#props to those who understand that reference

[seasprincess]

Love is in the air? 💘

pt 1 || pt 2

Spencer Reid x reader. !fluff

Synopsis: a certain agent has picked up on a little chemistry between you and genius

warnings: none

Spencer Reid is a genius. Everyone knows it. With his 187 IQ, ability to read 20,000 words per minute and knowledge on so many subjects.

But they all mean nothing when you’re involved.

He shouldn’t get like this around you. Get all flustered and shy. Tripping over words when his eyes lock with yours. Watching as you bat your eyelashes at him when he goes on one of his rambles. Everyone else wants him to be quiet, but you? You look and listen to him like he's a prophet and you're his die hard follower.

But as Spencer lacks in the relationship department it means he doesn't catch onto the way you flirt with him. The way you smile and laugh a bit too hard at his jokes the rest of the team didn’t even crack a smile for. He’s blind when it comes to all the signs that you like him back.

But the rest of the team isn’t blind to those eyes you give him. For them it’s like watching a cartoon character’s eyes turn into hearts everytime you look at the genius.

But there’s one person on the team who notices these little glances between you too. Notices the way Spencer stares at you. And he’s decided to play cupid.

Ladies man Derek Morgan is sat across from you on the jet. Smirking as he gestures for you to take off the headphones that were blasting some new pop song.

“Yeah?” You say as you look at him, slightly on edge because of the muscular man's smirk. His eyes show that this conversation is going to make you uncomfortable. Thank god the rest of the team are either asleep or distracted doing something else.

“So you and Reid. What's going on?” The agent says as he tilts his head slightly. Of course he’s going to use his detective skills to use and analyse you.

With his words your cheeks heat up like the plane had suddenly just got really warm. You feel warm. A blush spread across your cheeks too. Usually you'd try to play off these reactions. And you're gonna do just that now.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You try to stay calm, try to not show that his words are affecting you. Why is he asking anyway? Has Reid asked about you? Oh god what if he thinks you're weird? What if Morgan tells him?

“You very much do know what I’m talking about.”

You sigh and put your hands over your face, trying to block out the smirking man that’s asking you the question that makes you want to run home and hide your face in a pillow.

“Is it that obvious?” You say as you look over at Spencer who is fast asleep. He's in the fetal position on the sofa. His arm propped under his head as a makeshift pillow. Completely knocked out from the latest case. He looks so calm which is not a usual look. He’s usually moving about or his mind is running at a million miles per hour. Seeing him like this makes your heart clench, he looks so cute and sweet and-oh my god. You've got it bad.

“It’s obvious to everyone but pretty boy.” Derek’s eyes glance to sleeping Spencer. Not looking at him with the same admiration as you.

You groan again as your forehead is placed on the table in front of you. Work strictly bans relationships between two members but there was no way in denying nor moving past the little situationship between you and the smart guy of the team. You could try to hide it but you'd never be able to get over it. Neither would he. You’re both whipped for each other in whatever geeky way that you both can be.

Spencer and you both being geeky when it comes to your interests meant you both like the same things and that you understand some of his references. Heavy on the some, cause sometimes you have no idea what he’s talking about. His references are just a bit too niche for you to grasp.

“Talk to him.” Derek says casually. Like he hasn't asked you to do one of the most stressful things you can think of involving your personal life.

“Absolutely not.” You reply as you say as you sit up straight in the seat. The jet finally coming in to land after what feels like a

“You gotta do it or you’ll regret it.” He doesn’t give you time to fire back before he leaves your gossip spot, presumably heading for the exit. Which is where he’s going. Not before he hits the sleeping boy's knee to wake him up, making your plan of sneaking past him nearly impossible. Derek just flashes you a smirk before exiting.

Sencer rubs his eyes as he slowly sits up, not wanting to move too quickly to avoid feeling dizzy. He glances down at his watch to only realise he had slept practically the whole journey. People walk past him, saying their goodbyes as he says bye too. Not coherent as he's still sleepy. He looks around the jet before his eyes land on you. You were packing up your things, getting ready to go back to your apartment and probably just crash. The case was really hard on all of you. But Spencer knows you struggle to sleep on planes otherwise he knows you would be fast asleep.

“Good nap?” You say with that sweet smile of yours that makes Spencer’s heart just melt. He has completely and utterly fallen for you. He looks at you softly. His brown eyes look at you softly. From your point of view it’s like looking into a deer's eyes. The big brown orbs looking at you with the sweetest look you've ever seen. But of course you’ll brush it off with the fact it’s because he’s just woken up and not because he could possibly like you.

“Oh um, can’t complain. Other than the fact I have more of my book to read now before I can sleep. Again.” Spencer likes to read a certain amount each night. Not that it takes him any significant amount of words per minute. He could do it in about three minutes.

Spencer reaches down to grab his book that had fallen to the ground due to his snooze.

“Hey so, um, I was wondering.” You say quickly before you can take it back and stop yourself. You know you need to get it out before you change your mind.

“Go for it.” He says with a smile. Standing up and looking into your eyes.

And your brain just melts, you can’t help it. You freeze on the spot and suddenly this seems like a really bad idea. It would be too awkward if he rejected you. What if he thought you were weird? Oh god. This is not a good idea.

“It can wait till tomorrow.” You say, covering up the emotions behind the words you wish you could say. “I’ll see you then. Good night.”

Spencer doesn’t get a chance to react before you've left.

And all he can do is wonder what the hell you were gonna say.

And what he wishes he could’ve said to you.

Part 2

a/n: not proof read😛

@littlelamy

[taki118]

Kirishima and Other Women

Among the criticism and complaints of Raise Wa Tanin Ga Ii aka Yakuza Fiance the most common is about how Kirishima "cheats" but what if I were to tell you this aspect of him actually serves an important point within the narrative? Because it does, in fact it serves a few.

First and foremost this is common in the Yakuza subculture. The series is a bit of a send off to Yakuza subculture and media with references that tend to go over your head unless you are into it (most go over mine). This is no different. While this isn't as narratively important it is important to know overall, the series embraces all things Yakuza the good and the bad (unlike some other Yakuza series but that not a rant for here) And like it's implied pretty much all the guys in the series to it to some degree yes even Shoma. I only have some knowledge of this myself so I won't get into it but I would recommend looking into cause it is interesting and makes sense for the series to incorporate on some level due to this and it would feel wrong to not mention it here.

Now lets go onto to something more meaty and kinda spoilery, so don't read if you dont want. (though I don't think it will ruin your enjoyment)

So these other women actually help to better understand Kirishima and his relationship/feelings towards Yoshino. One detail the anime leaves out is who these women are and they are women. All college age or older, and all some kind of working professional who has skills or connections Kirishima does not have. Remember Kirishima is not technically Yakuza so he does not have access to resources that actual members of the group have but because he is involved with that world still he has to find a way to make up for what he resources he lacks. The safest resource he has found over the years is women.

Just like how Yoshino unintentionally raises the ire of women, Kirishima does the same to men both intentionally and unintentionally. He has difficulty connecting with people which is a topic in and of itself, but because of this he has learnt how to gain connections on a superficial level so he only does so with those he can feel some control over or feels safer. AKA Women. Kirishima knows he's attractive, and he knows how easy it is to charm people but those he had an ongoing connection with are those who understand it's a game and want something back.

It's all quid prop quo, he does something for them and so they in turn do something for him. FYI I'm pretty sure what he's getting out of it isn't psychical pleasure, information, connections and a safe house for sure but actual enjoyment from sex? Not likely again the anime doesn't show it very well but many manga readers have noted how disconnected Kirishima looks during these moments. (Which I will fully get to later) It's an exchange when Yoshino calls him a gigolo she's not wrong, and there is a greater discussion to be had here about how early Kirishima started doing this and all the messy stuff that comes with it but because we don't have enough information on how that started I won't get into it. (and its a little off topic)

Overall all though this shows the audience that Kirishima has a kind of warped view of sex and intimacy, he views it as a resource he can use much like his fighting ability, to him it's the same thing. At least at the start.

When Tsubaki tells Kirishima that he is actually very easy to understand when she has Yoshino there to compare, I believe this was a hint the author was giving us. To understand Kirishima and how he really feels about Yoshino one just need to look at how he is with other women.

It is INCREDIBLY telling that the closest thing Kirishima has to an ex-girlfriend is Nao, because notice how that term is never used within the story by the pair as to what their relationship was. Nao calls Ozu an ex but not Kirishima, he's just a guy she had a fling with (with a weird age gap) even though she seems to care more about him than Ozu (another deep dive I'll probably do). Kirishima also never uses the term, he does note that he did like her to some degree more than likely a little more than the other women he has similar situationships with but it was still at its core transactional. They both wanted what the other could offer more than them as a person. (also just fucking for weeks isn't a relationship) Kirishima always keeps everyone at a distance, keeps everything close to the vest, makes sure the situation is advantageous to him so he can't get screwed over, every single one. Except Yoshino.

You see it constantly in the series as Kirishima WANTS to connect with Yoshino. He wants to better understand and connect with her in ways he has never bothered to before. In fact you can argue that Kirishima is actually more emotionally unintelligent than Yoshino as he has such difficulty in understanding what Yoshino wants from him. He's so use to being fake, to acting the way women around him want him to that it throws him through a loop that Yoshino doesn't want that. She forces him to be a person not a persona.

Because of that, like Tsubaki says, he is desperate to understand and connect with her unlike with the women who he is connected to in a superficial way. I know it weirdly upsets some viewers that these women "Know" Kirishima in a way Yoshino hasn't but they don't actually know him Yoshino does. People often conflate love and sex as being the same thing but its not, sometimes it overlaps (and like that should be the standard but its not). This series sort of forces you to confront that assumption, because the real moments of love are in the smaller things.

It's Kirishima helping Yoshino with her garden, its him trying to get her focus on him, its him talking to her about mundane things, its him seeking out the things she wants, its him telling her his birthday, and yes it's him sleeping with other women to keep her safe. A LOT of people don't realize this but it is right there in the text he only reconnected with Nao because it would make the situation in Osaka more advantageous for him to keep Yoshino safe. There is a very good likelihood that if the situation would 100% not get Yoshino involved that Kirishima would have just stayed out of it. (which like damn sucks for you Nao) In actuality Kirishima likely would have preferred just a normal trip to Osaka with Yoshino (even though the chaos does help him confirm his own feelings again) Kirishima wants so desperately to be connected to Yoshino in anyway he can but you don't see that in how he is with other women, and it's in seeing that you can see his authenticity.

For further reference to something I noted earlier look at how Kirishima looks in these scenes with women both during and after sex.

There's little to no actual emotion or care, he operates almost robotically like you see when he fights someone he doesn't really give a shit about. It is something he's doing cause he has to not cause he wants to. Now compare these reactions to how he reacts when he finds out he accidentally/unconsciously felt Yoshino up

It's this flurry of emotions you can't even fully quantify like he can't even fathom he really did that. Kind of a strange reaction to give to someone who has done way more for way longer, but it makes perfect sense if you remember love and sex are different. With these other women he didn't care, sex didn't mean anything they could have been anyone and in all honesty if he could get away with not doing it he'd probably prefer it. But he loves Yoshino so he actually cares, he is actually turned on, he actually feels something.

THAT is the point of the side women. Kirishima is very hard to understand his character is a mystery for a majority of the series (and to a degree still is) these women help to solve that mystery if you take the time to really look at what's happening and not get parasocially angry that he is "betraying" his love for Yoshino. In his mind he's not because love and sex are different, sex to him until Yoshino is just a tool, its one of the many things that Yoshino changes in him over the course of the series. Lets not forget that one of his side women actually makes him realize the situation with Yoshino isn't all that great (the scene is better in the manga) cause he doesn't have the emotional intelligence to realize that himself and is a catalyst for the two actually growing closer. Like I keep having to cut myself short cause I'll just go off on how wonderfully complicated and uncomplicated Kirishima is as a character, but this is an important aspect to understand and shouldn't just be written off as "He's a red flag".

These women give us insight into how Kirishima is Pre-Yoshino and shows us how far he's come Post-Yoshino, in a way that could not be done otherwise. So maybe it makes you uncomfy for a bit but it's not bad writing it serves a purpose that could not be done otherwise.

[jellybeanium124]

So like, asexuality right. 1% of people are asexual. Many adults are asexual. I think a lot of people don't really understand what asexual means even if they can rattle off the dictionary definition.

Anyways this post is probably going to share too much about me but I want to explain my personal experience as an asexual adult. Tumblr necessary piss on the poor disclaimer: I am not every asexual adult, and the experiences I write about reflect only my own experiences.

Anyways, what is that dictionary definition of asexuality again? Asexuality refers to a person who experiences little to no sexual attraction. What is sexual attraction? Based on what I have gleaned it's really really really wanting to have sex with a particular person. It's a feeling inside you and you know it when you have it. I emphasize "particular" because you can be horny without experiencing sexual attraction. You can want sex without experiencing sexual attraction. You can have/want sex with someone without experiencing sexual attraction to them. Horny art can make you feel horny without sexual attraction being involved. These are all experiences I have had.

The point I'm trying to make here is, is that allosexuality is not a prerequisite to horniness, engaging in sexual activity, engaging in kink/having a kink. The idea that asexuals would be opposed to any of these things is ludicrous. Hell! You can have a nonexistent libido, be sex repulsed, and never dip your toes into kink and still not be opposed to those things existing!! Asexuality is not even remotely linked to sex negativity. They are independent of each other. Stop using me as a prop in your puritanical war. I love horny art. I've sought it out, and I've created it!

[bardic-tales]

In the Quiet After Midnight, a FF VII xReader Fic

Summary: After a nightmare leaves you shaken, Sephiroth anchors you back to the present with quiet words, steady warmth, and a tenderness the world would never believe of him.

Pairing: Sephiroth x Reader (Genderless, 2nd person POV)

Other Characters: None

Possible Trigger Warnings: This story contains references to anxiety, fear, night terrors, and emotional trauma, as well as themes of vulnerability, past isolation, and healing through comfort. While nothing explicit is described, emotional sensitivity and panic response are core elements of the scene.

Author’s Note: This fic was written as the result of a poll I posted earlier this month: “Sephiroth comforting someone after a nightmare” won, and this one came pouring out of me. I’ve also included one of my personal headcanons here: that Sephiroth sleeps in the nude, but he wears a robe in the bedroom otherwise. I read it in a magazine article forever ago and it permanently rewired my brain, which is why every piece I write with Seph sleeping, he is nude. Hope this gives anyone a soft place to land who needs it.

You wake with a soundless gasp.

There is no scream. Your throat is clenched tight, but your lungs are already burning, as though you’ve surfaced from the bottom of the ocean. You don't remember the details of the dream, only impressions: glass shattering underfoot, voices echoing through walls, the air too hot and too thick to breathe. The dark swallows everything, even your own hands. You’re sure you reached for someone. Something. But nothing was there.

Except . . .

Arms.

You are in his arms.

Warmth envelops you. You’re cradled against something solid and still. A forearm is draped protectively across your chest. His fingers are resting lightly against your sternum, grounding you.

Sephiroth.

The world snaps back into focus with a sharp breath. Your senses re-calibrate to the present. The nightmare scatters like smoke in sunlight, but it leaves a bitter trace in your mouth: fear, shame, and the trembling that hasn't stopped.

He hasn't moved. Not even a breath different than before. But you know he's awake.

"You're shaking," he says quietly behind you. His voice is smooth and low, sort of like the way marble might sound if it could speak.

You swallow hard. His voice shouldn’t be this gentle. Sephiroth was built for war. Forged in fire. Sculpted in expectation. He’s a SOLDIER, a living weapon, and yet, this bed has become a refuge and he is just a man.

And you?

You are just a dream-wrecked shadow in his arms.

You don’t answer. You can’t. You press your palms to your chest and try to slow the thud of your heart. It’s humiliating to feel like this. Exposed. Fragile. Small.

His hand shifts slightly, fingers spreading to cover more of your sternum: a subtle pressure but, more like, an anchor.

“You are safe,” Sephiroth says.

Those three words crack something in you. A dam somewhere behind your ribs. He says it with certainty, like it’s a command he can enforce. Maybe it is.

You squeeze your eyes shut. "I don’t feel safe," you whisper.

A pause. Not silence. There is always a kind of silence that wraps around Sephiroth, even when he speaks, but this is thoughtful. A quiet full of him listening.

“I see,” he murmurs. “Then I will not leave you.”

You don’t understand how he does that. How he makes promises without drama or ceremony, but with so much weight they feel like oaths. Sephiroth doesn’t speak casually. Everything he says carries the precision of a man who was never allowed to be wrong. But here in this dim-lit bedroom in Midgar, he speaks like he’s allowed to be gentle, to be himself.

You turn toward him slowly, feeling the sheets pull against your limbs, the warmth of his body like a shield against the cold air. The room smells faintly of the rose and vanilla shampoo he uses mingled with the clean cotton of his sheets. It should be nothing, but in this moment, it is everything.

He's lying on his side, propped slightly on one elbow now. His silver hair spills like liquid mercury over his shoulder and across the pillow. The bare skin of his chest gleams in the moonlight. His cyan eyes, those haunting, inhuman irises that have never frightened you, regard you steadily. Cat-like. Luminous. But not cruel. Never cruel to you.

“Would you like to speak of it?” he asks.

You shake your head, curling in slightly as if the gesture itself is shameful. "It doesn’t make sense. I just-I panicked. It felt like being alone again.”

He doesn’t interrupt. He never does. He lets silence have a place in your grief.

“I’m tired of being afraid,” you finally manage. “I hate waking up like this. I hate feeling like I’m still back there. Like something’s always watching me.”

Your voice cracks at the end. And you hate that too.

But Sephiroth only moves closer. His arm once again slides around your back, guiding your forehead gently against his chest. His skin is warm, and the rhythm of his heart is like a lullaby hammered out by gods who once knew kindness.

“You are no longer in the place where those things happened,” he says. His breath is soft against your temple. “And you are not alone. Not anymore.”

The words shouldn’t be a revelation, but they are. They sink deeper than comfort. They redefine the night.

You feel his fingers ghost through your hair, smoothing it gently back from your face. He has always been meticulous like that, even in moments like this. He touches you as if touch itself is a language, one he had to learn slowly. Sephiroth was not made for softness, but he chooses it. For you.

You glance up at him, and speak. Your voice is barely audible. “Do you ever have nightmares?”

His expression doesn’t change, but you feel something shift beneath the surface of him. “Yes,” he says. “Not often. But they return when I am uncertain of myself.”

You frown. “You? Uncertain?”

A ghost of a smile touches the edge of his mouth: not a smirk, not amusement. Something quieter. “I am not a god,” he says. “Though many would like to think otherwise.”

You look at him for a long moment. The moonlight dances across the planes of his face, and you’re struck again by how beautiful he is. Not just aesthetically, though that’s undeniable. There’s a discipline to him. Its an elegance beneath the muscle and precision. His beauty is an architecture, as if he was carefully built and painfully upheld.

“You don’t have to be perfect,” you whisper.

He draws in a slow breath, and you know that meant something to him. You’re not sure what, not fully, but he holds you a little tighter.

“I am learning that,” he says. “With you.”

He exhales again, and the blanket slips a little lower on his shoulder, revealing the sculpted shape of his collarbone and his pecs. You press a palm gently there. Your fingers splay over his heart.

“I’m trying too,” you say.

His eyes soften, but not with pity, with something quieter. Pride, maybe. Or admiration. It unnerves you a little to be seen like this by someone who has stared into the heart of war and walked out without blinking.

But Sephiroth doesn’t flinch when you’re vulnerable. He listens.

You bury your face in his chest again. “Don’t let go,” you whisper.

“I won’t.”

You lie there for a long time. The storm inside you calms, minute by minute, heartbeat by heartbeat. You can feel his fingers in your hair again, stroking the strands with quiet intention. It’s not possessive or demanding. It’s a promise.

Eventually, your breathing slows. The nightmare fades into a pale memory. But sleep doesn’t return just yet.

“Can I ask something?” you murmur.

“You may.”

“What do you see,” you ask, “when you look at me like this?”

He’s quiet for a moment. Not because he doesn’t know, but because he wants to say it right. He always wants to say things right.

“I see someone who fights every day without needing a sword,” he says. “And wins.”

Your throat tightens again, but this time, it’s not fear. It’s the ache of being known.

You press closer, letting the warmth of his body pull you in, as you let his breath anchor yours.

Outside, the lights of Midgar burn: distant, cold, and always watching. In here, however, you are wrapped in his arms, under the quiet bright gaze of a man the world calls untouchable. You are held.

And nothing dares to touch you.

[dean-a-mean-tae]

Take A Rest

Request

PAIRINGS: Poly SKZ x Gender Neutral Reader WARNINGS: Shitty managers and fans. Mention of a creepy band member. Lack of communication which leads to last minute solutions. Male reader requested but I don't think there's any reference to the reader's gender. I think that's it.

Everything had gone to shit. The venue, missing band members, last-minute replacements, and a ton of other issues. All of them were swept under the rug by your manager, Tony, until the day of the concert.

The venue didn't have enough seats. The replacements for your missing band members didn't know the songs. Your lead guitarist and drummer weren't there. Tony decided he didn't want to tell you that the props were broken.

Your drummer got sick after being overwhelmed with stress from practice and her finals. Your lead guitarist said something about having a baby, but you knew that was a lie. That man has been a creepy virgin since you've known him.

Some fans didn't understand the stress you were under. With a recent flux in fans, the demand for a full album instead of songs was higher than ever. And with love comes hate. 

No matter what you did. More music, less music, or different genres of music. Everyone still felt the need to put their 2¢ in where it wasn't needed.

Fortunately, those who attended the concert were understanding of the current situation. None of the issues happening were under your control.

"Remember when I told you all that communication is the key to almost everything?" 

The crowd's screams of agreement echoed in your ears. Every outro on a video, a concert, a fan sign, or other event you exit with a similar speech and farewell; a signature in your fanbase. 

"It appears my manager didn't listen and failed to communicate," You sighed in disappointment. The crowd's mummers of irritation quiet down when you raise your hand to continue. "Nothing is prepared. And I know you paid money to see me and the guys perform."

"This time the concert will be a bit like a fan event-" You wave at those sitting closer to the stage and they scream greetings back. "When we reschedule a concert for you guys, and I'll make sure they do, you can see me perform." 

"How's that sound?" Your grin is showcased on the big screens behind you. Everyone cheers and the impromptu fan event begins.

With a sigh of relief, you walked off stage with the sound of people laughing and cheering ringing in your ears. Your manager was talking with one of the staff, waving his arm around as he shouted at them. With a tearful nod, the staff member left and disappeared into one of the rooms.

Tony followed the girl with his eyes before turning to look at your approaching figure. He glared at you from behind his iPad. "What's wrong?"

"What isn't wrong?" You scoffed, moving past him and into your dressing room. 

You're greeted by your boyfriends scattered around the room. Hyunjin, Felix, and Changbin sit on the couch watching edits of you in your recent music video. Jisung chases Jeongin around the room, narrowly avoiding Seungmin and Minho from their spots on the floor.

Chris is the only one who stands from his spot in your chair to greet you. He catches you as you flop into his arms. Before Chris can speak, your manager busts in and calls you back out.

"Since you want to give away free tickets, you can help schedule them into another concert," Tony grins, a malicious glint in his eyes. 

You need to nap and then find a new manager.

Even in bed, your shoulders were tense and your brain was in overdrive. Thinking of the damage last night's not-concert has, and will, cause. Helping your team to comb through each person who attended the event so you could squeeze them into another concert at a later date. The scolding your manager gave you wasn't helpful.

Tangled in the sheets and limbs belonging to your lovers, their scents pressed into the covers. You were warm and so very, very tired with a sprinkle of guilt seeping in. This was supposed to feel nice. It was supposed to help ease you. 

But why couldn't you relax?

"When are you going to let someone take care of you?" Chris asked, wrapping the curls on Y/N's head in a scarf and bonnet. "It doesn't have to be one of us or someone we know."

"Just let someone in." Hyunjin's hands were warm against Y/N's cold face. His plump lips press butterfly kisses against your eyelids, forehead, and temples.

With Changbin and Hyunjin calling dibs on your sides and Chris laying you between his legs, so your head pressed against his stomach. You're pretty sure Seungmin is asleep, curled onto your legs with his hands gripping your calf. 

Jeongin is sprawled behind Hyunjin with his arm over Hyunjin, and hand on your chest, over your heart. 

Felix and Jisung were somewhere in the dorm causing chaos in the kitchen with Minho supervising. You could hear Jisung yelling at the pots for burning him, Felix's laugh, and Minho shouting about melted plastic.

You'll probably have to clean the kitchen at some point.

"For once, just relax and let someone care for you. Please," Changbin whispered with arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you into his chest.

"Don't hog him," Jeongin whined, pulling you back into his and Hyunjin's arms. 

Changbin grumbled as he yanked you back giving a chain reaction of Hyunjin and Jeongin pulling you and Changbin fighting for you to stay in his arms. Poor Chris with him latched onto you, he was tugged in every direction with you.

So, this is what the rope felt like in tug-of-war.

"You need to go to bed," Minho's voice comes from the doorway and everyone's heads turn in sync. He stands in the doorway with his hands on his hips, Jisung and Felix peeking around his shoulders.

"Who?" You ask.

"All of us," Minho answers, carefully curling up in an empty spot on the bed. 

Minho's attempts not to wake the sleeping boy are futile as Jisung dives onto the bed. He sandwiches himself between Changbin and your side, scaring Seungmin awake. He grumbles as he adjusts himself and falls back asleep.

Felix lingers at the end of the bed, looking for a spot to sleep. The moon shines on his milky skin and his eyes reflect the light. You turn so your back presses against Chan's chest, and Seungmin huffs as he turns away from you and tucks his face into Minho's neck. Felix was lying atop you amidst the commotion.

"Go to sleep, Y/N."

You hum, your eyes slipping close. It's warm. It's peaceful.

©️DEANAMEANTAE2024

[snghnlvr]

delicate | nishimura riki

౨ৎ ## love so delicate like yours, synopsis: you've realized how far you've gotten with your boyfriend now that both of you are adults.

includes: 1.9k words | soft fluff | yn is anxious asf but riki comforts them | we love reassurance | movie notebook reference 😎 | yn got a tattoo and it makes riki fall in love with them more 🙆‍♀️🙆‍♀️ | coming of age¿?

extra: at this point, all of the members are taylor swift coded | soft love is the best love | yn is me because im also 18 and i dont wanna pay taxes D:

likes, reblogs, and comments are appreciated! <3

[below the cut]

you sighed as you laid yourself flat against the blankets. you smiled in delight as if your troubles and worries left you. 

“school’s over.” you said, feeling your chest heavy. you recalled the school memories that you’ve experienced; both happy and sad, now that you’re taking the next chapter of your life; college. 

it’s leaving a bittersweet feeling on your whole body. 

“it is.” you looked over your shoulder, to see your boyfriend, riki fiddling with his yearbook. his fingers spotted towards the back of the book, heartfelt messages and inspiring words that his friends wrote for him. 

you’re in riki’s backyard, inside of a treehouse both of you built since children with the help of your parents. you’re so lucky your dad is a constructor. 

riki is sitting, one leg sticking out and one knee bent as he leans into the wooden walls. this position allows you to admire him from below as the sunlight flashes on his beautiful features. 

he’s reading every single message with sincerity and care, from his senior friends that he will probably never see again and his younger juniors that he can’t annoy anymore as he pleases. despite hating waking up early every morning and him dealing with tiring lectures, he has to admit he made memories and friends that’s worth a life time.

“i can’t believe we’re gonna be college students now. where we have to pay off debts, start our career paths, those people who are gonna be closer to 20 than 16 - it’s just,” you took in a breath. “surreal. surreal that we are growing up.”

you had always had a fear of growing up. not wanting to achieve the things and goals you’ve planned on time. you felt like you’re rushing to do everything at once before it becomes too late. you always wanna stay 16 forever; forever naive to understand the real world. how you’re closest friends will separate from you. how everything you’re experiencing right now will be just a memory. 

riki glanced down on you where you’re staring off of space. he can sense the anxiety in your tone. 

he closes the book after he was staring at a picture. a picture titled, “best couple” and it’s a picture of the both of you standing next to each other, smiling widely. he smiled at how adorable you looked next to him.

he scooted closer to you, making himself comfortable once he lays down next to you. his back lays flat, mimicking your position. 

“are you scared?” riki likes to question the obvious, but it helps you reflect on your feelings; how fear is just a feeling and to understand your emotions a bit better.

“just a little anxious just all,” you confessed, looking at riki whose eyes never left yours. “i’m sure it will disappear soon. i mean, everyone experiences this.” you reassure yourself and riki sense it, enjoying your honesty.

“mhm,” riki mumbles. “it’s okay to feel anxious, the future is scary.” he looks down. “it’s only a matter of time how you’re gonna handle it. you create your own future.” 

his words ring in your head. he’s right.

riki took your silence as a way that you agree with him. 

he then glanced down towards your arm, a black-inked drawing that attracted him. riki scooted closer, his body turned to yours. he propped himself up with his elbow.

no matter how close the proximity is between the both of you, it still makes you nervous til this day. especially with how much older and mature-looking your boyfriend of 6 years is. 

“your parents aren’t mad about this?” riki gently poked on your arm, eyes analyzing the art in your arm. it’s only been a week since you decided to get your first tattoo.

it’s beautiful, he thinks. 

“not anymore, i’m 18 now.” you huffed out. you remembered the horror on your parents’ faces but a sigh of defeat when they realized you’re now responsible of yourself. it makes you chuckle about their panicked expressions, slowly making themselves aware that you’re not gonna be their little 4 year old reckless daughter anymore. 

“i can imagine your mom shrieking.” riki giggled which made you scoffed because he wasn’t wrong. 

“your birth flower?” riki asked, his fingertips gently tracing the traces of your birth flower. 

your eyes widened a bit at his sudden touch then you looked down at how focused riki was. his eyes were staring at it as if your tattoo was a museum. 

your heart beat quickened at the sight. 

“the flower that i drew for you in your math notebook in 6th grade.” riki smiled, realizing how much time flies since you guys called it official since middle school. you’ve remembered the nervousness riki’s hands were, fiddling the bouquet of origami flowers. flowers he made for each that day that he fell in love with you. you thought it was silly. riki has always been caring and kind to you so it was natural for you to reprociate the feelings back. and so, without any pressure or doubts, you guys called it official.

“i thought you threw your old notebooks away..” his voice still remains soft and delicate, still smiling at your tattoo. he started to reminisce the times he would doodle on your notebook without you noticing. like a surprise.

“i ripped the page and kept it since.” when you were going into your freshman self, you looked back into the notebooks to reminsince your middle school memories. you’ve came across a drawing — no other than riki’s in one of your notebooks. you ripped it out and hid it in a safe spot until you get a tattoo of it ever since.  

some people thought you guys weren’t gonna make it past middle school — even you too, but since both of you got in the same highschool, it remained strong. a strong string holding your relationship tight.

yes, with hormones acting up and puberty getting in the way, there were times where you guys had fought and argued together to the point it was nearing breaking apart but both of you shouldn’t let it slide. not when it has reached this far. and how much you love each other.

although your boyfriend has grown up, there are occasionally times where he teases you and becomes childish around you, it makes you soft-hearted at how he still has a soul of his 12-year old self. especially moments where he look similar to a duck, which made you think about how much duck plushies you have on your bed because it reminds you of riki. 

you’re happy that you’re growing up with him.

“what are you thinking about pretty girl?” 

you gasped lightly, realizing that you’re spacing out. you looked at him and you see a small smirk implemented on his face, curious of what your pretty head is thinking about.

your face relaxes, trying to calm yourself. you’re nervous over nothing.

you looked down at your hands, then glance at riki’s hand comfortably resting, then back to your hands. your fingers slowly creep upon riki’s fingers, slowly rubbing them with yours. you smiled at the sight.

“it’s insane to think about how much we’ve grown.” you paused. “together.”

riki’s eyes looked at the sight, his heart beat echoing and growing louder. no matter what you do, you always make him think irrational. he then glances at you smiling when you’re playing with his fingers. “not many people believed in us lasting this long, not even me. i was worried if one of us lost feelings, found someone else better, or get something in our way, but im glad that we didn’t give up.” you looked at riki where his attention was diverted to you. he raised an eyebrow to indicate that he was listening.

“i’m happy that i’m dating you, i can’t express how much i adore you, how much you mean to me, i’ve never felt love this strong before — you’re just everything to me. i can’t imagine laughing harder than with anyone else, smile so much with anyone else. with you, it’s different. thank you for loving me.” 

you’re cringing on the inside at how much you confessed in such a short amount of time. you’re met with silence from your boyfriend who seem atonished from your words. you’re embarrassed, pulling back your fingers to cover your blushing cheeks in front of your boyfriend.

riki’s lips twitched, happy for you to express your feelings more comfortably now compared to the past situations. (one of the reasons that you’ve guys argued before) his chest felt light, his grin becoming bigger when you’re hiding from him.

you hear the blankets rustling, you felt riki’s arm slowly snake around your wrist to lightly remove your hand from your face. you removed your embarrassed hands and your eyes followed his hand clasping onto yours. the sight of his veiny hands makes you silent.

you admire the two of you holding hands. your stomach was feeling butterflies just as it was the first time riki confessed his feelings to you. riki twists your wrist, allowing you to see the sight from all angles. it looks so perfect. your hand perfectly structured to hold his. 

“you’re just as perfect as to what i am seeing right now.” riki spoke with a soft tone, chuckling when he kept twisting and turning your wrist. “you have a place in my heart no one else could ever have. my heart is so full of you i can hardly call it my own. i choose you. and i’ll choose you over and over. without a pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat, i’ll keep choosing you. as long as i’m alive, you will always be loved.”

you’re speechless at your boyfriend’s words to the point you feel like crying. riki still kept smiling at you, giggling. you saw the crescents formed in his eyes whenever he smiled at you and it never fails to make yourself love him more.

riki took this opportunity to lift himself up, hovering above you. he pecked your forehead. you felt his warm lips touching your skin and the goosebumps always forms whenever he makes you flustered.

you looked up at him, surprised. he looked down at you with his head tilted and a scrunched nose like a puppy, as if he was proud to do that.

nothing but an exchange of loud heart beats matching with one another and genuine giggles back and forth. 

riki then leaned in towards you. you closed your eyes at the expected action. his lips touching with yours. electricity flows when he rubs his fingers on your hands. it always make you feel all tingly on the inside. 

riki then pulls back, “cute.” he teases you, making your cheeks grow hotter. “shut up.” you rolled eyes, earning a little laugh from him.

riki still doesn’t let go of your intertwined hands as he returns to his original position where you’re laying flat on the ground, shoulder to shoulder. 

“so your summer plans?” riki asked casually. he lifted his head as his arm was under his head to act as support.

you then touched your bangs, realizing that you still have that caramel-like highlights since march. you were starting to get bored of it.

you pursed your lips. “maybe dye my hair next week back to black.” 

riki’s eyes shined. “match with me.” he spoke without thinking. you turned your head to him, realizing that his hair is black now. 

your boyfriend likes it alot when both of you match. 

“if you bleach it next month to some color then what?” you pointed out because sometimes your boyfriend makes impulsive decisions on his hair whenever he sees a cool hairstyles. you’re not angry whenever he does this because he’s good looking with whatever hair color he has.

“i won’t bleach it, i promise. i’ll follow you.” riki spoke and it makes you chuckle that he probably doesn’t realize the importance of his words. “red? blue? silver, i’ll do it for you.” you froze at his sudden deep voice erupting from him. your heart beat also freezes when his lips touches the location of your tattoo. you looked down and see his lips pushed forward. your heart flutters once again.

“you’re dumb.” you spoke, eyes softening at what you were hearing. 

gosh, you really love this man.

riki smiles against your skin, looking up and your heart twists at an umfamiliar sight. “i can be that.” he whispers like it was a promise.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Okay, I'm curious : what's your stance on Leona's and Idia's theory, as mentioned in the recent Book 7 update?

[You can read my full thoughts on the book 7 part 12 Cater and Deuce update here! ]

I'm assuming you're referring to them discussing the possibility of Trey and Cater "using" Riddle for their own nefarious gain? If I recall correctly, it's Leona's theory and Idia mainly reacts to it or comments. To review (for those who may not understand what I'm talking about): in the recent book 7 update, Leona proposes the idea that Trey and Cater propped up Riddle as a successor to the previous Heartslabyul dorm leader. The previous dorm leader was not only lax with enforcing the rules, but essentially made Heartslabyul a pretty lawless land with graffiti on the walls and the garden a mess. However, according to Leona's theory, Trey and Cater didn't boost Riddle up out of the goodness of their hearts or out of concern for their dorm being run into the ground. No, Leona proposes that they did it so that they could gain power themselves. After Riddle is in power, Trey and Cater would become his right-hand men and advisors, thus puppeteering Riddle and manipulating him to act in ways that benefit them. In this manner, Trey and Cater can create the Heartslabyul that they desire while Riddle is just the figurehead. In other words... Leona's saying Trey and Cater spearheaded the revolution to overthrow the previous dorm leader in order to benefit themselves. It's something that's not all too uncommon for unpopular political regimes. (Have to say though, very appropriate for Leona, the literal prince and a rebel of the savanna, to bring this concept up.)

adsjbbiaslyiyovfviea I don't... really have particular thoughts on this theory, because the update basically debunks it by the end of Cater's dream. After waking, Cater claims that he's actually pretty satisfied with how Heartslabyul is irl (so he has no reason to try and puppeteer Riddle). Leona even states that he guesses this theory was wrong--and he has a track record of being intelligent and perceptive, so I'm choosing to believe him when he says he's wrong. Cater then follows up with a jab at how Leona is the type to actually incite a revolution (throwback to book 2), not himself, which I'm going to take as further confirmation that the theory wasn't right.

Beyond what the characters actually say in Cater's dream, I don't think it makes sense for Trey and Cater to be the masterminds that Leona speculated they are, and nor is Riddle some mere figurehead. Like... yes, Cater has been shown to be manipulative, but he doesn't act in ways that are more malicious than tricking underclassmen to do things for him. He also doesn't strike me as someone seeking great power or control. Trey also has a devious side, but again he doesn't strike me as someone that wants to be in charge and he is typically presented genuinely supporting others. He is someone who has been deceived by others (ie Jade) too; do we really think he's as crafty as Leona is saying he may be??? Finally, there's Riddle. Come on, now. Do we REALLY believe that Riddle Rosehearts, Mr. Teapot Tyrant, the Rose Red Ruler himself, would let his dorm members boss him around? Yes, his mother exerts an insane level of control over him, but she's his parent and so Riddle will naturally defer to her. At school, Riddle is extremely arrogant and believes that he is the "most correct". I don't think he would allow himself to rule based on the discretion of others--and if you'll recall, Riddle fails to observe the advice Trey gives him, especially in book 1. No, Riddle actively rules and calls the shots around Heartslabyul. To call him a figurehead or someone who rules according to the whispers he gets in his ear is not accurate based on what we've seen of him. The only real wisdom Riddle seems to take from the third years of his dorm is Trey’s general advice to keep a leash on his temper—which is a very reasonable request, but not some mastermind manipulation tactic to control Riddle.

If Cater and Trey support Riddle, that’s their prerogative. I feel it’s definitely more on Trey’s part than Cater’s, as Cater generally tries to stay non-confrontational (he hesitates to fight OB Riddle + gets freshmen to do things for him) whereas Trey, as Riddle’s second-in-command and childhood friend, is more active in supporting his lead. I don’t think there’s malice or ill intent behind this. They’re more enabling than manipulating. Leona just judged them wrong because his own perspective is angled to doubt others’ intentions (he’s an underhanded character himself, so he perhaps expects this behavior of others too).

[moonsaver]

The care Package III

Our production line seems to be having problems. Our users are asked to cooperate as the packages have been mixed and sent to different users who had not ordered for the received false packages. This is a guide in the case our users are unable to, or decide not to, return the package.

-

Summary: refer to part 1 here! It contains Dr ratio and Argenti. Part 2 is here with Aventurine and Sunday. This part contains Kafka and Blade!

-

The Velvet Package

The package shakes a bit, and then settles quietly. You stare at it for a while, but no other movement seems to take place. After a while, you decide to open it..

The package itself is very neatly tied – it's purple in color and highlighted by silver linings, however, the fanciful ribbons seem amiss.. perhaps it was an overlooked detail?

On the inside is a Kafka, who seems to be enjoying her nap. Users are advised to wait for Kafka to wake up instead of taking the initiative. Some users report a pleasantly humorous experience, while some users report a mysterious and eerie one, if they wake up Kafka by initiative.

Kafka is a very pleasant one! Her Beginner and Intermediate stages do not differ by much. She is conversable, and does not explore her surroundings too much in the absence of User. Beginner Kafka will need a comfortable and relaxed environment – preferably one that has a very lively but slow-going vibe. Beginner Kafka however, may continue to feel distant with the user. Users may level up Kafka from Beginner to Intermediate by spending more time with her, and trying to understand her personal taste, asking opinions, and engaging Kafka in more activities that may deepen your bonds.

Feel free to pick up Kafka however you'd like. But.. the user must also know that Kafka will remember it very well into her Advanced Stage.

Intermediate Kafka is not so different. She may grow more curious, however, and explore her gift box for the default accessories that may have been gifted alongside her. Some users state their experience with Kafka as blissful, and some express their annoyance, as users have stated Kafka may play her Violin Prop 2 whenever she pleases, which is often, and even may do so in the middle of the night. You may try to come to a compromise with Kafka by setting specific time frames for her to play the violin. As for whether she will listen.. that is up to her.

Intermediate Kafka will also interact more personally and frequently with User – especially regarding medias revolving around movies or cosmetics. Kafka is especially helpful if you have a date night. Her skill, Insightful Understanding [II] may help decipher the feelings of those around you, and of yourself. She will often listen to your troubles and try to give meaningful solutions, or a good ear to listen. However – Kafka is also prone to teasing the user regarding some of their choices and feelings, which may lead some users to feel embarrassed. This is simply Kafka trying to deepen her bond with user, so please be open and friendly to her.

Advanced Kafka experiences and brings many changes that users may deem extreme. Kafka at this stage is described to be “close but distant” at the same time. She offers good advice, as her skill, Insightful Understanding levels up from [II] to [III], also giving her a bonus skill of Strategic Fear [II], letting Kafka be able to manipulate others as the user pleases. Kafka also would like to play strategic games more often such as Chess. She is prone to utilising the Toy Gun accessories in a strange manner, and may set up false targets to “practice”. Users are advised to let Kafka do as such, as she will continue regardless of user's satisfaction. Kafka may also go through user's personal belongings and set up many outfit combinations for user, give cosmetic and clothing advice, and help user with their personal taste. However, Kafka herself has very expensive taste, so she may request silk or velvet cloths for her own use. Users are advised to order accessories to please Kafka's demands from our Website, instead.

Users do not usually have to worry about ordering extra accustomed accessories such as Violin Prop 3, Sword Prop 2, etc.. for Advanced Kafka, as she may do it so herself. She will become much more self-sufficient, and may even go as far as to take care of and repair User's belongings aswell. 

Congratulations! Now you have a Kafka. She may grow up to about 5’7-5’8 in height, and will usually lounge around. Users are advised to keep a close eye on Kafka and not let her abuse her skill, Strategic Fear [II], as it may level up to Strategic Fear [IV], and potentially cause legal issues. {Our company has advised our users thoroughly, and whatever issues may follow are not our responsibility. However, if we deem that the User is too morally bankrupt, we may take back Kafka}. Kafka is prone to Loneliness [I] and will often want to spend time with User whenever they are free – but she may not verbalize these feelings, so users are encouraged to set up a routine Kafka can look forward to, such as movie nights, sleepovers, etc.. User may be able to assist Kafka feel less lonely by her Companion Feature – Trailblazer, Blade, Silver Wolf, or Sam may be added and housed alongside her. However, users are cautioned not to let them be alone for too long, lest they end up causing trouble..

-

The Black Package

The package is silent for the longest time. However, if it is left for too long, the package will start violently shaking, before bursting open and then staying silent once again.

Inside the package is a tired Blade – he is not comfortable or pleased with his circumstances of being tiny and inside the box.

Users are advised to immediately try and comfort Blade by using the accessories provided – First aid kit Prop 1, Music Box prop 1, Medicine 3, etc..

Beginner Blade may be standoff-ish, and very distant. He will be reluctant to leave his gift box, and interact with the outside environment. Users are advised to place Blade inside his box, and somewhere stable with dim-lighting, with little change and a lot of privacy and quietness. Beginner Blade takes a lot of time to adjust well to his surroundings due to his senses – Sense Enhancement [II], which makes him prone to sensory overstimulation and anxiety easily. He may growl if you try to force him out of his gift box.

Do not pick up Blade. He will not like it. It will increasingly stunt his growth if the user persists and insists on picking up Blade.

Users often complain it is difficult to level up Blade from his Beginner stage to Intermediate stage. We urge our users to be patient with Blade. You may help him by offering him comfort with Music box Prop 1, and converse often with him. Blade does not seem talkative, but he often finds comfort in User's personal daily life. Blade is prone to Loneliness [III], and may immediately delevel if neglected for even a day. Users are advised to keep Blade company for 7-8 hours a day – as long as Blade is within the user's vicinity, he will feel accompanied.

Intermediate Blade will continue his state of stagnancy, but will occasionally show some symptoms of growth – he may take the initiative and ask for User's day, hum along quietly to the Music box, explore his surroundings a bit more, and take a few trinkets of User to keep in his gift box. Depending on how often User may chose to have spent time with Blade, resistance against Loneliness [III] evolves it into Loneliness [I], and Blade will be able to feel more assured and less lonely in times of User's absence. He may also verbalize quiet and short appreciation if user chooses to leave by a small note of assurance in their absence.

Users are cautioned to be well prepared in advance for Advanced Blade. In this Stage, Blade is prone to Mara Deterioration [IV] which greatly affects his mental state. Users are advised to order for Medicine 2 as an accustomed accessory for Advanced Blade. You may also help Advanced Blade by his Companion feature, and bring in a Kafka or a Silver Wolf. They will help tether the Mara Deterioration to a level [II]. However, users are cautioned to not under any circumstances, house others with Blade's Companion feature – especially Dan Heng, Jing Yuan, and Jingliu. This may immediately delevel Advanced Blade back to his Beginner stage, and worsen Mara Deterioration to a [V] {Blade is at risk of permanent damage.}

Advanced Blade is quiet, and does not often converse, similar to his Beginner Stage. However, he is more open to exploring newer areas, and may take up an interest in his Sword Prop 4, and practice it on makeshift targets made of useless or waste belongings of the User. He does not demand much, except for the occasional pain medicine. However, Blade's Sense Enhancement [II] levels up to a Sense Enhancement [IV], and he will protect and warn User of any incoming danger or hazard that may pose a risk to their life.

Congratulations! You now have a Blade. He may grow up to about 5'10-6’1 in size. Blade offers a good ear for Users who often make light-hearted and easy conversation, and talk about their days. Blade may make an effort to verbalize his appreciation for User's support, so we urge user to remain patient with Blade. He may insist on being called Yingxing from time to time. {Our users are advised not to fret, this was the name of our previous Blade Model}. He may also offer to act as User's bodyguard.. as long as User is ready to take on the responsibility of his actions. {Our company has advised our users thoroughly, and whatever issues may follow are not our responsibility. However, if we deem that the User is too morally bankrupt, we may take back Blade}. Have fun with your.. Blade. 

-

[moonpie016]

>:3

Prop up the mic, or something. Uhh. THESE TWO! — — —

— — —

I FINALLY HAVE A DESIGN FOR COUNT ELEVEN!!!! Every time I’d doodle him, I wasn’t satisfied with the result. But now I’m content.

He kinda reminds me of Security Breach…. But I wanted him to have lots of patterns, but not too many to crowd him up.

(Though would make sense for the nature of the song.)

And yes, he is a robot. But fully robot, not like Mind.

For April’s Fool, I didn’t really want to change anything. Though I did give the man big pants reminiscent of clown pants. And gave the pants horses, each going around with a smile or frown. Because reasons. And also the months.

Quite satisfied. :3

And speaking of Mind.

— — —

— — —

So I was existing, when all of a sudden I remembered a character of mine, a robot named Jammy. Then I looked closely at him and realized…..he has similar features to my Mind design. (Even though he was made WAYYYYYYYYY before me knowing CCCC.)

Guess I couldn’t let those aspects of character design die. Or maybe I just like designing stuff that way. Probably cus I do it a lot.

Thought it would be fun to see them interact. Jammy being curious and excited at anything similar to himself, and Mind….not understanding who this is at all. And merely trying to leave the situation. (How is it even meeting him?)

— — —

A. But that’s it for today/tonight/whenever you’re seeing this.

Enjoy. :3

(References stand-alone, reference for Jammy

(cus context??? Idk. Underneath)

— — —

— — —

[felassan]

Some more DA:TV and related snippets from Sylvia Feketekuty, Part 5. rest of post under a cut due to length and spoilers. [Post One, Post Two, Post Three, Post Four]

Sylvia Feketekuty: "I agree, the Necropolis IS gorgeous, I was blessed with wonderful level artists, lighting artists, and a fantastic LD who poured their hearts into making it it." [source]

Sylvia: ""But what does Manfred think about Spite?" Good question. Manfred is curious, as always, and can probably sense Spite's on his own plane of existence (in other words, another spirit.) But Manfred also doesn't have a greatly evolved sense of danger, he might not understand Spite's "moodier" moments. I also think Manfred isn't as sophisticated a spirit as Spite at the start of the game. (Though don't let Emmrich catch you saying that!)" [source, two]

Sylvia on Emmrich: "He was a team effort, and I have to especially thank the writers and editors for their early feedback that helped shape him. Emmrich wouldn't have worked as well otherwise." [source]

Sylvia: "it's a huge honour to work on a character who's someone's favorite anything, let alone romance. (Huge props to Allegra, her actor, who just got Josie right away.)" [source]

Sylvia: ""With Cassandra being our only POV into Nevarra" Poor Cassandra. (Emmrich has such respect for her uncle's books!) "There's a lot of deep respect and empathy for all the ways people relate with death and I appreciate it"" Thanks, that was something I'd so hoped would come through." [source]

Sylvia: "It really was a team that brought Emmrich, the Necropolis, and the rest of its guardians to life, I know everyone would be thrilled to know you enjoyed it so much." [source]

User: "Emmrich's fear of mortality really hit hard. Some of those lines are etched into my heart now. Thanks to everyone who helped put that deeply relatable and human experience into the game" // Sylvia: "It was kind of the core of Emmrich, writing the part where he opens up about his fears, so thank you for sharing that, it means a lot." [source]

Sylvia: "I loved writing the MW branches and letting people be a nerdier flavour of Rook with Emmrich." [source]

User: "Nevarra, Mourn Watch and in particular Emmrich's personal missions were amazing! The whimsical and the grotesque in perfect balance. When I replay next year I'll be looking forward to those missions the most!" // Sylvia: "Especial praise goes to the level designers for tackling a bunch of complex stuff in those missions as we planned them out." [source]

Sylvia: "I think we can all agree Emmrich might be a touch eccentric, but I really wanted his interests and compassionate outlook to be heartfelt, so this is lovely to hear." [source]

User: "I was so nervous about the whole Necropolis gang as I have PTSD and a major fear of death. So when Emmrich confided in Rook about his own fear, I was struck with such an unexpected comfort. I've never heard someone describe my own fears and how they make me feel so perfectly." // Sylvia: "Thank you, Bibi. It's a very familiar fear for me as well, and I find sometimes talking about it can ease things. So I'm very glad to hear Emmrich's thoughts on it were helpful for you." [source]

Sylvia: "I like a good sinister necromancer, but really wanted to try something different with the Mourn Watch, something more akin to a sacred duty." [source]

Sylvia on the Necropolis: "The concept, lighting, and level artists, and the level designer, did so much cool stuff there IMO. Seeing it with the final art and lighting in for the first time was a thrill for me too." [source]

User: "special thanks for the Terry Pratchett references in the form and speech of Vorgoth. I don't know exactly whose idea it was, but it was great!" // Sylvia: "Aw thank you so much! Re: Terry Pratchett: oh man, I read nearly every Discworld book multiple times, absolute favorites growing up." [source]

User: "I kinda of assumed that Emmrich just calculates age in academia terms, so no matter how many physical years old your Rook is, you're just a tiny baby who hasn't completed a necromancy phd. "When I was your age" = "When I was a TA."" // Sylvia: "Yes, yes that math checks out." [source]

User on Emmrich: "how refreshing it was to have an argument with a LI that’s specific to their relationship. It gives the characters such texture and dimension!" // Sylvia: "Aw thank you! I liked the tone range we ended up having between everyone, it was more rewarding to do." [source]

User: "Would you guys ever expand more on Nevarra and its culture? I loved seeing the Necropolis, and hope we revisit it. But I'll be honest when I say it made me curious what life in Nevarra is like, and how infused Nevarra's Mortalitasi are with average Nevarran life." // Sylvia: "Since I've left the company, that's not really in my hands, so there's not much I can say. But I get what you mean, because the Mourn Watch are a subbranch of the Mortalitasi with a very special field of study and service. We don't really get much about everyday Nevarra. So whoever tackles that in the future, if they ever do: I think that could be neat. Lots of room to explore different dynamics and customs!" [source, two]

User: "I adore Emmrich, he's so sweet & so thoughtful! I especially adore his love for flowers, and I personally interpreted that as a hint from the writers (you!) that choosing to embrace his fleeting mortality, like the fleeting beauty of flowers, was his "good" path - is that correct? What's your take?" // Sylvia: "I tried really hard to make either choice feel like it could be the right one for him, because I wanted it to be more about a player's own interpretation-and their relationship with him-than author fiat hinting at which one is correct. Also thank you for the kind words! I really liked writing Emmrich enthusing about flowers." [source, two] // User: "He's such a charming character, the vibes of him and Josephine are among some of my favorites in the series, thank you for helping to shape them and for being kind enough to answer my question! Do you, personally, have a preference for which choice Emmrich makes? It's a tough call to make in game!" // Sylvia: "I'm afraid, like a coward, I've not stated a preference because I don't want to accidentally influence people into thinking one was right or not. I'm also in a weird place where as the person writing him, my thoughts are far less subjective in weird recursive ways. If that makes sense." [source]

User: "do you have a favorite flower? It was such a lovely detail in Emmrich's character and it warms my heart to know writing that was enjoyable for you" // Sylvia: "It kind of changes depending on what's growing during the season, but while it's very common, you can't beat the scent of a rose. (Fond of lilacs too)" [source]

User: "Did you have any role in Manfred's wisp being lilac when/if you bring him back? That detail made me bawl 😭 Manfred was so shaped by "living" with Emmrich that his essence became Em's favorite color?! The only wisp we see to do so?" // Sylvia: "I wish! I actually don't know who did that. I'd assume that colour was chosen by one of our animators, or maybe the LD, so perhaps they added in that detail, which is adorable. (Carly, Derek Wilks, was this either of you?)" [source] // Derek Wilks: "I think that was someone in VFX actually!" [source]

Sylvia: "Glad you enjoyed the graveyard date, our animators and music director did wonders there." [source]

User: "Can you give us any hints on when Dorian spent some time at the necropolis? I need to know their circumstances for science (how old was Dorian back then? I could imagine he had a crush on the professor lol)" // Sylvia: "I'm going to chicken out and not pin that down (sorry.) Since I've left BW, my answer would be even more non-canonical than usual, because that would've been something I'd have wanted to talk over with the other writers. But by that same token, nothing I've said invalidates what you want to imagine." [source]

Sylvia on Emmrich: "I am flattered to hear he has become a favorite romance, the team went all out on him." [source] // Sylvia: "So many people worked on those scenes: animation, art, audio, the editors, and huge kudos to his actor Nick Borraine." [source]

Sylvia: "I THINK Emmrich is 6'2 or 6'3, but you'd need a character artist to confirm." [source]

User: "Do the necromancers of the Grand Necropolis have their own sort of culture? Like perhaps their own rituals for marriage, courting, etc.?" // Sylvia: "Hrm. Good question. I'm sure they have some individual quirks and traditions, like any long-running institution. But they probably don't deviate unrecognizably from the mortalitasi norm." [source]

Sylvia: ""i also played a trans rook, and some of emmrich's content for a romanced trans rook made for probably some of the best romance content of all time for me." That's so nice to hear, and I must give credit to some trans people who kindly took the time to give me feedback that made those lines better." [source]

User: "1) are Tevinter exchange students like Dorian common? 2) what are some of the other fraternities of the Mortalitasi? 3) do members of the Mourn Watch often attend social events with the Nevarran elite like other Mortalitasi?" // Sylvia: "1) Yeah, I think they're not uncommon. I took my inspiration from The Grand Tour, and thought it would make sense if Tevinter sent out some of the wealthier scions to see the world a little, pick up a few new spells. [link] 2) I'm afraid I've deliberately left this one blank, for future people to fill in if/when the need arises. Emmrich complains about the palace necromancers, so we do know there's a special cadre of mortalitasi running the show over there. 3. Absolutely. The MW are pretty prestigious in Nevarra with their running the Grand Necropolis. Much as Emmrich dislikes politics himself, there's probably a lot going on at the top." [source, two, three]

User: "Do you think Lich Emmrich would eventually be told by the Lich Lords to sever his mortal ties and return with them to the depths of the Necropolis? It seems like he’s willing to break all their rules to keep Rook with him" // Sylvia: "I'm afraid defining Emmrich's duties/responsibilities/required conduct as a lich would very much be something I'd leave up to the future (even if I were still at BW.) Kind of too big a topic for me to want to speculate here." [source]

User: "did you have a hand in designing how emmrich looks?" // Sylvia: "Yep, I gave feedback as his design progressed. Our concept artists really got him very early on, though, so it was smaller stuff." [source] // User: "was he at all inspired by Peter Cushing & his hammer film characters? He really gives off van Helsing vibes to me" // Sylvia: "Time permitting I want to do a post on influences, but you got it in one exactly. It was specifically the Hammer films I was thinking about!" [source] // User: "would Rudolph van Richten from Curse of Strahd be on his list of influences?" // Sylvia: "I'm afraid, to my shame, I never read much of the core Ravenloft books, so that one's a no." [source]

User: "I needed you to know that Emmerich's conversation in the Memorial Gardens about his thanaphobia really got me. I could never put the words together of what thanaphobia feels like, and his description is perfect." // Sylvia: "It's a familiar feeling to me as well, and I'm glad it rang true." [source]

User: "I've got a really severe death phobia that's been flaring recently, and emmrich's conversation about it captured the feeling perfectly and helped lessen the weight for me" // Sylvia: "I find at least discussing it can ease it, sometimes, so I'm very glad to hear getting to know Emmrich helped in that way." [source]

Sylvia: "Hezenkoss was a blast to write so I'm glad she clicked for you. "preposterous is what you wore to a bog, Orlesian" Oh wow, Skywatcher! It's been an age, so glad that line stuck with you. That takes me back!" [source]

Sylvia: ""And yet I ask the question - what attracts Emmerich to the Hand? Yes, the answer is “perseverance”, but I think this is not fully explored." Do you mean the Hand of Glory specifically? He's intrigued and disturbed by the magic around it, which is why he hones on it, even before he knows its origin" [source]

Sylvia: ""I was wondering if you could tell us about his & Manfred's first meeting or notable moments in their friendship?" This feels like something I'd probably want to leave more to the imagination. And because I'm not a BW anymore, answers would be even more non-canonical than normal. All that said, for some reason, I always pictured Emmrich being alone in the Necropolis the first time Manfred's wisp floated up to him to peer at what he was doing. It just seems a little more poignant that way." [source, two]

Sylvia: "All credit to the team, especially the writers and editors who gave feedback that made [Emmrich] so much better during those early days and beyond." [source]

User: "me + a handful of people were wondering about non-mage mourn watchers! id love to hear your notes/thoughts about them! b/c i didnt remember hearing how they become MW or if reaper uses death magic!" // Sylvia: "Sure! Not much to say, though, I think the MW is likely a mage majority fraternity that accepts a few non-mages who have exceptional skills and temperaments sympathetic to the Necropolis. A warrior of great renown, a rogue of exceptional stealth and quiet, a baby found down there in a grave, and so forth. They'd certainly undergo the same kind of oaths and bindings every Watcher goes through. I always pictured them being provided with the best enchanted gear the MW has to offer too." [source, two]

User: "Hi! About Emmerich being a professor—does he teach at a Circle, or is he specifically a professor to other MWers and Mortalitasi? It seems like the MW has some sort of official schooling for its members since he regularly takes on students each year, could you comment on that at all?" // Sylvia: ""It seems like the MW has some sort of official schooling for its members since he regularly takes on students each year, could you comment on that at all? " Sure, but I think you have it, the MW seems to want to raise well-rounded students with a classical education on top of magecraft. In my mind, it was because they saw every MW as representing the Grand Necropolis, so of course they wanted its members to have training in etiquette and history and generally be able to move in polite society." [source, two]

User: "If I remember correctly, we only really see Emmrich use necromantic magic in-game. Are there other types of magic (elemental, healing/spirit, etc) that you think he would gravitate toward?" // Sylvia: "Hrm. He does have a bit of healing magic, mechanically in combat. It coudl work, but somehow I don't think Emmrich would ever be a high-level healer. He could maybe get the basics but it's not his great gift. Something about the gravic magic of the force mage specialty feels appropriate though." [source]

Sylvia: ""would it be possible for a (romanced) MW Rook join Emmrich in linchdom, eventually?" Yes: Rook can try, bc it's not forbidden to seek the knowledge out. (Emmrich makes it clear Hezenkoss pieced some of it together herself, so we've also seen another mage get it almost-right) It is very hard and probably takes decades to accomplish (and of course, there's no guarantee Rook would survive.) But everything written in game points to there being a chance." [source, two]

User: "I’ve been thinking a little about it and I know it’s mentioned in the game he would be interested in visiting - but how would Emmrich feel about visiting the Avvar in the south? They are one of the few groups that show respect for spirits in a similar way and I imagine he’d have a lot of questions." // Sylvia: "He'd probably love it. He'd be fascinated by their relationship with spirits, in the ways it mirrors and deviates from the Mourn Watchers' own practices. (I imagine there is also like a 15% chance he gets into a heated argument with one of them over a fine point of how spirits work exactly.)" [source]

User: "congratulations on another achievement, Emmrich took the silver trophy" // Sylvia: "I was so excited to see we'd gotten the silver trophy! I hope everyone who worked on him sees that." [source]

User: "Is there anywhere we can follow your future work after this account gets shut down ?" // Sylvia: "TBH I'll probably just reopen it it there's any cool news to share since I don't have a website or anything. (I THINK I can just reactivate it?)" [source]

User: "Thank you for Lady Josephine Cherette Montilyet, emmrich, Liara and Leigon!!!!" // Sylvia: "Thank you! (I should mention I was only a part of Legion in ME3 - specifically the N7 mission into the Geth Consensus. Great fun to work on that level though.)" [source]

Sylvia: "I'm lucky to have had the chance to bring Emmrich and Josephine to you all with the rest of the team." [source]

Sylvia: ""I still remember when you introduced yourself on old BSN when Lair of the Shadow Broker came out." Wow, you're right I did! That is a blast from the past. Thank you for the kind words!" [source]

User: "Just wanted to say thank you for all the amazing characters you helped bring to life in DA and ME. I really enjoyed Emmrich and Hezenkoss in DAV. The dynamic between them really made me laugh" // Sylvia: "Thanks! That was one of my favorite pairs to write, the history between them meant everything was always a little more personal, which is always fun." [source]

Sylvia: "Thanks Janette, loved writing Hollix." [source]

User: "Elements of Emmerich's costume resemble the Cerberus logo from ME. Is this just a reference or is there something more to it?" // Sylvia: "Gee, I can't say for sure because I didn't make it, but I'd assume that one's just a coincidence (since the Mourn Watch and Necropolis use hexagonal shapes as their primary shape language)" [source]

User: "I can just tell how well Emmrich is written along his fear. I lost my fear of death and dying as I began to honor the dead." // Sylvia: "I do think talking and thinking about these things more than we normally do helps eases the fear." [source]

Sylvia: "Thank you for these lovely thoughts. I did read some books about different customs around death, and I know a little about pagan/occult/magic practices (in a very basic and generalist sense.) So it doesn't surprise me per se, but I am very glad to hear getting to know Emmrich was a positive thing. And I'm also very glad to hear he's someone you feel you can take into the future with you as a helpful friend." [source, two]

Sylvia: ""Does Emmrich have any guilty pleasures?" Huh. Excellent question. I should really be more decisive about my own character, but while I think that could be fun, I'm not sure what it would be. "Oh one other question , is there a part of thedas you wish you could of explored but wasn't able to be in game?" I've always been interested in the sinister sounding Sea of Ash. What goes on over there???" [source, two]

User: "i have a silly little question bc i also love emmrich. was his scene revealing lichdom to everyone meant to parallel a trans coming out or was that accidental? because i felt on an existential level the thrill of revealing who you are, but also fearing people would be afraid or treat you differently. (and then there's strife discussions, and putting up a glamour some places but not others, and the blooming but gentle self-confidence... he is very transgender to me)" // Sylvia: "Not a silly question at all! After writing the scene I wondered if people would see similarities because of those overlapping themes you pointed out: the dignity of bodily self-determination, revealing your true self to those you love, fear of rejection, hope for acceptance. But during the writing, I mostly approached becoming undead as its own thing, because I wanted to ground it in the MW's particular philosophy. I think there's parallels because of the way the human personal is universal, if that makes sense. That said, if this does feel very transgender to you or anyone else (or not), I'm not against varied interpretations. That's one of the cool things about seeing people actually get their hands on your work." [source, two, three]

User: "I'm not sure what Emmrich's hairstyle is, slickback?" // Sylvia: "Good question. Afraid I don't know what it'd be called either. Googling it, slickback LOOKS correct?" [source]

User: "Emmrich has definitely developed a special bond with Bellara and Lucanis, and yet, both of them don't comment on his relationship with Rook! What would you say their reaction was? Their banter was so good I'm sure we'd all love to know what Emmrich had to say!" // Sylvia: "Ah, that one I'm afraid I can't answer since I'm not their writer, and that would've been something I would've discussed with the narrative team together. Sorry!" [source]

Sylvia: "Nick was indeed brilliant!" [source]

User: "Ive got quite bad thanatophobia and Emmerich's writing is one of the only times I've seen that dealt with actually respectfully." // Sylvia: "Thanks very much! I've experienced that fear, and I suspect it's way more common than we think, and I'm glad to hear it felt that way to you." [source]

User: "My HOF was a spirit healer, very kind & very curious, & for years I've considered how that special connection to spirits might lend itself to an interest in Thedan necromancy & puzzling out where spirits & souls begin & end. Emmrich, Manfred/Curiosity and the wisps gave me so much to think about!" // Sylvia: "that's interesting about your HOF. They may've found some kindred spirits if they ever ventured further north." [source]

User: [was] "Dorian was taken over by a nominated writer for veilguard or if his legacy was more of a team effort ?" // Sylvia: "Dorian was in the capable hands of Writer Chee" [source]

User: "I’m also dying to know what Emmrich did during Rook's stint in the prison-my thought is he not only did the majority of the work on finding Rook, but in leading the team, prob finishing touches on the dagger clone, keeping the team together in Rook’s absence while barely holding himself together at times" // Sylvia: "I think he was indeed having some very sleepless, guilt-wracked nights, working himself too hard, and trying his best on that dagger." [source]

User: "I just wanted to tell you that I love Emmrich's part of the lighthouse the books the fact that it's right next to rook's room and that johanna is in it later and that you can talk to her" // Sylvia: "Thank you! I love what the level artist there did, it's such a cozy den of a place. And I'm glad you liked meeting Hezenkoss afterwards, all praise to the level and tech designers who got her in there." [source]

User: "Are the Watchers overall vegetarian, or was it a personal preference Emmrich developed?" // Sylvia: "I think it's a thing among some Watchers, but not all. Because they think a lot about life and death and the cycle of life, and their place in it, and what constitutes a death they feel comfortable with or not. My actual, original inspiration for it was from an old Call of Cthulhu TRPG book about Miskatonic University, set in the 1920s. There was a great little detail about the campus having a cafeteria that serves vegetarians. And when I read it, I got a little jolt because I was so used to vegetarianism in North America being portrayed as a relatively modern movement. But of COURSE there's always exceptions and cultural enclaves and so on. Just one of those moments you feel your understanding of what we were up to in the past shift a little, even if it felt obvious in retrospect." [source, two, three, four]

Sylvia re: writing Manfred: "Yep, Manfred was my guy too." [source]

Sylvia: "I'm glad you enjoyed meeting our gentleman necromancer. (Full credit to the great feedback I got from the other writers and editors early on, he wouldn't be as good without them.)" [source]

User: "I was curious I know none of emmrich's serious relationships ended up panning out But like did any of them get to the point that him and his partner at the time shared a living space I'm wondering if emmrich has ever lived with anyone besides manfred" // Sylvia: "That's an interesting question. Like a coward I will hedge my bets, but I could MAYBE see a few. Not many though." [source]

[ratlesshonret]

RatlessHonret's (Totally Biased) Ranking of RPG-Maker Horror* Games

*Some games, namely Yume Nikki/2kki and OFF, may be argued to not be "horror" games. However, I included them because, even if they do not fit the genre of RPG-Maker Horror, they are both adjacent to and incredibly influential upon the genre

This is gonna be a long post. But I love RPG-Maker Horror. I've loved it for a long time. So I decided, why not take every one I've played, and put them in one big tier list of Twenty-Three Games.

Below the cut, I'm going to explain my rankings of each game. So if you disagree with me, then uh. At least read that first, and then mald in the comments about OFF only being C or some random shit nobody has ever heard of making it into A.

(Also, every game will have a link to download/buy in this post, in case one interests you)

Pocket Mirror / Pocket Mirror ~ GoldenerTraum 10/10 Creator: Astral Shift Original Release: July 22, 2016 (Free!) GoldenerTraum Release: February 6, 2023 ($20 USD)

Originally released in 2016, I was just the right age for this game to leave a massive impression on my psyche. This game has shaped who I am as a person in ways that I'm still just coming to understand (like possible plurality?)

A young girl wakes up in a room with no memory of who she is or what she must do. With nothing but a Pocket Mirror in her possession, and a voice telling her to keep her memories close to her heart, she must navigate a frightening world full of the unknown and the untrustworthy.

The music? Amazing. The graphics? For the time, amazing, and only improved in the remaster. The story? Top tier for a game of its kind. Characters? Super memorable. The scares are not that great, but honestly you don't play any of the games on this list for the horror.

I love every single thing about this game. It changed who I am as a person for the better, and has become the lens through which I view most things in my life. I frequently refer to it as my favorite game of all time, because it is.

This game is also the axis upon which every other game on this list is judged. If a game is a 5/10, it does not mean its a 5/10 game necessarily, just that it is when I compare it to Pocket Mirror.

So please, play Pocket Mirror. I beg of you.

.flow 10/10 Creator: lolrust Original Release: February 15, 2009 (Free!)

The single best Yume Nikki Fangame (ynfg) ever released, in my humble opinion. A combination of small worlds, a hostile feeling environment, and a general eerie ambience make this game an unsettling one to walk around in.

The game follows the traditional Yume Nikki formula. Go to computer, enter dream world, walk around, see random shit, gather effects, get endings.

The smallness is what I enjoy about this game. Some other ynfgs (and even the original) tend to have massive worlds, and a lot of them at that. It isn't as though navigation in .flow isn't confusing, but its not as much of a chore as a game that makes you run for two hours to get anywhere.

The story is also not clear. Up to interpretation. Kind of like the original Yume Nikki before they made a bunch of stuff trying to add a story to it and canonize fan theories, or whatever is happening with that game. lolrust has been very cagey about a lot of aspects of the "plot" to the game, and aside from occasional talks of a potential sequel, the game has been dormant for about six years now, with its last update in 2019.

If any developer mastered the Yume Nikki formula and made it into something I actively enjoy playing, its lolrust. I have to give massive props to them for making such a great game. (Also, I gotta support fellow enbies in gamedev when I can)

Lily's Well 10/10 Creator: PureIceBlue Original Release: January 4, 2022 ($10 USD)

A delightful little body-horror focused mindfuck of a game. In fact, if you like body horror, this may be the best game on this list. And there's lots of bonus content beyond the game as well, such as the Lily's Birthday video, for those who really wanna delve deep into the lore.

A young girl is home alone, and hears a voice coming from her well outside. She must gather materials for a rope, to descend deep into the well. But what is truly at the bottom?

This game's story is told brilliantly, and the twist really is a horrifying one to think about for too long. I don't wanna say too much, so I'll just recommend you to play it for yourself. Its only like, 3-4 hours long at most.

I Cannot Drown 9/10 Creator: PureIceBlue Original Release: June 30, 2019 (Free!)

A sort of prequel to Lily's Well, I Cannot Drown is a game about trying to be returned to the mortal realm. Another body horror adventure, this game focuses a lot more on the eerie ambience typical of the ynfg genre.

Honestly, there isn't much to say. Its a ynfg, there's body horror, you know the deal. Though I must say, it is probably the only ynfg to genuinely creep me out. So pick it up, its free, and play for a few hours. It isn't that long.

Ib 8/10 Creator: kouri Original Release: February 27, 2012 (Free!) Remake Release: April 11, 2022 ($13 USD)

You know this game. I don't even need to explain it, honestly.

What is there to say about Ib? It's Ib. Better puzzles than usual for an RPG Maker Horror experience (though not quite top tier imo), an interesting story, INCREDIBLY charming characters, and its just. Fun to play, I find.

I get why this game is a classic I have dissed on it too hard over the years, I've come to learn.

Cat in the Box 8/10 Creator: Gustav Original Release: May 1, 2020 ($7 USD)

This is probably one of the most confusing games on the list in terms of placement for many. This small game, which many have never heard of, getting this high of a placement on the list?

You are a content creator for an unspecified video sharing platform, looking to hit it big. So, you decide to head to a haunted house, said to be home to a cult that mysteriously disappeared. In your chase of the content, you become trapped inside, and must find your way out.

In a nutshell, this game is a twist on the typical "girl gets stuck in big house with scary killer" genre of RPG Maker Horror. However, the twists, turns, and visuals within this game make it an interesting take on the formula. The art that is original is good, which more than makes up for the default assets that make up the majority of the game (which imo, isn't much of a negative in the first place.)

Give it a look if you have some free time. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Project Kat - Paper Lily Prologue 8/10 Creator: Leef 6010 Original Release: October 15, 2021 (Free!)

Another smaller game, with less of a fanbase. I want to be clear that I haven't found the time to play the game to which this is a prologue, of which the first chapter came out... semi-recently.

An occultism-obsessed girl sneaks into her school at night, looking to perform a ritual to test its validity. As a skeptic, she doubts it'll work, but tries it out regardless.

I love the writing in this game. The characters are strong, there's some cute moments, and it gets appropriately fearsome if you follow the intended path to the "true" ending.

Though honestly, this is one of those games where the true ending is so depressing I almost want some of the happier alternate endings to be canon instead. Either way, its a fun way to kill some hours, and a good take on a classic formula. You can't go wrong with that.

Little Goody Two Shoes 8/10 Creator: Astral Shift Original Release: October 31, 2023 ($20 USD)

Going to be up front: This game was saved from a 7 rating by it being Pocket Mirror's prequel.

Elise is a girl tired of living in her boring old town with her annoying neighbors. So she does what any reasonable person would do: partakes in a deal with a demon. What will happen next? Find out for yourself.

This game for sure has its issues, but I love it. The art is phenomenal, and the story is great. My main issues come from how much dialogue you need to skip through on replaying for endings and some of the puzzles being a bit obtuse and annoying.

Overall, I do love this game. I may have overhyped myself for it, causing a touch of disappointment when it wasn't literally a perfect game, but I think anyone playing it will heavily enjoy their time with the game if they're inclined to liking these sorts of games (which, if you're reading this post, you probably do)

Sorry, We're Open + No Delivery 7/10 Creator: Oates Original Release (SWO): February 17, 2023 ($8 USD) Original Release (ND): September 26, 2019 ($5 USD)

The first "VCRPGs" by Oates on this list, these two games are being ranked as a pair due to their similarities with each other and my identical overall ranking of the two. I'd say Sorry, We're Open is a bit stronger overall, but not enough to bump it up a point for me.

No Delivery follows a pizza restaurant in the 80's, with a mysterious past and odd rumors floating around. As a roguelike, your job is to delve deeper into the pizzeria, gaining more knowledge with each new employee you control.

Sorry, We're Open is a very similar premise, although following a retail store instead.

These two games sort of blend together in my mind, but I think you'll know if you like them just on sight. The aesthetics are good, the writing is good, and overall I really enjoy these games for what they are.

The Boogie Man 6/10 Creator: Uri Games Original Release: Feb 13, 2018 ($3 USD)

The third game in the "Strange Men" series, you follow a detective sent on vacation to an old castle by your boss. As you're there, your strained relationship with your wife comes to a head, your past comes to haunt you, and some fucking guy is also trying to kill people or whatever.

This is much closer to "classic" RPG Maker Horrors than some of the previous entries on this list. Many endings, obscure requirements, and frequent tropes that aren't as common now as they used to be.

Overall, this game is my favorite in the series. Its very rough around the edges, but has enough intrigue to it that I don't mind it so much after getting used to it.

Ann 6/10 Creator: Rong Rong Original Release: August 26, 2021 (Free!)

This game, while short, has a lot of charm to it. The art is great, and the story, while maybe a weak point of the game, does have its moments for sure.

An art student named Ann is locked in her school after hours, and strange events begin to occur. As she's helped by the security guard, she must uncover the history behind the school and attempt to escape with her life.

Overall, this game's main strength is just the charm it carries. Its very earnest in a way I love. And as mentioned earlier, the art really carries it. If you're just looking for a free, low-energy way to pass a night, this game is perfectly good. Who knows, you may end up liking it even more than I do.

Turtle Head / Turtle Head Unmasked 6/10 Creator: Pikasprey Original Release: May 3, 2016 (Free!) Unmasked Release: May 9, 2021 (Free!)

What happens when a YouTuber known for making RPG Horror content decides to create his own RPG Horror game? The answer is a veritable love-letter to the genre, with enough of a following to create a fanmade (and officially endorsed) remake five years later.

You and your friends sneak into school after hours to look into rumors about whether or not it is haunted. Along the way, you encounter spooks, scares, and the titular Turtle Head.

This game is practically the definition of traditional. As I mentioned, it is basically a love letter to the classics of the late-2000's to early-2010's. And while many of its ideas are old, they're executed rather well, and the game has no lack of charm to back those ideas up.

If you want to play a nice homage to games of eras past, both the original release and the remake are free to play whenever you want, and only take an estimated 2 or so hours to clear. I think the short length is actually the only thing holding it back from being even higher on this list for me.

(Also, this ranking is totally biased by my being a Pikasprey fan, and him having been what got me into this genre in the first place all those years ago)

Nobody's Home 6/10 Creator: Oates Original Release: March 25, 2020

Another "VCRPG" by Oates, this game is much shorter than the ones higher up this list. However, it carries the exact same style as the games before, albeit with slightly different gameplay.

After a rager of a party, you wake up in a house, and must wander around to figure out why... Nobody's Home.

I think the short length of this game compared to the other two is the only reason I placed it so low compared to them. If this game were much longer, I'd place it higher. But if you want a bite-sized Oates experience to introduce yourself to these "VCRPGs," then this is the place to look.

OFF 5/10 Creator: Mortis Ghost Original Release: May 14, 2008 (Free!) Remake Release: 2025 (Not Yet Released)

This ranking may be divisive. I don't think I even need to explain what OFF is, since you've probably heard of it if you're reading this.

I don't dislike OFF. I simply don't find much enjoyment in it, either. That's why I give it a perfect 5/10. Middle of the road for the genre, to me. I also have no nostalgia for this game, having only first experienced it like... last year?

I get why people love it, and if you haven't tried it you totally should, but its just not for me.

Coffin of Ashes 5/10 Creator: Ladomu Original Release: December 8, 2016 ($7 USD)

Another one very few have probably heard of.

Tell me if you've heard this one before: A girl gets caught in the rain, takes shelter in a mansion, and has spooky stuff happen.

The art of the game is really good, which makes up for all the default assets used. The plot is also pretty good, which is this game's saving grace to becoming memorable for me.

...Until the end. Honestly, the game really drops the ball with the plot in the last, like, five minutes. Which is the only reason this game isn't a 6 or maybe even a 7.

Overall, this is a good one to check out if you've played through a bunch of other games like this and are looking for something new to play. One of those "make fun of it but because you kind of like it" kind of games.

The Witch's House / The Witch's House MV 4/10 Creator: Fummy Original Release: October 3, 2012 (Free!) MV Release: October 31, 2018 ($15 USD)

The classic of classics, this game exploded when it released, and really served as an inspiration for the entire genre.

Which means it, to me, suffers the problem of "everything in the genre was inspired by it, so by the time i first experienced it, it felt super basic and bland"

I get why it is important! And why people still like it! I just, like some others on this list, have no nostalgia for it and wasn't gripped by the plot or characters or art. Or really anything about it. Maybe if I had seen it earlier, or it had been my first RPG Maker Horror, like it was for so many others, I would like it more.

As it stands, this game is a classic, for better and for worse.

The Sand Man + The Crooked Man 4/10 Creator: Uri Games Original Release (SM): February 28, 2014 ($3 USD) Original Release (CM): April 1, 2013 ($3 USD)

The first two games in the Strange Men series, The Crooked Man and The Sand Man are basically one long game in my mind. So I ranked them together.

These are also classics among classics, albeit maybe not to the level of OFF or Witch's House. Overall these games are fine, but suffer for their age.

Both games are obviously dated, using tropes and design elements characteristic of early-2010's RPG Maker Horror games. But they're good overall, with decent enough plots and art. I'd say give them a try if you have a spare afternoon or two to play through them. (There are also ways to get the original versions of these games for free, but from what I can tell the Steam versions are identical. You can search out those other versions if you don't wanna blow six bucks on them)

Yume Nikki 3/10 Creator: kikiyama Original Release: June 26, 2004

This may end up being the most controversial placing on this list. A THREE? FOR YUME NIKKI? JUST WHO ARE YOU???

I don't like this game. I'm sorry but I don't. And I won't go on a long diatribe about how its actually bad or anything, because that'd be boring, but I just don't.

I think this game suffers from what came after. Every subsequent attempt to make some "official" Yume Nikki thing that came after was terrible. And in my mind it made the original less and less interesting over time. It also just suffers from oversaturation to me.

Finally, there's just SO MANY ynfgs out there that are better. There's not much reason to play the original, in my mind.

So, let me give you a list of Games I'd Rather Play: .flow answered prayers deep dreams muma|rope amillusion dream genie mikan muzou

Ao Oni 2/10 Creator: noprops Original Release*: October 2008 (Free!) Remake Release: July 25, 2024 ($10 USD) *no link is given for the reason of too many versions of the game to choose which one i want to link as the "definitive" one

If you read my sections on OFF, Witch's House, Ib, and Yume Nikki, then you'd know why I don't like this game. Its kind of a combination of all of the above, to be honest.

No nostalgia, not gripped by the art or plot, and kind of milked to death after release, as well as being oversaturated in the culture of those who play these games.

Truly suffering from success, I'd say. Though to be honest, this game really feels like a relic of its time to me. Something better left in the past.

But maybe to some, its more of a treasure of a bygone era.

Mad Father 2/10 Creator: Sen Original Release: December 10, 2012 (Free!) Remake Release: September 23, 2016 ($10 USD)

Where to start? A plot that I remember as "confused," a remake that was plagued with bugs on release, and a cultural impact that I'd best describe as "overrated," Mad Father is obviously, by its ranking, a game I have never enjoyed.

You've heard me say this all a lot, but: No nostalgia, not gripped by the plot, and not caring for the fandom. Truly a triple-threat.

I don't want to keep talking shit about Mad Father, because I know fans of it are probably reading this, but it is one of three games on this list I genuinely do not like.

And the third game is...

Yume 2kki 1/10 Creator: Various Original Release: May 26, 2007

If "Quantity over Quality" was a video game.

[thegreatmelodrama]

Hamlet and Neil Perry

In a deleted scene of Dead Poets Society, Neil and Todd are running through lines together outside while walking to the lake. Neil can be heard reciting a famous line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “to be or not to be, that is the question”. While I’m not sure if RSL just improvised it or if somewhere in the original script it has Neil reference Shakespeare, I think the scene offers a potentially deeper understanding of Neil as a character. Hamlet has many themes and motifs, however I want to discuss those of play-acting, filial duty/father-son relationships, and death as it relates to Neil in DPS. 

Play acting

Within Hamlet, play-acting is a central motif with Hamlet constantly blurring the lines between reality and performance. In an earlier scene, Hamlet’s mother asks him why he stilll “seems” upset over his father’s death. Hamlet becomes takes offence to her usage of the word seems, but then comes to reluctantly agree after describing at length his clothes and outward appearance: “these indeed ‘seem’ for they are actions that a man might play” (Act I, scene ii). “But”, Hamlet adds, “I have that within which passes show” (Act I, scene ii). This quote is indicative of one of the main struggles Hamlet, and indeed the audience, must face throughout the play: telling apart those feelings which are pretend or performed from those which are within and which characters, including Hamlet, cannot show. 

Throughout the play, the distinction between reality and performance becomes even more blurry. Hamlet reflects this when he tells a troupe of actors, “the purpose of playing…is to hold as ‘twere the mirror up to Nature” (Act III, scene ii). For Hamlet, acting should be as close to reality as possible, however this is a slippery slope as it becomes harder for Hamlet and the audience to distinguish what is real and what is performance in Hamlet’s actions and feelings. 

As Hamlet lays dying, the motif of play-acting emerges once again as he acknowledges those “that are but mutes or audience to this act” (Act V, scene ii). His final request is to “call the noblest to the audience” in which he asks that his story be told and the events that led to all these deaths be repeated (Act V, scene ii). 

Play-acting also serves a role within Neil’s story. When Neil is talking with Mr. Keating after his confrontation with his father, Keating tells Neil that he is putting on a show for his father; he is playing the role of the “dutiful son”. Indeed, Neil struggles with this from the beginning of the film up until the end. He conceals his true emotions from his father, and even from those around him, putting on the face of a boy who is happy and without struggle. He only ever lets this mask slip a couple of times. This, I think, is one of the reasons why a handful of viewers reduce Neil’s suicide to simply being upset over not being able to act or see it as brash and out of the blue. However, if you recall the scene where Neil lies to Keating about his father letting him stick with the play or the scene where he quickly dismisses his care of having to quit the annual, then you will see these moments where Neil is play-acting. He puts on a performance that masks his true feelings the entire time. Before committing suicide, Neil takes a final bow, signalling that his performance is in many ways over. However, as his performance ends, the performance of others as they navigate life and the struggles of conformity persist. However, much like Hamlet’s story is destined to be repeated as he wanted, the film itself is in part a story about how societal expectations and norms can be dangerous in themselves. 

Father-son relationships:

Hamlet struggles throughout the play with his sense of filial-duty. He props his father up on a pedestal and when his father’s ghost comes to him telling him to take revenge, Hamlet struggles with this prospect as he struggles between balancing his morality with his sense of filial duty. 

This points to the struggle of living up to parent’s expectations and the toll that it can take. For both Hamlet and Neil, filial duty and parental expectations ultimately lead to their deaths. 

Death:

“To be or not to be” is a key line within Hamlet and for Neil, it is the central question he faces throughout the film. Neil was constantly searching for that spark and to know what he really wanted for himself. The Dead Poets society gave him that first taste of that joy and passion; a flicker of hope in the form of rebellion. Acting is what turned that flicker into a burning flame. However, his father’s expectations and the possibility of having to confront his father was always looming over him. Deleted scenes also reveal Neil having self-harm tendencies when he pricks his finger with his Welton achievement pins and draws blood. Neil masks his own troubles, but there is reason to believe that the question of “to be or not to be” was one that Neil had pondered before, perhaps only briefly.  

Hamlet wants to die but he fears what comes after death and if it is really worth it. Is it better to die or to go on in the face of insurmountable anguish and burdens. Hamlet is ultimately killed at the end of the play and his final words are “the rest is silence”. Such goes back to his famous soliloquy of “to be or not to be” and the question of what comes after death. As Hamlet lays dying, in that moment he accepts death completely as a rest. It is nothing more than silence–a freedom of sorts. 

For Neil, he sees death as his only escape, his only means of being free. There is an added weight in the fact that the gunshot which kills him is silent. If we view it through the lens of Hamlet, the gunshot being silent reflects the meaning of the quote “the rest is silence”. It is at once both a barbaric yawp and a marker of the finality of death; that once you are gone you leave a silence behind in place of where your voice once was. For Neil, death is a silence from expectations and the pressures which weighed so heavily on him. However, much like Hamlet gives his voice to Fortinbras to tell his story after his death, so too does Neil give his voice to Todd and the fellow poets to tell his story. 

[elainsgirl]

I just scrolled through the elainweekofficial mess and wow... no celebration of Elain at all. Just using her as a prop to celebrate men. I'm not usually one to draw straight lines between fiction and reality but there's something very uncomfortable about such a clear pattern.

There's also something very annoying with how antis clearly love Elriel because they take all of their scenes, symbols and themes, but for some reason give them to other characters just to avoid putting Elain and Azriel together.

Azriel is turned into Koschei, because people like the whole "light and dark" aesthetic. But it's given to Koschei even though it has been so clearly established for Az and Elain (even literally referring to them as "light and dark"). In fact, they're even going so far as to using the literal name Feyre came up with for Azriel in the TT painting, Death. Using Death and his lovely fawn for... Koschei an Elain?? Why?

And then, of course, Elain is turned into Gwyn. Just so they don't have to face the fact that Elriel is actually quite supreme and fit very well together. Even antis want them.

I usually don't care at all what people ship. But it's so fascinating to see how people clearly like a specific couple for their dynamic, scenes, symbols, themes, and yet for some reason rather than enjoy that ship they use mental gymnastics to transfer it to other characters and THEN enjoy it. It seems so unnecessary. I don't understand why? It can't all just be because they hate Elain (and Azriel too, honestly, at least canon Azriel), even though they seem to like a lot of the stuff about Elriel. What do you think?

it doesn’t matter if their second elucien week, sorry I meant Elain week was a flop, im sure the creators will buy followers and likes soon enough. But I mean at least they managed to once again, prove they’re hypocrites + show everyone else who genuinely loves Elain as a character and who sees her as a love interest for a man.

Its funny atp. Eluciens with their “elain and lucien are sooooo regency coded! I can’t wait for them to brush hands! And have such tension filled stares!” I dont have to point out the irony. Its blatantly there. Gwynrield with their “Gwyn will hold TT!” “Gwyn will call Azriels scars beautiful!” But I mean honestly I dont blame them for having to recycle canon elriel scenes, Mass rlly gave Elain and Az top tier romantic foreshadowing and so many romantic coded scenes its like…what else is left BUT scraps for Eluciens & Gwynriels.

Kosheielain is literally Elriel, they’ve just rebranded it to give dark romance vibes. And think its cool & hot to pair elain with a villain.

I find it fascinating too, its why I love being an elriel, we dont need to steal another ships scenes/aesthetic etc for Elain and Azriel. I’ve always said this but 8/10 people that ship elucien/gwynriel haven’t come to like the pair organically. They have motives for not wanting elriel whether that’s not liking elain as a character or wanting Lucien to be happy, these motives led them to ship alternative pairings and hype those up to assure themselves they’re right.

[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

10 Jikook Fanfictions Part 1

I said I'd make a list before the end of the year and I kept my promise. Now, it's difficult to choose, especially when I have more than 300 bookmarks and unfortunately I also started doing that some year and a half ago. Safe to say, there's probably plenty of good fics I read that are now lost. Anyway, enough with the boring chit chat, here's 10 random jikook fics in no particular order and most likely, several other parts will follow, probably next year 😉

1. Dead in the Water

It's been a couple of years since I read this and honestly, I barely remember much, but what I do know it's that it had an impact on me. Usually fics that have death as a central theme end up resonating with me, but perhaps it's because I've always been attracted to more darker fiction. This one is gritty and there's a lot of pain and I must have cried a lot (those tend to stick in my head)

2. we're holding hands beneath the silver screen

I think this story is taking place in the 90s (you'll see that a lot of the fics I recommend are taking place in the past). I think I ended up reading everything ChimneyCricket wrote, but this one remained a favorite. Coming of age during a summer in Jeju in the 90s. Apart from the theme, it's the writing that made me stick with it.

I'm not the biggest fan of young adult stories. Or better yet, it's not something that I'd go to as a preference. When I do, it's more of an indulgence and thankfully, I found some writers (like this one) who can do a really good job with the genre.

3. Stockwell

Another writer that I've become a big fan of after reading one fic of theirs. And I think it might have been Stockwell that did it for me. I like that it's fanfiction with adult themes for an adult audience. And I also resonate with a lot of the cultural references and themes. I will also admit that this fic leaning into the enemies to lovers trope was a selling point because I'm a sucker for it. I can't help myself.

4. Burn for You

This is a complete self indulgence for me and I embrace it. Just like watching Bridgerton is a guilty pleasure for which I don't actually feel guilty (and the inspo for this fic). This story has everything and I must say the combination of lust, fear of revealing feelings, rumors, proper behavior and hidden romance is a lethal combination!

5. Light of a century

I might have recommended this story before, but it being inspired by Up on Poppy Hill is not just due to the plot, but the writing is able to evoke that studio Ghibli mood. This fic is to be read on a hot weekend afternoon.

6. Map of the Soul

This might be one of the most complex fanfictions I read due to the amount of research needed, but also in the depiction of political contexts and identity politics. Most of all, I like it because as much as relationships are a vital part of the story, there is an entire world surrounding the main characters. Events and other people that have also room to develop and not just remain props that advance the story.

7. Proceed with Caution

I don't know what snatchim did with this fic, but it's the only one I ever reread multiple times and I'll probably do it again in the future. I don't even reread books from my library, let alone fanfics. But Proceed with Caution did it for me. Perhaps it's because of the process of Jungkook inevitably falling for Jimin and even though it's a bad thing considering the context, it's so good. Maybe it's the image of Jimin with a bellybutton ring or maybe because the picture of hot Californian days in the 70s is so vivid, it feels like a nostalgic Paul Thomas Anderson movie.

8. Dishwater World They Said Was Lemonade

The description does not do this story justice because it's so much more than that. It's a canon compliant thriller with really complicated and complex characters and once again, a story meant for adults who understand that it's fiction. Unfortunately, judging by the comment section, a lot of people cannot distinguish betweem real people and characters. For those of you who might be fans of Korean thrillers, this story might be the one for you. It's also one of my favorite jikook fics as well.

9. souvlaki

Need I say more, considering the description? This is a self indulgence as well, but of a different kind. If I happily read tropey fics, I also like the ones that can sound like a uni course. Set during the 1997 FMI crisis in SK, any reader will get familiar with a socioeconomic and political perspective of that time through the eyes of the main characters. If you're only looking for romance, this one is not for you.

10. you wouldn't remember

I think littleflumes might be currently my favorite writer of canon compliant jikook. I think the author really captured their dynamic in its essence and the room left for fiction perfectly fills in the holes left in the last 2 years and up until the present. But what did it for me, not only with this story, but the others in the series as well, is that it's concentrated almost entirely on the two main characters, almost living in a bubble of their own in which their relationship can be explored.

[dcdreamblog]

What's your opinion about those movies or series based on real superheroes that clearly take some liberties with the actual events and/or people? For example, the million of WW2 movies that always try to cram an All-Star Squadron member in there (even though there is proof that they weren't present at that specific event/battle) or that one movie a few years back that made up their own backstories and civilian names for the JLA members ("Cal Smith" and "Brandon Keaton" became memes for a while)

I certainly don't envy the task of any film maker trying to make something based around superheroes who actually exist in our real world. And the well known challenges that come with making a historical film almost certainly don't help. That being said, yes of course they bug me slightly.

(A frame from WB's "Justice Society WWII" movie) When you're making a wartime period piece I understand the strong pull of including a member of the Society or the Squadron even as a cameo. They're such a specific texture of the era. This original generation of "mystery men" just weren't thought of or treated the way we treat superheroes now and any actor worth their salt would jump at the chance to play a living legend on the silver screen That being SAID, if your movie is going to be taking place during any of the actual combat fronts of WWII there's a pretty big historical inaccuracy you are choosing to make: Very famously, the Squadron COULDN'T operate directly on Axis territory during the war because of the influence of the Spear of Destiny.

Now there were exceptions of course, the mythical field around Uncle Sam allowed the Freedom Fighters to do some work around the edges of enemy lines especially as the war was coming to a close and the Spear's influence was faltering but none of the Core JSA set foot in Axis Occupied Europe until the Yalta Conference at the earliest and the events of THAT day weren't declassified until years decades the war. As cool as the scene is in your head, Green Lantern was not dog-fighting the Luftwaffe over D-Day it just didn't happen. Stories set on the home front can play with this slice of history far more but if its sent DURING the fighting then you have to be a bit more creative. Nose cone art, pin ups, USO shows, newspaper headlines, newsreels, having them be treated as common cultural reference points in conversation or the like. Sometimes the most immersive use of the Squadron in your WWII movie is using their influence sparingly. That being said when it comes to MODERN movies I think its unethical on its face to try and speculate or color in the personal lives, thoughts and feelings of still living and working superheroes. While it comes from a good place of trying to humanize them for a wider audience, the reality is that you're needling at something we as the public don't have a right to poke at. I respect movies more when they too use our heroes in these tales as we see them, appearing on the scene, fighting the good fight and then taking their leave before being too buried in praise. Which means that movies based around superhero centric can also choose to focus on the perspective of a regular person who was also there. People will grouse about the "normal people" characters in movies like Metropolis: Crisis of Infinity or No Man's Land but at least that gives some props to normal people who are actually willing to share their thoughts and experiences. Plus if your POV character comes off as a drag on the movie then that is the writer's problem.

[lonelierthanu]

Penmanship

Satoru Gojo x Gender-neutral Reader

series: incomplete

words: 2.4k

warnings: none apply; funny; meet-ugly; no mentioned female or male anatomy; no spoilers; no curses; slow build; slow to update; college au

summary: A band of barbie’s are after you because you somehow acquired a new boyfriend.

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6 part 7 …+

You’re not sure when the whispers started, but you knew when it started bothering you.

After the unfortunate escapade you had in Sherlock-Houdini’s house, you had left with his “ offer “ completely shut down. You decided to just bite the bullet and apologize to your niece and brother-in-law. It pains you to think about going home for winter break and having to tell them of your mistake, but nothing can be done if you’re being blackmailed for it. Due to lack of funds you’re set to head home next Friday even though the break starts this Friday, and honestly, you’re glad for the excuse to prolong the inevitable.

You’re also hoping that in these last few days before break, the weird atmosphere that seems to be following you will dissipate.

You started noticing it this morning, whenever you looked at someone it seemed they were already looking your way. Quick looks and rushed whispering gave you the impression that the topic of discussion was you. At first, you believed you might be crazy. Why in the world would anyone be talking about you. You were a random nobody that carefully skirted through university unnoticed and that’s how you’ve been living the past three years here.Why suddenly would people start noticing you, if you had done nothing differently?

But then a group of girls, whom you had vaguely remembered from somewhere but couldn’t place where, had come up and asked for your name. Once you confirmed that the name they were referring to was yours they laughed conivingly and walked away. As they walked away you heard one of them say, “She has nothing to worry about,” which only furthered your confusion.

A quick search into Rikki’s instagram story, confirmed your suspicions. Those girls ran in a pretty popular circle on the campus. All those fraternity boys and sorority girls seem to clique to each other, you made sure you stayed very far away from that scene. But Rikki, your roommate and beautiful social butterfly that she is, seemed to turn up in that scene quite a lot.

Regardless of the weird atmosphere persisting around you, you refused to let the whispers get to you.

Which is why you’re at your roommate's door as she packs to go home for the break, asking her why a group of her friends are cackling at you.

She sighs tiredly. Probably because she has a flight at four in the morning and only two hours to pack. Which you did try to tell her not to procrastinate it for this very reason. Rikki takes your phone to look at the picture of the girls who laughed at you that day.

“These are Kaiya’s friends,” she hands you back your phone and continues her task.

“Mm.” You hum in mock understanding; you pause for a moment,“...who’s Kaiya?” she sighs again.

“Vice President of her sorority,” she replies without looking up.

“Oh ok,” you nod, “but why are they laughing at me?” a third, exhausted sigh.

“Please,” she pleads, plopping flat on her bed, “I’m too tired for this,”

“Oh no no no,” You grab her wrist and hoist her back onto her feet. This girl can fall asleep standing up if she tried and you know that once she gets comfy she’s out like a light. You can’t have her fall asleep before you figure out what beef you’ve somehow cooked up with sorority girls you’ve never even met.

“I don’t know!” she whines. The lack of sleep is starting to get to her.

“C’mon Rikki, please. Just think, why would Kaiya and her band of misfit barbies be after me?”

She sits back on the bed and rests her head on her fist propped by her leg. She looks at you with a sleepy expression, the shadow under her eyes heavy. You can tell she’s thinking, but you’re not sure how hard considering she’s about ready to fall over as it is. She rubs her eyes aggressively and puts a finger to her temple to massage it. She groans, the gears presumably turning.

“Did anyone say anything to you?” you ask, in hopes of speeding up the thinking process. Then she looks at you, brows slightly furrowed. You begin to grow concerned. “What?” Rikki sighs and places her head back into her hands.

“I remember Masai talking about Mori getting back together with an ex that used to be involved with Suguru. It was rumored that she tried to take a pass at Satoru but he rejected her because he’s dating someone. News spread to Kaiya, who’s been trying to get in Satoru’s pants for months even when she was dating Mori, and she’s been trying to find out who it is,” Now you sigh, exhausted just from hearing about all of this drama. You don’t even know who any of these people are. “I don’t know if it correlates to you but that’s just what’s been going on lately,”

“I don’t know anybody you just named,” you deadpan. She dramatically flops backwards onto her bed, landing on a pile of clothes she has yet to fold, and groans loudly. She holds up her hand and begins counting off fingers.

“Well Kaiya is the one who’s after you,” one finger, “Mori is her most recent ex-boyfriend,” two fingers, “Masai is my friend and also questionably Kaiya’s friend,” three, “Satoru is the white haired dude that’s literally your project partner — I find it crazy that you still don’t know his name — “ you grimace, “and Suguru is his best friend,�� She finishes, five fingers.

After the painful realization that you never once knew Herc-Sherlock-Houdini-Creepster’s name, you remember that the two of you have been spending more time together lately for the project, albeit at his request, but time together nonetheless. And now it makes you wonder if those girls think the two of you might actually be…together.

“I know the two of you have been talking more as of late so i’m thinking she assumes you’re the one Satoru is dating,” Rikki voices your worries out loud, you nod in response, not that she can see considering her eyes are closed.

You’re at a stand still. And a little confused. You’re not sure how you would go about fixing this issue, it seems that many bits of information come from the rumor mill and the little tidbit of you and satoru’s relationship might have been going around for a while. If you were to try to deny it now it might make it worse.

But if Satoru were to deny it then maybe the rumors would die off.

You get up to leave Rikki’s room, noticing she’s asleep and you decide to give her fifteen minutes to rest. You’ll wake her and help her pack. Since becoming project partners (and after the embarrassing fiasco at his house) you’ve exchanged phone numbers for convenience, so in the meantime, you’re gonna text Satoru about this little rumor.

Satoru, unsurprisingly, is awake at twelve in the morning. Anyone who knows him knows that he’s a night owl and an early bird. He doesn’t sleep much but he usually isn’t tired anyway. So, when his phone alerts him of a message, he reads it immediately unbeknownst to him that the person sending it thought he’d read it in the morning.

You: rumors going around that we’re dating?

Oh, Satoru’s eyebrows rise. You found out.

When Satoru first met you in the beginning of the school year he didn’t think much of you, he found your facial expressions funny, and he definitely noticed that you only scooted one chair over on purpose when he asked (demanded) for your seat. After that encounter though, you became just like every other blurry face in the crowd. And that day when he asked you for a pen, he really needed it. But when you handed him that extremely gaudy pen, he truly looked at you for the first time. 

You looked exhausted beyond belief, and he realized that throughout the time that you’ve been desk mates he’s barely seen you wear color, and the few times that you did he’s never seen you wear bright pink or anything Hello Kitty related. It intrigued him to say the least and he felt that he absolutely needed to know why you had this pen. When you explained, a part of him believed you, but the part that always had his guard up (from the absolute onslaught of advances from mostly Kaiya) was still on edge. 

At the end of class he put your pen in his bag, like he usually would with his own, and left to meet Suguru for lunch somewhere off campus. He genuinely forgot. So, when he was finally pressured, by Suguru, to go to class that Friday he was surprised that you still cared about the pen. It clicked in his mind that this might be an advance. Your overall demeanor and vibe didn’t tell him that it was you that was trying to get at him. But he figured since each of Kaiya’s friends have tried to get at him for her sake, he wouldn’t be surprised if she paid someone to try since he now knows all of her friends and their friends' faces. That had given him the idea to see if you could be persuaded to leave him alone. 

So, he bit the bullet. And invited you to his fraternity. He didn’t plan to actually sleep with you, he just wanted to know where you stood in Kayia’s ridiculous plan. Then when you blew up at him. He was embarrassed, at first, for his assumption when he realized you were completely serious about needing that pen back, but then quickly regained his resolve. He felt that he had missed any chances to speak to you again after that and decided to keep his distance, but he did plan to give you the pen back. He began to mourn the small banter-full interactions the two of you’d have.

He showed up late the following Monday and was told of the project and when he was told his partnering, he felt like a dream opportunity had fallen right into his lap. It excited him. He jumped at the opportunity to turn the tides. So, he asked you out. He didn’t care if you thought he was serious or not. If you did, then he’d have a genuine partner to keep people off his back and if you didn’t, then he could propose it as a fake dating situation and he wouldn’t have to pretend to like you romantically. But your general disdain for him ran deeper than he thought, and you rejected him outright.

It was fine though, that didn’t deter him from his plan. He started telling people that he was dating someone. The project was the perfect excuse to spend more time with you and make it look like you two were actually together. He never told anyone that the two of you were dating, but he knew the implications were there and that was the idea.

And now it seems you’ve somehow gotten looped in on the rumors. 

Gojo: call me

The two of you had never called before. Your conversations stayed through text, but to be perfectly honest he preferred phone calls. He texted you first to see if you’d be comfortable and maybe 5 minutes passed before he just assumed you weren’t gonna call him. He was drafting a text to you when his phone began ringing and your contact was showing on his screen. He smirked and clicked the green button.

“Hi~” Satoru drawls almost seductively into the phone speaker but keeping his tone light so you can tell he’s not serious.

“Do you know if it’s true?” you say back, straight to the point, and Satoru wishes he could see your face. Since the moment he met you he’s learned that he loves seeing what kind of reaction he can get out of you. Any reaction pleases him really. Irritation is usually the emotion he’s met with but it’s hilarious every time.

“If what’s true?” He finds it hard to hold back the smile spreading on his face. Teasing you comes so easily. He hears you sigh on the other end.

“That there’s a rumor,”

“Hmm, I haven’t heard of any rumors,” he lies.

“There’s a rumor that you’re dating someone and today someone, Kaiya?” The name irks him beyond belief, “I don’t know if you know her but today her posse like, sized me up and I'm on her radar now. I talked to my roommate about it, and she thinks that maybe people are assuming we’re together? I want to know if you know anything about it,” Satoru didn’t anticipate that Kaiya would go out of her way to find you, but in hindsight that was a little naive of him.

“I have been telling people I’m with someone, I’m not,” he doesn’t know why he felt the need to clarify that, “because Kaiya has been trying to jump my bones for as long as I’ve known her. I’ve rejected her so many times but she’s relentless. I hoped that pretending to be in a relationship would get her off my back,” you sigh, you seem tired.

“That’s fine I guess but if someone asks could you please deny it?”

“Ouch baby, you don’t even want to pretend to date me?” he feigns hurt.

“No.” He just laughs.

“We’re still on for tomorrow right?”

“Yes, goodnight Satoru,” And Satoru finds himself still. He’s never heard you say his name before. The late hour forces your tone to be hushed, and deeper than usual, so hearing his name spoken in that tone does something to him. He’s not sure what but it’s solidified in his mind that he needs to hear it again.

“Goodnight baby~” he teases in hopes that he can elicit his name from your mouth one more time before this call ends.

“Don’t call me that.” you say, followed by the triple beeps indicating the call has been ended. He sighs and settles further into his sheets. Up until now he was beginning to think you either didn’t know his name or you hated him so much that the thought of tasting his name on your tongue made you want to throw up. He was glad neither possibility was true. A sliver of hope that you might be warming up to him was beginning to bloom.

(･ω<)☆

*pulls out popcorn* can’t wait to see what happens next guys! 😄🫳🍿

★prev next☆