss, @justanothersadperson93, @al-astakbar

[yuttikkele]

Also! C!george being able to see the multiverse through a lil window dreamXD made to show him

What does he see?

CC!george, sapnap and dream watching a football game (cc!george isnt really watching anyhow) (XD explains how everything is pacific and domestic here without wars or dumb monarchies and betrayals they all just live together and chill)

A swapped places AU where c!dream isnt a weirs puppet thing and is actually c!george who is that weird monster (that c!dream stares back and just stares confused until some weird god comes by and XD changes the universe quickly) ("who was that?" '...did i tell you im divorced?' "...loser." '...LOSER???!!')

....flowers from 1970... But its just a room with poems in the walls and the palms marked in them with that specific song playing ("...what happened here?" 'Some dimensions are good and have nice endings and some dont! Thats just how it is' "oh...not my problem anyway") (i alao dont know if you know abt the fanfic its pretty good but also quite old) (no good ending tho)

Manhunt

Mcc

Squid craft 2 (the part where george finds dream just dead as hell) (i dont even know if you even watched the event)

And well if you thought the cc!au was upsetting!

The window opens to the inside of the castle that is decorated with blue and white and c!george sitting in the throne and c!dream is just by the side of the throne with a knight kind of look just talking to him about his day

C!george gets upset and closes the window "this sucks youre an idiot and this is dumb" '...making that window is hard you know?' "I dont care leave me alone i have things to do" 'mean.' "I dont care"

....ALSO

Yess! Draculaura just starts assigning superheroes to her friends (most dont make sense thanks to her lack of knowledge in the topic) then she finds a comic where they did make batman a vampire and she just refuses to think that it isnt the principal story

Clawdeen hates Twilight

She wakes up and posts abt how much she hates it everyday for like 4 months until she finds a good book of werewolves to read

oh my gosh i forgot to answer this i’m so sorry 😭😭 i looked at it and was like “ok i’ll answer that later” and then forgot about it

WINDOW BEDTIME STORIES!!! George gets an au bedtime story POG

weirdthingC!george and actuallynormalC!dream is a cool little swap :000!! AND XD BEING DIVORCED BAHAHAHAHA

i think i remember flowers from 1970? probably? it’s a dnf fanfic right? i think my dreamteam friend told me she was reading it at one point

OK SO. I feel like the external videos, previous smps, and contests are still a part of the dsmp. At least most of them. Like, the characters are an extension of the CC and their YouTube/Twitch journey. The characters join the dsmp, and they come from different places, and those places are the series the CC is currently working on. Like they have a built in backstory.

For instance: Tommy, SMPEarth and Skyblock are canon for him. Philza, hardcore world and SMPEarth. Techno, Hypixel, MCM, SMPEarth, so on and so forth. BadBoyHalo, MunchyMC, videos with Skeppy, and MCM. And Dream, MunchyMC and Manhunts. MCC for all of these too. I gave a lot of examples just to show a lot of the different places they come from. There can ofc be more!

And I KNOW they said it wasn’t canon, but I think the Fundy marriage was canon too. Just to put into perspective how many of these things are considered canon for anyone who might be in doubt, everyone thought the Fundy proposal videos were canon until they said it wasn’t. Which obviously I didn’t listen to.

I will say, I do continue the “characters are an extension of their CC” thing with the QSMP (like the dsmp part of the character is canon in the qsmp), but with the QSMP, they knew they were making characters, so not all things really flow over the same, at least we don’t know if the dsmp is canon yet (some other old smps seem to be though), but I still headcanon that the island tried to wipe the characters memories and make them forget about important things they left behind so they wouldn’t want to leave the island. Thus, the character is still carried on, they probably just don’t know it.

Anyways, carrying on. I actually haven’t watched Squid Craft 2. I did not know that existed :0

And dw I was not saddened by the window. But like I did just sorta explain, George looking at the manhunt would be like George looking at his happy past. The knight thing’s totally an au tho.

“Why’d I get stuck with the janky old broke hobo Dream?” —c!George

Draculaura says that Ghoulia is the Flash, and Ghoulia is upset that Draculaura assigned her as the “off brand Dead Fast.”

and clawdeen WOULD hate twilight. I actually just started reading it, and it was going pretty well until the whole “dude makes girl uncomfortable but it’s ok because she actually secretly likes it!! Haha!!” thing. I feel like clawdeen would hate twilight mostly though because she sees herself in the main character, but the story reacts in such ways that are just unsatisfactory and not at all what actually happen to a girl like Bella, which Clawdeen experiences because she feels she is actually a girl like Bella and she HATES IT. She’s like, “That’s not how it works! Vampires might have all these super awesome powers, but that’s not what makes them likable!!” (as I haven’t read enough of twilight yet, I just have a hunch about this hc, so I will say my main basis for clawdeen relating to Bella is because she also has a crush on a vampire.)

And instead of a werewolf book, she actually finds the dog version of warriors.

[simplegenius042]

Music Monday, Six Sentence, Last Line(s) & Detailed OC Template

Tagged by @noodlecupcakes and @inafieldofdaisies

Tagging @direwombat @josephseedismyfather @voidika @raresvtm @imogenkol @socially-awkward-skeleton @adelaidedrubman @josephslittledeputy @cassietrn @g0dspeeed @aceghosts @cloudofbutterflies92 @derelictheretic @icecutioner @shallow-gravy @strangefable @statichvm @carlosoliveiraa @wrathfulrook @starsandskies @ladyoriza @la-grosse-patate @thewanderer-000 @omen-speaker @alypink @shellibisshe @skoll-sun-eater @afarcryfrommymain @strafethesesinners @turbo-virgins @florbelles @minilev @justasmolbard @yokobai and @chazz-anova + anyone else who'd like to join.

Music for Life, Despair & Monsters, Edward Carmine from that novelization of a roleplay I was in once and The UnTitledverse, six sentences for A Radioactive Calamity of Love, Bombs & Gore and Last Line for The Silver Chronicles, with a Detailed OC Template(?) by @keylo-taloon for my newest OC: Raphael.

Edward Carmine won't just appear in the first saga (The Perfect Storm) of The UnTitledverse as the main antagonist, but I've set him up as a major antagonist for a novelization of a roleplay I was once apart of. Edward, despite his claims of being better than everybody, is narrow minded. So much so that if he perceives an insult against him, his superiority-inferiority complex runs in overdrive and he must prove that insult wrong. Unfortunately he views himself as the best of humanity, so finding creatures way more intelligence and stronger than him really pushes him to extreme lengths to ruin their peace and quiet. At the end of it, he ends up building a whole trap to lure everyone who has ever "wronged him" so he can incinerate them, and when that doesn't work, he tries to kill them himself, only to end up where he ends up in The UnTitledverse, where he begins his vile legacy that ruins so many lives and almost destroys the multiverse because of his arrogance.

"Break it down today Tear the pieces up and burn the shreds Lay to rest the circus of the dead, the end It was a mistake in time But there's no turning back the clock And now it's me who has to be the one to stop it

How long must they roam? With instincts they don't understand Old lives they dance to forget Lost souls away from home Destroy the nightmare by design Welcome back this time

To break the cycle Come follow me I'll cut the strings, 'cause you are not a puppet Break the cycke You can be free Your time is through Break break break break Break break break break the cyle

Toil and toil and toil build the maze Where daddy's little monsters await Chasing voices not seeing the flames That grow to free their souls from their chains Break the cycle!"

Next up I wanna talk a little about the last WIP to The Perfect Storm saga from The UnTitledverse, called Supremacy, where the protagonists (namely Joaquin, Mario and Calvin) get together their allies to take on the Unknown Evil's forces, only for its defeat to seem too easy, leading to Edward Carmine taking the spotlight, alongside Jester, and stealing the Unknown Evil's power for himself to become some combination of an human consciousness/artificial intelligence god-like being unable to be destroyed due to the phylactery he has keeping his soul and power anchored to the material realm. It's here that Joaquin, Mario and Calvin truly come closer to their arcs in this saga and commit to destroying Edward and his reign and cycles of terror once and for all, even if it costs them their lives.

"There's a moment in your bones when When the fire takes over Blood is running, heart is pumping As the battle gets closer

Ooh, they can say what they want now Ooh, 'cause we'll be screaming out

We can be heroes everywhere we go We can have all that we ever want Swinging like Ali, knocking out bodies Standing on top like a champion Keep your silver, give me that gold You'll remember when I say We can be heroes everywhere we go Keeping us down is impossible 'cause we're unstoppable

Oh whoa, we're unstoppable Oh whoa, we're unstoppable

Every spotlight, every sound byte Everybody who gave up Is just the fuel for wanting it more Than anybody against us

Ooh, they can say what they want now Ooh, 'cause we'll be screaming our

We can be heroes everywhere we go We can have all that we ever want Swinging like Ali, knocking out bodies Standing on top like a champion Keep your silver, give me that gold You'll remember when I say We can be heroes everywhere we go Keeping us down is impossible 'cause we're unstoppable

Oh whoa, we're unstoppable Oh whoa, we're unstoppable

Ooh, they can say what they want now Ooh, 'cause we'll be screaming out

We can be heroes everywhere we go We can have all that we ever want Swinging like Ali, knocking out bodies Standing on top like a champion Keep your silver, give me that gold You'll remember when I say We can be heroes everywhere we go Keeping us down is impossible 'cause we're unstoppable

Oh whoa, we're unstoppable Oh whoa, we're unstoppable Oh whoa, we're unstoppable Oh whoa, we're unstoppable Oh whoa, we're unstoppable We're unstoppable!"

And lastly a song for Life, Despair & Monsters. When I think of "See You Again" in the context of Life, Despair & Monsters, I think of the finale of the series. When the dust settles and the worlds are saved from total collapse, who are to remember the sacrifice made for multiverse that's none the wiser? Who are to grieve the saviors who do not return home? How do the few families and friends go through the loss? How do the survivors grapple with their new stead in life? Do Jennifer and Sonya huddle close at night, both wondering whether or not the others made it out? Loss is not a stranger in any of my series (just look to Silva, Huntress Caroline, Logan and any of the other protagonists from The Silver Chronicles), but here it's... ambiguous. After all, there are no bodies found nor retrieved in the wreckage of that cage the heroes of this series kept the remains of the Ruin of the Midnight Rise inside. Then again, bodies were never a guaranteed privilege for these few, especially on a vengeance mission like this. Maybe the next time Monika answers her apartment door, Haoyu will be standing there, slaying in an outfit in the way only they can. Or perhaps the one time Marinette does glance to the doorway of her next class, Icarus or perhaps even Hatsukami or Tulip will be there, ready to attend as if they didn't just come back from saving the world. Or maybe she and Chaton will find Hatter perched atop the Eiffel Tower, where the breeze was just right. Though it's just as likely that Monika will only answer an empty door, the doorway to Marinette's next class still without one of her best friends, Hatter's vacant perch occupied by nestling pigeons, and Camelot without its Lancelot, nor the enigmatic Orion that served the kingdom dutifully, despite his strange origins, with Queen Guenevere ensuring a remembrance for both knights was built.

"Damn, who knew? All the planes we flew, good things we been through That I'd be standing right here talking to you 'Bout another path, I know we loved to hit the toad and laugh But something told me that it wouldn't last Had to switch up, look at things different, see the bigger picture Those were the days, hard work forever pays Now I see you in a better place

Uh, how can we not talk about family when family's all that we got? Everything I went through, you were standing there by my side And now you gon' be with me for the last ride!"

"It's been a long day without you, my friend And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again ("I'll see you again!") We've come a long way from where we began ("Yeah, we came a long way!") Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again ("You know we started, let me tell you!") When I see you again

Oh, oh Woo!"

"First you both go out your way and the vibe is feeling strong And what;s small turned to a friendship, a friendship turned to a bond And that bond will never be broken, the love will never get lost ("'Cause the love will never get lost!") And when brotherhood come first, then the line will never be crossed Established it on out own, when that line had to be drawn And that line is what we reach, so remember me when I'm gone ("Remember me when I'm gone!")

How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got? Everything I went through, you were standing there by my side And now you gon' be with me for the last ride!"

"So let the light guide your way, yeah Hold every memory as you go And every road you take will always lead you home, home!"

Here's a six sentence scene for my Fallout: New Vegas WIP, which will be renamed as I've come to feel The House On Top to be unsatisfying. Anyway, Ress and Boone everyone!:

Ress flicked off the brain matter that splattered onto her cheek, taking her shades out from her breast pocket and placing them back on.

She looked up to the mouth of the ugly green dinosaur, able to make out the figure in there even with the shades dampening her unique perception.

Taking the red beret off of her head, she gave Boone a thumbs up, grinning gleefully.

She recognized what was likely a gesture from his head to "come up and see me and give me my damn beret back you weird bitch". At least, that's what Ress interpreted it as.

Looking down to the headless corpse of Jeannie, Ress couldn't help but take a moment to admire the sight. It was certainly impressive work for a sniper. Could be useful, especially out in the Mojave.

That's one less scum roaming the Mojave, Ress thought as she kicked dirt onto the piece of shit's body, And no rent for me to pay for a while longer.

And last line(s) for the Slay The Princess AU but with Silva, Faith and the Voice:

The Herald halted upon hearing the Vicar's cry; hesitant to move forward, despite His urgent words. From the doorway, she narrowed her eyes at the figure ahead of her, absorbing the details.

What is it that you see?

The Herald felt a hitch in her throat; before her was not the Princess, notable by the modest dress she adorned, nor the Deputy and her contemporary wears. No, before her was a woman who was slack against the chair she was seated in, clothes bordering on a regal masculinity and yet worn with tears stitched up from what appeared to be fights prior.

Before the Herald (and the Saint, and the Vicar) was not a prisoner chained inside this bunker, with how nothing obstructed the woman (who can neither be a Princess nor a Deputy) from exiting, and yet she rested in her chair, dead to the world. Like a recent corpse, whose attire only seemed to contradict the beliefs and attitudes of the woman she's met before. That the Saint had told her about.

And here's what I have so far for info on a new OC by the name of Raphael, in whatever WIP he will end up being in.

Introduction:

Name: Raphael

Alias(es): N/A

Pronouns: He/Him, They/Them

Height: Roughly 6ft.

Sexuality: Aro king.

Gender: Trans Male.

Age (current): 46

Native language(s): Polish

Other spoken language(s): English and Romanian.

Nationality: Polish.

Hobbies: Cartography and Calligraphy.

Zodiac sign: N/A

Likes: Swords, history, and duels.

Dislikes: Arachnoids and the Engineer. Yahar'ghul.

Fear(s): Failure.

Rationality (1-10): 9

Emotionality (1-10): 5

Introvert or extrovert (1-10): 7 Introvert, 10 Extrovert

Date of birth: 1984.

Birthplace: Poland.

Current residence: Romania.

Culture(s) they grew up with: Polish and Yharnam.

Role model/Person they look up to: Raza.

Apperance:

Species: Human.

Eye color: N/A

Hair color: Dirty blonde.

Hair style: Short hair but with a bald spot, covered by his helmet's blindfold visor/cap.

Skin tone: Fair complexion.

Ethnicity: Polish.

Weight: TBA

Body type: Trapezoid

Other physical characteristics: TBA

Scar(s): TBA

Usual facial expression: A grim and often worried frown. Though it's really hard to tell what else he expresses due to visor blindfold covering his eyes.

Body mod(s): TBA

Story involvement:

Story role: Deuteragonist. Guide.

First mentioned: TBA

First appearance: Penultimate WIP.

Last appearance: Either Penultimate WIP or that concept of a WIP I'm not gonna write.

Last mentioned: TBA

Current occupation(s): Gatekeeper of Yharnam.

Former occupation(s): TBA

Affiliation(s): The Omniscient Rule and Raza.

Rank(s): First Line of Defense.

Title(s): TBA

Death: Determinant.

Killed by: Determinant.

Backstory

Childhood: Grew up in his realm's Poland, and was born blind. The Arachnoids had invaded his world, sending their Exterminators to kill off every living being in that universe due to a supposed Kin hiding amongst them. Survived, and found his way to Yharnam, where Raza mentored and trained him as its Gatekeeper to keep anything unrecognizable out and anything recognizable in.

Education: Special education cut short at age 13 when the Arachnoids invaded his realm. Raza picked up the slack and then some from there.

Teenage years: Mostly spent under the mentorship of Raza.

Important person(s): Raza.

Important event(s): The invasion of his world and Yahar'ghul's resurgence in activity. More TBA.

Traits:

Strength(s): His hearing.

Weakness(es): His experience is... lacking against any actual powerful foe.

Special skill(s): Various sword styles.

Weapon(s) of choice: Calvary Szabla.

Combat style: TBA

Positive trait(s): Reliable, hard working, efficient sword skills, more TBA.

negative trait(s): Overconfident, afraid of failure, and more TBA.

Optimist or Pessimist (1-10): 4 in Optimism, 7 in Pessimism.

Bad habit(s): Beats himself over things out of his control. Overexerts himself.

relationships

Best friend(s): TBA

Childhood/former friend(s): TBA

Partner(s): TBA

Love intrest(s): N/A

Enemy(ies): Arraknis and the Arachnoids + Exterminators. Rouske and Yahar'ghul, including Saint Matilda and the Engineer. The Paragon of Extinction.

family

Pet(s)/Animal(s): Gunter, a carrion crow he's tamed.

Parent(s): TBA.

Sibling(s): N/A

Other relative(s): TBA.

health

Mental health: TBA

Disabilities: Congenital Blindness.

Physical conditions: Besides his congenital blindness? More TBA.

Important medical history: TBA

Addiction(s): TBA

other:

Aesthetic: TBA

Clothing style: The Choir set from Bloodborne, only because Raza thought Raphael would be less likely to be attacked if there were survivors of Yharnamites or Choir members.

Favorite food: TBA

Favorite color: TBA

Favorite music genre: TBA

Alignment: Between Neutral Good and Lawful Neutral.

Eating habit(s): Healthy rations.

Sleeping habit(s): TBA, but likely nothing consistent.

Character playlist: "Tree House" by Alex G ft. Emily Yacina.

Picture(s)/Faceclaim(s): TBA.

Voice claim: TBA

Blank template that can be copied and used below:

introduction:

Name:

alias(es):

Pronouns:

height:

sexuality:

gender:

age(current):

native language(s)

other spoken language(s)

nationality:

hobbies:

zodiac sign:

likes:

dislikes:

fear(s):

rationality(1-10):

emotionality(1-10):

introvert or extrovert(1-10):

date of birth:

birthplace:

current residence:

culture(s) they grew up with:

rolemodel/ person they look up to:

apperance:

species:

eye color:

hair color:

hair style:

skin tone:

ethnicity:

weight:

body type:

other physical characteristics:

scar(s):

usual facial expression:

body mod(s)

story involvement:

story role:

first mentioned:

first appearance

last appearance:

last mentioned:

current ocupation(s):

former occupation(s):

affiliation(s):

rank(s):

title(s)

death:

killed by:

backstory

childhood:

education:

teenage years:

important person(s):

important event(s):

traits:

strength(s):

weakness(es):

special skill(s):

weapon(s) of choice:

combat style:

positive trait(s):

negative trait(s):

optimist or pessimist(1-10)

bad habit(s)

best friend(s)

childhood/former friend(s)

partner(s):

love intrest(s):

enemy(ies):

relationships:

pet(s)/animal(s):

parent(s)

sibling(s)

other relative(s):

family:

health:

mental health:

disabilities:

physical conditions:

important medical history:

addiction(s):

other:

aesthetic:

clothing style:

favorite food:

favorite color:

favorite music genre:

alignment:

eating habit(s):

sleeping habit(s):

character playlist:

picture(s)/faceclaim(s):

voice claim:

[newsnatiion18]

Global1 Events is terrible

I was asked by a friend to work at one of these events while they were short staffed. These guys are the worst sort of people. The whole day consisted of working innocent people up into a frenzy and then pushing expensive (>$5000) products on them once they were in a suggestible state.

Everyone that went into their 'Property Investor Summit' had to sign a confidentiality agreement, though because I was a late hire they didn't ask me.

The 'summit' started at about 8:30 in the morning on a Saturday. They kept the doors to the main area closed while they counted the number of people waiting outside. When they knew how many people had turned up, they removed the excess chairs to give the impression of a 'sellout event'. Sounds pretty tame, though it got much worse.

There was a 'VIP' area, which was just marked with red tape on the floor at the front and center of the stage. The people that got to sit in this area had paid ~$40 for the privilege of being sold to, plus a DVD full of advertising.

Once everyone had sat down, the event began with a 'celebrity' property investor, Steve McKnight, talking about wealth. Except he didn't just talk about wealth. He talked about your feelings about wealth. He made people close their eyes and meditate on how it would feel to have all that wealth while he played music. He talked about how it's right to want all this wealth because it's about helping your family. It's about stopping your family from suffering because you don't have enough money. He flashed up some wealth related catch phrases and got people to repeat them back to him, he talked about personal empowerment and people just-like-you who have achieved so many great things. This went on for just over an hour.

A little way into the presentation the other hires and myself were taken out the back to talk about 'selling'. We were given the details of the product, and given a run through of the selling process. It was disgraceful. The $5000 'property apprenticeship' had a 24 hour cooling off period. 24 hours. These people didn't even have enough time to come down from their 'guaranteed wealth' high before they had a chance to get any money back.

When I asked the organisers whether 24 hours is enough time for this, my question was brushed off with a rubbish explanation about how it's OK because people 'don't try to get their money back'.

When we returned to the presentation room, the property guru, Steve McKnight, was talking about investments, and flashing up some testimonials for people whose lives had changed. Then he went through all the values of his product - The property apprenticeship. Arbitrarily assigning made-up dollar values to the services within. The final figure was $20 000. "$20 000!" he said, "Isn't that a small price to pay compared to how much you'll earn!". Then he took off more than half. "Because I believe in all of you, and I want to see you succeed, I'm going to give it to you for $9000!".

But he wasn't done, he said "Actually…. If you buy it today, it's yours for $4990!". He went on to justify the price some more, saying things like "I could've made this free, but then you wouldn't value it, the reason it's this price is so that you understand how valuable it is". Unbelievably, he followed up with "Do you think I need the money?"

His last incentive was that the first 25 people to join the life changing apprenticeship will get a DVD and book pack. I saw this pack, the book and DVD were both unrelated to property investing and very related to Global1s other speakers - the first 25 people got some more advertising.

As soon as he was done people were falling over themselves to get down to the back of the room to get signed up. I emphasized to those that came to me that there is only a 24 hour cooling off period, and that if they decide to pay by direct deposit they can go home and think about it before transferring the money. This approach almost worked with one lady who didn't have enough money on her credit card and needed to ask her husband, who had to work that day, to transfer more money to it.

The lady was anxious to put down her details before she missed the opportunity to hand over $4990. One of the regular Global1 staff heard this going on and informed her that if she didn't pay by credit card, she wouldn't get the 'first 25' benefit. When she realised she would miss out on the 'fantastic book and dvd pack' she decided "I can pay today, I can pay today'.

The next session was by Rowan Burn of Market First. More of the same, talked for 2 hours about ambiguous property concepts without any real detail, until it came down to joining his program. We were taken out the back again to learn about how to sell this product, and I was happy to see that the cooling off period was 90 days, and the value of the product was $3000.

Then we learned that the membership is actually free, and is talked up to be an expensive product until he 'decides' to hand out free membership vouchers to everyone in attendance. The trick here is that everyone who puts down their details for the free membership gets an one on one appointment with one of his sales reps in the following days. In this session they're sold a higher level membership for around $5000. They said back stage that their conversion rate is about 33%.

I felt terrible about the entire day, though I still got paid for it, so now I'm trying to alleviate some of that guilt by writing about my experience here. I don't want other people to go along to these events unprepared. If you do decide to attend a Global1 event, understand that you are there to be sold to, understand that they will try to make you feel a certain way to get you in the mood to buy. They'll use music, meditation, repetition, parroting, catch phrases, seating arrangements so that you'll buy their expensive products. Most of the event wouldn't be so bad, if they weren't rushing you into purchasing a product you might not be able to afford, without the opportunity to back out later on.

Also worth noting is that they were advertising their upcoming events. One of which is an internet marketing event - helping people to make money online through ecommerce sites and eBay. I work in internet marketing and I can tell you that everything that I read in the event overview will not work. At all. You will make no money from it, you will not get to number 1 in Google, you won't make a fortune with drop shipping and will probably pay Global1 thousands for the privilige. If these things worked as good as they say, they wouldn't risk telling you about them for free.

[timelineetreasures]

Global1 Events Scam

I was asked by a friend to work at one of these events while they were short staffed. These guys are the worst sort of people. The whole day consisted of working innocent people up into a frenzy and then pushing expensive (>$5000) products on them once they were in a suggestible state.

Everyone that went into their 'Property Investor Summit' had to sign a confidentiality agreement, though because I was a late hire they didn't ask me.

The 'summit' started at about 8:30 in the morning on a Saturday. They kept the doors to the main area closed while they counted the number of people waiting outside. When they knew how many people had turned up, they removed the excess chairs to give the impression of a 'sellout event'. Sounds pretty tame, though it got much worse.

There was a 'VIP' area, which was just marked with red tape on the floor at the front and center of the stage. The people that got to sit in this area had paid ~$40 for the privilege of being sold to, plus a DVD full of advertising.

Once everyone had sat down, the event began with a 'celebrity' property investor, Steve McKnight, talking about wealth. Except he didn't just talk about wealth. He talked about your feelings about wealth. He made people close their eyes and meditate on how it would feel to have all that wealth while he played music. He talked about how it's right to want all this wealth because it's about helping your family. It's about stopping your family from suffering because you don't have enough money. He flashed up some wealth related catch phrases and got people to repeat them back to him, he talked about personal empowerment and people just-like-you who have achieved so many great things. This went on for just over an hour.

A little way into the presentation the other hires and myself were taken out the back to talk about 'selling'. We were given the details of the product, and given a run through of the selling process. It was disgraceful. The $5000 'property apprenticeship' had a 24 hour cooling off period. 24 hours. These people didn't even have enough time to come down from their 'guaranteed wealth' high before they had a chance to get any money back.

When I asked the organisers whether 24 hours is enough time for this, my question was brushed off with a rubbish explanation about how it's OK because people 'don't try to get their money back'.

When we returned to the presentation room, the property guru, Steve McKnight, was talking about investments, and flashing up some testimonials for people whose lives had changed. Then he went through all the values of his product - The property apprenticeship. Arbitrarily assigning made-up dollar values to the services within. The final figure was $20 000. "$20 000!" he said, "Isn't that a small price to pay compared to how much you'll earn!". Then he took off more than half. "Because I believe in all of you, and I want to see you succeed, I'm going to give it to you for $9000!".

But he wasn't done, he said "Actually…. If you buy it today, it's yours for $4990!". He went on to justify the price some more, saying things like "I could've made this free, but then you wouldn't value it, the reason it's this price is so that you understand how valuable it is". Unbelievably, he followed up with "Do you think I need the money?"

His last incentive was that the first 25 people to join the life changing apprenticeship will get a DVD and book pack. I saw this pack, the book and DVD were both unrelated to property investing and very related to Global1s other speakers - the first 25 people got some more advertising.

As soon as he was done people were falling over themselves to get down to the back of the room to get signed up. I emphasized to those that came to me that there is only a 24 hour cooling off period, and that if they decide to pay by direct deposit they can go home and think about it before transferring the money. This approach almost worked with one lady who didn't have enough money on her credit card and needed to ask her husband, who had to work that day, to transfer more money to it.

The lady was anxious to put down her details before she missed the opportunity to hand over $4990. One of the regular Global1 staff heard this going on and informed her that if she didn't pay by credit card, she wouldn't get the 'first 25' benefit. When she realised she would miss out on the 'fantastic book and dvd pack' she decided "I can pay today, I can pay today'.

The next session was by Rowan Burn of Market First. More of the same, talked for 2 hours about ambiguous property concepts without any real detail, until it came down to joining his program. We were taken out the back again to learn about how to sell this product, and I was happy to see that the cooling off period was 90 days, and the value of the product was $3000.

Then we learned that the membership is actually free, and is talked up to be an expensive product until he 'decides' to hand out free membership vouchers to everyone in attendance. The trick here is that everyone who puts down their details for the free membership gets an one on one appointment with one of his sales reps in the following days. In this session they're sold a higher level membership for around $5000. They said back stage that their conversion rate is about 33%.

I felt terrible about the entire day, though I still got paid for it, so now I'm trying to alleviate some of that guilt by writing about my experience here. I don't want other people to go along to these events unprepared. If you do decide to attend a Global1 event, understand that you are there to be sold to, understand that they will try to make you feel a certain way to get you in the mood to buy. They'll use music, meditation, repetition, parroting, catch phrases, seating arrangements so that you'll buy their expensive products. Most of the event wouldn't be so bad, if they weren't rushing you into purchasing a product you might not be able to afford, without the opportunity to back out later on.

Also worth noting is that they were advertising their upcoming events. One of which is an internet marketing event - helping people to make money online through ecommerce sites and eBay. I work in internet marketing and I can tell you that everything that I read in the event overview will not work. At all. You will make no money from it, you will not get to number 1 in Google, you won't make a fortune with drop shipping and will probably pay Global1 thousands for the privilige. If these things worked as good as they say, they wouldn't risk telling you about them for free.

[newsplosion]

Global1 Events is terrible

I was asked by a friend to work at one of these events while they were short staffed. These guys are the worst sort of people. The whole day consisted of working innocent people up into a frenzy and then pushing expensive (>$5000) products on them once they were in a suggestible state.

Everyone that went into their 'Property Investor Summit' had to sign a confidentiality agreement, though because I was a late hire they didn't ask me.

The 'summit' started at about 8:30 in the morning on a Saturday. They kept the doors to the main area closed while they counted the number of people waiting outside. When they knew how many people had turned up, they removed the excess chairs to give the impression of a 'sellout event'. Sounds pretty tame, though it got much worse.

There was a 'VIP' area, which was just marked with red tape on the floor at the front and center of the stage. The people that got to sit in this area had paid ~$40 for the privilege of being sold to, plus a DVD full of advertising.

Once everyone had sat down, the event began with a 'celebrity' property investor, Steve McKnight, talking about wealth. Except he didn't just talk about wealth. He talked about your feelings about wealth. He made people close their eyes and meditate on how it would feel to have all that wealth while he played music. He talked about how it's right to want all this wealth because it's about helping your family. It's about stopping your family from suffering because you don't have enough money. He flashed up some wealth related catch phrases and got people to repeat them back to him, he talked about personal empowerment and people just-like-you who have achieved so many great things. This went on for just over an hour.

A little way into the presentation the other hires and myself were taken out the back to talk about 'selling'. We were given the details of the product, and given a run through of the selling process. It was disgraceful. The $5000 'property apprenticeship' had a 24 hour cooling off period. 24 hours. These people didn't even have enough time to come down from their 'guaranteed wealth' high before they had a chance to get any money back.

When I asked the organisers whether 24 hours is enough time for this, my question was brushed off with a rubbish explanation about how it's OK because people 'don't try to get their money back'.

When we returned to the presentation room, the property guru, Steve McKnight, was talking about investments, and flashing up some testimonials for people whose lives had changed. Then he went through all the values of his product - The property apprenticeship. Arbitrarily assigning made-up dollar values to the services within. The final figure was $20 000. "$20 000!" he said, "Isn't that a small price to pay compared to how much you'll earn!". Then he took off more than half. "Because I believe in all of you, and I want to see you succeed, I'm going to give it to you for $9000!".

But he wasn't done, he said "Actually…. If you buy it today, it's yours for $4990!". He went on to justify the price some more, saying things like "I could've made this free, but then you wouldn't value it, the reason it's this price is so that you understand how valuable it is". Unbelievably, he followed up with "Do you think I need the money?"

His last incentive was that the first 25 people to join the life changing apprenticeship will get a DVD and book pack. I saw this pack, the book and DVD were both unrelated to property investing and very related to Global1s other speakers - the first 25 people got some more advertising.

As soon as he was done people were falling over themselves to get down to the back of the room to get signed up. I emphasized to those that came to me that there is only a 24 hour cooling off period, and that if they decide to pay by direct deposit they can go home and think about it before transferring the money. This approach almost worked with one lady who didn't have enough money on her credit card and needed to ask her husband, who had to work that day, to transfer more money to it.

The lady was anxious to put down her details before she missed the opportunity to hand over $4990. One of the regular Global1 staff heard this going on and informed her that if she didn't pay by credit card, she wouldn't get the 'first 25' benefit. When she realised she would miss out on the 'fantastic book and dvd pack' she decided "I can pay today, I can pay today'.

The next session was by Rowan Burn of Market First. More of the same, talked for 2 hours about ambiguous property concepts without any real detail, until it came down to joining his program. We were taken out the back again to learn about how to sell this product, and I was happy to see that the cooling off period was 90 days, and the value of the product was $3000.

Then we learned that the membership is actually free, and is talked up to be an expensive product until he 'decides' to hand out free membership vouchers to everyone in attendance. The trick here is that everyone who puts down their details for the free membership gets an one on one appointment with one of his sales reps in the following days. In this session they're sold a higher level membership for around $5000. They said back stage that their conversion rate is about 33%.

I felt terrible about the entire day, though I still got paid for it, so now I'm trying to alleviate some of that guilt by writing about my experience here. I don't want other people to go along to these events unprepared. If you do decide to attend a Global1 event, understand that you are there to be sold to, understand that they will try to make you feel a certain way to get you in the mood to buy. They'll use music, meditation, repetition, parroting, catch phrases, seating arrangements so that you'll buy their expensive products. Most of the event wouldn't be so bad, if they weren't rushing you into purchasing a product you might not be able to afford, without the opportunity to back out later on.

Also worth noting is that they were advertising their upcoming events. One of which is an internet marketing event - helping people to make money online through ecommerce sites and eBay. I work in internet marketing and I can tell you that everything that I read in the event overview will not work. At all. You will make no money from it, you will not get to number 1 in Google, you won't make a fortune with drop shipping and will probably pay Global1 thousands for the privilige. If these things worked as good as they say, they wouldn't risk telling you about them for free.