#one of the positives of having voice acting in later games i guess

[falmerbrook]

The ash vampires each have unique dialogue???? They got personalities?! I thought fanfic writers were just making that shit up. Why is so much of the sixth house lore hidden in dialogue you can only get if you bonk the sixth house enemies hard enough with a calm spell???

[grxmreaperx]

ok alright listen...brat tamer Hoffman x f!reader.

I AM ON MY KNEES I am weak

i LOVE this!! that man is the biggest brat tamer in the world, no one is changing my mind!

Pairing: Mark Hoffman x (f!) reader

Word count: 1.3k

Warnings: 18+!! Porn with no plot. This is filth. Reader being a brat, spanking, dirty talk, masturbation (m!), p in v penetration, degradation.

Summary: When you’re bored at home by yourself, you decide to make a quick call to your boyfriend while he’s at work. And maybe add in a picture or two to really get his attention.

“Detective Hoffman.”

As soon as he picked up the phone, you felt yourself smile. “Hi, Detective.”

He could tell from the sultry tone of your voice what you were up to. You heard him suck in a breath. “What are you doing, sweetheart?” His voice held a warning, telling you not to play your games while he was at work.

“Nothing. I’m just bored,” you said, drawing out the last word.

“I’ll be home soon, I promise.”

“But I’m bored now!” you whined.

“I know, baby, but I need to work.”

“Fine,” you huffed. “I guess I’ll take care of myself then.”

You could practically see the look on his face: jaw clenched, eyes narrowed as he tried to keep himself from rushing home right then.

“Did I tell you that you could do that?”

“I don’t need your permission,” you said mockingly, knowing it would get under his skin.

“Oh, is that right?”

“Mhmm. I’ll see you later, Detective,” you said, hanging up before he could get another word in.

And, for good measure, you snapped a picture for him: spread out on your shared bed, wearing nothing but his shirt and your underwear.

--

You heard the front door slam shut about an hour later, your boyfriend’s footsteps getting closer to your room. You sat on the bed, staring at him innocently as he came through the door.

“Hi baby! How was your day?” you asked sweetly.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “It was good, until you decided to call and act like a little brat.”

You forced a confused look onto your face. “What are you talking about? Was I acting like a brat?”

He shed his jacket, loosening his tie from around his neck. “Don’t play dumb with me, baby. You know exactly what you were doing. Taunting me, sending me that pretty picture.”

“Oh! That!”

He sat down on the edge of your bed. “Get your ass over here,” he demanded, motioning to his lap. You excitedly crawled over to him, straddling his legs. He grabbed your hips, forcing you back off. “No, no, no, sweetheart. Over my knees.”

You slowly positioned yourself, trying to hide your excitement, lying over his lap with your ass in the air.

“How many do you think you deserve, baby?”

You thought for a moment. “I don’t think I deserve any, I don’t think I did anything wrong.”

He chuckled, landing a slap on your ass. “Wrong answer, baby. Try again.”

“Ten?” you tried.

“That’s better. And you’re going to count them for me.”

“And what if I don’t wanna count them?” You hid your face in your bedsheets, hiding your smile.

“Well, then I guess I’ll just have to keep going until your ass is red and you’re begging me to fuck you.”

He ran a hand over your ass before landing another smack. You bit your lip, trying to stifle the moan building in your throat.

He waited for a moment, seeing if you would begin counting, or if you weren’t done with your little act.

When you stayed silent, he landed another.

And another.

“I won’t fuck you until you count, sweetheart. We can do this as long as you like. I’ve got all night.”

As he landed the next blow, the moan you had been suppressing finally escaped your lips, followed desperately by a “one.”

“Much better.”

Two.

Three.

Four.

He ran two fingers through your folds, letting out a low laugh. “You love being a brat, don’t you?” Five. “You love making me punish you, don’t you, baby?”

“Yes,” you whined, before counting the sixth blow.

“Yes what?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Better.” Seven.

Your legs shook as you became more and more desperate, hips bucking slightly, looking for any sort of friction.

Mark pulled your head back by your hair, your back arching. He leaned down, bringing his mouth right next to your ear. “If you hadn’t been such a bad girl today, I could already be buried inside you. But no, you had to act like a little slut, didn’t you?” Eight.

Your ass stung and you knew you’d have handprints imprinted on you the next day. “I’m sorry, Daddy,” you whined. “Just wanted your attention.”

Nine. “Just wanted my attention, hm? Well now you’ve got it, sweetheart.”

“Ten!” you moaned as he finished your punishment.

“Good. Now get down on your knees.”

You sunk down to the floor in front of him, hands moving to unbuckle his belt. He grabbed your wrists, giving you a mocking smile. “Oh no, baby. Only good girls get to suck Daddy off. You get to kneel there and watch. Put your hands behind your back. If you move them, I won’t touch you for the rest of the night.”

An indignant noise left your throat, but you complied, placing your hands behind your back as he undid his pants.

His eyes locked onto yours as he placed a hand around the base of his cock, slowly stroking himself. You let out a whine, forcing yourself to keep your hands and hips still. The ache was becoming unbearable. You had wanted punished, you had wanted his full attention, but now all you wanted was to feel him.

His eyes roamed your body as he sped up. “Such a pretty slut, aren’t you? If you had been good, you wouldn’t have to be punished.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy. Please…”

“Please what?”

Your nails dug into your palms as you forced your hands to stay in place. You felt your face heat up.

“Cmon baby, tell me what you want.”

“Please, I want you to fuck me.”

He let out a groan. “You think you’ve been punished enough? You gonna stop being such a little brat?”

You nodded frantically.

He considered you for a moment, hand lazily working his cock. He finally stood, motioning for you to bend over the bed. “Get up.”

You hurried to your feet, lying your front half onto the bed. You felt the head of his dick tease your entrance. “God, baby, you’re fuckin’ soaked. You love being a little whore, don’t you?”

“Yes!” you moaned, trying to push yourself back onto him.

He gripped your hips roughly, pushing into you all at once. Your mouth fell open as his hand found its way up your body, snaking its way around your front, gripping your throat. He forced your body up until your back was pressed against his chest as he fucked into you.

“Is this what you wanted baby? You wanted me to use you?”

You quickly let out a stream of “yes’s,” head falling back onto his shoulder.

He chuckled. “Not so much of a brat now, are you? Not so cocky when you’re full of my dick, are you baby?”

You cried out, too lost in your own pleasure to form an answer. You held tightly to his arm, trying to keep yourself grounded.

His other hand reached down, rubbing quick circles around your clit. You felt your body shake, getting closer to the edge. “Can I…” you began to ask, a whine forcing its way out of your throat.

“Go on, baby, cum for me.”

As soon as he whispered the words in your ear, you let go, your high washing over you. He wasn’t far behind you, emptying himself inside of you as you came down from your orgasm.

He slowly pulled out of you before softly grabbing your hips and turning you around to sit on the bed. You let out a contented sigh, lying back onto the sheets. He smirked, lying down next to you and pulling you to him, placing a kiss on your forehead.

“Did you enjoy acting like a brat?” he asked, a small laugh leaving his lips.

You quickly nodded. You had gotten exactly what you had wanted.

tag list: @bee-who-isnt-french, @enigmatic-blues, @kujofam, @aliengutzstuff, @mysunfishpeedinmyroom, @slut4hoffman, @schrodingersjigsaw, @hoffmansnightmare, @karmaswitch, @mrs-hotforhoffman, @returntodustsblog, @capan-deveraux2, @switchbabeeexo, @librababe99

[fandomfucker]

Poly Judgement Day x reader where reader has an anxiety disorder that acts up randomly one day and they try to calm reader down?

I would like to preface this by saying this is what helps me with my anxiety. Everyone is different and different things help but this is what helps me to calm down. The symptoms and stuff are also based on my own experiences. I hope you enjoy!!

TRIGGER-mentions of an anxiety attack and anxiety symptoms

Word count-1,865

It had started off a glorious Saturday morning. Finally, being able to sleep in after two full weeks of non-stop work or travel. I woke up to the sun streaming in through the cracks in the blinds onto my partners and my shared king beds. We liked to sleep in one bed more often than not so when we all moved into our house together, we decided that the second living room upstairs would be our bedroom and had a door installed in the entryway and two king-sized beds pushed together for room for all five of us to sleep together.

I woke up on my stomach, sprawled across two of my partners like a starfish. My head and right hand rested on Dominik's chest and my legs were off to the other side, resting on Finn's lower thighs and knees. I looked across from me to see Rhea still fast asleep, her head resting on the other side of Dom's chest. Deciding I wanted coffee, I rolled over onto my back, facing Finn, who was awake and on his phone.

"Good morning," He whispered to me trying not to wake the others, his voice still thick with sleep. 

"Mornin'," I smiled sleepily at him, raising my hand to rub at my eyes. I looked around, noticing that we were a member short. "Where's Damian?" I asked whispering, still not wanting to accidentally wake up the other two who were still cuddled up so cute.

"In the kitchen makin' breakfast. Said he'd come get us when it's ready." Finn informed me. I nodded slowly and yawned, causing Finn to laugh lightly at me. I scowled and slapped his chest lightly in mock offense before shifting my position to lay more on him than Dom with my head on his shoulder so I could see his phone.

I watched him scroll through TikTok for the next several minutes, occasionally seeing an edit of one or more of us and liking it before sending it to me so that I'd be able to re-watch it later on my own and repost it. 

“Ooh wait go back,” I whispered to Finn, scrolling back up to the previous video on his feed. It was about a new horror movie coming out. Just then, Damian waltzed into the room wearing nothing but his underwear and a ‘kiss the cook’ apron Rhea had given him as a gift for Christmas last year. 

“Are you not freezing?” I asked him, scrunching up my nose a little as I wrapped my blanket around me a bit tighter, my bottom lip starting to quiver a little. 

Damian just scoffed at me, smiling and shaking his head lightly. “Breakfast is ready downstairs.” He gestured towards Rhea and Dom who were still asleep, “You two go ahead, I’ll wake them up.”

Excitedly, I rolled on top of and over Finn to get off the bed before he even had a chance to move a muscle, taking my fuzzy Halloween cat blanket with me. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed Damian’s cheek as I walked past him, muttering a small ‘good morning’ and ‘thank you’ before making my way downstairs.

Damian had already set out a prepared plate for each of us in our usual spots, along with our preferred drink. I bounced over to my spot, gripping my coffee mug with both hands. It was iced coffee, always iced coffee, but I favor the mugs.

I took a long slow sip, savoring the flavors Damian decided to surprise me with this morning. “Strawberry and chocolate?” I asked as I saw him walking into the kitchen/dining room, along with my other three partners in tow.

“Nope,” Damian replied smugly. “Raspberry and white chocolate with a splash of cheesecake.”

Damian and I have a ritual-esque thing where every morning Damian makes me a coffee and I have to guess the flavors in it. It’s all just fun and games and bragging rights but we enjoy it. However, the more weird flavors they come out with the harder it is for me to guess. We had so many of the little syrup bottles at this point we could open our own coffee shop.

“The fuck?” I replied, in both shock and nausea. “Who in their right mind would make a cheesecake coffee syrup flavor? I mean, don’t get me wrong this is delicious but come on people.”

All four of them burst into laughter at me as I grumpily dropped into my seat. Taking the silverware that had been placed next to my plate, I began to cut into the chocolate chip waffles Damian had so graciously made us.

After actually drowning each piece in maple syrup, I shoved several pieces into my mouth at once. I groaned lightly in pleasure at the taste as my partners all smiled in amusement.

“Good (Y/n)?” Dominik asked me, a teasing lilt to his voice. 

“Mmhmm!” I nodded in satisfaction. “Very,” I spoke, my voice muffled by the copious amount of waffle in my mouth, rocking side to side in my seat a little bit in my ‘happy dance’.

Damian smiled at me in thanks as he began to dig in along with the rest of my partners.

After breakfast, the five of us lay lounging around in our living room. The boys were all focused on the TV, watching a tattoo competition show while Rhea scrolled through her mentions on social media and I read a book on my Kindle. I was sat next to Rhea on the couch with my back against the armrest with my thighs on hers, my feet resting in Dominik’s lap next to her. Finn and Damian were cuddled together in the armchair next to the couch.

As I read my book, I noticed that my heart rate had started to pick up and my palms became sweaty. My hands started to get that all-too-familiar tingly feeling that started when my hands would go numb. I cleared my throat, trying to just push past the growing anxiety that had come up out of nowhere.

I tried to submerse myself back into my story but found my thoughts to be too much and too fast to focus. I scooted a bit closer to Rhea, laying my head on her shoulder, hoping to ground myself a little.

My breathing started to become shallower like I was breathing through a straw while someone was sitting on my chest and I felt the all too familiar lump in my throat that made it hard to swallow.

"You okay baby?" Rhea asked me, concern written all over her face as she noticed my signs.

I nodded in response, "Yeah, I just don't feel too good right now."

Dominik frowned and reached over Rhea to put the back of his hand on my forehead to check for a fever. After a few seconds, he turned his attention from my face to the concerned faces of our partners, shaking his head softly to indicate that I didn’t have a fever.

“What doesn’t feel good (Y/n)?” Finn asked me softly, not wanting to scare me from answering.

“I just feel like I c-can’t breathe and my hearts too fast and now I’m starting to feel lightheaded and-” Rhea cut me off before I could finish, pulling my face to the crook of her neck as she stroked my hair. 

I lifted myself up to straddle her hips, getting as close to her as possible, as I stuck my face in her neck. She stroked my hair with one hand and drew circles on my back with the other.

I grabbed Dom’s outstretched hand from beside me and brought it close to my chest, between Rhea and me, as I absentmindedly played with his fingers, tracing the tattoos I knew better than my own.

Finn got up to go get me one of Rhea’s hoodies, knowing her smell would calm me down. The boys would try new colognes all the time but Rhea’s perfume was a constant. And due to her always smelling the same, her scent became a grounding source for me. Having my nose in her neck helped but being fully encapsulated by it was best.

Dominik stroked one of my hands with his thumb as I continued to hold it, bringing his other hand up to brush the hair out of my face. I saw Damian out of the corner of my eye get up and walk over to the bookshelf to grab my coloring book and markers.

Dom removed his hand from my face to reach over and grab the TV remote off of the coffee table. A few seconds later and his hand was stroking my temple as the laughter from my comfort show, Impractical Jokers, played quietly throughout the living room.

Finn came jogging back in with one of Rhea’s Motionless in White hoodies, my favorite of hers to steal. I pulled myself away from Rhea just long enough to slip the hoodie over my head before my face was back in her neck.

“Hey, it’s okay, love. Let’s do your breathing exercise, mhm?” Rhea spoke softly to me, still stroking my hair. 

Damian came back over to ua, sitting himself down on the floor next to Rhea's foot, just below where I was sitting. I heard him set my coloring supplies on the coffee table before feeling his hand on my lower back.

“Breathe in for four. Hold for four. Breathe out for four. Hold for four. Breathe in for four. Hold for four. Breathe out for four. Hold for four.” Rhea coached me as we did my breathing box exercise. It had been something I’d thought stupid when my doctor recommended it but now use on a semi-regular basis.

“Good job, Darling,” Rhea whispered into my ear as I slowly started to pull myself away from her, being able to breathe again. My hands had started to regain feeling again and feel less fuzzy while the lump in my throat grew smaller. I turned myself around on her lap, my back against her front, and folded her arms across my hips like a human lap belt.

Dominik was on the couch next to us while Damien and Finn were both on the floor in front of me. “Can I have my coloring book please?” I whispered to both of the boys in front of me. 

“‘Course, Love,” Finn replied sweetly, handing me the book as he placed the box of markers on the couch next to me against the armrest where I was originally sitting.

I smiled in thanks as I flipped the book open to the last page I’d worked on. As I switched my main focus between the show and my coloring, I took a second to appreciate my wonderful partners.

Rhea’s arms wrapped around me, her thumbs stroking my hip bones while she nuzzled my neck. Dominik next to me who kept one hand stroking my thigh. Damian and Finn in front of me, each massaging one of my feet. 

I’m so incredibly grateful for each of them and wouldn’t have been able to get over my anxiety without them.

[rand0mfangurlstuff]

I'll Look After You Part 2 - Bucky x Y/N

First part here: https://www.tumblr.com/rand0mfangurlstuff/745510955233034240/ill-look-after-you-bucky-x-yn?source=share

Y/N woke up that morning with a terrible creak in her neck. She was in a awkward and uncomfortable possition. When she first woke up she thought she was in her own bed, but this hard uncomfotrable sufrace was not her bed. She slowly opened her eyes; before she could fully take in her surroundings she heard a familiar deep voice 'Morning Sleeping Beauty' she shot up like she had just been electrocuted. John 'Bucky' Egan looked at her with a smirk that she was certain made many a poor woman weak in the knees. She did her best to compose herself, act like she intended to fall asleep next to him. 'Morning, How'd you sleep?' she asked. 'Like a baby in his mothers arms.' He smiled that devilish smile again. 'I'm glad. A bit more rest and you should be in the air in no time.' His expression changed. It was softer now. 'Thank you, for staying with me.' She smiled, she could see he meant it. But she had to try her best and be professional. 'Don't mention it. Just doing my job.' It was then he switched back. It was like he was too different people. There was John; kind, honest, almost shy. Then there was Bucky; all cocky bravado and over-confident. He smirked, 'You sleep next to all your patients?' 'I'll do whatever I need to to make sure my patients get the best care.' She decided the best thing to do was to act natural and unfased. He was clearly goading her, she could see it in his eyes. She needed to reistablish the Nurse/Patient dynamic once again to regain control of the situation. She proceeded to check his vitals while asking him basic medical questions. The more she talked, the less he could.

'How's the pain?' She asked while checking his pulse. 'Fine. I'm totally fine.' 'Oh really? That's good. I'll let the doctor know. He'll examine you and if he sees you're fit for duty you'll be out of here by lunch time.' She knew he was not fit for duty. She just wanted to get him to stop this bravado act. Made everything a lot simpler. 'Sit up for me.' He tried, and tried even harder not to seem in pain, but as soon as Bucky tried to sit up straight in the bed, he winced in pain and fell back against the pillows. 'I uh, I guess I'm still a bit sore.' 'Major it's best if you be honest with us about your condition it's the only way we can make sure you are healing properly.' 'Yes Nurse.' There was a sudden tension in the air. She could feel that he wasnt pleased. Wither it be because he had to stay in the infirmary, or because she wasnt playing his game with him, she wasnt sure. 'I should go freshen up before rounds. If you need anything just ring the bell, one of the other nurses will help you.' He smiled, he looked a little hurt by her leaving, but he quickly turned on the 'Bucky' charm to hide it. 'I'll see you later Nurse Y/N, Will there be another sleepover? Dont forget your pajamas this time!' He said with a wink. She ignored him, walking away to get something to eat.

Bucky was confused. Last night she had been so kind to him. More than kind, she showed him more care than he had recieved in a long time. But this morning, it was like a different person. She was so stern with him, cold even. He couldnt understand what on earth he had done to make her change? Was she really only helping him last night because it was her job? Sure that was obviously part of it, but it felt like more to him. Was she ashamed that she let herself be in a vulnerable position with him? He would never hurt her. His teasing earlier was just that, teasing. Maybe even a little bit of flirting. Was that the problem? Was she taken? Had some lucky bastard already claimed her as his? There were no rings on her finger, but she still might belong to someone. Bucky sat contemplating, wondering what he would have to do to see her smile as she did lastnight.

The evening came again and she found herself back in the infirmary to relieve the day nurse, Barbara. Barbara was a nice woman, a little older, warm and friendly to the other staff but known to be very strict to the patients. Timing was everything to Barbara. When it was time to eat, she made those patients eat. When it was time to do physical exercise, those men better get out of bed faster than if the Nazi's were shooting at them. Y/N came to the nurses station as Barbara was finishing paperwork. 'They've all had their evening meals and I did their vitals half hour ago. One soldier in particular was very dissapointed to see me at his bedside and not you.' 'Why? Who?' 'Major Egan. He kept asking were you on shift today and when you would be back. Something to tell me?' Y/N blushed, wishing Major Egan and his blue eyes would leave the infirmary already. 'I don't know why he'd care if I was working or not.' She lied. 'I'd say it would have something to do with your little sleepover last night.' 'He told you?!' Forget the infirmary, he was going to the morgue. 'No he didnt, one of the other patients did. Saw you fast asleep on his way to the bathroom.' 'Oh, well he was having trouble sleeping so -' 'They all have trouble sleeping. Their soldiers in a war.' Y/N felt like she was being scolded. 'I'm sorry I just-' 'No need to be sorry, just be careful. I hear he has a reputation.' With that Barbara put on her coat and left for the evening.

She was here. He heard her sweet voice pass by his cubicle. He was suddenly angry at that other nurse for closing the curtain around his bed, preventing him from seeing her. He knew she would be coming to see him eventually, but waiting for that moment was almost more excruciating than his ribs. He felt his eyes tire, but he fought hard to stay awake. Firsty, because of those horrible nightmares, secondly, because he had to see her again. Had to make sure she knew he wasnt just some cocky pilot. Show her the nice Bucky.

It was 1am. As much as she didnt want to, she had to go check on Major Egan. She got to his cubicle and gently pulled back the curtain, expecting him to be asleep by now. But there he was, wide awake. His tired eyes seemed to gain a bit of extra sparkle when he saw her. 'Good Evening Nurse Y/N' she smiled. 'Major Egan you -' 'Bucky' he interrupted her. Confused she said, 'What Major?' 'I told you last night to call me Bucky, remember? You said it was cool.' That made her giggle involuntarily 'I did say that, didn't I? Must have been sleep deprived.' He dramaticly laid a hand over his chest 'Oh wow, that hurt worse than the ribs.' She came closer to him, to take his vitals. It was difficult though when his blue eyes were staring at her like she was a fresh bunch of daisys.

'Everything looks good, you need anything? Any pain meds?' she said with a gentle smile as she released his wrist from her grasp. 'I'm fine Nurse Y/N, thank you.' She turned to leave, and Bucky almost begged her not to. As she walked away from his cubicle she said 'Get some sleep Bucky, it's good for you.' 'Will do Nurse Y/N' just as she was outside his cubicle, she turned on her heel and said 'It's just Y/N. If you're just Bucky, I'm just Y/N.' He smiled, a smile that he felt all through him, 'Okay then. Goodnight Y/N.' 'Goodnight Bucky.'

He tried to sleep, and actually did for a while. He was lost in dreams of Jay Gatsby and Daisy, then dreams of her. Her smiling face. Then his dreams turned sour. Suddenly Y/N was no longer smiling at him. Instead she was crying while being dragged away by Nazis. Planes crashed around him. There were flames everywhere. He could feel the heat on his skin, he was burning. He was dying. 'Bucky! Bucky its okay! Shh.. you're safe.' He woke as he did the night before. Her arms around him, her wispering in his ear. He was covered in sweat and his heart felt like it was going to explode. She started to rub the hair and the nape of his neck, all the while still talking to him in that sweet, caring voice. 'You're okay Bucky. You're in the infirmary. Nobody's going to hurt you.' He managed to calm his breathing enought to let out a quiet 'I'm sorry.' She unwrapped herself from him, sitting on the edge of his bed. 'Don't be sorry. It's a nightmare, you cant help it.' Bucky scoffed 'I'm like a damn kid again. Pathetic.' She grabbed his hand. 'I dont see a kid, and I definitely dont see someone I would call 'pathetic'. You've been through a terrible ordeal, you risk your life on a daily basis. It's normal for what you've been through to affect you. I see a brave soldier, fighting for his country. There is nothing pathetic about that.' She looked to the nightstand to the book she had been reading him, 'The Great Gatsby'. A good book by all accounts, but Bucky had read it so many times now he was getting tired of it. He would however listen to the story a thousand times if she was the one reading it to him. Without a word, she picked up the book to the page on which she had bent the corner. Bucky protested 'You don't have to...' 'I need to know how it ends!' She said with a smile. She began to read again, her soft melodic voice like angles calling him to heaven.

[burrowbaddie]

Sorry Not Sorry

Joe Burrow x Female Reader

Series Summary: Childhood friends to lovers to nothing. You and Joe had history, you were each others first and then you were nothing. Years later, you guys rekindle the flame but with more obstacles in the way this time.

Chapter 5.5 Summary: Your perfect life with Joe doesn't exist without cracks.

Word Count: 4.4k

Warnings: Afab!reader, smut, swearing. Oral (female & male receiving), vaginal fingering, penetrative sex, vaginal sex, unprotected sex, cheating! (You are the side girl, sorry.), the small fight scene, jealous Joe, mild violence, stalker, mentions of bullying

Series Masterlist

"Joe, you have had a fantastic season so far. You're glowing; You're making plays: calling the right calls. What has changed from the last season to this season?"

"I'm happy. I feel good. My teammates feel good, so it's all showing on the field." Joe responds with a wide grin.

"Is there something special that's happening? Like you really have a pep in your step these days. You're undefeated. What do you think the chances of getting to the Superbowl are?"

"I mean, we still have some games before we can talk about the big one. But we are going to get there and get that ring. I can guarantee you that." Joe winks and finishes his interview. You turn the tv off and place a blanket over Tate. Dr.Brian had to extend his leave for a year, so you've been adjusting to your position quite well. You're hoping he returns soon because you will be on maternity leave in a few months. Your pager goes off, and Tate jumps out of his sleep.

"Get some more rest. I got a call; it's okay." You tell him.

"Nope. I need to clean something before my boss catches me." Tate follows you towards the ED.

"What's going on?" You ask, making your way over to the commotion.

"This bitch really thinks I have time to sit around waiting for fucking tests! Discharge me!"

"Okay, sir, you need a CT scan; you were involved in an accident, and you need stitches on your head." You say, reading his chart.

"I'm fine, bitch! I want to go home!" He yells, getting in your face. A male nurse pulls him back, but the guy swings at him, knocking him down. He then turns his anger towards you. He grabs your arm and starts shaking you, shouting in your face. You quickly shield your belly out of reflex when Tate steps in, knocking the man to the floor.

"Are you okay?" He asks you. You're shaking and zoning out. Tate grabs your hand while security deals with the guy. You nod, and Mya takes you away to check on you.

"You're six months pregnant. Should you really be working here? You need to be in the office doing administrative work." She wears a look of concern on her face.

"I'm okay. It happens. Thank you, Tate." You turn to the boy, who wears a soft smile. Mya sighs, walking away.

"I didn't know you were pregnant."

"Have you seen this belly?" You laugh, rubbing it. Tate scratches his neck.

"So you have a boyfriend?" Tate's voice is filled with sadness as his eyes drift down. You put together what is happening and sigh.

"Tate. I'm much older than you, even if I had no boyfriend."

"You're acting like your 35. You're in your 20s! It's not that much older."

"I see you as a little brother. I'm an only child, so it's nice having you around." You pinch his cheeks, and he pouts like a child.

"I guess. What's the surprise you have for us next weekend?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you."

"Unless it's your hand in marriage, I don't care."

"Tate. Behave." You warn him. He nods and tells you he can't wait for the surprise. Fast forward to the following week. You pull into the parking lot of the Paycor Stadium. All three boys' eyes widen with excitement.

"No way! We're seeing the Bengals?! That's my favorite team!" TJ shouts, hopping out of the car as soon as you park.

"It's all of our favorite teams." Trey follows him out of the car to take in the scene. Tate wears a big grin and turns to you to thank you. But your gift doesn't end there. Before the game, you take them to meet some of the players.

"Ja'Marr, you're my favorite player ever! You've been a beast this season!" Trey says, watching Ja'Marr sign his jersey. You take notice of Joe and Tate talking and make your way over to them.

"Best QB in the game. No one can tell me otherwise! Plus, your girlfriend is hot. I have a crush on her for sure." Tate says with a cheeky grin. Joe's eyes drift to you.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I only watch the news because of Nicki. The rack she has is out of this world."

"Tate, watch your mouth." You shake your head laughing.

"But she is really hot. But my girlfriend is this one right here. Hottest woman to walk the earth." Tate throws an arm around you. You giggle and wiggle his arm off. Joe stops signing his jersey and eyeing Tate. You cough, getting Joe back to focus. He returns to signing but doesn't reply to Tate.

"Here. Enjoy the game." Joe walks away, and you shake your head. He can be so childish sometimes.

"You think he's mad because I called his girlfriend hot?" Tate asks you. You nod.

"Yeah. He can be petty like that."

"Ha. I made Joe mad. That's awesome."

"Grab your brothers and let's go get our seats." You tell him, making your way to Joe. Joe is sitting down getting his ankle wrapped when you approach him.

"You are such a child."

"How?"

"Why are you mad right now?"

"Why's he calling you his girlfriend?"

"Joseph, he is an 18-year-old boy with a crush. You are my grown-ass man boyfriend. Get a grip." You run your hand through his hair. Joe places his head on your belly.

"How is she?"

"Sleeping for now. Making me crave hot dogs and a ton of mustard."

"I'll go get-"

"Get ready for your game. I'm going to meet your mother and get our seats."

"I love you, baby." Joe looks up at you, waiting for a kiss puckering his lips together. You bend down, kissing his lips.

"Good luck, Joey boy." You turn to walk away when Joe slaps your ass.

"You know it turns me on hearing you call me that." He shouts after you. His athletic trainer finishes wrapping his ankle. You and the boys take your seat. The Bengals continue their winning streak. Robin hugs you and places her hand on your belly.

"I was so excited when Nicole said she was having a baby. But hearing that it was a false alarm made me sad. I hope I can be a pseudo-grandma to your little one."

"Of course. She's going to get all the love in the world." You tell her. After the game, you take the boys home and drop Tate off at his apartment. Tate was able to save up and get a small one-bedroom apartment with your help. The homeless house you signed off on should be opening in the spring. You made a hospital donor a deal he couldn't refuse; his name was on the project. Basically, you would be able to provide housing for the homeless for a lower cost for up to 18 months until the person could get a steady job. The small changes you've made around the department have helped open up the budget a bit, and with the donor ball coming up, you're sure you can persuade some more donations out of the rich.

At home, you draw yourself a bath, while your frozen pizza cooks in the oven. Your doorbell rings, and Geroge, your live-in security guard, jumps up to answer it. You moved in with Joe a month ago, but he refused to let you be alone, so he hired a guard to stay at your house whenever he was away.

"Where's Joe?" Nicole crosses her arms, staring Geroge down.

"Ma'am, you are not permitted to enter this house."

"Who the fuck are you? You can't keep me out!"

"What's going on?"

"Miss Nicole seems to be drunk. She is trying to enter your home."

"Oh gosh. It's okay. Let her in and get her some water. Thank you." You help Nicole into the house, and she stumbles to the living room.

"Nicole. Are you okay? How did you get here?" You ask her, helping her sit down.

"I fucking drove."

"That's not safe. Here drink some water." You give her the glass George hands you. You let her drink it while you call Joe. Joe is pissed and on his way home when you relay the message.

"Here," Nicole mumbles, handing you a manila envelope. You empty its contents and look over the photos and written messages. Nicole has been receiving the same threats as you. You stare at the negative pregnancy tests. Nicole confessed about not being pregnant last month, which wasn't a surprise to Joe.

"We thought it was you this whole time. After the attack, Joe got really protective. If he knew this was happening to you, he would have done something and-"

"He doesn't care about me. He hates me." She covers her face with her hands crying. You place a hand on her back, trying to console her, but you don't know what to say. Joe slams the door and makes his way to the living room.

"Nicole, what are you doing here?" Joe stands there waiting for her explanation. You get up and grab Joe by the forearm, pulling him to the kitchen.

"She's drunk, Joe. I think it would be best to let her sleep it off here."

"She's probably faking. Nicole is insane."

"Can I use your phone to call Amber? He clearly doesn't want me here." Nicole stumbles into the kitchen. You unlock your phone and hand it to her. Joe rolls his eyes and grabs water from the fridge. Nicole returns to the living room, ensuring you're occupied with Joe. She reaches into her pocket, pulls out a device that looks like a small charger, and plugs it into your phone, downloading everything.

"Fine, let her stay. I don't care." Joe walks off upstairs to the bedroom. You return to the living room, and Nicole hands you the phone.

"No answer. I guess I'm staying here." She whispers. You nod and take her to the guest room. Nicole stops in front of the nursery.

"You're having a girl?" She asks, leaning on the doorframe. You back peddle and stand beside her, looking at your progress in the room.

"Yeah. Her name is still being decided."

"Cool." Nicole rolls her eyes, and you close the door continuing to the guest room. Nicole sits on the bed, taking in this situation while you get her some clothes to sleep in.

"Just because I'm drunk doesn't mean I want to be friendly. I would rather sleep in my own clothes, thanks." She says, shoving them into your arms.

"Look, Nicole, I'm sorry about how we handled things. I'm not saying we should be best friends, but-"

"All I wanted to show you is the envelope. I've been getting the same thing for months. I didn't come here to make friends with you. You and Joe can die for all I care."

"Right. The envelope. Do you know who it might be? We thought it was you, but I guess not. Have they contacted you personally? From a phone or-"

"No. Just envelope and pictures."

"Umm, what do the photos of you and DJ mean?"

"I didn't cheat, if that's what you're asking. After Joe tried to break up with me, I might have had a fling with DJ. I was angry. That's it."

"It's fine. We should take all this to the police whoever this person is attacked me. They could very well attack you next." You warn her. Nicole rolls her eyes and climbs into bed.

"I'll be fine. Trust me."

You sigh and gather the photos taking them to your bedroom. Joe is already in the shower, so you join him in the bathroom. Leaning against your sink, you take a deep breath.

"The same person watching me has been watching Nicole."

Joe slides the shower door open.

"That's what she wants you to believe. Nicole is up to no good. I know her very well." Joe turns off the shower, grabs a towel, dries off, and wraps it around his waist.

"If she's such this terrible person, why were you with her?" Your tone takes Joe by surprise.

"What do you want me to say? She was nice, okay! But somewhere along the lines, her true colors started to show. Even if you didn't come back into my life, I would've broken up with her. She is a scheming, manipulating, egotistical person." Joe runs his hands through his wet hair waiting for you to say something; when you don't reply, he walks off. Joe intended to break things off with Nicole before you, but things happened fast.

"Look, I don't want to fight, but she is being stalked. She doesn't deserve that. I think if we both go to the police, something can be done. We have more evidence here." You shout, shaking the photos. You're getting frustrated that he isn't taking the situation seriously enough for you.

"It's Nicole. She wants you riled up. Why would she drive here of all places."

"Joe! They attacked me! I don't think she would be here showing me this stuff if she was part of it. What kind of person-"

"Nicole is that type of person! I am telling you! I know her. She only cares about her fucking self! She wasn't even picked for the news anchor position. Ask me how she got it. Ask, go on?" Joe's voice boomed through the room. You crossed your arms, shaking your head.

"She exposed Kelly, the girl who actually earned the position. How? Because she blackmailed Kelly into quitting. She's not a good person. That's why I can't take the bullshit she says to you seriously." Joe is calmer, but you are on the verge of tears.

"You knew what she would do to me if she found out about us, and you just let it happen?"

Joe realizes what you're thinking.

"Baby-"

"You let her do this. You should've ended things. Get out!"

"Cheeks, I'm tired and-"

"Get out!" You scream, throwing his clothes. Joe quickly dresses, and you slam the door on his way out. Joe sleeps on the couch while you sit in the bedroom, thinking about everything. If Nicole was playing you, you needed to find out yourself. But if she were telling the truth, you'd be even more of an ass attacking her. You tossed and turned all night until finally letting sleep take you. In the morning, Joe entered the kitchen to find Nicole eating cereal.

"Wifey said I could help myself. Noticed you on the couch. Sorry if I caused trouble." Her smile annoyed Joe, who ignored her, walking over to the fridge.

"Hey, don't be so mean, Joey babe! I came here to talk. Soon the news will break about your infidelity. I'm sure your publicist will contact you shortly. I thought I should warn you in person. " Nicole empties her bowl into the sink and pats Joe on the back.

"Nicole, come on. You know we broke up so-"

"You started seeing her before we broke up. I'm going with that story. Prepare yourselves." She smiles and turns away.

"If the stalker is after you, that means they have something on you too. What is it?"

Nicole freezes up.

"None of your fucking business. Have fun, pretty boy." Nicole leaves the house as you enter the kitchen. Joe tries apologizing, but you tell him you work a double today and will see him tomorrow. Just like Nicole warned him, his publicist calls him.

"When is the story dropping?" He asks.

"We can hold it off for now, but the best thing to do is come forward. Who knows how Nicole will bend this story."

"Cheeks is six months pregnant."

"Jesus, Joe. What the hell is wrong with you?"

"The stress from this story won't benefit the baby or her. So do what you can, Helen. Please." Joe is defeated when he ends the call. He drives to his parent's house to tell them everything. Only his father is home, and Joe takes a seat.

"You look stressed. This season is going so well. You are going to the Superbowl again. I can feel it, son."

"Dad. I need to tell you something."

"You're not doping, right?"

"No. No way. I cheated on Nicole."

"Joe. I don't know what to say. Have you made up with her? I'm sure it was a lapse in judgment, and you guys can work it out." His dad shakes his head, leaning back in his chair.

"Cheeks is pregnant with my child. I broke things off with Nicole, but now she will expose the affair. I wanted to tell you guys before the story broke." Joe can't look at his father as he tells him everything. His father is shocked but not really all that surprised.

"I had a feeling. You look at that girl the same way you did in 6th grade. The best thing you can do now is to come forward before Nicole does and flips the story her way. You have to protect what you love. Your career is meaningful. This could damage your public opinion."

Joe doesn't take much from the conversation besides the fact that his father wants him to protect his career. He should have gone to his mother first. Sure, she would be disappointed, but at least he could get some advice. Joe makes his way to practice trying his best to keep his head focused. As the holidays blend, no story drops. But Joe can't keep calm. He knows this impending doom can drop any day or anytime. You and Joe have been going through the motions since your fight a few weeks back. You decide to pick up shifts just to keep busy and avoid him. When you and Joe are home simultaneously, the words you say to each other are few. He holds you in bed, and you both drift to sleep, ready to start the next day. Except for this morning, when Joe insisted on coming to your check-up. You laid down watching your OB put gel on your belly. Joe couldn't stop smiling as soon as he heard the heartbeat.

"Very healthy heartbeat. She sounds great." Your OB says, helping you up. She looks at Joe, who kisses your head and smiles.

"That's our baby girl in there." He whispers. Your heart melts, and all your passive aggressiveness toward each other goes out the window. Joe offers to take you to lunch, but. You tell him you have to go to work.

"You're seven months pregnant. Do you think going to work for almost 14 hours is okay?"

"I'm chair right now, and it's important I do everything I can. Besides, I'll see you at the charity gala, right?"

Joe kisses your hand and watches you walk away. You go to your office, and Mya stands outside, holding her phone up. You take it and look at the photo a fan took of Joe in the OB's office.

"Rumors are spreading fast about Nicki being pregnant now." Mya follows you into the office. You sit down reading blogs and tweets about the speculation. Joe has attended every appointment, so this was bound to happen soon.

"It's fine. I'm sure it will be okay. Not many people were there." You're lying. This will not be okay, and it's only a matter of time before the shit hits the fan. You don't have to think of something because your pager goes off, indicating an emergency—the rest of the day counties with crisis after crisis. When the day whines down, you finally shower and get ready for the gala. You attend the gala with Mya and work the room. Dr. Brian pulls you into a big hug.

"You've done amazing things. I knew I had left my department in the right hands. The housing you opened, I don't know how you finally got that knucklehead to donate so big but thank you."

"My charm and promised it would be named after him." You smile, rubbing your belly. Dr.Brian takes you to more donors, and you guys get a few people talking about donating to the department. Joe spots you across the room and stands there staring at you. It seems almost unbelievable how beautiful you are. Joe feels like he's starstruck. He wipes his palms on his pants and makes his way over.

"Hey." He whispers, looking down at you.

"How do you know The Joe Burrow?" Dr.Brain shakes his hand laughing. You shy away because Joe's eyes haven't left you.

"We went to school together."

"Childhood friends," Joe adds. Dr. Brain smiles between the two of you and excuses himself. Joe pulls you to the dance floor, and you sway with the music.

"You look so beautiful. I feel nervous. I don't know how to explain it." Joe whispers against your forehead. The smile you're wearing doesn't falter. Being in his arms feels safe and warm. Joe wants to kiss you so bad, but he controls himself. The smile on his face disappears as Nicole makes her way over. You feel a tap on your shoulder and turn around to Nicole, asking you to cut in.

"Nicole, what are you-"

"Nice to see you too, babe." Nicole cuts him off, and you step aside, letting her dance with him.

"Why are you here?"

"My job has someone covering the gala. I am still your girlfriend. Wouldn't it be weird if we didn't attend together?" She smiles up at him. Joe stops and looks over at you, standing to the side.

"Not after tonight. My publicist is telling the public about our breaking up. I found out what the stalker has over you."

"You're lying."

"It took some digging, but Helen probably has even more connections than you. You're a bully even after all these years. The girl that you damn near bullied to suicide, yeah, she spoke with Helen. If it got out, what a bully you were. Would that fit your pretty perfect image?"

Nicole is speechless.

"Didn't think so. Leak anything about Cheeks to the press, and you will hear from our lawyer."

"You can't do that to me. You cannot."

"I tried to end things peacefully, but you took it to another level. Cheeks trust you, but I don't. I know whoever the stalker is, is probably working for you. Goodbye, Nicole. I wish you the best." Joe kisses her cheek and walks over to you, taking your hand. Some people look confused, but Nicole smiles and storms off. You ask Joe about what that was about. Joe shrugs and tells you not to worry about it. So you leave it be. Nicole rushes out of the gala and drives home. There is no way in hell she is going out like that. She lets that night stew for days. Everyone in her path feels her rage, from the poor barista at Starbucks to her assistant.

"It's fucking ugly. If you think I'm wearing that bullshit, you have another thing coming! Find me something else!" She screams at her assistant. The girl nods her head and runs off. The door opens to Ariel, who runs the gossip portion of the news.

"I gave you everything you needed to leak the story. Do it now."

"Joe's pub-"

"Do you like your job? Or do you want to go back to writing stupid little articles? I can and will ruin your fucking career!"

"Okay. I'll do it, but I don't want to get sued and-"

"You let me handle that. Go do your job."

"Is this better?" Nicole's assistant asks, holding up a new outfit.

"Perfect. Everything is perfect." She giggles to herself.

You spent the morning assisting in the ED and finally had some downtime around six, so you went to the cafeteria. With Tate following behind you, complaining about his shift today. Mya joins you, taking her usual seat next to you. You leave them to go to the bathroom you miss being able to hold your pee for longer than 5 mins. You enter the break room, and all eyes seem to be on you.

"Do I have food on me?" You laugh, trying to look at your shirt. Mike turns the tv up, wearing a huge smile.

"Allegedly, Joe has been seeing her for at least a year. Nicole and Joe's reps have yet to make a statement. It seems like the endzone isn't the only thing he has been scoring in. That is all for Ariel's Gossip corner. Back to you guys." Ariel smiles, ending her segment. The camera pans back to Nicole, whose eyes are filled with tears s she wears a smile. Her costar, Malcom, coughs and brings the 6 pm news to a closing. Everyone in the room continues to stare at you.

"Holy fuck. I thought you were seeing Dr. Brian but this- this is so much better. What a fucking cunt." Mike says. Mya slaps him across the face. Your chest tightens, and you run out of the break room before everyone can question you.

Nicole wipes her tears as the camera cuts. People start asking her if she's okay and apologizing. Nicole shakes her head and rushes to her room. She closes the door and starts laughing.

"I win." She whispers to herself.

Joe stands on the sideline, watching the defense play against the Jet's offense. A water boy looks at him and then at his phone, then back a Joe. He whispers to the girl next to him. She pulls out her phone and does the same. Joe focuses back on the game until a benched player approaches him.

"You are the man." He says, slapping Joe's back. Joe thinks he's talking about the game and nods. The game ends with the last play. The Bengals are going to the playoffs. Joe does post-game interviews, and one comment catches his attention because your name is mentioned.

"What?" Joe asks the girl to repeat herself.

"Are you seeing her?"

"No comment." Helen grabs Joe dragging him to the locker room. The guys are celebrating while Helen breaks the news. Joe punches a locker and goes through his bag to find his phone. He has messages from everyone. The calls from his mother won't stop. But the only message that sends his blood boiling is Nicole's three worded message.

Sorry, Not Sorry.

A/N: Sorry for the cliffy! I'm so busy, so I wanted to get this part out first. Are my tags working idk if you guys get it when I stage you because sometimes I can't tag you? Next chapter will be the aftermath of everything! And we will get to see the stalker for sure! Who do you guys think the stalker is? The reblogs and comments and likes and the team Nicole omg I LOVE IT ALL! It has been so much fun writing this. Don't worry I will be doing the requests this week too! Until next time take care :)

Tags: @joselyn001@savii999@lostaurorax@simpgirl-lat@edenhess @blinkloverx3 @dboanalooaa @nm112495 @mhm-ok-sure@katiehud@blu3jeanbaby@mrosales16@wineauntharry @Cosmolover96 @loviingjihyo @hrlzy @spideybrina @wickedfun9 @dessxoxsworld @Tjb113 @heartsml @munsonrry @blu3jeanbaby

[relicsongmel]

you should. tell me your thoughts about ray shields

OH GOD OH FUCK OKAY IF YOU INSIST. I hope you’re ready cause hooooo boy do I have some for you HERE WE GOOOO

Where the hell do I even start. Raymond Shields…my ray of light. My hotshot wonder. My weirdgirl king. I guess before anything else I’ll tell you about how this man absolutely blindsided me—Uncle Ray put your friend Mel through a turnabout of her own and she’s gonna explain how it happened so buckle in. I’ll try to make this as coherent as possible but I need you to understand this man has way too much power over me and a single fleeting thought of him can melt my brain into mush so. Apologies if this comes out as completely nonsensical it’s his fault not mine

I’ve been in the Ace Attorney fandom for a little over a year and had a couple of things accidentally spoiled for me as a result (some of which was my own fault, admittedly) but when I started Investigations 2 last September all I knew about Ray was his name and (sort of) what he looked like. Like a lot of English-speaking fans, I was initially put off by his portrayal in the localization. This immediately stuck out as odd to me because my personality is such that I don’t have a lot of characters I genuinely dislike, especially if they’re part of the main cast—even if they’re not my favorite I can almost always find something to love about them. It made me wonder if maybe some of his quirks got lost in translation somewhere (and I did find out later that this was indeed the case), but I didn’t actively seek out that information at the time for fear of being spoiled, so I just suffered through the early parts of The Imprisoned Turnabout doing my best to ignore what I perceived as questionable behavior on his part.

However, if I’ve learned anything from my time in this fandom it’s that nothing in Ace Attorney is surface level—one of my FAVORITE things to do when playing this series besides voice acting the characters is figuring out what makes them tick and speculating character motivations as the game progresses using the little hints scattered by the writers here and there—I was already somewhat intrigued by Ray’s apparent grudge toward Miles but when the revelation of his partnership with Gregory dropped my brain immediately went BRRRRRRRRR. I started wondering what that experience of working for him was like and how it affected him (and if his unwavering loyalty to Gregory was related to his grudge toward Miles). I started exploring the whole WEB of parallels between him and Gregory and Miles and Phoenix and Mia and Maya and Kay (and probably more but those are the main ones). I fell in love with the beautiful mentor-student relationship he developed with Miles, even if in the moment I was baffled by the weirdly flirty things Ray sometimes says to him (like the line about swapping clothes in the Winter Palace. What the fuck was that about sir) and VERY confused/worried about whether Miles had met him as a child or not (I still don’t know/can’t remember if the game ever gave us a concrete answer on this btw—if any of you know please do enlighten me). And above all I knew—I KNEW that he was hiding a boatload of trauma regarding the DL-6 incident; made even more clear to me by the contrast between his teen and adult selves once I got to The Inherited Turnabout. I knew he was using humor as a mask to hide the pain of what happened. I knew from the fact he still had Greg’s old coat and wore his hat every day that he hadn’t moved on. This, I thought to myself, is a deeply emotional man deathly afraid of emotional vulnerability haunted by the ghost of a loved one. And let me tell you, as someone who’s been in a similar position myself, to say that really struck a chord with me is an understatement.

AND THEN THE THIRST. Oh boy. If I’ve sounded really eloquent up until now that shit’s about to go out the goddamn window because SWEET MOTHER MARY I AM DOWN SO BAD IT’S EMBARRASSING. I recorded my playthrough starting from Chapter 2 (just for fun—I’m not nearly brave enough to post any of it on the internet except maybe some short clips here and there) and you can literally see the clear turning point I had after hearing his Objection voice for the first time. I started making innuendos left and right (IT’S NOT MY FAULT his dialogue lends itself really well to that sort of thing ok). In true Ray Shields fashion it started half as a joke but devolved into absolute chaos. This coupled with the fact that I was slowly but surely becoming more invested in the inner conflict of his character? I was beyond saving at that point. No hope for me. Nothing left but to leap into Uncle Ray’s arms and let them wander where they will. “Ride that stallion into the sunrise,” as it were. I could go on but quite frankly the things I want that man to do to me (and what I want to do to him) are too unholy for this world so I’ll leave it there.

And that’s the story of how Raymond Shields permanently infected my brain. It’s been an absolutely wild ride but I hope you enjoyed the journey—glad we can share our love of this silly disastrous emotionally repressed paper-eating man together <3

[cringecompanionapologist]

Cradle of the Snake Part 2: Adventures of the Mara!Doctor

So, I took a fuckton of screenshots for this and I had to cut it to just fifteen, most of them being Turlough and the Mara!Doctor. Time to overanalyze some dialogue!

When last we left our heroes, the Doctor was fully taken over by the Mara and is now trying to spread its influence to some of the locals. The script directions try to explain what the Mara is actually doing when it possesses someone:

So, Mara!Doctor is supposed to be the dark side of the Doctor? Mara!Doctor is mostly just Obviously Evil in general, so I don't really know what this means here. Hopefully, we'll find out as we go.

Mara!Doctor tries to turn Tegan against Nyssa. This has no strategic benefit for it. The Mara is Chaotic Evil and just wants to cause more problems.

Mara!Doctor shoos Tegan away and then uses the Mark of the Snake to traumatize the cab driver. But, the cab driver's not important, so he doesn't get possessed.

The Mara specifically wants this entertainer/mad scientist named Rick to join him, but he has to get through the boy working for him, Baala. It doesn't work because Baala is special, as we'll learn later.

The Mara looks for some Darkest Dreams to close in on, but he's got nothing and has to take a break from recruiting the locals.

Meanwhile, Dadda, a sort of snakecharmer priest, uses his evil-detecting snake on the Doctor's companions to clarify that none of them are under the Mara's influence at this moment in time. Something was up with Tegan, but it's gone now, Nyssa is fine, and Turlough apparently gave Dadda some bad vibes but the snake is cool with him.

Turlough is sent to look for the Doctor, giving me something better to do than just recap the plot with a few screenshots thrown in. There's no particular reason Turlough had to be the one that left. It could've just as easily have been Tegan or Nyssa who left to search for the Doctor, so the Mara would've had to have been ready for any of them. Mara!Doctor was watching the whole snake thing at a safe distance, since the snake would sense evil on him.

I must once again emphasize that Mara!Doctor is Obviously Evil. There is something obviously wrong here. His voice and speech patterns are different. There's something really obviously "off" about him, that none of his companions seem able to immediately identify. Tegan thought he was acting weird earlier, but in a "in a bit of a bad mood" sense that was easy to dismiss. Turlough doesn't even notice that.

This leads into the reoccurring theme of temptation with the Mara. Mara!Doctor suggests that Turlough forget about Nyssa and Tegan and go have some fun at the fair instead. It's a very "Sunday School PSA" sort of temptation. "Ditch your responsibilities and go have fun instead".

The Mara!Doctor, while still being Obviously Evil and Not the Doctor, actually does manipulate Turlough here by singling him out. The Doctor's being secretive and Only Turlough Knows, because he can keep a secret, right? Turlough's not usually the trusted confidant, so this is a positive change. The Doctor trusts him. After all the Black Guardian stuff, Turlough wants to be trusted.

So, Turlough is worn down by this special attention he's getting. The Doctor wants him to be involved in Secret Business that the girls aren't in on and now they're going to spend some quality time together at the fair.

So, we're off to the fair! The Doctor wins a carnival game, but he still believes the game was rigged against him and gets upset, even though he won.

As for the Doctor's Dark Side, this feels like a petty version of the Doctor's sense of justice. This is unfair so it has to be stopped. He also brags about how clever he is. Five's one of the less arrogant Doctors, but the Doctor commenting on his own intelligence isn't exactly uncommon.

I would love to know what kind of Giant Cuddly alien animal that toy is. For some reason my own mental image of it is off an octopus. It can cuddle you back, I guess. I'm weird.

Mara!Doctor casually hands the prize off to Turlough, who doesn't act like he's carrying a giant stuffed animal throughout the rest of the story, so he most likely abandoned it somewhere. I would be mad about the stuffed animal neglect, but there's too much going on here to stop for that. I hope someone gave it a home.

Mara!Doctor looks for more problems to cause and Turlough tries to keep up. He goes on a bit of an evil rant.

Turlough's response to just being asked what he wants is interesting. "I thought this was our night on the town". Mara!Doctor asking Turlough what he wants isn't a contradiction of it being their night on the town. It could even be interpreted as "What do you want to do next?" or "Want me to buy you something?". From Mara!Doctor's tone, he clearly means it in a more "tell me all your hopes and dreams" sense, but it's still an odd response. What Turlough wants and this being their night out are correlated.

This night out, this quality time with the Doctor, was what Turlough wanted. Now he has it, but it's all wrong, because it's not really the Doctor he's out with.

Turlough falls back on having learned to accept things. And the words in context with his last line feel like "It turns out that what I want is impossible, but I'm settling for what you'll give me."

The Doctor, as himself, taught Turlough to be thankful for what he has, but this whole experience being such a let down means that the Mara!Doctor has also taught him that he's never going to get what he wants, the Doctor's trust and undivided attention, and he just accept that. At least the Doctor is part of his life.

Mara!Doctor is still in Evil Rant Mode, but the script directions here are kind of funny:

Turlough is embarrassed. You'd think he'd be scared by how obviously wrong this is, or concerned because there's something wrong with the Doctor, but he's embarrassed. The Doctor's antics are ruining their date and attracting attention from strangers.

By this point, Tegan and Nyssa, with Dadda's help, have figured out that the Doctor is possessed and Turlough's alone with him. It's quickly assumed that Turlough's been possessed too, which isn't surprising. It's not even an unfair assumption. The Mara has been going around possessing everyone with a name. Why wouldn't it possess Turlough, especially if it's already possessed the Doctor, someone Turlough would be easily persuaded by and comfortable getting close to.

The Mara hasn't possessed Turlough yet because it would actually break a pattern. The attempt to possess Nyssa through Tegan was when they were alone in their bedroom. Kerrem was possessed while alone with the Doctor in his office. The Mara doesn't seem to strike in public places. Kerrem screamed when he was possessed, so it would obviously attract attention. The entire time Mara!Doctor's been with Turlough, they've been at a crowded fairground. The Mara is waiting until they're alone...

This happens at the abandoned studio where the Mara hopes to continue its plan for world domination, just bringing Turlough along for the ride. By this point, Turlough has either realized that something's very wrong or is just done with all this bullshit and wants out.

But, in the abandoned studio, they're alone now. So the Mara can actually try to possess Turlough, which would definitely prevent him from leaving.

Turlough saw the Mark of the Snake on Tegan's arm and should know that it's associated with the Mara, but he probably never expected to see the Doctor be possessed. He's the Big Good of the universe in Turlough's mind. He protected him for the Black Guardian, basically the Devil. The Mara couldn't possibly be more powerful than that!

Turlough's "I don't know" is similar to his "well" before deciding to go to the fair. He's actually being convinced, more by the Hypnotic Evil Power of the Mara than by anything that's being said. But, it's also the Doctor offering Wealth and Power here...

But, they get interrupted and the Mara!Doctor pulls Turlough into a nearby warehouse.

Turlough is sort of tempted by the Mara's offer, even after everything else that's happened. We're also back to the double entendre with Nyssa and Tegan in part 1. They're alone together, one of them removes some of their clothing and offers the other basically whatever they want. It stood out with Nyssa and Tegan because it happened in a bedroom. It stands out here because Mara!Doctor took Turlough on a date first. So, if this was a sexual offering, Turlough would totally be up for it, but Mara!Doctor is being too rough with him. Not being a gentleman, just leading him to an abandoned building and grabbing him like that! In his "darkest dreams" it was way more romantic. Worst. Date. Ever.

Okay, I've had my fun.

Anyway, Mara!Doctor locks Turlough in a stall. He has to meet with Rick now, so he doesn't have time to possess Turlough. He can't bring non-possessed Turlough along to the meeting, because he might hinder his plans in some way. But, he can't risk Turlough escaping and tattling to Nyssa and Tegan either. So, he has to lock him up somewhere.

The Mara!Doctor hurt Turlough. Turlough thought the Doctor would never hurt him. He trusted him. This is when he starts to get really scared.

[dearestiichi]

彡 🧺 monoma hcs

requests are open!

masterlist/request/rules

- toxic at first but then later figured out what’s right and what’s wrong

- judges movies and doesn’t shut up during them

- he’s one of those people that would guess a characters death and get it right

- again doesn’t shut up during shows or movies

- likes stargazing

- is a nerd about learning about stars and moon phases

- probably would make up his own constellation and name it after you

- has pet snakes

- loves cooking, def gets mad when you interfere

- pretends to not know how to tie his tie, only to see you up close when you do it for him

- writes love letters and leaves them in your textbooks or notebooks

- 100% he buys books, reads it all, highlights & annotates little parts & it’s like a little “reminds me of you” on the side, since he’s kinda bad at communicating his feelings about you at first

- picks flowers for you, putting them in your books so you’ll open them and they’ll be pressed down :)

- makes you a bookmark, just to remind you of him

- will deny doing anything of the above

- also makes playlists for you, sharing a note where there’s specific minutes from the song and like small messages on how the song/lyric reminds him of you

- being mean (playfully) or teasing is how he expresses his love for you

- loves to match outfits with you

- maybe even picks your clothes

- loves matching but tries to play it off a lot

- has a teenage crush on you

- basically gives you a sappy dorky love coffession

- theater kid

- loves touch, though he denies it, he loves your kisses, hugs, or whatnot

- big & small spoon

- loves skincare routines

- loves the rain

- whines and complains a lot, overly dramatic

- doesn’t believe in personal space once he’s comfortable

- loves the ‘i love you more fights’

- plays piano

- kinda clingy later on

- flustered easily but is good at hiding it

- angsty

- plays hard to get from time to time

- has to have some sort of noise playing while he sleeps otherwise his brain runs rampant

- slightly adhd

- if he’s sick, you’re now sick too because again he doesn’t believe in personal space once he’s comfortable

- gives good massages

- gossip sessions

- every-time you lose a game, you owe him a kiss or something along those lines

- is insecure

- prob writes down everything he loves about you along with stuff you love or he sees you do, such as habits etc.

- def keeps a picture or scrapbook of photos of y’all

- he takes almost everything personally and won’t let you see the end of it

- acts all tough or whatever so he acts like he hates everything but later softens up

- ‘i hate everyone but you’ type of situation

- loves to show you off. always.

- makes everything about you and him

- always talks about you no matter what

- again he’s dramatic give him attention always

- gets all muddy when you say his name, he just thinks your voice is so sweet

- loves your smile

- so much

- literally, he melts

- would probably ask you to sing to him (even if you can’t, he doesn’t care)

- loves cuddling

- especially when he lays his head on your chest, your legs tucked under his arms, yeah that position

© monomaist 2022 | all rights reserved.

[orange-demons-deactivated2024]

Avatar Voice 3

Buckle your seats, everyone, this post is gonna be a doozy.

So I was in the process of making a post of the VAs behind avatar's voice and I stumbled upon this one. In the Credits, they're credited as 'KIMO' with no last name, so I went to the Behind The Voice Actors to find more information about them.

Turns out their full name is Kimo Leopoldo, at least according to IMDb and behind the voice actors website. He didn't have any other works besides this game so he struck my interest.

KIMO (Kimo Leopoldo) is an American retired mixed martial artist and actor. He made his MMA debut at UFC 3 in 1994. A professional from 1994 until 2011, he also competed in the PRIDE Fighting Championships, Cage Rage, and the World Fighting Alliance.

He was credited with a black belt in taekwondo in his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut at UFC 3.

He was most known for carrying a cross with him to the ring.

Leopoldo has worked since 1996 as an actor in independent productions. He starred in the Femme Fatales  episode "Family Business", the direct-to-video production R.I.O.T.: The Movie, and the films The Process, The Dog Problem, In the Closet, Bullet and Avengers Grimm

Although Leopoldo isn't new to acting, this was his first Voice Acting gig according to www.behindthevoiceactors.com.

Also, I think it's kinda cool that he's one of the VA that Voices Avatar in Street Fighter 6.

But here's the weird thing I found:

(Source 1) (Source 2) (Source 3)

All of them mirroring the same thing:

"The former UFC fighter Kimo Leopoldo reportedly died due to complications from a heart attack at the age of 41."

And that it may be due to "having tested positive for anabolic steroids at the end of his career, and later being charged for possession of marijuana."

He was reported to be dead on July 21, 2009. But as you all know, Street Fighter 6 was released on June 2, 2023.

(Source 1)

But doing some further digging, some websites provided an update retracting their original statements or pulling their articles off the internet.

And in during a phone Interview with Yahoo! Sports, he said "I knew I wasn't dead, So when I was reading this I wondered if I was jinxed or something was going to happen."

Leopoldo even appeared at the Orange County Sheriff's office in Santa Ana, Ca. to put an end to rumors of his death that spread rapidly across the Internet.

"It was really strange," Leopoldo said. "I was surprised at how nasty it was. I guess it wasn't a good thing. … I've always had strange things written about me but nothing this bizarre. I couldn't believe it when I searched for my name and I wrote in 'Kimo Leopoldo' and it added the word 'death.' "

Rumors of Leopoldo's demise first appeared on MMA.tv's popular forum, "The Underground." The post reported that Leopoldo died in Costa Rica "of complications from a heart attack."

The report quickly was picked up by the celebrity website TMZ.com, which "confirmed" the death. It later pulled the story without comment. 

But despite this, Leopoldo ended up returning to his life as normal.

I'm not going to go in-depth about Leopoldo's use of certain drugs like Stanozolol or methamphetamine because there's enough information about his business online. So if you want a more in-depth explanation, you're free to look yourself.

Now even though he was listed in the credits, I was still wondering if Kimo Leopoldo is the actual VA. Mostly because the last name wasn't included in the end credit. And there are no other sources that linked to Kimo even mentioning it on his platforms or in previous interviews. Nor any mention of the Street Fighter games in general.

In the game, he is supposed to be voicing a Young (Age) Normal (Tone) Avatar. And Kimo is now 56 years old.

The videos I found of him talking are Here and Here

The first video is 5 years old around the same time that Street Fighter 6 was in production. And his voice slightly resembles Avatar's, a little bit, especially when you're fighting.

Then in the second video, it's a scene when Kimo was on the show Cyborgs which was released back in 2020.

The most recent video of him I could find on YouTube was from 3 years ago in a Video interview. His voice has definitely gotten more raspier. So I think he probably would have done his lines about 4-5 years ago, but who knows.

I personally think it may be someone else, mostly because of how young the VA sounds compared to Kimo. And with new content dropping the VA has a consistent tone to their voice.

But it's possible for Takayuki Nakayama to know of Kimo.

Because Kimo was a pro wrestler who took jobs out in Japan and was undefeated. And since the Street Fighter devs are so well-versed in different styles of fighting, it wouldn't be surprising that they would've heard about Kimo when he signed a contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).

The Street Fighting devs know about the NJPW because the New Japan Pro Wrestling superstar Kenny Omega stared in the Street Fighter 5 Cody reveal trailer.

But, this is just my theory and speculation. And I wanted to know the VAs behind the Avatars in SF6. I didn't think I would be doing such a deep dive here because my post with the other VAs is nothing like this.

This was all just useless rambling and I'm pretty sure no one really cares but I thought this was interesting and I wanted to talk about it. I also contacted Kimo through IG DMs to ask him personally about it, so I'm still waiting for a response from him. If he does ever get back to me I'll post an update. Thank you for reading to the end.

[viceroywrites]

reunions and opportunities - chapter three

gary x fem!reader

both of you didn't get the ideal high school experience it would make sense that you both would be dreading the reunion.

little did you know how many doors would open after that.

ao3 version here - chapters on tumblr are slightly rewritten and restructured.

content warning: fic contains smut in later chapters. discussions of mental health including trauma and potential ptsd (aka gary is traumatized).

chapter 3

A few weeks had passed since your and Gary’s first meeting and the pace of life had changed drastically for the both of you since then. 

You had gotten comfortable in your position as Sheila’s right hand woman, joining her on meetings on Meteor Majeure, helping her with reconnaissance and compiling information about the Blue Morpho. Most of your days were spent with her while evenings were dedicated to meticulously going through surveillance tapes that Wide Wale handed off to you, noting every move each Venture family member made. 

Little did you know, your newly harbored crush was gallivanting around with the Blue Morpho, dressed up as Kano. Gary had been undergoing night after night of stressful encounters, accidentally taking out Harangeutan, barely avoiding being caught by Dr. Mrs the Monarch and almost losing his leader turned best friend to an explosion when they eliminated the Doom Factory. All the while, he’s been feeding you fake stories of what his days have been like, listing off mundane things like attending meetings, and working on projects with vague descriptions.

There was comfort in your late night talks and text exchanges - you quickly found out you had more in common than just a love of comics, geeking out with one another about the latest Game of Thrones episode or sending each other memes. Friendly banter had definitely morphed into playful flirting and you had even started sending each other selfies, both of you being extra careful to hide anything that would indicate your life in the Guild. 

Following the elimination of the Doom Factory, The Council of 13 was currently convening on Meteor Majeure to discuss narrowing their sights on Dr. Venture. Most of the time during these meetings, you stayed silent and took down notes for your husky voiced boss, still learning the ropes and getting used to working with other villains outside of Wide Wale. 

The task force chosen from the Council of 13 to tackle the Blue Morpho problem was officially dubbed the 5.5. Your eyebrows rose inquisitively at the name and Dr. Mrs. the Monarch simply sighed, “The point five account for Watch and Ward… they’re technically not Council members.” She gestured over to the two Guild Agents who were sitting at a kiddy table in the corner.

Quite confused since you normally sat next to Sheila during these meetings, you began heading over to the kiddy table, “I guess I’ll join them since I’m not either.” The dark haired villainess grabbed your hand, “You really don’t have to-“ You shook your head and offered a smile, “It’s alright, Councilwoman. It’s only fair to them.”

You took a seat next to Watch and Ward, quickly watching the scene turn from civility to chaos before you as the Council members argued back and forth with each other while Ward desperately tried to get their attention about having old Guild records. Nudging Watch who stayed silent throughout the debacle, you muttered, “Are they always like this?” Watch sighed, “More times than not… welcome to the Guild.”

Your expression changed from disbelief to disgust as Dr. Z began to detail his sexual acts he did with a disguised Blue Morpho. Your boss saw this and gave you a sympathetic look, pinching the bridge of her nose as she listened as well. As he wrapped up his spiel, you cleared your throat. All eyes snapped towards you.

“If I may… I’ve been doing some intelligence work with Dr. Mrs. the Monarch. Given the surveillance footage we received generously from Wide Wale, Venture’s reluctance to cooperate with the Guild, and now this new information about Blue Morpho’s linkage to Dr. Jonas Venture, Dr. Venture seems like the best candidate.” You opened up a folder you had, standing up and sliding the document over to Phantom Limb who perused it with an impressed look before passing it along to the other Council members.

“However, it still strikes me as strange how Dr. Venture can go from wimpy scientist by day to ruthless vigilante by night who can take out our rank 10 villains easily. I’ve ruled out any involvement of his bodyguard, Brock Samson, due to the fact that he has spent numerous nights with a tenant who lives in a property owned by Wide Wale during the nights the Blue Morpho has struck. Which proves the theory that Brock is disguised as Kano false.” You slid over another file, which contained surveillance tapes screenshots of Brock entering the condominium complex with time stamps.

“I’m not saying we rule out Dr. Venture… In fact, I want to keep even a closer eye on him, as the Blue Morpho seems to keep getting more and more dangerous every day. I mean for Christ’s sake, he took out an entire team of 10 super-villains in one big massive explosion. I just feel that we can’t completely ignore other suspects and only focus on Venture.” You looked around the room to see all of the Council members gaping at the evidence and back at you, aside from Dr. Mrs. the Monarch who had a proud look on her face, quite impressed.

She had only told you to focus on evidence that would point to Dr. Venture being the main culprit, but you did bring up some good points about not narrowing the search. 

“I must say, young woman… you’ve done an excellent job compiling all this information; Let’s adjourn the meeting for today. We shall meet again in the next couple of days to go over possible other suspects. [Your Name], I want you to tail Dr. Venture tomorrow. We must account for every single hour. Leave nothing untouched.” Dr. Z adjourned the meeting with his final remark and the rest of the council members dispersed. 

Phantom Limb lingered briefly before walking over to you. “I’m quite impressed, my dear. Maybe you could use that bright young mind under me once this whole mess is over with and the Guild is restored to its former glory.” You felt a protective hand on your shoulder, looking back to see your raven-haired boss. Her expression was less than pleased to see Phantom Limb trying to swoop in and take away her potential apprentice. “For now, she is under my training, Hamilton. Once she’s been shown the ropes, it is up to her to decide whom she wants to hench for... if she even wants to hench.” 

The purple clad villain smirked, “Now, now, Sheila, watch your temper.” His gaze turned to you, “Just keep in mind… you would be number two in my ranks. Under her and the Monarch, you’d be a measly… what… 22?” Dr. Mrs. the Monarch’s eyes narrowed and she grabbed your wrist, pulling you out with her.

“The nerve of that insufferable asshole…” The usually levelheaded woman cursed under her breath, removing her black gloves and twisting them in her hand. She had been a victim to Phantom Limb coaxing her and making empty promises of training her and claiming to make her his number two as Queen Etherea when he merely treated her like a prized object. It made her blood boil. He was trying to pull the same stunt on her own freaking apprentice. 

You gently touched her shoulder and grinned, “If you think you’re going lose me to that prick, you’re wrong, Councilwoman. I’ll take the rank of 22 over number two-ing with him any day.” You sighed a breath of relief as your boss chuckled softly and gave you a thankful smile. 

“I appreciate it, [Your Name]. You’ve been such a hard-worker but also a sweetheart. You’re probably the only one keeping me sane with this whole Blue Morpho mess.” She was suddenly cut off by her circular compact phone buzzing, “Hello? Oh, hi sweetie, how are you doing? The vestibule is completely finished? Oh that’s wonderful, I’ll be home soon. Love you too. Bye.” 

She closed the compact and looked towards you, “Duty calls. The life of being married to another villain, your work never stops even at home. Take the night off, we’ll discuss how we go about bugging the Venture building tomorrow.” Dr. Mrs. the Monarch gave you a quick hug, which surprised you, not used to receiving affection from her.

She chuckled at your expression, “Get used to it, sweetie. If you’re joining me and the Monarch, you’re basically a part of our family. Also call me Sheila from now, Dr. Mrs. the Monarch and Councilwoman is way too formal.” 

--

Gary sat alone in the Blue Morpho headquarters, reclining in the chair in front of the obsolete control panel. He covered his eyes, trying to take deep breaths to slow down his heartbeat.

In the realm of arching and villainy, henchmen were second-class citizens, disposable and replaceable. There was no such thing as therapy or mental health care; you were expected to wake up, execute orders from your leader, go through grueling combat, kill and not bat an eyelash, and sleep. Rinse and repeat, day after day.

However, this constant killing had been taking a toll on the henchman. Just when he had finally stopped having hallucinations of his only friend who had been dead for two years now, he was having nightmares and thoughts about killing Haranguetan and countless other villains.

Arching was essentially all one elaborate act; sharpening claws, making threats, reconnaissance work, and infiltration. Yeah, he knew he was a henchman and it was basically his job to take out enemies. But these weren’t just mindless henchmen or drones – these were top ranking villains. Gary knew how taboo it was to even kill your archenemy for heaven’s sake but to kill off those under the Guild was basically a one-way ticket to hell.

His face contorted in pain, his thoughts replaying how easily he snapped Haranguetan’s neck and watched him fall into that whale-sized pit. No matter how he tried to detach himself from those thoughts or distract himself, every single time the Monarch made him put on that Kano costume, it all came flooding back to him.

His phone rang loudly, causing Gary to flinch back and fall to the ground, scrambling backwards. He cursed to himself, breaking a sweat over a damn phone call. Ever since this whole Blue Morpho situation started, he felt like he had a walking target on his back, paranoid and hyper vigilant almost every single day. 

“Hello?” His groggy voice choked out over the phone, his heart still racing. 

“Hey, did I just wake you up from a nap, sleepy head?” You teased over the phone, back at your apartment, changing out of your Guild uniform.

Gary’s tense shoulders relaxed as he heard your soothing voice. The only thing that managed to keep him stable was talking to you and hearing your voice. You two had been so busy lately; when you had work, he was free but once you got off, he had to play dress-up with the Monarch and kill off some other villain. But you still made time for each other, calling and sending each other voice messages.

You two weren’t even together, he had to remind himself. But you two constantly checked up on each other, made each other laugh, nerded out about your shared interests. He was okay with not putting a label on it at this point; you made each other happy and he wanted to avoid the ‘hey-I’m-a-henchman’ conversation as long as he could.

“No, no… just caught me off guard. Don’t you still have a few hours left at work?” He chuckled softly, checking the time. “Boss let me go early surprisingly… Are you doing anything tonight?” You asked, slipping into an oversized t-shirt for now as you lay in bed. 

Gary contemplated for a bit. The Monarch was still plotting his next move and gave him the night off. He had to take advantage of this opportunity while he could, “No, want to explore the city together, m’lady?” He teased, using the nickname he gave you the night you met. You giggled and grinned, “I would love to. Should I pick you up?” 

He froze a bit, knowing the Monarch and Dr. Mrs. the Monarch would be home tonight. “Ummm, no, I can just take the train and meet you at Central Park. Sounds good?”

You blinked, wondering why he paused and sounded so tense, “Yeah, definitely. See you in an hour!” You hung up, grinning to yourself. 

You both needed a break from all this Blue Morpho nonsense and being in each other’s company was the best thing to distract you two.

[whenimgoodandready]

How smart was Marinette to have used the Mouse Miraculous during her battle with Kwamibuster to give each of her tiny clones the other miraculouses so she won’t fall ill since wearing too many causes major side effects. Monarch found this out the hard way! :P. Course, I always thought it was cuz she was younger and had more stability that’s why, so I’d like to think that too. Dear Mullo was safe with Fu then used carefully by Marinette and as guessed by fans, given to Mylene (who fits her mousy personality) who became Polymouse and helped save the day with her love for the environment (“Mega Leech”). Now, they’re stuck with the rest of the Kwamies with psycho Gabe. What’s he gonna do with them!? Make copies of himself!? Wait! That’s what happened last time. Or was that the Fox Miraculous?…….Yeah, that was the fox one. So now what!? Let’s find out:

*Multiplication-Monarch said he would attack “restlessly” until Ladybug and Cat Noir surrender their miraculouses……..Humph, look at that! It’s been months and his statement was just as bullsh*t as Marinette claiming she doesn’t love Adrien anymore. Again! You mean like when she said that in the New York special? Or when dealing with Mr.Pigeon for the 72th time!? Sure Marinette 🙄. Are Monarch and her shoveling the same sh*t pile? We’ll circle back on Monarchs words later, but maybe Marinette is “serious” this time. After all, it was her blind love to Adrien that she mistook Felix for him which had Felix double cross her and steal almost all the miraculouses to give to Gabe! Villain has a point where Monarch did say love was their downfall. Keep that in mind.

Adrien did the impossible, he finally told Gabe he doesn’t wanna model anymore! (party music plays)🎉👏👏👏🎉He finally listened to Marinettes words and went OOC to stick it to Felix that he can! (Shadow Moths Final Attack:Part 1-“Risk”). And guess what!? Gabe was okay with it!? (music screeches to a stop). Yeah! Just like that! He was like, “Okay, whatever, enjoy your freedom”. You mean to tell me all that built up resentment and annoyance of modeling this whole entire time in the show like the Ladybug and Cat Noir music video with him as Cat (“Frightningale”), the voice acting for the movie as Cat (“Animaestro”) and the “cologne” ad he was tricked into doing (“Mega Leech”) and Adrien now thinks it was just that simple!? Sounds too simple if you ask me. But, he’s a free man now and can spend the days relaxing even if the “threat of Paris” is at large! Although the crime fighting duo were keeping a lookout at his next “attack” all was good as gold as the sun was shining, kids were playing video games, doing yoga to chill and positivity was blooming.

Yup! Everyone in Paris lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when Ikari Gozen attacked. Ok! Back to the ushe, the dynamic duo stop her, but this time without Ryuko and then-HOLD UP! Did she just make copies of herself!? Using the Mouse Miraculous!? Don! Don! Don! WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!? WAIT! SHE DOESN’T HAVE THE MOUSE MIRACULOUS TO DO THAT!?😳 Don! Don! Don! WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!? Again! I. Am. So. Confused.

To clarify heres the answers to everything:Felix is hiding (well, this’ll make the Lilix (or was it Felila) shippers happy since both have the same idea of being in the dark) and his mom was covering for him when the heroes flew over to London to confront him on his betrayal. This is a gray area on their situation; On one hand, Felix did wrong by giving nearly all the miraculous to Gabe and his mom lying to the heroes, but on the other hand, we still don’t know if he did it for the right reasons to keep the concept of sentimonsters safe (like if he and Adrien are rumored to be so) and if his mom was just being either protective or oblivious about the situation. Is Felix even evil? Is he neutral? What’s he gonna do with the Peacock Miraculous!? Is he gonna tell Adrien about Gabe being Monarch!? Alix will be absent for a long time as she’s spending all her time time traveling and making sure no harm happens in the future. Phew! Least she’ll be safe from Monarch. Her dad even explained it so her friends won’t have to worry. Safe travels Bunnyx! (salutes). Guess there’s no miraculous rescue each ep cuz seriously, how the f**k are the duo gonna get every single one back if Monarch stays hidden!? Kagamies mother, Tomoe, is working with Gabe/Monarch! Don! Don! Don! That’s what happened! She’s the new Nathalie. Did Tomoe knew this whole time Gabe was the villain? Was she evil all along!? What does she get out of this!? Speaking of being the new Nat, she came back to check up on Adrien in secret. How ‘bout you just tell the poor kid his dads a psycho terrorist and save him!? It’s the reverse love square we’ve been dying for! Or not. We all know the routine:Marinette says she’s moving on from Adrien, her heart tells her no, Adrien grows closer to Marinette, but doesn’t realize it’s love, he continues to chase Ladybug, Blah! Blah! Blah! UGH! F**K THIS SH*T! I’m not getting into this again! It’s the rings! Those rings we saw in the promo pics for the season! Gabe turned the miraculouses into rings! Now he’s made this Siri-like rings, using either Adrien or Lila holograms, with Tomoe (who tested them out as Ikari Gozen) to sell to people so they’ll get akumatized and have the powers of which ever miraculous Monarch transmits to them! Don! Don! Don! Holy Sh*t! PROTEST THOSE RINGS! PROTEST THOSE RINGS! SOMEBODY GET MYLENE ON THIS! PROTEST THOSE RINGS! You know, eventually in the long run of the season, Marinette/Ladybug is gonna notice that’s how Monarch is using his new powers, so now comes the slow moving realization. Okay, we’ll see how many episodes that takes (waits nonchalantly).

[veebs-hates-video-games]

Ok I guess a few more random things just to help me keep track of myself.

I finally got around to trying Rabi-Ribi, and I was kind of expecting more from something that's 96% positive on Steam. Maybe it gets better later, but the first however much I played felt more like the kind of thing that gets a pretty solid 76%. Some of it is just personal preference, like I don't love how movement and stuff feels, but some of it is stuff like the pacing of cutscenes/dialogue being pretty atrocious. It's probably a thoroughly ok game, but I didn't really click with it enough to find out how it holds up later on.

So then I finally got back to Atelier Ryza after not touching it for like a year. It sure is a lot better after the also atrociously paced first few hours. It's not amazing, but it's pretty alright. It's cute and the crafting system is more enjoyable than in most games (which you'd kind of hope in a series built around it), and after the unbearably long intro where they introduce new stuff way too slowly it has enough different stuff for you to do that it gets into a pretty decent loop. I think I'm near the end but probably need another break from it, because I need another gear upgrade and to finish unlocking a few more recipes, and I just don't have it in me to farm more materials again right now. I'll get around to it eventually though. Probably.

The SaGa Emerald Beyond demo took me a little while before I had any idea what to make of it. I'm pretty sure it's the first SaGa game I've played since SaGa Frontier 2, and it was not reassuring that all the dialogue/cutscenes are static images and character cutouts (which is fine) that feel like they were made in Poser for an obscure webcomic like 20 years ago (this is not fine, or at least a lot less fine). They started to win me over pretty quickly with the FORBIDDEN MUSIC though, and even if the writing and story aren't amazing so far it's wacky enough to be entertaining. The combat system feels like it has a lot of potential though, and I'm sure I haven't even seen like 80% of the kinds of shenanigans it lets you pull. I'll probably try the full thing on sale eventually, but it's not a super high priority.

And also I finally played more of The Witcher 3 for the first time since at least 2022, although I don't think I had played more than a few hours or to use as a benchmark to test stuff since 2021, and I originally started it in 2020 when I finally upgraded my 2012 computer because I had to spend my disability backpay on something so I wasn't over the asset limit when I got approved. Anyway it's still great and one of my favorite games ever in a series composed entirely of games I've really liked since the first one was the only one, and that's despite thinking the combat isn't particularly good or fun and the inventory menus and stuff downright suck and other mild to moderate annoyances like that. All the stuff it does well is just so good that it overcomes all that for me. The writing and characters and world are all fantastic, and it's nice for a change to have mostly excellent voice acting instead of just good to very good like a lot of stuff I've been playing. It'll probably take a while and some more breaks to finish though, even if I've already put in like a hundred hours over the past four years, because with how much of the map is still full of question marks I could easily have another couple hundred to go.

[catboyebooks]

naegi apologizes for being late, says he meant to show up sooner but he couldn't enter the simulation thanks to the virus. junko is like ooooh how convenient that you were able to show up at this exact moment!!! which even naegi realizes means she purposefully delayed his arrival till now, but he brushes that off and says it doesn't matter, he's here to rescue them. junko seems very enthusiastic about her old nemesis (i guess) being here, makes a big deal about how The Hero has arrived, and also acts insanely turned on whenever he talks, which i guess i'm not in a position to judge okay i got that out of my system and i'm not going to say anything else weird about voice acting i prommy. sorry.

it's briefly established that naegi is taking a pretty big risk by being here, as now that he's in the VR program he's as much under junko's control as everyone else here is. of course, naegi felt like he had to do this anyway. he explains to them that junko's lying about their dead friends coming back to life, and lays out her actual plan. essentially, since graduating was supposed to cause their irl memories/personalities to be overwritten with those of their VR avatars, and since the simulation wasn't set up to account for anyone dying, junko plans to overwrite the dead people's brains with her own personality. naegi adds that unfortunately any avatars that were deleted can't be recovered, which seems like bad news until one remembers that we already have proof the dead people weren't deleted (komaeda's the sole exception, he never reappeared when the simulation was glitching after chapter 5, but everybody else did). that's me pointing that out, though, the group hasn't thought of this.

junko downplays and acts like this isn't a big issue. she says she didn't lie, just omitted some details, and besides she thinks she can pretend to be all the dead people fairly convincingly so what's the problem? (obviously uh, no one wants that, but i also wanna point out that we already know from her attempt at portraying naegi earlier that her acting skills could use some work.) kuzuryuu in particular objects to this and she tells him she could pretend to be a version of peko that he'd like more, which of course does not go over well. then she announces that her grand plan is to use her initial batch of junko clones to turn more people into copies of herself and eventually create a "despair utopia" where everybody is a clone of her. or at least has her personality, i guess she doesn't really clarify how far she plans to go with it. hinata asks why not just kill them all then (she could use all their bodies if she did, right?) and naegi points out she can't because of the school trip rules. when junko usurped usami's moderator role, she was able to add her own rules, but couldn't change the existing ones, and one of the rules already in place stated that the "class teacher" can't directly interfere with the "students." hence — and this part junko herself confirms — she essentially ran the killing game to stall for time while she worked on her plan to copy her personality to their bodies. the killing game itself was never important to her and she wasn't truly invested in whatever the outcome would be. as she puts it, their lives are chump change to her.

when asked about her motivations, naegi says all junko's ever wanted to do is infect other people with despair and junko's like wow so true you get me fr! she confirms that she has no motivations beyond wanting to fill everybody with despair. i'm gonna talk about this more later, we'll move on for now. junko also confirms she's the one who got the reserve course to kill themselves and says they did it because they loved her. it's clearly a memory she cherishes. when everyone is horrified she's all, aww, you don't gotta act so shocked about it, you guys are acting like your parents, friends, and lovers all died at once! oh sorry that was really insensitive of me you guys definitely don't have any close relationships like that anymore :(

[sugirandom]

Ranting about Sonic X, a lot of critical stuff so feel free to skip if you like Sonic X XD, I might even go into some personal stuff later so yeah... this was longer than I intended ha ha

So, my best bro and I have been working through watching Sonic X and we’re nearly finished the season 3... Sonic X has frankly been a chore to get through at times...especially season 3

Of all the Sonic cartoons/anime I had the highest expectations for Sonic X because it was (and as far as I know still is) the adaptation that’s closest to the video games in terms of the original Sonic characters, the Japanese version having the original voice cast also helps.

But honestly the need to place Sonic in the ‘human world’ has always been very strange to me because there are humans in Sonic’s world in canon and this seems to be forgotten constantly, with Sonic X being the first offender of this and the live action movies doing their own version of the same thing.

So,there’s that and thanks to that most of season one was dedicated to getting us attached to the human characters, of which some are interesting, but the human lead, Chris, is not...he’s 12 but he acts 10 so I honestly flat out forgot 12 was his canon age. He’s a privlaged rich american kid who acts like he’s all alone despite his maid and butler doing a good job of raising him while his parents are pretty much absent because of their work and when tyhey are around spoil him...so yeah there’s that.

He forms a bond with Sonic and honestly the tone often feels kinda romantic, at least of Chris’ end. I don’t think they intended it that way but I mean...I’d take Sonic 06′s Elise over Chris any day (the one they actually acuse of pushing a relationship with Sonic and a human lol). I guess I’ll stop my rant about Chris here because there’s more that I wanted to say but... I don’t want this to all be about him...I just want to add one more thing...the end of season 2 ruined any chance Chris had of me liking him...

On ocassin they miss the mark with the actual Sonic characters too, often flanderizing certain aspects of them, for example, with Amy Rose...she has more to her than just loving Sonic obsessively but especially when we get to season 3 it becomes her entire character. I’m not saying the video games are completely innocent of this (see Sonic Heroes) but it’s a bit of a nitpick...

As much as I love Rouge being chaotic neutural by season 3 they seem to abandon any bond she developed with the other characters (except her bond with Shadow, which is great!).

There’s also a huge genre shift, season 3 is it’s own Sci-fi story with aliens they completely made up and a saving the galaxy from these aliens who are stealing the life force of other planets...for reasons (the main villain hasn’t revealed why at the point we’re watching this). I honestly think this idea may have come from another anime that the team working on Sonic X couldn’t get approved or it was a case of “make it Sonic” XD

Ironically I’ve had an idea forever for a Sonic fanfic...series that I have yet to write involving aliens but mine are humanoid and their focus is just on Earth so it really made me question why we were all longing to have Sonic fight aliens so badly lol

If you guys want to hear me rant more about Sonic X let me know. If I feel really brave I might share some of my story ideas too but...for now... I’ll list a few things I like about Sonic X so I don’t sound like a complete jerk.

Quick list of some positive points: Eggman’s characterization is, for the most part, interesting and close to the video games so I do like that, he’s evil but he has his moments where he’s more complex. 

Some of the supporting human characters are interesting but the plot doesn’t always know what to do with them

Sonic is hilarious and entertaining, I like the Engrish he uses, very memeable but not cringe and genuinely fun (applies to the Japanese version only obviously)

Some filler episodes did have good plot ideas (not all but a few)

The designs of the Sonic characters were done well

Shadow is badass but honestly for the most part you have to be trying to mess Shadow up. 

That’s all I can think of for now and I’m tired of typing but I wanted to get this off my chest!

[archiveikemen]

Mashiro Kanade Main Story — Being Loved END

I do not own any of the content being uploaded on this blog, everything belongs to CYBIRD. Please support them by downloading and playing their games.

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Kanade: With this song, I will shoot down the bird that can't sing because it lost its voice.

Kanade: And...

Kanade: I will make it realise that the sky it's flying through is a lie.

Kanade’s words were the cue for me to play the intro of the love song I wrote for Kanade while thinking about him.

Soon…——

Kanade: “The Labor”.

Kanade took a deep breath and sang in his unique voice that pierced directly into the hearts and souls of those who heard him.

(…!?)

Kanade’s voice echoed across the venue like a flash of light, capturing my heart as I listened to him from backstage.

(My eyes, ears, skin,… body, and mind have been dominated by Kanade’s singing.)

That was the kind of powerful impact I wanted that song to have.

(This is a dream come true.)

The sense of accomplishment and happiness as I hummed the lyrics along with his singing felt so amazing that I started tearing up.

The crowd became more enthusiastic when SilverVine took the stage, and they were immersed in Kanade singing a love song, something SilverVine had never done before.

More people were joining the crowd surrounding the stage, as if they were drawn in by Kanade’s singing.

When SilverVine finished their first song and was about to move on to the next…

(What!?)

A large group of staff from Rindou were quickly positioned at the entrances, exits, and audience seating area.

MC: There’s so many of them…!

When I exclaimed in surprise, Koki gave me a wry smile…

Koki: I guess that’s it.

We were forced to cancel the guerrilla live show after more members of the public gathered to watch the performance that could be heard from outside the venue, and even Rindou failed to control the crowd…——

The audience was forced to leave before Rindou finally left.

The lights went out, and Kanade stood alone on the dark stage, looking up at the night sky.

I quietly approached him and hesitated a little before calling out to him.

MC: Kanade.

MC: Koki said that he’s withdrawing…

Kanade stared at the sky for a while more after I spoke to him, and then he turned his head towards me.

He was smiling happily in the moonlight, his smile looked happier than any smile I’ve seen before.

MC: Kanade?

His smile was so captivating that it almost took my breath away.

Kanade approached me…

Kanade: Tonight, with your song, I’ve ‘devoured’ countless human souls.

Kanade: What’s next?

(Ah…)

He said in a happy tone, but I could see the “hunger” in his eyes, different from the satisfied look I saw earlier.

(Kanade wants to fly even further.)

(The ultimate goal isn’t to just stop here.)

I smiled back at Kanade and said in response,

MC: Next time, I’ll make an even better song that will surprise you more than this one did.

Kanade: That’s what you said…

Kanade pinched my cheeks teasingly.

MC: Nn…!

Kanade: … And I’ll be looking forward to it.

Laughing together with Kanade, we walked off the stage without looking back.

One month later…

Today, everyone living at the Sakuragi was present in the living room, except MC and Kanade.

Henri: Wait— really!?

Koki: Oh? Why would i lie?

Koki smiled as he looked at everyone’s faces.

Koki: The one-month suspension we received for the guerrilla live show will expire today. So…

Koki: I’m glad to announce that ‘Own The Night’ is back on track! After all, none of us were arrested.

Koki: And, well… that’s great news, right?

Ritsu: It sounds a little too good to be true.

Henri: Oh I get it. There was even an article about this.

Henri looked at the magazine ‘Yuzuriha’ spread out on the table.

Immediately after the guerrilla live show, Makoto began writing a series of articles about the public movement against the Music Control Act.

They consisted of interviews and news about the musicians involved in the movement. There were also articles about Own The Night, HOUNDS, and SilverVine.

Henri: It’s on TV as well. Because of our influence, there have been shows saying things like ‘we have to vote either for or against the Music Control Act”.

Eisuke, who had been reading articles from various news companies, looked up from his tablet.

Eisuke: There has certainly been a lot going on during the past month, however…

Eisuke: Nothing bad happened to the audience that day, right?

Eisuke: So the punishment given to us is reasonable in accordance to the regulatory laws.

Koki: Well, I did make use of some of my connections… and money.

Koki smiled proudly.

And then…

Koki: As for the activities of ‘F’ and ‘SO’, it’s just as they said it would be.

Koki: It appears that the dismissal of these artistes was put on hold, due to pressure from the upper management.

Koki: I don’t think Yuzuru and the others are happy about it, though.

Koki: Anyway, it’s a good thing for us, I guess.

Ritsu heaved a sigh of relief and Koki’s words.

Kyoichiro: Kanade… in SO’s case, it might have had something to do with the fact that he’s popular not only in Japan, but overseas as well.

Kyoichiro: I think the government made that decision to avoid any potential diplomatic fallouts.

Koki: That’s right.

Gaku: Koki, where did you get that information from?

Koki: Hm…? It’s a secret.

Eisuke: We’ve successfully made a breakthrough, now we just have to wait and see before blowing a hole in the government.

Eisuke: I’m looking forward to that.

Shuji, who had been listening to the conversations, looked around the room.

Shuji: Come to think of it, where are the two of them?

Henri smiled wryly…

Henri: Looks like I don’t have a choice. Shall I talk about it?

Henri: … They’re spending time together in their own little world.

After whispering cheekily, Henri burst out laughing.

While everyone was chatting at the Sakuragi…

I had went to Kanade’s apartment and was supposed to be making songs, but…

MC: W-wait…

Kanade: Nn…

I was on the sofa in Kanade’s arms, trying to stop his fingers from getting under my clothes while he kissed me deeply.

MC: Nn.. Kana… de…

I leaned against Kanade’s chest and looked up at him with moist eyes.

MC: Please stop… I can’t take it anymore.

Kanade: Why?

Kanade planted loud kisses on my forehead.

MC: B-because…

MC: I know that… this won’t end with just kisses…

Kanade: You don’t like it? Your face says otherwise, though.

(…! How can you say something so embarrassing…)

MC: … It’s not that I don’t like it. Today, I want to focus on songwriting.

As I spoke, Kanade placed a hand on my knees that were tightly squeezed together.

Kanade: That’s why I’m trying to help you.

Kanade’s hand slid upwards and my breath grew hotter.

MC: Hyaa…

Kanade: When I do this, your heart rhythm goes faster, and your emotions become more genuine.

Kanade: And when that happens…

Kanade: Won’t it give you more inspiration?

MC: … T-that’s

I wanted to say something, but I was at a loss for words. Kanade’s fingertips mischievously played around at the area between my legs.

MC: Nn.. aaah…

Kanade: Lean towards me even more.

Kanade: That’s right… good girl.

After doing as he said, I fell asleep in his arms. And when I woke up, I found myself on the bed.

(He must’ve carried me here.)

When I looked at the sofa, Kanade was shirtless with his guitar in hand, continuing with the song I was working on.

(I thought that I had made my dream song. But now, I’m getting greedier.)

(I want to make a song that will allow Kanade to fly further.)

Just as I held the blanket over my bare skin…

(Ah.)

My phone was ringing.

(It’s from Henri.)

——… He called to inform me about the revival of Own The Night.

From that day on, we spent a lot of time making sure that everything was ready…——

We were finally here at Own The Night’s comeback show.

Shuji: As expected, it’s really popular. Are they waiting for us to come out?

Shuji: I think the crowd is huge tonight.

MC: … Yeah.

This concert was the first since the revival of Own The Night. Of course, it had to be held under Rindou’s supervision and in accordance to the regulatory law’s guidelines.

The invitation club was flooding with new member applications after the guerrilla live show, but Koki continued our activities on a small scale.

However, word had gotten out and people who didn’t have invitations gathered outside the venue.

(I hope this doesn’t cause problems again.)

Kanade: Hm?

Kanade came into the dressing room and stared into my face with his eyebrows raised.

Kanade: What’s with that facial expression?

MC: Um… I’m a little nervous.

(It’s been a while since my last live show, and Kanade was going to sing my song again. Moreover, I heard that media will be present at tonight’s Own The Night.)

As my expression grew even more tense, Kanade said to me.

Kanade: It’s too late to be feeling nervous.

MC: Sorry…

When I immediately apologised without thinking, Kanade laughed.

And then…——

MC: What… K-Kanade?

Kanade took my right hand and got down on one knee…

Kanade: MC.

My heart beat faster as I saw Kanade one one knee in front of me, looking up at me with serious eyes.

Everyone in the dressing room was staring at us with wide eyes.

Kanade: All you have to do is watch me and believe in me.

Kanade: Leave everything to me.

Kanade: Your heart, your body… and your song.

Kanade spoke in a commanding tone, as if he were a King. But he kissed the back of my hand, like a knight swearing allegiance to me.

MC: Ah…

Kanade looked up at me again…

Kanade: It’s just like the first night.

MC: …!?

The hand Kanade was holding grew hotter.

While I was feeling too embarrassed and confused to say anything, Kanade said it again.

Kanade: You just keep quiet and give everything to me, got it?

MC: Y-yes.

Kyoichiro and Henri, who had been watching in silence, looked at each other with huge grins on their faces.

Henri: Haha. As expected of King Kanade.

Kyoichiro: Indeed.

Kanade stood up and gave them his usual calm smile.

The nervousness that had been building up inside me disappeared as I smiled with him.

(If my song will be your wings, I’ll give you as much as you want.)

Kanade: Almost time for the performance to begin. Let’s go.

With my hand still in his, Kanade started walking.

MC: …!?

Kanade: …? Is there anything else you need?

MC: N-no.

For a moment, I thought I could see wings sprouting from Kanade’s back.

MC: Let’s go!

I exclaimed enthusiastically before squeezing Kanade’s hand back and took a giant step forward to match his speed…——

[ventihonklightice]

Clingy || Wilbur Soot

word count: 3.5k

~~~

Y/N had been lounging around the flat all day as her boyfriend filmed videos with his fellow Minecraft friends. Wilbur had currently been recording with Tommy and Quackity, another one of their wild Minecraft mod videos. She knew her love was busy and had his responsibilities with his own videos alongside the ones made with his friends, but she had been scrolling through Twitter and saw that he had just gotten verified. There was no way he knew about the news as he had been busy all day doing his job.

A smile grew on her face as she rushed to his bedroom door to share the great news, however she paused as she heard the nature of his current discussion with his friends.

“- but she’s been good. We’ve been really good,” Y/N smiled at his words, seemingly knowing it was about her. That smile quickly disappeared at the words her boyfriend was about to spew. “Just, she’s been kind of needy and clingy or something,” Wilbur shook his head not fully understanding his own words, looking at the wall behind his monitor too lost in his thoughts. He couldn’t quite understand his own thoughts half of the time, especially today as all he has done was played Minecraft. Slowly, the hate he has been receiving has been catching up to him, forcing him into this pit he’d never thought he’d be in which added to the stress that fueled his words. “Like she thinks she always has to be with me. Right now even, she’s at the flat.” Wilbur ran his fingers through his messy brown hair as he proceeded to explain his relationship. “I love her, I do, but I can’t even be with her right now so I don’t understand why she has to be here,” he confessed, mind clouded with tiredness masked by the wine he downed in an attempt to calm his nerves.

Y/N furrowed her brows leaning forward to listen further. “Well, she loves you, so what do you expect her to do? Not want to be with you?” She heard an American accent, likely belonging to Quackity.

“I-I don’t know. It’s just- I’m not used to this. It’s been a while since I’ve seriously been with a girl like this before. I just need space, but she wants to be around me constantly. It’s annoying.” The anger, the annoyance, and the frustration were all evident in his voice, making Y/N second guess a lot of her choices the past few days. She looked down at her hands, the mustard sleeves reaching past her palms belonging to the man behind the door she leaned on.

She closed her eyes in an attempt to push back her tears before she walked away, not being able to listen to him any further. Her eyes began to water more and more as bothering him was the very last thing she had ever wished to do. She sat on the couch before pulling the jumper off of her body, folding it neatly in her hands before pulling on her shoes.

Fanning her face quickly to reduce any possible puffiness or redness, Y/N timidly knocked on the door to Wilbur’s room. “Hold on guys,” he spoke to his friends, muting himself on discord. “Yeah?” She heard his deep voice call from the other side, taking it as her cue to push the door open. His hair fluffed about as he turned to face her. “Hey what’s up?” He asked with a soft smile.

“I uh think I’m gonna head home, got an early shift tomorrow and all,” she spoke softly while avoiding his gaze. Y/N wasn’t one to lie so she felt guilty for doing so but she didn’t know what else to do.

He furrowed his brows, confused at her words. She almost always stays the night, especially when she works early because he lives closer to her job.

“You sure? You’re more than welcome to stay the night. Y-You always do,” he muttered with slight concern in his words as he took his headset off.

She shook her head lightly, “nah it’s alright. Gotta water the plants,“ Y/N fiddled with the door handle as her other hand traced the sweater, knowing full well she doesn’t have any plants.

“Alright, I’ll walk you out,” he stood up, adjusting the chair in order to do so. Y/N reached out to him, his jumper resting in her hand, “where’d you like me to put this?”

He stood up, increasingly getting confused at her actions because he knew that she loved wearing his clothes and stealing them any chance she got. “I-I’ll um, just toss it on the bed,” he pointed to the made bed, slipping on his shoes to walk her out.

She felt his form loom over her as he walked with her out of the flat and to her car. They walked in silence, uncharacteristically. Wilburs’s hands were stuffed in the pockets of his pants lost in his thoughts as he heard her car alarm He walked to the driver’s side, lost in his thoughts while he opened the door for her.

She approached the door, getting ready to sit in the driver’s seat before turning to Wilbur to bid goodbye. He leaned down to kiss her, standard for all of their farewells, but she turned her head at the last second, his lips crashing onto her cheek. His heart dropped at the odd situation he was placed in, wondering why this was happening.

“I-I’ll see you later,” she smiled softly before sitting down and preparing to drive.

He could let her go like this. He had to know if things were good, okay even. Before he shut the door, he leaned down a bit to get closer to her. “Is everything okay? You seem a bit off, darling.”

“Y-yeah I’m just really tired,” she chuckled humorlessly, placing a hand on her forehead. “Sorry, it’s just been a weird day.”

“If you’re that tired you could stay here,” his voice practically pleaded, assuring her once more that she always had a place there.

“I-I’ll be fine, I promise.” Her words were soft along with her eyes, but she just wanted to give him what he desired; space.

“You sure?” He asked once more, extremely concerned, but what answer was he really expecting? Y/N nodded her head, “positive.”

“Alright, text me when you get home,” he leaned back, preparing to shut the door for her. She nodded her head, pushing her keys into the ignition. “I love you,” he spoke sincerely, bending down so that she’d be able to see him better once more. There was an emotion in YN’s eyes that he couldn’t recognize, but the smile on her face was sad. “I-you too, I’ll see you later,” she fiddled with her keys before meeting his gaze.

His heart shattered at the words. You too? What the hell is that suppose to mean?

He gave a tight smile before shutting the door for her. You too, the words echoed in his mind as he began walking back to the front door, pausing his steps on the pavement to watch her pull out of the driveway. He sighed before turning back to his path home. Upon returning, the place felt dimmer without her presence and he quickly took note of that.

Letting out a huge sigh, he plopped down at his desk, unmuting himself on Discord. “Sorry bout that, I’m back. J-Just walking Y/N out,” he spoke, taking the only opportunity his friends quieted down to speak.

“Wilbur!” Tommy yelled as the rest of the VC, which now had Niki, Jack and Fundy, errupted in chaos. “W-What? What the fuck happened?”

“Dude you got verified on Twitter,” Quackity shouted. His eyes went wide, opening the light blue app to see if it was true. Sure enough, a small check mark emphasized his name. He beamed at the sight of it, rushing to make a tweet about how grateful he was.

He went back to his feed, noticing that Y/N had made a tweet about ten or so minutes prior.

y/n✨| @yourusername

so proud of my favorite boy getting verified <3 love you @WilburSoot !!

His heart clenched at the tweet, being drawn back to the events that occurred moments beforehand. He liked and retweeted it, watching his fans swoon at the couple’s interaction without knowing what was happening behind closed doors, before getting back to his friends being completely distracted by thoughts on the girl he loves.

~~~

Y/N never texted him to tell him that she was home. She woke up late that morning seeing a few texts from him about twitter, how his stream went and so on.

As she looked at the time on her phone, realizing the lie she told him about working early and chose not to answer quite yet.

She spent the rest of her day around the house, cleaning, cooking or watching TV. She wasn’t in any mood to go on social media, not wanting to interact with Wilbur quite yet. Y/N sighed thinking about yesterday, thinking that it would be a better idea to just give him some space.

And so she did, for several days before Wilbur’s worry consumed him.

He sat on Discord with his friends, days after his last interaction with his girlfriend. “It’s just weird because she’s never like this. She always calls or texts me whenever she gets the chance regardless of whether or not I ask,” he expressed to his friends as they were fucking around on their own Minecraft world. He wasn’t even paying attention to what he was doing in the game, just aimlessly pressing buttons and moving his mouse as he thought of Y/N.

Tommy chuckled shortly, “now look whos being needy.”

“Shut up Tommy,” Wilbur explained, running a hand across his chin, fingertips gracing his incredibly overgrown stubble. “Look I’m just saying,” the blond furthered, “there’s no need for you to say she’s clingy or whatever when your freaking out over a text! Like you saw her less than what, two, three ago?”

Wilbur shook his head, fuming now, “Oh my god, shut the fuck up Tommy! How would you, a literal child, know anything about what’s going on? You’ve barely hit puberty!” His outburst caused his friends to quiet down, them not being used to anger being directed in such a way.

“Wilbur,” Tommy started once again, becoming more serious, “I know you. You worrying over a few short days almost disproves everything you said the other day. I think you don’t know how to handle affection well, not that she’s clingy or whatever.” Hearing Tommy acting serious and not childish for this one second made something snap within Wilbur, knowing that the child was right.

He sighed, “I-I’m sorry for snapping at you. Everything is happening at once in my life right now and Y/N not talking to me has me worried. This isn’t what’s normal between us. It’s strange.”

“But isn’t this what you wanted? She isn’t being as ‘needy’ now. You got your wish, didn’t you?” George chimed in, hoping to help even though his own experiences with relationships hasn’t always been the best.

“Yeah, and I fucking hate it, I don’t know why I even said that. I don’t mean it. I love when she’s around, I hate when she isn’t,” Wilbur went on, his thoughts focusing on the good memories he has with his girlfriend.

“Be careful what you wish for,” Dream spoke ominously, feeling as if now was the most appropriate time to speak.

“I-I’m gonna call her,” the distressed twenty year old expressed, whipping out his phone to go to her number. As the phone rang, he became more and more nervous.

“What if she got in an accident? Or someone kidnapped her or something?”He rushed before him and his friends heard “please leave a message for 3-“

“Wilbur, she’s probably fine. She probably had a long day at work or something,” Niki spoke, hoping to add a small but of optimism to the situation.

“Yeah but she would’ve told me that. She would’ve called me to rant about her day, and tell me how much she wanted to see me, but she didn’t.” He leaned back in his chair, getting more and more stressed out over this.

“I-I think I’m gonna head to her flat.”

~~~

The drive was long as his anxiety slowly but surely began to increase with every green light. He pulled into her complex, parking and building up the courage to confront her.

“It’ll be fine. Things are fine,” he muttered to himself as he walked up the steps to the familiar doormat.

He knocked on the door, wiping his sweaty palms on his pants. After a minute, there was no response so he knocked again with more ergency.

“Just a minute,” he heard her soft voice yell out, flooding him with relief. The voice wasn’t as warm as it typically was, only increasing his nervousness.

Before he knew it, Y/N opened the door, eyes meeting his chest before trickling to his eyes. “Wilbur? What are you doing here?”

He froze, shocked at the situation that he forced upon himself without realizing it. “I-You weren’t answering any calls or texts. I was worried,” he mumbled, immediately taking note of her puffy eyes.

“Have you been crying?” He stepped closer to her with concern lacing his voice. He reached out to hold her waist, caress her cheek, anything, but she stepped away slighted. Y/N blinked, “y-yeah, it’s just allergies.”

“You don’t have allergies like that Y/N. May I please come in?” Wilbur knew her better than that, probably even better than she knew herself. She nodded shortly opening the door wider for him to enter, looking down at her sock clad feet.

He entered the tiny flat, taking not that the once welcoming space has become littered with turmoil. The tissues by the sofa didn’t go unnoticed and neither did the pile of dishes in the sink. “What’s been going on? These past few days you’ve been acting strange,” he asked sincerely.

Y/N looked around, finding something and pretending to be busy with it. “I’ve just been busy,” she mumbled looking over the pile of mail she refused to actually look through. “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry, would you like some tea?” She asked, realizing her manners.

“Y/N,” he spoke defeated, “come on talk to me, please.” He practically begged as he followed her steps into the kitchen to start the kettle, even though he didn’t give her an answer.

“Everything’s fine, Wilbur,” she replied absentmindedly as she searched for her various teas. “We got chai tea, black tea, Engli-“

“Y/N, I dont fucking want tea right now I want you to talk to me,” he shouted, approaching her in the kitchen and forcing her to face him by pulling her waist gently. She gasped at the loudness of his words, not used to him yelling at her.

“Wilbur,” Y/N whispered, her hands on his chest as he looked down into her eyes. Desperation was clear in his before being mimicked in his words, “this is the longest you’ve gone without calling me Wil. Come on Y/N, please.” His voice cracked towards the end, the shakiness not leaving.

She closed her eyes tightly before she pulled herself out of his arms, turning to grab two mugs out of the cupboard, “you’re getting chai tea.”

“Love, I just want us to be okay,” he spoke passionately, pleading for things to be right.

“We are okay Wilbu- Wil,” she corrected, more so forcing the nickname to combat his complaint. As she prepared each cup, putting Wilbur’s desired amount of sugar into his cup and respectively her own.

He shook his head, not believing her words as his own eyes began to turn red, “there’s something wrong and I can tell. Please just-please Y/N.” His voice was completely broken and she knew she had to express her concerns. She paused her motions, staring at the jar of sugar she just placed onto the counter.

“I-I didn’t want to bother you,” she muttered softly, examining the mugs before her.

The man sniffed, confusion growing within him. “W-What do you mean? You could never bother me Y/N,” his voice soft, approaching her once again.

She shook her head, moving to put sugar in each cup, forgetting that she already did so, “but that’s not true. We both know that.” The water remained on the stove while copious amount of sugar occupied each cup. Wilbur gently grabbed the hand holding the spoon that shoveled the sugar into the mugs, making her stop her own actions.

“Yes it is, love.” Wilbur whispered softly as she put the spoon into the jar, coming back to reality. Y/N let out a shaky breath, facing the counter while Wilbur occupied her side, facing her.

“So why’d you tell all of your friends that I’ve been clingy and needy and overbearing and everything under the sun?” She whispered as her voice wobbled, indicating that tears would soon come falling down.

Wilbur furrowed his brows, confused at the words she expressed. He scavenged his mind, not understanding what she was stating. “What are yo-“ he cut himself off, taking his hand from hers as he remembered that conversation.

Guilt washed over his soul as he realized the greater impact of his words. She thought she had to change....for those idiotic meaningless words expressed in a fit of stress and exhaustion. He shook his head lightly, refusing to look at her, refusing to look at the damage he’s caused.

“I didn’t mean it Y/N. I just-there was a lot on my plate and I just had to complain about something. A-And you were there to complain about.” He spoke honestly, knowing that it doesn’t excuse his behavior. The sound of the kettle went off, the whistle tones attacking his ears while Y/N ignored it to focus on the conversation at hand.

“I just didn’t want to be a burden,” she muttered with a wobbling bounce that made the tall idiotic man pull her into his arms.

“No,no,no don’t ever ever think that again. You are not a burden. You never were Y/N. This is on me, I shouldn’t have said what I had said,” he muttered into her hair, repeating apologies like a mantra while kissing her hairline.

She let go, allowing her pent up feelings from the past few day flow out through tears while in the comfort of his arms, “my biggest fear is bothering people. I-I didn’t want to upset you.”

“You didn’t,” he pulled away to hold her tear stained cheeks in his hands, regret prominent in his gaze, “you have been nothing but patient with me these past few months and that is something I don’t even have the words to express, love.”

“You, Y/N L/N, are not a burden, not now, not ever,” he whispered lovingly. “I’m sorry I made you feel that way. I’m sorry I even said it. I didn’t mean it, but fuck I shouldn’t have. Look at what I’ve done to you,” his voice wavered as he pulled away to assess the damage. “Fuck,” he shook his head as a sob escaped his lips before he could pull her into his arms again.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered, holding her tight while the whistle pierced his ears. She leaned back slightly, pressing her forehead against his while closing her eyes, “I know, I know. It’s okay. I know you. I know you wouldn’t mean it.”

“I love you,” he whispered, holding her head in one of his hands. “I love you too, Wil,” she whispered back, pulling his lips onto hers, sealing their words with this actions.

As much as he loved the feeling of her soft lips on his once again, he pulled away. “Okay, okay, as much as I don’t want this to stop, that damn kettle is driving me mad,” he expressed, making Y/N chuckle before kissing him on the cheek and going to turn off the stove.

He watched fondly as she was about to pour the water into the mugs, stoping to see the plethora of sugar in each. “Oh shit,” she paused, laughing at the mess she had made. Wilbur snapped out of his gaze, examining the scene that caused her words.

He shook his head lightly, grabbing the kettle from her hands before placing it back onto the stovetop. “You,” he turned to face her, poking her cheek, “go to bed, get all comfy and put on a film. I will finish the tea and bring it to you.” His eyes got soft towards the end of his statement as he went to assess the mug situation.

“Then,” he spoke gently, grabbing her waist once again, littering her face with kisses that trailed down her neck, “I’ll spend the whole day making it up to you.”

Y/N laughed, running her fingers through his soft hair, “can’t wait.” His lips stayed pressed onto her neck, before they made their way back to her own.