#hi i am very new to the tumblr atmosphere

[aanothercharlie]

hi this fanfic by @pittdpeaches got me on a chokehold like so many others, and ive been meaning to draw these so here ya go (i am now realising the first image isn't accurate to the fanfic. the second one was by faint memory too. um. apologies. i'll fix it someday.)

edit: fixed it phew ok gn

[sxfterhearts]

10:49pm - late night calls.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ idol!jiung x reader ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

♡ genre/warnings: fluff inspired by late night calls mv ♡

♡ word count: 1,219 words

♡ summary: late night calls - p1h

♡ author’s note: just a short one i smashed out tonight bc choi jiung is so lovely and i am falling head over heels for the p1h boys ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡ also pics cred to the lovely tumblr owners!!!

//

“Jiung, sparkly heart shape, mouse emoji, is calling. Pick it up.” Siri’s automated voice filtered through your wired headphones, causing you to grind your skateboard to a halt. You hefted the newly purchased skateboard and rested it against your thigh, no easy feat.

Your heart thudded dully against your chest with a quickening tempo that exceeded the vibrations of your default iPhone ringtone. This was the first ever call you’ve received from your boyfriend of two months, and you were not sure how to act.

With the timidness of a baby mouse, your fingers tightly grasped your phone and swiped across the screen. “Hello?” You said, almost in a whisper, small and uncertain.

“Y/N? Ah, you picked up.” Jiung’s familiar voice sounded in your ears, as though he was standing right next to you. It wasn’t as clear and crisp as you would’ve liked though, as you could just make out the distant blares of sirens and car horns in the faraway background.

“Jiung. What time is it? Isn’t it late for you? Have you eaten? How was the show? What are you up to?” The questions tumbled past your lips before you had a chance to stop them.

“Woah, calm down.” Jiung teased, a deep chuckle drifting out of his lips, straight past your earphones and into your heart. You could almost feel the rumble of his chest as he took a second to compose himself. “Eager, aren’t we?”

“I mean,” You mumbled, more to yourself than to him. “It’s the first time we’ve called, after all…”

“That’s right, I didn’t think of that.” He replied thoughtfully. “Well, to answer your questions in order: it is currently 10:49pm, so not too late as we’re still adjusting to the timezones. We had galbijjim at this super popular spot in KoreaTown that was twice the size of any galbijjim I’ve ever seen in Korea and absolutely flooded with cheese. Oh, and the show was great, as usual. I’ll send you some cool videos of myself after this. And I’m not up to much. Some of the kids wanted to go for a stroll to get a glimpse of the New York night life, but I’m feeling pretty tired. Keeho is helping our manager with the logistics for our next tour stop. Theo is watching videos and being very loud, as usual. I’m just…”

“Where are you? Inside? It must be cold at night.”

“No. Yes? Sort of? Well,” You could hear Jiung’s soft grunts as he shuffled around in the background, getting comfortable. “I’m sitting on a windowsill. Trust me, it’s not as dangerous as it sounds. You know how in all those old American movies; the New York apartments that always have those tiny balconies with fire escapes? Yeah, I’m just sitting on that, getting a bit of the night air.”

“Wow, that sounds so cool.” You couldn’t help the wonderstruck grin that made its way onto your lips. “I wish I could take a photo of that.”

“Yeah? I’ll take a selfie and send one to you then.” Jiung answered.

“Or we could just video call?” You suggested, somewhat apprehensively.

“We could, of course, but that’s not as fun, is it?” Jiung countered, ever so gently, conscious to not leave you feeling rejected. “I’d love to see your pretty face and all, but I feel like the voice-only call is a lot more intimate, no? You can only hear my voice, and the rest is up to your imagination. It’s kinda romantic. Like a romantic late-night call.”

You nodded, cheeks reddening up even at the slightest things – like how he called you pretty, or how he was trying to create a romantic atmosphere for the two of you. The relationship was so fresh, and every little thing felt like it was big enough to make your heart pound right out of its chest. “Yeah,” You agreed breathlessly, momentarily forgetting that he can’t see you. “I guess it is.”

“So, what’s my girl doing at this hour?”

Your stomach did several somersaults, and you took a small breath to calm yourself before answering, “I’m at the Han River. It’s around noon, and I’m just practicing a bit of skateboarding before I meet my friends later. We’re going to watch a movie and hang out at a café. Oh, and I had kimbap for lunch. At the place you recommended!” At the mention of food, you immediately got excited. “It was so good! I had the tuna wasabi and special tonkatsu ones. And the kimbap ahjumma was so nice, she gave me a free drink!”

“Did she? I’m glad then. She probably knows that I recommended you – she’s always giving me free service when I go with the boys.” Jiung smiled at the thought of you visiting his favourite kimbap spot and happily eating your food. You were going around to the places he frequents in Seoul and leaving your mark there, making your own memories. It warmed his insides to think that when he got back, you could both visit those places together and create new, precious memories. “Oh, but skateboarding? Are you on your own?”

“Yup! I’m getting pretty good now, Ji! Not as good as you, of course, but I’m starting to get the hang of it.” You reported back proudly, grip tightening around your skateboard, pink and sparkly, just like the bows in your pigtails.

“I’m proud of you, but Y/N,” Jiung audibly sucked in a breath, “Isn’t that a bit dangerous? What if you fall? Who’s gonna help you up when I’m not there?”

You giggled in response. That was your Jiung, always poised to help you if you ever needed him and constantly ready at your beck and call. “I’ll be fine! I swear. I don’t even go as fast.”

“Okay, well promise me you’ll go slow and try not to do anything too crazy. I’ll teach you more when I get back.”

“Yeah, I’d like that.” You smiled sweetly, gazing out at the serene view of the Han River, secretly wishing that your beloved was not on the other side of the world so you could share this view with him.

“Twenty more days, Y/N…” Jiung muttered, almost as if he read your mind through the phone. “Twenty more days, four hundred and eighty more hours, twenty-eight thousand and eight hundred more minutes, and way more seconds before I can see you again, my love. Just twenty days, but why does it feel so far away?” He said rhetorically.

“I know,” You pouted in response. “I miss you heaps, Ji.”

“Me too, baby. I promise when I get back, we’ll get – ”

“Pizza! There’s this new place in Itaewon I really wanna try.”

Jiung laughed heartedly. “Okay, we’ll get pizza in Itaewon, and go for a skate along the river. And have a ramyeon and kimbap picnic at the park for dinner. How does that sound?”

“Perfect.”

//

Jiung: Sent a photo [11:17pm]

Y/N: I’ve seen this!! Woahhh Choi Jiung, are you Korea’s next Justin Beiber? [11:17pm]

Jiung: (¬◾_◾) I’m just cool like that. [11:18pm]

Y/N: I also saw you tearing up at the ending ment… [11:18pm]

Y/N: So precious (╥ ω ╥) [11:18pm]

Jiung is typing…

Jiung: Hey! I… I was just emotional, okay (｡>﹏<) [11:20pm]

[lucienne-thee-librarian]

Sandman fic recs for Underrated Characters and Ships: Lucienne Edition (part 1)

This is a non-exhuastive list of my personal favorite Lucienne-centric and Morphienne fics and series I've found so far. If you can think of any others I've forgotten don't hesitate to add on!

Okay first off: my friend @pratchettfan87 has written a lovely fic I'm helping beta where Lucienne and her comic counterpart meet and bond and you need to go read it rn You Are The Light That Guides the Way. It's also a great exploration of the events of Sandman from the perspective of both librarians. It's not complete but it's rapidly getting put together so pls go give her encouragement and feedback so you can keep seeing more if you want! I'm gonna try to roughly go in order from most to least nsfw as we go down. Part 2 will contain other ships like Gault x Lucienne and Calliope x Lucienne.

Gen fics

And the Darkness Hummed by @navigatorwrongway - one of my all time absolute favorite Lucienne fics in this fandom, period that delves into her backstory before she even met Dream and takes you on a Journey through her life and it's. Mwah. It's art

nosso amor (our love) by marveling_under_an_open_sky is an achingly tender exploration of Lucienne's trauma and her getting comforted for once.

For Morphienne

Literally everything @cosmictapestry (aka cosmicjourney on AO3) has ever written is an instant recommend from me. Seriously. I can't think of one single thing she's written I didn't like. Heed the tags, but if you're old enough to be interacting with the NSFW stuff and it's your thing, do yourself a favor and dive into their delicious Morphienne smut drabbles on tumblr and the longer stuff on AO3. Go do it right now. It can be emotional and painful but all very well written. And his We Divinity series is heartbreaking and beautiful and with all the characters spot-on and the writing poetry like you've never seen.

and take thee up thy nurse's fee by stellerssong, a selkie!Dream au with wonderful atmosphere

It's About Old Friends by JerseyDragons is sweet and funny and a spot on take on a queerplatonic/sort of romantic version of their dynamic.

Wingmanning for Fun and Profit by unseenbox - is an absolutely adorable look at a Morphienne love confession from Matthew's POV.

Jewel by @softest-punk is super lovely and sweet, pure quality fluff.

Stellerssong's red moon series is a really interesting werewolf au of not just Morphienne but also Corintheus. It's on a slow burn but it's definitely worth it imo.

Also stellerssong's OTHER series "through endless revisions" is just a fantastic take on Daniel!Dream adjusting to his new life and everyone who knew and loved him having to do the same, but the specifically Morphienne standouts are as follows: please come back and be (just a little bit), eutropic, a pillar I am upright , room for one more taste , and for just to suffer that hurt. All of these are well worth the read, most but room for one more taste have angst and smut involved as well as sharp writing and characterization. Seriously can't recommend these enough, these are some of the best of the lot and that's saying something.

Dreams Written in Sand by cunticuss very slow burn but lovely and feels very them.

Woolgathering by sunsorbit is ANOTHER slow burn series full of wonderful characterization and pining and includes the library as an observer and character in itself which I'm always a sucker for.

How Vibrant the Color by unnecessary - unfffff. This is peak poetic emotional therapy dream sex. One of my favorites.

Gold by MDWG aka the most tender sex imaginable.

Contrapposto by stuntmuppet - pure smut. My only complaint is how short it is.

[d1xonss]

Desert Rose

Chapter 1 ~ Introductions

✧ Pairing : Daryl Dixon x Rose

✧ Era : Season 1

✧ Word Count : 4.2k

In this chapter ~ In a life full of unexpected turns, this one by far hit Rose the hardest. A disease begins to spread when the dead are somehow brought back to life, that alone being the tip of the iceberg of what she remains to be faced with. When it all leads to her fighting for her life in Atlanta, she meets a group that ends up saving her from what she thought was the end of her rope. But when they bring her along for their great escape out of the dead infested city, she's faced with a decision that seemed to be more difficult than she first realized.

AN ~ Hi! So this is my very first post and series on tumblr and I’m still very much trying to get the feel of things lol. I originally uploaded the first two seasons of this fanfiction to wattpad and am still uploading frequently there, but I also wanted to give this a try as well. Just putting it on a different platform for more people to see:)

I will admit before you read, I started writing this story a little while ago so the phrasing and writing might be a little rusty at first seeing as I was just starting out. But I promise it gets better as it goes on, trust me! I hope whoever reads this grows to love it as much as I do. I will be uploading here as much as I can and adjusting to the new feel of things on here as quick as I can.

And I think that’s all for now! I hope you enjoy!

Fear.

That's the only emotion anyone ever feels anymore, or that's at least what I believe. Considering I've been on my own since the beginning, fear is something that I've had to grow accustomed to. And the world going to shit only made me realize how alone I truly was. Sure, I had a family but ever since I grew up and left them completely, I've never liked to talk about them much, mostly because they didn't care about me whatsoever. I mean, I'm on my own for a reason.

But I knew how to take care of myself pretty well and I was always silently thankful for that. I couldn't imagine living in this world and not knowing how to fight, or fend for yourself, so I considered myself lucky. I caught on quickly when it came time to start killing the dead, the very first time I had taken one out still haunts me to this day, the first feeling of fear I had felt in a very long time. I've learned the hard way that you never quite shake the feeling.

I had a day off from work, which was rare, and I was just in my apartment painting while the T.V. played quietly in the background. But then the whole atmosphere changed, nearly in a split second it felt like. My ears instantly perked up when I heard blood curdling screams coming from the hallway just outside, instantly sending me flying to the front door to press my ear up against the surface. Though when the screams didn't die down, I slowly opened my door to see two disgusting looking corpses going after a few of my neighbors. I froze at the scene in front of me.

They were trying to fight them off with random weapons clutched tightly in their hands, flinching away as they tried desperately to push them back, screaming in utter terror. A part of me was torn, not wanting to step in and actually kill these things that looked exactly like us. People. But these things were no longer human, anyone could see that from a mile away.

I snapped back into reality and rushed into my apartment to grab a large steak knife from my kitchen drawer, trying to help them kill whatever the hell these things were. Rushing into the hallway, I shoved the thing up against the wall to get it away from the small group that had formed around it, causing it to growl loudly as it looked directly at me. Goosebumps formed on my skin at the sight, quickly twirling the knife around to stab it in the chest, but it continued to flail around in my grasp. My eyes widened as the thing didn't seem the least bit phased, trying again and again desperately to get its clawing hands away from me.

But finally it a fit of aggravation, I took my knife and stabbed it right in between its eyes, silencing it completely as it fell limp out of my hold and onto the carpeted floor. My breathing was heavy as the others continued to panic loudly from just behind my head, but I stayed completely still as I couldn't take my eyes away from the thing. I felt disgusting, horrified, and clueless all at once. Though one thing I did know was that I couldn't stay here.

I didn't hesitate then to storm back into my home and pack a larger bag full of my stuff to evacuate, knowing that this couldn't have just been happening here. Curiosity got the better of me as I flipped through the T.V. channels quickly, landing on the news which showed utter chaos and live footage of these things attacking more people. My heart seemed to stop for a moment as I watched, seeing that the world was nearly coming to an end as tanks were flooding down the streets, trying to take these things out and put an end to it before it spread.

I didn't know what to do, or where I would go, but I wanted to get as far away from here as possible. Looking into the dead eyes of the monster really didn't sit too well with me.

Though after that day, life was never the same. The dead slowly took over everything, killing off anyone they could get a hold of and silencing the world completely. Leaving everyone left alive utterly terrified and alone.

Two whole months had passed since the dreaded outbreak, and I found myself to be moving constantly. Never staying in the same place for too long, before packing up to move on and stay alive. That's truly all that mattered anymore.

I somehow ended up in the city of Atlanta just passing through the large structures hoping to gather some supplies before moving on all over again. But what I didn't expect was to see hundreds of walkers filling the streets instead. My eyes widened at the sight as soon as I turned the corner, hoping to just silently slip away as I backed up from the giant swarm of them. But a few of their heads turned as they somehow spotted me, and then the "few" turned into a shit ton.

I practically sprinted in the other direction as fast as I could, slipping in between a few buildings to try and escape the many that chased me with outstretched hands. But I quickly realized that the space I ran into was an alley, blocking off the other side in which I planned to escape. My stomach flipped as I slowly turned back around to face the dead, seeming to accept my fate as I was trapped and had no escape.

And that brings me to today. No, I didn't die...but if I'm being honest a part of me wished that I had.

Instead of feeling the corpse's dead fingers tearing into me, a few live people came out of nowhere in the tall building to my right and began killing off the corpses one by one, right before my eyes. I stood completely still as I thought at first I might be dreaming, but one of the men quickly grabbing my arm and pulling me along like a rag doll told me it was far from that.

Anyone else would be grateful for these people being at the right place at the right time, but I didn't work too well with others so grateful isn't really the word I would use.

So, currently you could say I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place as I racked my brain, trying to figure out how to get out of the situation I was put in. One of the men that had saved me was wearing a God awful hat that made me want to walk back in the herd of walkers. His name, I learned, was Rick Grimes and he and his group were the ones that helped me get out of the pickle I got myself in, along with dragging me with them as they too escaped from the large city of Atlanta. From what I overheard the others talking loudly about, they had just managed to save Rick as well, who was having just as bad of a day as I was, an hour before they saved me. To me it looked like we were both just random strangers that they decided to pick up like lost dogs.

The rest of the group seemed to be nice enough, except for this asshole Merle who was this racist, sexist, piece of shit. Spewing out bullshit and insults from his lips every five minutes and only pushing me further into wanting to walk towards the flesh eating monsters. Though, to make a very long story short, we ended up leaving him handcuffed up on the roof of a building where we were once trapped on top of. Though much to my surprise, it wasn't on purpose. Rick eventually had enough of the man's bullshit and took his fancy, shiny handcuffs to lock him in place on a metal pole, and a man named T-Dog accidentally dropped the key to unlock him down a drain.

But when the time came, we had no choice but to leave him when the dead were chasing us once more as they somehow had gotten into the building. The only option we really had now was to maybe go back for him later. Maybe. But to put it into perspective on how uncomfortable I was with these people, riding in this truck with them to their camp...I would rather switch places with Merle.

I was suddenly pulled out of my thoughts when the truck we were riding in stopped abruptly, assuming we were at the camp these people were talking so much about. I took a second to lean forward and glance out the windshield at my surroundings, not liking the feeling that was forming in my gut at the thought of meeting anyone new. But Rick caught me scanning the area, reading my expression from where he sat in the passenger seat and clearly sensed my nerves.

He eventually caught my eye as I felt him staring right as he began to speak, "Don't worry, we're in this together." he assured, flashing a half smile at me that made the corners of his eyes wrinkle.

I raised my eyebrows. Oh, thank God we're "in this together."

The guy who was driving, who I learned was named Morales, told us to come out and meet everyone with a nod as he jumped out of the truck to run to his family. I shared another uneasy look with Rick before slowly following his actions to see for myself what I would be dealing with. My eyes scanned through everyone that was gathered around and instantly all eyes were on me once they heard my door slam shut. I grew uncomfortable at all the watchful eyes boring holes straight into my forehead, and a man named Glenn eventually stepped up when he sensed the obvious tension.

"Guys, this is Rosaline. We saved her back in the city. She's cool." he assured with a smile, silently telling all of them to back off.

I shifted uncomfortably, "Rose." I corrected.

It seemed after I opened my mouth to speak everyone relaxed slightly, thinking that I wouldn't be much of a threat. Though I could be. But they didn't need to know that. I didn't plan on hurting these people or taking their fishing poles unless they tried anything. But by the looks of it, some of these people looked like they wouldn't even kill a fly, so I think it was safe to say I was good.

Though all of a sudden, the whole atmosphere seemed to change, everything happening in slow motion as a few people stared at me wide eyed. A man, a woman, and a kid. I stood still there for a moment wondering what I did to make these people stare daggers at me like this until I heard a small gasp from behind me. I looked over my shoulder and saw Rick standing there in awe with the same expression that they had as he stared at them in disbelief. I soon realized that they were looking just behind me the entire time and quickly stepped off to the side as fast as I could.

Well, that's fucking embarrassing.

The little boy then took off in a flash towards Rick, screaming "Dad!" as he cried and then it all seemed to click in my head. This was the family Rick briefly mentioned to the group back when we were on the roof of the tall building back in the city. The family he had been trying desperately to find. They had been here the whole time.

My eyes stayed on the small family as they reunited with laughter and tears, almost feeling myself smile at the sight. Though I snapped out of it with a shake of my head, stopping it before I could let it happen.

After the moment had passed, that only came time for very long and boring introductions as Rick and I seemed to meet everyone else in the camp. I nodded towards everyone politely as I learned each of their names that I would surely accidentally forget. But one name seemed to really stick out to me amongst the many others.

Someone briefly mentioned that there was another man who lived with them, one who wasn't here at the time. Merle's brother, Daryl. And here I thought one was enough.

However, I had yet to meet the second one because the older man, Dale informed me he was currently out on a hunt somewhere in the woods just ahead of us. But the truth was I didn't need to meet the man to know that he was an asshole just like the one we left behind. I mean they are related after all.

The entire group then sat around a fire once the sun finally set, eating something small they cooked for the night, while discussing some random things that people would occasionally bring up. But the hot topic currently, was what needed to be said to Daryl once he got back. In my mind it was pretty simple, but it was clear these people didn't want to be too harsh about it.

"What should we say to him?" Dale asked.

"We tell him the truth," Rick stated simply, "I'll tell him, I mean I was the one who cuffed him."

"No, I'll tell him I'm the one who dropped the key." T-Dog piped in as he finished the remaining food on his plate.

Glenn sighed and went on to say, "I don't mean to bring race into this but...it might sound better coming from a white guy."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes hearing them going back and forth about what to tell him, hearing the same things being said over and over again. I stayed completely silent as I thought more to myself, slowly tuning their conversation out as I planned my escape from this hell hole. Coming here was clearly a big mistake and I realized that the moment I stepped foot inside, I didn't belong with the rest of them. I was better off alone.

And what seemed to annoy me the most is that I didn't have a choice, they just dragged me back here without even asking, without a care in the world. To me, that alone was a good enough reason to get the fuck out of here.

The group finally decided after what felt like hours that Rick would be the one to tell Daryl about his brother, and eventually it grew much later in the night as everyone began to go their separate ways. I planned to just head off into the forest to sleep against a nearby tree for a few hours, then slip away in the early morning before any of them had a chance to notice.

I began to gather my stuff, strapping my backpack across my shoulders and stepping over the few large rocks in my way to head towards the tree line. But just as I was about to get the smallest taste of freedom, a voice calling out behind me caused me to stop.

"Hey Rose!" I recognized Dale's voice softly shout.

My chest raised up and down with a deep sigh, turning around to face him as I looked at him expectantly. "I know you don't have a place to sleep tonight, but we have some room in the RV..." he trailed off.

I continued to stare at him, hardly showing any emotion on my face at all as I tried to read him, figuring out what his intentions were.

He continued, "Look, I know you're new and clearly don't trust any of us just yet, but I just want to make sure you have a safe place to sleep. You don't have to, I just thought I would offer." he said, finishing with a smile.

I could tell by that alone that Dale was a good person and a decent man. There were definitely some people in this group that gave me a bad feeling right off the bat, but Dale wasn't one of them. But I needed to get away so I could leave. I only wanted this group to be a distant memory in the back of my mind and nothing more.

So, with that I shook my head, "I'm okay." I said as politely as I could before heading off into the forest.

I could hear him sigh from behind me as I walked away but I didn't let it bother me. I needed to go. A part of me didn't even want to sleep so I could get a head start and further away, but I was fairly tired from running for my life throughout the day. So I figured I could sleep for a couple of hours and before anyone could wake up, I would leave and head off to...well anywhere but here.

My eyes groggily peeled open the following morning just before the sun began to rise over the hills, looking at it made me guess was it was around four in the morning. I yawned and stretched slowly before standing up to my full height and placing my bag on my back, starting to head off in the opposite direction of the camp as the dirt crunched loudly beneath my feet. Although I didn't get very far, maybe about five steps away before something suddenly stopped me in my tracks. I stood still there for a minute, just thinking. For some reason there was a gut feeling I had. Something was telling me to stay.

My mind started to spiral with many different thoughts, enough to give you a headache, but then that's where I stopped myself. My whole life whenever I had a gut feeling about something, I needed to trust it. My little intuition was almost never wrong. And although most I had felt like warnings about uneasy feelings, this one was different. Like a magnet was pulling me back to the group. A strong ass magnet.

I found myself plopping back down on my ass, my back up against the tree with my knees to my chest, just lost in my own thoughts, debating and arguing with myself for what felt like hours when in reality it was probably only a few minutes. But a golden flicker appearing out of the corner of my eye is what made me look back up, seeing the sun beginning to rise higher in the sky enough to kiss my cheeks. Okay...so it really had been a few hours.

But even after clear hours had passed me by, I was still left very torn on what to do with myself. My head was screaming at me to just leave and be on my own, but my heart was just calmly telling me to stay for a while and see how it works out. I hadn't had a real group at all since the outbreak first happened, but in my mind I never wished for one. I always believed it was okay to be alone, watching out for yourself rather than anyone else dragging you down. That was the logical way to survive...wasn't it?

With that I let out an annoyed groan and slowly stood back up to make my walk of shame back to the camp, deciding to give it one more day and if nothing changes, I'd leave tonight. To me even staying one more day seemed to be pushing it, but I didn't want to regret not trying and seeing how this would play out.

As I walked back into the grounds, I noticed some people were already awake in the early hours of the morning to my surprise. Carol and her daughter Sophia were sitting up on one of the logs talking quietly to each other, the woman's gaze glancing up to me as she noticed my movement. She sent me a sweet smile with a small wave, to which I nodded to her in return.

My eyes then looked away from her for a split second when I caught a brief glimpse of Rick walking away from the campsite with a certain determination in his step, and his head low. I stayed in place as I watched his figure disappear, before I found my feet slowly moving forward to follow him. I didn't know why I did, I just grew curious I guess.

When I caught up to his long strides, I found him sitting on a larger rock, seemingly talking to himself though I couldn't make out the words from where I was standing. It was all too hushed and quiet. But then my eyes panned over a bit to see a device in his hands, his mouth lowering closer as he spoke into it. Good to know he wasn't batshit crazy or anything.

After an only few seconds I turned on my heel to leave him be, though I accidentally stepped too far to the right and straight down on a branch that snapped loudly. My eyes closed the second it happened, silently cursing to myself. When he heard the noise he whipped his head around, with his hand hovering over his pistol on his hip, but his body instantly relaxed when he realized I wasn't a walking corpse.

He then recovered and flashed me a thin lipped smile, "Hey, you're up early."

I lifted my hand to check my imaginary watch, "No shit." I said, lowering it back down again at my side.

"You're not a morning person...noted." he said slowly before sighing to himself as he stared at me, "You know, I can tell you were alone for quite some time, if not the entire time. And I know you're probably scared but-"

"I'm not scared of anything." I snapped.

He looked at me surprised with raised brows, not expecting me to say anything at all. But I wasn't going to just stand there while he accused me of the things I was feeling when he didn't know anything about me at all. Everyone around here might've been scared but I sure as hell wasn't. Maybe that was another reason I didn't want to be with this group, they didn't know what the hell they were doing, too scared to have a steady head on their shoulders. I should add that to the list of reasons why I should take my happy ass out of here.

Once he recovered, he nodded in agreement to my surprise, "Okay, maybe you're not scared... but you are alone."

I didn't open my mouth to respond as my eyes narrowed at him further. Thanks captain obvious.

He continued, "Look, I know you don't trust us, but all I'm asking for is that you give us a chance. I saw the way you were looking at everyone last night, like you were ready to pounce any minute if anyone tried anything. I can tell you need us as much as we need you-"

"Okay," I interrupted with a wave of my hand, "Let me stop you right there before you break out into song and dance. I'm going to make something perfectly clear. I don't need you, or your parade of assholes back there for anything. I have always been just fine on my own, and last time I checked I didn't even ask for you to save me and bring me back here. You just did it. So don't tell me I'm scared, or I need any of you because that is far from the truth, asshole." I spoke harshly.

He stared at me for a few seconds not knowing what to say, but clapping back quicker than I expected, "Okay, fair enough. You're right I don't know you, you didn't ask me to save you, and you don't look like you need anyone. I'm just saying it's nice to have other people watching your back. I felt so alone until I found a man and his son while looking for my family, and now I can be a part of this group...and so can you. But I can understand if you want to leave. Just know that...everyone in camp likes the idea of having you around."

His response was far from what I expected, and I didn't say anything back to him right away, mostly because I couldn't find the right words. How could he be so understanding over someone he didn't even know. It honestly blew my mind a little.

When he saw I wasn't going to argue further, he turned back around to watch the sun continue to rise in front of him. And after debating in my head for a minute or two, I decided to walk over and sit next myself to him on the giant rock. He glanced at me when I sat down, probably expecting me to say some smart ass comment in return to what he stated, but I didn't. We just sat in comfortable silence until the sky was no longer orange and pink, but now turning into more of a pale blue with clouds slowly filling up the remaining space. It was somewhat nice.

I could tell he was about to move and stand up to his feet, probably to head back to camp, but I said something that stopped him.

"I never wanted to be alone." I confessed, not taking my eyes off the sky.

As soon as the words left my lips, I closed my eyes for a moment as I regretted what I said almost instantly. I didn't want to admit defeat to anyone let alone a stranger, but I figured I should in this case for him to truly understand what I was feeling.

I felt his eyes on me as he said nothing, expecting me to continue, so I did. "I was alone before the world went to shit, and I've gotten used to being by myself. I guess I've just come to realize it's exhausting looking out for other people."

He still remained silent.

"My point is I don't know if I'm staying." I said while finally turning to look at him.

He nodded, "That's okay. Just make sure to think about it before you make any rash decisions. Who knows...maybe you'll change your mind." he said almost suggestively before standing up and turning around to head back.

I turned my head and watched his frame retreat away from me for a few seconds, his words echoing in my mind, before turning all my attention back to the sky. A part of me still wanted to leave, the fear of the unknown creeping up to me, however I did tell myself that I would give it another chance. But if I couldn't find a reason to say by tonight that was that. I would leave this group behind.

~ Thanks for reading!

[maleyanderecafe]

Gentle Fall (Visual Novel)

Created by: Isa, Isa

Genre: Romance

This one was submitted to the #yanjam a while ago. It's pretty short with hints of yanderes, but I will say I really think the art looks really nice. It's very soft looking and really does remind me of a fall whether. That being said though, there's currently not a whole lot on it, only doing about two days or so. You can find more of their games and stories at @isattt.

The story starts with the MC (nicknamed "Person") going to college to study medicine. While going into the lecture hall, she ends up seeing another student there named Chester. While the two of them talk about their hobbies and lives, the other students come in. The two are paired up to work in the lab, but when the MC leaves, they realize that they've left their jacket in the lab. When going back, they find that Chester has left his notebook on the chair, and the MC decides to bring it back for him tomorrow. While studying and waiting for Chester the next day, the MC accidentally drops the notebook onto the floor, revealing a schedule. Looking at it for a bit, the notebook seems to mark times of the MC's own morning schedule, but is snatched by Chester before they can get a good look at it. The MC pretends to have not had a good look at it when Chester asks, but feels uneasy at what they've seen. During their lab, the professor reveals that Chester will be the new aid, and the two go to a cafe to get to know each other. The MC asks about the notebook, and Chester apologizes for coming off as creepy.

First off, I have to say that the artwork for this is really pretty. I like the more cozy atmosphere the game has and the general backgrounds are really well made. I am a huge fan of unique UIs and I really like how Gentle Fall's UI looks. It's pretty simple but it's gentle and it really does bring out the more softer and warm tones of what Autumn is idealized like, which I feel is a big theme of this game. It is interesting that there is a pretty strong lack of sound, but again, I'm not sure that's because of the state of the demo or if it's because that's the kind of feel that its going for. It is also fun when you can choose what personality the MC has (to a certain extent) since different responses might trigger different things that Chester might say. Platonic and Romantic routes also seem to be a fun plus to the game.

Because this is a demo, Chester as a yandere is very very minimal, mostly it seems so far that Chester has been tracking down what the MC has been doing and that's about it. From what I can tell, he's the type that is generally very soft and will do anything that the MC wants him to do, so if you play to be a bit meaner to him, he will likely sacrifice himself to you. That is at least what I'm getting from her tumblr, but it is a bit difficult to ask since currently not too much happens in the demo as of now. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, some games or characters works better with a more light yandere character, it just means that there wouldn't be as much to talk about for me when writing these recommendations. Again, not a bad thing, just something that I might need to clarify.

Anywho, Isa has another game that I will likely play in the future as well featuring the maid girl who was the cashier in the cafe. And spreading the love of glasses boys, which you go, Isa. Anyways, if you like the more lighter style of yanderes, please check it out.

[helloescapist]

In Another Life | Sanemi Shinazugawa

Word Count: 5272

Setting: Shinazugawa Sanemi x fem!reader (oiran reader), pining, short

Content Warnings: mentions of gore, abuse, and oiran/redlight district, and language

Summary: After hearing about Tengens success in the redlight district, Sanemi has decided to investigate one himself. His analysis leading him buried memories of the girl he had loved, and that faith had abandoned.

A/N: I am admittedly new to Tumblr, and very unfamiliar with how to interact. Until I figure it out, I just want to express how happy I am to see my work being read, and shared. I really do appreciate each and every one of you.

[Art work is not mine, credit goes to the artist!]

Lights glowed across the district; waves of visitors jostled amongst the path. Lanterns glowed in the growing night, bright enough to daze and confuse the senses. Human instincts humming whispers of slumber, and beckoned sleep snubbed out by the intense atmosphere.

Human instincts humming whispers, and beckoned sleep snubbed out by the intense atmosphere. The night delayed as it masqueraded as the day, masked in the glow of lanterns across the district. Incense and perfumes that dulled the senses, claimed the thoughts of men and women alike drawn by the intimate glow. Lanterns danced in the night air, as waves of visitors jostled along the paths that had been abandoned in the daylight. Buildings that loomed in the sky, grandiose in nature, dripping of the wealth of proprietors.  Owners exhibiting their prosperity in embellished fabrics, banners hung intentionally to draw the eye. Windows alit with the readily available oirans. Hair meticulously styled for the run of the mill customer; adorning hairpins and fabrics no longer favored by higher ups. Their very being mere constructions of the tayu classes’ secondhand rejections. Either discarded due to outdated appearance, or simply deemed unfavorable for valued customer classes. Only the luckiest of them having adorned castoff rouge. Farmers and vendors alike appraising them through warped vision; having tossed away thoughts of their wives, partners, and family for the night, willing to overlook the product’s pitiful origins in favor of lust and personal benefits. The merchandize only dared to smile, eyes trained to the ground with the occasional fan pressed against lips. The customers only momentarily distracted from the coos and teases of women on the balcony, hoping to earn a night’s work. Dizzying waves of women who had taken to the streets to beckon passersby to their brothel. Kamuros dashing across the way, bending to the whims of their oiran’s command as they fetched every need one might possess.

                It was enough to piss him off. The overbearing scents to mask the leftover musk of various customers. Perfumes intended to disguise the common prostitute as something angelic despite the usual fierce temperament. The smells burned his nostrils, and left his stomach nauseated. Far too many fragrances intermingling, none willing to compromise to the other. The lights were just as guilty, determined to set an intimate scene despite the obvious façade. The fabrics were bright, far too lavish, and often times revealing to provide a quick slip of clothes before delving into the job’s demands. Just as quick to conceal marks, and set off for their next target. Little more than assassins looking for their next meal ticket, enough to make his skin crawl. Not that he could blame them, their upbringing had been mangled as his own. Sold off by impoverish family members, they had been left to survive, much like the day he had taken to the mountain and left his own family behind. In the very same way, he had wielded various weapons snatched to his back in the dead of night, only daring to rest in the sunlight all those years ago, these women were just as lethal desperate to survive as himself. Parading as gentle, insightful women who tended to their proprietors willing to turn a favor to any coin, very few of them were in fact as kind as they claimed to be. Even less were compromising to their lesser attendants. Only a few baring gifts from their ward, more of them brandishing bruises and scratches. Smacked for the smallest of inconvenience, and baring the ravish of a scorned women confined to the life of servitude. Kamuros and shinzou alike, innocence robbed each night, bearing witness to the realities of the red-light district. He could feel the rage bubbling. He had always feared the chance of his own father coining his sisters off when he was a child, one of the many reasons Genya and he had worked so earnestly to care for their families. Their relief only realized in their father’s death. In his youth he had witnessed so many hardships, but being here. The familiar sear of incense, the telling whelps and bruises that formed at the corner of mouths of little girls, working to the bone despite the tears that threatened the corner of their eyes. Forced smiles, and facades of dreams, only reminded him of the girl he had left behind so many years ago. When his childhood had convinced him that he would experience happiness, a bride to call his own, and the hopes of a family on the way.

You were lovely in all the ways no one could compare. A demure smile that could captivate the heart of any man. Unusual hair color as pale as the sunlight, and as warm as the days of summer. Eyes that dared to captivate the sky, wide and furnished with long, thick eyelashes. Reticent despite such a young age. A gaze that danced across the lavish doll caught between your fingertips as you studied its features, so contrast to your own. Hair long and intricately weaved and pin with lavish hair pins, multiple kanzashi placed, an unusual sight for him at the time. Frozen in his tracks mid-delivery as he studied your delicate features, captivated by the sunlight under a Japanese maple whose leaves had already descended into waves of oranges and vivid reds. Such as the touch of rouge and blush that settled across your cheeks and lips, delicately painted. Brows drawn as you studied the doll, its black hair folded over your fingers. As well as the black painted eyes that deliberated your own. The heavy embellishments weaved into your intricate hairstyle were lavish, but nothing that compared to the many layers your small frame bore. Nearly wore down across the fabric. Vibrant folds and luxurious prints adorned over the fold of an attention drawing obi. He found himself leaning forward, his eyes tracing the stilt of your shoes, giving you height pass your natural frame. The enchanting length of your sleeves, a young Kamuro, he would later come to understand. For someone so beautiful, and obviously well cared for, the undeniable sorrow was visible.  Stained upon your light make up, depicting a hidden hurt that he could not understand. Drawn to touch the surface, it was as though you were as beautiful as an untouched pond amidst this hidden garden.  Only rippling at the boy whose fell forward, rolled off of steps and landed in a heap into your hidden world.

                Your eyes, large and imploring, the startle gasp as you dropped your doll. Your surprise having drawn you backwards as, eyes tracing his silhouette. His clothing, far humbler than your own. The dirty covered samue covered with the day’s filth, and unassuming, a stark contrast to the intricate garments before him.  The working class that derived from sweat and hard labor. The realization stilling his blood as his eyes met the ground, embarrassed to be caught in admiration of you. Especially given the circumstances. His intrusion into your seclusion far louder than he had expected, met with the growing realization that he very well could be beaten for having wandered into such an illustrious place. The growing commotion that grew from within the grand building, the raised voices of inquiring men, and that of shrills of surprised women. Your eyes having fallen to the doors of the veranda before falling back to him, your small steps rushed across the garden. Small, delicate fingers that clasped his own, pulling him from the ground. Tugging him behind you as you sought suffrage within the small grove of flourishing trees. Pressed against him, the shock radiating from his body as your small hand reached up to cover his mouth. Pressing a finger against your lips.

                “[LN]? Are you alright?” a male had called. The clack of shoes again the stone work. The pounding in Sanemi’s heart becoming panicked and nervous, smacking your hand from himself. “[LN]?” the man called, pressing forward. Only to cause you to further lean on Sanemi. As though in some way your small frame could ever hope to conceal his own. Your eyes caught on the advancing man, an attendant he had surmised.

                “Sato, I sent [FN] on an errand.”

                The distinct shift in atmosphere was evident. As though the entire garden had fallen under a spell of a different kind. A sultry voice that commanded attention, grace in her languid movements. Sanemi dared to peek over his shoulder, meeting black eyes that could only be compared to the night sky, and hair detailing’s that mirrored your own unique style despite the obvious difference in color. The hue of the woman before him reflective of the most extravagant ink blocks only afforded by the higher-ups. Elegance tinged on the older woman’s features, carefully painted as she met the attendant’s gaze. A hidden venom that coiled in extravagant fabrics, more than those you adorned. As she tilted her head, peering down at the man before her. “M-Madam,” he had sputtered, quick to bow his head. “I-I had heard a noise, and I thought perhaps [LN] had fallen.”

                “Sato, I will not repeat myself.”

                “Y-Yes madam.”

                The momentary glimpse his way that chilled his bones. Her gaze had softened, especially in comparison to the man who escaped to chores, desperate to evade her piercing gaze. The small smile she quipped before clasping her fan. Her movements fluid as a Tiger Keelback, relaxed in the grass. Evidence of her deadly behavior that had been briefly expressed now stripped from her features. Recoiled under the foundation of a tender smile, and slight nod at the package he had been intending to delivered, dropped where he had fallen through the gardens. The press of your body having slipped from his as the woman disappeared into the grand building, a knowing smile tucked on her delicately painted face.

                Your mother, you had shared to him between stolen ohagi bites. A grand tayu, one of the highest rankings in the area at that. Your smile as wide and delighted to meet him as he had been to witness you. As beautiful as the leaves above you; he had understood your duty. Listened to you explain that you were a kamuro as you accepted his package in exchange for another. For him, you had pressed into his care. Extra ohagi intended for his siblings, a rarity they would enjoy, you had insisted. Promised that the house would not notice their missing.  Ignoring his obvious discomfort and the annoyance his bashful nature had forced upon the both of you. Over redden cheeks, and unable to ignore the way that you had once again boldly pressed into him as you forced the lavish fabric into his hands before separated from him. Dismissed his insistence that he could not afford to replace such delicacies. After all, no one would notice that they had gone, not to worry. Pulling his delivery into your hands, and allowing your shoe to slip from your sock as you pressed onto the veranda. Earnest eyes that captivated the sunset, bored into him. The small, undeniable sorrow that he had witnessed before was beginning to show as you waved to him. “Please, visit me again,” whispered in secret.

                A vow he had not broken tucked shyly to his heart.

Seizing the opportunity to visit you any time his deliveries took him to the pleasure district. Secret rendezvous tucked under Japanese Maple trees, split over tea and ohagi you had snuck from the kitchens. Each encounter growing warmer and more familiar. At times, he would bring Genya along, and others, he would sneak away at the first opportunity. Unwilling to admit that at times, he felt envious of the way his brother could captivate your attention. Your over willingness to lean into him often earning a series of curses, rough in speech and manners, and Sanemi only to receive the softest of giggles. Having thrived at his attention, and company, there were times you would insist on assisting in his deliveries to other brothels. Familiar with the landscape, you had insisted, and unwilling to admit that he didn’t want to depart from you just yet, he would often fold. Determined to preserve his pride. When you had dared to adorn a lesser kamuro’s old tattered kimono and covered your hair in the soot remains of a snubbed lantern of the night, daring to leave the confines of your employment, your fingers tugged at the hem of his samue… he had begrudgingly allowed you to follow after him. A secret just between the two of you. Spitting out a demand you release him before shyly grasping your hand and leading you through the town, muttering that you were far too much like a child. On these rare days out, you would whisper to Koto, and Sumi would assist you in securing him to your back despite Sanemi’s obvious fretting. Concern that his family had asked to much of you, or that such labor would be far too exhaust. Your whispered wishes of a life such as this hushing such worries. Days left to Shuya, Teiko, and Hiroshi’s teasing. The time his siblings would dare to reveal such matters to you. Such as the way he held your hand in a crowd, the way he rerouted his travels around move to avoid mucking your borrowed kimono, or that day at the river. When you had longed to dare to skim across the surface. How shyly you had peered into the water, in awe of him having dared to walk in to its shallows without a second thought. How he had watched you fumble over your kimono, determined to follow after him, but unfamiliar with the workings of fishermen, or how to tie back your clothing. How he had uttered curses, accusing you of being a child. How his knees had met the stones submerged in the river. Without hesitation, his white hair soft and bright, as puffy as the clouds above you. How your heart had hammered in your chest as his calloused fingers, unfamiliar to you as they grazed across your calf. His words as usual had been harsh, yet just like all the other times, his touch was gentle. Calloused from a lifetime of work, yet gentle in the way they regarded you regardless if it was protecting you from a snake that had wandered into a garden, or a patron who had become too casual, he always regarded you with such care despite his tongue. How his eyes had met yours, shy and sputtering a curse as your fingers threaded through his hair, because just one time… just one time, you had wanted to run your fingers through the snow touched strands. Naïve and oblivious to the way the blush crawled down his collar. Although, the truth was, Sanemi had realized that he had been the one naïve. From the blemishes that would be liter your cheeks when your mother was not looking to the day, he had found you cornered in the district.

The rocks that had pattered against your hands as you struggled to shield yourself. Words such as hafu, konketsuji, ainoko, and mutt littered the air. Having been caught in the rain, the soot was washed from your hair. Revealing you to the general public, and how they had scorned you. Rocks thrown from peers, random ones hitting their marks, revealing the depth of malice others outside of the pleasure district had regarded you, why you had insisted on staining your hair at each visit to the outside world. He had never considered, and without a second thought, he had pinned your assailant to the ground. Sanemi’s fists met with his cheek. Forced him to the ground, and berated him with every insult he could think of. Bitter and full of rage and ignorant to the shrill of the neighborhood kids fleeing his fury. The boy who was under him, now snotty and bloodied was still not enough to cool his temper. It wasn’t enough—he would never forgive them. Practically boiling over until he felt the all too familiar tug of fingers on the hem of his sleeve. Biting back the rage that threatened to spew, did his best to conceal his temper. His wide eyes met your own. The sorrow inevitable, that same sadness that he had witnessed so long ago under maple leaves. Your chin dipped to your chest, avoiding his gaze as you quietly requested your assailant’s release. And how he hadn’t wanted to. How he had swallowed his temper, met with your dejection. Your eyes unwilling to meet his own even as his fingers swept across your face. Grazed against the blossoming bruise at your cheek, and caught the tears that tinged the corner of your eyes. His gaze soft and mournful. How naïve he had been not to realize you had been suffering. Not to have realized the implications foreign born imparted on your life as the daughter of a courtesan. How artless he had been not to realized his growing feelings, or to understand the depths of his desires. Nor the nativity he had born as the words left his lips without a thought, a vow. A promise. To stop crying dam nit. Because one day, one day it wouldn’t be like this. One day, one day you would be home with him. That no one would ever hurt you again.

Fucking naïve.

The distant memories plagued him as he sat crisscross on a tatami mat adorned with cushions. His eyes trained on his drink and snacks. Ribbons hung throughout the brothel, lined in a variety of perfumes and incenses that burned his nose, and left him with the aching memory of a life he had longed for, and had abandoned after the loss of his mother. He had hoped, in some small way that perhaps, Genya had taken you for a bride. Although the little shit having made an appearance at the demon corps made it clear that certainly happened. The thought pissing him off as much as the overbearing scents that clung to detailed décor. Hints of gold and lacquered woods, rich in finery and portraying the wealth of the cliental the brothel owners captivated. Tucked into an inner room, his uniform having caught one of the courtesan’s attentions—mistakenly assumed him of a higher rank of the Imperial Japanese Army. Securing him a seat in the inner areas from prying eyes, an opportunity he wouldn’t waste. He had never had the opportunity to dive into the inner world of the district, not like Tengen had—not that the Wind Hashira had even considered bring tag along on his investigation. The underhanded method of dragging his wives into his business was one that had secured weeding the upper moon out, but was a technique he would not employ. In part because his rash decisions had simply taken hold of him, and he had left without much thought. The remainder of this route unavailability to him was that he neither wanted to include others in his analysis, and even less were willing to volunteer to work alongside him. So, this opportunity presented was a valuable one at that, one he would not waste.

                Tucked beind sheer screens, the distinct pluck of a koto beginning to play. Another goddamn memory threatening to surface. You had spent hours practicing—Nope. Not fucking doing it. He bit back a bite of his snack, threatening the memory to remain buried from his presence as his large violet eyes surveyed his surroundings. Ribbons that hung decoratively from a variety of angles, intended to immulate the oiran’s kimonos if he had to guess their reason. Stupid at that, men clearly drowning in saki and desperate to escape their lives, and their wallets were veiled behind their own screens. From what he had gathered, one had in fact been a higher up—likely the reason the oiran who had guided him to this place had assumed he had been seeking a night off. Another, a rice man from a noble family that was bored of his second wife, although from the way he spoke, Sanemi had wondered how he had secured the first one. Brash, and demanding, and certainly not shy about grabbing at the waitresses. Their forced giggles revealing their annoyance as they gently reminded him that they were merely servants, not entertainers. Nothing worth pursuing in either of the occupants. Two places, he had discovered were empty, and available to incoming customers. Perhaps having too quickly busied themselves before big performance the oiran had promised him before ushering him in. Something about the Lady Kazaori’s impending betrothal allowing her only one more night of presentation, he had barbed at the name. Sending the oiran into a nervous fit, eager to be rid of the scarred customer. Fair enough. He had to remind himself that for courtesans, names meant little, and simply because the name bared familiarity didn’t mean… goddamn it this was pissing him off, he bit back another drink. His ears catching the koto and the murmured whispers of courtesans who had been invited to the booths next to him. One of the occupants having bathed in the attention offered, his sighs and teases evident as the drink on his breath and how heavy he sauntered. His words becoming nothing more than incoherent babbling, while the other resident had merely ignored the oiran’s interference. His eyes trained on the sheer screen before him. The courtesians desperate to draw his attention, having accepted that Sanemi was not willing to entertain them, or perhaps they were too afraid to inquiry. Not that he could give a shit, but something about the other man was different. Through delicate plucks on the koto, the enchanting melody that felt familiar to Sanemi’s ears, and warmed his heart. Goddamn it, his ears had managed to catch a snippet of the women’s conversation. “No one is paying attention to me.” A drawn-out pout intended to catch the man at her side’s attention, but fell on deaf ears. The man practically possessed by the performer before him.

                “You should have known they wouldn’t,” one scolded. “He has always been Kazaori’s biggest fan. Besides, it’s Kazaori’s last night, you should wish her well.”

                The indignant snort that retorted. “Why should I wish her well? Fate has done so itself.”

                Pitter back and forth between the two, one clearly reserved and adjusted to her job, and the other ebbed in jealousy at the mere mention of the higher courtesan title the one Kazaori had earned. Bitter spats back and forth as the one woman had demanded the other remember her place, while the other could only lament that the Kazaori had secured a husband to be from a noble family. A second born of some beaucrat, born with a silver spoon his mouth. Apparently so enthralled by the tayu he had sputtered off some poem, and met with the keeper of the brothel without hesitation. Smacked double the woman’s amount without a second thought, even an additional fee for ensuring she would be ready in the days to follow. The woman obviously enamored by the idea of the other being spirited away, and perhaps wishing it for herself, the idea nauseated the wind hashira. The snip of bitter, “a hafu getting married like thaaa”. Hafu, the word barely processing before the woman’s voice had become mangled. The scream of her companion ringing in his ears and silencing the performance. Terror screeched across her features as she pushed pass the screens, desperate to flee the scene.  The toss and clatter of her scatter leaving remnants of the once beautiful performance amuck. The toss of ornate furniture, women screaming and dashing. The imperial officer brandishing his weapon to no avail. Blood that spattered amongst the crowd. The glimpse of familiar sun-kissed hair, ushered by small kamuros before Sanemi had forced his way through the crowd. The demon who had masqueraded as a man having torn after the object of his affections. Leaving the woman whos throat he had crushed in ruins. Not even bothered to reveal in her flesh, discarded as though she were nothing more than mere garbage in his gaze.

                Hand on his nichirin blade as he bolted down the halls, navigating the large building through the fury of screams and crying women who sought to escape. Blood quick to decorate—he was fast, but his trail leading Sanemi to the small form of a child, whose sobs were unmatched. Shrill, and screaming violently as the blood and snot marred her features. Her hair ornaments disarrayed, the hair on her scalp oozing, torn from their placement. The furniture she had smashed into severed beneath her light weight, glass littering her cheeks. He crouched down, his fingers grazing against her throat. Inspecting the bruising that had formed, but no clear abrasion. Nothing that had broken the skin. The bastard having merely tossed her in his wake, eyes too trained on the prize. Goddamn it. “L-Laadddy K-Kaa,” the little girl began to hick up in choked sobs. Her eyes meeting Sanemi’s. Fear marked into her skin, small… a child. She was just a child. “M-M-oonssste-“.

                His found her hair. Gently twining his fingers across her scalp, gently patting her hair with care. “Did he take your lady?” Her tremble confirmed his question as he did his best to sooth her tears. “Where?” Her finger as his guide he offered one last soothing pat, “You did a good job, stay here.”

He was fucking livid. An internal storm that threatened to spew, a volcano that threated to erupt. The demon itself felt like a fucking waste of time, but goddamn it if he didn’t feel like the past was determined to fucking haunt him. The curse that he had spewed at the sight of you. From what he could gather, the demon had attempted to force itself upon you, promising eternity together. An offer you had refuted with a hair pin, jabbed with all of your might. Plunged into the side of his head, buried deep into his flesh, and irretrievable. Making the demon an easy target for Sanemi to slay, but goddamn he was pissed. From the way the bastard had dared to touch you, to taint your features with its very being. To the fact it dared to attempt to drag you into filth, to the fact that the very sight of you. Tears tinged at the corner of your eyes, your pride not allowing them to fall. Kimono torn open, hair unraveled and aslant. It was the fact that he hadn’t hesitated to captivate you in his arms. To trace calloused fingers of smeared rouge, inspecting your familiar face. The years had changed you, you had certainly grown. Merely the ghost of a child he had known before, to the very woman he had given his heart to so long ago. The shiver of recognition, your sky blessed eyes widening as you uttered his name. It pissed him off how he longed to hear you call his name once more, desiring to hear it between broken shudders. Your fingers clasped onto hem of his uniform like you had so many years ago. “Sanemi,” you whispered, begged him to look at you. Gritted his teeth as he attempted to turn from you. What pissed him off more than the fact that he had forgotten himself and embraced you as though you were still children longing for a fate that would never come—was that after all these years, here you were… waiting. Having risen through the ranks, claiming your mother’s title as your own, endured hardships he dared not think of, and yet, yet you looked at him with such adoration. As though you were still that little girl, faithfully waiting her fate… waiting. After all these years, you were still fucking waiting.

                Soft fingers tracing the mar of his flesh, traced alongside the scars he had gathered through the years as you fell through broken sobs. He had told himself to leave, but the purr of your lips, the cries of disbelief that after all these years, he had come for you. You had money, you had sworn. Hidden away from sight, offered to him. Begged him to spirit you away, kidnap a bride before her day, to claim you as his own as he had sworn so many years ago. The press of your forehead against him, breathing in what you could only note as traces of spring that dared to escape your grasp. His heart settled against his ribcage for only a moment, whole and wishing for the day he had longed desperately for, but it was not to be.

                “L-Lady, Kazaori!” a small voice cracked.

                As though the chill of shifting winds had slid down his collar, your fingers still clutched to the hem of his uniform. His violet iridescent eyes found the little girl who charged through the entryway. Her hair still disheveled, the blood of her features only wiped half-assed as she wrapped around your waste. Her sobs staining the folds of your extravagant kimono. The Kamuro he had patted now stared up at him with wide yes, praising him between hick ups and attempting to catch her breath, and in the same fluid motion, she had brought him back to reality.

                Wordlessly, his calloused fingers met your own, delicately unweaving their clutch on his clothing. Detaching himself from you, as though severing an invisible bond that you dared to reach for. Your shattered reality falling into your lap. The tears now falling, and out of grasp. He had separated from you, and in your heart, you knew what this moment was. What you had dreaded, and feared for all of these years. “S-Sanemi.”

                The gentlest gaze, delicate. Fragile. The shatter of the wind of a cold night, distant and only enough to elicit shivers. Danced across snow flurries, and greeted the Japanese maple leaves. His smile curved and warm with all of the love he had held for you throughout the years. “Your husband is waiting.” Before slipping out the door, knowing all too well that he dared not look back. Dared not meet your broken gaze. Nor acknowledge the sound of knees meeting the wood floors, a collapse of distress, and the little kamuro  far too innocent to the world of the pleasure district tired to console a broken woman. No, he did not dare. Because if he did, he would break, and in another life. He wouldn’t have to hesitate. Would not have to bid you farewell. Nor meet the cold air outside, this reality would not be his own.

                No, in another life. His heart would be reeling from the yuinou. He would have been the one to present your mother with konbu, hemp, and dreams, with whatever money he had scrapped together from his jobs, with the hopes of growing old in one another’s embrace. In another life, it would be him beaming into the night air; him to protect you from your inheritance. Him to etch the memory of a furisode into his mind. Him to swear himself to you. Him to embrace you in the night, and his name you would bare, and the children to come. His name you would cry out, his touch you would lust for, and your body he would worship in adoration. It would be him. But in this life, he could only sever the bond of the girl who held his heart, and turn his back on the woman that faith had abandoned.

[sygneth]

Echoes of Elysium | Disco Elysium AU ...something?

Warnings

General warnings for my blog's content applies. Check here.

This AU is (rather) not very alternative. I am just trying to develop further events and some background for the characters, but even though I'm making research and I try to stay canon-compliant, only to fill in the gaps, I cannot guarantee it will never happen. Especially in this fandom, where many interpretations and paths are equally canon, we may not agree on some things, I hope you'll enjoy my point of view nevertheless. Some episodical OCs will appear too.

INDEX

EOE on ComicFury!

EOE on Tumblr:

Chapter 1: New Beggings -> START

EOE on AO3:

Main plot (uhh still in the process of uploading!)

Ficlet series (additional content)

LORE:

Precinct 41 plans and explanation

Plot outline

After Martinaise things are slowly getting back to normal, but the general atmosphere in the city gets thickens every day, La Retour is hanging in the air. Despite this, Harry is trying to stay sober and make amends. It's hard to say if Kim's appearance on the 41st is making things easier or harder between Harry and his old friends.

The Return happens. In the after-revolutionary mess, everybody tries to move on, but things are changing in almost every aspect of life. And on top of this, a particularly hard case drops and somebody has to take care of it.

The start of the project is directly after Martinaise, so forgive me this vague description, but I would hate to spoil the plot haha.

Okay, from now on additional info, still important but not crushial.

I want to focus on the relationship between the people of Precinct 41 and their internal experiences. Impactful events and thicker action will happen too, but mostly in the later chapters of this.

There are also some important premises of this AU I would like to highlight:

Kim was raised in an orphanage, presumably held by some Dolorian organisation (order?). Some of his old-fashioned manners and vocabulary are remainings after growing up in a religious environment (even if he's not very religious himself).

Eyes died around 9 months before the events from the game. Since then, Kim has been willingly working alone. His superiors were not very fond of that but somehow he managed not to get partnered with anyone.

Harry has no known family members left. At least as far as he and his friends know.

Jean and Harry's partnership started four, maybe five years ago. According to the game, it was "two years minimum" but personally I think those losers were stuck with each other for much longer.

Jean's years-long, unexplained depression has roots in some sort of personality disorder. Also, he is codependent on Harry, probably co-addicted too. He had problem with speed himself, however it's not nearly as serious as Harry's. I see him as more of a weekend/party drug user, as for now.

I assume that since the communist revolution gay relationships were technically legal in Revachol. Technically, because there are still no rights for same-sex couples and the social recognition is poor and rather negative (I got inspired by my own country in that matter)

That's all I can think of now. I will probably just add new information in the description of he pages.

Okay, cool, one last thing. What do you mean by "...something?"? Is this a comic? A fanfiction series? What am I looking at?

The answer is: I don't yet know. I am planning this to be mostly a comic, but I cannot say there won't be some written as fanfics parts or some kind of in-between media. I don't really want to limit myself to one medium only, but at this point, I have no idea what this will evolve into. I honestly just want to have fun lol

[toadpeee]

Hi Sav!! I been following ur work for a while and I always thought it was amazing!! I followed u on Twitter and I recently noticed u left there… I was wondering what happened. Did someone harass you? I hope you’re feeling good! Some kind of discourse can bring the worst people to the table. Anyway, sending u love!

Hello! & Thank you for supporting me :)

I’m done with GoT/asoiaf twitter for good, so tumblr is my forever Toadpeee. I’ve wanted to be done with the twt scene for a while now, it’s a very positive atmosphere anymore for artists & people are ass’s for no reason

I will keep all my asoiaf here + upload some new ones too that only existed on twt

Buuuuut— I’m trying to take my professional art stuff more seriously this year! I want to be a career artist/open up comms again, & I am done with artschool now :)

If I do make another twt, it will be for more serious art + other fandoms + my personal animation work— but I’m taking a full social media break till May. But I’ll be more anon & only give it out to some of my asoiaf art friends (so I challenge you to find me in the wild again soon….)

Thank you for ALL the love for my GoT stuff this last year, drawing fanart for my favorite thing really got me through it, & I’m glad I found a fandom community again

But also yes. I got run off my the l*cem*nds LMAOOOO but it was a good excuse/good timing + something I’ve wanted to do for a while but now seemed like a good time

Thank yall ♡

(Might also make an nsfw tumblr YOINK)

[kobylkaaa]

Heya!! I just wanna say that I really admire your art- Especially the way you make and create an atmosphere on the background!! it feels refreshing lol And I'm curious on how you draw the background so well- LIKE- How do you draw backgrounds so pretty and dazzling? It looks so awesome and cool- The lighting, atmosphere, colors, and tiny little details makes it even more cooler and fun to look at- As you can tell by the ask- I'm not that good at drawing backgrounds, shading the backgrounds, and making an atmosphere on my drawings- So yeh- Hope ya don't mind the ask lol-

Hi dear tumblr user!!! I am very pleased to hear this about my drawings!!! (*≧ω≦*) I spent a lot of time studying color, tone, lighting and other things in drawing, so I'm glad that, apparently, my efforts were not in vain! In fact, I think you'll be quite capable of drawing backgrounds like these, as you have a great understanding of color, shape and movement! You can draw cartoon backgrounds, starting with simple ones, and then adding more details, and then you will definitely succeed!! (b ᵔ▽ᵔ)b And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! ☆ヾ(*´・∀・)ﾉヾ(・∀・`*)ﾉ☆

[at1nys-blog]

Hungry and exhausted kids

Pairing: Demigods x diner’s staff

Summary: when the “Regulars” come to eat all injured and bruised is time for something special, and a lot of first AID kits

A/N: this is based on a post I reblogged some time ago(I don’t know when I’m going to post this nor if I can actually. If not just tell me to take it down no hate thanks) also you might read something similar written by @/drberfarious but do not worry people of tumblr I am a good writer so they contacted me and we talked about it so is safe for me to post it.

The 3Heads a diner run by the Pecks was one of the very few diners in the city open 24/7 no matter the weather conditions. The diner was open even under the holidays.

Sylvia, the youngest grand daughter of the owner, was happy about all of that, especially since she was allowed to decorate the space however she liked: on Halloween she gave her best if not more, this one being her favourite and the costumers loved the hanging spiders' webs and the skeletons having a bite with them and the owners loved the masked costumers-the second year since they were out for business they decided to inaugurate a contest for best Halloween costume and everyone loved it so much- the staff came to work dressed up as well; on Thanksgiving the atmosphere was more chill, with less decorations that excpected but the one not used for that holiday were soon going to be put out for Christmas.

Zackary, the older grand son of the owner, and Sylvia's brother, he noticed how many people were alone during Christmas, it was sad to witness young people spending such a jolly holiday, he wished for every single one of them to find a new family to spend that time of the year together. Some did, coming the next year with a partner, or their family; others didn't.

Than it was time for San Valentine, the sweetest holiday of them all, well on an equal footing with Halloween, but still. The diner turned from all green and red to pink. Hearts, flowers and ballons filled the diner and every now and then the owners were able to assist, and record, a couple of proposals.

It was before Easter, a couple of weeks prior to the festivity. A Saturday late night, maybe around 1 am or 2 when Sylvia welcomed inside a boy. The girl noticed he was exhausted, she had a thought that the boy had walked for a long time, how much to be exact she didn't know but again, the phylosophy of the diner was to not ask or assume.

She welcomed him in, a big smile on her face despise the late hour, he looked at her, for a second before turning around and scanning the space as in search of somewhere to hide.

"We have a couple of booths away from the entrance" she explained.

"No windows?" he simply asked.

"No windows" she repeated after him. The boy nodded and she asked him to follow her with a simple movement of her arm. When she had left him take a seat, the boys asked if they had something blue. Sylvia had to ask for some explanation here because what did he meant by something blue?

"I am craving blue food" he answered, which didn't help much but the girl knew how to deal with such reqeusts.

"I see what I can do." this was the magic formula to avoid conflict and with that she left the menu on the table and went straigh into the kitchen. "weird question but, do we have blue food coloring?" her older brother looked at her weird, as if she just asked him to take out from his pocket a monkey or something of that sort. "Ehy don't look at me like that. The kid asked for blue food." she defended herself. Her brother rolled his eyes and went to search for it.

"By the way do you know what he wants?" Sylvia was silent, she didn't ask. I mean the poor girl just got asked if they had blue food, the only think on her mind was if they could provide that for him and gain a new costumer or not a loose a potential costumer. "go ask him."

And so she did, and when she was back to the table he left the guy, she noticed he was sleeping, or on the verge of doing so. She pocked him, carefully, sure he was there to eat but if he fell asleep in the worst position ever that meant he was really worn out (?)

She pocked him again, a little harder this time and the poor kid jumped out of his skin taking out of his pocket a stabilo pen, using the object as a weapon as a fit to cause her arm.

"Sorry, I forgot to ask what would you like to eat."

"I don't really know, I just would like if it was blue."

"Okay, I'll tell that to our chef and see if we can meet your request. Anything to drink while you wait?"

Percy Jackson, Sylvia learned his name, became a regular at The 3Heads and after the second month-he passed by at least every single day to grab his usual to go, and once a week he took his sweet time by sitting and enoying his meal- he came in, the Pecks decided to add a special section of their menu and what best way to show it to him?

Percy walked in, followed by his two friends, Grover and Annabeth, with a quick hello went straight to his usual seat and then relaxed resting his head on the table. Annabeth was fast scolding him, it wasn't very polite to sleep in a diner but before Percy could explain, Sylvia was ready to give Percy that good news.

"Hello." she greeted the two new costumers. "Ohy sleepy head I have some news." she looked at the blonde girl and asked if it was okay for her to seat for a moment, when she nodded Sylvia sat down. "Perseus Jackson listen to me" his head was up in a second, the mention of his real name didn't scare him for once but only put him in listening mode. "I have, I mean the entire family has a surprise for you." Percy looked behind the girl and saw her brother, dad and grand father looking at him with anticipation. "read the menu" and so he did.

The first pages weren't any different, just a couple of new dishes nothing major really but then his eyes widened when he read the title of the section thet added 'Blue Food&Drinks'

"We have to find a new title for the section and we wanted..." she got cut off by the boy.

"Who's idea was that?" she smiled.

"Zachary joked about the fact we had to add it since you are basically living off of our food, dad thought it wasn't such a bad idea. Grandpa was the thoughtes to..." and once again Sylvia couldn't end her speech due to Percy hugging her out of nowhere with a soft thank you.

He then went to hug the rest of the Pecks and thanking them, he couldn't believe it. He never thought that complete strangers were going to do something this nice and sweet for him.

"Okay, why is Percy acting like a kid on Christams?"asked the boy. Sylvia just smiled and told him to check the menu. He started reading under his breath not understanding much about what was happening untill... "wow he comes here this often?"

"What? What is it?" said the blonde girl next to Sylvia and the menu was given to her, she smiled. "He comes here that often for sure. Thank you, you gained a loyal costumer and he is never going to stop talking about it. I am pretty sure the other campers will come here too." The Pecks knew about the summer camp not that away from the city, Percy had talked to them about it some weeks after he discovered the diner.

After that, Percy came in with always new people and the first think he showed them was the section about the blue food, picking for them his favorites and sharing new ideas with the cooks of the diner even because the blue food was becoming to be a trend. Kids asked their parents to take pictures of it; teens loved it and also felt the need to have it to fit into a new society that was head over heals for it; elder people just wanted to have some fun and try something out of the ordinary because who could have thought they could have a smoothie with blue cookies? Not them.

Time passed and The 3Heads had campers from "Camp Half-blood" almost on a daily, they became like a very extended family and good friends. They celebrated their birthdays there, went on dates there or just went and between one bite and the other played Mythomagic, similar to a game of Yu-Gi-Oh! but with mythological creatures. Sylvia did played a couple of rounds while on a break.

Time had passed since that first night when Percy Jackson walked into the diner and since then Sylvia and Zachary made good friends with the campers, everyone had their favorite kid but Percy? He was the number one for them. He was funny, sarcastic, intelligent on his own, witty and so much more. He sure was stubborn but one of the nicest kid the older Pecks have ever met in their life.

It was the day of Percy Jackson's birthday, in 2009, that the Percks closed the doors of The 3Heads for the first time in their life because how can you keep a diner open when a bunch of teens come to you bruised and injured, whith a face that read 'we lost someone' all over their faces?

Sylvia, Zackary, Colto and Taddeus Peck didn't asks question because this was their phylosophy of work, and whoever walked into that doors had a chance to choose either tell their story or not, and that night campers that have seen death, fought her and won decided it wasn't the time to tell the story of what did happen.

[itchyeye]

@apocalypticsinn replied to your post “ok. i'm giving the first episode a shot.”:

Oh noooOOOO welcome to hell :,) Alice remains like this the entire series btw and it just. It doesn’t get better. The newest episode I wanted to strangle her- I’m VERY interested in hearing your full thoughts on even just this first episode-!

​whgau first thing's first i am touched to hear you're interested in my thoughts

ok so overall it was very bad. @socvinc is correct that the sound mixing is fantastic, especially contrasted against s1 of tma which was shoestring budget dogshit. but then again this new show was funded by a seemingly boundless supply of patreon dollars so it fucking better sound expensive!!

alice is absolutely insufferable. you could stick a classroom full of twelve year old bronies (and i mean the og 2010s bronies not the gen z post ironic queer reclamation kind) in front of a hundred typewriters for all of time and they would eventually produce every single thing that has ever come out of alice's mouth. sure, it seems like gwen and most other people are annoyed with her, so at least she isn't being treated as funny and charming in-universe!! but absolutely fucking impossible to listen to. will not be putting myself through more of that.

also, the general animosity and malaise is unearned. sure, we have all been at jobs where everyone is burnt out and nobody cares anymore. but there's a sort of creeping realization that comes with that. even if things are bad right off the bat, they still get worse as you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.

to have your exposition be alice telling sam that nothing matters and there is no point to his job and everything is stupid and he shouldn't even be here just makes me hate her. it doesn't matter that she's doing it to give gwen a moment to shine and prove her diligence and dedication. it immediately makes alice a deeply unlikeable character. she is relentlessly negative and cynical and lazy and we have been given ZERO justification for why she would be so abbrasive to someone just starting a new career!! plus she's fucking annoying so the cards are REALLY stacked against her.

and the relentless gloomy bleakness of the Archives was so. so. so. earned. all of s1 had this slow slow sloooooow build up of tension and horror and false leads and red herrings and SUDDENLY WORMS. SASHA'S DEAD. TIDAL WAVE OF WORLD-ENDING WORMS. THREE DREAD POWERS AT ONCE. AND EVERYONE HAS PTSD AFTERWARDS AND STILL HAS TO COME IN TO WORK. JON'S GONE OFF THE FUCKING DEEP END. THEN S2. NO ONE CAN LEAVE. WE'RE ALL TRAPPED HERE LIKE RATS IN A SINKING SHIP.

the gloom and malaise and desperation is real and tangible and you are there with the characters as it builds. it's rewarding and dynamic. opening episode 1 with "everyone hates it here bc it's very spooky and bureucratic" is just a pale and unsuccessful immitation of the slowburn that MADE the archives what they were.

also the very first little mini statement was so lame??? no build up. no atmosphere. no character development. not even a short story, just a tumblr uquiz option. "i saw my husband but he was Shaped Wrong and also dead" jesus christ...

i might listen to episode 2 just because i have time to kill but being dropped into the middle of an office party gave me traumatic tma s5e1 flashbacks and i can't live through that again. one of my tmp anons who mentioned it was very office-banter based was SOOOO right. the majority of the episode felt like those incorrect-quotes accounts that clog up tumblr search results. just people i don't know and voices i don't recognize having weird try-hard conversations.

oh that's another glaring difference: the dialogue and voice acting in tma feels incredibly natural. the way conversations are written and the way they are performed feels believable, like listening to recordings of people who do not know they're being recorded. the conversations in tmp feel like watching f.r.i.e.n.d.s in that every line feels really rigidly scripted. no one talks over one another. no sounds overlap. there are no natural sounding pauses or stutters. just bad sitcom dialogue. BUT as i said to anon.... that's what the people want.

overall feels like an ogfic "inspired by" tma that i would have no interest in reading. a pale immitation of lightning in a bottle.

can't say i blame them. we all have bills to pay. but i can say i resent them.

[geralts-yenn]

Believe in Me - Chapter 4

chapter warnings: biting & vampire stuff, mention of sex

word count: 3,2k

A/N: So this chapter was a little hard to write. I had plans. And sometimes, as a writer, your characters just don't follow your plans. This is not what I wanted it to be. It is confused and blurry. But it is what it is, and it has its reasons to be like this. I really hope you like it regardless...

Inspo boards for this chapter are here 😍

Please let me know what you think - reblogs and comments are always the way to make me happy! Tumblr only works if you reblog. Help me to keep this story alive 😘

Series Masterlist

“Let me take you somewhere a little more quiet, okay?” Melot asked and held out his hand for Aurora to take. She took it, ignoring the fast beating of her heart that felt like her chest was going to explode. Melot skillfully maneuvered them through the crowd towards a door at the far end of the club. There were two security guards standing on either side, obviously vampires, too. 

The two men just nodded as Melot stopped in front of them to open the door. Melot guided Aurora to go first, and she glanced into a new corridor. On either side, there were compartments, separated by heavy velvet curtains. The noises coming from some of them made it quite clear what was happening behind.

Aurora nervously looked at Melot. That wasn't what she intended. Not that it was completely out of question. In fact, she had thought about Melot in this way longer than she should have, last night.

But she didn't want this to happen so soon. Being physically near to someone made Aurora feel too vulnerable. 

The thought made her chuckle nervously. Wasn't it stupid that she trusted Melot enough to let him bite her, but not enough to let him fuck her?

But, it wasn't. Letting vampires feed on her was going to be her job soon. She better get used to it.

Melot frowned at her chuckling.

"Sorry for this." He gestured towards the curtains. "This is not what I am heading for. It's just the only way to get to my room."

They arrived at another door. The carved wood and iron angles made it appear as if it was hundreds of years old. But the fingerprint lock next to it, with which Melot opened it, destroyed that picture.

Another corridor was lying in front of them. Aurora thought how this whole building must be kind of a labyrinth.

This time Melot didn't lead her through the whole hallway but guided her to a door on the left. Another fingerprint lock and they had finally arrived at his private place.

Aurora glanced into the room before her. It was spacious, there were bookcases along the walls and a huge entertainment center in front of the biggest sofa Aurora had ever seen. In the far corner there was another door.

Despite everything being so big, it felt comfy and inviting. 

"So, this is where you live?" Aurora was surprised. Not about the room per se, but the location in the depths of a nightclub. Well, she didn't know next to nothing about vampires, so she didn't really know what to expect at all.

Melot shook his head. "No, not exactly. August owns a huge mansion and he lets us live there with him. But, sometimes it's a little crowded over there. And then I come here to get some peace. This is my little fortress of solitude"

Aurora couldn't help but laugh at the thought that someone would choose a nightclub to get some quiet. That made her very curious about Melot's actual home.

Aurora sat down on the sofa, and it was as comfortable as it looked like. But she was far from able to relax. She fiddled with her hands and bounced her foot.

Melot took the place next to her and took her hand once more.

"Do you want a drink? Or something to eat?" He seemed nervous, too. Which led Aurora to feel even more on edge. The atmosphere in the room was tense.

She needed to get it done so she could finally breathe again. 

"What do you expect from me?" she asked. 

Melot guided her with his finger on her chin to look at him and locked his eyes with her. Aurora felt like this took a lot of the tension from her.

"I don't expect anything from you, love. just let me guide you through this. Do you have any questions?"

Aurora snorted. "A thousand, probably. If I could get my brain to work." Both of them smiled. "First of all, does it hurt?" Aurora's voice was hoarse.

Melot nodded understanding. "Most likely, it will hurt a little. Our saliva contains some kind of painkiller though and also enzymes that make your wounds heal faster. They should be gone after a week." Aurora could live with that. She wasn’t sensitive when it came to pain. She was used to being hit by her father, after all.

Melot went on providing her more information: “Easiest way for feeding would be your wrist. It doesn’t take a lot of physical proximity. It's easy for you to withdraw if you don’t feel well. Also, our security persons can check easily if you are okay. Most donors start with their wrist only.” As if to make her more comfortable with the idea of getting teeth pierced into her flesh, Melot rubbed his thumb in small circles over the veins of Aurora’s wrist. She took a deep breath and nodded for him to go on.

“If you permit someone to feed on your jugular, you can charge more for that. Most vampires prefer feeding from a neck over a wrist. So they are willing to pay for that benefit.” Aurora saw how Melot’s gaze fell on her neck as he mentioned it, and she also noticed how he absentmindedly licked over his upper lip. “What more can I tell you?” he asked, cocking his head. He thought about what more information Aurora should have before she was ready to take this to the next step.

But Aurora interrupted his thinking when another question came to her mind. ”What does it feel like for you? Is it just like eating for us? How do you feel towards the person you are feeding from? Isn’t it weird to be that near to someone you don’t know?”

Melot chuckled. “Good question! Actually, it can be very weird, yes. Most vampires prefer to keep coming back to the same donors, building a relationship with them. Biting someone can be something very sensual. But if you know it’s just a business, you usually try to suppress these kinds of feelings.” 

So, there was more to it than just offering a snack to someone. That's what she already suspected. Aurora was glad that she had asked Melot to guide her through that first bite. She couldn't exactly explain why, but she trusted him. 

"Thank you for your patience with me." She gave him a small smile that couldn't hide her nerves. "I guess not all vampires will be that gentle with me."

Melot took both of her hands in his and his warm gaze wandered over her face. He wished he could give her a better answer.

"There will be some that won't see the need to make you feel comfortable. But you will be safe with us. I promise I won't ever let anything happen to you." Aurora felt like she would drown in his crimson eyes if she wouldn’t turn away soon. But she didn’t want to fight the feeling anyway. Instead, she leaned in, her face only an inch away from his. Melot cupped her cheek in the softest caress. “You’ll always be safe with me,” he whispered. Aurora knew there was no chance of denying what she wanted to happen and she closed the last distance, pressing her lips onto Melot’s mouth. Their kiss was slow and gentle, almost careful. Aurora was still wondering how soft Melot’s lips felt when he pulled back. 

Aurora smiled shyly at him. All the things she felt right now seemed to overwhelm her. She was breathing heavily. “Melot, we need to get this feeding thing done, or else I will lose my mind.” 

His expression changed, showing confusion and insecurity. Melot usually knew exactly what to do when it came to humans, but right now, he wasn’t sure if he had overstepped a line that he shouldn’t have. Did he misinterpret Aurora’s signals? No, she was kissing him, right?

Thankfully, Aurora clarified what she meant: “I want you to kiss me, but I am so awfully nervous as long as I still don’t know what to expect. I need this out of my head. Please, show me.”

Melot wrapped his hand around Aurora’s wrist carefully and guided it to his lips. She could feel his lips brush over her skin when he spoke:

“I will try to be as gentle as possible.” With a last reassuring glance, his tongue brushed over her pulse and then she felt his fangs pierce her skin. 

It hurt. Of course it hurt. But somehow it also felt good. Like getting wrapped into a warm, soft blanket. Aurora shut her eyes and leaned into Melot's chest as he drank from her wrist.

Like that, she couldn't see the change in Melot's face. His eyes were wide open in surprise and an excitement fell upon him. He clenched both his hands around Aurora's arm, desperately sucking in what was the sweetest thing Melot had ever tasted. 

He knew he had to stop, but it was so hard. He just wanted to stay like this forever, to taste her, to feel her power in his mouth.

When he finally found the strength to pull back, Aurora was weakly lying in his arms. Melot licked the last drops of blood from his lips and tried to make sense of what had just happened.

This was nothing he had ever experienced before. He felt so good, so powerful, almost invincible as long as he fed from Aurora. And even now, it still felt like all his senses were sharpened, intensified, increased. 

Melot heard Aurora's heart thumping in her chest. He needed to take care of her. He had promised to keep her safe.

Melot cradled her in his arms and carried her to the next room that only consisted of a huge bed. Carefully he laid her down onto the soft bedding and focused on listening to her pulse. It was weak but steady. 

Thank god, he had managed to stop before he had seriously harmed her. Melot curled up on the bed behind her and took her in his arms. His hands caressed over her arms and from time to time he pressed soft kisses on her temple. 

After a while, Aurora started to come back to consciousness. She moved in his arms and a sigh escaped her lips.

"Shush, I got you. I got you, Aurora." Melot brushed strands of her hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek.

Aurora slowly blinked at him.

"Is it always like this?" she asked, her voice weak and hoarse. Her eyes fell shut again.

Melot felt a huge weight crushing his chest.

"No, it shouldn't be like this. I am so sorry, Aurora. I should have stopped so much earlier. I just couldn't. I have never tasted anything like you." But Aurora just smiled softly, her eyes still closed.

"I like being in your arms. Can we rest a little more?" It was almost like she was drunk. 

Melot decided it was best if they both calmed down, and so he just kept Aurora in his arms while he was trying to understand what made him feel so incredibly awake.

Two hours later, Aurora woke up again and, as if nothing bad had happened, she was smiling at Melot. "Hey!" She just said. Melot looked down at her and when he saw her soft look, he smiled at her too. He was incredibly thankful that she didn't seem to be upset over him losing his control. 

"Hey, sweetheart. Are you okay?" Aurora just hummed affirmatively and snuggled into Melot's chest which he replied by kissing Aurora's forehead. None of them were able to have a clear thought, let alone be able to talk.  They just needed to feel each other. Cuddles turned to soft kisses, and these kisses got hungrier and more fervent. 

Soon, Aurora pulled at Melot's shirt and her hand brushed over the soft hair on his stomach. His abs tensed when Melot answered her touch with a deep groan. "Are you sure of what you're doing here?" he asked her. 

Aurora's hand traveled up to his chest. "Absolutely! I want to feel you, Melot."

Melot rolled them over the bed so that he was hovering over Aurora. 

"You have no idea what I want to do to you!" His lips found back onto hers and his hips pressed hard against her core. When he pushed himself back onto his arms he saw her panting heavily under him. "Show me!" she pleaded.

For the second time this night it was on Melot to be in control of the situation. He deeply hoped he wouldn't let her down this time. He took a deep breath, trying to hang on to his self-control. 

"No, I need you to show me what you want. Guide me. Tell me how you want me."

Aurora gasped. She laced her fingers in Melot’s long strands of hair and pulled him down to her. She sucked his lower lip into her mouth, bit down on it playfully what he answered with a hiss. Then her tongue darted out to roam his mouth. She didn't care for his fangs, actually she didn't care for anything in the world. She just needed to taste him, feel him.

Her hands drifted up his stomach once more. But she struggled with his shirt. It was too tight. Her hands retreated from his abs again, impatiently her fingers fumbled on his buttons until finally, she could brush his shirt from his shoulders. 

Melot never had to fight so hard in his life as right now. Which was impressive, considering how old he was and what situations he had to master in his past. But never ever had he felt such an urge to overcome the human part of him. The monster in him wanted control, wanted to possess the sweetest thing in the world, wanted to feel Aurora in every way possible.

Her scent filled his nose, he felt her pulse in every fiber of his body and her taste still lingered on his tongue. 

What was it that made him feel like this? He had never experienced anything like that.

Aurora had just an idea of what was happening, she still felt dizzy, in a very good way, though. And Melot moved way too fast. One second he was towering over her and the next moment she realized her dress was gone and he knelt between her legs. 

So much for him not taking the lead. Aurora chuckled. She couldn't be mad at him. It just showed how much he wanted this. As much as she wanted him.

"Slow down, Melot! I'm not going anywhere," she told him. She wanted to enjoy what was going to happen.

Melot stopped whatever he was doing at superhuman speed and carefully brushed his hand over her cheek.

"Damn, I'm sorry. I just can't keep calm with you in my arms."

Melot focused all what was left of his mind to get to his senses. He needed to stop this. Something was wrong. And he didn't want to start whatever this was with Aurora in a wrong way. 

"I don't know what is happening to me, Aurora. But I fear I can't hold back anymore. I don't want to scare you. I want to make this right. I promised you'd be safe with me and I can't make sure of that if I won't stop now"

Aurora blinked at him, she was confused. Everything was so overwhelming, just too much to comprehend. She was disappointed. No, that didn't match her feelings in the least. She was devastated as she realized it wouldn't happen. Melot didn't want to fuck her.

She didn't even notice, but tears started to run down her cheeks. And Melot jumped up from the bed and crossed the room as if he wanted to be as far away from her as possible.

Aurora tried to find the missing puzzle piece in her mind that led them from moaning into each other's mouths to staring confused at each other within seconds.

Melot took a bottle of water from a small table and slowly and carefully he approached the bed again and held the bottle out to Aurora.

"I am sorry! Please don't think that I don't want to do this. Hell, there's nothing in the world that I want to do more. But I can't. I can't, if I don't want to hurt you. I'm sorry, Aurora."

Aurora saw the pained expression in Melot's face and that's when she knew he wasn't lying. She took a sip of the water and tried to calm down.

She nodded. "It's okay, Melot! It's been a long night. Would you mind bringing me home?"

Melot had held Aurora in his arms for a couple of minutes. He pressed small kisses on her wet cheeks. But finally the storm in his head was over. He knew he had made the right decision.

He helped her get up from the bed, helped her get dressed and led her back to the club. 

It was early in the morning by now, the dance floor and booths weren't that crowded anymore as when they had left for Melot's room. He was searching for Maria, but apparently she had already left the club.

Melot never let go of Aurora's arm as they climbed the stairs to the entrance and got her coat. Melot's car was standing right in front of the club. He opened the door of his 1969 black Camaro and Aurora just slumped into the seat. She hadn't spoken a word since they had left his room.

The silence continued the whole ride until Melot stopped in front of Tara's house.

He helped her get out of the car and accompanied her to the door. He could kick himself for how much he had messed up tonight. He wanted to make her feel better. But he knew Aurora would need some time. So he just pressed a kiss on her forehead and squeezed a business card into her hand.

"Get some sleep. After that, please call me. We need to talk." He gave her another kiss, just a small peck brushing over her lips. Then his gaze fell on her wrist. The wounds his fangs had left were barely noticeable.  He hoped everything that happened tonight would fade as fast as this wound. He needed to find a way to make up for tonight's disaster. 

Aurora gave Melot a small smile before she turned.

The moment the door shut behind her, Aurora sank onto the floor. This was definitely the strangest, most wonderful and the most embarrassing day of her life.

The quiet moment only lasted for seconds. Aurora heard an angry voice shouting at her.

"You're a blood whore and a vampire slut. Get out of my house!"

Aurora opened her eyes to see how her sister took one of Aurora's boxes and threw it in her direction. It smashed to the ground with a loud bang. 

Aurora was just too tired to fight, so she stood up as if she were in a trance, took the box and left the house.

When she was standing in the front yard she blinked at the morning sun and had no idea what to do.

Part 5

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[kotonoba]

ISYT (Jushiro/Fem!Reader) Ch. 44

Tumblr & their "Go Ad-Free" campaign taking up the whole page. On a different note, I did write a few chapters, but one issue follows another, to the point I'm experiencing wisdom teeth pain. I hope your New Year has been treating you well.

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You receive an urgent recall from your husband- Captain from a Hell Butterfly. You calculate the route from the news office to the first division barracks. Initially, you thought you were in trouble. You took the shortest route, where a few people blocked your way or stopped you just to chat. You knocked on the door; you heard a frenzied stomp from anxious pacing to open the door. From your monotonous world, you could see fear paint his features, hit by a truck of relief, pulling you into a tight embrace as he closed the door behind you. “‘Shiro, what’s wrong?” 

“I thought you were taken too,” he breathed. You felt his heart pound aggressively, almost out of his chest. You peered over his shoulders when you felt some huffs; it was the head captain. 

“‘Too’?” You questioned curiously, gently patting your husband’s back to reassure him and with attempts to make him let go of you because the Head Captain may be looking at you two with distaste, but you couldn’t read him. But this only caused your husband to hug you tighter; despite his frail body, he’s very strong. 

“Orihime-chan disappeared in the Dangai, and the two escortees said an Arrancar attacked them in the Dangai,” Jushiro whispered, his embrace tightened even more. You suppose he was worried that you would escort her back to the human world because you were interested in her during her training. 

You would respond before the head captain cleared his throat, shifting Jushiro’s attention from you to the screen. You supposed he was the bearer of bad news for the friends of Orihime-chan. You watched your unwilling husband let you go as he straightened his attire and put on a more severe look before connecting to the human realm. 

You stood off to the side to watch, out of sight of others. But you couldn’t escape the curiosity of the head captain who stood relatively close to you as you leaned against the wall, “why do you resign yourself to just a healer who cares after paperwork and not use your power for the greater good?” The question caught you off guard; it took you a second before you turned toward him and pointed at yourself. 

“You’re– you’re talking to me, Head Captain?” 

“No one else here is not busy besides you; yes, I am talking to you.”

You tried to stay out of the spotlight because that’s what your zanpakuto spirit always told you. You also didn’t want trouble either. But now that the head captain caught onto you, you couldn’t escape it more, “my ability is not suitable for battle. I’m not good at fighting,” you lied. 

You held his gaze, hoping he didn’t see through you, “have you ever considered sparring with your peers?” You turn towards him and give him a lopsided smile. 

“I don’t quite get along with them, and I–” 

Jushiro cut you off during your excuses; only he could see through you trying to avoid any fights, “I spar with her on and off; don’t worry, Head Captain.” Jushiro smiled, “The floor is yours, now, if you’ll excuse me,” his smile could probably kill a few people if they weren’t immune to his charms. You never said you were; it’s just that the atmosphere was pressuring you too much. So much so that it was Jushiro who pulled you out of the barracks, “are you okay, love?” 

As you were rushed out of the room, you felt a spark of anger from Jushiro. Usually, you can understand why he was upset, but not in this instant, “why are you so upset, ‘Shiro? The Head Captain, in a sense, was probably worried I didn’t know any form of self-defense,” you defended. 

“But that’s also implying that I can’t protect you and my division simultaneously, which I can. That’s why I’m upset. I don’t want him to imply anything; I can protect my wife and my division just fine.” You smiled in response, but you understood why the head captain would be worried; with Jushiro having such a sickly body, who wouldn’t?

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Cloudy's AO3

[servantofclio]

Favorite books I read in 2023

I saw @asaara-writes missing my book posts, and looked back through my tags, and indeed I haven't done any in a while.

Also I seem to have kind of gotten out of the habit of posting on tumblr at all? I'm not sure what's up with that, I am definitely here pretty much every day!

It looks like I talked about books in some meme responses at Christmas, so let's go with:

THINGS CLIO READ: 2023 EDITION

Here are brief notes on things I read and enjoyed (not a complete list of things I have read this year):

Fonda Lee, Jade Legacy: Sequel to Jade City and Jade War and concludes the trilogy, and what a conclusion! The world and timeframe of the series just keeps expanding and delivers character arcs and an ending I found immensely satisfying.

T. Kingfisher, Illuminations: The author in young-adult mode, featuring a family who create magic through painted images. When a long-hidden family secret gets out, it could mess up everything, unless they can put their heads together and figure out a solution. Charmingly quirky and lovable characters, highly enjoyable.

Max Gladstone, Dead Country: I am totally here for more Craft Sequence always. This book takes our original heroine Tara Abernathy home again, older and more experienced. Really interesting to return to her close first-person perspective after several multi-perspective books, and very cool to see her now in a mentoring role.

Fonda Lee, The Jade Setter of Janloon: Novella set in the Green Bone universe, this gives us a great look at the world from the point of view of someone on the edges of the Green Bones' conflicts.

Kate Elliott, Furious Heaven: The second volume of her "gender-flipped Alexander the Great in space" series. I feel like I never see anyone talking about this, and I think she's doing great things with the characters and a sprawling space opera setting. This book left me really curious how far she's going to follow Alexander's historical career.

R. F. Kuang, Babel: This book is incredible. Magic here revolves around translation, and so a young Chinese boy is adopted by a British scholar and raised to be fluently bilingual; eventually he is sent to the great translation center in 19th-century Oxford. Here he and his peers, however, find themselves at the core engine of British imperialism, with all the ethical dilemmas that come with it. The book really captures the joy and camaraderie that can come through scholarship, but also has very sharp things to say about imperialism and exploitation. Intensely emotional, I'm happy to provide warnings/spoilers if desired.

Ann Leckie, Translation State: A much lighter take on translation, this is set in the Imperial Radch universe and, to my delight, explores what's up with the incredibly weird Presger translators. I don't really want to give anything more away; this was a really fun ride.

Arkady Martine, Rose/House: Super creepy novella involving a famous architect's AI-controlled house. Tons of mood and atmosphere.

Katherine Addison, The Witness for the Dead and The Grief of Stones: Two books picking up one of the side characters from The Goblin Emperor (which is also wonderful) and following his new routine. Thara Celehar's ability to touch a dead person and see their memories puts him in a role of problem-solver and sometime-investigator. These books are wonderfully humane and surround the protagonist with an array of compelling friends, colleagues, and clients.

All of these are recommended!

[fischerbees]

Bite Me! - a lavashipping fanfic

[A/N after a long time I'm trying to post a fic on tumblr again, so bear with me :D gotta remember the steps...]

A werewolf AU with a sprinkle (a blizzard) of lavashipping because there is nothing else in my brain. Hopefully with a touch of mystical mystery! I'm trying to give it my own twist :]

Synopsis: On a simple quest to retrieve a few scrolls from an abandoned library, Cole and Kai get swarmed by a bunch of wild wolves. Lucky for them, their injuries aren't life-threatening. Unlucky for everyone, they begin to pick up strange new habits. And nights with moonlight crowning the night sky become sleepless.

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence! gore? I think it could be enough to be called that. food consumption issues...

Cross-posted on ao3 and wattpad!

[chapter 1 word count: 1185]

I. Hunted

Except for the path they followed, the forest was thick with lush trees. Their needles rustled as Kai and Cole pushed the branches out of their faces. Twigs snapped under their feet, almost muting the sound of their breathing. The forest was silent as if it was holding its breath. Something about the quizzical atmosphere made even Kai quiet down.

Funnily enough, it was Cole who broke the silence, despite being the one welcoming it with open arms any other time, “All right, am I the only one who thinks it's weird there's literally nothing? Shouldn't there be birds and deers, does, and fawns, and stuff?”

“We probably just scared them off.”

“We would hear that, though.”

“Jeez, Cole, what's your problem? At least there's no trouble.”

“It's weird.”

“You're weird.”

“And you're even weirder.” Despite the lack of any echo, their voices seemed to rumble through the whole place, almost shaking it like an earthquake. Cole was certain they were not being obscenely loud, although the forest seemed to disagree. They wrecked the stillness of the place like a thunder. Something about it made his nerves tingle, made all his hair rise, while he could not spot anything remotely dangerous. All he knew at the moment was that they had to get back to the others as fast as possible and get away from the strange place as far as possible.

Kai snorted, about to poke fun at Cole, who just caught his arm and made them both come to a stop. “Did you hear that?”

“For the sake of spinjitzu, Cole–” Rolling his eyes, Kai turned around, only to freeze on the spot. His eyes were glued to another pair of eyes staring right back at him. The forest was not significantly dark, they arrived around noon, yet the wolf’s eyes still seemed to glow. Cole did not hesitate to follow Kai’s stare.

“How did we not…?”

“Because you were too busy complaining that there's nothing !” It was probably not the best time to be glad about Kai’s volume coming back. But hearing his usual intense tone brought a sense of familiar comfort.

“Calm down before you freak him out!”

Until he felt claws sink through his clothes into his skin, Kai had no idea there were more than one. When he managed to get the second wolf off himself, he learnt that they were not only surrounded, they were absolutely outnumbered. And even when there were so many that Kai could not even see Cole anymore, more and more wolves still seemed to be coming. Kai tried to fight them off but all that did was help them get his skin torn until he felt his blood dripping all over his body as if he just got out of a bloody shower.

“Cole!” he yelled over all the growls and barks and snarls to no avail. All he could see was silver fur and their sharp pearl white teeth and claws. Their eyes seemed almost dead despite the shine but the burning of his wounds was more than enough to confirm that they were, in fact, very much alive and bloodthirsty.

Their bodies kept smashing into him, knocking the wind out of his lungs until he was not even able to call for his teammate. To top it all off, all the sudden noise gave Kai a headache, as if there was not enough piercing pain. If he does not stand his ground, it all might as well be over.

After throwing off another one with a growl of his own, Kai noticed a living pile at the bottom of which surely must be Cole. It was the exact scenario replaying in his head whenever one of his feet lost touch with the ground.

And it couldn't be good, especially once he heard a pained cry that was unmistakably Cole’s. A cry that haunted his days and nights.

“ Cole! ” He had no time to ponder over the fact that there was zero echo, as if they were in open space and not surrounded by hundreds of trees. Once again there was this burning feeling inside his chest threatening to swallow him whole from the inside until he redirected it into his hands and onto the wolves. The pain mixed with frustration was blinding.

Physical strength was not going to be of any use, however, fire was a very effective way to fight his way out. Soon their growls changed into yowling and their numbers went down as they ran back into the trees where they came from. Kai began firing at the pile over Cole with no mercy for the animals until they were all gone and burning and slowly the forest fell silent back again. He didn’t worry about where the animals had gone, once his vision cleared again, all of his focus was on Cole. A habit that surprisingly did not get him killed yet. Although it got close a few times.

“Cole.” Both of their gis were torn into shreds with blood seeping all around, getting easily lost in their respective colours. Kai dropped to his knees next to Cole and as carefully as he could, turned him around. For the sake of his sanity, he tried to mute out whines and avoid looking at the raw wounds but one called for his attention nevertheless. Cole was clutching his shoulder with blood running all over his arm and when Kai finally pried his hand away to check it, he saw a bite mark. Most likely the reason for the yell.

Kai never had an issue with seeing blood and all kinds of wounds, he was used to administering first aid, it was all a sole part of his life, however, the thumping of his heart and all the adrenaline rushing through his veins and seeing Cole covered head to toe in blood made him sick to his stomach. He never should have tried to ignore his gut, the forest was weird and they had to get the fuck away from whatever was going on in there before they get tangled into another huge mess.

Ironically, it was supposed to be a quick and simple mission. As per usual.

He should have known better. Now Cole was clenching his jaw shut in pain. Lucky for them both, he didn't have to struggle with his sleeve for too long to tear off some to tie the wound. It should be enough for the quick walk back to the rest of the team.

“Where the fuck did they come from?” Cole muttered, his breath rigid. He had only on eye opened to stare at Kai.

“No idea.” Kai took his not-really uninjured hand and helped Cole get back up, supporting him to continue on their way. “Come on, we shouldn't be far from the others, we'll get you patched up.”

“You need patching up yourself, you look like a mess.”

“A hot mess, baby. Come on.”

Cole spat out some blood. “I am so going to murder Jay for this.”

“Well, we are a team, so I gotta help you with that.”

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Masterlist Next chapter >

[venzilanddeathcult]

AWESOME SHIT IVE BEEN LISTENING TO RECENTLY HAVE A PEEP ! ! ! !! !

LONG POST COMING UP UH OH

too lazy to make that 2023 retrospective just yet so instead i'll talk about some of the albums i heard for the first time recently

MEET THE RESIDENTS

(by The Residents)

got sent this album by a moot and it's honestly one of the most fucking interesting things i've ever heard, it has this kind of silly but nicely off putting sound with the first half being this mish mash of some really odd (and enjoyable) songs that all kinda join up together with some really nice transitions and the second one having longer more ""conventional"" (for this album at least) separate songs, my favorite of which being the one i linked

some seriously good shit i'd recommend anyone reading to give it a listen even if it's not your cup of tea (it definitely is mine)

discovering this kinda stuff is one of the reasons i use tumblr in the first place

CHILDREN OF GOD

(By SWANS)

on the replies to one of my previous posts i was told this was one of SWANS' peaks and i can't say i disagree, this album is so FUCKING good every single song on it is brimming with atmosphere and there are so many highlights it's hard to choose just one, considering this album came right after Holy Money (the next album on this list, since i listened to both) it's insane how different this album sounds to their earlier stuff, but it's seriously great. haunting album and extensively memorable, definitely one of my favorite SWANS albums.

on the other side of the coin though...

HOLY MONEY

(By SWANS)

...was probably my least favorite SWANS record! (or maybe Cop)

Mind you, Greed is actually one of my favorites, and i love the way it sounds and how fucking brutal some of the songs on it are, but there's something about Holy Money that really just didn't catch me as much, and i felt the new versions of Greed songs (Fool and Money is Flesh) just really weren't that interesting, and Fool especially kind of diminished the spaciousness i loved so much about the original version.

It's still a very good album (it's SWANS, come on) but it definitely felt like a bit of an afterthought, like leftovers from the previous album that should have just been in it. The live versions of these songs go hard as fuck though listen to PUBLIC CASTRATION IS A GOOD IDEA (yeah) if you want to hear them in their fullest potential. brutal stuff.

and finally..

1000 HURTS

(By Shellac)

I fucking love Shellac's debut (At ACTION PARK), but never explored much of their work aside from it until i saw this album in a moot's top albums list, and got to thinking damn maybe i should listen to more of their stuff, and boy am i glad i did.

It was very very weird hearing Steve Albini sing after being used to Big Black and the first Shellac album, but i think he did a really solid job and i found myself enjoying his vocals a lot throughout the album

the songs were all really mean and noisy and immaculately produced like any proper Steve Albini project (them god damn drums!!!) and i've been compelled to give it a listen every time i scroll past it on my files. good shit. give it a listen