#it doesn't matter how fast it's read the impact the words have are what matters. make *that* count ❤

[unknown-genshin-fan]

NSFW Alphabet (sub lucifer x dom reader)

-No pronouns mentioned, TW: Mentions of aftercare, Mentions of cum + sex toys + dirty talk + Oral sex + Masochistic Lucifer + spanking + gagging + Jerking off + public sex + praising and Degradtion- (not proof read, MINORS DNI!!!!!!!)

A- aftercare(what is he like after sex) - In aftercare, After sex(depending on how rough you are) his mostly lazy after that, his body softened up, his face all flushed and sweaty a bit, and his body sore

B- body part(what body part he likes on his partner)- Thighs, Adores sleeping on your thighs, or whenever his riding you while his back facing you, he grips your thighs for support

C- Cum(Anything to do with cum)- Allows you to cum in his mouth or inside of him

D- Dirty talk(How he reacts)- In any public place he gets all flustered and turned on but in private he gets even more turned on(his already as flushed as his face can go)

E- Experience(on how much they know about sex or sexual pleasure)- A bit of experience to a lot of experience(depending on how you want to view him but for me, it's a mild amount of experience) like he knows about sex but he doesn't know much of it

F- Favorite position(favorite sex position)- Bent over anything(or his desk in his office) absolutely thrilled and gets turned on about being caught or Riding you

G- Goofy(How he is during sex)- If you are gentle his gonna be all flushed and have a stupid lovesick smile on his face but if you are rough it doesn't matter, He is a whimpering, moaning crying mess under you

H- Hair(how messy it is during sex)- Can be messy depending on how rough you are on him or what positions, if his bent over his desk(anything) his hair is kinda messy

I- Intimacy(how flustered he can be until he breaks) Flirting/hugging can get him flustered or stutter over his words, but when you grope any of his body parts(ass or maybe his thighs) he gets turned on and sometimes whimpers

J- Jerking off(Masturbation) Lucifer likes to jerk off in his office loving the idea that you could walk in and find out that his breaking the rules and touching himself, absolutely love the idea that you are gonna punish him if you find out

K- Kink/kinks(Favorite kinks) Impact play- spanking or paddling, as I said before this man is a Masochist so he loves it when you are rough on him Orgasm control- Likes it when you control wether he cums or not, or make him cum repeatedly Bondage- Handcuffs/ropes anything that keeps him bound and at your mercy Public sex- At a party/public/anywhere that's public like malls etc, turns him on easily even in a private room/changing stall/bathroom Degradation- enjoys the feeling of being degraded Praising- When his overworked he loves it when you call him "good boy" or "pretty boy" It gets his face all flushed and pretty

L- Location(where you can fuck him) the same as public play, his office the bedroom anywhere as long we it has a private area but in a public place

M- Motivation(turn-ons) Dirty talking or groping him turns him on, teasing him getting him all flustered, or pinning him against the wall/desk

N- Needyness (How needy can he be?) When he is turned on he can be extremely needy but when he is overworked he can be needy but not as much

O- oral sex(receiving) Gagging with your fingers/strap/dick or when your eating him out

P- pace(if he enjoys you being slow, fast, or rough) When you are slow and gentle to him while his overworked or stressed it gets him to cum o easily but when you are fast or rough his brain gets foggy and his body squirming helplessly

Q- Quickies(How often, where do you do it?) Does it often if there's gonna be a meeting in a few minutes he likes to do a quickie in his office or your room, R- Risks(Like public sex or teasing) When you control his vibrator in public/meetings or gatherings, while his trying to hold his moans in by biting his lip, Likes to Rile you up with his pride until you drag him somewhere and fuck his brains out S- Stamina(How long can they keep up or how long they can take you) For hours, this man has the stamina of a cheetah, Overstimulate him until his brain is mushy and too fucked dumb to know anything T- toys/sex toys(Does he have a lot? Does he have few, does he use it often?) He has a lot(for you to use it on him) He does use it often when your gone or his too busy to go to you, Likes to show you the use toys in order to rile you up (Gonna skip the letter "U" because I have no idea what to do for it) V- Volume(how loud they are) When stressed his moans and whimpers can be soft and quiet, but whenever he is not stress he is extremely loud, his cries and sobs can be heard When- (How sexually active is he?) mostly 24/7 except when your rough on him, that gets him really sore so he has to take a few days off (Gonna skip "X" as well no idea what to do for it :'(..) Y- Yearning(How high his sex drive is) Same as the Sexually active one, Get's clingy and needy when his sex drive is high Z- Zz/sleeping(How fast they pass out/sleep after sex) Passes out, it doesn't matter if your soft or rough the pleasure is too much for him that he just knocks out (So sorry for not uploading anymore ☹️ and skipping some letters)

[the-s1lly-corner]

I love your work so much aaaaaAAAAA!!!

Ok so imma be straightforward, this is straight up me coping with irl stuff and reading your work makes me forget the cruel outside world so HERE WE GO!

Caine and Kinger x S/O who hides who they are out of fear of negative responses. Bottles it all up until they can't handle it anymore. Like, the reader is very much used to being the therapist/caretaker and is often very happy and doesn't hesitate to help others but silently they think rudely of others, holding their tounge constantly and even mutter under their breath about others being annoying. Ofc they don't want others to see who they truly are, in fear of rejection or their worst fear, isolation. They hate this part of themselves, like why do they have these horrible thoughts about others? It even borders on abstraction.

They can only feel comfortable around their partner and try their best not to vent too much but Caine/Kinger can sense something is wrong and even see their S/O glitching a bit and ask what's wrong and say its ok (in their own special ways!) and the reader just finally cracks, and in their glitching voice is sobbing on how much of a terrible person they are and how they deserve to be in this digital hell for being so horrible.

Im so normal about this. And just so it's not so hard to think of a title, I recommend "Caine and Kinger x reader who pretends!" you don't have to use it but it's there!

Unsavory thoughts (Caine and kinger x reader)!

UEAAA THIS GOT BURIED IM SO SO SO SORRY ANON!! I truly did not mean to take this long to get to your request :(

That said I'm so happy to hear that my silly writing has a positive impact on people.. please remember to drink water and get plenty of rest, remember that there are people that care about you

Hands you a glass of juice

I got silly with Caines piece

CAINE:

KINGER:

Between the two it takes him a little while longer to realize that something is wrong with you. I mean hes still trying to learn all these emotions that make people.. human

Absolutely panics when he sees you glitch out. I'm talking his eyes fly out of his jaws as they hang open panic. Rushes to you to see if you're okay... god forbid youre abstracting... maybe he can help ground you, or something?

Listens to you talk, for once the ringmaster is quiet. Rubs your back

You... have mean thoughts about people...?

Is it not okay to dislike people? Is it not reasonable to be irritable in a new environment? Is it not normal to have at least a few terrible thoughts about others? Are you any less worthy of support or love because you're not a ray of sunshine?

Is this not what being human is about?

Of course he wouldnt say it exactly like that, but he would carry the same message, I think. Is what you're experiencing not a natural part of the human experience?

Yes, you can argue that caine is an AI and he has no place to speak on matters like these, but as your partner he wont let you go without comfort and reassurance

He let's you talk and let it all out. I think going forward he makes it a point to make sure you get time alone, and time with him... makes IHAs more "non intrusive" so you can opt out if you dont want to interact with the others

Very accommodating, I think

Unlike caine he catches on really fast that theres something wrong, something even larger than you're letting on. But still, he let's you do your small but rare vents... until he returns to you after briefly taking some time away from you for one reason or another to find you having a melt down. He thinks you're abstracting, and you probably are. Honestly I can see kinger doing the grounding technique (the 5 sense thing) and he tries to guide you through it to help calm you down enough to pull yourself together just enough to stabilize. Listens to your word vomit as you spill your guts out to him. While I domt think he would be as.. profound as caine... he carries a comfort only sweet old people can possess. And it calms you down. It's not an immediate solution, but its comforting nonetheless. He let's you sleep in his arms. He goes on to stand between you and others to try to keep you from getting too irritated or overwhelmed by the others; however he will stand to the side if you ask him to

Very protective of you but even more so after this

[rainfallnightmare]

Chapter 3

(Experiment Sun, Moon and Eclipse x Caretaker Y/n)

Genre: Angst to Fluff

Warning: Blood, Swearing and knifes

word counts: 1410

------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 6th, 2087

Home

Y/n POV:

Today unfortunately was one of my days off. Sitting on my sofa in the living room. I brought the files with me home so I read them over and did some analysis so I understand the astral beings a little more. There was little info on where the people even found the guys, let alone how they managed to catch them because of what the three could do to any human that threatens them. While I was in the middle of reading Sunny's info. My phone starts to go off as I pick it up and answer the call.

"This is Y/n speaking"

"Y/n we need your help!" It was Simone, one of the scientists that was experimenting on my astral guys. "What do you need my help for?" This was the first time any of the scientists were asking for my help on something. "Marcus wanted us to take some blood from the subjects, But he pulled a risky move that harmed one of the subjects badly!" When I heard this from Simone.

I felt my body in rage. I knew Marcus was a reckless person, but for him to do this to my astral boys. I was not having it anymore and I was instantly w done with my break. "I'm on my way, make sure Marcus doesn't do anything more got it!" I got my car keys and left my apartment when I hung up the call. I was so ready to fight the guy but I'll have to worry about who Marcus hurt first before I deal with him.

I knew that I had fallen for the celestial astral beings. Being with them over the course of a year. I had grown and made a connection with the three and always wanted to protect them no matter what harm came my way.

Planning to free the guys when I find Lunar was my top priority. They deserve freedom and not be contained in a lab that the government decided to hide. 

CBR

When I arrived at the facility and got inside. I went straight to the subject's chambers and opened the door to see Marcus standing over a hurt Sun. Moon and Eclipse were restrained to the wall with heavy duty cuffs but in fury for what Marcus had done. “Pathetic, Couldn’t even handle a simple stab wound. You call yourself an astral being” Marcus said in disgust while holding a kitchen knife that was covered in yellowish orange liquid. I assume it was Sun blood, The sight had me in an almost blind rage as I walked over to Marcus fast and placed my hand on his shoulder.

“Simone, for the last time I…!” Marcus turned his head to see me and stood there frozen in surprise.

“Wrong person you bastard” I growled before I clutched my right fist and swung it at Marcus face. The impact with my fist to his face knocked him to the ground in pain as much as I was but my adrenaline didn’t let me feel it yet. “You are one sick bastard, not only did you break so many rules but harmed a being for what? Your stupid enjoyment or something!” I growled in anger as Marcus got up and held his sore ass face while tightly holding the knife in his other hand.

“Nice punch Rookie, but you're late and now you will watch your precious astral suffer in pain and so will you” Marcus smirked before he swung his arm with the knife and slash my arm, and a little of my chest. I hissed in pain and held my now wounded arm as the other Scientists ran over to apprehend Marcus. Simone called for security as they quickly came and took Marcus out who was laughing like a psychopath. “Bastard!” I grit my teeth before I went over to Sun who was on the ground groaning in pain. “Someone get me a first aid now!” I said allow enough that Simone ran and came back with a large first aid kit.

“Let me…Leave, before you become a victim Simone”

I interrupted Simone as we both heard Moon and Eclipse growl in anger. Simone, being the smart one actually listened as he quickly left my side. As I quickly worked on patching up Sun wound, I didn’t hear a click sound as I was too busy trying to help Sunny.

When I was trying to wrap up Sun’s wounded side. I saw a large hand over mine that stopped me from proceeding. “Your hurt comet, let me do this” Moons said as he took over and undo the bandage which had me wanting to stop him but I was suddenly picked up by Eclipse.”Moon got this comet, we need to focus on healing you” Eclipse said as he held me in his lower set of arms while his upper pair on arms took my wounded arm in them. I let out a groan of pain when Eclipse moved my arm to have a better angle at it as he gave me an apologetic look.

“This will hurt a bit” Eclipse warned me as he pressed his hand on my wound. My eyes closed roughly as the pain increased and I let out a whine as it hurt like hell. Soon I felt something easing the pain away as the pressure from Eclipse’s hand slowly lightened up a bit. After what felt like minutes had passed, I no longer felt pain as I opened my eyes and looked to see a slightly tired Eclipse.

“That should do it” Eclipse gave me a tired smile as I looked to see what he did. The wound on my arm was healed and an astral star-like pattern was left behind on my arm. “What did you…Don’t question it for now” Eclipse pulled me close to him as he nuzzled his warm-like cheek against mine. I wasn’t gonna argue with him since I guessed that he used an ability to heal me that drained him a bit. I smiled softly and gave Eclipse a kiss on his cheek which made him purr softly before I turned to see Sun being set up by Moon. “How is Sunny doing Moony?” I asked in a worried tone even tho I know Moon has helped Sun heal. “I-I’m alright comet, I just need some rest is all” Sunny spoke shakingly as I gestured to Moon to bring him closer to me carefully.

As Moon had Sun and himself sat down in front of eclipse and I. I carefully press my head against Sun as he did the same with me. “I’m sorry” I lightly stroke Sun cheek with my hand as I apologize to him suddenly. “For what comet, you didn’t hurt us” Sunny said in a slight surprise. “Even if I wasn’t the one who did it, I feel like it’s my fault for letting this happen.” Shaking in anger and fear, I felt tears from my eyes starting to run down my cheeks as I felt so disappointed in myself for not protecting them.

“Y/n..”

Feeling Sunny moving away from me a bit. I looked down to avoid eye contact because I didn’t want to show them my weak side. Suddenly I felt both warm and cold on my cheeks as my head tilted up to look at the three Astral beings. “You're not at fault for what had happened today Sunshine” Sunny spoke first as Moon and Eclipse nodded their heads.

“If it was anyone’s fault, it would be Marcus’s fault. He knew better yet he still didn’t listen and broke the facilities rules” Moon said as he gently wipes my tears away and places a light kiss on my crown. “Both Moon and Sun are right little comet, But for now let’s not have that human bother us as we’re all here together” Eclipse chimed in as he once again nuzzled against me and sun did the same.

I chuckled softly by how sweet the three were being towards me after what had happened today. This made me want to help them escape more while also falling for them a lot more than I wanted to. I wasn’t complaining because it is nice to be loved by someone whether it was human or not.

“I’m spending the night here with you guys if the facility likes it or not”

[wake-me-up-inside-imagines]

Hello! Could I request Ace and Levi from drdt with a fem! ult novelist who is tired all the time and overworks herself?

Sure thing! I feel like these two boys are kinda underrated in the fandom so I'm happy to write for them!

Ace and Levi with a Fem! ultimate novelist S/O who's constantly tired

Warnings: none

Fem! reader

Levi:

-Concerned boyfriend

-He has a deep appreciation for your talent and the dedication you put into your writing, but he hates seeing how normal it is for you to be so exhausted all the time

-But he also kind of gets it, there will be times when he's so invested in his work that he'll forget to take care of himself as well

-He understands that it's not as simple as getting up and going to bed, especially when you have the intense need to finish something, no matter how long it takes

-That being said, he'll do as much as can to help you manage your sleep and your work balance

-He'll make a planner setting aside ample time to work, while also giving you time for yourself and to sleep, Scheduled around your working needs

-Like if you do you're best writing at night he'll set your work hours for the evening or vise versa, as well as how long it typically takes you to get a certain amount of work done

-If you refuse to come to bed, he'll straight up just... pick you up and carry you to your bed

-He'll stay with you if you have a hard time sleeping, he has a very comforting presence

-He often helps you with writing ideas during your writer blocks, he knows how much they stress you out and he doesn't want you to be stressed

-More on the writing side of things, he loves talking to you about your books (He's read them all and has the next one on preorder)

-He enjoys hearing about your writing process, what inspires you, if any of your books are inspired by real events or people, ect

-Once your newest novel drops, he reads it as fast as possible so he can discuss it with you

-He's also just enamored by the way you write, you're not called the ultimate novelist for no reason after all

-Whilst reading, he can tell how much love, effort, and care you put into the writing, perfecting every last detail

-He's super proud of you, he just hopes you'll sleep more once you begin working on your next book

Ace:

-Ok I mean this in the nicest possible way...

-He thinks your lack of sleep is stupid

-Has the mentality of "why are you tired? Just sleep lol"

-Even after you explain it to him, he doesn't really understand why you don't sleep

-But he has enough braincells to understand that it impacts you pretty heavily so he stops insulting it

-He didn't see why it was a big deal at first, but after using his observation skills for once, he's like "oh shit this is an actual issue, uh oh"

-He wants to help you because even though he can be insensitive he loves you, but also, he's Ace so his methods are a bit more... harsh I guess? (annoying is probably a better word actually). But they are super effective

-He has this really strategic way of getting you to sleep, he calls it "annoy Y/N until she has no choice but to sleep because I won't shut up until she does"

-As I said, it's very effective

-Once nighttime rolls around, he'll start whining and begging for you to come to bed with him because 'he saw a shadow move and he needs you to protect him from it' or some dumb shit like that

-He's purposefully playing up his anxiety to get you to sleep and it's working surprisingly well

-If you still refuse, he'll just keep bugging you, it's not like you can work with him constantly talking anyway so you might as well sleep

-He also has an iron grip on you while he sleeps so good luck trying to get up after he falls asleep to do more work because that's not happening

-I can't say he's read all of your books because I'd be lying (he doesn't strike me as an avid reader tbh) but he does want to read the one you've been working on

-Once it's out, he'll read it and praise you on your work (although it'll probably take him awhile to finish)

-He genuinely likes your writing and he's decided to go and read your other stuff now

(I hope you enjoyed! I feel kinda bad for clowning on Ace so much but it's just so easy to do, I had to)

[marioswap]

🍄! :D

Thank you!!

I will be putting numerous little things, I'm sure that's okay uwu

Some of my favourite headcanons and trivia;

Prince Mario is pan (I guess so is Prince Luigi?)

Prince Luigi has naturally green eyes, but he used blue contacts for a good while. Now in the AU's present time, he doesn't use contacts and thus needs to use reading glasses

Prince Luigi is officially dating Prince Peasley in MarioSwap

Prince Mario is more like their father, King Paolo, and Prince Luigi is more like their mother, Queen Caramel

Prince Mario and Prince Luigi have Keepsakes - a magical power in the lineage of Toadstools. This is a homage to the canon fact that Princess Peach used to canonically have some magical powers

Morton Koopa is FMT

In AU's present time, Mario and Luigi are 27 years old

Then, I want to share a few of my favourite scenes from some of the stories! (I could make entire posts about specific scenes or things about this AU and write essays about 'em, maybe I will if people are interested!)

There will be spoilers! ;)

"Please, Mario, we are beyond formalities at this point", the maid translated Princess Holly, who chuckled while she signed.  "We have known each other since we were little tadpoles!" Holly signed, smirking at Daisy.  Mario hummed, embarrassed. Daisy held a grin on her face and eyed Mario curiously.  "She has always been amused of my frog suit", Mario told Daisy; "She's seen me without one on just a few rare occasions." 

Upsy-Daisy - I just find this scene funny :D #bringbackthefrogsuit

Toadsworth pressed his brows down. Ever since he was a kid, Mario had this habit of clamming up when something didn't go his way, when he was anxious, or when he felt incapable of speaking back. After their parents disappeared, Mario stopped talking altogether. Well, he stopped talking to everyone else except for Luigi. A month in and the Travel Paintings had to be locked away. Some weeks later Mario started talking again, with Luigi's support and help.  This situation reminded Toadsworth an awful lot of that time, and he hoped that Prince Mario wouldn't clam up now. Not now, when his voice needed to be heard. "Your Highness, something has to be done-" Toadsworth whispered to him, trying to encourage him, his words echoing in the otherwise quiet hall. Everyone was waiting for his next order. Mario felt everyone's eyes on him, staring holes in his character. Memories surfaced, making him anxious. He felt panic creep its way into his being. Was he going to have a panic attack? Was this how it felt? Oh, to think Luigi has had to go through this so many times-

Family Matters Act 1 - One of the scenes I loved to write, bc I was able to give Mario's character something deeper. What this AU is partly about is looking deep into Mario and Luigi's characters, their bonds and emotions, and I really like to explore them whenever I can.

“I wouldn’t mind having two kingdoms instead of just one. And to be honest, you’re not the worst option. You’re quite pretty”, Tom mumbled thoughtfully and eyed Prince Mario. Mario chuckled awkwardly. Tom tugged the corner of his lips.  “Too bad you gotta die for this arrangement to work.”  “Mh? What-” Mario uttered, and Tom slammed his hand down on Mario, forcing him on his back on the bed. Tom’s palm covered Mario’s head, in an attempt to smother him. Mario kicked with his legs and struggled underneath Tom’s hand, unable to breath and his right arm hurting. He was fighting hard to stay awake. Luigi felt his heart jump to his throat. He felt how panic took over his whole being, and he wasn’t thinking logically anymore. He squeezed through the gap inside the room and ran as fast as his legs took him towards King Boo.  “Luigi-!” Peach gasped and followed him, Chanterelle rushed after them as well. 

Family Matters Act 2 - for Luigi, this is a very meaningful moment. He learns new things about his abilities, which will later have an impact on his mental health (oh these two really need therapy-)

Mario felt his breath catch pace. It was a decision done on a whim, but most importantly it was a choice he made, with no one else telling him he should or shouldn't do it. Prince Mario let go of Haru's hands for a short moment to cup his cheeks softly, and Haru knew what he was after. The tall Prince of Flower Kingdom bent lower, so Mario could kiss him. Haru accepted the kiss, answered it even ever so softly, and held Mario gently by his arms. 

Kingdom Come - For Mario, this is very, very huge thing. His whole life he's been courted, proposed to and pressured for marriage (mostly by Bowser, but other too), he has the whole of Mushroom Kingdom on his shoulders. And this kiss here was maybe the very first this sort of decision he did himself, with no one else pressuring him or telling him what to do or not to do. This determines a lot of Mario's character development, and Haru plays a very important role in Mario's character from now on as well.

“There’s really nothing I can do to change your mind about this?” Luigi hummed a question and leaned his head against Mario’s shoulder. Mario ‘mm-mh’d with a shake of his head. He leaned his head against Luigi’s and answered; “No, Lu. But it is okay. As long as we are together, everything will be okay. And, maybe, a big change like this turns out to be a good one… Sometimes life has to change dramatically, and we just have to let it happen.”  “It’s just a fancy title”, Luigi sighed and pet Polterpup’s head, lying to himself a little as he did. It wouldn’t be just a fancy title, they both knew that.   “Exactly”, Mario hummed.  “I love you”, Luigi reminded him, and Mario answered; “You too.”

This work here is yet to be published ;) I was inspired by the movie's lines here, I just had to add this one!

[alkaisheonhelp]

She was there. She was there when we first came to this world, she was there when stormterror attacked the city, she was there when the death of an archon in announced, she was there when the ancient god, along with his wife is woken up and threatened the city, she was there when the personification of eternity is demanding them to give up, she was there when the puppet falls and became a new, she was there to witness the rise of a new archon. She. Was. There.

Their heart is pounding crazily, almost as fast as the drums that sounded at that fateful day, the day the both of them reunited, the day the both of them realize who's the true villain is. Their adrenaline is pumping, eyes scouted every inch of every corner in all of Teyvat.

"Where is she?" "Hm? What do you mean?" "That floating companion of yours, the unlicensed 'guide' .... Their name is.... Paimon. Right?" "Ah....yeah..... Where is she??, She's besid-..... Paimon?!"

Everything was a blur after that, nothing felt right, the annoyingly cheery voice that always crave food, that high pitched and loud voice that spare no one to their behavior of giving a nickname no matter the status,

"Aether!, Did you find her?!" His earing glow a subtle white, as a means of fast  communication, aether earing and lumine's feather is turned into a device by their returned power,

Dang it paimon, why did you have to disappeared?!, Everything been settled, but now you're the one that became the new problem.

"Have you checked inside the teapot yet?!" "Yes! She's not there!"

Paimon where are you..... No matter how much I don't like your attitude you can't just leave us like that!

"Lumine! Contact the archons and everyone who has connection!, She probably isn't that far from our original post" "I- ok, you try to check Celestia and the other world, we'll meet up at dawn alright?" We nodded, the both of our eyes is reassuring, convincing each other that it won't be long, that she's alright, that she will be fine. We know that this maybe just a delusion of ours, but it doesn't hurt to hope just one more time.

Ugh..... What happened? Aether.....lumine, I were in there right?,

Her eye sight blurry, with hands and feet cold, she felt trapped the feeling is familiar almost like the first time they met.

"You're awake" "Wah!, Who- who are you?!" The person in front of her sigh, with her blurry sight she can only hope that whoever this is won't be able to hurt her.

"It seems you're still isn't fully awake huh?" Her words are a mumble, but paimon heard it clearly. "....such naive creature, I can't believe that you are one of us" "....huh?" Everything felt so cold now, and suffocating. It's hard to breath "Well, you'll do for this I guess, it's better to be save after all" "Huh?, What do you mean?, Wait- Who are you?!" She freaked out, this feeling is uncomfortable, she doesn't like this, she hate it.

She hope it's over soon.

Uhm .... Hi!, This is my first post, and so to speak, I've been in here for quite awhile actually but is always a silent reader(?) I'm not sure if this will have a continuation or not, but, I realized that most of Genshin Impact content is usually a story about the traveler and other character, but never really paimon, so here! Just an idea of mine that hopefully will be a satisfaction to everyone.

thank you for reading and have a great day!

[dojunie]

Hello, it's "time goes by fast" anon. May I ask you for some tips for writing? How did you get into it? I've tried to myself, but I mainly draw and it's so different and harder compared to writing. It might be because my first language isn't English, so when I try to come up with sentences, it kind of gets stuck at finding the right words.

tips for writing!!!!! my goodness i wish i had a specific set of rules or thoughts or whatever but i have no set lines that i follow 🤕🤕🤕🤕 and i used to draw too!!!! i had this blog on tumblr where i used to upload my art for bts, but as i gradually grew out of bts and drawing in general, i stopped updating it lol

i got into writing fanfiction in 2014 when i was fourteen i think (5SOS... 💀) but ive been making up stories for basically my whole life, so i have no concrete rules... so i'll just mention a few of the things i do that help me put out a finished product that i'm proud of!

[a/n]: i got WAY too into answering this so it's going under a readmore LOL, please scroll if this doesn't interest you

what i do is that i edit... a lot. probably too much. definitely too much. if i had to give you the #1 thing i do that i think has the biggest impact on my work, is that i am Always Editing. ive heard other advice where people say to not edit until you're done, but i just don't operate that way; i gotta edit as i go. i just gotta. every single time i open something i'm working on i read it over from the very beginning of that chapter/scene, and always end up fixing a few things on the way down that i didn't notice while writing. and if you do this every time, or often enough, eventually you will shape your words into something you've really thought through and understand the purpose of. for example, like you said, a sentence where the words/idea doesn't quite flow as well as i envisioned it in my head. i take things out, i delete it altogether and try rewriting it with a different feeling, i move the sentence to a different part of the paragraph, i try a different word (i LOVE the thesaurus.com website for helping me find different words for the same meaning, cause it really spices up a sentence if the word sounds too... stuck. i literally have it saved in my browser bookmarks lol.)

and besides my habit of excessively overediting i'm not sure what else to tell you 😔 so i'm going to list a few things ive realized i really pay attention to while writing! ⇩⇩⇩⇩

sentence length!!! vary your sentences!!! this really helps keep the reader engaged with reading and comprehending tone and feelings; i.e long sentences feel very descriptive, they draw you in with a lot of information at once and (especially in dialogue!) / and shorter sentences feel important, sharp and direct, they snap quicker and more suddenly. long and short work well together!

character voices!! for me, this means the way each person in the story thinks, acts, or talks; like how in misdial, Jeno's 'voice' is very matter of fact. it's a little more blunt, a bit flat and unemotive, to the point that his true feelings are often misunderstood because people can't tell what he's thinking. he's serious. still. careful. so i use a lot of periods and short sentences to try and get this across! with mc, however, i want her to come across as spunky, easily agitated, hard-headed and quite relaxed; so i make it a point to have her talk back under her breath, she curses a lot, sometimes speaks before she thinks about what she's really saying. a lotta exclamation points, wordy sentences, smart-ass retorts and playful comments. the way your character talks (in their head and out loud) really sets the tone of the writing!

if something sounds weird and clunky, or stuck, try reading it out loud! not like yelling it or anything, but maybe just whisper it to yourself. i've found that this helps me figure out which part of a sentence is the weird bit that needs to be changed to flow better.

dont be afraid to scrap certain parts or change a scene completely! this is something i struggle with still, lmao, but ive unfortunately realized that it does actually help to cut a part if it's giving you hell. (by this i mean it doesn't flow right no matter what you do, doesn't fit the rest of the scene, or feels clunky and weird and wont sound right no matter how you edit it). i was stuck on a fic once for almost a week, trapped by a scene that i couldn't bear the part with because i thought it NEEDED to be in the fic... and then the moment i removed it and tried to write it a different way, it just worked. (and just to be clear, i dont delete it completely! i just copy paste the problem section into a temporary doc so i dont lose all that work, but sometimes just getting it out of the way is enough to get the gears turning again!)

and that's all i guess!?!?! WOW i kind of went crazy with this but ive never been asked this question before, and really wanted to give you my honest thoughts... so i genuinely hope this helps you in some way!!!!

tysm for asking me this! thinking about this so seriously actually helped me as well 🙇‍♀️

(i'm going to dub you 📚 anon <3)

[continuity-error24]

DDLC'S ''The Lady Who Knows Everything'' Analyzed

[this is an extract from an upcoming remake of this video]

Out of all of Monika's poems, this is the longest - and the most narrative-driven. Whereas Save me leaned more into pure feelings, this is a much more anecdotal poem, although still very much a metaphorical freeform piece in keeping with Monika's signature style. I'm not even sure how to count the stanzas to be honest!

The first stanza begins by describing the titular character - large vowel sounds such as 'old', 'tale', 'tells', 'Earth', 'every' and 'all' build up a sense of scale, not in terms of literal size but in time and importance. The capitalization of the second line - a repetition of the title - and the use of past tense in 'has found' and 'ever sought' at the end especially contribute to this sense of time. The selection of words 'answer', 'meaning' and 'purpose' with 'all' repeated thrice to give the reader an absolute depiction of The Lady - there are no exceptions or limits to her knowledge. Every line of the first stanza adds to the idea that The Lady is a godlike entity, a goddess perhaps.

This is immediatly juxtaposed with the next line - the unusual spacing slows down the pace from the relativly fast beginning, changing the tone from one of surity and certainty, as if read from a book, to thoughtfulness and introspection, as if said aloud. Monika uses a 'feather' as a metaphor for herself, an extremely lightweight object that symbolises how powerless she feels in comparison to The Lady, and this meekness or timidity of herself that she percieves is cemented by the next line, utilising words such as 'lost', 'adrift' and 'victim'.

The next stanza reveals what was already implicit in the tone of the first page - Monika adores The Lady, worshipping her to the point of seeking her out. She isn't jealous, she truly looks up to the Lady, and this atmosphere is embedded into the text with repetition of sounds like 'day' and 'search', the phrase 'when all', and 'legend' or 'legends'. There is a mystical element to it, given the premise and meaning of the story in the poem, but also in the somewhat rhythmic structure of the stanza.

The most impactful part of this stanza is of course at the end - the last line's metaphor of a 'last dim star glimmering in the twilit sky' is not only a brilliant way of conveying Monika's view of The Lady, her constant beacon of hope no matter what, but almost every single word employs emotive magery that enhances the reading of the poem overall.

The next stanza brings up up to the conclusions of the narrative - Monika falls, the word 'fall' is repeated four times, the pace sped up and slowed down by the irregular sentence lengths, before returning to the metaphor of the feather - except its no longer a metaphor, but a simile, as Monika says 'gentle as a feather'. This means that the next line, 'A dry quill' is literal - a 'quill' is essentially a pen made with a feather, its what folks like Shakespeare used hundred of years ago before modern pens were invented. Monika is referencing that fact that she is writing this poem - again, getting meta - and 'expressionless' is either referring to her actual feelings (or lack thereof) in this moment, or her view that her poetry lacks expression, and doesn't communicate ideas very well.

Monika is consistently shown to have confidence issues in DDLC, but it could also be that she doesn't care about 'falling' since - aside from the Lady - she has no hope or belief in anything, not even her own life.

But - the stanza literally begins with this word, signifying a twist - Monika describes The Lady catching her, indicated by the return of the descriptor 'beautiful'. She catches Monika 'between thumb and forefinger', as if the Lady is giant, or Monika is tiny. I know its confusing to think whether or not this is a metaphor, but the whole story of 'The Lady Who Knows Everything' is an extended metaphor so don't worry about it.

The fact that 'there is no end' to the Lady's 'gaze' makes me wonder if this is somehow the same thing as the Hole in Wall…once again, The Lady's infinite wisdom is implicitly referenced.

In any case, the Lady certainly lives up to the image of her that was built at the start of the poem - she reads Monika's mind. The choice of the word 'hollow' to describe her voice is interesting, as it evokes the sound of elderly, perhaps tired voice, but also connotes that idea that Monika's faith is hollow and false, as the following lines reveal. The Lady takes three of the lines from the beginning, and changes the wording to mean the opposite of what was established, saying that despite finding 'every' answer, they all amount to 'nothing' - what Monika seeks is 'impossible'.

The sad, hopeless tone continues in the lyrical rhythm with the repetition of 'legend' again, but this time with the reveal that The Lady does not consider herself Monika's 'legend' - that legend is impossible, it doesn't exist.

And then the Lady 'blows' Monika 'back afloat' with her breath, and Monika picks up a 'gust of wind' - its a fairly sudden and tragic ending, that leaves Monika worse than before.

I'm honestly not entirely sure what the meaning of this poem was, but there's an implication that the 'wind' blowing Monika 'the feather' the whole time was actually the Lady's breath - it'd explain why it suddenly stopped one day, and why the Lady was conviniently there to catch Monika - she could've in control the whole time, and picked her moment to reveal to Monika that her faith was hollow. But what does The Lady represent? This was Monika's third poem, given to us towards the end of Act 1, what does it have to do with her story?

Does The Lady represent DDLC itself, and the end of Monika's journey of discovering the limits of the game world? Is this just a made up story to be an internal dialogue? Why is it a Lady, why not a man? I'm not too certain of anything other than the fact that this is Monika's lowest, most depressed state in the game. This is a way of explaining how utterly devoid of hope she feels by the time we reach Act 2, and perhaps an indication of why her mind became so twisted…

[readingspeedcalculator]

Maximize Your Productivity: Calculate Your Reading Speed Now!

In today's fast-paced world, where information flows like a never-ending river, the ability to read quickly and effectively is a valuable skill. Whether you're a student trying to tackle mountains of textbooks, a professional sifting through reports and documents, or simply someone who enjoys a good book, your reading speed plays a crucial role in your overall productivity. But how do you determine your current reading speed, and what can you do to improve it? That's where a Reading Speed Calculator comes into play.

Understanding the Reading Speed Calculator

The Reading Speed Calculator is a simple yet powerful tool that allows you to assess how many words you can read per minute. This metric is often referred to as "Words Per Minute" or WPM. It's a useful gauge to determine your current reading speed, and it can help you set reading goals to increase your productivity. Here's how it works:

Choose Your Text: You select a piece of text to read. It could be a passage from a book, an article, or any content you find interesting.

Start the Timer: You start a timer as you begin reading the selected text.

Read at Your Usual Pace: You read the text at your normal speed, not hurrying or slowing down intentionally.

Stop the Timer: As soon as you finish reading the text, you stop the timer. The time it took to read the text is recorded.

Calculate Your Reading Speed: By dividing the number of words in the text by the time it took to read, you can calculate your reading speed in WPM.

The Reading Speed Calculator provides an objective measurement of your reading speed, allowing you to track your progress over time.

Why Does Reading Speed Matter?

You might wonder why reading speed is so important. Well, it's not just about bragging rights or competing with others. Reading speed has significant implications for your productivity and overall well-being. Here's why it matters:

Time Savings: The faster you can read, the less time you spend on reading tasks. This extra time can be allocated to other important activities in your life.

Improved Comprehension: Contrary to what some may believe, reading faster doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing comprehension. In fact, improved reading speed often goes hand in hand with enhanced comprehension, as your brain becomes more efficient at processing information.

Increased Learning: If you're a student, being able to read faster can help you cover more material in less time, leading to better academic performance.

Career Advancement: In the workplace, the ability to read and process documents quickly is a valuable skill. It can help you make better decisions, respond to emails and reports promptly, and ultimately advance in your career.

Stress Reduction: Slow reading can be stressful, especially when you have a mountain of reading to do. By improving your reading speed, you can reduce stress and approach your reading tasks with greater ease.

How to Use the Reading Speed Calculator

Now that you understand the significance of reading speed, let's dive into Find out how fast you read to measure and, ultimately, improve your reading speed.

Select Your Reading Material: Choose a piece of text that you want to read. It could be a chapter from a book, an online article, or a report from work. Make sure it's something that genuinely interests you, as this can impact your reading speed.

Find a Quiet Space: To get accurate results, find a quiet and distraction-free environment where you can focus on reading.

Set a Timer: You can use a stopwatch or a timer on your smartphone. Start the timer as soon as you begin reading.

Read Naturally: Avoid trying to read faster than your usual pace. The goal is to measure your current reading speed, not to break any speed records.

Stop the Timer: When you finish reading, stop the timer immediately. Note the time it took to complete the text.

Calculate Your Reading Speed: To calculate your reading speed, divide the number of words in the text by the time it took to read. For example, if the text contained 500 words, and you finished in 5 minutes, your reading speed would be 100 WPM (words per minute).

Tips for Improving Your Reading Speed

Once you've calculated your reading speed, you might be eager to know how to improve it. Here are some tips and techniques that can help you become a more efficient reader:

Practice Regularly: Just like any skill, reading speed can be improved with practice. Set aside dedicated time for reading practice each day.

Expand Your Vocabulary: A larger vocabulary allows you to recognize and understand words more quickly, leading to increased reading speed. Reading a variety of materials can help you in this regard.

Minimize Subvocalization: Subvocalization is the habit of silently pronouncing each word as you read. This can slow down your reading speed. Try to minimize this habit by using your finger or a pointer to guide your reading.

Use a Pointer: Your eyes tend to follow your finger or a pen. Use a pointer to guide your eyes, and you'll naturally increase your reading speed.

Increase Your Comprehension: Faster reading isn't just about speed; it's also about understanding. Improve your comprehension by summarizing what you've read after each section or chapter.

Read in Chunks: Instead of reading word by word, try reading in phrases or chunks of words. Your brain can process information more efficiently this way.

Eliminate Distractions: Find a quiet and comfortable place to read, free from distractions. The more focused you are, the faster you'll read.

Set Realistic Goals: Incremental progress is the key. Set achievable reading speed goals and gradually work towards them.

Take Breaks: Reading continuously for an extended period can lead to fatigue. Take short breaks to refresh your mind.

Use Speed Reading Apps: There are various apps and tools designed to help you improve your reading speed. These can provide exercises and techniques to enhance your skills.

Conclusion

Your reading speed is not a fixed attribute but a skill that can be developed and improved with time and effort. By using a Reading Speed Calculator, you can measure your current reading speed, set goals, and track your progress. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply a lover of books, increasing your reading speed can significantly boost your productivity, comprehension, and overall well-being. So, why wait? Calculate your reading speed now and embark on a journey to maximize your productivity through the power of faster and more efficient reading.

[fakeosirian]

working out more character dynamics for foyf via post again since apparently it makes my brain run better don't mind me (read if you like long-winded armchair psychoanalysis? not kidding it's nearly 4k words under there)

re: fabian's sinner capture, there's a sort of "party line" developing that divides fabian, nina, eddie, and patricia in their opinion of how "to blame" he is

fabian personally holds himself entirely to blame, to the point of not acknowledging that uh, other people did have an impact on that situation; claiming full responsibility and not letting that go, while "noble" and better than shirking it, isn't exactly beating the prideful allegations or helping him not repeat the same mistake again

nina, out of the loop until very recently, is having a completely natural strong emotional reaction primarily based in concern, but her means of expressing concern sounds a Lot like criticism/scolding (and people have come to expect this from her, so they may be more sensitive to it/touchy about it than otherwise) -- ultimately she believes in fabian's good intentions, but she also is in the habit of looking to him for answers/trusting his assessments, so if he's getting angry at her for not agreeing with him that he's a bad person, she's going to scold him extra hard (both "you're wrong" and also "well stop acting bad then!") so he can start feeling reliable again. for his own sake, but tbh, for her sake, too.

eddie complicates matters (not by choice -- he does Not want to play messenger despite doing it anyway) because he and KT are in the unique position of being the only two with complete knowledge of the events of the years previous (or at least as complete as is feasible), and he has a far more forgiving and easygoing disposition relatively speaking. he knows fabian messed up, but he's not alone in that, and eddie simply can't be bothered to fixate on him as some sort of problem in perpetuity now that the crisis was averted. he worries about fabian's emotional state (and patricia's! since she's having similar issues), and he knows you can't just get over it overnight, but he insists that it "wasn't that big of a deal since it's all fine and it wasn't really you" in a way that can come off dismissive. basically, he's probably got a healthier picture of what happened, but that's a luxury he can afford to have. those blaming themselves don't respond well to it, and it has mixed results with those who are still trying to grasp what even happened (since it's a "skipping to the end of all of the emotional work and telling you the answer" sort of response on his part -- there's not much else you can expect from him here, but that's still what it is)

patricia is very interesting because she both understands fabian's perspective better than anyone else (besides alfie, but i've chosen to characterize his self-reflection re: his sinner situation as far more successful thus far because of his circumstances). because of that, she's prone to accidentally turning it into a "competition" with him for who fucked up worse. (a competition he will certainly entertain and is equally likely to start with her, too.) that uh, doesn't exactly help either of them much in the short term, but i think having a mirror held up to your face via another person will, over time, increase the chance that at least one of them will have an epiphany about their actual level of responsibility for what happened (ie. yes, that was you, but fixating on it till it defines you is admitting defeat. you can't morally bludgeon yourself into being a better person). that being said, the high of being able to shed people's expectations of you and embrace being kind of a mess is good in moderation -- if they shrunk back from others to feed this dynamic alone, the "connection" would turn regressively malignant fast.

that being said! ultimately, patricia is inclined to fall on the party line of "it really wasn't as bad as fabian thinks it was" with eddie, while fabian and, to a lesser extent, nina are the ones more concerned.

i focused on fabian's situation and not patricia or alfie (or victor or sweet for that matter lol) because i've been writing scenes relating to it for a while now, but i don't think patricia's would be too much different since it is inextricably linked. people just get shuffled up a bit; patricia is obviously fully convinced of her own guilt, and while he still has that optimistic and forgiving pov, i think eddie would have to see her situation differently than fabian's. yeah, he knew what a sinner was when he made his Big Mistake and she didn't, but the reason for patricia's sinner capture was directly related to eddie personally (and from his pov, more of a "long-running issue" for her). eddie doesn't have a grip on fabian's prideful streak from the years before, so lacking that info, is far more likely to dismiss his behavior in s3 as "situational" (explosive reaction to nina's departure, generally paranoid and horrible vibes bringing out the worst in people, taunted in a weak moment) vs. a consistent character flaw -- he's going to see patricia in shades of grey because of the pressure on their relationship that predated s3 (and thus informed the Problems that precipitated her capture). as a result, i think he's more likely to rank someone knowing about sinners or not as less important than their actual behavior and thought process, which would naturally lead him to be easier on fabian and harder on patricia.

that being said, he's definitely not as hard on her as she is; it wouldn't be quite the fabian and nina dynamic re: fabian's capture, as he doesn't have a complex re: loss of control the same way she does, but it'd certainly bother patricia a lot when he continues to draw lines between their present relationship issues and the sinner incident (even if it's out of concern and wanting her to heal from that). it all comes down to the same issue they've had all along: he wants her to just trust him, not like it's easy, but at least like it's something she wants to do; she wants to, but trusting itself is not the hard part: it's the fear of breaking it later that prevents her from taking the leap.

fabian would believe patricia relatively innocent on the basis that she just couldn't have known. yes, he'd empathize with her feelings in spite of that, but because his own issues are so rooted in "i should have known better," he's going to project that priority, even when it's not super appropriate (which, while patricia should take it to heart that she really couldn't have known better in a lot of ways, it does nothing to address the topic she's struggling with, and thus comes off dismissive). nina, similarly, would be shocked/upset that it happened at all, and while she historically has put a lot of emphasis on results vs intentions, i think being away from anubis house would give her a lot of perspective on that, tbh. s2's high stakes + her natural inclination to not handle loss of control well = explosive reactions to people making mistakes; distance makes the heart grow fonder, though, and it's kinda fucked up, but fabian making a mistake that seems far more like an active choice (from her deeply flawed understanding of the situation) would throw patricia into sharp (and sympathetic) relief.

in my eyes, nina is the type to always find something to be worried about (especially after all she's been through training her to look for danger all the time), but she's very practical in that she's going to focus the most on the biggest problem. (other problems will absolutely influence how she handles being upset about that biggest problem, but her conscious focus is in one place.) if fabian's looking like his moral compass has been compromised, patricia suffering a lapse in judgment over a seemingly-unrelated problem (her relationship with eddie) and having that exploited in a way she couldn't possibly have predicted is, relatively speaking, not that big of a deal. it's just not something nina's concerned about her repeating to the same catastrophic effects, and tbh, it's totally in-line with nina's picture of patricia as long as she's known her. fabian, though, has broken her expectations of him, and thus she has a hard time even "knowing who he is" (which he'd echo and insist on even more than nina would; any lingering trust she has in his perspective would only reinforce her lack of trust in him in a really screwy paradoxical sort of way).

i love that nina and eddie, despite confiding in one another about their feelings on this situation more freely than with other people (save KT -- she's got the most unique position here imo), end up mirroring fabian and patricia in that they have roughly the same "experience" of the situation, but the details force them in opposite directions that feed on one another. eddie has a vested interest in keeping nina from getting too upset about something that's "already over," but nina can't help but look for more information that will hurt her to sate her fear of "missing something important."

ironically, while they're not Guaranteed Healthy, fabian and patricia have a dynamic (read: gallows humor, self-critical commiseration, and ultimately open argument) that lends itself better to healing and mutual understanding than nina and eddie at this point; if you asked him if he thought keeping information from someone would help them, he'd say no, but he's still...sorta ascribing to that belief anyway because he sees nina learning too much too fast from "unreliable sources" and getting upset as a "failure" -- why? well, being "left in charge" by her, being "in charge" of the subsequent disaster, and seeing her disappointment (not necessarily with him, but he'd take it that way) in real time would make anyone feel like a screwup. nina getting stressed in particular is a failure in and of itself to him as a "protector" (same way that fabian sees it, the only difference being fabian's been eating away at that feeling for years and it's finally coming to a head vs. eddie who's coasting through it relatively fresh), so his focus is more on reassuring her via statements of "fact" than working through the feelings with her, even the ugly ones. nina should probably take his word for things a bit more and learn to live in the discomfort of not knowing everything (and most of her ugly feelings should be discussed directly with fabian), but as someone who understands her mindset, "just be ok with being uncomfortable" is easier said than done. especially without actively being in therapy. lol.

fabian and eddie, despite being of polar opposite mindsets re: this whole mess, are able to get along (and even improve their relationship?) because eddie's pattern of being hands off and chill and then directly reality-checking fabian when he starts the conversation about something demonstrates the efficacy of trust through action over a long period of time vs. huge declarations that are easier to reject wholesale as theatrics/failure of reasoning. fabian can only insist eddie not trust him for so long before it starts feeling a little ridiculous. (eddie's practiced trust building over and over with patricia, and while fabian does have pretty potent trust issues at this point, they're not NEARLY as deep-seated as patricia's, so he doesn't have the practice she does at dismissing eddie's attempts. he might not buy in all the way, but eventually he'd feel like more of a dick for shutting eddie down over and over than he would for easing up a bit the compulsive self-punishment he thinks he deserves. it's a war of attrition, at the end of the day, and fabian will lose. the real conflict then becomes keeping it up enough to get him to the inevitable, since i think he'd be able to see this happening and would probably get a little stubborn about it to avoid admitting he's wrong for as long as he can stand, lmfao.)

i want to develop the dynamic between nina and patricia more since i think there's a lot of potential for interesting movements there, especially in contrast to fabian and eddie (who, despite being awkward around each other, are very functional, an irony that shocks everyone involved i'm sure). i don't think they'd be dysfunctional -- if anything, i think nina might actually try extra hard to be kind and forgiving to patricia (and i've started setting that up in ch9). why? well, historically they've had a hard time trusting one another because of misunderstandings beyond their control, and while that's something that faded into the background over time, the perspective nina got from being away would make her value that sort of hard-fought trust more than trust that felt "easy" or "natural" before. patricia isn't automatically receptive to someone making that argument -- see: her entire back-and-forth history with eddie -- but nina in particular might be able to sell her on it because their original beef was so intense and so soundly overcome. and nina is also uh...a bit of a grudge holder, as well, so if she's telling you you're fine, well. i think patricia would recognize she's not bullshitting her, and she doesn't have the same sort of bias fabian (to center his own crimes as worse) or eddie (to convince patricia she's "not actually that bad") have. she has bias, OBVIOUSLY, but if anything, patricia was expecting nina to eviscerate her. that isn't to say it'd be easy -- and tbh i think they'd get frustrated with one another after the initial olive branch due to the poor read on one another's motives/feelings they're liable to have since they've both changed and not since the beginning of s1 -- but between patricia offering an alternative (and probably more useful, to nina specifically) perspective on fabian's sinner capture and nina offering an alternative perspective on patricia's struggles with trusting eddie, there's a lot of potential for a "lightning strike" moment for both of them there.

nina doesn't really? ever? comment on peddie in canon? but i feel like at this point, she'd be able to "reality check" patricia (in the same way eddie can "reality check" fabian) and actually get through to her. not too nice/soft (easy to dismiss as "not getting it"), potentially too harsh in an accidental backhanded sort of way, but patricia responds more readily to feeling attacked than feeling coddled (more familiar), and under the right conditions, i think a "mild" attack from nina "chronic inappropriate reactions" martin would encourage patricia to actually stand up for herself in a productive way. patricia acts how she wants in response to her feelings, even hurting eddie on purpose in some situations, but she doesn't "stand up for herself" in the sense that she doesn't refute people's criticisms and negative perceptions of her. "act untrustworthy to make sure no one trusts you so you can't mess up, since no one trusted you in the first place," self-fulfilling prophecy shit.

nina, someone who had to work to trust patricia and vice versa, expressing disagreement with patricia's perception of a situation (especially after expressing sympathy re: other situations) would actually shock her into defending her own position out of spite (IRONY ALERT) and manifest as true self-defense vs. rejecting what she sees as "pity." that self-defense would be the first step to actually learning how to trust, too, because like fabian, her poor relationships with people are founded in her inability to trust herself. that disconnect makes it hard to give other people the benefit of the doubt as a baseline, so reconnecting with her own subjectivity in an earnest way would make it infinitely easier to understand other people (since she already wants to, she just can't square it with her fears in her head). basically, she trusts nina to not go soft on her, and she also doesn't think nina has a good grasp on what happened. of course, neither of them have a great grasp on it, but they'll have a better chance of finding an acceptable truth between one another when they're not letting their other baggage hold them up.

to sum up:

fabian and nina agree on patricia's circumstances in a way that will ultimately help patricia gain perspective to heal, and it sets them apart from eddie to a lesser extent. they agree on fabian's circumstances in a way that pushes them apart since they're mutually inventing proof that they're "right." this could go on for a WHILE without intervention, but between a) other people getting sick of witnessing this and b) the two of them getting exhausted with being upset with each other, something's going to give eventually. the real rub is how well they actually reconcile (ie. actually laying everything out on the table, even if it's upsetting at first, vs. doing what they have before which is make easier but incorrect assumptions until something snaps and the cycle begins again).

patricia and eddie agree on fabian's circumstances in a way that does very little to impact him but does A LOT to push them apart (since eddie can't understand why patricia won't apply the same logic to herself), compounded by them agreeing on patricia's circumstances in terms of her being the "worse problem" (proximity bias). because this is a long-standing issue between them that has basically nothing to do with nina or fabian, outside interference can go either way re: helping or hurting. (as the fic progresses, this is critical point of failure -- easily visible example: fabian doesn't want to break them up, but he doesn't want to push them together, either, re: his own feelings.)

eddie and nina have the weakest relationship with one another out of the whole group of four, and by that i mean they know each other the least well. they have a very literal special bond, but they don't know much about it, they haven't had much interaction in person in the same place, and their approaches to interpersonal issues could not be more different. as a result, their disagreements over both fabian and patricia put some strain on their ability to understand one another (especially since there's the added complication of eddie's direct experience vs. nina's lack of re: s3, and vice versa for the events of s1-s2). however, their emotional stakes in an argument with one another are FAR lower because they're less close, so they gain a lot of insight into the "other side" by hashing it out. the biggest complication is eddie's tendency to self-sacrifice for nina. he's more likely to hold back when he shouldn't, and if she notices, she won't like it. they'd end up arguing more about metacommunication (how you said something/if you aren't saying something/etc) than the actual problem at hand, tbh, which isn't helpful in and of itself, but getting tired of arguing about it could be (both for their relationship and for their relationships with the other two). once they're capable of being very frank with one another, i think they'd have one of the more stable mutual understandings of all of these pairups (which will get very fun once the poly hell REALLY gets going).

patricia and fabian, on the other hand, have a VERY long and varied history with one another, and thus would be inclined to respect one another's flawed self-perception enough to hear one another out, but they will argue about it and ultimately only be able to agree on their self-punishment being appropriate/deserved. in a vacuum, this is only going to make them worse, but they're not in a vacuum. if one of them makes progress, the other one is not far behind (with growing pains, of course) because of the nature of their feedback loop. however, long term that creates the problem of associating the now strengthened relationship they have with their darker impulses, so i anticipate guilt-for-being-close-with-you featuring more frequently as time passes.

eddie and fabian have a historical dynamic that is very uncertain/subject to change from moment to moment, but the fact that they're still roommates without killing each other, they still talk even when it's uncomfortable, and they still enjoy each other's company despite...a LOT of reasons not to in the past...is proof-through-action that missteps between them are not fatal. they don't have extended conversations about the nitty gritty of their issues (usually leaving it at "dude that sucks" or "that's not true man"), but that contrast works in their favor as a "balancing" agent. improvement and progress are rarely planned -- you do just keep going in the middle of crisis and beyond. of course, their feelings about one another intersecting with their feelings about other people makes things awkward, and they do have a fundamental disagreement about the moral questions of the year previous, but the fact that those things don't make life unlivable is extremely reassuring. learning to live with the discomfort type shit. the trust that grows there is extremely natural and "sneaks up on them" as a result.

similarly, nina and patricia have a similar "learn to live with the discomfort" theme, but the method is completely different. they do talk about stuff in the nitty gritty, but because their relationship is already based in defying one another's expectations, they're able to cut through a LOT of bullshit much faster. there's a lot of "i have no reason to lie" being thrown around here, so even though they might view each other as harboring flawed reasoning and resent the other for it, they never disbelieve that it's held in earnest -- that makes it much easier to eventually come to discard beliefs that don't stand up to scrutiny because there's far less ego involved in who is "right" and who isn't when you already got through that phase with a person. (patricia's transgressions are also far less personal to nina, so she's simply not going to be as pressed about it in the first place; patricia would be inclined to come to fabian's defense, but because a lot of nina's issue is believing the bullshit he tells himself that patricia has a lot of experience arguing with, she's in a prime position to point out to nina where she's right and where she's not re: fabian.)

i still haven't worked out who's going to end up flirting with who and when (since oh yeah by the way i updated the relationship tags <3) and that will HEAVILY impact how ^ all of that plays out (part of the reason why i wrote a lot of it in a theoretical tone despite being. in full control of the events.) but i think i'm going to leave that to a different post. lmfao

[digi-marketing061]

How Do Google Algorithms Work?

Google algorithms are likely familiar to you if you follow online marketing trends or even simply often search the web for information. But have you ever questioned what precisely they are?

Let's first examine what an algorithm in general is in order to comprehend what a Google algorithm is. A set of guidelines for resolving a conflict in a limited number of stages is the traditional definition.

An algorithm creates the conditions for the computer to carry out a highly particular job in computer language. For instance, the computer may be set up to generate random numbers between 1 and 100. This is a job with a clearly defined start and finish. It is hence finite.

Consider an algorithm as a mathematical equation for another perspective on it. You could be asked to count down from 100 to 80 in 4s. Following that, you might repeat, "100, 96, 92, 88, 84, 80." On paper, you could be required to explain in a column how you arrived at each response by deducting 4. Despite the fact that this is a simplified analysis of an algorithm, it will aid in the comprehension of more intricate variants.

What is the significance of Google algorithms?

The Google algorithm is a set of rules Google utilises to determine the order in which websites appear in its search results. Google's complicated system extracts information from websites and tries to determine what users are looking for. It also ranks websites based on relevance and quality.

Google's algorithms are based on the same basic definition and  rule of an algorithm that we discussed. Think of when you last looked for something using Google. No matter if you searched for "cute cat videos" or "shoe stores in Pennsylvania," the search engine provided millions of results to select from.

How did it determine what results to display and in what order? a mathematical algorithm.

Google has a complex algorithm to display search results that are updated often. Although Google doesn't make the algorithm's exact details public, there are some aspects that we can confirm for certain have an impact on the likelihood of a site showing up in search results for specific keywords:

The keyword’s appearance in the page’s title, header tags, and meta description

The amount of naturally occurring, organic links to the page

The way the website performs on mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets

Of course, these are just some of the characteristics the Google algorithm explores when determining how to deliver and rank pages. There are likely dozens, if not hundreds, of others.

How does Google decide which factors are most important?

When Google's algorithm "reads" a webpage, it assigns a pre-determined numerical value to each feature it's looking for on the webpage. The numerical value is added to the final product. Therefore, the page with the most appealing features will rise to the top of the list of results because the algorithm gives it more significance.

The calculations made by Google's Google platform are carried out extremely fast, and rankings could fluctuate when web developers alter the elements that affect rankings on a site or on one page.

So, the rankings given by the Google algorithm are amorphous. A website that is ranked third in a search result could climb to the top spot or fall to tenth if the content on it and other pages listed in the rankings change. Most of the time, the top positions are held by businesses that implement search engine optimization also known as SEO, on their websites.

Click on the link SEO Training in Lahore to learn more about SEO.

What is an algorithm for search? Google algorithm to search?

The fundamental Google algorithm is utilized for every search made on the website; however, it is adapted by the user. For example, someone who enters "buy running shoes" wants extremely different results from one who types "cat videos."

The algorithm is adapted for every search, and it can be changed by minor changes in spelling or word order. The results are then provided to the user, who will then choose which website to visit.

This happens quickly. Furthermore, it demonstrates that Google's algorithm has been developed to provide a variety of personalization. Over the last few years, the search engine Google has become more responsive to provide suggestions when a keyword is typed in the search bar by the person using it. This indicates an entirely different algorithm, which is used to produce individual drop-down menu suggestions for searches based on the search history of the browser along with other elements.

What is an algorithm for SEO? Google algorithm to optimize SEO?

As we have mentioned before, As mentioned previously, the Google algorithm primarily uses keywords to determine rankings for pages. The best method to rank for specific keywords is through SEO. SEO is basically a method to inform Google that a site or website page is focused on a certain area.

A few years ago, it was commonplace for many websites to "keyword stuff" their content. It was essentially that they believed they were assuming that Google's algorithm would think that the more keywords included, the more significant the page's content should be.

After Google discovered that, they modified their algorithm in order to penalize sites that overburden websites with keyword-laden pages along with other "black hat" SEO practices. This is why you should stay clear of any strategy used to outwit search engines. While they might not be aware immediately, Google will eventually pick up on the pattern of what you are trying to accomplish, and your ranking will be affected.

Want to learn more about SEO. Click Here for SEO Training in Lahore

What is the future regarding the Google algorithm?

Google seldom gives any information about any changes to its algorithms unless they are significant. Smaller changes are usually made on the inside and can only be seen as small ripples. It's essential to keep abreast of Google's announcements on algorithm changes. However, it's equally crucial not to get too caught up in the algorithms or even try to "game" them.

It is better to just acknowledge the power that the Google algorithm has and then work towards creating the most effective website you can. Thus, the visitors will be delighted with the results they see

[mossy-creature-vibes]

As I dip further into poetic drivel I find myself wanting to write more. To practice the flow of my words into an epic tale of my woes. When I write, I want to feel like the words fit. So that when read as a group of sentences, it feels natural. The easier the words mesh together, the faster they're read. Which I feel is why short hand evolved the way it did.

But as we have progressed, I feel their has been a lapse in creativity. We're taught to stay inside the lines. Colour inside the lines, write between the lines, and also know exactly where the middle of the row is at all times because gobs forbid you dot your i at different heights. Restraining the creative mind in such a complete way has made monsters of the best people. Drifting further into the madness that is complete and unyeilding order. Everything must then be in order. Straight lines, white walls, white fence, perfect lawn. Purity and simplicity. A truly cruel farse. How can anyone be happy living inside of a box?

How has curiosity and the craving for exploration left the minds of so many people that we've deluded ourselves that we're happy inside of green boxes in the middle of towering grey and brown monoliths. Why is the thought of living in harmony with the nature, that's been obviously trying to take over, so terrifying? I would like to be able to see the native environment survive another 20 years at least. I'm sick of trying to be the good person that recycles everything they can when what I can do, and what most people can do, doesn't make a fucking dent in offsetting what industries do. Everything seems hopeless, and I want to try so hard, but I can't get my own life stable let alone worry about making good habits. I exhaust myself worrying about my impact when I need the energy to function in daily life.

My every sense is assaulted the moment I step outside and I don't get much reprieve inside my house either. Living inside of a city has been the most horrendous experience ever. Sirens and honking and shouting. Smoke of several varieties constantly in my face, some more welcome than others, and all of them add to the overstimulation. I want to claw out my eyes from allergies and dust, stuff fluff into my ears to drown out the constant noise. From the electric buzzing that never ceases, to the consistent sirens going up and down all long, and the chronic tinnitus that they both aggrivate. I long for the day that we develope a method of transportation that doesn't make any noise. Emergency vehicles get a dedicated route that will be unimpeded, eliminating the need for sirens in most situations. There are changes that can be made, and I'm certainly not the first to think of them.

I live in a world where my choices and my actions don't matter. My impact as an individual is so minute that I can't change the path I follow. I've slipped into the current and I'm following the river to its end. I can turn and dodge the rocks but the effort exhausts me, leaves me unprepared for the next blow. It's running so fast now. Gaining speed as it reaches the climax. The zeneth of the waterfall, which I will inevitably plummet from. I don't know where I'll land, or if I'll survive the fall, but I've persevered this long. What's another broken bone?

[husbandohunter]

Moments of Despair #1 [Genshin Impact/Diluc x Reader]

Synopsis: “The man who was on fire and realized it too late.”

(A series of works where the boys deal with the passing of their beloved).

Albedo's despair

Warnings: angst, tragedy, major character death, graphic depictions of violence perhaps

(A/n): Had these ideas for a while after reading @/serensama To Mourn series of another fandom. So much sorrow and feeling I just was inspired to write 😫

_______________________________________________

The moment you fell lifeless in Diluc's arms, he wanted to disappear.

It was raining again, he had always despised the rain. How it trickles down the slope of your cheek, like tears falling from the heavens. The sight of it mixing with your blood creating a thin stream of red rivers flowing beside him. They patter down obnoxiously because time didn't care, the gods don't care, the world didn't care. You were just a small fragile person to their eyes but to him you were his light. A candle that used to shine in his dark world was now dissipitated by the waters of reality.

Many droplets have passed and he was still holding you. Diluc could do nothing but stare. He hadn't shed any tears nor could he make a coherent sound. Perhaps it was because his tears have long run out when his father was held in the very same way. Or it was because he was heartless. He's usually told for being cold and indifferent. But the pain clenching in his chest was proof that he still had one (proof that it was still beating), much to his dismay. It would be better if he didn't.

So why can't he just look away? Your wounds, your bruised features, everything now etched so deep into the back of his conciousness that is was starting to awaken his worst nightmares. They were the source of the bile growing in his stomach. The irony stench filling up his nostrils felt so sickening. He couldn't turn away. You're dead. You're dead. You're dead. As if reality had yet to register, or maybe he refused to accept it, Diluc helplessly gazed down your body with blank and empty eyes.

"Master Diluc..."

Jean's voice called out to him pitifully. He rises up with his back turned, ignoring the stares given to him, "Leave. The knights of favonius are not needed here."

"But she's a Mondstadt citizen," The anemo user retorts, slightly taken aback by his impassive reaction, "It's my responsibility to ensure this case doesn't go unnoticed."

Unnoticed. Diluc scoffs in his mind, what a tasteless joke.

"It seems you weren't listening," he announces as his head was turned ajar so they could see the deep hatred glowing red in his eyes, "Leave. Now."

Jean's lips trembled before barely being able to say, "Alright" and retreating her knights back to the city. Kaeya narrows his gaze at his bother, the sorrow was evident through his pupils. He steps forward until he was arms length away from his brother. Too little too late, another failure was added to the belt.

Kaeya was a man of many words but for once he was at loss of what to say. No underhanded suggestions, no ideas taunting him to spill his thoughts, he simply asks Diluc, "What are you planning to do now?"

Silence. Kaeya couldn't predict what sort of expression his brother was making as he looks at your corpse. It brought a heavy weight of unsettlement upon him and here he thought he had already grown used to his brother's quietness.

Slowly, he turns around while letting the water pour down his face. Kaeya tightens his jaw as Diluc drags his feet towards him, stopping when their shoulders were parallel, "It's none of your concern."

"You're just going to leave her here?"

There was a slight pause which was enough of an answer. The Cavalry Captain sighs when he watched him walk away, what was the point of asking when Kaeya knew Diluc so well? He glances at your form before swiftly shutting his eyes.

It was his concern.

-------

A week later, the staff of the Ragnvindr household could hardly recognize their Master's appearance. They knew not to bother him when he decides to lock himself in his chambers. Diluc drowns himself with work from hours to no end as he connects the findings of the person that took your life. As expected, it was one of his enemies- a fatui member. The question was, which one?

"Master Diluc, I beg of you, please take care of yourself," Elzer pleads.

The pyro user didn't bother to spare him a glance or look at the tray of food he carried.

Food...you always brought them whenever he had to work overtime.

"I do not remember specifiying anyone to be allowed in my office," he voices aloud, "If it's related to business affairs simply leave that with Adelinde and I'll take a look at it tomorrow."

"I understand. But you've been working all day and night yet refusing to take any breaks in between. At this rate, you'll harm your health."

The feather pen in his grip kept dragging it's course, "This is beyond the duties assigned to you Elzer."

"That's because it was a request sent by your father," he adds, knowing that stepping over his boundaries may cost him, "If Master Crepus was still here, I'm sure he would have said the same thing."

Taking a deep breath, Elzer lays out his last card, "And also your wife."

The pen slows into a halt.

No one had brought you up until now. Elzer anxiously watches his Master shifting in his seat, his red bangs covering half of his face but he could still see the frown pressing firmly on his lips. It wouldn't be a surprise if Diluc suddenly bursted at him for mentioning such a sensitive topic, all that matters was his master's well being and Elzer was willing to risk everything for it. But nothing. Diluc turns his attention ever so slightly at the tray he carried.

"Fine, but I'm not eating that."

"What? Wasn't this was her favourite-"

"Do I need to repeat myself?"

Elzer furrows his brows before sighing, "...No, Master Diluc."

He exits the room while carrying the fresh dish of Once Upon A Mondstadt that you loved so much. The door closes with a soft click and he was alone again.

People found it strange how Diluc seemed so vacant to your passing. He didn't even show up at your funeral. Instead, he continues his duties as a Mondstadt nobleman like usual while taking care of business matters associated with the winery. Except those who were close to him could see the difference in his actions. Apathy, he was so mechanical in every task he did. Like a marionette attatched on strings, a doll without a soul. After all, his soul died the moment when yours did too. What remains was a shadow of Diluc and a being existing solely for revenge and duty. He was nothing but a remnant.

Fatigue begins to wash over him and he fights to stay awake. Because once he gives in it will all be over. Once he closes his eyes, he would see your face with a multitude of images from the past. He would hear your voice calling out his name from a distant space as it echoes off the walls of his mind. He would fall into a dream where you were still with him and as always, waking up to see that it was never real.

I should have pushed you away.

Because what hurt Diluc the most wasn't that you were gone, rather, it was how you were still here.

Then you'd still be-

Something breaks and it turned out to be the pen he was holding so tightly. Only now Diluc realized how fast his heart was thrumming as beads of sweat began rolling down his forehead. Focus. Don't waste time. He won't grant himself the liberty of anything when your murderer was still on the run. Every wound they inflicted on you was going to be returned in tenfold. He'll make sure of it. That's why, he refuses to think about you at all. Diluc occupies his mind with other matters since at this point, work was the only efficient method of keeping his sanity in tact.

She needs you to focus.

The door opens and Kaeya enters the room while holding a document, "We found the guy."

His reaction was immediate, "Where?"

"Hm, now that we meet, it's actually quite debateable," The captain notes wryly, "When was the last time you've gotten proper rest?"

"I don't have time for this, either you tell me or I'll do it by force."

Kaeya couldn't help but sigh, "Apologies but you don't seem to be in any state for a fight. I'm sure you know how it would end up if you were to face your enemy right now."

"..."

"Diluc, this isn't healthy," Kaeya asserts, it's been a while since he sounded so sincere, "I'm not here to prevent you from doing what's necessary however, perhaps it would be better if I finished it in your stead."

"No," Diluc stubbornly answers, "Hand that over."

"...Heh, then there's really nothing I can do to stop you it seems," he whispers with a sad smile, "At the very least, be careful."

"I intend to," The pyro user snatches the paper parchment out of Kaeya's hands before opening the window, "Also, if Elzer returns, tell him there's a few errands I have to take care of."

The night was a full moon and the sky was empty, Diluc leaps off the edge and disappears into the darkness. There was no telling of what could happen next. Since you weren't here, it was up to Kaeya to watch over him.

-------

The claymore dropped to the ground with a clang as it soaks up the blood of the fatui he just killed.

Diluc was tired, so tired.

He slumps down against the wall from pure exhaustion, all that adrenaline and hatred went up in fumes, leaving behind whatever was left in his heart: nothing. Two hours, not even that far from Mondstadt, the fatui hid in an abandoned building as he cowarded for his life. When Diluc arrived, he never expected this monster to be so weak. This was the person who murdered you? A pathetic nobody that was simply following orders? This was the reason why he lost you forever?

In the end, the only one to blame was himself, for being weak and unable to protect you. He was supposed to be your hero ("Darknight hero," you'd always tease), the rock that shields you just as you had been the warmth he longed for many years, did he give you enough? Was this enough? He thought avenging your death would grant him a peace of mind and the justice you deserved but deep down, he knew it will never be enough when it comes to his love for you.

"Diluc."

He closes his eyes, he hears your voice. He was so tired, it wouldn't be a surprise if he started hallucinating.

"Diluc."

"I'm sorry..."

The man lets out a trembled breath as he apologized to the image of you in his mind. I'm sorry I failed you. They were repeated like a mantra in hopes to reach you somehow. Of course that was impossible, his feelings, his emotions, love and sorrow altogether will never reach you again. And your arms that once comforted him and brushed his hair with a soothing voice, saying everything will be okay, where are they now?

"Diluc."

"Stop," he didn't want to hear your voice.

"Diluc, I'm here."

"Stop..."

"Diluc..."

He jolts his eyes open and lets out a yell, what was he saying? He doesn't know. All he needed now was to drown out the fake voices mocking in his head. Diluc grabs the nearest object and shatters it against the floor, the dam was broken and it flooded uncontrollably, breaking everything in it's way. The abandoned house was filled with loud cries of a man sobbing with agony like a broken-hearted child. He crumbles to his knees and falls to his side, lifting his forearms while clutching his face.

And screamed.

Archons, what did he do to deserve this? Why do the people he cherish get taken away from him? Diluc never wanted to be the Darknight hero if it meant having his father perish in his arms. He didn't want the feeling of stabs against his chest with every breath he took. He didn't want to feel cold while knowing it was because you weren't here to hold him. He didn't want your voice, your pictures or your memory.

He wanted you.

"(Y/n)..." he chokes. Rolling to his back, Diluc moves his arms to cover his eyes, letting the tears run down to his ears, "(Y/n)..."

For who knows how long, he lays there in the abandoned building and mourns. Diluc doesn't have the strength to move from his position, he found himself staring mindlessly through the cracks of the roof when his voice had gone hoarse. The corners of his eyes still burned and his head was throbbing with so much pain. Maybe he should just stay here but the thought of being in the same room as your murderer was unfathomable.

Picking up his claymore once again, Diluc drags himself out of the door. Where would he go? It's not like he had a home to return to because home was when he was with you. A doll without a soul, the marionette moves as if the strings have commanded him to do so. Where ever it takes him, he didn't care. He just knew he had to go.

[exuber]

Day 02: Against a Wall - The Mandalorian (Din Djarin) x Female Reader || pre-canon/pre-The Mandalorian plot line

Summary: You are a private sex worker, and the Mandalorian -- your favorite client -- pays you a visit.

Warnings: 18+ only, p in v sex, language, sex work/prostitution, sense deprivation (sight, doesn't go too into detail), rough sex

A/N: sorry, i know this is nearly 2 days late!! i've had a very busy weekend ;; also this is like 1,430 words long oops.

“You know the drill.”

The familiar modulated voice sends a shiver of anticipation down your spine. The voice alone makes something giddy and sweet stir low in your belly. Your legs clench, briefly, before you finally turn to face your favorite client.

“Hey, Mando. Been a while. Work taking you far away from me?” You pout, playful, as you rummage through your drawer for the blindfold. Mando, meanwhile, says nothing, but you don’t miss the slight twitch of his gloved fingers. It’s satisfying to think that you have even an ounce of the impact on him that he has on you. Because, if you’re being honest with yourself, the sight of the Mandalorian standing at your doorway is already making you wet.

He’s tall, and broad, so broad. Sure, he’s not the tallest of your clients, but that doesn’t matter, because no one else exudes danger the way the Mandalorian does. You can’t read his expression behind his beskar helmet, the t-shaped visor giving nothing away. His rust-colored armor is worn, his dark cape tattered, the arsenal of weapons strapped to his body a constant reminder that he is not to be fucked with.

He approaches you, gait slow and swaggering, and reaches his hand out, palm up. You drop the piece of fabric into his hand, eyes trained on his visor the entire time. The blindfold is just a precaution, you know. He’s never taken his helmet off with you; you don’t think he takes it off for anyone. No one is allowed to see the man behind the helmet. You think it has something to do with his creed -- he’s never told you, and you never ask. The first time he paid you a visit, he snatched your wrists up in one gloved hand when you traced the planes of his helmet. It was a warning, one you heed more out of respect for your client than the fear of your life.

Besides, the helmet has become… something of a turn on for you.

Before you can blink, he whips you around by your hip so that your back is to him. The sudden movement makes you gasp, but like he said before, you know the drill. You close your eyes as Mando brings the blindfold over them. Once tied, he guides you forward to the nearest wall and pushes you up against it. You place your hands on the wall in front of you to brace yourself when you feel his hands leave your body.

This is the part that kills you, the part that thrills you. No sight, and you can’t hear anything but your breathing. So quiet you’d think he up and left if it weren’t for the way the hairs on the back of your neck stood. You could feel him hovering behind you, the very threat of him being so close, of knowing he’s watching you… it makes the very core of you ache for the bounty hunter.

“You’re shirt. Take it off”

You gulp, and slowly bring the shirt over your head before dropping it to the ground. A shiver passes through your body, both from the chill gracing your bare skin and from anticipation.

“Touch yourself. Don’t turn around.”

The command halts your movement as you begin to turn away from the wall. “Don’t you want to see, Mando?” You wiggle your ass a bit, teasing. It’s worth it when you hear the static-y sound of a grunt.

“I can see just fine. Touch yourself.”

You bite your lip and trail your hand down your stomach and into your pants. Your whole body quakes as soon as the tip of your middle finger brushes against the sensitive bundle of nerves. It’s enough to spur you on, and you continue to play yourself, rubbing small circles around your clit. You arch your back so that your clothed breasts are pressed up against the wall and your ass juts out even more -- for Mando’s viewing pleasure, beckoning him to just touch you already.

A couple of excruciating moments pass with Mando watching as your moans escalate, until, finally, neither of you can wait for the other any longer. He presses up against you, pressing you more firmly against the wall, and you can feel him through the fabric of both your clothes, how enticingly hard he is against your ass. It sends a thrill right through you and you moan at the contact, excitement spreading through to your already wet underwear.

The hand you were using to pleasure yourself finds its way back to the wall to steady yourself. He ruts up against you, none-too-gently, and you beg without words to feel him without the obtrusions. He tears off the garment supporting your breast first. The sudden contact of the cold wall against your stiff nipples stings, making you hiss in pleasure. You abruptly throw your hip back to meet his next thrust, impatient, because you can’t fucking wait anymore, you’re ready for him, you need him inside you. Your pussy is absolutely throbbing at his absence.

There’s a sharp intake of breath from beneath the helmet, and by the way he tightens his grip on you, you know you’re about to get what you want.

There’s a brief struggle as you both come to undo your pants, and you can’t tug them down fast enough. At some point during the fumbling of garments, he must’ve unzipped his own pants because you feel his erection, hot and hard, sliding up against your backside.

“Please, Mando, please, what are you waiting f-”

The words stutter to a stop when you feel the tip of his cock against your entrance. And then he’s sliding in, widening you, and it’s effortless because of how wet you are but still gradual -- he’s just so fucking thick and your walls tigthen around him, welcoming, welcoming, full until he presses up against that delicious spot and your eyes roll up into your skull-

“Oh, stars--!”

He pulls back slowly before thrusting back in again. He repeats the movement, gradually increasing the pace with each thrust and making you sing in bliss. But he’s not one to savor once he’s inside you. No, all the torture was done beforehand. He makes you ache with want just by looking at you. He’ll drag it out as long as he wants, as long as he can. But once he’s inside you, his impatience matches your own and it’s not long until he’s fucking you, truly fucking you into the wall with rough quick motions.

Tears sting your eyes, you’re so close, it’s building and building and he feels so fucking good inside you, you can never have enough of him. He pants behind you, the sound coming out static-y and it makes you clench down and around him. His movements become jerky, short, quick, but still rough rough rough, his grip tattooing itself into your skin. And then you’re cumming, head thrown back as a ragged shout escapes you.

One, two, three more delectable pumps and he’s joining you, releasing himself inside. He’s pressed entirely up against you now, completely crowding you against the wall. His helmet comes to rest on the wall beside your head -- you can feel the cool of it on the left side of your temple -- as he continues to cum. The pulsing of his throbbing member makes you whimper; you’re spent, legs shaking, full to the brim with the Mandalorian’s cock and his seed but your cunt has the audacity to crave more.

When he finally pulls out, you feel his cum and yours drip down your inner thighs. Before you can collapse into a quivering heap, he’s pulling you towards your bed with a gentleness that reminds you why he’s your favorite client; He’s intimidating and rough when he visits but he doesn’t treat you like an object to be discarded despite this being a job for you and a release for him.

You lay back on the bed and try to catch your breath. Mando, still standing, tries to do the same, though more subtle. The rise and fall of his chest is barely perceptible; he’s already building back up the stoic armor that was briefly displaced just moments before. He’s already tucked himself back into his pants. You try not to be disappointed that you couldn’t taste him today.

The Mandalorian fishes some credits out of one of the pouches strapped to him and places it on the table beside your bed. You smirk up at him.

“Always a pleasure, Mando.”

He nods once and turns to leave without looking back.

[george-fabian-weasley]

George Weasley — Wonder Part 2

PART 1: READ

Summary: Following George's perspective, follow on a journey where he realizes his feelings towards you is more than what best friends should feel.

Words: 3,893 word

Warnings ⚠ : Fluff, Angst, Happy Ending

Disclaimer: I try to be as vague as possible, so you can be whatever gender you like in this imagine! Have fun reading!

---------------------------------------------------

"I wonder."

George was lost in your eyes. As he hears every word that comes out of your lips, the only thing he heard was his heartbeat.

Strange, the rhythm was faster than usual. He watched you looking up, to get the tears back inside your system. You let out a forced chuckle, "Merlin, what's wrong with me." You muttered, yet George kept staring at you.

There was something bugging him. He wasn't sure what to call it.

Somehow, even without any light, you were glowing. Maybe it was from the rising moon or the little stars, but you were glowing.

At least to his eyes.

The glow highlighted all of your best features, kissing every single thing with a gentle light. If George didn't know any better, he'd think you took his breath away.

Merlin, you're stunningly beautiful.

"Did... Did he hurt you?" George found himself saying that, yet he kept on watching every little detail about you.

How come he never realized this before?

You shrugged, watching the rising moon. "He didn't. He wouldn't dare to hurt me. Blimey, I don't think he would even hurt a fly." You let out a small chuckle, smiling softly.

"Then why?" Was all that George could muster to say. He had to look away, or else he would drown himself looking at your eyes.

There's something about those eyes of yours, that he just couldn't help but admire. Is it the stunning color? Or the perfect eyelashes you have?

George has no bloody idea.

You turned to look at him, the night breeze started to come as your hair slightly moved following the breeze. "Why I tear up? Well, maybe because I know if I say anything to him about my feelings... The friendship I have with him might be jeopardized."

As you turn your head back to the view, George's eyes returned to see your facial side. If anything, the night breeze made you look so... Delicate. How your hair slightly moved backward following the breeze, how your eyes were closed to feel the wind, how there was a gentle smile painted on your lips.

"I'm sure he likes you too." He said, reaching his hand to pat your head, he does that whenever he wants to comfort you, but this time, it feels different.

It feels... much more intimate.

His heartbeat increased as his hand touched your hair, how soft it was. You laughed, "Yeah? And why so, Weasley?"

You turned to him expecting him to crack a smile, yet his face was serious. George couldn't find himself smiling, despite his fast heartbeat.

"Because any boy who doesn't see your worth, is not worth it."

He watched your face frowned in shock and the soft hue of red flowing through your cheeks. He watched your eyes flicking left and right to each of his eyes, seemingly to him you're trying to see if he's bluffing or not.

He chuckled, "What? You don't think I couldn't be serious, do you?" He let his hand fall to his sides again, and you blinked, before gently smiling, “But he’s worth it though.”

Something about that statement made his heart ache. Who the bloody hell is this buffoon and how much does he worth until he’s allowed to hurt you like this?

Before George could say anything, you both heard Fred’s shout from downstairs, “Oi, lads! Aren’t you going back to the common room? Come on then!”

You laughed at Fred’s annoyed voice, shaking your head as you stood up.  You looked down at the still-sitting George and held out your hand, “Come on, or else he’s going to throw a tantrum.”

He held your hand, and suddenly his cold hand was warm. The warmness you radiated was enough to warm his rather large hand, and seemingly warm his heart as well.

As he stood up holding your hand, he felt that you were going to pull away, so he gripped your hand tighter. He then quietly put your intertwined hands inside his sweater pocket. From the corner of his eyes, he saw you getting flustered and seemingly red. 

He didn’t know why he did what he did, but it felt right. So, so right.

“W-what about the broom and mop?” He heard you stutter out. With a flick of his finger, the broom and mop had moved by themselves, moved past them and to downstairs, passing through Fred whom you heard cursing in surprise, “Bloody hell-”

“Oh,” was all you could say. George chuckled and turned to you, “Let me borrow your hand for a second, mine was freezing.” Finally, he said something. You let out a small chuckle, “I can see that, it was bloody cold. I’m starting to suspect you’re a Slytherin.”

He furrowed his eyebrows, and you scoffed, “Don’t tell me you don’t get the joke?” George hummed a bit at that, he had to understand this one. Jokes are his main expertise. Yet, nothing came to mind. The blank face he had made you burst into laughter.

“Slytherin? Snakes? Snakes are cold-blooded? Cold hands?” you gave him hints, and then he gave you a ‘really?’ look, making you laugh more.

“That was a bad joke.” “Still works.”

That night, George couldn’t sleep. He kept turning sides here and there, closing his eyes as tight as he could, counting almost 300 sheep already, yet to no avail. “What’s wrong with me?” George muttered to himself, sighing afterward. He decided to go down to the common room, perhaps the warm fire could be his lullaby for the night.

He plopped to the couch right in front of the fireplace, the sound of crackling wood instantly brought him relaxation. He tried closing his eyes, perhaps he could sleep here for a while, to get those energies at least. 

But no, somehow his mind won’t let him rest. George opened his eyes with a heavy sigh, at this point he had given up the idea of sleep. “Alright, George Weasley’s brain, what do you want to think about so bad until I can’t bloody sleep for it?” George muttered, loud enough for him to hear. 

The idea of someone might come down and see him talking to himself in the middle of the night wasn’t George’s idea of a pleasant time.

As if answering his question, his mind wandered to you. He recalled the moments at the Astronomy Tower, the way you stunningly took his breath away.

George felt heat rushing up his cheeks, he touched the warm skin and blinked. Suddenly it clicked. With widened eyes, George stood up and paced back and forth the common room, muttering, “Oh no, no no no no no no no....”

But wait, these feelings are familiar. This isn’t the first time he felt like this for you. He has been feeling these feelings since, bloody hell, since-

“Since third year...” George mumbled in horror. The hands that were raking his hair stopped. The sudden epiphany had him frozen in both horror and shock. George plopped back to the couch by the fireplace, his mind was still processing the newfound information. 

George Weasley may have changed the way he looked at you that night.

Daylight comes and George hasn’t blinked one sleep since the revelation. He was slurping his daily cup of coffee at the Great Hall when you came by, looking cheerful. “Ah, Meredith looking good today, eh?” Fred chirped, and you just grinned at him. “I had a good sleep last night.” You said, cheerfully picking up the things you want to eat.

It’s as if George and you had switched places. 

George couldn’t stop looking at you, the way your cheeks glow by the sunlight that seeped through the windows of the Great Hall, the way you made a little dance whenever you taste something so good, the way you would furrow your eyebrows when you drink that warm tea.

Goodness, you’re stunning.

As if the time had stopped, George analyzed each and every one of your features, head to toe. And he started wondering. He wondered about many things, the way his mind was running at full speed now that he had his shot of coffee was not helping.

He wondered how soft is your hair, the pat on the head he gave you yesterday seemed to have slipped his mind. How soft is your hair, and how would it smell? How cozy would it smell when he sleeps behind you while hugging your waist, your back to his chest? 

He wondered about your eyes. How tender would they be, looking at him as if he’s the only thing that matters on Earth? How would your eyes squint when he tickled your sides, and you were laughing, begging him to stop?

He wondered about your lips. How would it curl into a smile whenever he’s around? How would it feel, if your lips came in contact with his? How would it taste like, when you were passionately kissing each other, slowly tearing off each other’s clothes-

It was only when Ron accidentally slapped George’s head while running that he was snapped back to reality. George choked out his coffee, the impact was more than enough to spill out his guts. Fred who was watching quickly stood up and slapped Ron’s head back as payback, “Watch where you’re going, you git! He could’ve choked!”

“Merlin, are you alright, George?!!” You quickly stood up to his aid, rubbing his back to ease up his coughing. George couldn’t stop coughing, yet he nodded.

He was more flustered by the fact that your hand was rubbing his back continuously than his respiratory system being endangered.

When his coughing slowed down, he had a few stray tears on his cheeks. Merlin, his throat felt like burning. He quickly downed a glass of water, sighing in relief that he could breathe again.

Ron better fucking watch his pillows tonight for tarantulas.

“Blimey, George, thought I would lose you there for a bit.” You let a relieved laugh, still being next to him, slowly rubbing his back. George wouldn’t admit it, but your hand on his back felt so comfortable, and cozy.

You patted his back a couple more times before returning to your seat, before you halted, “George.”

He turned to you, blinking, “Yeah?”

You tilted your head as you looked at him, worry etched at your face, “Your face is red,” you shrugged suddenly, “But then again, you almost died.”

“Don’t scare us like that again! I was bloody worried that I’ll have to send a letter to Mum about your death!” Fred returned and smacked George’s arm. “You git, that’s all you’re worried about.” George deadpan, but the teasing smile on his lips was visible. 

“Should we send you to the Hospital wing?” You asked, a little bit of concern was still there. George couldn’t hide his small tiny smile, his heart was buzzing with joy when you asked him that. “Worried much about me, Y/N?” George gave you a charming smile with a wink.

He watched as the red hue entered your cheeks, the soft shade of pink somehow made you look... cuter. You scoffed in surprise and had to look away for a second before looking back at him, “Wouldn’t want you to die and leave me taking care of Fred alone. “

“Hey!” Fred complained and you three laughed. 

As if everything was in slow motion, George’s eyes darted to you as you laugh. The way your eyes crinkle, the way your lips stretch to form that wide smile, the sound of your laugh could brighten up his days for a week. And somehow with the soft pink blush on your cheeks, it makes you look much more charming.

Bloody hell, George sure did change the way he looked at you.

“Look! It’s snowing!” A first-year’s shout echoed throughout the hall, and everyone snapped their heads to the windows. Small white orbs of snow floating down from the sky to the ground. “Pretty early for snow days, huh?” Fred muttered, George nodded, it was a bit early. But you weren’t listening. You were growing excited by the second.

“It’s snowing! That means we could make snow angels! And have snowball fights!”  Fred and George had forgotten how much you loved snows, and was reminded as they saw your twinkling eyes.

They slightly flinched when your head snapped to look at them, “Can we go on a midnight picnic this weekend? Please, please, please!” Once you gave them the puppy-dog eyes, they knew they lost.

“But it’s going to be freezing outside, Y/N.” Fred whined. “I have a heating mat mum bought when she went to a muggle city once! Please?”

George couldn’t help but to chuckle, you looked so adorable.

“Don’t use your puppy-dog eyes too long, Y/N. Soon people will know what kind of power you possess.” George playfully said as he glanced at Neville who sat beside you, he was staring at you with his mouth agape. You followed his eyes and laughed at Neville. You pat the lad’s shoulder and quickly whispering, “Don’t tell anyone!”

Poor Neville nodded eagerly.

The weekend soon arrived, and you were all set for the midnight picnic. George had bribed the house elves for food, you brought out the heating mat and extra blankets, and Fred brought all the jumpers he could find. Your go to place? Right in front of Hagrid’s hut, again.

“Thank you so much, Hagrid!” You said as you give the half-giant a hug. “Make sure you don’t get caught this time! Argus will not be fooled twice!” He warned you, before patting your head goodnight.

George arrived a few minutes later with baskets of food. “Where’s Freddie-O?” you asked. George shrugged, “Turns out he had detention with Snape and had forgotten about it. He’ll come around later.”

“Well, seems like it’s just the two of us tonight.” You sighed in content, watching the white mist came out from your mouth. George gave you a dazzling smile, “Who’s complaining?”

George was actually nervous for that night. It’s not like it’s the first time he had hung out with you, so he had no idea why. But ever since he had acknowledged his feelings towards you, he felt this fuzzy buzzy feeling in his stomach whenever you’re around. And he may have told you a little tiny lie about Fred.

George and Fred are twins, they know everything about each other. Fred was pretending to be oblivious the whole time, when he knew everything. Fred had given George a head-start, like he said, “Get it done before I’m there, or I’ll tell Y/N myself.” George was horrified to say the least, and Fred just scoffed, “You think you could hide things from me? Your twin? Your older brother?”

So, now that he's forced to confess, George Weasley had never felt so nervous.

It's been an hour since you both started the midnight picnic, you were munching a sandwich while laying down and George was taking a sip on his hot chocolate, courtesy to Hagrid. He glanced at your way, listening to every bit of your words about the stars on the dark sky. You looked so fascinated and George felt his heartbeat doubled in pace.

"Y/N." He called. You turned your head to him, still laying down, "What's up, Georgie?" A small smile was playing on his lips, and his eyes were tender as he looked at you, "I just realized I like someone." He saw your expression dropped for a second, before you quickly put up a smile.

...What was that?

"Who's the unlucky one?" You imitated his way of talking, like the time at Astronomy Tower. George picked it up quickly and chuckled, "Can't tell you just yet." You chuckled, "Then why bother telling me?"

"I need to let out something, like you said." George stopped laughing, but his lips still have that soft smile. You sat up and face him properly. Your knees met his, and you were giving him a supportive smile, despite your slowly breaking heart. "Tell me everything about them."

The sparkle in your eyes were gone, and George wondered why.

"Well, where do I start?" George muttered to himself, sighing. The mist escaped his lips and came in contact with your face. He looked down to his hands that rested on his lap, then his eyes darted to your hands. Swiftly, he took your right hand and begin to rub small circles on it.

At first, you were stunned. Then you figured he may need an additional support, thus your hand. You tried to ignore the butterflies in your stomach as you feel his skin softly brush against yours.

"Whenever they're around, I feel as if they radiate this kind of soft and cheerful energy. The way their eyes sparkle when they talk about something that excites them, the sound of their laugh when something is funny, the way when the sunset light kissed their face, it makes them look much more ethereal." George laid word by word carefully, he couldn't look up to you, or else he'd blush his head off.

And because he didn't look at you, he didn't see your faltering smile.

He continued to play with your hand when he said, "They're playful; as I am, but they know when to stop and be serious, to listen to things. They know which words to give when they're comforting me, and they give the best hugs a tall lad like me could possibly ask for," He chuckled, the faint blush on his cheeks saturated.

And you had lost your smile. You begin to wonder if your hugs are even enough? Were you that playful that you couldn't be serious? Did you not give advice the right way before? Suddenly, the insecurities swarmed you, and you were choking up. With your eyes watery, you muttered, "Tell me more, George."

Oblivious of your heartbroken state, George continued with a wide smile, both of his hands holding tight on yours, "I wonder sometimes, how happy could I make them be, the way they make me happy? How wonderful would life be, if I could call them mine? And, I wonder if someday they want to be my partner for life."

It hurt your heart, seeing George looking so happy telling you about that someone he likes, oblivious and ignorant to your state. It pained you, that you wanted him to be happy, even if he's happy without you. You would be happy for him, but Bloody Merlin, why does it hurt so much?

"You know, Y/N, right before I close my eyes," One and two stray tears rolled down your cheeks.

"The only thing that's on my mind," Subconsciously, you squeezed his hand, trying so hard not to let out a sob.

"I've been dreaming that you feel it too," Wait, you?

"I wonder what it's like to be loved by you." Finally, George looked up to you, with a wide smile. But that smile was drained right after he took in your state. You were looking at him with wide eyes, tears rolling down your cheeks, your mouth was agape.

"W...What?" You let out a whisper. George was quick to let go of your hand to cup your face, wiping away your tears, "W-were you crying? I... I didn't mean to make you cry, Y/N." He let out softly, his face contorted with concern and regret.

You were speechless, frozen. George gulped as he saw your state, and moved away slowly. "I... I knew I shouldn't have said anything. I am, so... sorry." George was breaking on the inside. In his mind, he thought you were crying in denial, that that was your rejection to him.

"Do... Do you like me?" Your whisper sounds so loud to George. George looked at you in embarrassment and shame, before looking away, "Yeah, I do. But I knew you wouldn't like me back, so it's fine I guess-"

He likes you... He likes you. He likes you!!!

"So, everything you say about them, you were... talking about me?" You were still trying to process everything. A few seconds ago, you were so ready getting your heart broken, and now you're just confused.

You remembered the way he talked about that someone, and your face grew red. The tears in your eyes had dried up, George.... George Weasley likes you?

"George," You called. George was upset, yet he responded, "Yeah?"

"When I cried just now, do you know why?" You said slowly, your heartbeat increases. George gave you a sad and pained smile, "Because you were shocked and you were denying me?" His broken voice pained you. You slowly moved in front of him on your knees, while he was sitting with his legs crossed. He watched your every movement, somehow even with red eyes you still looked beautiful.

You slowly reached for his arms, and put them to your waist. The way his hands hugged your inches perfectly made the butterflies in your stomach grew wild. You could see it in him, that he was having butterflies as well. "I was crying because..." You trailed off, bringing your hands to each side his face, something that you've been wanting to do for quite a while. He was looking up to you slightly, and he could see your pink blush.

"Because I was heartbroken that you were talking about someone else rather than me." George blinked a few times, his heartbeat increased its pace like never before, "C-come again?" He stuttered. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. It made you chuckle as you painted a gentle smile on your lips, "I like you too, George. I always have."

Seeing how speechless you made him, you leaned down slightly, until your nose were touching. Your breaths, the cold mists hit both of your faces. You watched his eyes for a moment, before it lingered down to his lips. You watched him do the same to yours with a gulp.

"Kiss me, Weasley."

George's lips slowly formed a smile, "You don't have to ask me twice." And with that he leaned up and engulfed your lips with his. It was a soft kiss first, cautious and careful. And by time went on as you two got more comfortable, the kiss was hungry, passionate, just everything you could ask for. George's hands gripped tighter to your waist, engulfing more inches to pull your closer. You arms were wrapped around his head, hands playing with his hair, trying to take as much as you could.

Only when you need oxygen did you pull away, and even then George seemed eager for more as he stole a few pecks. Your heart was about to explode, bloody hell. George Weasley is a bloody good kisser.

Soon, you were on the ground with George hovering you, planting peppers of kisses onto your face. You were giggling non-stop, begging him to stop, yet you love the affection. Your heart swelled with joy. He stopped finally, but he stayed still, hovering you, taking in the view under him.

"Has anyone ever told you you're beautiful, Y/N?" He whispered, his smile mirroring yours perfectly. He was in euphoria, he had never felt so happy.

"Yeah," You grinned before leaning up to plant a soft kiss on his lips, "You have."

<COMPLETE!>

[cienie-isengardu]

There is one thing that you mention a lot and it is Bi-Han's lack of social skills and well I do not agree at all, that is, Bi-Han as with Sektor is quite introverted but I do believe that the Lin kuei taught them social skills to be able to infiltrate them among the people during missions. Bi-Han I think he has manners and social skills but he doesn't hide when he doesn't like someone. He was sarcastic with Quan chi but at no time did he insult him or refuse to do his job

I do not have any doubt that Bi-Han’s speech patterns depend on whom he is interacting (x) but as much as honesty and straightforwardness are in itself valuable traits, frankness is not always an acceptable choice to rely on. Having social skills helps to navigate how to behave and talk to different people to not overstep or break generally accepted norms and in result, to build a healthy relationship, or in case of living in a strict warrior society, to not get in trouble. Bi-Han for me lacks in this department, especially in mentioned interaction with Quan Chi, because he was not on equal ground with the sorcerer yet had this borderline challenging attitude. And most likely yes, some of the rudeness came from not liking nor respecting the suspicious guy that already proved to be some insidious bastard for hiring another man for the same job. But the thing is, he wasn’t there to question a lucrative customer that was personally approved by the Grandmaster and he should keep his accusations and rude remarks to himself, not throw it into the sorcerer's face just like that.

I mean, as much as dark and evil Lin Kuei are, customer service is a vital part of the earning money process. Bi-Han wasn’t there as equal to Grandmaster (the superior whom he swore to obey) nor Quan Chi (approved client). Between these three characters, Sub-Zero was just a tool to finish an already made transaction, no one was interested in what he thought or felt at that moment. As much as the accusation to some degree may be forgiven, since Quan Chi openly antagonized Sub-Zero by calling Lin Kuei the ninja (an intended insult) and admitted to hiring Shiray Ryu (the enemy of Lin Kuei), he shouldn’t be so aggressive nor so open. It toned down once Grandmaster stopped their argument. Even then, Bi-Han could - should - ask about the mission in a more polite or at least neutral way, instead of “If it's so precious, why don't you get it yourself?”, since his superior made it clear Sub-Zero is gonna do another job for the client (“Now you will use the map on your next mission. Quan Chi has once again retained your services”).

The whole situation feel to me like Grandmaster promised Quan Chi the best man for the job but said man had this “fuck you” attitude from the start. Sub-Zero represented Lin Kuei but instead of the professional and obedient subordinate of Grandmaster there was an abrasive warrior who called Quan Chi on his lies and backed down only because his boss had enough of his attitude and the pointless argument. Not the best social awareness if you ask me.

Bi-Han wasn’t any more polite to Raiden (“That's it? Not even a thank you?”) and either deliberately provoked Scorpion during the Tournament or he was simply brutally honest about not caring about Shirai Ryu’s fate. Which, considering what he knew about the massacre, Scorpion’s obsession about him and just heard Hanzo’s promise to not kill him, he was stubbornly arrogant or really lacked empathy or good understanding of emotional impact his words may have on his sworn enemy. Considering how Bi-Han is described as “the most cunning” above all, we know he is pretty intelligent. But his harsh, abrasive, often confrontational behaviour makes me think he is good with cold logic, not exactly with empathy and because of that, he is not always reading the situation well and may “forget his place” when dealing with people he does not respect or care about or outright provoke them in the worst way. The whole argument with Quan Chi in the first place shouldn’t even happen because really, it wouldn’t be the first time an outsider (client) didn't care about the assassin's life and saw him as just a tool. Grandmaster himself wasn’t bothered nor surprised by Quan Chi’s deal with Shirai Ryu and so Bi-Han’s outburst is even more out of place in my opinion.

How much of this is Bi-Han’s intention to be a rude bastard and how much came from limited social skills (and maybe from introverted nature?) is of course up to debate. But to be fair, all cryomancers have this cheeky and passive-aggressive attitude in common (Frost for example seems like being constantly angry at everyone and doesn’t hold her sharp tongue, younger Kuai Liang literally disturbed Mortal Kombat last Tournament and told Shao Kahn to give him murderer of brother, Conquest!Sub-Zero was no less stubborn and asocial). I do see cryomancers in general as the asocial, aromantic & asexual (maybe even autistic to some degree?) people whose natural coldness may have handicapped sense of social norms and the fact that they are trained killers (thus have empathy dulled even more) don’t help at all.

At the same time, I strongly believe that not every warrior was constantly or even often working undercover and Lin Kuei used its members adequately to their skills. Some are better at spying (thus are better at interacting with people to get the needed information), some are better killers (whose interaction with people doesn't matter as long as the job is finished). There is not enough source material to say for sure what was Bi-Han’s specialization but Mythologies: Sub-Zero strongly suggest is was actually assassination and theft, as we were told by Grandmaster (“Once again, our most cunning assassin and thief is successful.”). The known jobs he did involved breaking into heavily guarded places (Shaolin Temple, Temple of Elements) to steal artifacts and killing people on the way. There was no need for Bi-Han to have any social skills nor during the Mortal Kombat Tournament, when he was hired exactly to eliminate (kill) Earthrealm’s Champions. Of course, this is barely the tip of the iceberg, more or less the last year of Bi-Han’s life, but if he truly was one of the clan's best, sending him on long-term undercover missions could be a waste of an opportunity for profitable earnings. I mean, stealing and killing are usually short-termed jobs, the “go in and get out” as fast as possible to not leave any trace behind. Those jobs of course also take time for proper preparation but because of its specific nature, a warrior can be sent from one place to another almost immediately, especially if the lucrative customer (like Shang Tsung or Quan Chi) needs to solve an urgent problems quickly. The game and movies are separated sources, but Mortal Kombat (2021) seems too put Bi-Han mainly on the assassination jobs or staying at Shang Tsung’s side than anything truly involding good understanding of social ettiquete; beside the sorcerer, Bi-Han did not interact much with other people, even with his own allies. Then there is the possibility that Bi-Han could work ultimately more in lawless, wild Outworld than modern Earthrealm which also would affect his behaviour and sense of social norms.

I believe Bi-Han took some undercover missions, but I see him more like operating in the city to do some quick dirty jobs and moving to another target than staying in one place for months while playing “normal” human being. That way he was more useful to clan by earning good money in short period of time and maybe correcting faults of other warriors (supervising them) or killing Shirai Ruy / enemy’s agents along the way. He probably could fit into society for a specified period of time if that was absolutely necessary but I don’t think it happened often. And even then, he most likely kept to himself because Bi-Han is introverted by nature.

At the end of day, the coldness and social detachment was a useful trait for a killer and murdering was most likely Sub-Zero’s expertise so forcing him to spend months on anything else seems to me like wasting both his potential and good job offers. So the Grandmaster (Lin Kuei) could tolerate Sub-Zero’s natural frankness because his social skills weren’t ever the priority.

Bi-Han’s abrasive ways to communicate with others, lack of empathy, the visible isolating himself leads me to think he lacks social skills (and maybe even could fit somewhere on autistic spectrum). At this point of time, I think cryomancers in general are dense when it comes to social norms and interacting with people and I don’t mean it as they are stupid or unable to learn. They just have different (mental?) mindset about such things than other people, even other Lin Kuei warriors. Of course, it is just my take on the matter so anyone can disagree : )

(Ironically, I have the impression that Sektor would do better in long-term undercover work than Bi-Han but he is hardly better at pretending to be a normal human being. The difference is that he is the quiet type easy to overlook while anyone not familiar with Bi-Han's specific behaviour will see him as the rude bastard.)