#if I had a working phone I'd put this as my wallpaper

[aestheticaltcow]

Six Months

An attempt at some parenthood angst?

Similarly to the title, this fic has been in my WIP folder for a minute; it went through a handful of edits. I'd like to think this is good enough for y'all.

 Carmy sat in the office staring at the paperwork Sugar needed his signature on; when he saw the date on his phone, it hit him—today marked six months. Six months of parenthood and six months of celibacy, to say Carmy was sexually frustrated, was an understatement. “Hey Carm, did you- are you okay?” Sugar asked when she caught him staring blankly at his phone. He didn’t respond until she put her hand on his shoulder. Her touch snapped him out of his trance. He looked at her before quickly apologizing, “Sorry, what were you sayin'?” Sugar grinned as she patted his shoulder, “You okay, Bear?”

Carmy nodded and straightened up in his desk chair, “Yea- just thinkin’ bout the baby.”

Carmy got home from work late. He quietly slipped his jacket off, and hung it on the coat rack before removing his shoes. Walking down the hallway, he slipped into the nursery, knowing the baby would be asleep. He found it impossible not to be happy in her room. The walls were decorated with vintage floral wallpaper you’d bought off Etsy, it may have been a pain in the ass to put up, but Carmy happily obliged when he saw how happy it had made you. He crept to his baby girl’s crib and felt the day's stress disappear. She was peacefully sleeping in a light pink sleep sack, furiously sucking away on her pacifier. “Sweet dreams, princess,” he whispered. “I love you.” 

The joy of watching his daughter sleep faded away as he approached the askew door to the master bedroom the two of you shared. “I’m home, baby.” Carmy grinned as he walked toward the open closet door, “Hi, Carm.” you called from the bathroom. When he entered the bathroom, you were brushing your teeth. As the mix of salvia and toothpaste residue dripped from your mouth Carmy’s breath hitched- was this enough to get him goin’? He shook his head as he pulled his shirt off and threw it in the laundry hamper before turning on the shower.

“How was work, babe?” you asked before bringing a small cup of mouthwash to your lips. Carmy watched as you swished it around your mouth and spit it into the sink. “Carmy?” you asked again; he swallowed. “Yeah, uh, it was good. Busy,” he answered as you hopped up on the counter. You were desperate for adult interaction after being home with the baby all day. 

“Mia, have a good day?” Carmy questioned. You nodded, “We did some laundry, then had mashed pears for lunch- she did. I had that leftover pasta sauce you made... Read a couple books and went on a walk... Then did her bedtime routine, and I worked on that stupid documentary I was telling you about.” 

As you recounted your day, Carmy nodded, but he was staring at your chest, barely hearing what you said. You’d been wearing one of his old T-shirts. He noticed how prominent your nipples were under the soft, worn-in material. He was captivated by the fullness of your breasts, and he’d do just about anything to touch them again. “Carm, you okay?” you asked, hopping down from the counter; he nodded. “Wanna get in with me?” he asked cocking his head in the direction of the running shower. You giggled, “Maybe next time, bear.”

“Oh fuck-” Carmy grunted as he worked his hand up and down his length. He felt like a teenager again, masturbating in the shower before going to school. However, now, instead of imagining the unrealistic scenarios he’d see in pornos, he had memories of you. Carmy thought back to the last time you’d really touched him. Heavily pregnant, hormonal, begging for his tongue and his cock… he’d expected a shift in your sex life as the two of you adjusted to parenthood, but this long of a dry spell was the last thing he’d expected. Carmy squeezed his eyes closed as he came down the drain.

~

“Good morning, princess.” Carmy cooed as Mia squirmed in her crib, trying to get out of her sleep sack. She spat her pacifier out and let out a gruggle. “So it’s one of those mornings?” he chuckled as he unzipped her. He watched her stretch before carefully picking her up, “See, you’re okay.” he rocked her gently before exiting the nursery and heading downstairs. 

You were making coffee and prepping a bottle for Mia as he entered the kitchen. “You’re off today, right?” Carmy nodded in response before handing you Mia. “You goin’ to work?” he questioned, as he got two mugs from the cabinet. You groaned in response, “Jenny called off, so I have to go in. I’ll be back before bedtime.”

“Well, looks like Mia and I are havin' some Daddy-Daughter time,” you smiled as Carmy gently kissed her head before going to get the milk from the fridge. When you’d met Carmy all those years ago at some trendy Chicago bar, you found him incredibly alluring. His disheveled curls, the mix of some musky cologne and cigarette smoke, the way his T-shirt wrapped around his muscular arms… he’d always been… sexy. But watching him interact with Mia was a different kind of attractive.

Carmy drummed his thumbs on the handlebar of the grocery cart. He scanned the shelf before him as Mia happily made her baby noises as she looked around the aisle. “Okay, princess… they don’t have almond extract. What kind of grocery store doesn’t have fuckin’ almond extract.” Mia put her hands out to Carmy, grabbing at the air. Carmy chuckled and ducked to kiss her cheek.

“Oh my gosh, she’s too precious.” a sickly, sweet feminine voice cooed from behind Carmy. He grinned when he turned his attention to her, “How old is she?” she asked. Carmy got a good look at the woman; she was pretty, but she wasn’t you. “Oh, uh, she’s six months,” he answered as the woman stepped closer. She smelled like cheap vanilla and a mix of flowery scents Carmy couldn’t place. Mia glared at the woman, and Carmy scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “I’m Selena. I’m in this parenting group. You should stop by.” she smiled as she looked him up and down. The attention made Carmy regret not regularly wearing his wedding ring. “I’m not really the par-” Carmy started to say before Selena cut him off. “I’m not takin’ no as an answer. What’s your number?” she handed him her phone. 

Carmy didn’t know why he gave her his number- could he blame it on feeling uncomfortable? Was that even the right thing to do? It’s not like he’d ever do anything with this woman. He’d never throw away his marriage to you by hooking up with some woman he met at the grocery store. The reality of Carmy's actions didn’t hit him until he was in the checkout line. He gave his phone number to another woman- was that cheating on you? Did doing that in front of his daughter make him a bad father? “Okay, your total is $63.82.” the cashier smiled. Carmy nodded and swiped his card. He needed to get out of there as quickly as possible so he wouldn’t run into Selena again.

~

It had been a couple of weeks since Carmy’s interaction at the grocery store. He’d noticed Selena’s text messages here and there. They seemed innocent until one Friday night, he was working late, you were home with the baby, and Selena had sent Carmy an explicit picture, hoping it would get his attention.

We’re both parents. 

I’m not looking for anything serious, Carmy…

My son is at his Dad’s place

Come over <3

Carmy stared at the messages before his eyes went up to the attached photo. Selena had the hem of her T-shirt between her teeth, showing off her toned stomach. He swallowed as he admired the contrast between her skin and the brightly colored fabric of her lacy underwear. He should block her. He should just delete the messages and block her number. He had a wife and baby at home—he couldn’t make this kind of mistake. He locked his phone and shoved it in his pocket before returning to the kitchen cleanup, “Hey Carm, I can finish this up. Go home.” Sweeps grinned as he attempted to connect his phone to the Bluetooth speaker on the counter. Carmy grinned, “You sure, man?” Sweeps nodded assuringly. “I think I can handle this boss man.” 

You heard Carmy walk into the bedroom that night, “Hey babe!” you called as you put your blowdryer in its designated spot by the sink. As the bathroom door swung open, Carmy’s lips were on yours. The initial shock wore off as Carmy’s tongue invaded your mouth, and his hands pushed under the hem of your sleep shorts to grasp at your ass cheeks. Carmy pulled you closer to him, forcing you onto your tip toes. You wrapped your arms around his neck, fingers delicately tangling in the roots of his hair. The passionate kiss ended when Carmy started to kiss down your jaw. A giggle escaped your mouth as his lips brushed against your earlobe before he nipped at your neck. “Carm-m what got into you?” you croaked as you adjusted your hips against his.

 “I need you, baby,” he muttered, lifting you off the floor. You squealed as he crashed down onto your mattress. He hovered above your body, staring into your eyes. “I need to be inside you, baby.” he swallowed hard as you bit your lip. “Carmyyy,” you giggled as you watched him pull his t-shirt off. You ran a finger down his chest, making him moan softly.

 “Let me make you feel good, baby…” Carmy whispered in your ear as one of his hands found its way into your oversized sleep shirt. Your breath hitched when you felt his calloused fingertips graze your ribs. " I-I—" you studdered nervously. “Baby…please.” Carmy quietly asked as his lips brushed against yours. “No.” you whispered as you grabbed his wrist through your shirt, “What?” Carmy questioned as he stood up abruptly, “Did I do something? We haven’t done anything in like six months- clearly I did something wrong. Just tell me so I can fix it!” Carmy raised his voice as his eyebrows knit together in frustration. 

You propped yourself on your elbows and watched as he picked up his shirt from the floor, “Carmen, please don’t yell at me.” you said calmly. You watched as he rolled his eyes and paced before you, “Baby. I want to have sex with you. I need to have sex with you-” Carmy groaned as he pushed his hands over his face into his hair. Your eyes narrowed, “Carmen. I had a baby-”

 “I KNOW! I fucking know! You had my baby, but now you don’t even want to fuckin’ shower with me! I get it- pregnancy was hard, and then giving birth was hard, and now being a mom is hard.” Carmy started staring at the ceiling while he expressed himself. He took a breath and turned to look at you; regret washed over him when he noticed you were on the verge of tears. “Baby, please don’t cry…” he pleaded as he knelt by the bed. He reached for your hand, but you pulled away before he could grab it, “Sorry, I don’t want to fuck you after taking care of your baby all day.” you spat. Carmy closed his eyes and took another breath trying to compose himself before saying something dumb, “How dare I fail to meet my wifely duties.” you angrily laughed as you stood up. 

You crossed your arms over your chest and stared as Carmy got up. “Baby, I didn’t—" you cut Carmy off with a groan. “Shut up, Carmen. You don’t get to speak to me like that.”

Carmy sighed and stepped closer to you, as he reached out for your hips only for you to slap his hands away. “Don’t touch me.” you glared at him, “Fuck this.” Carmy muttered under his breath as he pulled his shirt back on over his head. “What do you mean ‘fuck this’?” you questioned as Carmy exited the bedroom, “I need air.” Carmy called back to you.

You moved to your bedroom window to see Carmy walking toward his car in the driveway. He got in and pulled his phone out of his jacket pocket. 

Send me your address.

[frost-link]

can I ask for a Sidon x reader where the reader is from our world and still has a phone? Just something cute about reader teaching Sidon how a phone works and maybe Sidon comforting reader when she feels homesick

So this is the first time I've ever made a request so if it's stupid please ignore

What an interesting idea! I'd love to write this! I'll be writing in a headcanon format! This one is mainly just silly, I hope it's okay! ^^

The Power of Technology - Sidon X Reader

Sidon is immediately fascinated when you show him your weird glowing brick that looks like a sheikah slate, or how else would he put it... a Purah Pad? He knows that Link has one too. You try to explain that it is a "phone" and only you have one. Sidon just goes along with it because he has no idea how new technology works, but he'll try to understand!

He's amazed how you have everything by the power of your finger tip on such a small device. Despite not having any service or internet in their world, Sidon thinks that your phone is something out of a sci-fi child story.

When your phone dies for the first time and he learns that they need to be charged by electricity, he suggests that you leave your phone outside during a thunderstorm so it could "charge".

Once Sidon learns how to use your phone, the man immediately loves watching silly videos you had saved on your phone before you came to Hyrule. He will 100% watch the same video on loop for hours on end.

"Wow! Such wonderful art! It's like real life!" Sidon would exclaim looking in your camera roll. You would have to explain that these are "photos" not drawings. Sidon didn't believe you at first.

Oh... You poor thing... Now that Sidon has discovered the magic of the camera on your phone, he will sneak your phone and take hundreds of pictures, half of them being himself with his silly cheeky smile. You'll wake up to a message on your phone about your storage being "full", you'll know why.

You'll both scroll through your phone's camera roll together. Sidon will see ones of you back in your world and will have so many questions. Looking back on these photos will make you emotional, as much as you love Hyrule and Sidon, you do get homesick.

When you're homesick, Sidon will grab your phone out of your hand and take a silly picture of himself and change your wallpaper to himself. "Look my love! You can now look at me whenever you open your phone!" He would say with a silly grin. The photo would be taken at the worst angle, yet it would make you laugh, making you feel better.

You have a mix of different songs saved on your phone but Sidon had decided that he liked a certain band the most. In the early hours of the morning, you'll hear him softly sing to himself "Weeeee are the champions!!" Low and Behold... The band was Queen.

He 100% listens to the same song on loop, and he'll NEVER get tired of that song. "It's a catchy song! How could you NOT want to sing it?"

When you are on your phone at night, he's shocked at just how bright it is. "What is that thing even made of??"

Both of you will cuddle at night sometimes watching a movie or two. You only have a few, Sidon doesn't mind rewatching. He finds it amazing how you can record life on it and then watch it on such a tiny screen.

[simmonsized]

🥑🌻🪐🥐☁️🎨 🧩 for Writers Truth & Dare Ask Game

1. 🥑 ⇢ you accidentally killed somebody, which mutual(s) do you text for help?

Probably the members of my Broblematic server (@outofstrings (bird and fae collectively, u may know of the Post-Cal ask blog), @future-geometries (Jess u are the first person I thought of) and definitely @alexharrier , who I think would probably hide me from the law even if I didn't explain the crime. I am not including beloved @chaton-katreal because I think she is too gentle, i would not want to muck up her life with murder!)

Or you know, my actual partner @notanotherdoodleblog probably LOL

All fantastic people, worth of hiding crimes.

2. 🌻 ⇢ tag someone you appreciate but don't talk to on a regular basis

Honestly most of my friends are pretty busy adulting 8( so we don't get to talk as much as I'd like to. @eggwyrt because our timezones are almost earth opposites. I love u!!!! I miss you!!

3. 🪐 ⇢ name three good things going on in your life right now

- I've got two real life best friends that I get together with and have coffee every weekend together, and sometimes do other things, and this is significant to me because adulthood makes it hard to keep friends, let alone see them.

- I got into the marine ecology lab at my school that I have been pushing for entrance into, despite missing a pre-req. I get to be on a boat for eight hours next quarter! Woohoo!

- I got fanart for a fic I am very proud of but very rarely interact with anybody about, which has boosted my confidence and made me feel really good, and each comment I've gotten since they posted the art has made my heart sing extra loud!

4. 🥐 ⇢ name one internet reference that will always make you laugh

Tbh I can't think of anything off the top of my head. My partner and I met through RVB, however, so we reference old seasons to each other fairly regularly, and I like to think we have a pretty good time c:

5. ☁️ ⇢ what made you choose your username?

(i do not even like Simmons that much but it's a solid username and now is part of my brand. also I am classically a blue team girly lol)

6. 🎨 ⇢ link your favourite piece of fanart and explain why you like it

This is an impossible task. Insurmountable, even. There are several!! Many!!! How can I pick one?? So I will list a few:

A. Everything anyone has ever drawn for my fanfics at all ever.

B. SPECIFICALLY everything @alexharrier has drawn for me, ever. Especially specially specially these two gifs which actually make me fucking insane every time I see them.

Honestly, this had me making sounds so incoherent only dogs could hear them, years ago when I did not consider my fic would be special to anyone. I really really really treasure them.

Also both my birthday gifts, Bro at Disneyland, and Bro at Home Depot 💕

C. This artwork for RNG chapter 66, from @101-sve . It is also special to me, and it's been my wallpaper on my phone ever since c: the atmosphere, the warmth, the halo of their hair i just... Yeah!!!!

D. Recent, probably familiar still, this Holy Fucking Shit Beautiful Atmospheric work of art for metempsychosis!!!! by @askinsufferableprickmod . I really actually cannot stop looking at it. It's so gorgeous, and honestly even if it had nothing to do with me I would still be in love with it. The concept of the kids are Gods, as beings outside the mortal world they made for themselves, all that is visible here, and I really really love it!

* I know all of these are things people have drawn for me, for my content, but honestly that is why they are my favorites! It is touching to see someone put heart into something that is related to something you, yourself, also put heart into!!! I love it!!!! I love these talented artists!!!!!

ALSO: we all know Theater of Coolty, but it is so beloved to me, I can recite it in my sleep lol.

7. 🧩 ⇢ what will make you click away from a fanfiction immediately

On top of the other reasons I said I don't like things, you do actually have to convince me 6 times outta 10 if you want me to read a Homestuck fic in the third person. There is just something to the flavor of 2nd person that hits different. There is a reason different perspectives exist, and I think they can all be utilized well, but something about that classic, well-patterned "you, and then you" just gets me, you know?

[moonblossom]

Where I've been for a week...

This gets graphic about physical injury below the cut, so please don't read if that's something you're not up for right now. TL;DR I fell down the stairs and massively fucked up both my legs.

So last Tuesday, I was working from home as I usually do. I went upstairs to have a coffee and some banana bread my dad made. While up there, I realised I'd forgotten to set my work phone to DND so I hurried up and ran down the stairs to my room where my office is.

Big mistake.

The stairs into my room are varnished wood, awkward heights, and not very well lit. I slipped and missed my footing, which has happened a million times before.

This is where things get unpleasant. Read on with caution.

Somehow, both the tibia and fibula in my right leg snapped in half with enough force to drive them both through the front of my shin.

I was in and out of consciousness, but I do remember being surrounded by what felt like 40 EMTs (was closer to ten according to my folks - three ambulances showed up), one of whom was utterly charmed by my lizard. He looked about twelve. Bless him for distracting me while one of his partners cut open my favourite lounge pants and shoved the bones back inside my leg. I was not wearing underwear at the time.

We get to the Montreal General Hospital in... mediocre time, due to a fuckton of construction and detours. Bienvenue a Montreal, fuck right off.

They put me straight into a trauma unit and pumped me full of fentanyl and antibiotics. I vaguely remember one of the EMTs referring to my pain level as a "fifteen out of ten". They checked my entire body to make sure nothing else was injured, both manual and ultrasound to make sure I still had my spleen and shit. Thankfully, all my innards are still functional. They cut the remaining shreds of my pants off but managed to get my tank top off without too much drama. Someone was kind enough to drape a hospital gown over my boobs and... possibly my crotch? I was in too much pain to give a crap at this point.

They manage to take a few x-rays while I curse them and their ancestors and the hospital and just... the entire fucking world, and then fill me up with some delightful cocktail of propofol and ketamine. I remember very little after this point, but apparently they yanked my leg into place, noticing my right left ankle was severely sprained in the process. So that was fun. Apparently I cursed a bunch more, and made a bunch of jokes that were likely inappropriate but broke the tension I guess?

I "woke up" from the cocktail feeling like I was underwater, and then convinced I was inside Disney Dreamlight Valley, which frankly was a lovely way to come out of sedation. I think I was picking flowers with Mirabel Madrigal.

At some point during all this nonsense my mother managed to get in touch with my boss who was adamant that I take as long as needed, which was a good thing. My dad came to the hospital with me but they wouldn't let him into the trauma unit. It was very chaotic and crowded and likely gross to watch so I get it.

After the realignment, they pushed my gurney to the space between X-Ray and CT to get better scans. They were both occupied so I sat in the hall for a few minutes and vaguely remember saying "Bonjour, hi!" and "Can I help you?" to random people who passed me. Once a retail worker, always a retail worker, apparently.

CT confirmed I also had a broken bone in my left foot. They moved me into ER main, put a boot on the left and bandaged up the wound. I was told I'd need surgery but they were so overwhelmed (ER was like at 160% capacity or something) so they had no idea when I'd be cleared.

They brought me dinner which claimed to be frittata and mashed potatoes but I'm fairly certain was actually upholstery foam and wallpaper paste. Thankfully it was so unappetizing I didn't eat more than a few bites, because my nurse was like "Hey so you're next on the OR list. If they ask if you ate, say no." XD Bless you Meagan, you saved my arse multiple times. You are a sarcastic, foul-mouthed, adorable angel among nurses (and really all the nurses were lovely). About an hour later they wheel me up to the ER, wash me down as best they can, and start prepping me. I meet the surgeon, who is as brusque and no-nonsense as orthopedic surgeons tend to be, but he did take the time to explain the whole procedure and risks, and make sure I was comfortable and understood.

What they were gonna do was drill down through my knee and insert a titanium rod down the centre of the entire tibia. The fibula was close enough and a clean enough break that it could rely on the tibia's stabilisation. Fun note about this particular surgery - you can walk on it within days of it being installed. No cast or anything!

The anaesthetist suggested a sedative and a spinal block (similar to an epidural) rather than a full unconscious anaesthetic because of my medical history and they're just generally less dangerous. However, it turns out the sheath around my synovial spaces in my spine is made out of fucking Kevlar or something. They bent SEVEN NEEDLES trying to get a shot in. Took about 45 minutes. I was numb so it was nbd but it was like... ten PM at this point and everyone was tired so when the anaesthetist was like "I think we should do a general" I was like "sign me the fuck up where's the consent form" I woke up a few hours later in the PACU (post-anaesthetic care unit) with a titanium upgrade, 37 staples in four separate locations, an incredibly fashionable thigh-high bandage, and my mother at my side. I faded in and out for about an hour and then remember being in a tiny little private room with its own bathroom. A total luxury in our older hospitals (The MGH as an institution has been around since the 1800s and the building I was in was built in 1955 - the bathroom even had adorable black and white tiling typical of the bathrooms of that era). That's pretty much all the dramatic bits of the story. They kept me for a week working with nurses, orthopedic residents, and physiotherapists until they were comfortable enough that I could move around enough at home to attend to my basic needs. I have crutches, a walker, a rolling commode so I can do the needful literally a foot from my med, a desk that slides over my bed, and thankfully two incredibly patient and indulgent parents. I'm fairly certain they never expected to be cleaning their 42 year old daughter's poop out of a bucket, but what can you do?

If anyone is genuinely curious, I have photos and would be willing to write up the hospital stay itself but 90% of it will be me complaining about the other patients on the ward who screamed at the nurses for everything and if I'd been able to walk I would have smothered with a pillow, or the "food" they tried to feed me which got increasingly inedible as the week went on.

If you've read this far, bless you. If you leave a note or message me I'll do my best to reply but I'm floating in and out of a dilaudid-infused haze so it might be a while.

At this point I'm not too proud (or possibly I've just lost whatever shame I had left when they cut my pants off), if you feel like sending me a get-well gift my amazon wishlists are here: general wishes | https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/1K85M74WULR1N?ref_=wl_share

craft supplies | https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/PXBKTW4UK0AQ?ref_=wl_share

US wishlist | https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2MT3KS1ZDZG0O?ref_=wl_share

(stuff will be delivered to my boyfriend and I'll open it whenever I'm allowed to fly down there)

[caprart1]

Bandit looks so cool! Can you please tell us more about him?

YES

I am so THRILLED you asked!! Bandit has been my passion character since high school, and while him and his story are still in development, I'd love to talk more about him!

Bandit is the protagonist of a story I have been working on. He was born in a laboratory that works on splicing together human and animal DNA to create a superhuman species called "chimera" (not sure of that yet, but it's canon for now 😭). From an early age, Bandit always believed that because he was specially made different, he was destined for great things. But he had a tendency for disobedient behavior as a child, which made the laboratory feel uneasy. They eventually decided to "put him down," but his mother, who worked as his caretaker scientist, helped him escape and avoid death. Ever since then, he's survived on his own and has had his heart set on chasing what he believes is his destiny and proving the laboratory wrong to turn their back on him. (He has a habit of smoking and drinking though to cope with his feelings of rejection)

And that's Bandit's backstory! For his costume, as a kid he liked to watch older wild west films, and he feels inspired by the brave gunslingers he used to watch who would get revenge on the people who wronged them. That's why he dresses like a desperado. (When I designed him, I was actually obsessed with Clint Eastwood's films, so that played a major role in making him 🤭)

This is a VERY EARLY concept drawing I made of him when I first came up with his idea. I hated it so much so he's changed a lot 💀

This one is a sketch of what he might look like as a kid

And this is a drawing I made a while back when trying to make a wallpaper for my phone (I ended up just using it as a profile pic for Discord before making my current pic)

There's way more information I've yet to flesh out about him, but those are his basics! I'd really love to one day make a comic of his story or animate it, so you'll definitely be seeing more art of him. Thank you so much for showing interest in Bandit, I hope you enjoyed learning more about him 🫶

[bookns]

Lola! You remind me of the warm gold sun peeking out from behind soft clouds in a purple-streaked sunset. I think of Percy Jackson and the whole wonderful riordanverse when I think of you, and it makes me smile because those books have always been a safe space for me. I think of you and I think of yoyok, I think of wcs, I think of girlhood and loneliness and love and I revel in how lucky I am that the stars aligned for us to meet, two girls with such similar and yet such separate struggles. We’re only a time zone away. You’ve never had Raising Cane’s. I was looking for a new duvet cover online yesterday, and the prettiest one I found (and the one I want to get) was was white with blue ribbons embroidered onto it. Ribbons make me think of you. I see a rose, I see flowers, I see books with lovely covers, I go to my local library and I remember you. You’re the first person I’d tell if I ever did get a job working with books. Footage of the eras tour, listening to Taylor Swift, listening to Maisie Peters- it all comes back to you. I sit waiting for my mom to come pick me up after school and it reminds me of when you wrote that lovely paragraph about me after CIBH came out. My phone died right after, and I was left smiling in disbelief and gratitude and happiness on a school bench. This {💜} reminds me of you. I see the word “darling”, I make a friendship bracelet, I see something purple, and it’s all you. You’re wonderful and lovely and I want to meet you someday and give you the warmest and most caring hug because you deserve it, you really do. xx Maia

I have been waiting till I can properly sit down and reply to this because, holy shit this is the most anyone, on this blog and otherwise has ever written about me.

Knowing how much you love the sky (bestie you have a sky as your wallpaper which says EVERYTHING) so the fact that I remind you of a purple sunset (which you know is my favorite). I love that my safe spaces that were Percy, Annabeth and Silena became yours. I hope you know that I use your photos of yoyok, wcs, my 'vibe' (which I been told that is actually accurate). and CIBH - the fact that you love can I be him s much as I do. I have been working on it for so long, and no one has supported m like you have. I'm not kidding - in my daily life only one person knows I'm Lola (@crystalheart11 hiiii) and no oe knows what can I be him. they know its fanfiction at best and at worst they think I'm writing a novel. you've seen it - my favorite songs are fucking yoyok and you are in love so you KNOW I have been spending my whole life putting it into words. Maia, we became friends under unlikely circumstances. We were girls growing at different planets practically (even if it is only a few hundred miles) but with you being Maia and me being Lola - we came together and I know we will grow to see each other. So much of me is so similar to you. and I'll tell you something - sometimes when I post stuff I know wont get any reblogs, or likes in the back of my mind I think Maia will like it. I don't have to worry. and sure enough you, and a bunch of my other dear darlings like some of my own favorite posts. "Ribbons make me think of you. I see a rose, I see flowers, I see books with lovely covers, I go to my local library and I remember you" Do You ACTUALLY WANT ME TO CRY. We are so timeless coded you know that. that even in a different life we be friends at least thats what I'd like to think. I'm so glad I was the first person you ever told about your dream! we are day girl dreamers together with books in our hands and ribbons in our hair. Maia, here's a secret: I have this section of my diary called 'I did it moments' and so many moments about you are in that. The day you became my beta, the day you told me you wanted chapter 2 of Can I Be Him (ITS COMING I PROMISE). Hell, even my friends (yes the same 'friends from home who don't know what to say) know you. well rather, the 'fan' who is always blowing up my phone' (their words not mine). To me, your such huge part of this blog and therefore me. You keep me smiling because you respond - and your just as girlie as I am and you laugh and you make me laugh and sometimes when I read them at lunch surrounded by people, I feel less alone. No one deserves a hug besides you my favorite darling. I can not wait till we are older, and we will meet each other one day I am almost sure of it.

to my favorite darling: you mean the world to me (or rather the sky)(I WILL always see the sky and think of you)

XOXO Lola <3

[themollyzone]

couch day

It doesn't get to happen much anymore, and that's probably for the best, but every so often, a day with crappy weather and no plans is the perfect day to become the couch. I had an inkling that last Sunday was primed to be a couch day and guarded the blank space on my google cal fiercely. Preparations needed to be made: supplies laid in for the cooking of breakfast, a quick house tidying-up so the prospect of spending all day inside wouldn't be perverted by clutter.

I saw so much live music this past week — Viagra Boys and their openers Kills Birds; Smashing Pumpkins, Jane's Addiction and Poppy; King Gizzard with black midi; and then six hours of DIY rock music put on by Friendship Quest Booking that I also filmed. A lot of sonic energy to absorb and a long time spent on my feet! I also got some strange news related to my current job that was displeasing but also a relief. Meanwhile the weather turned from sunny 60s perfection to a gray wet vibe. Lots of energy was swirling in the air and it was time to hide from it inside.

After knocking out an episode of Infinite Cast, the next order of the day was Minions Brunch. Minions Brunch as a tradition started whenever the first Minions movie came out on streaming (early 2016?) when I insisted we watch the movie at home and also eat brunch. If I recall correctly, the first Minions Brunch's food was a giant potato and egg skillet. This time we did pancakes, to christen the griddle pan that was one of our registry gifts. Griddle pan: perfect registry gift. Just this side of useful, and every time it is used, it will be remembered specifically as a registry gift, containing all the warm memories and latent stress of that wedding season. Oh and the maple syrup we used was also a wedding gift. It's truly abbondanza season at the Wade-O'Brien household.

Minions 2 was actually kind of a banger (eating an edible helped of course). Without the help of something like I Love The '70s, it'll take a movie like Minions 2 to transfer 1970s pop cultural and aesthetic knowledge to the next generation. Tupperware parties, rotary phones, avocado-colored wallpaper, you get the idea. Also I made Chris rewind an action scene because at the very end of it, there was a shot with a huge fluffy dog being walked way in the background and I just couldn't get over it. What a nice bit of scenic texture, totally unnecessary and yet extremely necessary for me, a stoned, dog-loving woman.

We followed up that movie with two more movies about how familial loyalty and organizational obligations are difficult to square with personal desires: The Princess Diaries and The Godfather: Part II. The day melted into a sludge of comfort, and then the comfort became so comfortable that it turned into discomfort with that comfort, as happens inevitably on all couch days.

At one point I paused a movie to talk to my mom on the phone about the work developments I'd been experiencing and she pointed out how I'm in a different stage in my life where said work developments did not have the power to destabilize me the way they did if they happened in, say, my early twenties, and how that was a great accomplishment. This is the Power of Moms: at their best, they have a perspective on your development even more robust than your own, because they've got their entire life experience from before they dragged you out of the womb to draw from, plus they've been watching your sorry ass fall down and get back up again Chumbawamba-style for decades. I bow down to Mom Power. Very humbling, very correct.

The weirdest part of a couch day is when you go to bed, moving from a horizontal position on one piece of furniture to an even more horizontal position on a different piece of furniture. It feels wrong, and yet right. Like I always say, you gotta power down to power up, and now I am ready to spent the last bit of "Q4" going balls 2 the wall.

[throwsomecheeseonit]

20 Years of Clean (Part 5)

Brandon's perspective...

It's been 6 weeks since the High School Reunion. You left Michelle with the promise that you would return and take her out. Just the two of you.

"Thank you for the stimulating conversation," she says, looking up at you with those warm Chocolate eyes. "Stimulating? You're welcome. Look, I have to come to Tampa at the end of September would you like to go out with me?" Vibrations of nerves trembled within me. We had a great night, or at least I thought. She laughed at my jokes, responded to my slight touches, blushed when I was telling my stories. It felt like she was into me. "I'd like that," biting her full bottom lip after her acceptance.

"Great. Could I have your number so I can call you?" Michelle fumbled thru her bag, retrieving her phone. Without a word she handed it to me. A picture of a dark, misty forest as her cell phone wallpaper. I saved it under Brandon ;)

"If you miss me, you can find the schedule for the Kansas City Royals online. They have a schedule of our televised games."

She smiled, I opened my arms for a hug, taking in every last memory I could. She smelled like clean sheets and her hair gave off the scent of wildflowers. "Bye," was all she said as she tucked her hair behind her ear and walked into the night towards the Uber she was sharing with Haley.

Michelle's Anticipation...

It's been almost 6 weeks to the day since I reunited with Brandon. Hales was over helping me find out what to wear for my first date with said stud.

During that time, I've caught a couple of his games. Him, giving a new meaning to sex on a stick. The baseball uniform fit him like a glove. Tight in all the right places. His ass looked like a perfectly shaped marble sculpture and when I watched him play, couldn't take my eyes off of him. The Royal Blue hat he wore, I'm sure, never looked as good as it did on him. I've always been a sucker for men in baseball hats. Every man no matter color, creed or shape looked good in a baseball hat. He just happened to be the only one I'm interested in.

Brandon never called me the nights he played a game, but when he got a break or on a day game he would call me in the afternoon. His deep caramel voice always caught me off guard. To think that he was calling me, that he wanted to call me. That he even had my number, and we were going on a date... my head still couldn't wrap itself around the idea.

"You can't go wrong with black but you did wear black the last time he saw you. Maybe something more girly" Hales looked at my closest, puzzled.

"I was thinking jeans and a fancier top." The overwhelming anxiety that I felt needed to be balanced out by my comfortability. "Where are you even going," Hales asked. She sat on her bed, still thinking about how she could dress me. "I'm not sure. His game is in Tampa today and then he's coming down after."

The whole plan was Brandon was going to play his game. Tommy was going to pick him up and bring him down here for the night. Tomorrow we were all heading up to Tampa together to watch him play a night game, stay the night and drive back to Fort Myers. Brandon fly's out the day we come back. Unfortunately, he'll be in town for maybe 48 hours.

"Wow. He's not going to get any rest. He must really like you if he's going to all this trouble." Hales was holding up a shirt against me to see how it would look. My closest friend knew I was nervous, she threw the shirt on the bed and put her arm around me. "It's going to be okay Michelle. Just be yourself. He's just a man, granted you've wanted him forever but just a man, nonetheless. You're the catch here. Make him work for it. Now, what are we going to do with this hair?"

___________________________________________________________

We ultimately made a compromise. She curled my hair and did my makeup. She always put on way more than what I was used to. She met me halfway, not as heavy but not as light as when I do my own. My outfit consisted of tight, dark washed denim pants and a cut lilac purple cap sleeved shirt that had ruffles. I was comfortable and girly.

When it was time for Haley to go, she insisted on giving me another pep talk. "Just breathe my little grasshopper. You're a freaking catch. Any man would be lucky to have you. Remember, just a man, not some untouchable creature." She hugged me and off she went.

______________________________________________________________

No more than 30 minutes later Brandon sent me a text.

"See you in 5 ;)"

A sense of calm washed over me, remembering Hales words. Just a man. A mantra I would repeat to myself all night.

Hearing a noise, I peeked out the window. Tommy's SUV was in my driveway. With one last pass in the mirror, this is as ready as I'll ever be.

Knock, Knock.

Not to seem too eager, I waited a few seconds before I answered the door. "Here goes nothing. You can do this. Just a man," breathing in and out.

"Hey," chipperly greeting him. He opened his arms and willed me into a hug. "It's so good to see you again." His chin resting on my head. Fitting perfectly in his arms. He smelled like the ocean this time. He let me go to take a look at me. "You're even more beautiful than I remember." My heart skipped and my mouth started to salivate. He looked so good. He was wearing a Black Under Armor baseball cap, a black t-shirt and blue jeans. It was the simplest outfit but the sexiest I've ever seen him. There were rings around his eyes, not dark, just enough to know he was tired.

"Thank you. You look very handsome," smiling at him. "What are we doing, you have kept me in suspense for 6 weeks?" Brandon looked down at his hands... "About that. I had plans but I had to change them. Do you mind if we keep it low key. I'm worn out and these next couple days I need my rest," his shy little grin inched across his face. "I love low key. What did you have in mind?"

"How about the drive-ins?" I loved the drive-ins, nothing wrong with them but he just played a game and then drove all the way here. He's got to drive back tomorrow. I felt terrible. "That's a great idea but could I suggest something else," sheepishly stating. "Anything." "How about we hang out at my place. Order some Pizza. I have beer, soda, water. Watch a movie. Just relax. I'm pretty chill too so it doesn't matter to me." His eyes widened and a sparkle came back into his tired eyes. "Are you sure? You got all dressed up and I hope..." Interrupting him, "Stop right there. These jeans and top can come off as quickly as they came on." Not realizing the inuendo behind those words. Brandon's eyebrows raised and a mischievous grin appeared. Realizing my gaff, "Oh stop! I only mean that it's no inconvenience. In fact, I would love to chill with you and just hang out. No pressure you know." Telling him the absolute truth.

"It's a deal. I got dibs on the movie," gleefully stepping into my house.

Brandon is in my house and were going to watch a movie like we're 16-year-olds who have a crush on each other.

This is going to be interesting.

[witch-of-tales]

The Vacation (Part 1)

The icy roads made for a challenging drive, I knew if I didn't make it to the AirBnB soon I'd end up having to drive in the dark. The sun was starting to set, and it'd be much harder to see during the night. The idea of putting on winter chains came to mind but I knew that taking the time to stop and put them on would make the drive even slower and more tedious so I made the decision to keep driving on and hope for the best. I kept a vigilant eye on the road and my speed, knowing that a single mistake could have terrible consequences.

The drive from New York City to New Jersey was long, but it would be worth it. City life had been starting to take its toll on me so I decided that taking a vacation over the Christmas season away from city life would be the perfect escape. After searching online, I found the perfect location: an Airbnb in a forest far away from any towns. I couldn't wait to explore the beautiful scenery and take a break from the pressure of city life. It was going to be the perfect getaway to recharge and relax.

I’d been driving for what felt like hours and eventually found myself pulling up to a quaint cabin. I got out of my car and walked over to the door. I knocked, and after a few moments, a man in his late thirties opened the door. He looked confused when he saw me and asked, "Who are you?" "I'm Stella Kevmin," I said, "I reserved to stay here for a bit of time?" His eyes lit up when he heard my name. "Nice to meet you Stella. My name is Machiavelli Balor.” He stepped aside to let me enter, “Welcome to your home for the week."

      The cabin was a sight to behold. Everything was made from maple wood, and the furniture, cabinets, and floors were all handcrafted with impressive craftsmanship. The wallpaper was a light tan color with small blue flowers on it which added to the elegance and charm of the cabin. As I walked in deeper, I was blown away by the beauty and tranquility of what the cabin had to offer. Every single detail was perfectly crafted. It wouldn't be unreasonable to call this place a piece of art.

      "This place is gorgeous!" I stated, turning to Machiavelli with a smile. He smiled back and remarked, "My grandfather built this place when he was only in his 20s, and after he passed, it was given to my father, and then to me. I work hard to keep it in perfect condition to honor the family tradition." I couldn't believe my luck, living in such a quaint cabin, and with such a host who cared deeply about keeping the place perfect. I was grateful to be here and looked forward to making the most of my week in this cabin.

"You must have had a long journey to get here," Machiavelli mentioned to me, "let me take your suitcase and show you to your room." As he took my suitcase, I followed him down the hallway to my room. When we arrived, I turned on the light switch and looked around. There was a full-sized bed, a bookshelf filled with more than fifty books, and a walk-in closet. "I hope you will enjoy your stay here Stella," Machiavelli told me, "I'll be in my room if you need me, goodnight." He closed the door and left me to unpack.

I had packed light for my trip, only bringing some clothing, hygiene products, and my wallet. In an effort to immerse myself fully in the beauty and peace of my surroundings, the decision to leave my phone at home was made. As I was unpacking, I gazed out the window and noticed a small hut nearby. I would have to ask Machiavelli about it in the morning, but for now, it was time to settle in for the night. After putting on a pair of pajamas and brushing my teeth, I got into bed, excited for the adventures that awaited me tomorrow.

[carito-dorito]

"What a striking resemblance."

Because I wanted to draw the biggest dork that exists with a little bit of spoilers (who on earth is not going to lose their mind after discovering who really is?) and because our fandom is dead.

[julyarchives]

In The Dark

→ Pairing: Yuto x Reader

→ Genre: fluff.

→ Words:  1.8K

→ Contains: friends to lovers; confession; pinning; song lyrics

→ A/N: This is a very soft story and we absolutely loved to write it! Hope you guys like it as well!!! Special thank you to the person who requested it <3

Laying on your bed you checked your phone for the ninth time in five minutes, it was still past 1 a.m. and Yuto still didn't write back. Sighing, you opened a game on your phone and tried to distract yourself. Of course, it only worked for a few seconds before your mind drifted back to your best friend.

You and Yuto were best friends since you met at school and the bond you shared was something else, always together and sharing everything. Everything was perfect until you noticed your stomach turning in nervousness whenever you saw him laugh at something you said when you'd find excuses to touch him and would almost squeak when he took it as an invitation to hug or cuddle on your couch.

When you finally accepted you fell for your best friend, it was scary. Obviously, Yuto could never find out, you were sure it would break a beautiful friendship and it was better to have him around as a friend than not at all. So you tried to move on. You went on dates with a few guys but of course, it never worked out perfectly. They all had a main flaw, they were not Yuto. They couldn't make you smile like him, didn't understand you like him.

As you went on dates to forget Yuto, he also went out on dates, even if they were fewer than yours. But it hurt you to know that he was just following his life, his dates were for real and not just a means to an end like yours. Tonight was his third date with this cute girl from his music course. She was a good match for him, you couldn't deny that.

That's why you couldn't stop checking your phone, as Yuto said he'd text you after he got home to tell you all about it. It'd make you hurt more but he needed your support and you couldn't deny him anything. Sighing for the millionth time, you put your phone down for a few seconds to close your eyes briefly before opening your music app and choosing a very specific song to let out your feelings.

In THE DaRk by Bobby resonated in your bedroom, your speaker doing its job perfectly. You clicked on the repeat button in the app and put down your phone. Closing your eyes, the lyrics brokenly fell from your lips as you whispered it like a prayer, the only way to let your feelings out. Even knowing you had other friends to talk to, speaking about your feelings made it even more real, meaning it'd hurt more, so you chose to keep it a secret from everyone.

The song was halfway through its second repeat when the notification sound chimed into the song. You moved a bit too fast for your liking but oh well. Of course, it was Yuto checking in, saying the date went well but he wasn't home yet. You felt sad knowing he was probably with her still and turned the sound louder getting up to move to the beat.

You focused on the lyrics, blasting out the words you wished you could tell your best friend in the same moment he was with someone else. Your body swayed as you sang all about staying up at night with him in your mind, needing him to know you loved him, wishing there was a portal between your rooms so you could be together this very moment. Your phone made a ding sound once more and you picked it up from the bed, expecting it to be Yuto once again after you told him to tell you when he got home.

🎶Are you thinking of me at this dawn?

I wish therе was a continuous portal from my room to yours🎶

You stared at it for a few seconds, alarmed and confused that he sent you the same lyrics you just sang. The phone showed he was typing and you waited, getting more and more confused.

Nice song, Y/N. But don't you think it's a bit loud for this hour?

Not knowing how to answer, you just sent a few question marks and stared at the phone. How could he know all this if he was out with the girl?

Turn around

You moved a bit too fast and you almost tripped on your feet as you saw Yuto leaning against the doorframe, a cute smile on his lips. You quickly paused the song on your phone and he chuckled at your puzzled face.

"Giving me a spare key wasn't a good choice, was it?", his deep voice sounded almost as loud as the music was a few seconds before.

"What are you doing here?", you were glued to the floor. You weren't ready to hear him speak about this date with that pretty smile and shining eyes.

"I told you the date was fine but I didn't go home… thought you'd figure I'd come see you but suddenly there was a very loud Bobby music in the house", Yuto smiled widely, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him.

"I… I thought you were still with her", your voice faltered. You were too tired, too sad about his date and truly was expecting to cry yourself to sleep when he got home while listening to the same song that was on minutes ago.

"She wasn't my best friend", he said, hands in his pocket, standing in the middle of your room. "I wanted to come to see you".

"Why?", your voice was barely a whisper. You tried to recall if you said anything out loud while in your room, now scared you said something that could compromise your feelings for him.

"Can we…?", Yuto said, pointing at your bed briefly.

You nodded, moving the covers so you could lay down and still make room for him. He moved alongside you, laying down and naturally you both moved until you laid your head on his chest, him turning slightly sideways to hug you fully, his chin resting on top of your head.

"Can you play the song again?", he asked gently. You picked up your phone, staring at your wallpaper for a second. It was a silly picture you took with Yuto and he insisted you chose it as wallpaper. "Mine is just like yours", he said after noticing you staring at the picture, "you can imagine my date wasn't very fond of it", he chuckled.

You made sure to lower the volume of the song before playing it, Bobby's voice now as a background whisper. You felt your heart tightening at the mention of Yuto's date, imagining he'd be changing his wallpaper any time now. His voice suddenly filled the room, singing along the song.

"Shine, you shine on my existence

My night keeps getting longer

At night when everyone is asleep, I think of you

At this dawn, at this dawn

Shine, you shine on my existence

Tears are erased by my emotions

Add, add color to the world"

You joined in, even if you felt like his voice was heaven and yours wasn't a match. Yuto held you tighter when you began singing, thumbs now caressing your shoulders. You stayed that way for most of the song, only moving when he moved his head and hand, gently holding your chin to make you look up to him. He smiled and gently sang while looking into your eyes. On instinct you follow, head almost spinning but too entranced on him to move.

Even if I've confessed a hundred times inside my brain

I'm invisible to you

I could do better than anybody, anything for you

If I want you to feel the same way

That must be greedy, that'd probably be a chance to peek into heaven

'Cause you are angel

Your breath caught in your throat when Yuto moved, placing his forehead against yours. Your heart was beating fast and you were sure you were dreaming, your hands finding his shirt and holding it, almost as an anchor to reality. A lot of questions were clouding your mind but you couldn't speak, scared of breaking whatever this was.

"I ditched her", Yuto whispered, "I knew something was off since the first date but I gave her a chance". You closed your eyes, too scared to look at him. "She had everything I thought I wanted, everyone said so too".

"I know", you said a bit too fast. Maybe if you answered, he'd stop talking about her while being so close to you.

"But she still missed the most important trait I've been looking for without even knowing", his hand moved, touching the side of your face so you could look at him. "She wasn't you".

You opened your eyes in shock, breathing faster without even taking notice. By now you were sure even Yuto could hear your heart beating against your chest. Your mind acted before you could even process, desperate to not let the moment go away.

"You have no idea how much it pained me to see you go on dates that weren't me. How much I listened to this very song wishing I'd tell you how much I fall for you whenever you smile", once you finished speaking, you heaved, almost felt like you ran a marathon.

"Funny. I was about to say the same to you", Yuto chuckled. His forehead was still against yours and his breath tickled your nose. You were staring into his eyes, both of you smiling shyly. "I'm going to kiss you now, ok?", he said. Your smile grew wider, his warning making you shiver in anticipation.

Yuto moved slowly, giving you plenty of time to pull back. You met him halfway, lips connecting gently. You heard him sigh and your stomach flipped, you were as happy as you were nervous. His thumb moved in circles on your face, caressing it. Your lips moved against his after a few seconds, a chaste kiss, so gently but you felt years of pinning pouring into it and hoped he felt it.

When you parted, you couldn't contain a smile, and when you opened your eyes, Yuto had the same face, smiling at you in the sweetest way. He gave you a quick peck and settled on the bed more comfortably and you followed, holding him close. It was late and you could feel how tired you were.

"We'll talk when we wake up, is that alright?", his voice sounded as sleepy as you did.

"Of course. But I have one demand", you said, lazily supporting yourself on his chest to look at his face better. He hummed in answer, fingers playing with your hair. "That song has got to be our song now". Yuto chuckled loudly and you smiled at the sound, still feeling like you were dreaming.

"Of course, princess", he kissed you briefly again before settling back on the bed, "I wouldn't have it any other way". And with that you drifted to sleep, dreaming about a future that was sure to be near with your best friend and love, that now you knew loved you back.

[salmonmakiii]

hii! i'd like to request a timestamp if it's okay with you? Could you people write about 3am boyfriend tsukishima, angst to fluff? thank you so much and have an amazing day!! 💕🤗

Heya! Sorry this took long, writer’s block sucks :( I hope this came out nice!

[03:00]

About : Tsukishima x reader Note : Angst, Fluff. Forgive me if I have mistakes!

It was an accident. You and Tsukishima knew that.

But all the pent up stress and those lack of sleep he’s had, being rational was the last thing on his mind right now.

You met Tsukishima 2 years ago when you had just moved to your apartment. He was the next-door neighbor and you would greet him every morning. A few weeks passed and you guys suddenly became friends because you share the same interest; stargazing. The apartment rooftop was perfect for that. You accidentally met up at around 3 am, awkwardly talk with each other, and would go back about an hour later.

You were interested in him and was happy that you finally got the chance to talk. Although you admit, he was a bit cold and snarky with his comments but other than that he was fun to talk to. The next day you met up again, then the next day, then the next, and then the next. This became a regular thing for both of you. Of course, that was before the busy schedule you both had. Now, you’d probably meet up twice or three times a week.

And with that frequent emotional talks, you both grew closer, and eventually, Tsukishima confessed to you one night. So here you were, two years of being together. There were playful insults thrown at each other, but never actual fights. Your favorite was when he would diss you non-stop when you’re not taking care of yourself.

“Can you just eat? I don’t want to drag your ass to the hospital.”

You would often visit him every morning before his class starts and these were one of those mornings. You visit him in his apartment and there you saw his boyfriend, holding his head with his left hand as he held a paper in the other. A thick stack of papers was right in front of him. You’re guessing it was the assignment he’d been working hard on since last week – because he didn’t totally complain to you at all about it for the past week.

“Didn’t you say you have morning classes today?” Tsukishima asked, his eyes not leaving the paper.

“No. The professor called in sick today, so I’m free.” You teased as you sat in front of him. He scoffed and mumbled something about how lucky you are.

“Do you mind if I go get a drink?” You asked, already on your way to the dispenser.

“Sure,”

You gave him a mini thanks and searched for the glass in the cabinets. Once you got it, you filled it with water in the dispenser.

“When is that due?” You asked the glass was now filled. You walked over to him again as he hummed.

“Tomorrow.”

“Ah, okay.”

You sat in front of your boyfriend once again, watching how his eyebrows were furrowed and how he had eye bags under his eyes. You took a sip of your drink and frowned at your dead-looking boyfriend. You wanted to help him, you do, but you don’t know how. You looked at his knitted eyebrows and an idea popped up in your head.

“Kei,” You called. He only answered with a hum. Pouting, you called him once again,

“Kei, Look at me,” Finally lifting his head, you put on a silly face that he always despises, but secretly found funny.

“What are you doing?” he asked, shaking his head as he tried to stifle a laugh. Seeing that it wasn’t good enough, you leaned in closer.

“I don’t know. I just feel like there’s something wrong with my face, is there?” You asked, still making the face. Tsukishima finally laughed and you were happy to see your boyfriend smiling.

You cheered, but while doing so, your hand suddenly knocks the glass of water in front of you, spilling the liquid all over the table. The stacks of paper in the middle soaking up all the water. The room was now dead silent, both of you staring at the stacks of paper and spilled water with wide eyes.

Your look at Tsukishima and the paper, your eyes shaking at the horrifying expression the boy across you had.

“K-Kei-“

“What did you do?” He asked, his voice low.

“I- I accidentally-“

“Did you know how long it took me to print out all these?!” You flinched at his shout and your feet felt like it grew roots. You stared at him, trying to form words to apologize, to calm him down, to reason with him, anything. But all you could do was stare, mouth agape.

Tsukishima walked past you, going to the kitchen to get a towel. He walked right back towards the table and wiped the spilled water.

“Let me help-“

“No. Just-“ He sighed, scrunching the soaked paper in his hands.

“Just get out.” Tsukishima continued to wipe the table, his back now facing you.

His words felt like knives in your chest. There wasn’t a hint of his everyday cynical attitude in his tone at all and you were scared. Afraid of upsetting him more, you bowed a full 90 degrees, mumbling a shaky apologize as you took careful steps out of his apartment.

If anyone were there to see you walk by, they’ll think you just exited from a murder scene.

Back in your apartment, you sat on your couch, still trying to process all of it. You spilled water into his work he’s been doing for a week and he just kicked you out of his apartment without sparing you a glance. You were screwed.

You jump a little when you hear a door slam, you stared at your door.

Kei must be on his way to campus…

After an hour of staring at the ceiling, you mustered the courage to text an apology to him. Shaky hands and eyes a bit watery when you pressed send. Sighing loudly, you lay there on your couch, trying to calm yourself down and think of a way you could make it up to him.

“Can I send it to your email just in case? You know how my laptop is.”

You jolted from your position, eyes wide. The memory of Tsukishima’s voice replayed in your head as you frantically open your laptop. You opened your email and your heart races with excitement as you quickly downloaded the file as you ran to your bedroom to get your USB. Running back to the living room, you hastily plugged in the USB and surprisingly got it in the first time. Copying the file to the USB, you grabbed your jacket, tote bag, wallet, and ejected the USB as you dashed out of your apartment for a copy shop.

≻───── ⋆✩⋆ ─────≺

You leaned on the railings on the rooftop as you sighed. The wind softly blowing against your features as you looked down at the almost empty streets below you. Most of the lights in the surrounding buildings were off and the sky wasn’t that dark anymore. The moon was slightly on the west side, still illuminating the night sky. The stars above you twinkling as you’re enveloped in silence. It’s the perfect night.

After you had printed out all the papers, you put it in two clear folders, re-check the order, and finally set it nicely inside Tsukishima’s mailbox. You text him to give him a heads up, but you’re still worried if he even read your texts. You took out your phone from your pocket, the screen telling displaying “03:00”. You opened your lock, the wallpaper – a picture of you and an annoyed, blushing, Tsukishima – made you miss him even more.

You open your message with Tsukishima, he still didn’t read your message.

What if he didn’t see my message? What if he already printed out a new batch of it? What if- huh?

You eyed your message.

Tsukishima had just read it.

Just as you were still confused about what to do with this information, you hear someone clears their throat behind you. You flinched and turned around. Your eyes meeting those familiar golden ones. Tsukishima was staring at you, his face stoic and cold as ever. He was wearing his grey hoodie with a roaring dinosaur in the middle, his hair was a little messy but it looked cute on him.

“K-Kei! I almost had a heart attack!” You held your phone to your chest in hopes to calm your beating heart.

“You’re being dramatic.” He said, walking up to the railing and leaned against it.

“So, I heard you spilled water on someone’s project-“

“Kei-“

“That they worked HARD for,”

You winced, hearing him emphasize. You stared at your boyfriend and he was staring right back at you with his smug face. You looked down and fiddled with your fingers.

Tsukishima felt like he was scolding a puppy. He felt the tiniest guilt, but he didn’t want to let you go that easily.

“I’m guessing that’s why you’re here right now, even though you have an 8 am class tomorrow.” He teasingly scoffed. Usually, his teasing would make you feel less tense but it didn’t seem to be working right now. He sighed loudly and ran a hand through his hair.

“Thanks,” His voice was above a whisper.

“Huh?” You snapped your head up in shock. What was he thanking you for?

“I got the package you sent me,” He gave you a side glance.

“But you just read my message?”

“I saw you putting it in my mailbox.”

“Oh,”

There was silence once again. Tsukishima stepped closer and abruptly snaked his hand on your shoulder, pulling you closer to him. You looked up at him and you can see the small blush on his cheeks, his eyes were looking at anything but you.

“Sorry about getting mad at you,” He said in a rather gibberish mumbling, but you were glad you could make up what he was saying.

“Why are you sorry? I’m the one who spilled that water.” You said, reaching up your hand to pinch his cheek.

“Besides, stop acting like that, it’s weird.” You pulled his cheeks, riling him up.

“Will you stop that?” He batted your hand away and you laughed at his bashful sight.

“Let’s just go back, it’s freezing up here and I don’t want to take care of you when you catch a cold.” He groaned, his hand still around you as he walked back towards the entrance.

“What makes you think I need you?” You pinched his sides.

“I don’t know. I’m afraid you might flood the whole apartment if I don’t,”

“I told you it was an accident you salty excuse of a human being!”

“If you don’t shut up, I’ll squish you,”

“If you mean squish as in cuddling, then I won’t shut up!”

Tsukishima suddenly leaned in and placed a kiss to your lips. His actions catching you off guard. He plastered on a smirk, seeing that his plan had worked.

“If I talk some more, will you kiss me again to shut me up?” You asked,

“No. I’ll throw you off this rooftop.”

“You wouldn’t-“ Tsukishima gave you a daring glare, his grip on your arm tightens. You shut your mouth immediately and looked forward.

“Okay! Shutting my mouth now.”

You both ended up cuddling in his apartment that night.

[ruddygore]

Unexpected Sleepover

Pent spends the night over at Ruddy's place, mostly by accident. The next day, they have waffles and watch horror movies after a chat about their time alive.

Ruddy tapped the little heart icon to let Pent know that he'd seen the reply and knew to expect him over, then put his phone down on his nightstand, staring up at the ceiling as his mind raced like a hamster on a wheel. Running, running, pulse racing, muscles aching, but going nowhere. It was even more accurate with that analogy. Funny, that.

He rolls onto his side, curling into himself as a twitchy hand comes to rest on his chest to feel his pounding heart. He was old. He knew he was old. Even with the recovery rate that sinners had, he'd taken a lot of damage from Vox that his body wasn't happy with, didn't know how to handle anymore. It didn't surprise him that he was getting… What, phantom pains? Echos? Something nonsensical, nerve signals misfiring, still acting electrified at random. Waking him up from nightmares of light and leaving him clawing at himself, half convinced his chest would still be burning hot with ozone and lightning. But a change of clothing, a second and then third nightcap, and hours of staring at his own wallpaper later.. And he was still stuck. Really, he should have just tranquilized himself the second he woke up. But who knew, maybe Pent really could knock him out. Anything was better than this.

At least perhaps 30 minutes had passed before finally there was a small, quiet knock on the door to his bedroom, one that was followed by the sound of the door being pushed open, the shadow of a very familiar snake being seen through the light of the hallway, until that light was quickly swallowed up as the door creaked back closed again. “I’m here. Are you alright?” Came Pent’s voice, soft and quiet, not a whisper, but very obviously trying to keep himself a bit more quiet so as to not disturb Ruddy too much. There was the sound of slithering, and finally Pent’s face is seen in Ruddy’s vision, frowning softly in concern, his hat not on his head, only wearing a soft white ruffled Victorian shirt. It looked as if he hadn’t thought to dress up this time.

He jerks at the knock, quiet as it was. He'd nearly expected Pent to have fallen asleep back in his own universe, had hoped that he was resting and left this old fool to his own devices. But Ruddy lifts his head and there he is, looking far less formal and trying to be unobtrusive. He's disappointed. Or relieved. He isn't sure which, but he gestures for his guest to come over and puts a welcoming smile on his face. "I'm alright. Surprised you're here though, I thought you'd forgotten by now. Are you alright? I didn't want to drag you out of bed for this."

“Forgotten?” He blinks at that, as if the thought hadn’t even occurred to him, and he frowns softly, moving to lean against the edge of the bed, not making any moves to climb on just yet but definitely not making any moves to leave. “Why would I have forgotten? I was already making preparations to get to you when I mentioned trying to help you with the hypnosis. It just took a little longer to charge up my teleporting ssssystem.” He glances Ruddy up and down for a moment, already seeing the dark circles under his eyes, the fatigue in them, but the restlessness in his frame was also clear to see. “..I’m ok. I was feeling a little tired, yes, but you having trouble is more important right now.” He moves to pull out a small baggie from a pocket within his shirt, and moves to hold it up. “I, Ah. Brought these, in case the hypnosis doesn’t work and it’s a lassst resort. Melatonin gummies. You only need to take two but I figured if they work, you’d want more than just that in case you get resssstless again.”

"On some level I'd had hoped you'd have just gone to bed and left me to be a restless disaster. I hate to be a bother just because my mind has decided to pitch a fit, burdening others with my own silly nonsense is very embarrassing." The chuckle that he gets out is a little wry, but he invites Pent up onto the bed with a little pat at the empty expanse where the second pillow lays, pristine and fluffed up, not the faintest sign that it had ever been used. "I appreciate the consideration. Come on up, then, no sense having you bending over me like a nurse caring for an invalid."

“Ah..Right.” He moves to hoist himself up onto the bed proper, struggling for a moment sheerly because of it’s size, before he finally drags himself up off the ground all the way, moving to lay back against the second and empty pillow, sinking into it enough that it almost looks comical, and he lets out a bit of a chuckle. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to how damn large your bed is. Feels like resssting on a cloud..” He moves to glance toward Ruddy after a moment and his grin starts to shift back toward a frown. “…And your woes aren’t silly nonsssense, Ruddy. Not to me, essspecially not since we became friends. If it’s bad enough that it’s impacting your need for sleep, well…Of course I’m going to be concerned. Jusssst as I’m sure you’d be if I was pacing around and not sleeping.”

"Well of course, but one of us is far worse at taking care of himself, and it isn't me! You're more liable to neglect yourself to the point of collapse, I have every right to fret over my friend's health. You at least know I'm a fussy old man who goes to bed at ten on the dot every night." His hand reaches over, pressing a careful fingertip to the very end of Pent's snout before playfully waggling that finger in his face. "Bold of you to judge my bed so hastily, you haven't even experienced the luxury of my sheets yet. If you think laying on my comforter is a cloud, try lying between two layers of silk. That's bliss."

The poke to his snout is expected, but nevertheless it causes Pentious to start laughing to himself, chuckling even, and he moves to slowly lift a hand to grip Ruddy’s in his own, giving it a soft squeeze. “I know, I know, you have every right to fussss over me more. But I would appreciate it if you didn’t keep waving away my own concern assss if your pain doesssn’t matter or isssn’t worth of any concern.” He gives his hand a soft squeeze again and he moves to turn over onto his side to face Ruddy properly. “Becausssse it is, to me. I don’t want to just treat it as if it doesn’t matter. I want to help you so it goes away.”

Ruddy hesitates, mouth half open to deliver some smartass deflection before Pent's words land. His mouth closes with a soft click, hand curling around his alternate's much smaller one as he stares at Pent's face. He seemed genuine, concerned and tired, and he'd come all this way just for him. He could at least listen to one request. "… I suppose I can understand that. I'm sorry, I haven't been fussed over since I was alive, it's something I'm not accustomed to." A sigh, and he nestles down into his pillow before letting out a soft yawn. "You're very caring, you know. Most people would let me get away with anything."

Pent, upon hearing Ruddy’s words, finally seems to relax, a soft smile drifting back into his face as he feels the squeeze given to his hand, softly squeezing back as he lets out a slight chuckle. “Well, I’m just doing what we said we could do for each other. I know being unable to rest doesn’t necessarily mean you got the morbsss but, well, it meant you were stressed about something. So here I am.” He too nestles into his own pillow, watching Ruddy with a soft, warm grin. “Besssides. If there’s anyone I’d be caring for at all, you’d be at the top of the lissst, corny asss that is to say.”

The restless, crackly energy that had kept him on edge was finally starting to drain from Ruddy's body, pulse beginning to slow from it's frantic rhythm and muscles relaxing from their twitching tension. He smiles more genuinely than before, eyes finally starting to gain that sleepy softness as he lets out a deep sigh. Then he chuckles, scooting closer to try and loom over Pent despite being horizontal. "Perhaps I was mistaken about you being a hognose after all. Are you a corn snake, my good man?"

That little joke has Pent’s eyes widening for a moment before he hunches his shoulders, starting to huff out a laugh as his eyes close with mirth, idly moving to give Ruddy’s shoulder a soft, barely there shove with a hand. “I can assure you, I am neither of thosssse things. I am a cobra, dammit. Ssstop making me sound like I’m some harmless adorable noodle.”

"You want me to lie to you? You are a harmless adorable noodle." He giggles, the hand not still firmly wrapped around Pent's covering his mouth to stifle the noise. And then cover the jaw cracking yawn that's dragged out of him, forceful enough that there's almost tears in his eyes as he focuses back on Pent. "I certainly hope I didn't drag you all the way here just to watch me crash in slow motion, but it might be going that way my dear fellow. At least my heart seems to have stopped pounding like it wanted to burst out of my horrid chest."

“Hehehe..” He trails off into his own series of giggling, staring as Ruddy starts to yawn, a sight that makes the own tired urge to yawn start to bubble up in his chest, and he shakes his head softly. “No, no, it’s alright. No need to apologize. If anything I’m just glad that I’m able to help this way. And…” He finally trails off as the urge to yawn overtakes him, lifting up a hand to try and cover the sight of his large, jagged teeth as his jaw stretches open and his tongue curls up, hood vaguely fluttering open for a couple moments, rattling before falling limp, and he smacks his lips before letting out a bit of a chuckle. “Hehe…I think you’ve infected me with a bad casssse of the yawnsss, dear Ruddy..”

"You fell for my master plan, I'm afraid. I dragged you here to make you sleepy." He nods slowly, snuggling deeper down into his pillow and tugging the blanket up until his nose barely peeked out over his covers. "Mm.. Had to make sure you got infected so you'd get yourself some proper rest. Very evil of me, very dastardly. You never stood a chance, huffy little hognose." Pent's hand gets another squeeze, then released as Ruddy starts to curl up nice and comfy.

“Heheh. Indeed, I didn’t, usssed my own heart againssst me to lure me into such a horrid trap. How very evil.” He chuckles again, watching with a soft smile, one that starts to fade a bit, his mouth opening, then closings then opening again. “Ah…You wouldn’t mind if I..ssstay the night, would you? In casssse you wake up again and all?”

Ruddy blinks, then reaches out to clumsily stroke a hand down Pent's hair before both arms wrap around to drag him in for a cuddle. "Of course, silly. Sleepover party, you came far too late to let you go home in good conscience. Get comfy."

Pent, not expecting the sudden motion of two arms moving to pull him close to Ruddy’s chest, lets out a soft squeak, his hood flaring up as his eyes go wide, but thankfully it only takes a second more of a thought for Pent to move to settle back down again, eyes sliding closed as he reaches up to slowly wrap his arms as best he can around Ruddy’s shoulders, cheek idly nuzzling at jus chest to get comfortable. “Right…Of courssse. Whatever you say.” And he cracks open an eye to glance up toward Ruddy with a slight smile. “Feeling better? Don’t got the morbssss anymore?”

They make eye contact for a moment, and Ruddy smiles before he lets his eyes slide shut, one hand slowly threading fingers into Pent's hair. Sleepy petting, comforting petting. "Practically morbless, my good man. Fine work."

Pent, watching this for a moment, moves to settle his cheek back against Ruddy’s chest, his own claws offering a soft squeeze against the man’s shoulders for a moment. “Good..I’m glad..” He smiles softly to himself, starting to slowly drift down into sleep.

Half asleep, Ruddy nestled his nose against the top of Pent's head, breath steadying out as he slipped away into sleep. His last coherent thought was the sudden concern that Pent might not be able to actually get any sleep, since he was well aware that he snored like a freight train and clung like a leech. But he was too out of it to actually say anything, so he fell asleep with a soft little snort.

---

The next day, he woke up with his nose still buried in Pent's hair, feeling more rested than he had in a long while. With a yawn, he loosens his grip, shifting back to free Pent from his grasp. Poor man had been trapped here, hadn't he?

There Pent was, all but nestled against Ruddy’s chest, eyes closed and still fast asleep, breathing in deeply through his nose, cheek vaguely smooshed from where he was using Ruddy’s torso as a pillow. His hair was limp against his head, tumbling down his back and shoulders in a long wave of black and gold, his coils were vaguely curled around his own, to the point where even their tails were intertwined, and his tongue was slowly flickering out on every exhale, sliding out of his mouth to sluggishly slide from left to right before sliding back out of his teeth again. He looked the epitome of absolutely peaceful, and showed no signs of actually waking up anytime soon.

Ruddy blinks the sleep out of his eyes, tightening his coils around Pent's and grunting as quietly as he can manage as he starts crunching the stiffness out of his joints. Looks like both of them managed to get at least some rest, that's good. But if he was stuck here, it might be a challenge to go about making breakfast. So instead he settles back down to wait, a hand moving to start cautiously stroking Pent's strange, lovely hair.

“Mm..” He shifts a touch, still tangibly asleep, but nuzzles his cheek against Ruddy’s chest a little bit more, his coils squeezing down against his own, tongue flickering out a bit more sloppily, enough to slide against the fabric of Ruddy’s nightgown. His hair vaguely twitches and flutters at the man’s touch, idly thrumming with the pulsing beat of blood flow, warm and soft, but he otherwise doesn’t move.

Oh, Pent really was rather comfortable now wasn't he? Not a peep from the man, he was still completely lost to dreamland. That was a surprise, for some reason, and Ruddy can't help but giggle to himself as he watches the smaller man flick his tongue against his nightgown. "What, does that taste good?"

All the answer that was given was a vague growling sound deep in Pent’s throat, enough that almost sounded like a hiss but wasn’t quite right, his tongue retracting from the fabric just as quick as it comes, his nose flaring a little bit more before his hair gives a slightly sharper twitch. His eyes slowly flicker open, slow enough that Ruddy can see the thin translucent sheen of a third eyelid peel back from his eyes as they sleepily open up, his pupils being a touch fuzzy for a moment before they sharpen, and Pent lifts his head from Ruddy’s chest, in a slight daze. “..Oh..Good morning, Ruddy..” His coils move to slowly unwind from the man’s own, and he pulls away to sloppily roll onto his stomach, eyes clenching shut again as he moves to arch his back into the air, quite literally cat stretching, back audibly popping and cracking in a few places as he does so, jaw opening up to expose every inch of his teeth as he yawns, tongue curling up as he does so.

The giggle only becomes louder, Ruddy propping himself up onto his elbows to watch his guest stretch like some kind of domestic house pet after a satisfying nap. "Good morning, Pent. I take it you slept well, my good man? Either you can sleep through anything or I managed not to snore hard enough to vibrate the bones right out of you, and I doubt it was the latter."

“Oh no, you..” He pauses to yawn even harder, coils arching into the air in a strange waving motion as he moves to stretch every inch of his spine out, the tip of his tail shaking as he does so with how hard he was trying to stretch out all the kinks in his back. “…You snored, quite loudly I might add.” He finally lets out a heavy groan and moves to collapse back onto the bed, tongue flickering out contently as he flashes Ruddy a lazy grin. “But it was actually enough to knock me out almost insssstantly. Don’t know why, but it felt really nice to be all pressssed up to your chessst like that and feel my bones shake like the dickensss.”

It felt nice did it? That's news to him, it must have been the vibrations, maybe it was like a massage? Something to think about later. At least he hadn't kept the poor man up all night by snoring right onto his poor head. "I suppose we do tend to be accustomed to loud noises, if anyone's going to sleep through my jet engine snoring it'd be my alternate." He shrugs, then reaches over to scratch at Pent's scalp. "Want some coffee?"

“Mmm…Yesss, please.” He idly leans into Ruddy’s affectionate scritching, tongue flickering out in a lazy fashion, tail flicking underneath the blankets. “Coffee soundsss wonderful.” He cracks an eye open. “What time isss it anywaysss?”

"It's… Hmm, hang on." He reaches over to pick up his phone, turning the screen on to check the time. His hood flares when he reads the numbers on the screen, a startled laugh jolting out of him. "It's.. Oh my god it's two o clock in the afternoon."

“…What?” He perks his head up, hood flaring up slightly as his eyes widen. “…Are you sssserious?”

"I'm serious! Look" He turns his phone to show Pent the screen, sitting up in bed and turning to scold his hat from its nest in the wardrobe. "Hattie, why didn't you wake me up! I never sleep this late even with company!"

Hattie, merely glaring from it’s wardrobe, merely makes some slight warbling hissing noises that Pent can’t understand, and the serpent in question moves to sit up from his previous position on the bed, letting out a bit of a chuckle. “I guesss that rest is something we both really needed, hm?”

"I suppose so, I certainly feel rested for a change." He rolls his head side to side, cracking his neck before he slithers out of bed to head towards the wardrobe and withdraw a robe to wrap himself in. "Would you like a robe, my good man?"

“Mmm..Yesss, that would be appreciated. I didn’t have a change of clothesss since, well. I wasn’t expecting to ssstay the night, but I can’t say I regret it.” A slight pause as he moves to slither out of bed as well, a slightly humorous thump from the sound of his scales slapping on the tile floor as he does so. “Far from it actually..”

Ruddy glances over at the sound of the thump, snorting softly as he sees far too little of Pent over the edge of his bed. It's so easy to forget how tall he is compared to people, once he's in his own territory. "Oh, I could hardly regret it, I found it to be very enjoyable. But I wonder if I should build you some stairs in case this happens again? I can't have you struggling to get in and out of my bed without my assistance."

“Ohh, it’sss no worriesss at all, Ruddy. If anything, it givesss me the exercise.” He lets out a slightly hearty chuckle at that, as if amused by his own joke, moving to slither around to the other side of the bed to approach the man in question. “I may be shorter compared to you, but I’m not that short that I need sssstairs. I’m not a bloody chihuahua.”

He raises an eyebrow, glancing between Pent and the bed, but refrains from commenting to instead reach back into the closet and pull out and offer up a decadent black and gold silk robe that was too small for him, but very large for Pent. "Here's the best I've got for you. This one is from a few sheds ago, I'd been holding on to it to recycle the fabric, but I think it should be manageably oversized. If need be I can stitch the sleeves back."

“Good lord. Mussst’ve been quite the amount of shedding going on if you already outgrew thisss.” He moves to take the robe from him, moving to slip it on with minimal fuss, the sleeves and coat of the robe naturally being a bit too loose around Pent’s frame, causing it to slightly droop over his shoulders and the sleeves to completely swallow up his arms, hands and all. It was quite an adorable sight, one that Pent himself huffs a laugh at as he moves to tug the fabric back onto his body properly, moving to try and tie it into place. “It’ll work jussst fine, I just need to keep it from sssslipping.”

"Well, it's hardly tailored to your form, but it'll do for now. If there's a next time, hopefully I'll have something better." He snorts, scoops up his hat to deposit on his head, then gestures for Pent to follow him out of the bedroom and towards the kitchen. "For now, let's get breakfast. Are you in the mood for anything in particular? Sweet? Savory?"

“Mmm. Ssssweet, to be perfectly honest. I know it’s around 2’o clock and all, but honestly, I’m in the mood for ssssomething like pancakes. Or wafflesss.” He moves to follow, finishing tying up the robe so it wouldn’t be loose on him, letting the loose threads of the fabric drop down as he does so. “And honessstly, I still kind of want to make coffee.”

Waffles? When was the last time he'd made waffles… No matter, he still knew how to do it. "I think I've got a waffle iron, I can make that happen. And you'll get your coffee, even if it's 2 pm everywhere else it's our morning." He glances around the kitchen as they enter, slithering over to the cabinets to bring out the plates and syrup, then start up the coffee machine. He'd made his own, after investigating the options at a local appliance store and browsing a few forums for advice. Temperature adjusted, lightning fast, and it actually fit the aesthetic of the rest of his house. "Feel free to choose whatever you want on the coffee machine, I set it up to make just about anything. Are you an espresso sort? Mocha? There's syrups on the side and whipped cream in the fridge, if you want that caramel beverage again."

“Oooh..” Pentious moves to look over the coffee machine with a look of fascination on his face, leaning in a touch to look over the arrangement of options when it comes to how the coffee could be brewed, only to look up at Ruddy’s last words. “Oh, a frappe? I’m going to need a blender to make that. I know how to do it, I’ve made my own a couple of timesss. I can even teach you, if you want to learn.” He tilts his head. “You seemed to like it when you lassst came over.”

He starts measuring out ingredients, dumping flour into a bowl as he thinks back. "It was alright, it felt more like a dessert than a beverage. Like a milkshake?"

“Pretty much, actually. A coffee milkshake isss a good way to put it.” He chuckles a touch, flashing an almost sheepish grin as he moves to stick a mug under the machine to start making an espresso. “I know it’s not the healthiesst way to drink it, but I can’t help myssself.”

"I'm hardly going to judge you, my dear, we all have our indulgences. You have a little overly sweet coffee, I have the occasional cigar." He grins, mixing up the waffle batter before setting it aside to start heating up the waffle iron. "But yes, perhaps after this you can teach me, and I'll see about getting the machine set up for them next time."

“Oh, really?” He perks up a bit at that, like he wasn’t quite expecting it, but his grin grows a bit larger, and he nods. “That soundsss wonderful, Ruddy, thank you. I appreciate that very much.” A slight pause, and he tilts his head. “I didn’t know you ssssmoked.”

"Only occasionally! It's not a habit I had in life, far too health conscious for that. But in death, well, I'm dead anyway. If I do a little cocaine or smoke the occasional cigar to steady my nerves after a bad day, what's it going to do? Kill me?" He laughs, shaking his head. "But no. I keep it strictly limited. The last thing I need is an addiction to feed, my food bill is already eye watering enough, and the price I pay for my cologne is more than some people make in a year."

“Ahh, I sssee. Heheh.” His tail flicks a touch, moving to lean against the counter after a moment. “I won’t sssay that I haven’t indulged myssself once or twice when it comes to cigarssss and the like, but I’ve found that mosssst drugs don’t really do anything for me anymore. They jusssst…don’t work. Perhaps it has something to do with the imperial fuckton of drugssss I already had in my ssssystem when I was alive.”

"Oh, from that cocktail you had to take to function, yes? That makes sense. I managed to keep away from most of them, probably why all my children actually survived. Though of course, with modern science I can look back and shudder at how much we were exposed to asbestos…" He sighs, then pours the batter for the first waffle into the iron and sets to work. "Does that scar still give you any pain now, in death?"

“..Yesss, at times. Only when it becomes cold outside. Phantom painsss or something from when it used to sssstiffen up if the temperature dropped for any reason..” He idly moves to rub at the small of his back for a moment, as if mentioning it caused him to become a little more conscious of it. “Or if I sssstrain my back too much, which is a little harder to do, given I’m a ssserpent and all..”

Ruddy frowns in thought, eyes on the waffle iron as the hand not gripping the handle absently rubs at his chest. "I see.. Well, I certainly hope your Hell isn't prone to cold snaps, then. Can't have old wounds flare up." He lifts the iron, depositing a fluffy golden belgian waffle on Pent's plate. "Alright, eat up. I'll set another one cooking of course, but they're better fresh."

“Oh. Ah, thank you.” He moves to nod, before moving to grab the closest maple syrup bottle and begins to pour a sizable amount of it into the waffle in question. He then moves to grab a plate and fork, slithering over toward the kitchen table to properly set it down and moves to idly nudge a chair out of the way so he could sit. “Ssso, if I may ask, do you have any plans today? Any work to do or what not?”

"Oh, not really no! Aside from tinkering in my workshop of course, but I do that every day. I could work on some orders, but I'm already ahead of schedule on them and I don't feel like working leather right now." He shrugs, leaving a second waffle to cook as he starts cracking eggs into a pan next to an entire package of sausages. Pent may be hungry for sweetness, but Ruddy was the type to insist his breakfast was at least half meat.

“I see. Entirely underssstandable. I honestly haven’t been doing much either. Mosssstly trying to lay low in my base ssso Vox doesn’t try to go after me when I’m not prepared.” He moves to pop a bit of waffle in his mouth, chewing for a moment before swallowing, licking his lips as he does so.

Oh, right. Vox was still most likely trying to find him after what they'd done so he could get revenge. There's no reason for Ruddy to feel guilty, but he still does, dropping a second waffle onto a clean plate to put next to Pent. "I'm sorry to hear that, my dear fellow. Have you been stuck in your base all this time? I would have invited you over to at least go outside."

“Ah…No, not all the time. I’ve been ssssneaking out when I can, to check up on my ssssafehouses or to order groceriessss and all that. Try to avoid too many areasss with exposed televisionsss and the like. But for the mosssst part, my base is the sssafest place I can be over in my universsse.” He moves to snap up a second bite of his waffle. “Nothing that I’m not usssed to, really.”

He bites back any protest about how that still sounds impressively miserable, putting a plate of eggs and sausage on the table and refilling the empty pan with bacon and more eggs. "I suppose. By the by, have you been eating what I send you each day? I never got to ask if it was enough, or too much."

“Hm? Oh, yes, I have. Every ssssingle bite, actually.” That causes a grin to grow back onto his face. “My complimentsss to the chef, dear Ruddy. You’re quite the lovely cook. I’ve had no complaints with all the mealssss you’ve sent my way so far. Even with the meals that I thought I would have problems with. Heh.”

"Oho! Well that's good to hear, but what do you mean? You never mentioned any preferences, is there something you don't like that I've been feeding you?" He adds more food to the table and finally sits down, dragging a plate in to start shoving food into his massive body. A man his size needs stupid amounts of fuel, unfortunately. A dozen eggs and half the sausages are just the start.

“Oh, no, not at all. Everything you’ve been giving me has been great. It’s just that certain things that were in the food you’ve given me I didn’t expect to like. The method of preparation and all that, it makesss them different from how I had them in the past.” He moves to squint a bit, as if trying to formulate his words more properly. “..Take vegtablesss like broccoli or green beans for example. I never liked them in the passst much. The lack of any flavor and the almost…rubber like texture on my teeth, it feelsss…wrong. Makes me want to crawl out of my damn ssscales. But the dinner you gave me lassst night, before I came over for example, with the roasssted green beans mixed with garlic and onions, that actually tasssted amazing.”

Ruddy blinks, lowering his fork as he tilts his head. "No flavor and a rubber like… My dear Pent, who the hell has been feeding you rubbery vegetables? That sounds completely disgusting, not to mention an actual textural nightmare. My children would have had my head if I'd fed them anything like that, and you'd be right to as well. My god, man. If I'd known the bar was that low I'd have done some stretches!" He scoffs, but smiles as he reaches over to gently prod Pent's cheek. "I can promise at least, that anything I feed you will actually have flavor to it. I cooked for twelve different children and my wife, I know how to cater to preferences."

Pent, hearing Ruddy’s reaction, and feels his cheek being prodded, huffs out a bit of a laugh, one that almost sounds bitter. “I wasss fed rubbery vegetables as a child because it wasss all we could afford, I’m afraid, dear Ruddy. The bessst my mother would do is boil them down in a pot of hot salted water until they became mush that had none of the crunch anymore. Didn’t exactly have the bessst of options. And when I was in America? Well don’t get me wrong, when I could afford actually good food, I ate very well. But when I was hiding out in the woods and on the run from the law ass my more criminal persona, the besssst vegetables we could gather had either been tossed in burlap sacks and left to sit in the backsss of wagons or plucked straight from the ground.” He scoops up a bit of his waffle onto a fork. “Ssso, needless to say, the flavors I had to choke down or ssstarve left me with quite the disssdain for some veggies. But I’m glad to say that your cooking is good enough to eassse my hesitance.”

"My god, man.. Your life was a very strange one, I'll say that much. I've never even gone camping and you were on the run surviving off what you could get, and that's after a childhood full of eating the most English cooking I've ever heard of." He shoves more food in his mouth, then reaches for a cup of tea to cradle in both hands. "My condolences on that mush, I'd have starved. I just can't stand mushy food."

“Heh. Neither could I. But, well, you learned to eat it quickly after dealing with the hunger pains after working all day and being so exhausted you’d swore blood was filling your shoes.” He shrugs a touch, eating a bit more of the waffle, which was now halfway gone. “The running from the law mossstly came after I exposed my sssecret identity and I was wanted all over the world. When I wasssn’t busy annexing sssstates and building my armies, I was fleeing from them.”

Well, exhaustion certainly wasn't a cheerful topic to discuss over brunch, brought up too many memories of days when he'd had to carry home siblings that had collapsed, delirious, in the middle of lessons. So he shakes his head, sighing dramatically. "It really is bizarre that I'm the overlord when you're the one that actually conquered in life. Hell has a sick sense of humor."

“Heh..It certainly doessss.” He nods a touch at that, a bit more bitterly, though a grin still curls up on his lips. “I actually wasss quite the celebrity when I first fell down, though. Sure, people were trying to kill me, consssidering that I killed them and caused them to fall down into Hell, but there were also plenty of people who thought of me as fassscinating, as intriguing, as a basssstion of destruction and power who had the capability to make it big down here. Sssome more influential than othersss..” He moves to stab his fork into another bit of waffle, almost wistfully. “Ssssome promised me a headssstart. A little bit of invessstment to help get me on my feet and back to making shipsss and back to making armiesss of robots and men and women armed with gunsss that could shoot explosions, and consssidering the state I was in when I first fell, lacking legs and having too many eyesss and unable to talk without hisssssing, it was invessstments that I surely needed. I knew that the only reassson they were invesssting at all was because the Ssssir Pentious in your debt was quite the powerful tool to have, was quite the ssssmoking gun that could be pointed toward your enemies at any time, and I knew that it would only be a matter of time before ssssome of these generousss investors would try and tighten their grip, but I alssso knew it would only be a matter of time before their assssistance was no longer needed, and I could sssstand on my own groundsss, my own rulesss, as my own Overlord…” He pauses just a touch to eat another morsel of waffle. “Ssso…I was content to wait. To bide my time. To..take a bit of a breather, from my effortsss of conquest. I had died after all. Certainly I could afford to maybe eassse back a little. Give myself a couple of decadesss to rest and get used to my new body properly, to keep myssself from straining my new form or getting in over my head and not knowing how to properly sssslither, while I have my armies sssteadily bulk themselves up thanks to the efforts of my “invessstorss…” He pauses, then finally lets out a sigh. “And I did wait. I probably would’ve been an Overlord by the time the ssssecond world war happened, and everything would’ve been ssssmooth sssailing since then. Had that day not happened. Had Alasssstor not fallen.”

This was a good opportunity for Ruddy to finish eating, but he was mindful to listen carefully to what Pent said while he shoveled his eggs and sausage into his face. It did explain a lot, but.. "Didn't he take down a massive swath of overlords? It hardly seemed like a personal attack."

“He did. Every ssssingle one within the Pentagram and every sssingle one that he could reach outside the border of the city itself. In other wordsss, the entire power sssstructure that I had been resssting cushy on for the lasst 45 yearssss had gone completely belly-up. Evissscerated, gone, a power vacuum like none other opening up and swallowing everything whole. I sssstill had shipsss, I still had thousands of weapons and millions of crates of ammunition at my disssposal, but with all my invessstors dead and all their financial coffers completely dried up, I had no meansss to pay for anyone to fight on my behalf when the dust settled and turf wars began to break out all over the city. No one in their right mind was willing to go out into a war zone of that magnitude, essspecially when so many were left butchered by Alastor’s hands and people were running shrieking at the sight of a shadow along the wall or the screech of microphone feedback. You can build as many damn shipsss as you want, but that doesn’t matter when you can get none of them off the ground because you don’t have any men to pilot them.” He sets down his fork, staring down pensively at his plate, hood beginning to rattle softly. “..Ssstill, I persisted. Had money that I sssstored in my own accounts, meant for emergencies, and I sssscrapped every last penny out of them that I could. Thisss was a rare opportunity, after all, and I didn’t want to wassste it. And for at leassst a couple years, it went fine. Not enough to not burn through all of my sssavings, I wass absolutely starting to let the debtsss pile up. But what else could I do but conquer and try and ussse the lands I had under my claws to drum up business later on? Ssso, conquered, I did. And it wasss fine. Until Vox showed up…”

Ah, Vox. Of course. A hand rubs his chest, face twisting minutely before he shoves the memories aside and focuses back on Pent. "So he's the real source of your woe, then? Not surprising, he was a tyrant even in my own Hell, and yours seems to respect your abilities to the point of terror."

“Of courssse he does. He grew up on Earth after I was long dead and gone, and my name still has yet to fade among the common tongue. The sssscars of my conquest are still there, the terror that I causssed still sewn into the earth, much like the immeasurable pilesss of bodies I left behind when my heart sssstopped beating. Memorials for the dead, museums to ensure the hissstory I left behind is never erased in the names of the victims I killed, no one is going to forget my name until the bloody sssun explodes and takes the Earth with it. Ssso…Better make sure I don’t get the chance to do it again down here.”

"Right, right." He'd heard this before. Moving on, then. "Well, hopefully you'll get the chance to kill him and show just how right he was to be afraid. Eat your breakfast, dread fiend Sir Pentious."

That finally breaks the sort of glum bitterness that was starting to creep over Pent’s expression, and he lets out a touch of a laugh through his nose, lips curling up into a soft grin. “Ah…Sssorry, was I getting a bit too bitter there? Apologiesss, I didn’t really mean to. Went a bit too far down memory lane, I sssuppose.”

He shakes his head, pointing a fork down at Pent's plate. "Not at all, don't fret. You're just letting your breakfast get cold, with all that monologuing. I can hardly send you home on an empty stomach, now can I?"

“Heh. Very true, very true.” He nods a touch again, then moves to start eating again, pausing in between bites to speak. “What about you? What wasss it like for you when you fell? No doubt you were worried ssssick about your family.”

There's a long moment of silence as Ruddy takes up his tea, taking a long, bracing sip before he answers. "I did not take the situation well, but I knew my family would be safe. It was a very unpleasant time. I did not have the dramatic dreams of conquest you did. I wanted my family, I wanted home. And this pit couldn't offer it. The only reason I began this conquest was to tear open the gates of heaven and see my family again, and that goal holds strong to this day. If god himself said I could slither in and see them, I'd give all of this, the airships, the conquest, the fear, the respect? All of it, gone in a second. Sure, it's enjoyable, it's pleasing, I have great fun with it, but it means nothing to me when weighed against my children." He shrugs. "Not the glory you expected, I'm sure, but I'm hardly going to lie to you."

“..I see.” He nods a touch, a small lump growing in the pit of his stomach at the thought. Not of Ruddy so willingly throwing away his status and fame and power just for the sake of seeing his family, that was entirely understandable, but more so the small, bitter thought, deep in the back of his mind, whispering. The whispering that told him that he would never be that important. That there was always someone else up above, in the realm of Heaven, his wife, his beloved spouse, that he would never be able to hold a candle to, that Ruddy would put first before he would ever put him first. It was enough to make him pause, enough to make him go still for a moment, that thought making his blood run cold, but he moves to clear his throat, trying his damndest to push it down. “Well…If it’s any consolation, I’m sure they’d be happy to see you, should that time come.”

That gets a snort out of the man, a crooked smile hitching up one side of his mouth. "I certainly hope so. There are a lot of grandchildren I never got to meet, alongside my youngest! She was just a bump when I finally bit it. Oh, Mads would have my head for leaving her to raise all the kids alone like that. But she'd be right to! How inconsiderate of me. Some partner I was, letting myself die before our youngest was independent." He shakes his head in mock disappointment, then shrugs. "But yes, I hope that my children would be happy to see their foolish old man. I tried to do right by them, as best I could."

That reaction, the snorting laugh, was enough to ease some of the hurt that was growing over Pent’s chest like a gash, like a horrid wound, but only for a moment. His lips quirk up in a soft smile, but one that drops just as quick as he moves to take another bite of his waffle. It tasted soggy with syrup in his mouth and he didn’t quite feel like swallowing, but he makes himself do so anyway; wouldn’t want to seem improper and talk with a full mouth. “..That’s good to hear. I never had a wife, or kidsss, but I’m sure if I did, I probably would have the ssssame desire as you. I imagine it’s been hard. Being away from your ssspouse for so long.”

His spouse..? Oh, right, yes. He puts the empty teacup down, shaking his head. "Mads? I'm sure she's fine without me, she's a tough little thing. Had to be, to carry thirteen children. But you seem to think I yearn for her. It's not that, we weren't poetically enraptured with each other. I came to love her fiercely over the years, to be sure, but I was never in love? Neither of us were. But it was hard to be a woman in those times, love was a trifle compared to a stable marriage. She was content to be married to a friend she knew she could trust to care for her, and I was more than happy to have the same. She was an excellent wife." He stares into his empty cup, running a claw over the rim. "I miss her, but not in the sense that I'm expecting to sweep her off her feet. She's simply the best friend I ever had, and I want to see her again."

“…Really?” He blinks at that, the hurt and that whispering voice, vile and awful in the back of his mind, evaporating into mist as if it was never there. He sits up a little, eyes going wide, the shock no doubt evident on his face. “I…from all the waysss you talked about her I assumed..”

"That we were in love? I don't blame you, many people thought that even in life. We were very affectionate, after all! But no. Ours was an intimacy built off of a lot of trust. No passing fancies, we simply chose to work with each other. And we were quite happy!" He adjusts his glasses, nudging them up his face. "I loved her. I still love her. That has never changed. But when we see each other again, it wont be two star crossed lovers reuniting, it will be a reunion of two friends who helped each other through the society we were raised in. What happens after that depends on what we need."

“..I see.” He nods after a moment, his heart thudding a little bit harder in his chest as the hurt and pain begins to ebb into shock and relief, and he can’t help but crack a smile, letting out a bit of a breathless chuckle. “Well, can’t quite say I’m not surprised. But I certainly don’t blame you for the both of you working out a system that helped you get by. I worked with plenty of women in the past when I was alive, and it certainly was harder for them than it wassss for most.” He raises a hand up to his mouth like he was telling a secret. “The amount of wives who were willing to sell out their horrible husbandssss and join up with me for being treated less like spouses and more like secretaries was absolutely abyssssmal.”

"Precisely. You think I'm going to mistreat the person I vowed to defend? My friend? And when she lives in my house and could kill me six ways from Sunday or sell my blueprints off while I'm asleep? Men who don't appreciate their spouses for the work they put in deserve to get betrayed." The scoff that comes out of him is nothing short of disgusted, his lip curling to reveal a hint of fangs. "Good for those ladies. I'm sure you compensated them well."

“Of courssse.” He grins back, but as toothy, just as full of fangs. “Ssssome of them even went on to become too generalssss of mine. Abssssolute killers on the battlefield they were. And two of my top advisssors were women as well. A couple, thossse two were, and they were sssome of the deadliessst shots I’ve ever ssseen in my life.” He chuckles a touch at that. “I remember them being the onesss to teach me how to shoot in the firssst place.”

"I didn't learn to shoot from a pair of lesbians, I'm afraid, but that does make for a good story." He'd drink to that if his cup wasn't empty. In fact, excuse him for a moment, he has to go refill his comically oversized (to anyone else) mug. "But I didn't mean to bore you with my relationship history, you didn't visit to hear me talk about my wife and children! You came here to put me to sleep, and then I trapped you here."

“Heh. Trapped is a ssssstrong word, dear Ssssir. If anything, I all but fell into your armssss and we both drifted off into peaceful sssslumber.” He lets out a bit of a chuckle, finally finishing off his first waffle. “You could never bore me with anything, that much I know.”

"You flatter me, Pent." He smiles at his alternate, reaching back to toy with his hair. "Do you want to do something here before you leave, or would you like to get home sooner?"

“Mmm..” He makes a small humming noise while idly leaning into the scritching and petting that his hair was receiving, hood fluttering and twitching upwards ever so slightly as he does so. “Not quite sure. You didn’t say you had anything planned for the day and…Well, not like I’ll be doing much of anything if I leave for home..”

"Sounds like as good an excuse as any to just hang around." Now… What did people actually DO when they were hanging out, but not at a big formal social engagement? Movies? Everyone used the old voxflix and chill routine, so there had to be some basis of plausible deniability.. So just.. Movies? "We could watch a movie? I'm sure we could find something we both enjoy."

“Moviesss, hm?” His tongue flicks out to flutter through the air for a moment, and he chuckles, moving to nod. “Sssounds like an excellent idea. I’d ssssuggest we make popcorn first but sssseeing as we just ate and all, perhaps it would be better to sssskip that part.”

Ruddy shakes his head, returning to the task of making his tea. "Nonsense! I'll just have the eggs make something for us. Do you take your popcorn with cheese powder or just butter?"

“Hmmm…Honessstly, I prefer both. The more flavor the better, in my opinion.” He moves to rest an elbow on the table as he watches him, hood fluttering back down into it’s proper place. “What movie do you think we ought to watch? Anything on your mind in termssss of genre?”

Uh oh, he hadn't expected to get this far. "Well… Hmm. Not really, I don't watch a lot of movies, on my own time. Do you have a favorite genre?"

“Hmmm…” His eyes narrow a little bit, and he taps a claw on the table. “I have been getting into the horror genre lately…”

Now that genre he knew. A smirk twists the corner of his mouth. "Horror? I do love a good horror movie, do you prefer gore horror, or psychological?"

“Mmmm. I prefer either way but I ssssuppose it dependssss on the definition of psssychological. Do you mean ssssomething like The Ring or Who’ssss Next or are you talking sssomething more along the linesss of Pssssycho?”

"Oh please, Psycho was a comedy more than anything. Or is that a thriller? I'm not picky, whatever you like I can happily enjoy."

“Heheh. Honessstly, I’m up for anything when it comes to horror. Gore or thriller or anything in between. I watch them lesss to get scared and more just to have something to watch.”

"Really? Well, we'll see if there are any good classics available and make a day of it, hm? The eggs can bring us the cheesy popcorn once we're comfortable."

“Sssounds like a fun time to me, dear Ssssir.”

[chaosstar290]

Reasons try out Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore.

Nintendo's been pretty casual with porting Wii U games over to the Switch, and for good reasons. Normally, I'm not all into porting games that I've already played, but my personal favorite games on the system that lack good marketing and advertising are now getting the attention and love they deserve.

Take Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for example, one of my favorite 2D platfomers. The game originally sold 1.72 million copies worldwide on the Wii U. Not very good numbers, huh? However, the Switch port managed to beat those sales numbers with 2.25 million units sold worldwide by the end of March 2019.

So while this could be seen as a way for Big N to earn more $$$, this is also a way for those who never owned a Wii U and missed out on some of the system's best titles to give these games a shot. Now we just need a port of Xenoblade Chronicles X and The Wonderful 101...and Star Fox Zero, I guess.

But that's a topic for another time. This post is specifically for my favorite JRPG on the Wii U only to be tied with Xenoblade Chronicles X....Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE.

This'll be a long one, so here's hoping you'll stick with it until the end.

Development

Before I get into the reasons, lemme educate you guys a bit. Back in January 2013, both Atlus and Intelligent Systems made a teaser trailer for a potential Shin Megami Tensei x Fire Emblem crossover for the Wii U.

The trailer was mostly just a slideshow with various character artwork. Despite this, there was a decent amount of hype surrounding it. But development around the game was pretty silent. That is, until we fast forward to the Nintendo Direct in April 1, 2015. We got a trailer of the ambitious SMT x FE crossover that fans were waiting for...but this was the final product.

Needless to say...neither SMT nor FE fans were happy about this. The fandoms were incredibly salty and foaming at the mouths, basically calling it a Person 4 Lite with a hint of FE. Heck, they're probably still posts on this site from 5 years ago that'll show that.

Fast forward to the games initial release, and you'll see quite a few positive reviews and thoughts about TMS. Unfortunately, the sale numbers were not all that great for the game. Obvious reasons being that it was a Wii U game, and many fans of both SMT x FE were not happy with how it turned out.

And to be honest, I wasn't feeling the game myself at first. It seemed too lighthearted and upbeat, and the J-Pop, anime-ish aesthetics were very off-putting. However, the more I saw about the game, the more I was drawn into it. Somehow all that disappointment I had about TMS originally just washed away. And considering it was a new IP, I decided to give it a chance. And hoo boy...I was generally pleased.

With that outta the way, let's get into why I'm excited for the Switch port of game, and hoping people will give it a fairer chance.

The Setting

The plot of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is mostly simple. You start out as high schooler Itsuki Aoi, the main character of the game encountering his childhood friend Tsubasa Oribe at an audition event to become a idol. It isn't until moments later in the game that the area gets overruned by shadowy creatures known as Mirages that suck out the creative energy known as Perso-- ah I mean Performa from the other idols and audience.

Poor girl doesn't know what's gonna happen next.

Despite our main characters seeming unharmed by the effect, the Mirages drag Tsubasa into their world known as the Idolsphere. And of course, courageous Itsuki takes action to follow and rescue her.

After trying to make a daring rescue, Itsuki gets bombarded by a Mirage, but somehow manages to awaken it. Taking the form of Fire Emblem Awakening's protagonist Chrom. Itsuki does the same with the Mirage that captured Tsubasa that takes the form of Cedea from Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon. The two awakaned Mirages, however, suffer from a bit of amnesia and can't quite remember who and what they are.

From there on, Itsuki and Tsubasa form a partnership with Chrom and Cedea, encountering various characters trying to reach their way to stardom while trying to draw back the opposing forces from taking over Tokyo and the world. Typical RPG stuff, am I right?

It's a fairly standard and slightly cliche plot with some common anime tropes, but for this game...it works. It's a plot that's incredibly silly, upbeat, and over-the-top, but again...it works for this game. And I love it. It may not be original, deep, or complex, but the story does its best to not take itself too seriously, and it doesn't fail to keep a smile in my face.

Aside from the vanilla cookie-cutter MC Itsuki, the various casts that you meet are incredibly charming, and go through their own personal growth as celebrities. Though you mileage may vary on this.

The Gameplay

The combat is the real star of Tokyo Mirage Sessions. Basically, it's your standard turn-based combat system...but with a few twists. If you've ever played a SMT or Persona game, then don't be surprised that elemental weaknesses make an appearance here. Along with that, the Triangle Weapon system from Fire Emblem also makes an appearance in the game.

But if you're not familiar with either franchise then give you a basic example how this works. Say that you've encountered an armored Mirage wielding an axe. The weaknesses on that enemy are both lightning and swords, and Itsuki just so happens to have both the necessary element and weapon equipped.

In case you're wondering...how the Triangle Weapon mechanic works in FE is that Swords beat Axes, Axes beat Lances, and Lances beat Swords.

The interesting thing about this is that once you exploit an enemy's weakness, other characters will jump in and combo extra attacks. These are called Sessions, and their not only powerful...but also flashy as all hell and it's glorious. Not only that, but there's also Duo Arts where two certain characters will sometimes perform a song that unleashes a powerful attack...which also strings up more Sessions. As broken as this sounds, it actually is pretty strategic for taking down harder enemies, and they can also form Sessions...so be careful.

There's more to the gameplay like roaming Tokyo, exploring dungeons, and upgrading your characters and Mirages by Tiki from Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon as well.

There's mixed opinions on the dungeon aspects of Tokyo Mirage Sessions, but...I personally enjoyed them. Aside from the first one. Once you get past the first dungeon, they get better as the game progresses. From exploring a darker version of Shibuya where you have to avoid giant cameras from sending you back to the entrance of the of the room you currently entered, to venturing through a maze-like TV studio.

There's also side-missions that you can do with your main cast that'll help them grow and develop even further. You'll be rewarded with either a special cutscene or a special attack. Or maybe both.

The Visuals

Go go...Persona Rangers?

If it wasn't obvious from the amount of images I'm posting, Tokyo Mirage Sessions is a very colorful game. Fitting with it's lighthearted theme, the amount of colors the game throws at you makes visuals aesthetically pleasing. Heck, you could make these your personal wallpaper on your phone or something.

Sure, Tokyo Mirage Sessions isn't nearly as strong as Persona 5 graphically or even artistically, but like most Nintendo games...what their games lack in terms of detailed ultra-hyper graphics, they make up for it with giving their games gorgeous artstyles.

Also, this game has some reeeeeally good artwork.

The Music

J-Pop plays a pretty big role in Tokyo Mirage Sessions, so expect a lot of vocal tracks. If you're not into this kind of genre of music, then you might wanna stray away from this game. If you are (or if it doesn't bother you), then you're in for a treat. As someone who really isn't into J-Pop myself, the songs in this game are incredible and catchy followed by some beautiful cutscenes. Reincarnation from Kiria Kurono and Feel from Tsubasa Oribe are some of my personal favorites.

The music from outside the vocal tracks are pretty good too. The normal battle theme and the Illusion Shibuya dungeon theme are just to name a couple.

What's New?

Like I said before, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a port of the Wii U version, but with added content. Any DLC that was added in the original game will part of the base game in the Switch version. But let's talk about the new stuff.

EX Story and Songs

The EX Story is basically a dungeon that you explore in short bursts. Here you'll find new costumes such as a Joker outfit from Persona 5 for Itsuki, or an Annette outfit from Fire Emblem Three Houses for Mamori Minamoto. Or you can have a much easier time grinding for EXP. Also, much like the side-stories, this dungeon will also explore the main casts' issues and help them grow.

New songs will also be added in this port. A duo song called "She is..." sung by Tsubasa and Kiria is one of them.

Sessions

By making Sessions even more powerful and ridiculous, unplayable characters like Tiki, Maiko Shimazaki, and Barry Goodman will also join in Sessions.

In addition, a Quick Session option will be added. Which is a major upgrade in my book. One of the big issues the Wii U version had was while the Sessions were fun to watch, they took forever to get through with the more characters that joined your party. There are also smaller improvements like the Switch version having faster loading times.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this long as hell post will spark some interest into those who'll give the game a shot. I know there's small nitpicks like the lack of English voice acting and censorship, but the latter is a topic I'd rather not delve deep into.

Regardless, these small cons are greatly outweighed by the large pros this charming game has. If you're an Atlus fan, a lover of JRPGs, or wanting to play something that'll ease the wait for Persona 5 Royal, I highly recommend you give Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE encore a shot.

If you're also waiting for Persona 5 to actually come to the Switch like me, this game is next best thing we've got for the time being.

This is one of the most stylish menu screens ever.

[dorotheajanegilmore]

Closer to you - Chris Evans

CHAPTER ONE

Throwing my small brown faux leather bag over my shoulder, I raced down the cold metal staircase at the back of my apartment building. The elevator had broken down throwing a wrench into the works of my morning and now I was breaking a sweat to get myself back on track.

Finally the rusted blue door of an exit was in site. Just outside were the freezing cold streets of Manhattan.

My palms met the blue metal and my arms pushed until my elbows were flat. The door pushed through the snow leaving a semi-circle of wet pavement exposed beneath. 

I ran through the frosty street, passing a few strangers. As I came to the end of the street where the quiet road merged with the busy road, a familiar white Toyota came purring around the corner. 

My best friend Holly pulled up at the girl and she leaned across the pull the hand. "Quickly, get in!" She yelled as I hurried across the icy road.

I practically threw myself into the passenger seat and as soon as my door closed Holly sped off. "Let's go girls." 

I looked back at my friends in the back seat. "Morning."

Teegan gave a small wave and Chloe nodded, both of them struggling to keep their eyes open.

I let out a sigh as I took my phone out of my bag, knowing I would have a series of unanswered messages from my mother. "Listen to this." I started, glancing at my friends to get their attention. "Good morning sweetie, have you left yet? Lessi ? You awake? Darling? Have you left the city yet? Where are you? Do you want me to send dad to come and get you? Are you even awake? Oh child of mine do you see the morning light? Hurry up and get here before dinner gets cold. Granddads not getting any younger." My friends were sent into fits of laughter at my mother's lunacy.

“Your mother is the greatest." Teegan mumbled, nearly asleep.

"Agreed. Tracey's the queen of sarcasm." Holly added as she drove onto the highway.

We had a twenty minute bout of silence as we all broke free from the morning anger, apart from Holly who seemed to be too chill for someone with dangerous road rage.

We stopped at McDonald's for some breakfast before hitting the road again. About fifteen minutes into the resumes drive Holly glances at me. "So, does your Mom know about Simon?"

"Alvin And Theodore? Yeah she knows the chipmunks." I bite my lip and look out the window, trying to dodge the question and giving my answer.

Holly rolled her eyes, there was no way she was letting this go. She briefly lifted her hand from the gear stick to hit me on the knee. "Answer me."

"Yeah she knows." I mumbled quietly, just loud enough for my girls to hear. Even though we were secure in the four walls of Holly's car, I still felt like I should be secretive about the subject of Simon.

Simon Holdsworth was my boyfriend for four years before dumping me. Me! After I found him cheating on me in MY bed with some NYU art student who stole my jewellery and the batteries from my tv remote. Ok maybe she didn't take my batteries but I have no other explanation for that so she's getting the blame.

"His mother called my mom and yelled at her because I was a apparently a bitch to Simon. She said I didn't allow him creative freedom to express himself with other women." I rolled my eyes and cursed under my breath.

"Hippies." Chloe shook her head as she picked her nails, remembering when she first met Simon's mother. When Simon first moved in with me we had a house warming party on the roof of our apartment building. Simon's mother, Nora, brought two bags of weed and brownies and set up camp in my living room. Nora also brought various scarfs and blankets that she draped over my living. She also replaced the coasters that my mother bought me for ounces made from tree bark that had been carved into peace signs. Chloe threw them in her log burner as soon as Simon moved out.

"What did Tracey say?" Teegan asked. All of my friend were on first name basis with the fantastic woman that birthed me. Not only were we best friends, we were raised together. We were all born in the same hospital, in the same city. We were raised in the same town, same schools, same university. Plus Teegan is my second cousin so.

"She laughed, told her to piss off and put the phone down."

"Yes Tracey." They all cheered her on.

"It's a pity you can't do the same thing." Holly replied with a serious tone, raising a brow at me.

"Hey, you know I'm strong-willed when it comes to people screwing me over. I just like to argue with him, he tried to get to me. He purposely likes to call and harass to upset me, he wants me to break. He would love nothing more than to see me cry. But he won't win, he won't." I shook my head, feeling the anger curse through me again. "He thrives on hurting people. But he won't hurt me, I won't let him."

"Good on you." Chloe nodded, putting a supportive hand on my shoulder.

Holly nodded in approval. "That's our girl."

\|\|\|\|\

It took three hours and forty minutes to get form Manhattan to the little town of Fairfield, Massachusetts. Soon enough we were surrounded by familiar buildings that had now been covered in a blanket of snow and driving through streets we used to run drunkenly through as we disobeyed our parents (and the law.)

First Holly dropped Chloe to her folks house, then Teegan to hers and finally I was looking at my parents house. I looked back at Holly with a puppy dog look and asked "Can I come to your house for thanksgiving?"

"Of course you can." Holly out a sympathetic hand on my shoulder. "Next year." She then have me a playful shove and I opened the door.

"Thanks for the lift. See you later yeah?" I asked, knowing I'd be needing a drink after an hour with this crazy lot.

"Sure, I'll text you." She nodded.

I grabbed my suitcase from the trunk and headed to the pavement. I gave Holly a wave and she watched me walk up to the driveway. She waited until I knocked and somebody answered before she drove away, always one for safety.

My little brother Alex opened the door. "Shit, when did you get so tall?" I cursed looking up at the nineteen year old.

He chuckled deeply and stepped back for me to go in. "You mean since I saw you two years ago? Yes I've grown. When did you get so short?"

"It's all the coffee." I shrugged as I left my suitcase in the downstairs cupboard and headed into the living room, at least I thought it was the living room. It was in the same place and it was the same shape, however it was all so different.

The red poppy wallpaper above the grey stone fireplace had been taken down and replaced with a cream paper with turquoise flowers, it also had an overspray if light silver glitter that matched the silver chandelier and doorhandles. The normally dark doors had been replaced with white ones and the rest of the walls painted white as well. My sweet childhood cottage had been replaced with a modern townhouse.

The burgundy couches had been replaced with chocolate colours leather and my dad's favourite recliner was nowhere is sight.

Moving further throughout the house i couldn't see any of my relatives. I looked back at Alex and asked "So, where is everyone?"

"Dad's in the garage working on the car and Mom, Nana and Lucy are in the garden with Joe and Leo." I nodded and walked through the kitchen to get to the back door.

I stopped in my tracks when I saw that there was now an orangery that had been extended into the back of our house, I glanced back at Alex to see him shrug at me.

He stepped around me and walked through the orangery into the open backyard. I followed slowly, taking in the new changes. I quickly glanced back at the kitchen. Huh, no changes their. The grey slate and white marble must've been modern enough for Mom.

I stepped out into the yard to see my mother, sister and grandmother gathered at the fence talking to our neighbours. Joe and Leo were over at the trampoline, at least there was one piece of my childhood left.

Leo gave me a wave and I waved back, this must've caught my nephew's attention as he stopped jumping, letting gravity drop him on his ass so he could jump from the trampoline and sprint across the yard.

As he ran at me I saw him lift his arms and I knew exactly what he was gonna do. He jumped as high as he could, I reached forward and caught him at the torso and he wrapped his arms around my neck.

"Auntie Alessia!" He yelled as he hugged me tightly. His shouting caused my family to turn their attention to me. I hugged Joe back before setting him down on the soft grass and kneeling down to talk to him.

"Hi bud! How are you?" I asked as I held his hand.

He beamed brightly and showed me his teeth. One of his front teeth had fallen out. "Look, I'm a big boy now." He pointed excitedly at his mouth.

"Wow!"

"My mommy said that if I put my tooth under my pillow the tooth fairy will come and she will take it and leave me a dollar! A whole dollar!"

"Well let's not encourage selling our body parts. Here." I reached into my back pocket and took out my change from earlier. "Here's five bucks, give your tooth to your dad."

He nodded and looked at me like I was crazy. "Thank you auntie Lessia!" He hugged me again before running back to Leo and the trampoline.

I stood up and headed over to my mother. As I approached the fence I saw she was talking to a woman I had never seen before. Where's Cheryl? I wondered.

"Oh Alessia, darling. Come meet our new neighbours." My mother wrapped her hand around my arm and practically yanked me over to the fence.

"Hi." I waved politely to the kind woman staring back at me with a warm smile.

"Hello there, Alessia. My name's Lisa. You're mother ya spoken so highly of you, it's so nice to put a face to the name." She said sweetly.

"It's nice to meet you too. Are you new to the area?" I inquired, wondering where our old neighbours had got too.

"Oh gosh no. We moved a few blocks away as my mother passed recently and she left us the house."

"Cheryl? Oh god I'm so sorry. She was the nicest woman, salt of the earth. I'm sorry for your loss." I felt real sadness as I spoke, not believing that sweet old Cheryl had passed on.

"You knew my grandmother?" A deep male voice said from my left. I looked in the direction of the person speaking and nearly had to do a double take. Standing beside Lisa was a very handsome brunette man with striking blue eyes and full beard. He was about 6 foot tall, with muscles and wide shoulders. He was wearing a deep maroon tight long sleeve and navy patriots cap.

"Hi." I breathed out, staring at this specimen in disbelief. How can one person be so unbelievably attractive? "Yes I did. Uh, I grew up doing chores for her. I kept her company on Wednesday's when Arthur would be at darts. She taught me how to bake and knit." I giggled lightly at the memories.

The man gave me a soft smile while Lisa smiled at me. "I'm sure she loved every minute of your company." Lisa nodded at me. "She actually left me a box of things labelled with your name. I'll have to have Chris dig it out and bring it over to you sometime."

"That would be lovely, thank you." I smiled, wondering how I had missed so much.

I could feel her son's eyes on me as I stepped down from the gathering or grass to allow my mom to finish her conversation.

"Hey." My sister Lucy said as she wrapped her arms around me to give me a hug. "I've missed you sister sister."

"Missed you too." I mumbled into her shoulder as she crushed me. She pulled back and placed a hand on her stomach before putting her pinger finger to her lips.

"It's a secret." She whispered and I nodded with wide eyes. Shit. She's pregnant again.

"Congratulations!" I whisper yelled at her and she widened her eyes at me and looked back at my mom and grandmother to see if they noticed. They hadn't, they were busy gossiping with Lisa.

Chapter two

[existential-hedgehog]

Someone tagged me.

@neonpines why can't you leave the hedgehog alone?

Rules: fill out the information and then proceed to tag people.

NAME : the fuck? I'm not telling tumblr that.On here I'd prefer The Hedgehog because I'm super paranoid about my actual name on the internet.

STARSIGN: Aquarius

GENDER: female.

Sexuality: Take the only photo I managed to take at Pride.

Wallpapers: Both are photos I took in Harry Potter World. My lock screen is Grimmuald Place. My home screen is Hogwarts because Hogwarts will always be my home.

Again: I took both photos on the same phone I'm typing this on.

Where do I see myself in ten years: out of school. Either in Chicago or somewhere out of the fucking USA. Either way, just in an apartment, by myself, working of what ever debt I've accumulated as a College Kid.

Anywhere else I'd rather be: Harry Potter world, France, anywhere with @anotheryoungavenger and @swordfightsandsocks, I don't know.

Coolest Halloween Costume: it wasn't that spectacular to look at but I love it to bits. I went as a proton for Halloween the last year I trick or treated.My shirt said "I'm positive I'm a proton" and my skirt had dots on it to represent quarks. After that year I always had too much Homework to go out and thus ended the costumes.

Favourite 90's show: Buffy/Angel( if it counts). I don't watch a lot of 90's stuff but I love Bewitched from the 60's as well as M*A*S*H.

Last Kiss: I got peanut butter on my face while making breakfast and my dog attacked me. Other than that, please no.

Stood Up: yep. I had shitty friends after I changed to a Catholic school in elementary school.

Been to Vegas: I dunno. My parents don't tell me anything. So, maybe.

Favorite Shoes: Currently either a pair of converse I got for France last year or my Tevas I got in Florida. As for the winter, I legitimately wear either tall leather riding boots or a pair of waterproof boots that go up to nearly my knees from September to May.

Favorite Fruit: Apples Mainly or any fruit that has the connotation of a vegetable. I'll eat almost any vegetable you put Infront of me but fruits can leave me alone.

Favorite Book: First of all, rude! I have too many books for this. However, I'd say either my French Harry Potter books or "All the Light we Cannot See" by Doer. That book takes place for a few chapters in Paris, so wehn I was there I felt like I was walking into the book.

Stupidest thing you've done: uhm, where do I begin. Most recently I managed to walk into the same door about four times and smack the same part of my leg on cabinet doors in my kitchen.

Gif you like:

Credit: Unknown, it was sent to me.

I really loved this scene just because the Porgs remind me of my dumbass dog.

People to tag: @anotheryoungavenger @swordfightsandsocks @hurricanejay17

Or literally anyone else who wants to do this.