#haha my titles continue to be poor

[monroeknoxwrites]

Very Important Conversations

"I'm telling you," Eddie yelled over the metal music blaring from the van's speakers, "It makes perfect sense—"

"Are you serious? Stop."

Water arched the van's roof and Eddie jumped to the side, it narrowly missing him.

"Hey!"

Steve shouted from the other side. "We are not having this argument again for like the fifth time today. Its— Its barely even an argument, I don't really care about star wars."

Eddie abandoned the spot he was scrubbing to hop on the van's hood, legs dangling excitedly.

"I get it. You're unconvinced. This 'nerd shit'"—he mimicked Steve's voice, gesturing his hands dismissively—"goes over your head."

Another spray of water headed in his direction but Eddie expertly dodged by sliding off the hood. He landed in a dramatic fashion on his ass, hand on his heart, mouth agape in betrayal.

Steve knew better. Brandishing the hose head, he warned him, "Watch it or you'll be washing the rest of this all by yourself."

Eddie raised his hands in surrender though the grin tugging at his lips said otherwise. For all of one minute, he behaved, grabbing a new sponge and liberally sudsing the spot beside Steve.

Steve sensed the incoming words before Eddie opened his mouth, like the feeling in the air before a thunderstorm.

"But I do think star wars is a dungeons and dragons campaign."

Groaning, Steve slumped on his forearm against the van, careful to keep his hair away from the soapy water.

"Why? Why do you insist on this, I'm losing it."

"You don't believe me!” Eddie cried, shoulder pressed on the van. He ignored the water soaking through his t-shirt and the dark look peeking at him over Steve’s arm. “Any way you look at it, its d&d in space! You've got a young warrior on a quest with a princess, a rogue, a beast. Magic powers and enchanted swords. An impenetrable fortress, secret parentage, past wars. Don't get me started on the creepy overpowered boss—"

Steve cut off his rambling. "No, wait, wait. Stars wars and dungeons and dragons — aren't they completely different things?"

Eddie paused, hands frozen mid-air in some elaborate gesture. "What?"

"Like, they're different forms of nerdy stuff," Steve clarified, confidence building. "There's space, aliens, and crazy technology then you have knights, dragons, and, and demogorgons. Totally different."

In a rare occurrence, he left Eddie utterly speechless. The smugness for this grand achievement was short lived at the look Eddie continued giving him. Mouth ajar and eyebrows disappearing under his bangs, Steve began to think he said something wrong.

Take that point off the scoreboard...

Shrugging it off, he focused on cleaning the van of soap. "Or whatever. You know I don't know about that stuff."

"Oh Stevie," Eddie particularly purred as he latched onto Steve's back, nuzzling him. "We'll make a proper nerd of you yet."

"Oh my god, shut up," Steve groaned, unable to suppress the undercurrent of laughter in his voice.

“With the power of love, I can rehabilitate this pretty boy jock—blubgh!”

It’s hard dodging a water hose point-blank to the face.

AO3 Link

[jyoongim]

~BLOOD & BLISS~

Human!Alastor x wife!Reader

Themes: 1930 based! Human!Alastor x wife!Reader, domestic life!fluff, smut, slow burn plot, devotion, slight manipulation, mention of children, pregnancy,  blood, murder, secrets 

————————————————————————

Chapter three chapter five

Chapter Four

“Oh darling look at you! And here I thought you wouldn’t give me grandchildren” your mother laughed as she hugged you.

Your mother had invited you and Alastor over since you had sent her a letter about some exciting news you wanted to share.

You didn’t know whether to take her comment as a compliment or insult.

”Why ain’t your husband with you? I know that man ain’t have you travel here all alone in your condition” she frowned displeased.

”Momma you know how busy Al is. He’s been trying to catch up on work so he can take time off for the baby” you pouted.

She sucked her teeth, before a smile dawned her face

”well that means we can go shopping! Have you decorated the nursery? Do you have a nursery? Oooh honey why don’t you come home when you have the baby? A newborn is a lot of work” she was ranting and you sighed, rubbing your heavy stomach.

”Momma im perfectly capable of taking care of my baby.  I’ve read all the books” your mother gave you a funny look

”books? Oh girl those books ain’t gonna help you. You need experience. Youre a first time mom, you have no instincts in raising a youngin ”

You pouted. You felt like a teenager being chastised.

You knew your mother meant well, but sometimes you had to stop her ‘good intentions’.

”Ill be fine. Alastor’s gonna be there and Im sure we can figure it out. Aint that what parenthood all about?”

She hummed “If you say, now lets head to town. I want my grandbaby to have the best!”

—————————————————————————-

You fanned yourself as you finally sat down. The summer heat was not kind to you as your mother had dragged you to every shop in town.

The two of you had finished up shopping and were now at a little restaurant. You smiled in thanks as the waiter sat a glass of cold water in front of you.

Your mother cooed as she looked over several items she had bought.

You think she was more excited than you and you were the pregnant one.

”Momma I think you overdid it. There’s no way the baby is gonna wear or use any of that” you mused, sipping the water.

She waved you off.

”so…how has Alastor handled the news?” She asked.

You blinked “he’s very excited. He says he don’t care about the gender, but he’s taken to thinking it’ll be a girl” you giggled.

”haha a girl? Oh no you’re definitely having a boy darling” she laughed.

You titled your head in confusion.

Your mother smirked “Your belly is big and low and you’re not even halfway through your term, that means you’re having a boy. ”

She continued “Most men want a boy on the first go. A scrappy boy is the jewel of every man’s pride”

You rubbed your stomach, smiling “Well it don’t matter im sure hell adore the baby no matter what”

She hummed and picked up the newspaper that was on the table.

The headline read ‘fifth body found in canal’

”Such a shame the authorities can’t find killer. Those poor souls. This is the fifth body that’s been found and practically in your backyard. You really need to careful dear” she said grimacing.

You weren’t too worried. All the victims were random, but they weren’t pregnant women. “I don’t think the killer is slaying harmless pregnant women momma”

She shrugged “Can never be too sure dear”

————————��——————————————————

Alastor whistled as he cleaned the kitchen. Bright red water filled the sink as he wronged the sponge. You would have a fit if you saw the state of your kitchen and Alastor couldn’t have an upset wife.

You had went to visit your mother, thinking it was time to tell the woman that the two of you were expecting. You had wanted him to come along, but he thought it would be better if the two of you spent some time together.

So he took the time to go hunting. It had been a while since he had a good hunt and he had a taste for deer meat.

Once the kitchen was spotless, he discarded what he didn’t need into a bag. He headed down to the cellar with the rest of the trash.

He tied the bag and reached for the other one.

Hauling it back to the kitchen, he turned on the radio to listen to some tunes as he prepared to cook. You should have been coming home in a few hours and he was sure you would be hungry. It was rather hot today, so instead of slaving too much over the stove he opted for a simple stew.

He pulled the meat out of the bag and began to cut it.

He pulled a pot from the cabinet and filled it with  onions, carrots, and a little water were added into the pot as he cleaned the meat.

As the pot boiled, he plopped the meat in a pan to cook it down.

The kitchen filled with the smell of herbs and meat as he worked.

He added some seasoning to the meat and transferred the chopped meat to the pot.

He turned the heat low and let it simmer.

He nodded in satisfaction and took a look at himself. Disgusting

He was covered in blood. He sighed and went upstairs.

Light red swirled down the drain. Alastor rolled his neck, a soft pop was heard and he sighed in relief.

Once finished in the shower, he gathered the dirty clothes and headed out back in the yard.

He waved to the passing neighbors as thee fire crackled, a pleasant smile on his face.

Once the fire died down, he headed back inside to check on the stew.

He stirred it and turned it off.

He fixed a cold sweet tea and took a seat at the dining table.

His mind wandered to you. He wondered how you were fairing in this heat. He was sure you were ready to come home and relax. Your mother was a handful.

Your pregnancy was coming along nicely.

You had rounded out and now you sported a big belly. His cock twitched in his pants. He couldn’t believe how insatiable  he had become since you had become pregnant. He couldn’t keep his hands off of you.

You had transformed beautifully. You always seemed to be glowing, though you swore it was sweat. You had become incredibly sensitive, your mood swings putting you both through the ringer.

You had voiced your concern about your image as you had filled out nicely, gaining weight from the baby you now carried. You couldn’t fit any of your usual form fitting outfits, opting for loose dresses.

Alastor reassured you that you looked beautiful no matter what. He enjoyed a little meat being on your bones. 

You were softer and he loved every minute of it.

His eyes traveled to the pot, he wondered if you had ate. He really wanted to see how you would react to the meal he prepared. While you love his cooking, the baby was picking, which resulted in you being sick a lot.

The buzz from the hunt still rippled through him as his lips curled in a smile.

yeeesss how would his little wife enjoy the meal he prepared for her?

He made a mental note to take out the trash later but for now, he waited for you to return home as he opened a book about parenting. 

He should ask you what color you wanted the nursery….

——————————————————————————-

Your mouth watered as you came through the door “What did you cook Al it smells really good”

Your husband chuckled as he closed the book and walked over to you. You were trying to beeline it to the kitchen, but your husband wrapped his arms around you and pressed his lips to yours. He grinned as your stomach created a space between the two of you, running an affectionate hand over the bump “Well hello to you too my dear. How was your mother? I see the two of you went shopping” His eyes took in the amount of bags you brought back.

You huffed “Yea Ma would have bought out the entire store if I let her, i tell you I think she’s more happy about a grandbaby than when we got married”

Alastor coaxed you to the couch, smiling as you sighed as he massaged your aching back. He pressed soft kisses to your exposed shoulders “I didn’t know if you had ate already, so I made a stew. Let’s hope the baby like it. I read that warm foods were better than the ice cream you’ve been sneakng” he snickered as you pouted.

”Just relax a bit and Ill make you a bowl”

You smiled at him “I want crackers too!” You called after him.

Alastor returned with a steaming bowl of stew. It smells so good and your stomach growled in hunger. “I tried a different meat but I hope you like it my dear”

You thanked him and rolled your eyes as he picked up the spoon and held it to your mouth. You blew on it softly before chomping on the spoon.

Your tongue tingled as you savored the flavor. 

The meat was softer than you were use to, maybe pork or a different beef?

Whatever it was it was good!

”Mmmhmm this is so good. The texture of the meat is a bit off but its really good Al” you complimented.

He beamed at you, pearly whites glistening at you. “Im happy you like it and you didn’t throw it up im proud baby”

You quickly finished the meal and showed him everything your mother bought for the new arrival.

Alastor smiled in content as you happily showed him the baby wares; clothing, toys,and other gadgets. Seeing you so excited filled him with an unexplainable feeling. His hand caressed your belly as you ranted.

”Did you know that there’s a killer on the loose?” Your sudden question brought his attention back. Your face was filled with worry.

Alastor tensed, but relaxed “We had gotten a few reports down at the studio but no real leads. Why do you ask dear?”

You placed your hand over his that was on your bulging belly. “I-Im just concerned. I mean we do have a child on the way and i dont really feel safe walking the streets in this vulnerable condition. My mother suggested we move into the summer house.” You looked down, Alastor kissed your forehead “Im sure well be fine. Besides it seems the killer has a little mortals. No woman has been harmed. So dont fret my dear” he assured you. 

You sighed, he was right.  There was no need to worry.

“I would never let a soul hurt you” he whispered against your forehead.

You hummed and started giggling as he nipped at your ear “Al!!!”

You tried to wiggled away, but your husband softly pushed you back on the couch, being mindful of your belly.

”Now why dont I show you that I am more than capable hmm?” He grinned down at you.

—————————————————————————————————-

@nightshadelm@th3-st4r-gur1@southern-bayou-beau@yourdoorisunlocked@alishii@nettaw@simphornies@jellibean2018@purplecatsandhearts@missgurlsstuff@alastor-simp@alastorsgirl48@dasimp777@hazelfoureyes@thewinchestah@catherine1206@peachedtvs@luzzbuzz@markster666@preciousbabypeter@dennsfz@nanami1chu@chewbrry@smoky000@karolinda007-blog@alastorsaries@altruisticalastor@evedenn@alastors666creampie@siiv3r@yunimimii@popamolly @okay-babe@catmunist@wonderlandangelsposts@certifiedcrybabyyy @theangeliclibrarian@ilikemyteawithmilk@boney-horse@blubugg13@zombiesnips-blog@rulesareshadesofgrey@doggone-devil@amurtan@yuzurixx

[teriri-sayes]

Reactions to The Unknown's Chapter 350

New title - 45. The Unknown

Brief summary: Cale and Alberu have a cookie picnic while discussing their plans and airing their grievances.

==========

We got a new chapter title, though I'm unsure if the translation was "unknown", "anonymous", "nameless", or "obscure".

Today's chapter was good, showcasing how close the relationship between Cale and Alberu were. 🥰🥰🥰 Of course, there were some funny moments.

“Haha-” Alberu Crossman laughed leisurely. “So, you're saying that this situation-” He let Cale fill him in on the details of what had happened. And he arrived at an answer. The situation is- “You mean it's a mess.” “Yes, it is.” Cale replied with newfound politeness. He couldn't help it. “Your Highness, doesn't your bottom hurt?” Crown Prince Alberu Crossman. He was sitting on the floor, staring up at the throne even though Cale had vacated it. Cale couldn't help but notice how uncharacteristic that looked. If this was really Alberu Crossman, 'With a sly smile -' Haha, my dongsaeng. You don't have to do this. What? This seat belongs to me? The 7th Evil's seat? Are you giving this to me? 'Isn't that what he should say?' Alberu Crossman looked a little different. “Haha-” Look! He's still laughing and saying it's a mess, isn't he? Cale's face turned grim. -Human! The crown prince's smile seems empty! That's right! He looks like he has reached Nirvana! “Ha-” Just then, the crown prince stopped laughing. Then, he looked at Cale and blurted out. “Okay. Let's just say a mess is a mess.”

Poor Alberu broke from the information overload Cale gave him. 😂😂😂 And he even "reached Nirvana"... 🤣🤣🤣

Moving on, Cale sat down on the floor too and continued their talk. Cale and Alberu found it annoying that they were both moving according to the will of others. Cale just wanted peace for himself and everyone around him, but he kept getting dragged in situation after situation.

They also identified GoD, the worlds, and others as their "allies", and not "comrades", finding it annoying that their allies took advantage of them. For Cale, Alberu was his closest comrade, his hyung, and the person who knows him best.

Seeing Alberu looking annoyed, Raon gave us this cute scene. 🥰🥰🥰

Raon approached Alberu, who sighed. “Crown Prince! I don't know what's wrong, but cheer up!” Raon pulled something out of his subspace pocket and held it out. “Eat this! Crown Prince, don't you like this too?” It was the royal palace cookies that Alberu gave Raon. Seeing this, Alberu snickered and said politely to Raon. “Thank you, Raon. You are very thoughtful, as great as you are.” Raon's wings flapped, and his chubby cheeks twitched. “Your Highness! I am good and great! This is only natural!” With that, he sneaked over to Alberu's side and buried his face in Alberu's lap. Alberu casually patted him on the back of the head and opened the cookie box.

Alberu began binge-eating the cookies as he grumbled about how he was the "pathetic one". He was one of the "rising newbies", but he was weak compared to others.

We found out that it was not only Alberu who received the "Become the First ____ Emperor" main quest. Three other people had received it, and Alberu suspected that Ahn Roh Man also received it, despite Ahn Roh Man denying receiving that quest.

Cale and Alberu suspected Ahn Roh Man because they found it unbelievable that the game's rank 1 player would not receive that quest. And that was why they were cautious of Ahn Roh Man, considering him as a "temporary ally" only.

Thus, Alberu agreed to what Cale had proposed earlier - he would be in the sun and Cale would be in the shadows. Alberu would be the hero while Cale would control the Eight Evils.

They did not like being dragged along by everyone, so they decided to flip it over. They would set the board themselves.

Ending Remarks This chapter was so good with all the Cale and Alberu interaction. I also liked how they had a cookie picnic afterwards. 😂 Next chapter would be a time skip to the day after the game update finished... Wait, does that mean we're in the New World arc now?! What about Cale's talk with the Molans?

[dbs-scans]

Minamoto Supernatural Detective Agency — April Fool’s Day 2023

April Fool’s! Nah, this one’s the real deal—here’s a translated archive of the event hosted on AidaIro’s twitter during April of 2023.

Day 1

“Hello, you’ve reached the Minamoto Supernatural Detective Agency—” “Oh, it's just you, Kou. Yes, of course.” “All right, I'll see you at 8 PM.”

Click! Booop, booop....

Day 2

Somewhere in the city lies an ultra-famous detective agency that boasts a terrifying case-solving rate...

[Teru] “Welcome, I've been expecting you.” “I look tired, you say? Haha, I've been working on a big case that came in yesterday.” “But I have plans to go on break tomorrow, and I'm used to pulling all-nighters, so don't worry about me.” “You reporters are just as busy, right?”

“I've collected the info pertaining to the Ryokan Case over there.” “Huh? You don't know where I mean? Sorry, I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to organize everything.” “All my other case files are scattered around... but I won't mind if you search through them for it.”

Various items have been scattered throughout the detective agency. What interests you is the...

POLL:

Old Flier

Strange Magazine

Dirtied Diary ✅

Left-on TV

It's a diary with a cute design. It's terribly dirty, as if someone had dropped it somewhere. You can see a footprint left behind where somebody stepped on it.

Everyday events have been written inside with neat handwriting: “The potted flowers we planted bloomed today.” “Went out with a friend.” “I spotted a cute cat.”

...But the diary entries abruptly cut off, and a message written in another person's hand-writing has been left behind: “Go Away.”

[Teru] “Ahh, that's unrelated to the ryokan.” “A client asked me to locate the diary of someone precious to them.” “I did find it, but as you can see... her work environment was rather poor.” “She set her sights on a new career path, and left to do field research, but I'm not sure where...”

――Knock Knock! “Hm?” “Looks like somebody's here. Is it another job request...?”

[Akane] “Oh, there's a guest here. Hello.” “I came to pick up something I left behind before I leave! I'm going on a trip with my childhood friend!” “A vacation to the hot springs, all by ourselves... I can't squander this. I've finally made it...” “Enjoy working on your day off, Chief! See ya!”

[Teru] “A hot springs vacation with his childhood friend, huh...” “Oh, that was one of our staff members. It seems he's going to be taking some time off, as well.”

Now, where should I check next?

POLL:

Old Flier

Strange Magazine ✅

Left-on TV

A mysterious magazine titled Monthly MO has been left here. There’s a bookmark inside. A special report on cryptids...?

[Teru] “Reports of cryptids at the ryokan are almost never-ending.” “If you go there, try seeing if you can catch one. You might earn some extra pocket money if you do.” “Haha, I'm just kidding, of course.”

Now, what’s next? 🐈The investigation continues tomorrow at 8PM🐈

POLL:

Old Flier

Left-on TV

Cassette Tape ✅

Day 3

It's an old cassette tape. I'll try playing it. ...It's a man recounting how he was spirited away as a child and wandered into a mysterious ryokan in the mountains. He sounds oddly happy about the experience.

“...and that was how I returned to human civilization.” “I'll never forget the girl who helped me to escape from there. Never ever~!”

“She told me ‘you must never come back here again,’ but it's my dream to return one day and be reunited with her.” “If it meant being with a beauty like her, then I’d do anything—I’d even become a cat...!!!”

[Teru] “To be attracted to someone that isn't even human? What a freak.” “I can't relate at all.”

Now, what should I check next?

POLL:

Old Flier

Left-on TV ✅

The 12 o'clock news is on. It appears that the children of the leaders of the East and West yakuza organizations have gone to dinner together. Rumor has it that they're considering an arranged marriage to unite the criminal underworld.

“Now this is just plain dumb. A political marriage, in this day 'n age?”

“Wait, you don't want to get married?” “Huh?”

[Teru] “Wow, they'll make a news report on just about anything.” “I'll change the channel~”

Now, what’s next? 🐈The investigation continues tomorrow at 8PM🐈

POLL:

Old Flier

Old Newspaper Clipping ✅

Day 4

It's a newspaper clipping from 50 years ago. During a national tour, a popular circus troupe had their tent burst into flames in the middle of the night and burn to the ground.

Officially, the cause of the fire is unknown, but on that night, two small figures were spotted fleeing from the scene of the crime. However, there was only one child registered with the circus troupe at the time—a single animal handler, who went missing after the incident. The child was known for doting on his pet black cat.

[Teru] “Rumor has it there's someone at the ryokan who looks exactly like the child who went missing, completely unchanged over the years.” “I wonder what that means...?”

Now all that's left is the old flier.

There's a tattered, yellowed flier lying around—a notice for a lost cat. It appears the cat went missing over ten years ago...

[Teru] “What a big cat. Cute, isn't she?” “They said she was a strange cat who would dance on nights of the full moon.” “Apparently they never found her... but lately, I've heard reports that a cat with similar characteristics was spotted near the ryokan.”

I've finished surveying the results of the agency's investigation. Now, for the final step, I'll ask for information concerning the person I'm looking for. 🐈 The final investigation begins tomorrow at 8 PM 🐈 

Day 5

This is what the person I'm looking for left behind. I've brought it here with me.

[Teru] “About that coworker of yours who disappeared, the photographer...” “So far we haven't found any concrete proof that kid is staying at the ryokan.” “It's possible he might have disappeared of his own free will...”

That's what the guys at work all said. That he ran out on us 'cause the job’s too hard. But...

He'd never go off and leave his camera behind. Something must have happened to him out there...

[Teru] “I see. In that case, you should trust your intuition.” “Even if there's no evidence to support it, there's still a chance he could be there.”

“...And with that, I believe we’ve gone through everything that my investigation turned up.” “So what's your next move? There isn’t much left to do except actually going to the ryokan itself.” “If you hire me, I can tag along and...”

[Teru] “Oh, you're going alone? Since you don't want to bother me when I'm on vacation?” “But you know, they'll probably be less suspicious if we go together... Have you already got a ticket?” “Oh... You're so responsible, Kou. Your big brother is very proud of you.” “Okay, see you. Be careful out there.”

[Teru] “......” “A trip to the hot springs, huh?” “Not like I've got anything better to do. Maybe I’ll go, too.”

📺⚡

BZzT zzzZzZT......

🐈

"Human society brings endless pain and suffering~♪" "The youth of today with nowhere to belong feel nothing but frustration~♪"

"Let the hot spring's waters wash your troubles away~♪"

"And let your bellies be satisfied by our tasty food~♪"

"So come on down—" "To the Bakeneko Ryokan Hanako-tei!" 🐈 The End 🐈

[altraviolet]

re: new fic ramblies

haha guess who's gonna be in the new fic :D but with a face & hands (I'm assuming he was forged with a face????)

Damus! haha what a loser. an incredibly powerful loser...

(poor Damus)

(but not really)

I haven't been able to think of a happy ending for the new fic. major character death isn't ideal but it's what feels like the logical end to the themes of the story. I'll keep thinking because I like & prefer happy endings. alternately, I need to think of a "cheating death" ending that doesn't feel unearned or too miracle-y

I've never plotted out a story in full before. I prefer to write snippets and scenes as they come to me and discover the story that way. I've been writing out questions ("What is the ending?") and then writing out tons of answers to the questions ("Ending X or Y or Z"), but things are very slow to slot together. It's hard to make decisions about what to do because either I don't want to pick the wrong thing, or nothing so far appeals to me. Essentially, the problem is the problem, in that, I don't know what's supposed to happen, so I don't know how to write what happens 😄

One of the things that made TEG fun for me was putting my favorite characters in there. I haven't done that the same way so far... maybe I should try, haha.

Damn. Plots are hard! xD

Regarding IDW1 Soundwave: I went through the tf wiki (each comic has a Quotes section) and grabbed as many Soundwave quotes as I could find. I'm analyzing his way of speaking so I can try to understand his character. Instead of making a whole new character out of him, I'd like to challenge myself to write the IDW1 personality. So far I've gathered that he states the obvious in a way that is insulting without being overtly insulting, which is, in itself, a skill xD

Hound: You captured Megatron?! Bumblebee: I, uh, rescued Megatron. Megatron: You assisted me. Soundwave: This is not important.

Though it seems easier to characterize him by way of other characters' reactions:

Jetfire: Good luck. Soundwave: When has luck been on our side? Jetfire: Always a pleasure.

If anyone somehow magically has a repository of IDW1 Soundwave quotes, please let me know xD

Regarding AU vs fan continuity, which is a phrase I just learned... I'm not sure how to characterize this fic. It's basically ganking the IDW1 characters, but putting them on a Cybertron with a vastly different beginning. Instead of Primus and the Guiding Hand and the God Wars, the expansion, the Ark, functionism and ratioism, etc etc, there's going to be a totally different mythological/diety set up. It's still going to be deeply rooted in what being Cybertronian means (as far as I can define it). I read that a 'fan continuity' would be recognizably Transformers by a non-fan (as opposed to something like a coffee house AU), and that's the goal. So maybe I should be using that phrase to describe it. I guess... if The Angel Breaker still felt like a Transformers story to you - it had recognizably Transformery elements - that's more the vibe than IDW1 itself.

On another note, I should probably use this fic as my excuse to finally utilize Scrivener, but I'm... I don't wanna, haha. I don't wanna learnnnnn iiiiiiiiit... I'll just suffer with my 7 year old version of OpenOffice. Also I have concerns about how to transfer fic from Scrivener to AO3. AO3 does not like OpenOffice. I have to write out all the html, which is annoying, but it is a devil I know.

I'm going to tag all the ramblies and posts regarding the new fic as "re: new fic" until it has a title. Then I'll be able to retag with the title name :) I think it will be interesting to do some rambly posts about the new fic, because it's kind of like talking aloud with a friend. I did a lot of talking to myself for TEG, haha.

New fic characters so far: Soundwave, Ravage, Laserbeak, Rodimus, Flatline, Damus

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Weekend all :) Watched this ep last night wrote down my thoughts and thought kick off Saturday with a review. Another really good ep ahead. S2 adds onto the base built in S1 in the best way. Off we go.

2x02 The Night General

We catch our first glimpse of our fine duo at the end of roll call. Grey has a new book for Tim to read for his Sergeant's exam. Tim doesn’t look excited in the least. Lucy calls out the book for its dated title. Grey explains to Lucy it's from the 60s. Lovely. Tim asks how this book is relevant with 21st century policing? Grey tells him 'Ours is not to reason why' LOL Basically saying he has to read it whether he wants to or not Poor Tim.

They're not in the shop two seconds before Tim hands her the book to read to him. Of course Lucy is going to give him some push back. She wouldn’t be her if she didn’t. Would you love her Timothy if she was anything but who she is? haha This is how they're going to spend their shift whether Lucy wants to or not.

Lucy suggests just to let her drive so he can read it while they work. That doesn’t fly with Tim baha Lucy doesn’t understand (yet) why he can’t just read it himself. Thinks Tim is just making her do it for him just cause he can. You'll find out soon enough my dear. Lucy knows when to pick her battles at this point. So she decides not to fight Tim on this one. Gives in and cracks this old fossil open and begins to read to him.

Mini marriage scene going on right here. It's their back and forth that I love so much about them. A comfortability has settled between the two of them and it shows. Instantly Lucy is being smug and sassy about the material. One of my fav things she does with him. Pushes his buttons like only she can. Instead of being immediately grumpy he dishes it right back. Oh how they’ve grown. Giving him crap with the book saying he shouldn’t generate fear but respect.

Tim is snarky as well firing back of course she would like this book...We all know she has thrived under his leadership. She's not really taking shots at him so much as using it to mess with him. She can't help herself. Lucy is taking full advantage of this scenario. Tim is painfully aware she is using reading this book to punish him. I mean it's only fair since he's forcing her to read it between calls.

I love her face in the gif above. She’s enjoying herself far too much for Tim’s liking haha He tells her to just keep reading LOL Like Lucy wasn't going to read this book without running commentary. Come on Timothy you know better than that hehe Lucy continues on and you can see him trying so hard to absorb it as she speaks.

Lucy ends up on another quote she likes. Of course its about patrol officers having value. So she chooses this one to have him parrot back to her. She is agitating the crap out of him and knows it. Telling him he needs to repeat it in order to memorize it. Using her psych degree to justify it. He begrudgingly does it and she asks him to do it again lmao Lucy is pushing her boundaries today and is fine with it haha

They get a call interrupting her and Tim is so relieved. Lucy responds to dispatch then says 'Ok 3 min out more reading.' LMAO She is relentless and begins up again. Tim's face above I’m dying. LOL He looks like he’s being endlessly tortured by her studying methods. This episode is absolute gold start to finish. He is at her mercy with this and knows it.

We rejoin them in the shop after their call. Lucy has moved onto chapter 3. ‘The Healthy Habits Of Command’ She goes on to read out loud ‘Delegation is the key to leading men in times of stress.’ Which leads to the line above. She follows it up with That’s so true don’t you think? Tim snaps back it’s hard enough to listen to this stuff without her editorializing haha Honestly Tim what did you expect from her? She tells him she’s happy to stop anytime and get back to her paper work.

Lucy goes on to tell him that he’s going to have to re-read all this again anyways to memorize it. You see the panic in Tim’s face. It’s here Lucy finds out he learns best when he’s hears it. That response immediately gets the wheels in Lucy’s head churning with her response of Really? He then asks what? Why? She tells him nothing…. Doesn’t take Tim long to figure out she’s holding something back from him. He says ‘Boot...’

Lucy tries to mumble her reply at first. Telling him he has a learning difference under her breath. It’s kinda funny how she tries to hide her answer. She knows he’s going to take it the wrong way. Tim makes her speak up and Lucy bites the bullet. Then try’s to soften the blow by saying he’s just wired differently. That he just processes information differently than others. She is digging herself a hole and knows it. Tim is bristly af as she tries explain this to him. He tells her he doesn’t have a learning disability. Flat out refuses to accept it.

Lucy digs her hole even further when she brings up Isabel. Tim has grown but that continues to be a sore subject for him. Lucy is trying so hard for him not to take this as a bad thing. Minute she brings Isabel up and their time at the academy he shuts down. Tells her they’re not talking about this. Lucy looks crushed she’s offended him. That comfortability and banter from earlier gone. You can see how much she wants to fix it. Unfortunately they get a call before she can rectify the situation. It's about a suspicious mini van casing a house. She tries to fix it as they drive to the call but he is shut off completely. Lucy is defeated and says never mind….

They pull up and its an old colleague of Tim's. He is a bounty hunter now. Lucy is assertive right off the bat saying they've received multiple 911 calls about him. Rex bites back calling her boot and to watch her tone. Tim steps in right away. No one calls her ‘boot’ but Tim good sir. So sexy when he tells Rex she’s the police now. Even though he’s grumpy about the studying he still has her back on this 100%. Such growth Tim. I love me some protective/supportive Tim. Lucy doesn't let Rex's behavior shake her. Lets this surly grump of a man know that. It’s like she has experience with them or something heh

Tim's face when Rex says 'You let her talk to you like that?' It’s a 'Watch it...' We all know Tim likes it when Lucy talks to him like that. It’s that assertive confidence that attracts him to her. One of many reasons But It’s far too early to delve into that fully haha We all know it’s true though. Lucy tells him his bounty Nico is a very dangerous person. Rex tries to rattle her one more time. Saying how he’s been dealing with dangerous men since she was in diapers. Lucy tells him these days you have to call law enforcement for this stuff. She cracks me up and says maybe he should read Tim’s book LMAO

Lucy tries the next day to mend fences with Tim. Asking him if he'd like her to read to him? Trying to offer up a olive branch. He instantly shuts her down. Says no. Lucy tries to implore him to let her. That he needs to learn it. He grumpily replies ‘I can do that on my own.' Oof she really hit a nerve with this one. Before Lucy can fight him some more they pull back up to Rex’s van. Tim is wanting to do a welfare check on him. He didn't report his bounty last night. Lucy calls him out for it and Tim says he wouldn’t put it that way to Rex though. But he's being a softie and she knows it.

They find blood and broken glass and call it in. Rex has been assaulted and Tim sees red. He takes off once Rex says Nico is headed to his aunt's. Lucy calls after him saying they need a warrant. Tim doesn’t listen as he takes off and Rex tells Lucy go with Tim.

Tim busts in raging says blood on the door enough reason for them to search. Lucy takes control of the situation quickly. Makes the aunt call Nico. Says they’ll arrest for aiding and abetting if she doesn’t. Does this to calm Tim down a bit. She’s so good at that. Not the first time she's taken charge to rein him a bit. The aunt calls it doesn't take long to find him in the house Then comes this bad ass fight scene. Last episode I said they’re like poetry in motion in the field. This gif is the definition of that. Look how well they work together to take Niko down. It’s a thing of beauty really.

First off let’s enjoy the fact we’re getting Tim all sweaty and guns out to play shall we? Ovary explosion for me. It's a very nice visual for me to start this scene. *fans self* Never get over how fine this man is honestly. Now let’s move onto the beautiful moment that’s about to commence. Lucy finds Tim working out. Ask's if he's training for his next re-match with Nico haha She hands him the little Audio book he looks so confused as to what this might be. His confusion continues after she explain its the audiobook version of his book.

Lucy looks so proud of herself when she explains she recorded it for him. She should be. You know she spent whatever free time she had off shift doing that for him. That is no small feat. Also the fact that she reached out to Isabel for him. I can’t imagine that conversation wasn’t a little awkward for her. But guess what? She did it anyways to help him. Even when he’s obstinate af with her she is driven to help him no matter what.

That psych degree comes in handy when she’s deciphering Tim. Why he acts the way he does. He lashed out cause he was embarrassed by the fact that he learns through listening. This is why Lucy does this for him. So he feels better about the way he learns. Doesn’t feel shame about it. He is much more receptive to her explanation this time around. You can see it in his face in that second gif above. She is so kind and gentle while she does it. Letting him know hey it's ok you learn this way. Nothing is wrong with it or you.

I can totally relate to Tim too btw. I am a Kinesthetic learner as well. I absorb audio books far more than sitting down and reading. I have to be moving while I listen or I’m instantly bored and disengage. If it’s a fic I’m fine for most part if it’s a one shot. But anything I have to read at massive length? I gotta be moving. So I get it Tim I’m same way my love.

She ends her explanation by complimenting him in the best way she can. By letting him know that the way he learns is why he’s such an excellent cop. Building him up and letting him know its why he excels the way he does at his job. Reinforcing his way of learning isn’t a bad thing at all but a strength for him. You can see it in his face he finally accepts this about himself. He replies 'Yeah.' with a small smile of gratitude. Like she's just taught him something about himself and he's not mad about it. Tim can't help but let that Lucy light of hers in.

Lucy says she will see him tomorrow. Wants to let him get back to his work out. You can tell Tim wants to say something before she goes. He builds up the courage to say 'Thanks' as she’s leaving ❤️ It's such a loaded Thanks for him. The absolute gratitude he has for her in this moment. I’ve said it many times and I’ll continue to say it. Eric says so damn much with just a look. If her recording an audio book isn’t an act of service and love to him I don’t know what is. The look on this man’s face as he says 'Thanks.' He is blown away she took the time to do this for him. Has to make sure Lucy knows how grateful he is before she leaves. Because she saw he had a need and fulfilled it for him. Put him first and took care of him in best way she could think of.

Lucy’s smile Is everything after he says this. It's the most honest and genuine 'Thanks ' she's ever received from him. She almost can't handle it. Why she nervously smiles back instead of replying. She is adorable. Gah no one gets through like Lucy does for him. Makes me wanna cry honestly. They’re written so damn well it makes me happy. Truly just make one another better in the best way.

That little smile of his when he hears Lucy’s intro. My damn heart. She truly is the best rookie he’s ever trained. Damn straight. If you weren’t shipping them before, this scene has to get you hook, line and sinker. She recorded an old outdated book for him in her personal time, built him up, made him feel better about how he learns, and reached out to his ex for clarification in order to help him better.

Actions speak louder than words they say for a reason. Her actions are screaming right now. Makes you wonder if he listened at night at all? Did he ever fall asleep to her voice during his studying? Maybe he did maybe he didn't. A girl can dream though haha Such a good ep for them start to finish.

~~~~~

Side notes non-chenford

Mmm Tim laying into Jackson about the hole he’s in. Yes please. Defending Angela when Jackson makes a joke if he’s late his dad is gonna light up Lopez. Tim goes on to tell him she’s going to pay the price if he doesn’t get his shit together. That she will be the target of his fathers aggression if he goes belly up halfway through training. That Jackson owes her his career. Whew lord I love me some protective Tim.

Also Lucy and Jackson living together ❤️ such a good friend to take him in like that I love it. First thing he needed to her back on track.

[debb987]

ROTTMNT ANGST

I can't believe I actually wrote this, but inspired by @red-rover-au this post, which is also inspired by @cupcakeslushie separated AU! May I present to you: Draxum raising Subject One (Raph) as a test before all the others, which means the poor snapper gets all the attention (threatening) and is separated of his brothers by age gap.

TW: Child abuse :')

Also, spoilers for Raph's background on my fic "The Eldest Brother" cause I don't think I'll publish this there until after I get to explore the Rise!Brothers POV haha

Chapter (?)

The Great Baron Draxum was an alchemist mutant warrior, a master of the mystic arts, and was well and fully aware that the scientific method demanded a process of trial and error. For an idea to become an hypothesis, from which then he would need to experiment upon until the result obtained was what he required.

He had many mutations that were fast, strong. Excellent creatures that were not intelligent enough to think by themselves, but could follow basic commands well enough.

But he could not lead alone, he would require assistance. Intelligent, loyal assistance. Commanders that could lead the tropes on the war to come.

Thus, the creation of Subject One. Whatever happened to this one, he would learn from it and improve for the specimens that followed.

Besides, Huginn and Muninn had only been able to get enough blood for a single mutation. Lou Jitsu was the champion of the Battle Nexus and thus, heavily guarded. They had gone to the arena in hopes of collecting a sample, but true to his undisputed title, the human warrior rarely bled from injury, no matter who or against how many he was made to fight against.

It had taken months, but in the end the gargoyles had finally gotten one sample. The little creatures refused to disclose their methods, but in this instance Draxum cared not for the process, only the result.

And the result.

“Da.”

The result was absurdly adorable peculiar.

He had chosen an alligator snapping turtle, figuring that even if he messed up the first subject the resulting soldier would still be somewhat useful by virtue of its size alone.

“Da!”

“Draxum, the name is Draxum, not Da,” he repeated for what was probably the hundredth time. “But I do acknowledge your trial, even if it ends with error still.”

Draxum usually made an effort to maintain an intimidating image. Things like tenderness or physical displays of affection were not useful for that, but here, in this solitary cell, he allowed himself to enter without his helmet and dark teal bodysuit to— 

“Daaaa!” Green fingers made a grabbing motion.

“Patience is a virtue.”

To hold the rapidly-growing creature that was already the size of his forearm, and was starting to attempt to speak, carefully handling it so the spikes would not scratch at unprotected skin and cloth.

Because, as his current situation could attest, it was apparent that he couldn’t name, take care of, and watch develop an infant without becoming attached to it.

He had no need for unwillingly-formed attachments to his mutated soldiers, so he had made a mental note to delegate the fulfillment of basic living needs to his attendants for the next tests. Subject One though…

“Da!”

He would personally supervise its development. Just to see what else could be improved in the mutagen formula, no more.

“Dawwwr!” the toothless creature mumbled, nibbling at his hand in a mess of saliva and bacteria.

“Draxum, not Dawr. And that’s highly unhygienic, I’d highly suggest you stop before I force you to.” 

When Subject One just grabbed his wrist and continued to babble at it, Draxum curled one clawed finger and inflicted injury on the roof of its mouth. 

The creature wailed and trashed in his hold, coughing up spit and blood, but it was effective in making it release his hand.

“I provide only one warning. It’s a lesson you’d do well to remember.”

It continued to cry and move wildly in his arms, and at this rate getting scratched by the spikes was highly probable, so Draxum dropped it. Subject one fell on its shell, and cried even louder.

“Silence is also a virtue,” Draxum tried to say over the wails, but it was unlikely his words were reaching the target. He sighed, passed a hand over his hair, and reluctantly knelt down to pat the creature’s head comfortingly.

“Silence, I said silence,” he repeated with the pats, and the creature finally stopped crying and looked up at him. It had also stopped bleeding from its mouth already, the accelerated healing was working properly. Crying over an injury that wouldn’t even last ten minutes was overly dramatic.

“Da?”

“Draxum. The word you’re searching for is Draxum.”

Subject One sniffed and struggled to sit up, making a grabbing motion once more.

“Do not move too much while on my hold, or I will drop you again.”

(x)

It was growing at a very fast pace. 

“AGHHH!”

Perhaps a bit too fast, even. The mind didn’t seem to develop at the same rate the body did, which resulted in unpaired speech patterns, and the lack of skill to formulate strategies for battle that differed from a straightforward: smash it. He would have to remove the accelerated growth from the formula before mutating Subject Two.

“Halt,” Draxum ordered after Subject One fell again, rolling on the dirt like a ball that was aiming to collect as many bruises and scratches as it possibly could. 

“I don’t understand the reason for your struggle. I provided all the information needed at the beginning of the exercise, you already know how to defeat your opponent.”

Subject One curled into a ball, as three-fingered hands rubbed at the blood coming from its nose in a vain attempt of making it stop. All the while silently crying, the tremors of sobs were visible even from such a distance.

“Crying will not solve your current dilemma. Stand up, or I’ll withhold the meal of today.”

The turtle just curled on itself even tighter, shivering. Did it want to hide inside its shell? 

“Your kind cannot retreat into their shell,” but it would be useful if the next subject could, so they would fit in smaller places, infiltrate more easily. He made a mental note of it.

“P-pwease…”

Draxum sighed, and made a hand gesture to call off the exercise. Attachment to his soldiers was an inconvenience he really could do without.

“You will not be coddled in real battle. You need to understand basic battle strategy, at least.”

Subject One sniffed and shakily stood up, giving a slow nod. 

“...come here so I can tend to your injuries.”

And if he let Subject One sit on his lap while he did so, and gave comforting rubs at the spiky shell as the turtle nuzzled at his shoulder, no one had to know.

(x)

Subject One improved. At some point he actually started to win against his opponents, even if he resorted to messy tactics like tearing at the jugular or snapping a limb off with nothing but his powerful jaw. 

But the instances were far and in between. Right after winning, after the opponent stopped twitching and breathing, the turtle would cry at the top of his lungs, and in the exercise that followed he would perform remarkably poorly. Subject One wouldn’t even move from the starting line, and would just stand still and let his opponent beat him without any reaction whatsoever, not to defend or counter, and much less to evade.

Draxum had no option left but to call off those matches.

“You did well last time, so why did you freeze on this instance?”

But no matter how many times he asked, he was only ever met with silence.

This trend lasted for several months, until finally, Subject One started to win every single fight. The ferociousness of the isolated events became the norm, as the turtle perfected the combination of attack and defense he needed to— 

“HALT!” Accelerated healing or not, a lost limb would not regrow.

…

…

…

“Don't you realize the severity of the damage you could have sustained?” Draxum said while grabbing his creation by the shoulders, uncaring of the spikes digging into his palms. “Don't do something like that ever again! That’s an order!”

Subject One seemed confused, but nodded shakily. “S-sorry…?”

“You should be! You cannot act without thinking of the consequences!” Draxum yelled, even though there was no need to since he was quite close to his intended audience, but he cared not whether it was logical or not. All he cared for— 

All he… cared for.

“I care,” Draxum whispered, looking at confused dark eyes, the fading marks of rapidly-healing lacerations, the single snaggle tooth poking at a lower lip. “I care.”

He hadn’t realized it was to this extent, but the idea of his creation suffering long-sustaining damage, one the little turtle wouldn’t be able to heal from, was… unacceptable.

“U-um.”

“You…” Draxum sighed at last, placing a single hand at the top of the snapper’s head, ignoring the reflexive flinch. “You’re going to stay at my side.”

There was no happiness nor horror at the revelation. Subject One just tilted his head, confused.

“Why?”

“Because I order it so,” Draxum rubbed the top of his head, in what he now accepted was an affectionate gesture. “Just… follow me.”

(x)

“What are they?” Subject One inquired in one of Draxum’s supervising rounds, poking at the glass separating them from the holding cell of Subject Two and Three.

“Soldiers,” Draxum answered simply, “or at least one day, they will be. For now, they’re still at the stage of developing basic motor functions.”

“Babies?”

“Correct,” Draxum patted the top of his head, inwardly pleased at the lack of flinching. “Subject Two and Three are infants.”

“Together?”

“They are temporarily sharing space, yes. That will be rectified once the remodeling is over, do you recall that?”

Subject One nodded, eyes still focused on the smaller turtle specimens. “Yes. New, big, spooky.”

“That is not the name of the machinery,”  Draxum sighed, nudging his creation forward, “and we need to continue, so start walking.”

The snapper nodded and followed the instruction without issue. Subject One may not be very smart in terms of strategy, and the speech pattern was just now slightly improving, but if there was one thing he was good at, it was following orders. He would make for a good second in command, once he grew older and could learn more on what he lacked.

“Draxum?”

“Yes?”

“Other… baby turtles?”

“Subject Four is the last one, I will experiment with other creatures once the donor is brought here. I’ve requested the two Gargoyles to help me in this quest.”

The snapper gasped, pulling at Draxum’s rob excitedly.

“Can I see Four too?” 

It was rare for the small one to be excited about something, and watching him made Draxum feel sort of warm, so he yielded quickly.

“Subject Four is only a few weeks old, it does nothing but squeak,” he warned, guiding his creation to a different hallway. 

(x)

“Lou Jitsu, your dexterity and skill as a warrior is legendary.”

“My days of fighting are over; I won’t harm another creature ever again,” Lou Jitsu said with crossed arms, before leaning to one side with a confused frown. “Is that a kid?”

“Hi,” Subject One greeted, peeking timidly from behind him. 

“I do not require you to fight. I only require your genetically-gifted essence.”

“One: that sounds gross. Two: how old are you, kiddo?”

“...I’m five.”

“Aww, that’s adorable,” the warrior extended an arm through the gaps of his containment cell and gestured for Subject One to approach him.

The snapper turned to him for further instruction, so Draxum nodded once. “In spite of his remarkable fighting skill, this warrior has retired by his own volition. You may engage with your DNA donor—”

“I’m his what.”

“ — while I oversee the preparation for Subject Five to Ten.”

 (x)

He had left for only ten minutes. Twelve, at most.

The warrior was already out of his containment cell by the time he returned.

“I know I said I’d never fight again, but you,” Lou Jitsu curled his upper lip with disgust. “You’ve earned it.”

The absence of the turtle was immediately noticeable.

“Where is Subject One?” Draxum asked frantically, turning around in hopes of spotting the spiky shell, only for his gaze to be blocked by the sole of a foot.

“Where is Subject One?!” he repeated, summoning forward the purple vines to confront the human, as the others lifted machines and cages, trying to find his creation. The snapping turtle hadn’t gone through any fighting exercises in a long time, there was no way his small creation could have won against the champion of Battle Nexus— 

“Babies!” the familiar voice exclaimed, and Draxum turned around to see the five-year-old snapper carrying Subject Two to Four in his arms.

“Subject One!” Draxum called in relief before a hit connected to the back of his head, and the world blurred as he fell from considerable height. 

“...subject…one,” the edges of his vision were starting to darken. He could hear the sound of something exploding in the background. 

“Ouch, you little shit! Damn rat!”

“Mister?”

“Uh, don’t repeat thaaaaa— what the— m-my hands?!”

“Mister!”

“Shit, shit, that green thing— run! Let’s just run!”

“Sss… One…”

“Don’t worry Boss, we’ll get you out of here!”

(x)

His mutations had escaped.

His lab had been destroyed, and with it decades of work; as the machinery, notes, raw materials, all burned to the ground.

And yet, all he cared for was to— 

“Find Subject One!” He threw one of the pieces of debris at the gargoyle’s direction, heaving in frustration. “How can you steal Lou Jitsu right from under Big Mama’s greedy claws, but continue to fail on finding my creation?!”

Huginn and Muninn exchanged a worried glance. “Boss… he’s not in the Hidden City.”

“He can’t be up with the humans,” Draxum spat the last word with hatred. “They are the subjects of the prophecy, they fear what they don’t understand, they would kill him!”

They would… kill him.

The humans would definitely kill Subject One. His creation, his… his…

His.

“I will not wait.”

“Boss?”

“No, I cannot wait. If I do, those pathetic, furless creatures that compose the human race will murder Subject One,” Draxum said through greeted teeth, one fist curling strongly enough for his claws to dig into his palm, drawing blood.

“But… but everything in the lab was destroyed.”

“The Great Baron Draxum is an alchemist mutant warrior,” he straightened to his full height, “and I shall demonstrate just how skilled a warrior I can be.”

AN:

Turns out, Lou Jitsu had just started keeping rats as pets, and their bites made him bleed a lot :D Samples 1 to 4 were collected in this manner LMAO.

[redwineconversation]

Eugenie Le Sommer Contract Extension (May 23, 2024)

Me (jokingly): oh haha Lyon's bonding activity is burying poor innocent souls in the woods. They're actually lovable sociopaths once you get past the whole murder thing haha

Le Sommer (during the interview): I'm not going to give away all our secrets because there are things no other team does and it will always be like that. I'm not going to say why but - but you feel something.

Me:

@Timothee Please come back, I've felt a hole like this never before and never since.

If there's ever a player who truly embodies the concept of "let's sit down, split a bottle of wine, and just talk" it's Le Sommer. This is why I both hate the new "omg let's reach out to an international audience" format Kang has taken for Lyon on the rare occasion she remembers they exist, and why the I feel the old format worked so well. This team was never meant for dumb TikTok's. You really want to know this team? Sit down, pour yourself a glass of wine, and watch them play. Lyon's purest form is when you take their muzzle off and let them be who they are. You don't need to be parked on their social media page to get to know this team. You just need a dodgy stream or a rainy day trip to be like oh, I get it now, I like the taste of blood, too. Stop putting a muzzle on them and let a sociopath be a fucking sociopath.

This interview was done before the Olympics so obviously that discussion is no longer relevant.

Blah blah standard disclaimers apply; @OL Comms Dept pls pls pls help me pay my AC bill I am dying in this heat wave; Jesus fucking Christ would some of you just go outside, breathe some fresh air and pretend you are capable of being a normal functioning human being; y'all know the speech by now.

Tl:dr version of Le Sommer's interview: monsters recognize monsters

EUGENIE LE SOMMER OLPLAY INTERVIEW

Timothee: Euge[nie], we're really happy to see you today because you have good news for us, it's one of the outstanding questions towards the end of the season: were you going to extend for one more year? And the answer is yes.

Le Sommer: Yes, I'm staying. It's true that it's a question I was asking myself as well, but yeah, happy to continue writing history with Lyon, and happy to stay.

Timothee: You've said before it's quite a long history between you two. Was it important to you to continue being a part of this [club's] history in terms of consistency?

Le Sommer: Yes, but it must be said I needed time to think about it because - because I'm not someone who makes decisions spur of the moment. I needed to really, really think about it, to make the best decision for myself and I think that's what I did. So it took a while but at the same time I'm really happy and I've experienced some good moments this season and I wanted to continue having those.

Timothee: How does it work, when you need to think about it? Is it something rather personal, do you talk about it with others? How does the process work? Is it something you keep to yourself?

Le Sommer: No, I don't really talk about it with those around me. It's something I really keep to myself, I try to think about myself and my team but without really talking to them about it. I have a lot of things to take into consideration. There's what's going on on the field but also what is going on off of it, in your personal life. There's family, there's my husband. There are things I have to consider outside of football which still have an impact on football. Beyond that, you have to weigh the pros and cons to try and make the best decision for myself.

Timothee: And what were the arguments which convinced you this was the right decision?

Le Sommer: Well first of all we're one of the best clubs in Europe, in the world. Lyon is at the top of women's football [but for how much longer if we turn into an academy development club?] It's a really big club and I'm really happy to have played with Lyon and continue playing with Lyon. We've won a lot of titles, obviously that's a factor as well. I feel good here, the team is extraordinary. There's a quality team on the field and off of it as well. The club, everything. It's the whole thing which makes it that I feel good here. My decision wasn't directly related to the club itself because I already know what to expect but it was more a decision I had to think about myself. I know I'm closer to the end [of my career] than to the beginning. So it was also having to make the best decision regarding my career. But in any case of the reasons was that Lyon is a big club and I'm happy to stay for that reason. Beyond that there are obviously other reasons. There was this season as well, playing in the UWCL [final], having high ambitions, those are things I like. And having a talented team like I said on and off the field, having fun on the field even if there are difficult moments at times. But at the end of the day we make it through, we continue to advance and continue winning trophies. That's what matters. And yeah, I'm really happy today.

Timothee: You were talking about the season. It's a season where you showed you're still here, it's not the end for you just yet. You still have something to prove, notably at the start of the season where you were pretty much unstoppable. It's a season where I want to say you showed you still have a lot of things to bring to the team.

Le Sommer: Yes, of course. It's true that I was a little hurt when last season I was criticized, when I heard some things. I don't think some people expected me to be at this level this season. I knew why I was staying with Lyon, I knew I had my qualities, I knew what I could bring to this team. So I never doubted in myself. But it's true I heard a fair amount of things from the sidelines. Now it must be said that my season started off well with the World Cup because I think it was the starting point in this 2023-2024 season. And it's true that having done a good season at Lyon, that already confirmed my choice in wanting to stay and wanting to continue writing this story with the club.

Timothee: Your relationship with Lyon goes way back. It started in 2010, is that correct? It must be important to stay somewhere where you feel at home.

Le Sommer: Well yeah, I feel at home here. It's true that after all these years, of course I feel at home. Being at the best club in the world, in Europe, and be at home, I don't think there's anything better. So yeah, I learned a lot here. It's true that I learnt a lot about myself as a player and as a woman. It's the longest relationship I've had with a club. That counts for something. And I didn't want my last game to have ended with an injury. So there were really a lot of reasons which meant that I couldn't see myself leaving. So yeah. I'm happy to continue [with Lyon]. Of course Lyon is a special club to me, having spent all these years here is extraordinary. I've won a lot of things here, all the trophies in France, we've won eight UWCLs, I hope there will be a ninth. But in any case for me, I'm at the best French club.

Timothee: There's also the aspect of being in a stimulating environment precisely because there are competitive clubs like the English teams, Chelsea, there's Barcelona. Being at a club where you have to defend your place, it pushes you to be at your best.

Le Sommer: Yes, of course. And I've said throughout my career, competition makes you grow, the competition makes you be better. Whether it be on the field, having competition as a player there isn't anything better. It pushes you to give your best and perform as best as possible. And of course the competition with other clubs, it's important as well to be able to ask questions of yourself after each game, after each season in order to continue to improve and to grow, continue winning trophies. You can't rest on your laurels. We saw it in France with PSG who is pushing us to always be better and stay on top. And on a European level for several years now, there are some really good teams who are able to push us to the maximum in order to win the UWCL.

Timothee: We're starting to know what the recipe of success is at Lyon. It's a recipe based on transmission [of knowledge]. It's a transmission - do you think it's important for the club to be able to count on players like yourself who are in a way to keepers of Lyon's mentality, a mentality that's pretty special and which means that year after year, team after team, no matter the changes, no matter the opponents, you remain at the top. It's important to have players like you in the team, no?

Le Sommer: I think so. But beyond that, can I answer it? Not really. I think the future will speak for itself. But in any case I think it's important to have a certain stability but also with players who know how to ask questions of themselves, who try to continue to perform at the top level. It's not about being at the top for the sake of it. When I say I want to continue wanting to be the best and playing those games, it's because I want to stay at the level of performing at your best. I still have objectives. So yeah. The team is special. This club is special. I don't know if that's the recipe to success but in any case it's certain that there is something in this team which gets passed on from recruit to recruit you could say. It's something which was embedded before I came and it's something which I continued to pass on, to share. I think there's a lot of good intentions within the team but at the same time we're not nice for the sake of it. It's just that we know where we want to go, we know what we need to do and everyone is focused on the same goal. But there's a lot of due diligence, there's a lot of hard work because you might think it's easy because when you look at all the titles we've won you're like "how hard can this be?" But each season you have to go back and question yourself. There were some really difficult games, there were some very complicated wins. But the only thing that matters in the end is lifting the trophy. Today we remember the trophies and we forget the difficult games we experienced. Well, I don't forget. That's what makes us stronger, it's what makes you look within yourself after a loss, after you fail. You have to know how to bounce back. That's another strength of this team.

Timothee: Beyond your role on the field, do you feel a responsibility to pass on what you have learnt to the younger players?

Le Sommer: Yes, it's important because I know it matters. It's something which matters in terms of performance on the field. You can't just tell a player - we saw it, putting the best 11 players on the field doesn't mean you will win. You have to build on other things. There's something in place here and we have to keep building on it. Of course I try to bring something to it as well but just like everybody, even the recruits. Everyone has something to bring to this team be it the oldest [player] or the youngest or the one who has been at the club the longest or the newest at the club. So we try to do it so everyone has their place on the team both on the field and in the locker room. That's important.

Timothee: It dates back a bit but who took you under their wing when you came to the club? Some may be in the staff today [Bompastor and Abily at the time]. But how was it when you were the young new player? Which Lyon player took you under their wing and taught you about Lyon's DNA and winning mentality?

Le Sommer: It's true that when I arrived I was really impressed because I was coming into the best French team made up of entirely international players. So there was a lot of investment and they were really experienced. But at the same time I was really welcomed. Of course I was the new young player who had just arrived but the players and pretty much the entire team really made me feel welcomed. It's maybe because of that that I want to do the same thing today because I want to copy what helped me in my career. But I think that was part of Lyon's identity before. But yeah, the players really made me feel welcomed, they helped me integrate the team even better, they gave me advice. When you talk about Lyon's forwards, it's true that all the forwards I've played with, they've all helped me in some way. Some of them was just by talking with me, giving me advice, some were when I was watching them play or when I was watching them during practice. I learned a lot from that. So that transfer of knowledge is important as well because that's what gives a team strength. I'm not going to give away all our secrets because there are things no other team does and it will always be like that. I'm not going to say why but - but you feel something. You can't see it, you can't reach out and touch it. You can't - experience is a part of it. There are other things, like in the way the team lives, the way the locker room works, the way it works on the field. Those are things you also feel. But you can't reach out and touch it.

Timothee: You said you had objectives. What are they? There's not a lot left for you to accomplish.

Le Sommer: [laughs] To always win. Always win. And - you know, I almost don't understand the question "Aren't you tired of winning?" or "You've won everything, what still motivates you?" It's winning. That's it. When you're here [at Lyon], you just want to win, really. That's the mentality of the whole team. So you don't even have to question it, it's normal. I even saw it when I was injured. I only wanted one thing and that's to be back on the pitch, to be play the big games. Those big games, it's so hard to watch them on television or from the stands. I want to play them. So it confirms to my decision to stay at Lyon and play at the highest level.

Timothee: Is there a form of satisfaction to know that despite the changes, like the transfer of power between Jean-Michel Aulas and Michele Kang, just watching the club evolve, is that one of the factors? Like when you saw the staff get bigger, like when you saw all the changes due to Michele Kang becoming the owner, did that play a factor in your decision?

Le Sommer: Yeah, of course it matters. It matters. The fact that the club stays at the top, be it in France or Europe [Ed: not gonna happen with this recruiting class!!!] Well, I hope. And obviously it was a factor because I want to be a part of a project where you have the means to obtain the objectives. We want to be the best in every aspect [Ed: so why the fuck are we putting an emphasis on giving academy players playing time???] That's something I liked. It's true that Michele [Kang] has a really good project with a lot of ambition. It falls in line with what Jean-Michel Aulas had put in place. And actually the transition was pretty smooth. You can say we took it in stride and that we want to continue with her without forgetting the past, of course. The past matters. We don't forget. We know. That's also something we try to pass on. Michele didn't come in and start from scratch. It's something that it is built on, and I'm really happy to continue playing in a club where I guess you're looking forward and not towards what you have accomplished in the past.

Timothee: Another point of satisfaction when it comes to you, and that's seeing you in a French jersey again. We got to follow you all season with the French National Team. It's coming up quickly and Lyon fans are hoping to see you in the Olympics. What are you approaching that hurdle?

Le Sommer: It's something that is both at the forefront and also at the back of my mind. But in any case it's one of my objectives. From the moment my season was over with the club regarding the injury, my first thought was about the Olympics. I told myself I needed to get ready and that I needed to try to do everything to be there. So today my rehab is being done with regards to that. So I hope we manage to take each step at a time with regards to that goal. I mainly hope that I am ready. But of course it's an important competition for me and the French jersey is important to me. So I hope I get to play in thee Olympics. In any case I'm giving myself every chance. And also it's here. There are two games in Lyon. So the fans could come and support us with France like they did against Germany in the League of Nations.

Timothee: Do you think it has had a big impact on your career, returning to the French National Team, being called back? From the outside we got the impression it gave you a second wind. Well maybe not a second wind, but that it - you became the player you used to be. We got the impression you were whole again, that it was really important for you.

Le Sommer: Yes, of course, and I've always said that. It was a difficult time for me, not being selected for the French National Team. Not only that, it wasn't just not being called up, it was not being called up and not even being considered. So for me it was difficult because of those two reasons. I thought it was unfair and also it happened from one day to the next. With everything I had done for that [French National] team, I didn't really understand the reasoning. And I was performing well with the club when I was left off and not being called up. [Le Sommer sighs] So it was a difficult period, and maybe when I was called back again, it gave me a boost. That being said the French National Team also puts a spotlight on us, so obviously I was a bit more in the shadows when I wasn't being called up. When I went to the NWSL people forgot about me for a bit. So I don't want to think about what if I hadn't come back, etc. But in any case I'm really happy to have been called back and that it went well, because I could have been called back and two games later it's done and dusted, one call-up and then I'm home and that's it. So I was able to seize the opportunity, I think. But I also needed to show strength of character, that I still had the level because I spent two years without playing any international games. So experience matters, too. So when you talk about experience, I think that was a factor. That I had played a lot of games in the past really helped me when I came back and perform better. Then I really gave myself every means to stay [in the team], I gave it my all. And I know what it's like to not wear the national jersey so yeah, I wanted to continue wearing it. But to do that you have to play well. So that's what I tried to do be it with the club or with the national team.

Timothee: You talked about experience. Sometimes that word is a little abstract. Sometimes it's a little bit difficult to really understand everything that it comes with. And sometimes there are moments when it's really concrete, you can almost see it on the pitch. I feel like that's what we saw this season, that this Lyon team just knew what to do to win, even when it was complicated, even when there this player or that player wasn't there, there was still that capacity to show up in big games, that continuity in winning. Is that not what experience really is in the end?

Le Sommer: Yeah, to an extent. When you say that, I think back to some seasons where we had major players out injured [2020-2021; 2022-2023]. We still had to go out and win titles. It's not the case in every club. We don't hide behind injuries or players who aren't there. We know that when you're able to play and you're wearing Lyon's jersey, you owe it to yourself to play your best and to win. There's something about this team that makes you do that. And we saw it as well this season, we had Wendie [Renard] out injured and that was a big loss, but the team had to pull itself together and play without Wendie. And I think that's one of our strengths at Lyon. We don't rely just on one player. The team is bigger than one player, than each individual. Now of course if you're really good individually you're going to help the team but the most important thing is always the team. The team is the pillar. The players come after that.

Timothee: So what can we wish for you [personally]?

Le Sommer: To come back well. For rehab to go well. Those are one of my objectives. I'm really focused on that right now because I know it's important. And of course to play in the Olympics. We'll catch up next season on the pitch.

[cerastes]

Ouuugh, continuing to knock it out of the park with these characters. Always loved characters who are solely referred to as a title or epithet, and god the replacement of ones eyes like Istesas rules.

Did she have much inspiration from concepts or characters from Arthurian legends, or did the fey connections and "lady of the lake" thing just happen to be a fun coincidence?

Looking forward as always for where everything you're setting up goes, an effective god like character who just exists to hand out weapons that always lead to greater tragedy or destabilization of things absolutely slaps.

Thank you! I'm happy to hear you enjoy these, haha.

Istesa does in fact have a lot of Arthurian influence, yes. It's one of my favorite mythos, and the Fae have always been fascinating to me, especially when you consider the complete whiplash anyone would have when going from the modern, incredibly infantilized views on the Fae, to their old, outright brutal and callous origins. It always seemed fun to me to think that even back then, our ancestors were coming up with stuff like "yeah there's these very theatric and whimsy creatures that will try to prank you with such knee-slappers as enslaving you forever or turning you into a sentient bush".

The Lady of the Lake angle is sort of an evolution of a concept I've always wanted to play with: For the longest time, I had this idea of the Lady of the Lake being just one of the many titles of the Lady, and that she's more or less a weapons merchant that spends her time managing her business in the shadows as usual, until a great hero is in need of her. So she'll set out and deliver the legendary weapon to its rightful hero, by hand, so that they may mete our their destiny. If you're not a great hero and you come across her, you may get your hands on one of her formidable wares... For a very, VERY high price, and not necessarily one that involves money. Can't be handing out Caladbolgs and Tyrfings out like candy, you know?

Imagine you're an adventurer and you meet this woman in sunglasses and a suit, she's carrying a big case, she looks at you, and goes "hey, I'm in a bit of a bind, help me out here", and you're like, sure, so you go on a small adventure through dangerous lands into the territory of a despot. Throughout the quest, she never once opens the case, but is formidable nonetheless. Then, when you finally make it close to the despot's fortress, and you get ready for the fight of your life, the climax of this quest, she simply says "alright, we're here", and points at a crappy hut by the side of the river. You're confused, but you follow her as she opens the rickety door. Inside is a poor, young child wearing rags. She slams the case in front of the child and opens up the locks, revealing the most wonderful longsword you've laid eyes upon. She hands the sword to the kid, and then signals the way out.

"We're not going to topple the despot?", you ask.

"Nope," she says as she lights a cigarette, "Not our villain to defeat. Just came here on a delivery."

"And why didn't you use the sword throughout our battles?"

"Not my sword to swing. That's his."

Then she refuses to elaborate on anything else, thanks you curtly, and disappears the first chance she gets. Six months later, you're in the middle of the wilderness, the morning sun wakes you up, you step out of your tent, and notice a familiar case waiting for you outside. It has a letter attached. "Thanks for the help back then. For you." Inside the case is the single best weapon you've seen in all of your travels, it feels comfortable and natural, it fits your style of combat perfectly, there is no weapon in this world that could be more closely customized to you, specifically you. This is your weapon.

That sort of concept. Then, I thought, "damn, if someone or something could actually do things like this, it would be scary if they did that, but for villains", but it wasn't really a breakthrough of a thought, since a lot of villains... Do have that kind of service or advantage, some sort of scientist or wizard. Then came the follow-up thought:

"What if the Lady of the Lake straight up had no sides, she just made incredibly powerful, history-changing weapons and artifacts for the express purpose of shaping history to be 'interesting', to be 'chaotic', because in the future history books, it will be incredibly interesting, maybe even entertaining, to read about these chaotic times. What if the Lady of the Lake wasn't good or evil, she solely sided with whoever side made history look more interesting in the future, so she could, one day, sit down with a nice drink, on a comfy couch, and read the most wonderful tragedies and upheavals, content with the knowledge that she had a hand in the penning of these stories?"

I thought that would be terrifying and I loved it, so Istesa was born.

[edgeray]

Hello Ray! 🍅 anon here (again!)

I've been swamped irl these past few days (hence the relative radio silence) but. oh my goodness. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we have been eating GOOD. Going to ruin my digital footprint and quote zy0x on this: "I'm (s)creaming!" (both ways intended)

I absolutely love your dragon AU!Arle being a humongous dragon and nobody knows how old she is, thinking that she's some ancient beast when in reality she's still young, then "kidnapping" reader back to her nest where they spend some family time together... The trio coming to reader for food mainly because Arle Cannot Cook is hilarious, no wonder they went ham on the fish!

Arle only able to "cook" will forever be a running joke, istg. She and Tighnari would probably get along cuisine preferences wise, with their dislike of strong seasonings. Imagine Arle and Sumeru food?? Heavily seasoned to an inch of its life??? She's going to cry internally.

Let's avoid talking about the Angst TM of your madoka AU (Absolutely well written, love the style, love the effort, but screw it it's angst I left sobbing)

Comfort fics??? like one of your recent ones where reader just??? up and feeds Arle and then falls asleep in her arms??? are really to die for!!! ARLE IS SO SOFT OMGOMGOMG- Plus the teasing and banter that you throw in here and there? Absolute GOLD.

But I do agree about Arle on her period would show absolutely zero signs given what we know about her nature. Making Arle feel safe enough to fall asleep in reader's embrace is. SO ADORABLE HUHUFIWHUFWFIOJF;OI;JFJFIOW ARLEEE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 It is prime time to spoil her.

"The beach episode that no one asked for" I think I can speak for everybody that it just hasn't been asked for YET because Nobody has cooked it YET. THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD-

Poor reader having to choose to look at either the children having fun and enjoying themselves and Arle's handsome body? Reader you have two eyes and so many Kameras!!!!! Give the children the true family outing experience by shoving the Kamera in their face as they laugh! Unleash the inner pervert by taking all sorts of photos with your husband's bare ABS EXPOSED!!!

"It's my sixth? seventh? Who knows, I lost count" reread of practically your entire fic offerings and I would like to express my continued gratitude. If you need more requests I'll be happy to send some! (I'm not sending requests currently because you might have some on your list and I am not adding on to it)

[I still have. not. done Arle's story quest. I'm not ready for the heartbreak even though it means now I've been farming using the handbook instead of being able to go to the arena. I don't need 100 primogems. I need Clervie and Arle to still be together /copium]

Hi 🍅 anon! Getting your asks always makes me giddy haha. No worries on the radio silence.

First of all, I'd like to say I made the smart descision of staying up until 7AM and then deciding maybe staying up longer isn't a good idea, so I went ahead and slept until I woke up again. My response will be fueled by 3.5 hours of sleep so apologies if it's not coherent.

I'd like to say that you will be seeing more of Dragon AU considering that my 3 out of 8 requests sitting in my inbox are asking for a continuation 😅🤣 which frankly I'm surprised about because there wasn't much Arle in it and it wasn't that good quality of my writing but I guess the inclusion of the trio was nice and the random worldbuilding I threw in there. I don't know why I was so detailed about the fantasy elements.

I like. Highkey forgot that Arlecchino didn't like heavily seasoned food so I had it so that she liked Sumeru food because of the spiciness 😅. Fr I'm a fake fan. I think that's what I put in "Rest Your Worries, Lax Your Heart" (do not ask me how I come up with titles for my requests. You can tell how tired I am after making requests based on how lazy the titles are lmfao).

I also like lowkey forgot about the existence of Kameras. Taking pictures during vacation is not natural to me and kind of forgot that I can actually do that. 🤣 hence why i forgot about including it in "Rest Your Worries, Lax Your Heart." (can you tell this was the part that was very self-indulgent? I wanna touch her abs 😩)

Do the story request, get your heart ripped out like the rest of us. Don't be a coward /j. If you need Clervie and Arlecchino together, don't worry. I do have a domestic Arlevie sitting in my inbox...

Anyways, this makes me super giddy, and was a nice start to my morning. I'm glad that my efforts are worth it and that people like you get to enjoy my work. 🫶 I still have much more to write over the summer. I've looked back on my Google Doc where I compile all the requests and looks like I've written over 20k~ words since starting writing at June 1, and it's been 13 days since (with a 3 day break because of vacation which means on average I write around 2k~ words per day that I'm actively writing). And somehow in that time, I've done 12 requests 😲.

At this rate, by the end of the summer, I will have written enough to have a whole ass novel worth. 🤣 I've never had the commitment for long books so that's why I stick to oneshots. I definetely would write a 100k+ Arlecchino x Reader if I could but sadly I cannot. That bitch would be discontinued by like 25k because I get bored of the plot or something, idk.

Enough rambling ehehe, I really appreciate this ask 🍅 anon. 🫶 do expect me to write daily for a while. much more content to make you (s)cream hehe :D

[mintywolf]

A Long Road Home - Author Notes

For Page 3

(Please do not expect freckle continuity from me.)

It’s fine she’s just spending some time with the president of Night Vale Community College.

The scene of Laudna and Imogen’s (apparent) first meeting went through several variations before arriving at what we’ll be seeing over the next few pages. The very first version, as I previously mentioned, appeared pretty much fully-formed in a dream. (As in, I was reading the completed comic pages in the dream and woke up like Oh that’s cute, I should draw that.) It was a very simple, silly scene wherein Imogen goes into the barn to milk the goats and becomes aware that there is something Spooky lurking above her on the ceiling. (Or in the rafters, as I realized that she wouldn’t have access to Spider Climb yet.) They startle each other, and Imogen throws the milking pail, knocking it down. Realizing it’s actually a (now rather embarrassed) person, she apologizes and, bound by the code of Southern hospitality, invites her in for dinner.

Then when I started expanding the concept of a Southern Gothic Meet Cute Comic into something bigger, I felt there would need to be a scene at the market at some point to establish Imogen’s reaction to crowds and for convenience decided to move their first encounter there. (Later I realized that approximately 75% of fanfic authors have apparently had the same train of thought, haha, because a lot of prequel fics seem to have them meeting there.) In this version Imogen overhears a mysterious stranger being refused service by a fruit vendor and, able to discern from her internal monologue that she’s hungry and just wants a damn apple, decides to intervene on her behalf despite her own discomfort. (And then, again, invites her home for dinner.)

But I also had an image I liked of Imogen entering the woods to find them decorated with eerily beautiful things someone has crafted out of reused odds and ends -- animal bones, broken bottles, twigs, beads, fabric scraps -- and hung from the trees with red string. (I’ve also been waiting for a setting with an appropriate climate so I could draw those birch/aspen trees with the creepy eyeball bark and now I finally have one!) As seen now in the chapter title page.

Combining the two, this was my working draft until very recently:

--

Page 3

Panel 1: (wide) Imogen enters the market square uncomfortably, avoiding the eyes of the other villagers, who regard her with suspicion or even outright hostility. The population is largely human with a few half-elves and halflings sprinkled in and it’s clear that Imogen’s appearance makes her an oddity. Their thoughts crowd her, painfully, and she can hear what they think of her - and each other - without them having to say anything.

Townsfolk Voices: There’s that Temult girl what’s she doin’ here? -- Get out of my head, you freak! -- Cryin’ shame, what a waste of a pretty face -- Is she lookin’ at me don’t look at me I got nothin’ to hide don’t look at me -- how long ‘til closing time I want to go home maybe stop at the pub just one pint this time I swear just one Penny and the kids don’t need to know -- Just honest folk here trying to get by -- damn Susannah Mason is lookin’ fine in that tight dress if I weren’t married if I weren’t married I’d -- what a tragedy for poor Relvin first the wife and now the girl too -- where the hell is the damn squash --

Panel 2: The babel of voices continues as she progresses through the market stalls. Starting to get overwhelmed and wincing from the pain of an oncoming headache, she seeks refuge in a narrow alleyway. 

Townsfolk Voices: So that’s one silver, five copper, wait, no -- heard there was a witch in the woods we already got one witch in town we don’t need another what is Gelvaan coming to -- goodness me gave me a fright -- in MY day these only cost -- who is that never seen her around before hope she’s just passing by don’t like the look of her -- pears, radishes, goat cheese, ham bone -- one silver, seven copper and -- Pelor’s shining britches, what is that -- is that a dead bird on her belt ugh no it’s some kind of rat?? --

A Different Voice: oh how beautiful!

Panel 3: Then a different voice catches her attention. To her surprise, this one isn’t painful.

Different Voice: Should I get an apple? I should get an apple just one still need to buy bread but they’re in season now I do love this time of year everything smells so nice I really shouldn’t have come this was a mistake I’m not wanted here but just one

Imogen: Who . . . whose mind is makin’ that . . . sound?

Panel 4: She peeks out of the alley. A small commotion has gathered around a fruit merchant who is refusing to sell to a strange woman in ragged dark clothing who looks very out of place in the warm-toned surroundings. Despite the summer heat she is wearing a hood that mostly hides her face, but we get a glimpse of long, unkempt dark hair streaked with white, dark lips and curiously colorless skin. Her thinness makes her look taller than she is. Other villagers are glaring at her with distrust and ushering their frightened children away.

Fruit Vendor: They’re not for sale, devil.

Stranger: What? That’s preposterous. It says they’re for sale right there. Look, I can pay--

Fruit Vendor: You watch those hands of yours! They’re not for sale to outsiders, is what I mean. Locals only.

Stranger: Well that���s hardly a sustainable business model.

Fruit Vendor: Go on, get. Afore I call the guard.

Panel 5: Closer on the stranger, who is still looking forlornly at the fruit, starting to twist her long, bony fingers anxiously in her hair. Her thoughts are softer in Imogen’s mind than the others. 

Her Thoughts: the apples were sliced so thin and made into little roses it was so lovely this was a mistake I shouldn’t have come here every town is the same I could do that I don’t have any butter or sugar or flour to make a tart but I could cut an apple like that maybe bake it on the hearthstone it would be pretty I don’t know why I thought it would be different here it’s probably not even the right town everyone is staring I’m not wanted I’m not wanted I should leave I can go another day I’ve done it before but oh I’m hungry I’m hungry I’m hungry

Page 4

Panel 1: The stranger withdraws as a stern, stocky woman of early middle age, conservatively dressed, with dark blonde hair drawn back in a bun, steps forward from the crowd and glares underneath her hood suspiciously with narrow green eyes and an authoritative air. An unpleasant-looking child of about nine folds his arms smugly behind her.

Woman (Cornelia Ashburn): There a problem here, stranger?

Stranger: No. I’m sorry. I’m just leaving.

Panel 2: Watching this interaction, Imogen makes a decision.

Panel 3: The crowd (including the stranger) draws back further as she impulsively approaches the fruit vendor. Putting on her best charming manner, she addresses him, holding out six copper for the listed price of 1cp/each.

Imogen: Well, hi, Mr. Merryday, Miz Ashburn! Fine day, isn’t it? 

Fruit Vendor (warily): Sure . . . How can I help you, Miss Temult?

Imogen: I’d like to buy half-a-dozen apples, please. Good thing I’m local, right?

Fruit Vendor: Fine. That’ll be 3 silver.

His Thoughts: go away go away go away

Imogen: Ugh.

Panel 4: Apples acquired, she looks around, but the stranger has disappeared.

Imogen: (Now, where’d she go?)

Panel 5: Cautiously she enters the woods, following the sound of the stranger’s mind without knowing why she’s doing it.

Imogen: (She can’t be too far off . . .)

Panel 6: She shrinks nervously in on herself a little, but she continues.

--

I was never totally happy with it though because I felt the setup didn’t sufficiently emphasize how miserable Imogen was in Gelvaan before Laudna came into her life. A lot of the script was planned several months ago and most of the first chapter was already written even before Laudna’s death and the resulting Whitestone arc. So while I figured things were pretty bad for Imogen, I didn’t quite imagine how bad. Like, bad enough to fill her pockets with stones and walk into a river.

Which is what she’s doing here. It will be more obvious that that’s what she’s doing on the next page (where I want to talk about something else in the author notes so I’m talking about this now) but I hope her intent is pretty clear? Famously, this is how Virginia Woolf died, but as a lesbian English major I fear I may be overestimating the obviousness of her intentions. (It is referred to in “What the Water Gave Me” by Florence + the Machine and, I’ve just remembered, also Hadestown so hopefully there’s enough cultural familiarity in the reader base to understand what’s going on here.)

The scene clicked into place though while I was listening to “Drumming Song,” a different Florence + the Machine song which, appropriately enough, is about someone trying to escape the clamor in her head:

“I run to the river and dive straight in I pray that the water will drown out the din But as the water fills my mouth It couldn't wash the echoes out But as the water fills my mouth It couldn't wash the echoes out

I swallow the sound and it swallows me whole 'Til there's nothing left inside my soul As empty as that beating drum But the sound has just begun”

This decision was made after I had already sketched out and started working on Page 3 so I actually had to go back and add pockets to her outfit in the previous page. For the purpose of filling them with rocks.

I do regret that (most of) Laudna’s internal apple monologue was lost as a result of this (and the implication that Imogen saved herself by helping Laudna, rather than the other way around) but I think it was an important change. It also undercuts quite how lonely and miserable things were for Laudna before she came to Gelvaan and found Imogen, but there is no scarcity of scenes of pre-Imogen Laudna being sad and lonely and hungry in future pages so I think it’s fine.

[ackalice]

@mono-chrono (curiosity i hear?? alrighty)

I present to you my very first original characters and original story!

heads up, that description was heavily generalized and, as the post indicated, a very poor way of explaining it- SO

In present day Minnesota, local 17 year old "weird kid" Vivian is living life as usual. She's bubbly, extroverted as all hell, and as her title suggests is the town weirdo. It isn't her fault, but her interests and her attitude have given her a reputation as someone no one else wishes to interact with. Harsh, but it is what it is.

Viv is makin' her way through highschool, a part-time job, and is juggling all her other hobbies as well (Ballet, theater, knitting, scrap booking, flute...among others). She even plans on going to a near-by art college when she graduates!

Heres some scribbles:

One afternoon, while she is relaxing at home after some of her after-school activities, someone decides to pay her a visit. Not the normal way like a normal person, oh no. It's a fucking shadow in her hallway staring at her laying on the couch.

One second she's staring at this shadowy motherfucker and the next its right in her face and shes screaming to high heaven until she blacks out.

Vivian wakes up in a emo-black manor. When I was emo-black I mean the only colors in this damn house are black, deep red, and the occasional silver. It's also dark. Really dark. The only light comes from old fashioned candles scattered about.

So like any other completely sane and totally not mentally challenged individual Viv decides to go slinking around the house and stick her nose into everything. On her way, she finds that same bitch that jumped in her face. Just kinda standing their awkwardly with a pasty deer mask and dark cloak. Like a weirdo.

When faced with an entity that presumably transported her to this very dark and eerie place and consequently kidnapped her, what do you think she does? She chases this asshole and actually catches them off guard for a minute. Its a minute long enough for her to be able to tackle them hard enough to send them both down the very long staircase to the first floor. Ow.

Somewhere along this bumpy and painful fall the deer mask gets taken off. And thus reveals Vivian's kidnapper. A skinny dark haired kid.

Enter Finn Blanchard! The resident try hard underdog who is also, haha you guessed it, a demon! Not a very high ranked one, but a demon no less. He attempts to put on a bad-boy face, which works if you dont know him, but if you do you'll read right though it and know that hes secretly freaking out

his backstory is uh. hhhhhh. stupid traumatizing- but thats another story for another time- NOW WHERE WAS I

So Viv ends up getting freaked and jumping off of him. But only briefly before she noticed the DAMN BOY HAD HOOVES AND LITTLE ITTY BITTY HORNS AWWWW

Finn sat there in shock and flusterment while Vivian fawned over his features.

Then the story continues as Viv figures out why Finn brought her there and her finding out that "there" is actually HELL. With satan and all that crap. And also maybe Viv and Finn finding feelings for each other-

I DONT WRITE THE RULES-

but again thats just the beginning of the story and there is much MUCH more to it that im not sure i should dump all on tumblr. but this is fun so m a y b e...

also heres a height chart for fun

[adventuresofpotat]

The shocking and the mundane.

We return with another installment of Sneeze's Adventures in Eorzea (temporary title? haha). As the title indicates, I encounter some shocking events and information, but also just...go on with some rather mundane things? "Just Adventurer Things," I guess, haha...

Today, I was able to convene with some members of The Association of Floofy Cats, and with their expert assistance, we were able to take down Garuda. It was a bit of a close one, but our teamwork still prevailed (:

Many thanks to Stella, Etoile, and Chant! [Thanks Stella for the first photo! It came out much less awkward than mine...as seen to the right LOL]

Following the end of the battle, I thought it would be a happy occasion, but I was quickly proved wrong by the arrival of some...evil-looking, horned guy whose name I forget. But I'm pretty sure he's one of the bad guys.

[It's this one, Gaius aka the Black Wolf lol ^ ^; I had to look this up as I wrote this; please forgive my poor memory]

To mine, Cid's, and Alphinaud's horror, the madman really went and

goaded Garuda into killing more people, which then

summoned the titans Ifrit and Titan, and then

somehow managed to claim??? restrain??? convert??! Ifrit to be his own pet...beast to order, and so

had Garuda and Titan absorbed...

Truly horrifying to witness. If this wasn't supposed to strike fear into our hearts, I don't know what else will..! [This will age poorly I know, shhh]

I know I'm supposed to be the fated warrior of light or something, according to several sources, and I figure that's the case since I get to talk with Hydaelyn every now and then in my head, but man... will Hydaelyn pay for my therapy when this is all done? ;~;

After managing to make a quick escape with Cid and Alphinaud, we prepared to make haste to Waking Sands to see about rebuilding The Scions of the Seventh Dawn. It was really great, and a huge relief really, to run into Yda again, and to hear about Y'shtola still being around as well. But I have to admit...something sure felt amiss. Alphinaud had a couple moments of start and stop commentary that he never ended up sharing with the group, but I have a feeling that he should've trusted his gut. My fear is that we're amongst traitors in some way, form, or fashion, but I loathe to think about just who amongst us may be the traitor. [Frankly I'm wondering if it's Yda, but I really hope I'm wrong ;_; My instinct for these kinds of things isn't great so I'm like 90% sure I'm wrong on who's the traitor, but that there is someone who is a traitor or some similar setup within The Scions and their associates.]

While the team took a much-needed rest, I decided to head on back to Gridania to continue on my quest to become a master Botanist. I struggled quite a bit to avoid getting attacked (and thus, killed) by beasts while procuring various materials from the trees, but eventually learned how to handle the hatchet. I did admittedly need some assistance from Ash, who was kind enough to fly over to help me briefly. (': While my handling of the hatchet did become much improved, I must admit that my ability to maneuver around lands while reading a map...still did not improve ^ ^;

Ash went back to their own tasks while I continued on with my botany journey. Before long, I finally managed to learn the skill Stealth! Quite the accomplishment, if you ask me. (:

With my new skill in tow, I decided it was time to return to my companions back at Waking Sands. As we continued on with the objective of reviving The Scions, I became tasked with rescuing Biggs and Wedge. With the help of some kind souls back in and around Dragonhead and Coerthas, I managed to track down Wedge and get him to a safe spot to warm up and heal a bit, thanks to the kindness of a lady by the name of Adelie.

As we rested, some companions from The Association of Floofy Cats called out for some assistance with a trial. I had warmed up plenty by then, and figured some sharpening of my skills before heading back out to track down Biggs couldn't hurt, so I agreed to join them. Thus off I went, leaving Wedge in the care of Adelie, with a promise to return soon.

I joined up with Stella and Ash and a stranger (a new dragoon, from the looks of it) to tackle a large beast menace somewhere within the lands of La Nocsea [it was actually the Titan trial lol] and with much luck and learned skill, we were all able to defeat the thing without falling off the cliff edges a single time! Quite the accomplishment, if you ask me. (:

The newbie went off along his way, surely to continue on his own journey. The rest of us stayed behind to take a commemorative photo.

[Thanks Ash for the first photo! Mine is to the right; a bit less refined, but not bad I guess haha]

I take a pause here to make a tangential comment. As I write up my recent travels, it has only just now occurred to me that I have mis-read and mis-spoken the name of our maritime friends this entire time... La Nocsea is their name, but somehow I have been reading it as La Noseca... and no one has thought to correct me! How embarrassing, haha... but I guess not surprising for a clumsy fellow like me, huh ^ ^;

Upon completion of the battle, we each went off onto our separate journeys. Instead of return to Wedge, I decided I really ought to take a rest, so I retired to an inn back in Ul'dah. I figured this way, I'd be able to check my belongings and wearables and update my journal in peace, and then also get a good night's sleep. Nothing quite beats a real bed for some quality rest, right? (:

And there we have it. I've finally completed my update, and so now, I must rest. Until next time!

[m1ckeyb3rry]

LMAO fwtkac platonic version FR

I love the foreshadowing details I remember when I first discovered your writing when I finished reading and put the pieces together of all the hints I fr like omfg wait a damn minute

LMAOOOO Nagi going all out against Luna to the point where lunas like yeah sorry we’re closed for the week I’ve gotta recover from that trauma HAHA clueless romantic Otoya strikes again if otullia ends up being endgame it’d be like bfb otoya kinda LOL

I’m not crying I’m not crying imnotcryi- SHSHSHS Barou haunting the entire like 200k+ (ish…?) words worth of the story I’m not gonna be ready for that

PURSUIT GOES HARDDDD another banger title but YES I saw the notion omg it’s SO CUTE the research and thought into it >>>> omg the wc though LMAOO another Mira classic lowk im kinda excited for even just the wc alone like how long will it really end up being LOL

LMFAOOOOO Otoya is the target audience for scammers fr he’s so gullible shsshshsh KARASUS RESPONSE IF FOULLLL LMAOO

“Who died” “you” AHAHAAH I CANT THATS gonna be so fun to read I can’t wait

No because this is actually a talent imagine instead of matchups like normal you do pokemon team creations instead I bet those would go hard

YEAHH the whole Raltz line feels so regal I can see the Mikages using it but I also love the goofy backstory we had earlier too LMAOO

No because it was bound to happen when igaguri subbed in like anyone on the bench would have to be like “yo wtf” I’m crying someone give yuki a moment of field time please it’s painful watching this (pause does this mean igaguri cover next omfg)

Unfortunately I think we got brainwashed because I cross referenced Barou’s and THEYRE STILL THERE SHSBSJSSB specifically that half sentence (at least it’s punctuated in the version I sent you though) that I still can’t figure out what I meant and also when I try to say that Barou’s mom is methodological it autocorrected to Methodist instead goodbye. Ok I fr didn’t remember those there either but well. I guess now we know!!!!!!! Yeah if you ever want to reference or read that again without making your brain do cartwheels just lmk….

IT WAS SO GOOD I mean any sae who isn’t fully just “soccer and soccer only” is a little ooc I still stand by your version of fanon sae though like to me that’s as in character as you’re gonna get LMAO but even as an itoshi non-fan that still slapped sooo

IM SO EXCITED FOR BAROUS you fr put me on the Barou agenda between Barou ideas that edit pokemon au and the ln….hyped for the next installment of oaeu (or wtv you put out next)!!!!

No because can I have that skill I would’ve lost it fr LMAOO it’s ok this IS aikus justice it’s his fault for being a criminal in the first place

- Karasu anon

I LOVEEE FORESHADOWING i can’t write stories if i don’t have an ending in mind because i am incapable of writing without foreshadowing!! my aim is to make characters constantly say/do things that seem innocent in the moment but looking back you’re like holy shit that was a CLUE!! hollyhock is not exempt from this btw LMAOAOAOA i’ve already spoiled the ending for it in like the first chapter or smth i’m pretty sure

PLSS they don’t call nagi the lazy genius for nothing!! bro doesn’t care 99% of the time but that 1% that he does his opponent’s basically cooked HAHA poor luna fr is just like what the hell i brought out some of my strongest pokémon and this kid didn’t even flinch meanwhile reader’s just like yeah…that’s just how nagi is…she’s used to him going crazy because he usually goes pretty all out in their rivalry battles (when they have them) so she’s more just surprised that he put in that much effort with someone else than anything!! ofc if you asked her why she thinks he was so committed she’d be like uhhh idk maybe he was just feeling himself or smth (cue reo and chigiri face palming in the background because ever since oaeu i can’t stop thinking of them as nagi x reader’s biggest shippers and i imagine this continues in the pokémon au…like imagine them just sitting around the fire or smth and nagi’s like “you know what?? y/n’s kind of cool” and reo and chigiri just side eye each other because how is nagi only just realizing he likes this girl after so long)

i feel like eitullia/otullia (i can’t decide on their ship name…either one doesn’t flow as well as tullisagi i’m afraid that’s so elite as a ship name) would be like a mix of bfb otoya’s version and fwtkac reader/karasu in that they have that sassy teasing dynamic that reader and karasu have in fwtkac but there’s also an element of clueless loserness to it all that’s specifically bfb otoya’s brand!! i honestly am very torn because they would be a vv cute couple but at the same time leaving reader and co as a platonic group kinda fits with the themes of the story…tbh i truly do think tullia’s ship might only be decided once i start writing because atm yukimiya and hiori (two options) only really show up in one arc each and while isagi does have many cameos he’s not as consistent as reader and co + manshine trio are so either i’ll give in and let eitullia be a thing OR i’ll stick with my tullisagi roots and just give them weird tension whenever he IS on screen or i’ll just have hiori/yukimiya make more appearances to build more of a relationship OR i’ll see if she’s vibing with chigiri or reo in the manshine trio + reader and co interactions (if you have any suggestions/if any of those options particularly stick out to you then lmk 😜)

okay because we know fake plastic trees is very barou + reader but just imagine…forever young as barou’s theme SDLKFJHSDLK omg he’s truly just so so integral to the plot even though he literally is never shown ONCE in the present timeline as himself which is truly so insane to think about 😭 bro’s impact cannot be overstated!! AND OMG YAY I’M GLAD YOU THINK SO I LOVE IT AS A TITLE IT JUST MAKES SM SENSE you know i’m about to go crazy designing a graphic for it too…THE NOTION AHHH I’M SO PROUD OF IT i think the screen caps are so funny and i was so glad i could get one of the red gyarados since reader’s is a shiny!! also the breloom (aka yuki’s breloom) on the side character cover is cracking me up it looks so mad LMAO truly it’s yukimiya’s pokémon it’s saying what yuki keeps to himself fr!! and the whimsicott for manshine trio’s page are so cute (although originally i had this image of arcanine there but it wasn’t as aesthetic) ALSO THE PANGOROS ON TEAM X HAD ME CACKLING DSLKFJHSD like i looked up pangoro screencaps because barou has a pangoro and i didn’t want the team x cover to be houndoom because houndoom is the icon for the entire page and i just found that one of the three of them looking like thugs and it was so so funny and so fitting that i had to use it 😩

^ that’s the image i was going to use for manshine trio’s page originally!! it’s kind of giving (from left to right) chigiri, nagi, reo, and then nagi’s arcanine in the back LMAOAOOA anyways i like the whimsicott picture much more but this one is also so funny and so manshine trio coded 🤩

okay…so…on the subject of word count…i want you to sit down for this one LMAOAO so i finished planning out every arc i want to write and there’s. uh. there’s twenty four. TWENTY FOUR (24) 😱 literally even if each arc is only two 5k word chapters that’s still 240k words and i would be very surprised if every single arc is only roughly 10k words (for sure some of them will be but like the aegislash arc alone is going to be longer, the first arc that’s assembling reader and co will be longer, and many others as well) so this is going to be a genuine behemoth no matter what…i’m actually shuddering if the PROJECTED word count is 240k words then what will the ACTUAL word count be 😰⁉️

wait also i planned out the epilogue hehe let me add in some screenshots because i think you will enjoy!! or at least i hope so…anyways…

IT’S NOT OTOYA IF HE’S NOT FALLING FOR ONE SCAM OR ANOTHER!!! pls karasu’s like “i can’t believe you thought you’d pull my sister with that mediocre mindset” HAHA he’s otoya’s biggest hater (lies they’re besties for the restless they just can’t help bullying one another because that’s their form of affection…no because at this point karasu requires reparations the amount of times that reader has been presumed dead LMAOOO i think the total count is AT LEAST three (when she and gyarados destroy the team x ship, when she and nagi are kidnapped by aegislash, and in the aftermath of her battle against barou) like this is why karasu has grey hairs at his youthful age HAHAHA

CAN YOU IMAGINE “tell me about yourself and i’ll design a pokémon team for you based on your vibes” that would be crazy (lowkey fun if pokémon had an active fandom…i feel like everyone loves pokémon but there’s not a ton of fan content for it anymore…its peak was def early 2010s some of the pokémon fics on fanfiction.net remain PEAK literature)

i think it could be like a mix of both…maybe reo makes the decision to evolve his kirlia into a gallade for serious and emotional reasons but he just can’t bring himself to do it and then the brawl event happens and he’s like HOLY SHIT I HAVE GOTTTTT TO ENTER and that’s the final push that gets him to start a genuine hunt for a dawn stone that he can use LMAOOO unfortunately he’s typically the voice of reason amongst the manshine trio so neither nagi nor chigiri say anything to deter him from his dumbassery they’re just like yeah okay whatever you want bud

NO YOU’RE SO RIGHT GET YUKIMIYA BACK IN ACTION I MISS HIM!! i finally got around to consolidating our thoughts on rough and tumble yuki/rival kunigami into one post and rereading it is just making me wish yuki had more action in the actual manga too…like i know bllk manga is far from over and there’s a real chance he’ll get to shine later on (and kunigami almost assuredly will) it’s just like. idk. interesting handling of characters going on atm ig!!

PLSSS okay maybe i’ve just been so scarred from reading the orv translation online that literally anything better than that is perfectly legible and readable to me 😭 if i’m ever too confused about something looking back i will definitely let you know!! but like i said i’m so used to really REALLY bad translations (manhwa community is a MESS don’t get me started characters will literally change names mid-chapter) that i’m chilling with whatever you provide!! so don’t stress out too much abt it hehe

OKAY YAY I’M GLAD YOU THINK SO i think part of it is that sae is just never written as a bitchless rizzless awkward loser who’s trying his best to be charming but has 0 idea how to?? so he can come across as weird or ooc but it’s really just that i’m going against how he’s typically accepted…tbh i agree i don’t think he was terribly ooc either (ofc to a certain extent yeah but if it was EGREGIOUS i wouldn’t have posted) honestly the only thing that i believed could be considered ooc is how quickly he ended up liking reader/how forward he was but those can be put down to a) the vibes of the story and b) aiku’s intervention (as is the theme of the series) so honestly it’s whatever but ig people will think what they think…maybe our psychic connection is the reason why you could enjoy it regardless SDLFJKSFLDJK anyways i’m excited for the barou version as well!! and ngl i have no idea what i’ll put out next because i do have requests that i should be doing…but also oaeu…but also pokémon au…decisions decisions HAHAHAH

[drbtinglecannon]

Miles Edgeworth for the ask thing.

Miles Edgeworth, original poor little meow meow ace attorney silly prosecutor

How I feel about this character

Man Edgeworth is one of those og blorbos. I first played the original trilogy back when they got localized and I still distinctly remember the feeling of fucking hating Edgeworth to being giddy when he was being a cringe bastard on screen. He was one of the first characters I was like "that is an asexual" about, and long before I realized my own asexuality. Edgeworth was also a continual cosplay I did back in the day when I used to cosplay, which was great because his outfit was so comfortable haha

I feel like we go way back, and it's been fun seeing how my thoughts on AA have changed over the years as I've gotten older and played newer titles. I am so excited for the investigations games I cannot wait for Kay and Gumshoe and Lang and Franziska and Ray again.

All the people I ship romantically with this character

Narumitsu and Langworth

I think narumitsu needs no explanation, "unnecessary feelings" "yes daddy" "that man......." Like come the fuck on. Narumitsu are the closest to canon I feel like AA will ever get for any ship and I love it like that

Langworth is also hilarious I was so into it when I first played investigations, their horny hate flirting was absurd. While Phoenix was getting into a toxic 7yr situationship with Kristoph, Edgeworth was getting his black blown out by a furry lmao

My non-romantic OTP for this character

Edgeworth and Maya are such a funny duo, he suffers even more by her antics than Nick does but they're also both pathologically obsessed with the same kid's show haha. I also am partial to platonic gum//worth, I don't dislike that ship but I prefer them non-romantic. Especially because Edgeworth is so mean to Gumshoe he deserves a sugar daddy that pampers him haha, but like Edgeworth despite all your shit Gumshoe knows you so well and treats you so well give the man a fucking raise haha

My unpopular opinion about this character

His timeskip design is not very good, love the glasses but the rest is bad.

One thing I wish would happen/had happened with this character in canon

Narumitsu marriage reveal in a very very subtle way. Any of the methods this post mentioned are good

[mariachastain]

What a fabulous weekend of football!

And I can't believe there is still one more match to go! The capstone match at that! A possible title decider! Manchester City vs. Arsenal. I am hoping for a draw so Liverpool can further solidify their spot as numero uno. They barely beat out Brighton today, but thanks to King Salah, they squeaked out their win (because let me tell you, it was NOT a convincing first half on their part).

As for other highlights of the weekend, Newcastle vs. West Ham will go down as a classic comeback game. West Ham looked to have the game sealed when they were leading 3-1, and especially since the poor Newcastle players continue to drop like flies due to injury. But what the comeback from them yesterday. Harvey Barnes probably had boots kissed by every one of his mates yesterday after the match.

Chelsea vs. Burnley was an all-round embarrassment. Burnley went down to ten men early on due to red card that should never have been a red card and then their coach, Vincent Kompany, also got sent off and I admire him for it because he was truly speaking out against that red card that was a sham.

Chelsea have really only survived this season due to Cole Palmer. Or rather, "Cold Palmer." Check out his cheeky little penalty from yesterday. He also had a nice goal, mostly due to a brilliant little flick on from Raheem Sterling, who hasn't done all that much this season, but that assist somewhat makes up for his lackluster year. But Chelsea being Chelsea, still only managed to get a draw against a ten-man Burnley, which is just downright pathetic.

The other fun game from yesterday was Man United vs. Brentford. The game was all Brentford. Man United were absolutely abysmal. Yet bring on Mason Mount, who has barely touched a ball all season due to injury, and he scores what we all thought was going to be the late winner. Haha not so! said Brentford with Kristoffer Ajer scoring in the 99th minute.

Anyway, the big game is starting now and I must give it all my attention!