#maybe that was before ace and not now who knows (this story will prove me wrong)

[hauntingblue]

There is almost no recap in wano so far.... well 4 minutes.... it's like a 2 min reduction

[heart4gyu]

wet dreamz || sim jaeyun x reader

note: 18+ mdni!! y’all know the song lol changed it up a lil for the story tho :P this turned out longer than i expected and maybe needs a part two (??? lmk) also this is my first time writing full smut so i hope it’s not too bad and that y’all enjoy anyway okayy gn :3 not proofread sorry!! | pt.2 here |

this had honestly never happened to jake before; waking up in his bed, heart racing, covered in sweat, and pants soaked.

he just couldn’t help it though.

you hadn’t even noticed him before you got partnered up for a project. but him? oh, his eyes were on you the second you walked through that door on the first day of class.

how pretty you looked laughing with your friends. the sweet smell of your perfume as you walked past. the way you always got the answers right when you got called on. it started off so innocent, just a little campus crush.

after you became partners, everything changed though. the project went perfectly, of course, with both of you acing the class it was easy. but after it was over, you didn’t go back to sitting with your friends like jake thought you would. you stayed there, right next to him, every day.

you became friends. you exchanged phone numbers and you hung out quite often in the library or student center. the more time you spent together, the more jake’s want for you grew.

jake just didn’t understand how you could be so effortlessly perfect for him though.

you, on the other hand, knew exactly what you were doing. you’d observed jake long enough to know that he’s probably never made it past second base with a girl.

the way he’d turn red when you’d scoot over touching your thighs to his. the way his mouth went dry when you’d lean over his desk in a very low cut shirt. even the way he’d stare at your lips after you applied your lip gloss.

all the things you purposefully did to get his attention. because obviously how could you not go after him, he was just your type. sweet, nerdy guy who was also extremely hot.

and so far, you were doing an excellent job at it. but you were getting a little impatient with him, so you decided to tell him about this loser guy who took you out the other day. and fuck it, you decided to slip it into the conversation that he couldn’t even make you finish.

you smiled when the text bubbles appeared and disappeared over and over again. how cute.

jakeyjakey: don’t let someone like that take you out again.

you: ikr. need to find someone who can get the job done…

jakeyjakey: if you gave me the chance y/n, i’d show you a great time.

it definitely wasn’t expected but who were you to complain when this is exactly what you wanted. so you let him know that your roommate would be gone visiting family this weekend & that maybe he should come over…

so he went to bed that night, thinking about the weekend coming up. thinking about you.

and he had a sweet, sweet dream. it was so realistic too. the way your pillows smelled like you as he laid back on them with you on his lap. how soft your thighs were as his fingers grazed over them. your eyes darker than he’s ever seen them, and your voice so quiet he could barely hear it over his heartbeat.

he felt the coil in his stomach tighten the second your lips were on his. you tasted like strawberries (or at least that’s what he thought you’d taste like because of your pink gloss).

you held his face gently as you kissed him. and your tongue slipped inside his mouth so easily when he let out a deep moan for you. his eyes squeezed shut as he felt you grind down on him. your pace speeding up the longer his lips were on yours.

“jake,” you panted, he didn’t know he could want to hear your voice more but you proved him wrong with the way you sounded right now. “can you touch me?”

he could’ve came right then but he took a deep breath to compose himself and nodded, his eyes not leaving yours. he dragged his hands up your thighs and under your skirt, stopping at your ass to give it a squeeze to which you let out a whine.

giving his confidence a boost, he kept going up with one of his hands, pressing down on your lower back to close the small distance between your bodies and grinding up into you.

he broke the kiss to look down between your bodies and saw your hands working on unbuttoning his pants. he didn’t know how his breathing could become even more ragged but it did. especially so when he felt your cold hands pull his cock out of his pants, and he had to look away. he squeezed his eyes shut trying to focus but how could he with your delicate hands stroking him so perfectly.

“jakey, you said you’d show me a good time,” you said, looking up at him with those irresistible eyes of yours. fuck, fuck was all jake could think as he rolled you over, positioning himself between your legs.

“i know i did, angel,” he whispered by your ear, placing a kiss right below it. he reached under your skirt, then pulled your underwear all the way down your legs. “i’ll take care of you, don’t worry.”

he lined himself up quickly, not wanting to look like he’d never done this before. then he leaned down for a quick peck making you smile into the kiss and hearing that pretty little laugh he loves to hear. now he could push in gently and it was easier than he thought it’d be.

there was still resistance though because you were tight. so tight he had to drop his head down beside you and just breathe for a second. he could honestly just stay here forever, his cock buried so deep in you. he loved the feeling more than he expected.

you placed a hand on the nape of his neck, fingers tangled in his hair, your other hand soothing his arm that supported his weight above you. and he wanted this you always, every day, never wanted to hear you talk about another man again.

so he started thrusting into you, slow but hard thrusts. with you squeezing his arm, pulling on his hair, and moaning out his name, he was a goner for sure. “yes, that’s what i wanna hear,” he said, lips on yours as he kissed you again.

he kissed on your neck, and brought his hand down to rub circles on your clit just like in the videos he studied for you. he never heard your voice this loud before, couldn’t believe the way you looked with your head thrown back as you came around him.

he was close now too, knew his thrusts were getting sloppier. but you wrapped your legs around his waist, lifting your hips to meet his thrusts. “god, you’re so good for me,” he whined.

“i’m so close,” he said, kissing you again as you put your arms around his neck. then he heard you whisper something that he didn’t quite catch, he leaned in closer so you could repeat it.

“babe, please come in me,” you whispered. and that’s all it took for him to come undone, a moaning mess as he filled you up. he was panting at this point, trying to regulate his breathing.

and unfortunately that’s exactly how he woke up. in his own bed, heart racing, covered in sweat, and pants soaked. only one thing, or more specifically, person on his mind.

[keruimi]

The Love I Strived For

Pairing: Sakusa Kiyoomi x reader

Warning: Comfort, slight Angst

Note: No words, too proud of this. My haikyuu fan side is kicking again so I decided to look back at the character that snatched my heart. I Hope you all love this the way I did. 🤍

_____________________________

"If she just knows how lucky she is to be close with Sakusa-san"

"To be like her..."

"Can we blame him, she is talented like him."

"She is so lucky..."

"Can I just be her?"

Those were the whispers I always hear the times I walk down the hallways, no matter where I am.

Sakusa's friend

The Woman who was his only exception.

Those words fill my heart with bitterness.

Because of the word 'friend'

They were right, I am talented like him. I am the best setter in the country. I am beautiful. My grades are still stable.

But our relationship will always still be in the so-called friendship.

Love is not his first priority. He could careless about it.

But I started to love him. A great Ace with a humble personality.

He should ask himself why I can't stop loving him.

Love that bloomed when we first met in the youth center for aspiring volleyball players.

That was the start of our story, of our friendship.

But never our love story.

Because no matter how perfect I am, no matter how much we are perfect in the eyes of others, I knew that feeling of acknowledgement would only stay as friends.

I could never ask for more no matter how much I wanted to.

Sakusa Kiyoomi

He was perfect. He has everything I wanted in a partner who I can spend my life with.

He has looks, he is a great player, he is a hard worker, and no matter how great a player he is, he was never prideful about it.

I love everything about him.

But our moments are always like acquaintances. I could never pass that line no matter how many years it has already been.

"I want you to love me. And I'll prove why I'm worth it"

That was the promise I declared wholeheartedly in our elementary days.

But he still feels so distant to me.

He acknowledged me, my love and talent. But never love anything I offered to him.

How am I lucky?

When my efforts seem to go to waste.

How can he love me?

"Senpai" a first year member of our team called out for me when she started to notice I was zoning out that made me look at the match in front of me.

A match where he lost the chance of being a consecutive champion.

I felt tears build up from my eyes when I saw the school's male volleyball team lose the rights to fight for the spot in the championship.

I hate it.

"Senpai... Let's greet them"

She tugged my sleeves like she is urging me to walk to greet the boys and I let my feet follow them.

And standing in front of him feels oddly cold.

So close but feels so far.

Maybe because of the bitterness I felt for him. But I can't blame him especially when it never occurs to him for loving anyone at all.

Right now I don't have the right words to say to him.

"I'll bring the victory to you"

Until those words left my lips.

That is a promise.

I love how his eyes gaze on my own before he nods in acknowledgement and proceeds to go to the locker room to wash up.

I silently yearn the moment he would finally love my efforts. The time where he would realize I am really serious about pursuing him. The moment he will feel proud of me.

I want to see the time where he would smile at me.

Because I just didn't wish for it. I worked for it.

I put sweat and tears to practice. To be a better player, match to him.

I work hard just to be seen. And I would never let go of this chance now that I am in the National Stage.

I'll bring the trophy to him.

I can hear the cheers in the stadium the moment I arrive at the end of the second set with us being in the losing end.

Because my body suddenly shut down from the quarterfinals we won yesterday.

Now that we are in the semifinals, I would not let the same bad luck be the reason why Itachiyama lost.

I am the female volleyball team's setter, the mastermind of every play. I don't want to lose therefore I can't leave.

26-25

The other team won the first set and on the lead on the second set.

The pressure was intense.

Especially when the coach immediately entered me in the game as I stood at the back.

This is my last chance...

I can't give up.

I'm not like his other fans who just wish and dream. I worked hard for it until I was deserving of it.

At this time, I want to be known by the world.

That I am the woman he should be proud of.

Those thoughts made me snatch the second set we almost lost.

Because I promise...

And I didn't realize that the match had finally ended, giving us the ticket to fight for the championship.

The time has finally come...

This is the chance I needed...

"I'm so close. So close"

Yet the night before the final day, my fever spiked up that I can barely breathe.

That's the day where I need to decide whether to play or put my health first.

But it was my dream. Not only for him but for myself too.

That's why my fever was left untold to my team members. Was kept as a secret to the coach.

Because I need to be in the court. At this moment, I need to be there.

That's why no matter how warm it was, no matter how dizzy I got, I kept going without looking back.

Because I finally decided that I will clutch the gold medal.

For our school, for our team, for our hardwork, and for him.

Even if I badly want to end it. I need to keep holding on to it.

Keep surviving.

Until we finally manage to take the last set we need to win.

That was the only time I got to breathe.

I felt my team embrace as we all fell to the ground in happiness.

Tears spill in my eyes as I finally got to laugh genuinely.

I did it

We did it!

Until the numb feeling of my body reminded me of the thing I chose to ignore.

After a few moments of celebrating, we handshake with the other team and while heading to the bleachers to take our supporters.

I felt the captain's hand on my back.

"Thank you because you keep going" she whispered as a small smile lifted from my lips.

"I have no regrets"

We bowed and thanked our supporters as I heard their cheers.

We didn't disappoint our school.

I looked up and saw the male volleyball team looking at us.

While his gaze was focused on me. I felt tears build up from my eyes as I showed a smile.

I was so happy, so happy I did it.

My happiness was immeasurable when I saw how his eyes seemed to rise a little that made my tears fall from my eyes.

Did I do it?

Did I finally make him smile.

My happiness was cut off short when my vision turned black. My own body is finally giving up on me.

It finally reaches its limit.

I started to wake up when I felt the cold towel on my forehead.

And his presence was the one that greeted me.

My eyes looked around and I saw I was in my hotel room and he was the one beside me.

"I'm sick Sakusa..."

I managed to stutter out before I felt the tiredness in my body.

"I know" he stated before he poured me a glass of water and set it on the side table.

He took a hold of my hand before he made me sit up. "You should drink"

He told me as I held the towel in my forehead and took the glass of water he was offering to me.

I drink all of it before setting it on the side table.

"Why are you the one with me?" I asked him before I removed the towel first so I could tie my hair up.

"Should I leave?"

He asked that it made me stare at him and saw he was wearing his mask as usual that made me sigh.

"It's just unusual for a person like you" I mumble as he took the comb before I managed to reach it.

"Let me"

I froze as I felt him touch my hair.

"Your actions are making me have second thoughts if you are really the Sakusa I know"

"Kiyo" I heard him mutter that made my breath hitched from his words.

"This is the only thing I can do" he started as I cherish this moment he was combing my hair for me.

"For a woman who almost risks her life just to not disappoint me" My heart warmed from his words as I looked over him through the mirror.

And I saw how my eyes turned glossy at that moment.

"You did a very dangerous thing there that your fever spikes up to 40°C" he continued before he put my hair in a ponytail.

"Never do that again"

I smiled at his words as I just decided to lean on the headboard so I can have more time to talk to him properly.

"I told you didn't I?" I finally spoke up the moment he took a seat on the end of the bed near me.

"I want to be worthy of a man like you. I want to bring the gold to you" his eyes found mine as I lift a small smile.

"Did I manage that? Those were the questions that first popped into my mind the moment we finally won" I breathlessly mutter as I played with my hands but not breaking off the eye contact from him.

"But only Sakusa Kiyoomi can answer that"

I felt how his eyes gloss a little that made me take a hold of his hand.

"Did I finally become worthy of your love?"

"The world made me feel average no matter how great I was" he managed to utter as I felt his hand tighten his hold on mine.

"Only you made me feel special"

"So Thank you"

"I really love you Kiyo" I stated clearly as I saw how thankful he was from how he gazed at our hands holding each other's palm.

"You made me start to treasure someone like you, Y/n"

And I can finally say without any hesitation.

That the first chapter of our love story officially began.

At the End of Spring Interhigh

[cherrybeartoast]

As Loved by The Aces - "Going Home" - Seungmin x Reader

୨୧ a Cherry Song Series ୨୧ As Loved By The Aces Series Navigation

A series of individual-member centred stories based on songs by my favourite indie band, The Aces, portraying different love stories, emotions and people.

Pairing: Seungmin x GN!Reader

Genre: Fluff, very sappy, incredibly self-indulgent (I'm not sorry, ever since I got Seung's Nylon mag I've been having the most uncontrollable Minnie brainrot)

Warnings: Kind of implied that the reader has ADHD, but can also be read as a reader who simply has a super bubbly, slightly chaotic personality <3 (did I mention this was self indulgent?)

Series playlist: Spotify

★ Track 7: S.M - Going Home

I love everything about you, you know, even all of the the things you say you don’t like, nothing I don’t like, I love that you never pretend with me, even from the start you taught me to be, nothing but me

“What are we even here for?” Seungmin asked, feigning annoyance as you roamed aimlessly through the aisles of the supermarket.

“I don’t remember,” you replied, wandering into the haircare aisle.

Seungmin huffed, although you didn’t miss the soft smile on his lips before he did so. “That’s why I told you to write a list or something, baby, you always forget.”

When Seungmin had introduced you to his friends, they’d been expecting someone scholarly, quiet and well-organised; essentially, a second Seungmin. “Did you meet her in the library?” Hyunjin had teased. “No, in the stationary section looking at notebooks!” Jeongin had snorted.

However, when you proved to be almost as chaotic, if not more, than Han Jisung himself, they’d been surprised, albeit happily. You couldn’t be more different from Seungmin; you were very physically affectionate, and had no troubles expressing your emotions through words. You were forgetful, yet refused to take actions to prevent it. You were sporadic and inconsistent, planning things last minute and taking your boyfriend on adventures on a whim. It had taken Seungmin time to get used to you when you first met as friends, but he soon found himself drawn to your confidence and chaos. You were a bit all over the place, yes, but you were his, and you found he helped contain the unhelpful aspects of your personality, such as struggles to focus and just generally get shit done, whilst you brought out the louder, gigglier side of him. 

“Oh well,” you chuckled and shrugged, pulling out bottles of shampoo and examining the labels closely. “Ooh, this one’s on sale, Seung! Maybe I should try it, your big sister told me it was really good.”

Seungmin took the bottle out of your hand and placed it back on the shelf. “No,” he said stubbornly.

“Excuse me, Kim Seungmin?” You raised an eyebrow and crossed your arms across your chest. “I think I’m allowed to select my own shampoo brand.”

Seungmin rolled his eyes. “You wouldn’t smell the same, stupid. I like the one you use now. It’s nice.” He pulled you close and shoved his face into your hair to prove his point, and you giggled and smacked his arm lightly.

“What a sappy baby,” you tsked, pinching his cheek and grabbing two bottles of your usual shampoo and conditioner. 

“Is that everything?”

“I just want to look around, Seung, then I’ll remember,” you pushed the trolley happily, skipping a little.

“Baby, we’ve been looking around for like twenty minutes. It’s gonna get dark soon, and it’s already snowing outside.” Seungmin gestured out the big windows, where flecks of snow drifted through the wind, dusting the cars parked outside, including yours, like icing sugar.

“Okay, okay, fine,” you huffed, picking up your two bottles and returning your trolley, and he shook his head. You squealed as he scooped you up, staggering along to the cashier. 

He deposited you, and you paid for your items, then ran outside, almost slipping on the icy tarmac. 

“It’s so pretty,” you gasped, squeaking as a snowflake landed on your nose and another melted down your cheek. “It’s very cold, though. Can we get inside, Seung?”

He nodded and opened the car, and you bundled yourself into the passenger seat, shivering as he turned the heater on.

“Dramatic, much,” he chuckled fondly, starting the engine. 

“Shut up, I’m so cold,” you hissed through your teeth, blowing on your hands. “Hey, stop that, turn the car off.”

“That’ll turn the heater off,” Seungmin stated.

“I don’t care.”

“Where the fuck is your logic, baby?” Seungmin laughed.

You shook your head and dragged yourself over the console, planting yourself onto his lap. His cheeks flushed a little and he took the keys out, his arms moving to your waist automatically.

“You’re really warm, Seung,” you mumbled into his shoulder, wrapping your arms around his neck. “You’re always so warm, like, you just make me feel so cosy and soft and fluffy and gross.”

“Gross? Excuse me?”

“In a good way. I feel so sappy and lovey-dovey when I’m with you. I disgust myself. If I saw a couple acting like this in public, I’d be like, ew, that’s so weird, but I love acting like that with you. It doesn’t feel cliche or weird. It feels right.”

“Oh, baby.”

“Shush. You’re gonna make me blush.”

Seungmin lifted your head off his shoulder. “You already are, idiot.”

You slapped his cheek lightly. “Fuck off. It’s your turn to be overly sappy with your feelings now, Seung.”

Seungmin took a deep breath. “When I first got with you, all the guys were so surprised, because you’re so different to me. And when they were surprised, it made me nervous, because I trust them so much, though you better not tell them that, or they won’t shut up about it. Then Chan told me he hadn’t seen me act so carefree, so happy around anyone like this in a long, long time. He said he thought you were so good for me, you brought out parts of me he missed seeing.”

You stared into his eyes, biting back a smile.

“And it’s true. I’ve never really felt this happy around anyone before. I worry less, and when I worry, it's less about myself. Because I know you don’t care about the things I worry about myself; like my appearance, or my personality. You just love me. And I’ve never been loved like that before.”

“You went way sappier than I did, loverboy,” you giggled, but pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips. “I love you so much, and it makes me happy that I make you as happy as you make me. You’re mine, yeah, Seung?”

“Always,” Seungmin pressed his nose to yours, then wrapped his arms around you tighter.

You sat, in the front seat of your car, in the supermarket parking lot, bodies entwined.

Sure, you should be getting home, but you weren’t in a rush. 

Wherever he was, he was your home.

[a-student-out-of-time]

Talking about the Eden Killer Theory (Again)

//Hey there, so...it kinda seems like my blog has officially just become a DT theory blog at this point, so here's some more of my thoughts on a particular one I've touched on before.

//This is something of a response to this defense of the Eden Killer Theory, written by @venus-is-thinking, who is a proponent of the theory along with many others. And having read it, I can't help but feel that a lot of the points raised here are in response to many of my own criticisms, from the motivation issues to how it would play a role in the narrative.

//Now, as I've said my previous posts about this, even if I don't agree with this theory, this isn't meant to belittle anyone who does. I also have to admit that there are a lot of good points raised here. What I'd like to do is, instead of just trying to debunk them, I'd like to offer some counterpoints and alternatives, as well as address the points that make this theory not work for me.

//I'm also not going to push my own theory here, just stick to what I feel are some equally plausible explanations.

//So Venus, if you read this, know that I'm impressed by the time and effort you put into this, and I just want to offer some feedback:

I'll start by saying, thank you for not perpetuating this idea that Eden is somehow secretly some evil genius mastermind, because a lot of Eden Killer Theory posts really have that vibe to them and it bothers me to no end.

My first big question is why Eden would kill Arei and not Arturo, the guy who has actively threatened her. Nobody but Arei knew about that and thus would never suspect her of doing it. Arei herself really seems like she'd have Eden's back in that regard.

I will say, just because we have multiple LGBTQ+ characters, it doesn't equate to "sapphic girl betrays everyone to be with her GF" not being problematic. The quantity doesn't matter, the presentation does.

I do appreciate the focus on her motivation as having more to do with her family and people she wants to reunite with. My issue is that the same argument could be applied to others who we know have friends and family, like Rose, Veronika, Hu, even Ace. What makes Eden the exception here?

The hidden quote is definitely interesting, and it could apply to this case, but it could also apply at a later date. I've also looked thoroughly into the hidden quotes and wondered about their meanings, so I'll admit there's an argument to be made in your favor here.

Eden being the primary force trying to end the killing game does feel to me like it's meant to be more of a long-term thing. Maybe the idea isn't that she's running out of time, but the longer she spends in this game, the more it wears away at her attempts? That doesn't necessarily mean she'll be a killer, now or later, but maybe it takes a toll on her motivation?

"Every single second killer commits their crime due to previous attachments that go beyond the killing game." Now, this is something I've had people who disagree with my theories argue with me about, how we can't predict where the story will go, yet they'll still use the same formulaic tropes and archetypes in defense of their own points. We can't have it both ways, and it sounds to me like you do believe this will follow a fairly similar route to the previous games. Fair enough. As a counterpoint, I want to address that, while this is largely true, one could also make the same argument about my primary candidate for the Killer (though not necessarily the Blackened): Hu. After all, we've had some insights on Hu's past, how proud she is of her name and how she didn't want to go with her old one just because it was something English-speakers made fun of. Combined with her very motherly attitude, her dialogue with David after his reveal, her own secret quote and the like, it also makes her seem like a pretty good candidate in my eyes.

"Wouldn’t it only be proving Teruko right if Eden were to become a killer? Yeah. It would. And that’s the point at the story we’re at." I have to completely disagree with you there, but we'll get to that shortly.

"I don’t think it would make any sense for Teruko’s beliefs to be strongly challenged in Chapter 2." Counterpoint: Teruko's beliefs should challenged here, at least in a way that makes her reconsider them. Not necessarily throw them out completely, as even I don't think she would, but maybe open up a little to the idea of trust. Namely that trusting nobody at all means that she also can't trust people who claim they're innocent but have no proof. Maybe going with enlightened self-interest as a starting point. I don't like this idea that Teruko is going to double down this chapter, because it would otherwise feel largely pointless. We already covered this perspective in chapter 1, we had her be betrayed by two people she was close to, we've had her explain this and beat the point in throughout the entire thing, from her life before the game to the many scars across her body. If we end on "Well, looks like I was right not to trust any of you," what changes? What's there to be gained? How has this done anything for her character if she hasn't learned anything or changed at all? I'm not saying she's going to join the friendship club, but just that I think the story is better served by her being willing to trust somebody and having it not blow up in her face for once, despite her experiences and expectations. That feels like actual setup and payoff, you know?

The Monocredits thing feels like pure speculation to me, so I don't really see that as evidence of anything.

"Chapter 2 is typically a chapter in the canon Danganronpa games where things get worse, not better." I've gone through the entire canon series and a few fangans that have reached Chapter 3, and I have to say, this is untrue. Chapter 2 is where the seriousness of the Killing Game sets in further, but you still get moments of character development, revelation, and new developments in their favor. Chapter 3 is typically the low point where things hit their zenith of severity, since that's also where two people die and the killer is really fucked up, and the group also often learns just how bad things really are. Yes, it's still a rough time, but it's also where we get things like Toko, Fuyuhiko and Maki starting their gradual rises to prominence and development, the reveal of Alter Ego, and it was SDRA2 Chapter 2 that made Hibiki Otonokoji into one of my favorites in that game because she grew so much in such a short amount of time. Chapter 2 is really not where tragedy overwhelms growth and development...that's Chapter 3's job ^^;

"Eden is one of the most heavily featured characters, and to me, it feels more like one being set up for immediate payoff rather than long-term." What makes you so sure? Kyoko, Nagito, Shuichi, Himiko, Toko, Chiaki, Kaito, Akane Taira, Yuki Maeda, all of them were prominent early on but they didn't really play big roles until much later in their story lines.

"If she’s already spent two chapters being nice, happy and supportive, where does she go from there that’s narratively interesting and different? The only answer I can really come up with is “becoming less nice, happy, and/or supportive.” I gotta be honest here and say this does a major disservice to Eden as a character, and feels you're saying nice characters are boring or static. I won't put words in your mouth, that's just how it sounds here. For some alternative ideas, Eden could be more proactive in trying to help others, and maybe if Teruko starts to come out of her shell, she could be there to try and help her forward. If we go back to your point about her secret quote, maybe the two of them end up switching roles so that Eden starts to feel lost and Teruko is the one to try and support her. Eden's point that she's not naive or stupid, that she knows that the world can be a cruel place and chooses to be kind regardless, is a powerful moment that strikes a chord with Teruko, even if she doesn't want to admit it. That's already proof that there's more to her than just "nice and friendly support girl," as maybe someone who's seen how harsh life can be and might be able to relate to Teruko even more than she's letting on. For me personally, this is actually why I see David as the Blackened of this chapter. After that reveal, where he's admitted he's a manipulative nihilistic shitlord, what else can you do with his character? Nobody's going to trust him, he doesn't really contrast Teruko's perspective so he's not really a rival, and he's got a very doomerist mindset about everything so I don't see him being a chaos gremlin. I think he instead works as a warning for Teruko. He is what she could be if she sticks on this path of self-serving fatalism, and as the Blackened, his death would be a wake-up call for her to change.

Once again, credit where it's due, I had no idea this was there and that's a pretty good point. My counterpoint here is that it's such a broad statement that you could just as easily apply it to anyone: it works just as well for David, for instance. It could also apply to Hu, Levi and even Arei in this chapter. It also doesn't really scream "Eden is the killer" to me, just the idea that being a good person isn't easy or glamorous.

"Hu is someone who hasn’t gotten that much character arc focus, so I think she’ll probably be a bit more of a spotlighted character in the next daily life." Counterpoint: Hu is the killer and this is what "A Good Person" is referring to. Think about how much Hu has tried to be the Team Mom, stand up for Nico, work with David, be a nice person and everything, even if she did fight frequently with Ace in this chapter. While she didn't share her secret, David actually called her out and suggested she's not as upstanding as she claims to be. Her secret quote- "I want to pay for what I’ve done. But even then, I still want to live."- would also fit very well there if it turned out she was the killer. It could even be both of our ideas; having followed David's orders to kill, she has to grapple with that fact and regain everyone's trust, especially Eden's.

"This is pretty much the entirety of Arei’s character arc." And it's very unsatisfying if we just leave it off there, so I don't buy that's all there is to it.

"Chapter 2 frequently deals with the concept of bullying." Having seen the canon games and fangans that have passed Chapter 2, I can say that this is only sometimes true. DR1, SDR2, and DRA did, but V3, SDRA2, Antebellum and Blowback were tangentially related or completely distinct. As you point out, even sticking to canon, this is true just 66.6% of the time.

"Ace bullied Nico, and eventually they snapped and tried to kill him in revenge." Counterpoint: Nico didn't snap, it was David's fault. Keep in mind, the last time we saw Nico before that scene, they were with Hu and David in the Relaxation Room. Now that we know David manipulated the hell out of Hu, is it really a stretch to suggest that, after all their fights, David also might've pushed Nico into trying to kill Ace? It would guarantee someone would die and David's secret would be preserved.

"Eden simply didn’t believe her relationship with Arei actually changed." Counterpoint: Eden is friendly but she's not blindly trusting. She had no idea why Arei saved her from Arturo, so maybe she thought that this was Arei trying to mess with her? It isn't until she has proper context that she sees it as a potential friendship. Personally, I think the statement that "you don't know how much this means to me" lends credence to the idea that Eden has had some hard knocks in her life as well, much like Teruko, but she's chosen to be kind instead of recoiling into cynicism. And again, even if we wanted to say she didn't actually buy that they were friends, why would she kill the person who was trying to be friendly with her and promised to protect her instead of the guy who was actively threatening her just minutes earlier? Bullying is one thing, but someone pulling a knife on you over a secret is quite another. As we see in Episode 7, she's still skittish that he's following her. Why Arei and not him?

I believe that moment with Charles and Whit has less to do with their feelings on Eden and more to do with the idea that something more is going on with Arei than we've been assuming.

"They did pair up Xander and Min though, so it’s not like it’s impossible that they paired a victim with their killer." Maybe, but we've only had one full chapter so far. Seems a little preemptive to decide that this is all foreshadowing.

"However, it’s possible that the message the creator wants to send us is that the cast isn’t currently capable of being entirely positive and friendly." I agree that's a possibility, but it's just as possible that they're saying they can, but the cast needs to address the issues plaguing them. If Chapter 1 is about the breaking of trust, Chapter 2 could be about rebuilding it and Chapter 3 about forging it or seeing it break again while trying.

"I believe the motive of getting back to her previous life, in combination with the constant fighting, Arturo's threats against her and her apparent inability to actually make a meaningful change in those around her, would be enough to get her to break and kill in this Chapter 2 position." Okay, fair. Again though, what sense is there in killing Arei to achieve these goals? Like you say here, Arturo actively threatened her, and that seems much more pressing than a girl who bullied her but who since apologized. Why kill Arei and not him? I don't see the logic behind any of it. If it's because Arei is an easier target, that really just makes Eden look selfish and opportunistic, especially when Arei promised to protect her.

You don't get genuine breakdown scenes like this in the first half of the chapter, when there's still so much to learn about the ins and outs of the murder. Not unless there's going to be some kind of reveal, and that reveal isn't necessarily going to be that she's the killer.

While DRDT is full of hidden meanings and foreshadowing, sometimes I feel like the fandom takes things too literally. Like, if Whit said "Dead at 6," would people assume he or Charles is the mastermind?

David is saying a lot of cruel, guilt-trippy, misanthropic things by design, and Eden is grieving. It doesn't seem strange that she's going to start blaming herself. My counterpoint here is that he's trying to shift blame onto her because this is HIS fault.

"I think it makes more sense if it’s her coping with the fact that Arei did want to be her friend, and she killed her." Counterpoint: Eden is grieving someone who she did want to consider a friend who she believes is dead, and which she personally blames herself for because she wanted to include Arei in her activities earlier. She wanted them to be friends, and now she thinks her efforts lead to Arei's death. I don't really get why this needs to be anything more insidious or emotionally loaded.

Why it doesn't work for me:

While it's clear that you've put a lot of thought into Eden's motivations, what kills this theory for me is HOW Eden could be the killer. Any effort to reconcile the events of Chapter 2 with her presence, character, motivations and the time elapsed either require her to be insanely fast or genuinely malicious, manipulative and evil. Especially considering Eden would've had to set up a trap or something to break Arei's neck and then set her body up to look like she hanged herself.

Charles' statement that they fucked up, which I'm sure is in reference to the time and alibis, is also not really evidence because he's yet to elaborate on it. We don't know what he's going to say or who was where at any time. We can't make any snap judgements about it and will just have to wait for part 2 to see what it's about.

None of this explains the purpose of Teruko's prosopagnosia. If we're going to accept that small bits of dialogue and sprites are foreshadowing, then we also need to accept that a minute-long conversation and name-dropping of Teurko's condition is even more important. Nothing about this theory explains why that's there other than ignoring it or saying it's for later, and those are very weak arguments to me.

Why did Arei appear in the cafeteria after Ace's attack but say nothing? What purpose did that serve in the story? I've seen some people suggest that, to explain the prosopagnosia, it's actually meant to be Eden in disguise, but that makes no sense on multiple levels. Even if we wanted to say that she's an evil mastermind, why would she disguise herself as Arei and not just let everyone think she's still locked in her room? I know that's not part of your defense, but I just wanted to bring it up.

What's the significance of Arei having the secret "You're a murderer and you hold no remorse" if Eden is the one who killed her? We know Eden's secret and she's not a murderer.

How does David figure into the Eden Killer Theory at all? It seems like his role was mostly skimmed over.

What's the significance of Teruko's momentary flashback right after Arei's breakdown, where her crying reminds Teruko of someone? We never got follow-up on that, but the screen went black and time was devoted to her internal dialogue, which leads me to believe it's meant to be important.

//Again, these are just my thoughts on this theory and why they don't work for me. Even taking the narrative and thematic relevance out, the actual mechanics and character motivations just don't really work for me to see Eden as the one behind this.

//As I've made clear, my thinking is that David is the true blackened of this case, but Hu is the one who carried it out for him. He got her to kill for him, trying and failing with Nico at first, only to learn that the Blackened and the Killer can be different people in this game. His mindset and attitude, made pretty clear by the MV and Tally5, are that he's a fatalist who represents the logical extreme of Teruko's thinking, and what she could end up as if she continues or doubles down.

//His death would do a lot to serve the narrative and develop Teruko's character, while Hu's survival but status as a murderer could be the focus of her arc in Chapter 3, and Eden would then have to contend with all of this while trying to mend the group. I have my own theory as to why all this is the case, but that's a story for another time.

//Once again, while I disagreed a lot with this theory, I appreciate the thinking put into examining everything and trying to analyze every potential scenario behind who the killer may be.

//Credit to Venus and all the other writers for also getting me to think more critically about small details I either didn't see before or didn't think much about at first. I hope my points here can do the same.

[copper-16]

I feel like I'm really getting my reps in with annoying you guys with my long winded speeches before I post fics, but unfortunately I have another one - I promise I am really, really sorry.

This is going to be long, and unnecessarily emotional to post on the internet, so feel free to scroll if you don’t feel like reading (no offense will be taken). 

All of the writing I have done up to this point has been from a place of what I wish I could be like. I write sex into stories because it feels normal, like the normal way to do things, and I, by extension, feel normal in doing so. It is how I wish I could feel and operate, like the characters in the stories I write. 

But it’s not my reality. I’ve known that I am asexual for several years now, and I have never once even considered writing about it. Partly because I doubted anyone would care to read it, but mostly because I was scared. The things I write hit close to home sometimes, sure, but this is probably the most vulnerable I’ve allowed myself to be on the internet, in my own little way. Vulnerability looks different on everyone else, and for me, this is that thing that I am a little horrified to share with the world, that I still don’t like about myself. It’s different, I’m different, and people don’t always love that. 

I don’t know any other ace people in real life. I’ve met one incredibly kind human being on here, who allows me to talk about it and rant and just offer their perspective when I need it, but that is all. By talking about it, and writing about it, I hope that maybe I can make people more comfortable or understanding toward others whose perspective on things like sex might be a bit different. I know I’m not alone, but I also know that there aren’t a lot of us, and therefore it ends up being a bit of a lonely experience. 

When people write stories with sex involved, I feel invited into that world for just a little bit. It’s curious to me, to see how other people feel about the subject, how their mind works toward the topic. Their writing is a place for me to think about and experience sex from the safety of my own mind, where I can choose how to interact with the experience, and how much of it I take in. 

In a similar fashion, this piece of work is my invitation to you to see a little bit of what my world looks like, how my head works. This is an almost parallel account of my experience with asexuality so far in my life, including what my romantic relationships have looked like.

I know it’s not the typical kind of story on here, and I know it won’t be a popular work. But in many ways I wrote this for myself, to prove to myself that I could, and to make myself more comfortable with my own mind. I wrote it how I felt like I needed to write it, and I don’t regret the choices I’ve made, but I still wanted to share it regardless. If it helps even one person to understand, be more compassionate, or feel more seen in the world, that is more than worth it to me, even if I’m scared of putting myself out there. 

And with this very unnecessarily long introduction, I present to all of you: Oh You Kissed Me, Just To Kiss Me 

[twstdreams]

Bumbling Love

For @yandere-daze (extremely late Secret Santa gift, I’m truly sorry!)

Content Warnings: fluff, reader is not athletic or a runner

Spoiler Warning: spoilers for Episode 1 and Vargas Camp Event, Deuce-centric spoilers for Episode 5

Word Count: 4K

Deuce likes you, romantically. He does not want to comment on the 10 stages of denial he went through to get to admit this, even if Ace is happy to recite the entire story including all the late-night breakdowns. Unfortunately, Deuce’s misfortune does not end there, because now he has to actually convey these feelings! He can practically feel his brain malfunction at the thought, but if he doesn’t tell you, who will? Actually, being outed by his friends or roommates is one of his worst nightmares, but more importantly, he thinks his heart might burst before he figures out if you would ever confess first. You’re kind and don’t let the little things get to you, but on the flip side when Deuce tries to leave subtle hints they seem to fly right past you.

Thus begins the chronicles of Deuce’s confession!

Attempt 1: Endearing Endorphins

Deuce knows running is one of his strengths and the accolades he’s gotten for it proves that. He might not be getting awards for his history grades or the questionable mushroom potion he made in alchemy class last week, but Deuce loves running. He enjoys the feeling of the wind and the rush that comes from being faster than your surroundings. So maybe you’d like it too? Plus, you’re supposed to share things you like with the person you like, right? That may or may not be what that article he read for a total of 3 minutes said before he closed it out of embarrassment. 

More importantly, it’s too late to back out. After a couple of failed in-person attempts and some advice from Cater, Deuce had invited you to join him on a run via text. You happily accepted and now the agreed-upon time was fifteen minutes away. 

Deuce keeps going over his plan mentally. First, stretching while making conversation. Next, run with you while hopefully looking cool. Finally, during the cooldown, Deuce would confess! It was simple enough and Deuce didn’t want to make it complicated. He could handle three steps! That’s what he told himself right after checking his phone for the umpteenth time to see if you texted him anything. The weather was good and there were no upcoming tests, he thinks, so there’s no reason for you to cancel, right?

“Hey Deuce!” you call out.

“HEY!” he calls back and does his best not to wince at how loud he is.

“Thanks for inviting me! I’ve been wanting to get into running for a bit, but I could never get the motivation by myself.”

“Maybe you could join the track and field club.” With me are the words he can’t get himself to spit out. 

“Nah, I’m mostly doing this for the exercise. I’m already in another club.” He starts lunging to stretch and you follow suit. When you bend your arm to the side and over your head, the two of you nearly touch hands and form a heart. If it were anyone else, Deuce wouldn’t have cared. But when you laugh and point it out, it becomes funny and refreshing. Part of why he loves you is how little mundane things become fun and how easy it is to be with you. Deuce knows there’s a chance things will go sour if you don’t feel the same way, but he doesn't want to lie. Somehow he feels like it’ll be okay. And the more he complicated things, the more likely he’d get stuck in his head.

By the time you two are finished with dynamic stretches, he’s hyped himself up to confess to you. Deuce has it all figured out in his head. He looks cool from running, then he tells you his feelings and asks you out! Simple enough, right?

“Ready to start?” he asks.

“Yeah, let’s go!” Your answer is paired with a smile that makes his heart skip a beat. You two start with a light jog and a warm-up lap or two. Deuce looks to the side to double-check your condition. You return his gaze with a smile and seem to be doing well, though perhaps breathing a little harder than him. 

Taking his chance, Deuce speeds up and begins to run with all his might. He focuses on running faster and faster until it feels like he’s as fast as the wind. Adrenaline pumps through his veins and he turns around to see your reaction. Unfortunately, you’re on the opposite side of the track, already giving up on trying to catch up. He immediately stops and shouts out your name. You wave in acknowledgement, a tired smile, but it doesn’t stop the flood of embarrassment from overtaking him. Ditching your crush halfway across the running track isn’t cool. 

“Sorry! I just got so excited and,” Deuce decides against spitting out ‘really wanted to confess’. 

“No, don’t worry! You were so fast! I can see why you got that award,” you pant. Deuce is so mortified he only hopes he’s not as red as his Heartslabyul uniform. He waits for you to catch your breath as he gathers his courage. If he delays this any longer, who knows what else will go wrong?

“It’s, the reason was,” the words are a mess but his brain keeps going anyway, for better or worse, “I like running just as much as you!” Now his heart must be thumping as fast as yours, but he’s sure it’s for a different reason even if both of your cheeks are red. Your eyes meet his yet he can’t figure out what you’re thinking, only knowing that the gears in your head are turning as you process his confession.

“Oh! I like spending time with you too, Deuce!” you chirp happily but Deuce is too stunned to speak. This has already gone wrong in so many unexpected ways and he has no clue how to salvage this. 

“Ready for another lap? Feel free to go at your own pace, you don’t have to stay beside me.” And with that, you start to jog away. Deuce and his feelings are left in the dust and gravel of the track. He chalks it up to a failure. When you leave early to go take a shower it feels like you take his courage with you.

Attempt 2: Sweet on You

Going at it alone didn’t work out so well, so now he decided to tackle the problem with the help of his upperclassman! Specifically, Trey is reliable and the best baker in the dorm. In exchange for manual labour doing chores here and there and peeling enough nuts to feed an army of squirrels for the winter, Trey would help him make your favourite dessert. 

He reads the entire recipe first, as Trey recommends. And then repeats that two more times just to make sure he gets it right. He listens to Trey carefully and measures out the ingredients with more care than when he measures materials in alchemy class. He mixes vigorously with all his might when whipping ingredients and then gently and with great care when folding together batters. Any feedback Trey gives, Deuce immediately accepts without question and implements on the spot. But thanks to the third year’s help, Deuce is able to avoid numerous failed attempts. Though there were several close calls including nearly mixing up the sugar and salt, almost over-mixing the batter before Trey stopped him, and a very scary fumble of the baking pan.

It’s difficult. A lot of delicate work he isn’t used to, learning cooking terms he was previously unaware of, and bits of chaos that always seemed to pop up whether it be in the form of a messy kitchen or nearly mixing up quantities. But when he imagines the smile on your face when you learned he made it for you himself, all his motivation returns and his energy skyrockets. If he’s going to confess, it’s going to be with a dessert he made himself and nothing less.

“Do you think it turned out okay?” Deuce asks while hovering around the finished product.

“You did a good job. The dessert turned out well and it’ll be a nice gift,” Trey compliments, amused as Deuce practically buzzes with nervous energy. The first year carefully packages the gift and heads straight for you. 

He calls out your name and you make your way toward him with a smile. Once you’re in front of him, with no preamble, he confesses, “I made this, especially for you.” A gasp leaves your lips but you quickly accept the gift and take a peek at what’s inside.

Cheeks pink due to both nerves and remembering his last failure, Deuce quickly tacks on, “Because you’re special to me!” His statement brings your attention back to him and the clear joy in your expression fills him with anticipation and hope.

“Aww, thanks, how did you know I was craving this? It’s my favourite, so I can’t wait to eat it,” you thank him but Deuce’s expectant gaze never wavers. A continuing silence passes by and you tilt your head, mouth opening and closing once. Deuce’s stomach drops. Maybe this is when you reject him. Tell him you appreciate the gift but could never reciprocate his feelings. He doesn’t know what he’d do if you tell him you could never date someone who used to be a delinquent. Suddenly, your posture straightens and your grin widens as if you’ve come upon a realization.

“I can’t believe you made this yourself. I’m so impressed. You’re such a good friend!” Your sunny smile doesn’t falter as you marvel at the dessert but that statement is the perfect line to punch him in the gut. Plans of a study date evaporate into thin air as another failed confession weighs heavily. Deuce can hardly recall what happened next but will forever have the feeling of his courage and optimism being popped like a balloon ingrained in him.

Attempt 3: Picture Perfect

This plan is a little cliche, but something tried and true must have a better shot at success. Or at least, it couldn’t be any worse than two failures. Deuce tries not to keep his expectations too high but something about you always has his hopes creeping up. He’s been waiting outside of the cafe for half an hour. It’s still another fifteen minutes until you two meet up, but the mere thought of being late made him so uneasy and restless that he ended up leaving early. At least this gave him time to go over his plan (and fret anxiously about anything that could go wrong). First, he’ll take you to a cafe to eat some sweets, next go see a movie, and then finally confess! Three steps and he’ll have finally conveyed his feelings to you. Or that’s what he tells himself as he paces back and forth for the umpteenth time.

“Deuce!” you call out, immediately stopping him in his tracks, “When did you get here? I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

“No! I, I just got here a few minutes ago,” he reassures while letting out a weak laugh. Deuce opens the door for you and asks, “Are you ready?”

“Yes!” Your eyes shine with excitement as you look around and Deuce thinks it was worth all the research. “It’s so nice to get to hang out somewhere off-campus and away from any textbooks. I appreciate all the last-minute study sessions, but I definitely needed a break.”

“Yeah. School is more fun for me when I understand the work, but after lotta hours in a row it’s too hard.” Deuce was grateful for the help of his dorm leader and friends when it came to him, but the number of times he was unable to absorb knowledge after a prolonged study session was innumerable. Even with you, nothing would allow him to read a textbook for several hours straight and actually recall its contents. 

“I could try running again with you! It’s supposed to be good for your health and clear your head too,” you add. He tries to not flush in embarrassment remembering his first failed attempt at confessing and instead awkwardly smiles. But your willingness to try something makes him happy again, in spite of how it turned out the first time, has him falling in love all over again.

“When I run, I can just focus on becoming one with the wind! I don’t have to think about anything else. I can run with you whenever you want to,” Deuce promises, and he means it. Because you’re someone worth making time for. 

“Okay, I’ll go running with you again. But, I’d love to pick outfits for you one day too! Even if we’re just trying on things for fun. I was so surprised to see you in something other than a school uniform, but you look so good it makes me want to see you in other things.” Deuce nods immediately, though you’re someone he’d have a hard time saying no to anyway. He’s drawn to clothes that leave a powerful impression, but the thought of having matching couple outfits fills him with unexpected excitement. Cater had been talking about how couple outfits had been trending on MagiCam and Deuce had immediately thought of you. He imagined how nice you’d look, what’d it be like to pick pieces with you, maybe a cool set with details that matched nonchalantly. He hopes that matching couple outfits with you will be a real possibility by the end of today.

“Anyway, there are so many options on the menu! I can’t decide what I want,” you muse. 

“I can pick them out! You can go find a seat,” wait no that sounds too demanding, he didn’t mean it like that, “I mean, I can choose if you don’t want to. And! You can sit, you don’t have to wait in line with me.” Dear Great Seven, that was so embarrassing. He wanted to order for you since he had looked up the menu in advance to pick out what you’d both like, but he conveyed it in the most awkward way possible.

“Alright, surprise me then! I’ll find us a nice spot.” His only consolation was that you didn’t seem bothered by his blunder. Deuce took a deep breath and tried to refocus himself. If he couldn’t even offer to pick out some desserts for you, how could he confess to you? Still, he manages to recite his list of desserts and orders your favourite drink.

Deuce points out and names all the different sweets to you, paying extra attention to which ones you linger on longer, what dish gets the biggest reaction, and feeling so much relief when you seem genuinely excited to try them all. He tries to focus on absorbing every single word you say about each dessert because whichever ends up being your favourite is something he hopes to get you again in the future. All your little comments are endearing and make him want to confess to you right now! But he holds his tongue because you’re in a public setting.

“I liked the floating island one. Which is your favourite?” Deuce asks, wondering if your answer will match his guess.

“That one was good. You must like it because you like eggs, right? For me, they all taste great! And it’s better because I get to share them with you.” His heart confirms that he’s head over heels for you because that statement alone gets it racing. He wants to be special to you so badly and receiving even just a hint that may be true has his hopes soaring sky high.

“Me too. Sharing is better.” Deuce so badly wants this to be the norm for him. He wants to get to share so many things with you that he could go on listing things for an entire day and it still wouldn’t be enough. By the end of today, he plans on being one step closer to that goal.

“By the way, how much do I owe you for all the food?” You say it casually in passing while double-checking the directions to get to the movie theatre, but immediately Deuce is alert and nervous.

“No! You don’t have to pay me back. It’s fine! I owe you for all your help studying,” he insists. Deuce is ready to ramble out any number of excuses to prevent you from footing the bill in any manner. He’s trying to be a model boyfriend right now and making you pay, especially when he didn’t even consult you about a budget beforehand, would be the opposite of his goal.

“Alright, alright, but don’t feel like you have to pay me back every time we study. It helps me too!” you concede. On the way to the theatre, he learns a couple new things about you. Your favourite movie as a kid and what your current one is, popcorn preferences, and the two of you share both fond and horrific movie memories. Deuce loves getting to know all the little things about you, which come out naturally as the two of you spend time together. He thinks he could spend forever hearing you talk about it and learning more about you. It would never be enough. He’s trying to make a mental note of it all for later but every so often Deuce gets distracted by how close your hands are to his, close enough to easily brush if he leaned a bit, and how he wished he could hold yours. Maybe he’ll get the chance to hold your hand during the horror movie! And after he confesses at the end of the date, hopefully, he won’t have to let go of it either. It might seem stupid, Ace would have laughed if he discovered it, but Deuce wanted to give it a shot anyway. The prospect has him excited and Deuce mentally recites his confession in his mind. Everything is going to plan! You’ve had a great time at the cafe, a lovely walk to the theatre, Deuce is getting your tickets, Grim calls out to you, and … Grim calls out to you? With Ace standing beside him? And other first years???

“What’s everyone else doing here?” Deuce manages to spit out after the initial shock passes.

“Wait, don’t you know? Yesterday while you were at practice, we were all discussing weekend plans so I mentioned that we were going to see this movie. A bunch of other people said they wanted to see it too, so we decided to all meet up here. I swear Ace said he was going to tell you.” You get swept up in the group and just like that, whatever atmosphere between you disappears.

Deuce does his best to keep a neutral expression but then you glance at his face and proceed to remind him there’s enough time to go to the bathroom if he needs to, so unfortunately he’s not succeeding at that either. Sure, a date can definitely be you, your crush, your roommate, and several other friends! No, that definitely cannot be a romantic date. Deuce knows a group of friends hanging out when he is in said group. Plans of confessing to you fade to black like the movie screen as the film starts to play.

The Best Laid Schemes of Mice and Men

Once again Deuce finds himself walking along the shoreline, feeling annoyed and unsure.  He knows he’s no genius, but it’s seriously starting to feel like this is hopeless. Cater said if he comes on too hard, it could scare you off. But at this rate, Deuce just wants to tell you outright, plain and simple. Frustration and affection keep building up inside. All this thinking and planning isn’t really his style. Shouldn’t he just be his authentic self? The lapping waves offer no answer but at least the air is refreshing.

He shouts your name to the setting sun, then continues, “I like you! Romantically! Please go out with me!” It feels great. Even if no one but the birds knows, it feels right. So, Deuce turns around and strengthens his resolve to see you, face the truth and what may come, and - 

“Okay.” Oh no. Deuce knows that voice. He knows it so well because it’s yours, and it usually never fails to brighten his day. But right now it’s activating his fight or flight instinct, and he can feel the adrenaline pumping. It’s at this point Deuce comes to the stunning realization that he has the worst luck. Nearly got expelled on the first day of school, had to fight an ink monster, then at the next training camp got attacked by a different ink monster and was forced to fend it off by himself, and to top it off several of his upperclassmen have tried to kill him. Now there’s this too, just the icing on the cake! All the times he purposely tried to confess to you? Failed. Absolutely none of his intentions reached you. Shouting his frustrations to the ocean? Message heard loud and clear in all its clumsiness without a speck of eloquence. 

“Let’s date,” you add with a smile bright enough to rival the setting sun. Deuce can feel his brain malfunctioning. It’s turning to mush just like when he’s blanking on a chemical formula for potions class or he can’t remember a certain time period during a history test. He wants to thank you, to tell you that you won’t regret it, he’ll do his best to be a great partner, with so many sweet and flowery sentiments.

“Huh?” is what leaves his mouth. You both stare at each other, clearly flabbergasted by the other. You press your lips together and wait to see if Deuce does anything else. The silence quickly becomes awkward. Are his palms sweaty now? This feels like the world’s most high stake pop quiz.

“I like you too, Deuce!” you blurt. You look at him expectantly with a bated breath. Oh, wait, he needs to reply properly, doesn’t he? Hasn’t he dreamed of this scenario? Yet his brain refuses to articulate a single emotion smoothly or in a timely manner.

“Uh, I,” Deuce makes a mental note to never overthink and plan again because every memorized word is nowhere to be found, “Thank you!”

“Umm… you’re welcome?” Your mouth is left agape and the way you’re fiddling with your fingers makes Deuce even more nervous. He’s definitely making a mess and any word he seems to choose ends up being the wrong one. 

“Please take care of me!” There’s a belated pause before he scrambles to add, “I’ll take care of you too!” Deuce can’t tell if this is the greatest or most embarrassing moment of his life. But once he sees you break out into genuine laughter, he doesn’t care. If it’s for you, he wouldn’t mind being a fool.

“Okay, let’s take care of each other.” You extend your hand and he takes it without hesitation. The feeling of your hand in his is new but it feels right all the same. Deuce hopes that eventually, it’ll be natural, something that feels like second nature. The warmth of your hand, the sound of your laughter, and your giddy smile, they’re all things he hopes to get to experience for the rest of his life.

[felicitysmoaksx]

For @mslizzieforbes for the @secretsleuthexchange Surprise Riley! I'm your Secret Sleuth! Hope you enjoy this fic as much as I enjoy writing it! (Even though I stayed completely in my comfort zone haha) Huge shoutout to my beta from the Have a Nace Day Discord server because without them this would probably still be a 500-word scene!

Rating:  Teen

Summary: Following his break up with Amanda, Ace takes care of Nancy as best as he can during their trip to New York to get rid of the Wraith.

Word Count: 2.0k

Warnings: None that I can see besides the canon-typical stuff that happens in the show!

Read On AO3

Breathe Deep and Breathe Through

“She shouldn’t be by herself right now.” Bess frowned, staring at Nancy’s shivering form. She once again cursed the murky weather for preventing them from driving straight to New York. Instead, they were stuck at this sketchy hotel. 

Everyone murmured their quiet agreement and Bess was about to offer to stay with her because they had only been able to get a single room with three beds. It was the last one available. So Nick and George would share and Amanda would not like Ace sharing with either Bess or Nancy. (No matter how many times they told her Bess and Ace were platanchors.) 

But to her surprise, Ace held up his hand. “I’ll do it.”

“Ace, I’m not sure Amanda would like you doing that. She seemed sensitive to Nancy last time I saw her.” George stated bluntly. Once more saying what everyone was thinking but didn’t want to say. 

“Amanda won’t be a problem anymore. We broke up.” Ace told them before he grabbed an extra blanket to wrap around Nancy’s still shivering form. As if her shivering was from the cold and not from an invisible supernatural being wrapped around her like a leech, slowly draining her of, well, everything. 

“And you didn’t think to say anything to anybody?” Nick asked, turning with Ace’s movements. 

“To me? Ace, we’re platanchors for a reason!” Bess added, probably more shrill than necessary.

The technology savant of their group shrugged as he said quietly. “Didn’t seem important with everything going on. Besides, it's not a big deal. It was mutual.”

From the looks on George and Nick’s faces, they didn’t believe they were getting the whole story either. But everyone was too worried about Nancy and the wraith to press him any further. (No Bess would do that later when, you know, a supernatural entity wasn’t sucking their other friend out of their soul) 

[LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK]

“You and Amanda broke up?” Ace glanced down from where he was perched on the bed, at the quiet slurred words to see Nancy peering up at him with barely opened eyes. He frowned, removing his hand from her forehead. She was warm. Warmer than normal. He wanted to get her some ice or something but Ace worried that the wraith might try something more drastic when no one else was looking. And everyone else was asleep. 

“It was mutual,” Ace answered as nonchalantly as before. Then tried to distract the red-headed woman who as Amanda put it, “seemed to have parts of him that he wasn’t willing to give to anyone else.”

Or something like that. He had only been half listening to the phone call, as he packed for the trip to New York. (…which probably proved Amanda’s point but he wasn’t willing to think about that right now) 

“Why?” Ace met Nancy’s eyes again. Her eyes were still half closed, but at least her voice sounded stronger. 

“Why did you and Gil break up?” He shot back the question to her, not expecting an answer. So he was surprised when she sat up. 

“Nance, maybe you shouldn’t-” he started, worried about the energy she was exerting when she should be conserving it. 

“Is it cold or is it just me?” She asked, wrapping her arms around herself. Ace frowned when she started to shiver. She already had two blankets wrapped around her and a coat on. She shouldn’t be cold.

“You think it’s the wraith don’t you? Do you think I’m getting worse?” She pressed through chattering teeth when he didn’t answer her first question. 

Well, she certainly wasn’t getting better. Yet, Ace didn’t want to give a voice to the bleak thought. It felt too much like giving the wraith permission to do something worse. But she still needed to get warm, Ace thought, biting his lip as he weighed his options because there was something he could do. 

Nancy continued to shiver uncontrollably. The tech savant knew his decision was made. He couldn’t just let one of his best friends freeze to death. He would do the same for Bess, George and Nick too. His feelings for Nancy didn’t factor into this choice. (But they certainly didn’t hurt making this choice either.

“Scoot over a little,” he said before he slipped off his shoes and slipped under the two blankets, alongside the redhead. Then Ace scooted as close to Nancy as he could, wrapping his arms tightly around her frame. 

“Body heat should help a little,” he mumbled the explanation into her hair. Nancy nodded, which he felt more than saw, but didn’t say anything. But eventually, her tremors did slow and waver a little. Not completely gone though, so Ace stayed where he was with his arms wrapped tightly around her frame. Her breathing became even.

[LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK]

The next day they made it to New York and found Temperance Hudson in record time. Thankfully no one said anything about him being found in Nancy’s bed. Probably because he still had all of his clothes on…Or maybe it was because Nancy was paler than yesterday. If that was even possible.

They had more important things to worry about and deal with. Like getting the wraith to let go of Nancy. And that started with convincing the elder Hudson woman of the supernatural and letting them use the machine and her blood to help Nancy get rid of the wraith. 

It was a difficult thing to watch. The picture wasn’t exactly gruesome, but it did seem like something out of a horror film Ace thought, but that didn’t stop him from careening forward to grab Nancy’s hand. Even though she told everyone to stay back in case the wraith latched onto someone else.

The whole crew watched their red-headed sleuth with baited breath. She wasn’t moving, and it was almost like watching paint dry with how still she was. Save for how pale she was increasingly becoming. Ace squeezed her hand. 

Come on, Nancy.

No sooner than the plea entered his mind, Nancy jerked to life with a gasp as if she had been underwater.

“It’s gone,” she gasped, falling forward. He reached out to catch her. Nancy repeated, “It’s gone.”

[LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK]

Reassuring Temperance that Nancy would be okay was difficult but Ace left that to Bess and George (mainly Bess) as Nick helped him get Nancy out to Florence. 

“I can walk,” she protested and though a little color had returned to her since, she was still a little unsteady on her feet. 

“We know that, but humor us.” Nick reassured her, before he reached for the backdoor. 

“We just enjoy being your personal crutches.” Ace chimed, lowering her to sit inside the car. For his efforts at a joke, he received an exhausted grin. 

[LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK]

“I saw you, you know.” Bess finally spoke, after she watched Ace adjust Florence’s heat for the third time in thirty minutes. They were following behind Nick’s truck as they left New York.

Though she didn’t call her platanchor out for that. She knew his nerves were likely just as short as George’s nail beds. After what they just watched Nancy go through…

Bess shook her head and resisted the urge to turn and check on the red-headed mystery solver, who was understandably, sleeping quite soundly in the backseat after fighting off the supernatural’s equivalent of a tick. Instead, Bess looked at the rearview mirror, where she could just make out Nancy’s breathing, steady and even. She sighed a little in relief. Some of the tension coiled in her shoulders loosening.

“Saw what?” Ace questioned bringing Bess’ attention back to him. The British woman forced a light smirk to split her lips, trying for a lithe and teasing tone because her friend was fine. Nancy had defeated the wraith, they needed some normalcy now. Well, as normal as their friend group could get in Horseshoe Bay.

“You with Nancy earlier,” Bess looked over at Ace as she said this. To see if she’d get any reaction from him, but like usual when he was driving Florence, he was calm, cool, and collected. 

“I was giving her support,” he answered and it was back to the nonchalant, chill Ace now that one Nancy Drew was out of danger. 

“We were all there to support her,” Bess reminded him, thinking of how hard it had been to watch her cut her hand. The only color came from her blood because even Nancy’s fiery red hair was limp and seemed to dull into a coppery color. But the blood coming from the cut on their friend’s hand… was bright with life almost as if it was the wraith’s last chance to mock them. “But when she told us to stay back, you stepped forward and held her hand.”

“I was worried she wouldn’t be able to find her way back,” He said but it had to be more than that. Because Nancy could take care of herself, wraith or no wraith. Ace knew that. It was time to stop beating around the bush. Time for a more direct approach. 

“How long have you had more than just friendly feelings for her?” She questioned, finally jumping straight to the point. Then her eyes flicked to her platanchor, to study him. Bess could only see his side profile because Ace was driving, but a muscle moved in his jaw and his hands flexed on Florence’s steering wheel. 

“Since her sophomore year of high school. I watched her homemade volcano explode at the science fair and I was a goner.”

Bess felt her mouth open a little at the new information. She thought it was just in the last year her best friend had developed his feelings. Maybe two if she tried to really look for the signs in Ace’s actions. But certainly not in the last five years. “Even when you were with Tiffany’s sister? Is that why you didn’t go with her to Paris?” 

“No, I mean I won’t lie and say my feelings for Nancy weren’t a factor there, but that wasn’t the only reason I didn’t go. I couldn’t just leave my family or you either.”

Despite the fact that Ace couldn’t see her because he was driving, Bess smiled warmly at her platanchor. She knew Ace was her best friend, but it was always nice to hear that he considered her his too. And that’s why Bess asked, “Then why haven’t you told her yet?” 

“Never the right time. Either she was dating someone else or I was or we were dealing with whatever supernatural force decided to curse or attach itself to us.”

“Well, you’re both single now and we defeated the wraith.” Bess reminded him softly, but Ace still shook his head as they turned left at a traffic light.

“It’s still too soon. I want to let the dust settle before I tell her anything.”

“But you are going to tell her,” Bess prodded a little, “Aren’t you?”  

“I think so,” 

The British woman barely managed to muffle her squeal so she wouldn’t wake up their red-headed friend sleeping in the backseat.

[LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK] [LINE BREAK]

Nancy flattened her hands against her jeans and rubbed them back and forth against the fabric, trying to get rid of the sweat that just wouldn’t go away. She inhaled a breath and blew it out, her mouth twisting itself into a frown as she grew more frustrated with herself. Because she shouldn’t be nervous. This was Ace. Ace who was extremely laid back, smart, and who wasn’t just Ace anymore but Ace. 

Ace who had always been there. Even when the wraith tried to push him away and isolate her from everyone in her life. Ace, who now gave her butterflies when she met his gaze. (And had for longer than she cared to admit to.) 

Nancy shook her head at herself again. It had been a week since New York and the wraith and since then she had been recovering and processing and just letting everyone take a breather. But in that week, she had been agonizing over Ace, her more than platonic feelings for him, and what happened in her vision. She needed to talk to him, which meant she had to work up the courage to knock on the door. She had to knock on the door. She had to-the door opened and there stood Ace on the other side with a tupperware of cookies under his arms. 

“Hi,” she said, dropping her raised fist. Ace smiled back at her. “Hi, Nance.”

[nottooldforthisship]

Okay folks, I’m stuck at home with Covid. I haven’t read a new Larry fic in years .

So let’s go, tell me which one I should read (maybe from the last 2-3 years?)

UPDATE WITH LINKS :

(thank you all for the recs ! I’ll update as long as I get them)

- Of Mates and Men :  In which, Louis and Harry meet as best men for their best friends' wedding... well... sort of. Or, the one where Harry's just moved back from New York and Louis doesn't believe in romance. Or, I guess... the one where Zayn and Liam are getting married.

- Darling, so it goes : Harry Styles is a world-famous actor at the height of his career but a personal low point when he meets His Serene Highness Prince Louis of Monaco by chance. He doesn’t think they’ll ever see each other again, but after striking up a correspondence, it turns out they have more in common than he thought. Then they start to fall for each other. Louis is different from anyone Harry has dated before and their relationship moves fast as Harry realizes he’s ready for a change. Soon Harry finds himself adapting to an entirely new life, in a country where he doesn’t know the rules, the customs, even the language. Harry is used to people underestimating him, and he’s more determined than ever to prove them wrong. He just needs Louis to meet him halfway.               Grace Kelly AU.

- love is a word, you gave it a name : After two decades in brutal show business, Louis Tomlinson is trying to restore his tranquility of mind in the peace of Northern Europe where the sun barely sets, Maria’s bar is always open, and young Harry has an irresistible spark in his eyes.

- Bloodsport :   The Unbelievers Story from Harry’s point of view.

- Alien Roadtrip! : roadtrip with desert feelings, too much snack food, and empty motels. Harry is definitely absolutely not an alien. That would be ridiculous.  

- Ace of Spades  : Living as a sheltered omega in a farming village has not prepared Harry for life aboard the most notorious pirate ship to sail the Atlantic.Or Louis is a pirate, Harry is his captive, and no one is who they say they are.

- Beautiful War  : An FBI-Clairvoyant AU

-  Ever Since I Tried Your Way : In 1949 Harry left his bride at the altar, running away from the only life he'd known. When a kindhearted farmer offers him a ride in his truck and a place to sleep the two find themselves inexplicably drawn together. Isolated on Louis' farm with nobody but a field of dairy cows to intrude, the men are finally able to explore the parts of themselves they've spent their lives hiding away.

- Truebonds  : Or the one where Louis is an omega in need, Harry is an alpha for hire, and destiny presents them with a fate they never saw coming.

- Full Moon Dreaming : Every month, Full Moon Dreaming reveals a person’s soulmate. Sometimes it’s an object or a place, or for the lucky ones, the love of their life.Louis has given up hope of dreaming of a person, resigned to living a life devoid of that kind of all-consuming love for another and receiving the same in return.But when a new neighbour descends on Louis’ beloved Hanson Bay and moves into the other beach house, could all that be about to change?

- No Hold to Hold Onto : Injured after being thrown from a bronc, Harry doesn’t know if he’ll ever compete again. His only hope is a man called Tommo, a world champion rider who retired at the top of his game. When Harry goes looking for help learning a new way to rope and ride, the last thing he expects to find is love.

- All Your Mates Are Here  : Like every werewolf does when they get to a new town, Harry joined one of the many local packs when he started university. Now, three years into his program, he's hit with the news that his pack is giving up, going their separate ways. In the wake of the holidays, the three single wolves from the Majestic pack are pointed in the direction of a new pack to join; one that's got struggles of its own.A new pack, a new house, and two new roommates with personal space issues... Plus exams, of course.

- In A Twinkling : Featuring Niall and Liam as Louis’ childhood friends, Harry as the painfully perfect man of Louis’ dreams, Zayn as Harry’s very protective best mate, Louis’ Nan as a well-meaning matchmaker, and Louis as a guy who thinks he’s happy with his life, until a certain someone shows him what he’s been missing.

- Nothing But You On My Mind  : Louis Tomlinson is a PR manager hired to improve the image of royal bad-boy Prince Harry Styles. Unfortunately for him, that means being faced with the Prince's constant innuendos, incessant dirty jokes, and relentless flirting. Louis just wants to make it to Princess Gemma's coronation; once she's crowned Queen, his contract is up and he never has to see the Prince again.

- From Dust to Lust  : From the moment Louis set eyes on the gorgeous stranger across the airport terminal, he knew the guy was trouble, which was the last thing he wanted. He wouldn’t have thought spending two days cooped up in a car travelling from the Australian Outback to the East Coast would change his mind. It’s funny how things work out.OR the one where Louis and Harry are fly-in-fly-out mine workers, coincidences are totally a thing, karaoke is an underrated form of foreplay, and the universe most definitely works in mysterious ways.

- Tired Tired Sea     : As a B&B owner on the most remote of all the British Isles, Louis Tomlinson is used to spending the coldest half of the year in complete isolation, with his dog and the sea as sole companions. Until, one day, a mysterious stranger on a quest to rebuild himself rents a room for the winter.

[strawberrybaat]

It becomes a love story! Pt.2

Part 1! Part 2!

Somehow it became a third part. I added too much that i didn't have before. reworked to make it long, kinda.

Anyway! More of me and rose's discord writings!

I have little breaks of conversation, and because it's just spurt they're gonna be colored. Code! Ace, Deuce, Yuu/MC, Riddle. These are the colors I'm using!

Again! Whatever is colored purple, or has purple quotes(""), Rose did!

☆ Deuce doesn't have the brain to initiate affection very often, but Ace thinks it's funny to kiss his cheek randomly and watch him blue screen.

~ ♡ He surprise kisses him often enough that you'd think Deuce would expect it, at least a little bit, but nope. He's always clueless to it.

~ ♡ Sometimes he does it because he wants to be sweet, other times he wants to be a little brat. To others, it's unknown which is which. To Deuce, he thinks he knows, and 80% of the time he's right.

~ ~ ♡ Ace is the only one who knows, 100%. obvi.

~ ♡ If Ace is still around when Deuce snaps out of it, he absolutely grabs Ace and spins that boy around.

☆ The first time they're apart for a break after they start dating, they're absolutely calling almost every night.

~ ♡ Falls asleep on calls together, no question.

~ ♡ When they wake up, neither of them have the heart to hang up.

~ ~ ♡ Their record is 32 hours, when Deuce had accidentally let his phone die.

~ ♡ Their main reason to hang up a lot is Ace. Many a night has his phone died during a call.

~ ~ ♡ It's mostly because the calls start later into the night, and a lot of the time Ace is hella tired. so he forgets to plug in his phone. It dies around 3 in the morning, and now he has to invest in a portable charger.

☆ One time Deuce has to go home to tale care of his mom- she's fine, just a bit sick- and Ace is just sleeping in Deuce's bed while he's gone.

~ ♡ Their roommates think it's both cute and gross.

~ ♡ Speaking of roommates, they get worried about rooming with the couple. Then, maybe a month later, they get over their worries cause they realize ADeuce are just idiots in love; they don't have many real big arguments like their previous friendship would have you think.

~ ♡ They're just an ace couple who rarely get into legitimate fights and love to cuddle!

~ ♡ Whatever fight they do have, it's mainly just a little spat, and the one who starts it Ace apologizes about two hours later.

☆ If Riddle is still the housewarden in later school years, he just tell whatever roommates they have not to worry

"They're morons- sorry guys, but it's true- they're not going to do anything bad." "HEY!" "Well it's true! You already know not to break the rules, Ace, and you know you can't use magic to fight." Saying the redheads name was targeted, everyone knows that. And the glare he sent Ace's way just helped prove it. "Also, I legitimately can't tell them, or anyone, how to feel and what to do, unless it relates to the school and dorm."

☆ When, and if, their dorm mates leave earlier than the two, they like to help each other get dressed and tidy up.

~ ♡ Little things, like their tie or fixing the others hair.

~ ♡ Ace does Deuce's spade make up when he's too tired to do it himself.

~ ♡ Deuce will do Ace's eyeshadow, and almost every time he'll ruffle Ace's hair just to tease him. Ace just barely fixes it, he plays annoyed but thinks it's cute

☆ Sometimes, the roommates get annoyed but the sickeningly sweet looks they share, and seeing the couple wake up in the same bed. But they don't say anything about it because it's better that the chaos they used to and sometimes still do.

~ ♡ They only end up sharing a bed because, sometimes, Deuce can't sleep without cuddles; he ends up leaving his bed to join Ace's.

☆ One year they ended up just pushing their beds together.

~ ♡ Ace likes to cocoon himself sometimes, so Deuce just ends up grabbing another blanket. He wraps both himself and Ace in the new blanket.

~ ~ ♡ Great for cold, winter nights! Nooot so much for the hot summer nights. They hate being apart, so they deal with it...sometimes.

~ ~ ♡ Summer nights, they end up waking up sprawled around each other- sometimes Ace's hand will cover up Deuce's eyes. Their legs usually end up tangled with each other.

~ ~ ~ ♡ In the cocoon nights, Ace is becoming a butterfly and Deuce wakes up almost entirely drenched in sweat.

~ ~ ♡ A lot of the time, in winter, they'll end up waking up in the same exact position. The only difference is, if it gets to cold, Ace will turn to face Deuce and pull him into the cocoon with him.

~ ~ ~ ♡ Sometimes most times, Ace will end up shimmied down a bit more, so that his head ends up being under Deuce's.

~ ♡ They take turns turning off the alarm.

~ ~ ♡ If Ace is cocooned, Deuce is the only one turning the alarm off.

~ ~ ~ ♡ Sometimes he'll sleep through it by accident, until their room mates throw a pillow at them.

☆ Deuce always gives Ace good morning forehead kisses, first thing.

~ ♡ It started as an accident. He woke up one day and his first thought was to give Ace a little kiss, but then Deuce just started thinking it was cute. Ace thinks it's sweet, but would die before saying it.

~ ♡ Will do it to wake him up, some days.

~ ♡ One time, Deuce was in a rush to get out the door, that he forgot to give Ace his kiss. And he, who didn't need to wake up until another hour, felt his boyfriend leave the bed without his morning kiss.

~ ~ ♡ He ended up pouting and glaring at Deuce until he realized he forgot.

~ ~ ♡ Ace ended up getting a big kiss that morning, and fell right back to sleep.

~ ~ ~ ♡ He's got tired pouts/gares that make him look like a sleepy kitten, and Deuce sees it in the mirror as he's getting ready. Ace's so tired, but he needs to show he's angry. It always works to remind Deuce.

~ ~ ~ ♡ While on sleepy Ace, here's a semi-unrelated head canon. He's both the heaviest and lightest sleeper to exist. Won't wake up to an earthquake, but will wake up to someone leaving the bed or light wake up touches.

~ ~ ♡ On the off chance Deuce doesn't realize he's getting the sleepy glare, leaving before the morning kiss, Ace is giving him the silent treatment.

~ ~ ~ ♡ Refusing to tell Deuce what's wrong, no hugs, no kisses. And neither of them can live without hugs. Ace ends up pouting all day.

~ ~ ~ ♡ Ace will get over his pouting once Deuce gets tired of it and smothers his face in tiny kisses, fast ones like what you'd give to a kitten. It gets Ace to giggle and forget he's supposed to be angry.

When he's done with the kitten kisses, Deuce asks "You done? You no longer pouty? Can you tell me what I did wrong now?" He's genuinely confused, tilting his head with a smile holding the tiniest amount of worry. "You forgot my kiss, asshole." He's not all that mad anymore, but he's still slightly upset, shoving his boyfriends shoulder with a half hearted glare. He thinks back to the morning, his eyes widen a little as he realizes Ace is right. "....FUCK!" At his yell, Ace startles, then laughs out loud. He's no longer mad, or upset. From the distance, you could hear Riddle yell "LANGUAGE!"

~ ~ ~ ♡ Deuce genuinely feels bad that he forgot. He ends up making him breakfast the next morning, and doubles his morning kisses.

BACK WITH THE LABEL PRINTER!

☆ Ace tries his damndest to fluster Deuce.

~ ♡ He's trying, he's not good with nicknames. Whatever he sticks on Deuce, or his things, it usually just leaves him more confused than anything.

~ ♡ Ace's put "Blueberry" on a couple of Ace's things, thinking it was cute, but Deuce didn't think so. He thought Ace was making fun of his hair.

~ ~ ♡ Kind of made him want to bleach his hair again.

"Should I bleach my hair again?" The boy looks in the mirror, tugging a little at his hair. "What? No! why?" Ace is confused, coming up behind Deuce to rest his head on the others. "Uh, I dunno, maybe because of your stupid label." Deuce gives Ace a light glare, annoyed at his boyfriend. "...Oh. that was supposed to be a cute nickname..." "Uh, well, it wasn't." And now Deuce is pouting. "Well I get that now!" And Ace is also pouting.

~ ♡ Another way it could go is

Deuce doesn't get the hint. He doesn't know that Ace is trying to be cute, and it just confuses him so much. So when Ace tells him that he was trying to be cute, he shows him how its done. He grabs the label printer, hiding what he's typing, and when it's printed he sticks it on Ace's forehead. The label says 'cutie', and as he places it, he says "That's! How you be cute, you idiot." Alternatively He types out 'Carrot Top', winking as he sticks it onto Ace. And he knows Carrot Top isn't cute, he's just trying to keep with the hair color theme. Since Ace called him 'blueberry'. All the while, he's thinking "That's how you be cute with it!"

[sitp-recs]

Hidden Gems by @cavendishbutterfly

Happy Wednesday with A+ comfort food! Cav has been an amazing addition to the fandom, and sometimes it even feels like they have been around for ages! I still remember the exciting joy of finding Bridges, which became an instant fave - I fell in love with its gorgeous Budapest aesthetics, the wistful atmosphere, the perfect and organic slow burn, the beautiful romance. My obsession was so immediate I started the rec before even finishing the fic! Since then I’ve been following Cav’s blog closely and checking every new work knowing it will be a special treat.

Putting this reclist together was lovely because I got to revisit all these fics again, and they’re the best snack-size romantic reads for those who love shorts like me! Cav has this unique way of making short fics feel both light and intimate, with just the right amount of delicate, chill and depth, and so very soft. They prove that shorts can be just as emotionally satisfying and completed stories as long ones, perfect to indulge when you just need a nice and easy get together. Enjoy!

In The Wings (2021, T, 1.6k) - such a soft and heartwarming established relationship, I couldn’t stop smiling! Ballet dancer Draco is the concept I didn’t know I needed, comforting and very aesthetique 😌

Ballet has been a path to healing for Draco after the war. Now, it's his final performance in the starring role, and his boyfriend is in the audience for the first time.

Just A Phone Call Away (2021, M, 4k) - pining!Harry + friends to lovers, sign me up! This is light and sweet and the intimacy of that hair washing scene is stuck in my head. Unspeakable Drarry and cooking lessons as a treat!

Today’s the day: Harry’s getting over his ridiculous crush on Draco Malfoy. Even if Draco’s just invited himself over to wash Harry’s hair. In a very platonic way, obviously. Not intimate at all.

Glowing (2022, T, 9.7k) - one of my favorite Fangfest fics this year, a lovely cottagecore h/c with trans man Veela! Draco and ace Vampire!Harry living together and falling in love. It’s about loneliness and understanding, and it’s soft, quiet and bittersweet in a very gentle way.

Harry's lived alone and vampiric in his cottage for ages, until a long-lived Draco Malfoy suddenly shows up to answer an advertisement Harry had practically forgotten he'd put in the Prophet. Cue soft blood drinking, quiet nights of reading and crocheting, and Harry thinking that maybe--just maybe--he might not be so alone anymore. Read my rec here.

Bridges (2021, E, 16k) - get ready to fall in love with both Drarry and Budapest in this immersive and quietly introspective co-workers to lovers that celebrates hope and grief in a beautiful, touching way. Perfect slow burn and get together. Cw: brief Harry/OC, mention of Holocaust, use of alcohol and weed

Harry and Draco are on a trip to Budapest to help with Kingsley's re-election, but that's the boring bit. More interesting: Harry Potter is changing his Tinder preferences to include men. Read my rec here.

The Ever-Changing Room (2022, E, 33k) - cool and intriguing case fic where Draco & Mione form a dream team to track Harry down. I love their camaraderie and the supporting cast is amazing too! NB fashionista Draco, safe houses, Euro trip, and a really interesting take on the Deathly Hallows plot point, so creative and engaging!

Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter have been married for five years, and everything's grand—until Harry disappears one day without warning. He's left behind three letters and the whole of the Wixen World demanding to know where he's got to, including Draco. Unfortunately, Draco's not a very good detective. Hermione is, though. Or: Draco travels Europe looking for their ever-elusive husband.

[lostlotus-a]

ramble thing I guess (CLASSIFIED iloveyou) will be edited frequently

I just wanted to ramble about a specific character from Scp Task Force

*very big spoiler warning!!!!!!!!! I spoil the whole game's storyline, play the game first before reading this, you won't understand what I'm saying if you don't*

so uh

I seriously hope Ace is alive fr (not the cracker lol)

Oh and also for people who's reading it even though you didn't play the game, CLASSIFIED is Ace, it gets revealed at the ending cutscene of mission 5.

If he dies I'm really going to cry and make a presentation about how he was an awesome character.

So after thinking about him for about an hour or so

I came to the conclusion that Ace deserves a lot of credit/appreciation he's so cool I lovehim

I love his clothing style... just love the blue shirt... I really want him to do a face reveal since we only get to see his mouth lol...

Ok done with the rambling here, now I'm going to write about why he's important lore wise.

He's the only one who knows the truth (if he had overheard the conversation at the ending cutscene of mission 5 between the player and Overwatch(not the game)) and is alive (if he did not die)

And also depending on whether he's alive or not the story would change a lot...

If he died (I feel like if he dies he will die to Overwatch probably, he wouldn't want to leave any loose ends) there would be no one who knows about this whole freaking clone thing; and it may result in something terrible... (we don't know Overwatch's plans/motives etc but I don't think he's doing this for good. Well... he killed us. That surely isn't good huh)

If he's alive he would be the only one able to confront/deal with Overwatch (maybe the clone of the player could be contacted by Ace and get told the truth about them being clones? idk I have no idea at all at this point)

Anyways Ace surely has a lot of potential to be used as a story changer... he knows everything and looks cool and we don't even know his face haha

Also funny thing is that we don't even know his gender, I'm just thinking he's male because I feel like he is...

Thought the post ended? NO. I am going to ramble even more about him!!!!!! NOTHING CAN STOP ME NOW lol

At the end of mission 5, we can see him driving his Mercedes Benz!! suv(idk what type of car that is but it looks like a suv.) was he trying to get away from the building or to get closer? This can change everything so i thought it was interesting to talk about

If he was trying to save us in that building it would prove that he's a good person (at least he isn't trying to kill us huh?) and honestly I think this is the best option and I hope it's canon I mean- his face at the cutscene looked very determined... if this is canon it means even after hearing what we said ('ACE, get out of here!') he did not run away... he's so badass it that's the case here

And if he was trying to run away/flee the place to save his own life well... he's not like... completly evil but I would be kinda sad :(

Also kinda scary fact that we may have missed here; we DID NOT know that Classified was in fact Ace before Overwatch said it. But the problem here is, how did he even know that? Even we did not know... (this probably is something important but I have no idea how it could be important so I'm just stating it)

Okay I seriously have nothing to write now (at least now...) I really am hyped about mission 7&8 that's coming soon ahhh

The conclusion is; I love Ace even though he only appeared on mission 5 (and most of the time he was CLASSIFIED......)

[oven-thermometer]

Request: “ Hello I have a request!!! How about a story with Strife x reader. Strife and reader spend the day together with reader making Strife an amazing human meal. It starts to get late as the two get ready for bed, reader says it’s alright for Strife to stay the night. He gets his own room, but he can’t sleep. He already has a huge crush on reader (reader has a crush on him too). He makes the decision to wander into their room to snuggle in reader’s bed. THEY SHARE A FIRST KISS!!! …I love me some pining and first loves!!! Sorry about the lack of new Darksiders games, that sucks, I was hoping for something new too. ”

A/N: THQ did announce that they’re working on some other unnamed games, hopefully Darksiders 4 is in there somewhere lol. Tysm for the request, I’ve been struggling with ideas – hope you like it <3

Word count: 2.1k

Warning: literally just a vague kissing scene

Another day well spent. This wasn’t an unusual occurrence: spending your off days with Strife that is. Hours of banter, games and simply spending time in each other’s company was an easy way to wind down. Your friendship with Strife had always been one filled with cherished memories – and today was certainly no different.

The sun had set about an hour ago, laying a crisp feeling of cool over your home. It was a nice contrast to the stuffy spring day. Not that you were complaining, getting to spend the day under the protection of the AC meant you could both continue your shenanigans. Shenanigans which included board games, movies, reality TV binging and your personal favourite – teaching Strife to cook.

Teaching Strife small little skills made him feel normal, and you didn’t particularly mind either. It meant you got to stare as the glint in his eyes showed the curiosity etched onto his face. The sheer joy he experienced from learning how to bake cookies, or how to make a good cheese sauce meant he could prove to himself that maybe he wasn’t such a monster. The monster the council and the entire of creation had plastered him as. He could choose who he was.

Setting the spoon down, you looked to Strife. That same glorious smile crept it’s way onto his face, igniting an odd feeling in your chest. The way his eyes met yours for a second made you both laugh quietly. You grinned as you poked his chest playfully, “You told me you’d never made mac and cheese before – quite the quick learner.”

He chuckled, his warm laughter pouring out into your kitchen. He took the spoon from the counter and began stirring the pot once more, “I have some tricks up my sleeve.”

You leaned over the stovetop next to Strife, the smile never leaving your face, “You know, if you’re already this good at cooking, some would say you’re just trying to spend time with me.”

He scoffed, “You wish. I really am just using you for your cooking skills and then I plan on leaving as soon as possible. Never know when a demon out there might need some killer dinner.”

Your laughter rang clearly through the space. You buried your face in your hands, attempting to stifle the giggling. “I hate you.” You joked, the words muffled behind your fingers.

“Oh c’mon dollface,” he leaned closer to your face, “you know you love me. It’s undeniable.”

“In your dreams loverboy,” you scoffed, turning away to hide the blush dusting your cheeks, “the food should be ready now anyways.”

Dinner was full of the usual teasing and banter. Being friends with Strife also meant constant harmless bickering and playful jabs. Snarky comments about the current situation or about each other took their comfortable spot between you two. It meant you could get under each other’s skin. And as far as you were both aware, the harmless flirting meant absolutely nothing. Yes, the pet-names and compliments definitely had no effect whatsoever. The quick head turns and quicker glances at each other did not mean anything odd – and the yearning for each other’s attention meant nothing. You hoped it did at least.

You sat across from each other at your dinner table. As you ate, you felt those yellow eyes on you again. A sarcastic comment was made about how he couldn’t stop staring, which was returned with silence. Strife was many things, but silent was not one of them. Your brows quirked in curiosity as his eyes continued to bore into yours.

“What? Do I have something in my teeth?” you joked, but still, he wouldn’t say anything. You studied his features. He didn’t look upset or angry. He looked lost, like he was in a daze. You actually felt yourself being pulled into one of your own. His dead stare captured your focus – mac and cheese was forgotten. You had admired Strife’s handsomeness before, who couldn’t? But now, with the light above you shining down on both of you and dipping into the curves of his face, it only accentuated it. The sharp angles of his jaw flowed with the warm glow of the light. His neon gold eyes seemed to strengthen the height of his cheekbones set against his face. You knew Strife was handsome, but you had never really known how pretty he was – only the word awe-inspiring came to mind.

A crack of lightning startled you awake. Your head snapped to the window. As quick as it had appeared, the electricity filling the sky was gone. And so was your own daze. You shook your head. Strife had come to as well, coughing before promptly returning to his abandoned meal. You couldn’t bring your gaze near him again for the rest of dinner. Even as more lightning shook the sky and rain thundered down onto your roof. You did not once look at him or share another glance.

The dishes were done in silence as well. It would occasionally be broken by a single word or the clashing of dishes, but nothing was said. A quiet agreement was made with the both of you to not speak about what had happened. Denial filled both of your minds. What was the harm in it? You both just happened to stare into space at the same time. While facing at each other. While admiring each other. While evidently not getting lost in thought but getting lost in each other’s eyes.

Oh.

“You can’t go home with the weather like this! It’s pouring outside.” You pleaded.

“I appreciate the concern, dollface, but I’ve been through worse,” he patted your shoulder reassuringly, “thanks for dinner – it was great.”

You grabbed Strife’s hand as it was lifted from your shoulder, the words muddling in your throat as they ran to get out. After a few tries you managed to sputter the right words out. You tried to laugh before saying it, to play it cool, “I don’t think um, I don’t think Mayhem would uh, would really agree.”

“Uh-huh,” he tilted his head and smirked in a teasing manner, “sure you don’t just want me around, lovebug?”

You scoffed, “New nickname? Aren’t I special.” You said in a mocking tone.

Strife quickly freed his hand and poked your cheek, “Yep.”

You huffed, crossed your arms and promptly began walking towards your room with an unamused look on your face, “Take the couch or use the spare bedroom. There’s linen in the hall closet.” Is all you said before closing your bedroom door and shutting him out.

You paid no attention to any noises beyond your door. You simply lay on your bed with your face buried in the pillows, a raging blush burning your cheeks. You groaned as you turned over. The memories from the day ran past your eyes as you kept landing on dinner. Everything had just bottled up till you couldn’t take it anymore. Why did he have to be like that? You just asked him to stay over. Nothing else. Damn him.

The idea that maybe your friendship with Strife had turned into a crush made you scared. Scared? Nervous. For so long you two had been comfortable and content just with how things were. You loved Strife’s friendship. You wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Maybe anything. Maybe you also wouldn’t be apposed to being something else.

You stopped your thoughts right there. The rose tint on your cheeks seared across your face and spread to your neck and ears. You sighed, smothering the pillow on your face. Just then, a knock at your door alerted you.

A few minutes before, Strife sat in the guest room of your home and was having the exact same predicament. He sat on the bed, hugging the pillow, trying to sort through his racing thoughts. All he could think about were the days you two had spent together. This burning feeling in his chest tore through him, settling on his skin, making it burn unpleasantly. He was pretty sure he had romantic conquests before in his life, trouble was he couldn’t remember many of them. He was at an utter loss for what to do. Strife had accepted his feelings for you long ago, but that didn’t make it any easier. If anything it made it worse. He wanted to protect you. To hold you. To love you.

For so long he had blocked off his emotions and held them back with a broken string of jokes and denial. But now his feelings for you had made a crack in that dam, and the dam was beginning to break. He was terrified of what might come loose if everything broke free, so he had kept everything to himself. He tried on many occasions to leave you, to abandon your friendship – so that he could keep you safe. He wasn’t only concerned about what might happen to him with the dam breaking, he was scared for you. Creation told him he was a monster, an abomination, and that is what he was. No abomination could ever love something as gorgeous as you. Your presence basked his life in warmth, and so every time he tried to turn away from you he could never bring himself to fully cut you off. This was just another thing he hated himself for.

He couldn’t do this anymore. He had to tell you. And if that meant losing you forever, so be it. His life could no longer be riddled with this aching pain of self-loathing.

The gentle knock at your door was so soft it could have been easily mistaken for the wind. You swiftly threw the pillow from your head and made your way to the door. You opened it slowly, seeing Strife’s tired eyes glued to the floor.

A sheepish smile spread over his lips, “Would you believe me if I said I was afraid of the lightning?”

You smiled, “Not really,” the tired look strewn across his face still concerning you, “what’s up?”

Strife shrugged, still obviously avoiding eye contact, “I was…” –‘spit it out’- “You know if you’re ok with it!” –���say it’- “Uh, I mean-“

You leaned on the door, visibly confused. Strife struggled to let the words out. Eventually you caught on, your eyes widening with realization.

“Oh!” you gasped, “You wanna sleep in here?”

The boldness of your statement struck you the moment it left your mouth. You laughed quietly, scratching the back of your neck awkwardly.

Although he seemed relieved. An invisible weight lifted from his shoulders as he let go of a breath he didn’t know was there.

He nodded quickly before you could take it back, “I’d like that a lot.”

Neither of you questioned it. And both of you were thankful for that.

Silence dawned over the two of you as you sat in your bed. You both sat upright against the headboard, with you leaning your head comfortably on his shoulder. A content sigh left you as you snuggled further into Strife’s arm. He chuckled and lay his head atop yours in response. The vibrations of his laugh ran through you, infecting you with your own outburst of smiles. Only the sounds of breathing and airy laughs could be heard, with even the dull sound of rain on your roof rushing away. The fury of the lightning no longer concerned either of you. Your shared comfort seeped into your surroundings. Strife slowly inched his hand closer to yours and wormed his fingers in-between yours. You squeezed his large, calloused hands with yours and intertwined your fingers further. He brought your clasped hands to his lips and lightly peppered kisses over your knuckles. A smile danced over your face as you cupped his face within your palms and placed a gentle kiss on the tip of his nose. You both got lost in each other’s eyes, but this time neither of you shied away.

At this distance you were finally able to study his features closely. The speckles of scars littering his face and the tiny wrinkles around his eyes as he smiled entranced you. Your noses brushed together as you subconsciously leaned closer. Strife could feel the dam breaking, as well as his resolve. He surged forward, the final crack in his wall bursting with emotion. He could no longer deny himself or you. His mouth ghosted across yours in an attempt to silently ask for permission. Your eyes fluttered closed. You moved forward to close the gap. Rough lips met your soft ones in a tender kiss.

Sparks of pure happiness danced across the world. Everything seemed to melt away. The rain was a distant echo, the lightning a forgotten memory, the storm getting farther away the longer Strife’s lips moved against your own. You two were the only ones in the world at that moment. Joy shook you to your bones. The glow of unaltered and honest feeling spread through both of you, replacing the aches in your chests. A warm embrace was shared in silence.

Maybe the universe had told him he was a monster, but he was your monster.

[labyrynth]

both of the cases in the new version of genshin thus far feel kind of amateurish, which is unfortunate, bc i feel like it could have been really good! but. you would ideally need to bring in some mystery writers who really really know what they’re doing tho. not even in terms of the mystery itself, but just in managing audience expectations and the flow of information. and i think they maybe did not do that.

bc i feel like the thing that’s really frustrating me is that it looks like there’s setup before the case to establish what Is and Is Not possible…but then it turns out to mean nothing, because the answer was actually A Secret Third Thing (that you didn’t know about because how the fuck could you possibly draw this conclusion from the evidence)

and in settings where magic IS possible, it’s even more important to establish up front what magic can and can’t do, or else the theoretical possibilities become endless.

it’s okay to find out things that nobody knew in the middle of a case, but the circumstances need to force those possibilities to emerge—“when you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth” and all that. okay, we’ve gone through all the other realistic options, and even a few unrealistic (but still plausible) options, and have concluded that none of them could have happened. NOW we can start to consider that what happened was something nobody knew could happen.

it still feels kind of like a cop-out, and there ABSOLUTELY needs to be some kind of foreshadowing about this possibility—a folk or fairy tale, an urban legend, a dismissible piece of gossip two steps to the left, a person others dismiss for ulterior motive/lack of credibility, anything—but it’s better than just dropping it in the middle and telling the audience to just go with it.

also it feels like we just. take a lot of things for granted. like we don’t have to prove things it feels like we really should have to. ahem.

“your honor, my client is innocent.”

“and upon what evidence do you make this claim?”

“my client told me he didn’t do it.”

“well, i can’t argue with that! NOT GUILTY!”

maybe it’s just bc i’ve played…seven?? ace attorney games but cmon. i want to have to PROVE this shit. give me testimony to poke holes in!! give me conflicting evidence!! i want to have to WORK at it!!!!!!!

(i get why their system and story is much more simplified. it is not an ace attorney game, it is an action/adventure RPG. but STILL.)

[wisteriasakana]

You know that indescribable emotion of getting to work seriously on your game projects and seeing Unlimited Bug Works and plot downtimes blossom here and there? I think it's still a positive thing, because it means that you're really working on your projects!

In case your answer was "no", I don't care, I know you crave to know what's going on behind the scenes, so I'll tell you anyway.

Welcome to "Soe does devlog", an occasional release of a completely random series.

Red Riding Hood and the Little Bad Wolf

Run run ruuuuun!

I completed the English translation of the game's current build in early March. That means that about 95% of the total game is translated, I just have to… like… finish the game.

And it was at this point that I finally realized what The Problem was: the last area before the endings didn't quite convinced me. The gameplay was non-existent (You had to check 20+ things mechanically, all in a dark map with running disabled. Exciting, isn't it?) and the dialogues were also quite weak.

What a cute place! What could possibly go wrong? Well, nothing, because it's a boring place!

So, I decided to tear down that section and do it all over again.

At the moment I've fixed the dialogues, improved the map and re-enabled the run. Disabling it was my attempt at creating some sort of atmosphere, but I thought that if I found it in a game, I wouldn't think at it as atmospheric but as annoying.

What I'm missing is not exactly a "gameplay", rather finding a good way for the player to interact with the story in that specific area. (Best explanation ever!) At that point, the game went through a rather long cutscene, albeit with choices, and immediately after that the endings split up: I don't want that point to feel like a stagnant moment. Not crackling or very memorable, just, I wish it wasn't "outdone" by the rest of the game.

The Night of the Candy Apple

To infinity...

There are over 100 switches for a game that can last as long as three minutes and I don't know what to think about it.

The moment I went to betatest it, I realized that I had greatly underestimated my gameplay ideas.

In The Night of the Candy Apple it's possible to explore the entire "haunted house" without completing any puzzles - Either leaving them half done, or one quarter, or three quarters. This, however, implies switch after switch for how many party members are there, to take into account what has been discovered and what has not been discovered, which cutscenes there have been, at what point in the puzzle the player has arrived. Obviously I had already put them, but I had put them for the biggest and most obvious things, I hadn't considered the details and the brief moments in which it would have been possible to leave the room without having completed it first.

Also, I've fallen into the trap of "I'm the author and I know what's supposed to be done." Heartfelt thanks to my betatester, @time-lapse-games, who pointed out many - many - things that probably would not have pleased those who are not omniscient. Maybe, after I release the game (Someday), I'll make a post with all the wtf?s. For now, I can say that there is the "puzzle where you have to recreate a room", and there were 1. two almost identical objects and therefore it was not known which one to put where 2. the possibility for the player to get stuck in the walls of the room - FOREVER.

Another funny thing is the fact that TWO puzzles, once put into practice, proved to be unfeasible.

The first one was a jigsaw puzzle. Simple. The problem is that there are no VX Ace scripts for jigsaw puzzles. I searched in English, in French, in Spanish, in Portuguese, in Japanese, in Italian, but nothing, nobody seems to know how to do jigsaw puzzles in RPG Maker VX Ace. I saw that there is a script to do this, but it doesn't have the check switch, so there's no way to let the game know that you've completed it. If anyone knows of a jigsaw puzzle script for the VX Ace that has a completion check, please let me know PLZ PLZ - They won't get anything but my gratitude, but they'll know that they are a good and merciful person. For those who were thinking that I could replace the jigsaw puzzle with a sliding puzzle, the fact is that I hate them with passion and that I would never self-inflict the pain of testing one on myself or on the betatester. (Nothing against those who love them, uh, I just find them frustrating.) In the end, I solved it by completely changing the puzzle. Easier to do, I still would have preferred the jigsaw puzzle, but I don't mind.

What will be beyond this? It will be possible to find out, because I changed the puzzle to unlock it!

The second one is in the very first "haunted house" room, which is definitely cool. The gameplay involves a series of questions and the idea was that you could stop the questions at any time and just walk away. I've tried everything, but nothing, first the questions ended and then the "leave" event happened (!). In the end, after looking at the horizon and reflecting on my life choices, I opted for a solution that may not be graphically beautiful but it's much more easy and direct.

Among other notable things was seeing that I was having difficulty with my own gameplay ideas. There was the realization that checking EVERYTHING just to see changing flavour texts would be a pain in the aXE, so I decided to put balloons to mark the different flavour texts. Along the same stuff, puzzles are supposed to be solved by a specific party member. It's something I did on purpose, I even discarded a menu I liked because it omitted the "Formation"! Well, once the cutscenes were done, I realized that I had completely forgotten about this. It took me a few minutes to put the switches and variables that were needed, but I still think about the fact that I forgot about the game features that I decided to put on purpose. I am unique and fantastic.

Red Riding Hood and the Little Bad Wolf + The Night of the Candy Apple

There are Galleries in both games, because I made CGs and I want everyone to see how good I am. Once done, I noticed that both Galleries have approximately 40 images and I realized I drew 80+ CGs in a couple of months (December-January). Not professional ones or like a cool artist who knows what they're doing, but my tools are a screenless tablet and Gimp and I think I did my best. They're not perfect, but I'm satisfied.

But why there are so many CGs? Actually, the reason is that I did it on a whim. When I play an RPG game or when I see let's plays, there can be the moment where a book is found or a story is told and often what you see on the screen is the map with 349205 dialogue boxes and that's it. Likewise, there may be Game Overs where "it's supposed to happen something". I personally don't like them. I want to show the player why the character can no longer continue, I want to give a background of some sort to what is being read or narrated. Not that I did CGs for EVERYTHING of course, sometimes I just put a picture of a letter or something like that. Until I did the Galleries, I didn't realize I drew so much. I suppose it's a good thing, somehow?

(Also, does that mean that if my mental health is good 100% of the time I'd be super productive? *Don't exaggerate, now-*)

Now I will read this book and it will last several dialogue boxes, and you will not see the map, but us! It's completely different than usual RPGs, isn't it? Isn’t it...?

And that's it, for April 2023! I hope you had a good Easter and I wish you good luck with your projects!

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*So, when you think you're going to fin-* Shut up.

[aroaceconfessions]

I saw another confession (this one) where long story short someone had come out to their best friend as ace and their best friend forgot about it. The same has happened to me, but in my case it was not like in the linked post where OP had quickly said "I'm ace" and not brought it up again. I had explained what it means (they hadn't heard about asexuality before and didn't know it existed / was possible) and they still seem to have completely forgotten. Often they make comments that prove they have forgotten. I think they just don't consider it important. I don't think they would've forgotten if we had come out as gay or lesbian.

I just sent an ask (the one with the linked post) and I'm now thinking maybe I didn't express myself right. I don't mean to spread any negative feelings or pit ourselves against the g and l in the acronym. I think it was clear but I just want to make sure I express myself better in case it wasn't.

Coming out as gay is usually seen as you're telling the truth, and people will remember it strongly because it's still a taboo and/or a significant thing about a person. Whether it's because they believe you and support you or because they're homophobic, in the huge majority of cases they'll remember. Coming out as lesbian can be less believed by some people (more often men) who make very similar comments to those us ace people hear (we haven't found the right man, they will make us see ;) etc) but in queer circles it's generally believed, and remembered too. We aspec people are still working towards that visibility, because most people still don't know we exist. Since they think it's not important, made up, that we're afraid or that we'll grow out of it, in my experience many people don't consider it significant and can forget it way more easily than they would've with gay and lesbian people. That's all I meant to say <3