#song: cyphers (probably)

[llitchilitchi]

Hold the phone, you like BTS? 👀 What is your favorite song/comeback/MV/album? Do you like any other Kpop groups?

I was a huge army for years. my best friend introduced me to the group when Blood Sweat and Tears came out and since the whole thing was based around a book by my favourite author I got quickly sucked in. Still absolutely adore the Wings album and could go on a rant about it for hours. the MVs, both the Korean and Japanese, are absolute Masterpieces, they're probably my faves along with Fake Love. they do dark concepts soooo well.

I can't even really pick favourites when it comes to songs at this point, though I hold the cyphers near and dear to my heart, and the whole HYYH era had a chokehold on me, aesthetic And music wise (Run my absolute Beloved). I still sometimes rewatch the MVs from that era when I wanna paint certain things, something about the bittersweet nostalgia of it all. (LY:Answer had a fantastic photoshoot tho. The S version is just [chef's kiss])

I'm not as into them anymore, but I still listen to a lot of kpop. got really into Dreamcatcher, I think they're the only group I really keep up with, though I casually listen to a lot more. off the top of my head Mamamoo, Kard, Red Velvet and Ateez

[mxnhoo]

late nights, in the middle of June (n. rk)

⌜ ⌝

ılı.lıllılı.ıllı.

ᴺᵒʷ ᵖˡᵃʸᶦⁿᵍ; [ Heatwaves - Glass Animals ]

1:07 ——◦———— -3:58 ↠

ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉᵃᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ

ᴠᴏʟᴜᴍᴇ : ▮▮▮▮▮▮▯▯▯

⌞ ⌟

synopsis : a friendship breakup which hurt more than your actual breakups. genre : angst w/c : 2.7k a/n : it is infact a late night in the middle of June, and i'm thinking about someone :'D and this unfortunately was something that actually happened to me with that someone and one of my ex's, had to pull up some old texts for this LMAO. not proofread, sorry if there are any mistakes

playlist : to riki, i'm sorry. here's a playlist i made for this imagine!

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

Emptiness.

Emptiness was something that filled you.

It's that feeling you get when something so special was abruptly taken away from you.

You knew it would happen, yet you didn't change anything when you had the chance to, because you assumed everything would be fine.

You knew that it was only your fault, not his.

It was your fault that the friendship had been neglected, all because you liked a stupid boy.

But now that it's too late, all you can do is reminisce about the things that happened at night.

9:13P.M.

It was June 15th. The sound of raindrops, thunder, and your music blasting were the only things you could hear

On Spotify, Heatwaves was playing.

"Sometimes all I think about is you, late nights in the middle of June"

Your apartment dim, with only the lamp across the room turned on, and your curtains covering the window

You stared at the bright computer screen in front of you. The screen was so bright it was practically burning your eyes, but you could care less with the amount of energy you have, and the feeling of your heartconstantly aching.

The screen displayed photos of you.

You and Ni-ki.

There was a selfie of you and Ni-ki in a public bus. It was the day you and him played bowling for the first time.

Another one, this time in his house. In the photo, Ni-ki was making an ugly face and you were shaking in the frame, indicating your laughter.

"Fuck.

I fucking miss him."

There was more.

One photo was a formal picture. It was taken on his birthday. His hair shorter than usual, probably because he was forced to have a haircut for the special day, and him holding onto your waist while holding up a peace sign as you smiled at him.

There was even more photos. Even in games.

In Roblox, there a screenshot of both of your characters. You remembered this night, it was when you both played Bingo and cursed at random strangers who managed to win when you were close.

In Valorant, there was a screenshot. You were playing Cypher, and he was playing Raze. You took a screenshot from Cypher's camera and in the frame was both you and him together.

One more in Call of Duty, another in PUBG.

Fuck, there was far too many photos.

There were too many for your liking.

And you hated how you remembered every single one of them. What you both were doing, how the calls were and the jokes you cracked on that day.

You even recalled those calls when all you did was talk. Talk about life, rant our feelings, and there was never a moment where you felt invalidated. That was rare for you.

You both enjoyed during karaoke calls over discord too. You both shared a playlist, and both of your favourite songs to sing together was 'Best Friend - Rex Orange County'.

Your heart dropped even more if that was even possible, and you lowered your eyelids, allowing the darkness to take over. You lean your head back, resting it on the cushion behind you, and you let out a long defeated sigh.

Regret.

You really regretted everything you did.

Why did you have to fuck up and lose someone like him?

You regret not responding faster when you gotten a notification from him.

You regret turning him down when he invites you out, or to a game.

You regret neglecting him when you liked someone.

Fucking hell, you didn't even like him romantically, why the fuck does it hurt so much?

There were so many days when people convinced the two of you were dating, and so many times when you stayed up late at night debating whether you genuinely had romantic or platonic feelings for him.

It was never romantic, only platonic.

So why the fuck does it hurt this much?

You opened another tab, and quickly typed in the link to your usual chatting app.

Scroll... And there was his name. His contact was still the inside joke you both had.

The last message was sent by him, and it was an "okay''. It was sent 2 years ago.

On your spotify, Heat Waves finished playing and Best Friend started playing. Dedicating your favourite songs to someone is the worst thing to do.

"I can't wait to be your number one, I'll be your biggest fan and you'll be mine but I still wanna break your heart and make you cry."

There were so.. so many moments when you just wanted to message him and catch up with him, but everytime you opened his chat, the fear overpowers your desire. Your desire to reconnect, the desire to catch up, the desire to fix everything.

You scroll up your chat.

"I'm sorry for-"

It was the apology message from you. One of the many apology messages you sent to him. Your stomach instantly dropped and you quickly scrolled up further before you could fully read the message and relive the past arguments you had with him.

2 December

y/n : BRO do yk what him n i did today y/n : he literally y/n : LET ME PLAY W HIS HAIR?!?? y/n : fucking hell bro y/n : HE'S SO CUTE THE FUCK?? y/n : I LOVE JAY SM nrk : lmao

"I'm on my own shit now, and let me tell you how it feels to be fucking great"

10 November

nrk : BITCH nrk : HOP ON VALO y/n : wait i'm calling him nrk : okayyyy nrk : hello? nrk : oi nrk : r u there nrk : i already started brah

nrk : bro nrk : ??? it's been an hour y/n : SHIT I'M SO SORRY y/n : him and i were talking about something important y/n : SORRYYDHUSCFH nrk : o nrk : okey

"I feel great"

14 August

y/n : fuck bro i feel like the bitch is looking at me nrk : no fucking way nrk : u better get tf up and MAKE that bih stop looking at u y/n : fuck off nrk : oh

"You need to be yourself, and love someone for loving you instead of someone really cool who makes your heart melt, who knows what you truly felt"

10 July

y/n : bro y/n : there's this dude barking in front of me?? y/n : furry core nrk : LMFAOO TF??? y/n : HAHAHAHAHAH y/n : reminds me of u nrk : TF?? NAHHHH BRO

"You're gunna wanna be my bestfriend baby, you're gunna wanna be my bestfriend"

27 May

nrk : dude chan approached me and fr asked me if we were dating y/n : LMAO TF?? y/n : i already told chan i liked jay nrk : yea bruh nrk : idk y he still asked me that nrk : 💀 y/n : LOL y/n : anyways y/n : roblox? nrk : bet, hop on disc

"I said that, you're gunna wanna be my bestfriend baby, you're gunna wanna be my bestfriend"

28 February

y/n : i think y/n : i might like someone.. nrk : BITCH WHOOO???? y/n : UM.. y/n : idk if u know him y/n : jay nrk : OMG??? nrk : BRO HE'S IN MY CLASS y/n : WAIT WTF R U FR y/n : STOPPPP nrk : YA I LITERALLY SIT NEAE HIM nrk : NEAR* y/n : imagine making a typo y/n : im calling u on discord rn PICK UP y/n : TELL ME EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT HIM nrk : OKAYWHDIOSJOIFJO

There was more. One thing you noticed was how the conversations could flow better as you scroll to your older chats.

"You're gunna wanna be my bestfriend baby, you're gunna wanna be my bestfriend"

Honestly, everytime you find a new friend, you never open up. You never text first, you never have the desire to know the person more.

But Ni-ki was different.

"You're gunna wanna be my bestfriend baby, you're gunna wanna be my bestfriend"

You wanted to talk to him everyday, play games with him, go out with him, and do so many things with him.

When Ni-ki was gone, you physically could not bring yourself to do the same with other people. The loud person you once were became someone who is quiet, more reserved.

"You're gunna wanna be my bestfriend baby, you're gunna wanna be my bestfrienddd"

And you hate it.

"I say that I'm happy"

You hate how you couldn't be yourself.

"I say that I'm happy"

You wished there were more people you were comfortable with, so you could truly be yourself without worrying.

"But no no no no, no no no no"

And again, you fucked up and the only person you were truly comfortable with left.

"But I still wanna be your favourite boy, I wanna be the one that makes your day, the one you think about as you lie awake"

At this point, tears were forming in your eyes. The verse that you and him always sang your lungs out to was playing, and it only made you feel worse.

"Why am I crying?

Why am I so sensitive?

I shouldn't feel this way, it was my fault...

I.. miss him.

I ... miss Ni-ki so much...."

"I can't wait to be your number, your number one, I'll be your biggest fan and you'll be mine but I still wanna break your heart and make you cry"

Your voice cracked as you cried out to yourself, your tears rolling down your cheeks as you held onto your chest. Your breathing rate becoming rapid as you start to sob.

There was this guy that you liked back then. His name was Jay. Park Jay. At first, he was someone you rarely had any interactions with, but because you both were in the same club . Randomly, you found him somewhat attractive, you started to romantacise every single interaction you both had.

From the way your hands accidentally touched when he passed you something, to the way you both laughed when you were talking.

Jay was the perfect person for your fantasies, because you craved love, you craved attention. Eventually, your crush on Jay became real and you started to interact with him more. Actually, instead of having a crush, you were becoming attached to Jay because you were depending on him to fulfill your desires.

Lucky for you, Ni-ki was in the same class as Jay, so everytime you would wanna fangirl or rant about Jay, Ni-ki was the perfect person to do so.

At first, you and Jay dated, but it lasted a week, and he initiated the break-up. The reason? It was apparently because 'he was not ready for a relationship'. But your dumbass thought he would eventually be ready, so you continued to court him.

Constantly treating him as if he was your boyfriend, constantly messaging him, thinking about him, being worried about him. Fuck, it was driving you crazy, but Ni-ki was going insane too.

He'd be the one having to deal with your rants and crying. He was sick of it.

It was even worse when you'd choose to hang out with Jay instead of Ni-ki even after Jay would treat you like shit.

Ni-ki was sick of it. Constantly being treated like the second option.

Ni-ki was really supportive, but would nag at you when it was necessary. There was once Jay broke your heart, leaving you crying for days, just for you to give Jay a gift a few days later that costs a LOT simply because Jay's birthday was coming up. Fuck, Jay didn't even give you anything for your birthday.

Slowly, you stopped talking to Ni-ki, simply because you were talking to Jay, and you felt as if Ni-ki was getting sick of you. Your chat with Ni-ki that used to be at the top every single day was slowly making it's way to the bottom.

Then, there was one day your entire world collapsed. Initially, Jay was ghosting you and you were confused as to why, but you didn't want to ask. Then suddenly, there was news being spread throughout the entire school that he was dating another girl. Jay was dating the girl he told you not to be worried about. It fucking broke you, and you weren't in the right state of mind.

The first person you messaged was Ni-ki when you found out.

y/n : you heard the news right y/n : he's a fucking liar y/n : i fucking hat ehim y/n : i dont know whar to think anymre y/n : i'm fucking crying rn nrk : what did i say? nrk : you never listened to me when i warned you y/n : i'm sorry y/n : i just thought he'd be the one for me nrk : be so fucking for real nrk : he tells you not to worry about her, yet he still hangs out with her nrk : you get angry at him, cry to me, and then suddenly when he texts you you're suddenly not angry anymore? nrk : have you lost all self respect for yourself nrk : do you not fucking realise the way he's been treating you? nrk : wake the fuck up nrk : he doesn't like you nrk : maybe he never even liked you nrk : why would you treat him like your boyfriend when you guys aren't even together? nrk : you allow yourself to get stepped over nrk : now look where it brought you? nrk : you even neglected me? nrk : you seriously put HIM over all your other priorities nrk : you even forgot about your OWN BEST FRIEND nrk : you always go out with him even when you and i already made plans nrk : do you know how i feel? nrk : i feel like SHIT nrk : sometimes i wish you never even liked him so we could still be our usual self nrk : now i see where im placed in ur life nrk : thanks for treating me so well. nrk : thanks for shutting me out of your life! y/n : riki.. y/n : i'm so sorry. y/n : i never knew you felt that way. y/n : honestly, i started distancing myself from u because i thought u were getting annoyed at me for talking about Jay so much. y/n : you were someone that I always talked to Jay about because i trusted you and you were in the same class as him, but idk u just started to seem dry everytime i brought Jay up so i thought u were annoyed at me y/n : that's why i started to talk to you less, and i stuck to other people. i was scared you would scold me again for talking to Jay, and i also felt like if i ranted to you, i'd be trauma dumping or something y/n : please tell me how i can improve

That day when you and Ni-ki had this text conversation, you were more worried about your friendship than Jay. Your appetite was practically non-existent while waiting for Ni-ki to respond.

nrk : nothing can be done if you're scared of me, right? nrk : i don't see a point in talking anymore if you're scared of me.

"Fuck me..."

y/n : nonono y/n : i'm not scared anymore y/n : there's no reason for me to be scared anymore y/n : i mean jay is already dating someone else. y/n : i don't care about him anymore nrk : are you so sure? nrk : weren't you the one who was crying to me and then instantly running back to him? y/n : i won't anymore, no more. nrk : u fucking better, i swear on god.

y/n : so.. are we okay now? nrk : i dont know nrk : are we? y/n : u have anything else to tell me? like how u feel? nrk : nah y/n : so we're okay now? nrk : ig

After that text conversation, the mood was never the same. Everytime you initiated the conversation, he would be dry. You slowly stopped trying to fight for the friendship.

y/n : heyy y/n : gl for ur exam! nrk : okay

This was the last text conversation you had with him.

And just like that, you lost your closest friend and your situationship in one day.

You sighed, reliving the memories you so desperately wanted to forget 2 years ago. Remembering the feelings of regret, you groaned and ruffled your hair in frustration.

It was all your fault. If only you had treated him properly back then, everything would've been fine.

Still being on the tab of the chat with him, you suddenly get a spontaneous boost of energy, and you started to type something on your keyboard.

"i'm sorry" was what you typed.

Realising that you should just move on, you sighed once again. It's been 2 years, but you were still affected by the fallout between you and Ni-ki. Friendship breakups definitely hurt more than relationship breakups.

On your laptop, you went to your folders, selecting the photos that contained memories of you and Ni-ki, trashing them. Your heart drops, worried that you would regret it, but you need to move on, you decided that it was for the best. After 10 minutes of clearing your gallery, you wanted to go back to your tabs.

The first tab you returned to was the chat with Ni-ki.

"Wait, wait what the fuck?"

Oh my god, you sent the message. You sent the ''i'm sorry'' message. Oh my god.

Your eyes widen and your heart starts to beat faster at the realisation. You hastily move your mouse to delete your message, but your eyes realise that he was online.

He was typing.

Oh my god.

nrk : y/n nrk : hey.

[notaspectator]

part 4 of valorant hc's (i have too much to talk about this. please send help.) Viper does know who Omen was before whatever the hell happened that made Omen to what he is now. Viper will not tell Omen because Viper refuses to see them as the same person- in her attempts to move on and stop grieving for who Omen was, she refuses to let Omen even consider trying to go back. She knows it wont be the same. Cypher doesn't have any photos of Nora. His memories of her are fuzzy and contain certain smells, textures, and little things he remembers more clearly than the rest of it. Despite his best attempts to not forget, he doesn't really remember quite what she looked like anymore and it scares him deeply to think he's forgotten her. He thinks that it is a betrayal to her. Cypher really, *really* hates when its humid out. unfortunately for him, the VALORANT protocol is stationed on well.. an island. So, oftentimes, he's up at 6 in the morning stumbling blindly onto the helicopter to fly to a mission site while it is humid out. Cypher hates it mostly because his mask always ends up feeling damp and it is harder to breathe in. Omen often holds onto people when he doesn't want them to leave. This includes when another Agent dies in front of him. Oftentimes, since Omen is too cautious to take a fight he can't win, he ends up carrying one or two of the other agents (dead or fatally wounded) to the extraction site. Many of them appreciate this company, though the younger agents find it unsettling. It is an ironic little thing since Omen is most talkative and protective when someone is dying in front of him. Omen doesn't know why he does it; it is not a learned behavior. It probably stems from how he cannot stand to be alone when he is hurt because he can and will fall apart painfully. Cypher probably smells like a mix of spices and cinnamon. He cooks a lot for the others on his own time. He prefers for his room to smell similarly because it reminds him of his home. Cypher likes to whistle! He doesn't do it often, but he does whistle to songs he remembers hearing along the street. He stopped because the others often laugh about it when he does. Cypher has quietly sang under his breath over comms in the middle of a mission while aiming a gun to kill someone. It unnerves most of the others because Cypher uses it to focus before he ends a life. Omen often reprimands the duelists that gloat about their kills. He finds it vain and disrespectful to mock the dead, even knowing that they all will be revived in the end and will persist to fight again. He doesn't like the idea of becoming indifferent to death to the point of laughing about it, even if he cannot help but feel apathetic about the lives he takes. Cypher probably has his computer displaying everything in Arabic. this is mostly so that other agent's just plain can't understand what he's looking at. It frustrates the younger ones the most that they can't look over Cypher's shoulder at Cypher's phone and figure out anything relevant. Cypher only really uses his phone to text the other agents and look at cat pictures from time to time, or look up recipes from Morocco that he isnt so sure about. Omen likes to help with cooking. He isnt very good at cutting things up, but he likes to mix things together and to arrange them in preparation. Cypher often brings Omen to his room so they can cook together since Cypher misses rambling while he cooks. Since Cypher likes to taste it while he makes it, Omen just tries his best to not look at Cypher whenever he tugs his mask up to taste whatever they're stirring. Cypher doesn't bring the other agents back to cook with him because he only trusts Omen not to mention it. Sage has seen Cypher's face. its just,, unavoidable, seeing as Sage is a healer. Cypher loathes that fact, but trusts her nonetheless. He prefers to be alive with one person knowing his face than to be dead and left to be forgotten entirely.

[desultory-novice]

Bonus Talk: Storycrafting for Noir and Apologies

So, I keep thinking how funny it is how this whole thing started. I had a chain of ideas at dinner one night: "What if the Master Crown really WAS trying to transform Magolor into Dark Matter? Would he be 'Dark Matter Wizard?' But then, what was Swordsman before he was Swordsman? Hmm. There is that one piece of human concept art he has... and you know...maybe it's the retro anime look or the fact that this series doesn't have hardly any humans in it but he looks just enough like Adeleine that one could think they're related-..."

Back then, "Noir" didn't really exist. I just drew up a quick sketch in Adeleine's notebook that I hope looked recognizably like the human DM concept art. He wasn't in color but given Dark Matter's palette, he probably would have had dark hair, and poring through the wiki - I found at least one Dark Matter incarnation with a purple eye. I also had Ado drop a line that her brother was "bad at making friends" because of that one JP guide and that was IT.

But then... I thought it was sad to draw this poor guy only to kill him off in the backstory without even fleshing out what he looked like (and I was afraid Adeleine's pencil sketch made him look blond XD) so I drew up a quick color pic of him, rendering Swordsman's gear as a normal scarf and coat. Before thecrashman said anything, I hadn't even considered the two of them as living on Shiver Star!

As soon as he said that though, everything started to come together...Now DMS was an overprotective brother taking care of his little sister in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Of course he was. No wonder he couldn't bond with anyone. He was straining under the weight of his responsibilities. He's older. He's supposed to be the protector, so he could never bring himself to tell his kid sister about the things he was going through. He focused on her joy to his own exclusion. A destructive pattern. A fatal flaw for this tragedy.

Twitter readers asked after the first comic how Adeleine's brother even became Dark Matter Swordsman, some suggesting perhaps it was because he died in battle against Zero? I thought a big human-led global effort against Zero and Dark Matter seemed too complicated in scope, so my solution was to go back to where this idea started: he would be the same as Magolor - looped in by a bad ancient artifact that parasitized him before he knew what was happening. Only he doesn't have a Kirby to save him...

At this point, I had to give him a name. I wanted something French-sounding, so he sounded good alongside Adeleine, and remembering the origin of Adeleine's name, I thought to choose something in FL-ese. I combed the lyrics of "Welcome to the New World" back and forth in both English and Japanese. (I was lucky as the song is sung as a one-to-one Japanese audio cypher and I speak Japanese.)

It wasn't easy though. I wanted a "strong" word but almost everything in there was about food or naps. XD I finally found a phrase in the Japanese lyrics, "邪魔できない"/"unable to be interrupted"/"unstoppable" and matched it to FL-ese.

Noruruwa. Sounds kinda like "Noir." And with Dark Matter being "Matiere Noire" in French, well, it seemed all too perfect...!

The rest all flowed pretty naturally from there. If our setting is Shiver Star and Shiver Star exists at the same time as the New World, and it resembles our Earth's globe while the New World doesn't, perhaps Shiver is an "abandoned earth"? One with an angry, betrayed populace and two kids doomed by birth to die a cold, miserable death in a place utterly neglected by the rest of humanity.

Now "Noir" had a good reason to seek out the power that would be his undoing. While I'm at it, why not tell the story of how Adeleine gets her brush? That's magical(?) too. It's no Drawcia's Paintbrush, but neither is Dark Matter Blade equal to Galaxia. So now, we've got the idea for "off-brand artifacts" - found in an abandoned exhibit, perhaps? Maybe Noir wants to get Adeleine a present? He grabs the sword on the way out without even thinking because...it's a dangerous world out and he's got a young sibling to look after.

(Although, similar to the Master Crown, it's hard to say whether it was originally entirely his choice to pick it up...or the sword's.)

But wait, why do the artifacts do the bad things they do? Now that I'd introduced the New World into this story, I had Fecto Elfilis/ID-F86 on the table. The concept that the Shiver Starians were sooo angry at the New Worlders when for all we knew, the New Worlders weren't even ALIVE anymore made me think, "Do we really expect powerful, angry psychic Elfilis was passive that entire time? While they were being tortured? What if...they sabotaged everything?"

I'd already speculated that Elfilis and Void are two of a pair, and you can trace their offshots throughout the entirety of Kirby lore. (If you buy into my Galactic Nova is based on Fecto Elfilis theory.) And seriously, at least half those artifacts have led to serious tragedy. Now, we had a reason for Noir to be doomed by the narrative.

I do HC that everyone who has ever had their soul consumed by an Ancient Artifact had some red in their ledger - and so, I conceived of some for Noir. I didn't and don't ever want to write/draw a "humans are a disease" story, which is why 99~100% of anything "bad" implied to be going on in their lives on Shiver Star is entirely background. That was purposeful for several reasons. One was simply to demonstrate the degrees to which Noir was protecting Adeleine. He would build up more stress and more pain and more trauma while she remains the same throughout. Two is I just didn't want to go into detail about what wretched scenario would force Noir to take another person's life, but it is still a part of his character history.

(I write Kirby fan comics after all! I try to stay within the bounds of what I consider acceptable content to show. Best I can ^^; )

Noir was also just pushed to the brink, despairing in his life and the world around him. He wanted more than anything to escape this life. Of course, Artifacts have this funny way of twisting your wishes in the WORST way. (Screams of joy > screams of pain.) So Noir's artifact transforms itself into a collar he can't remove, with an unspoken time limit to do anything his newfound power could do for him - at the end of which, his body and soul become forfeit to the darkness. Now he has lost all escape routes. Even death only delivers him to a fate of serving Zero, robbed of independent thought and choice and memories of the one bright thing in his life.

Adeleine...

Adeleine still needed to escape though. She has to get to Popstar. This was the most complicated part for me to logic out. In the end, I went with the simplest, quickest, and most brutal method of getting that done. Quietly imply that Noir, resigned to his fate, killed as many people as it took to secure Adeleine safe passage off the planet and then lied to her about everything with a gentle smile.

Perhaps it's because the Dark Matter Blade has affected his mind and dulled any emotional responses the normally gentle (if sharp-tongued) Noir would have to harming people (as again, artifacts tend to twist people in the worst possible ways; Noir is verbally abrasive but his nature is defensive. Now he has only violence to rely on to get his wish) but I also think the look of calmness on his face throughout "Brightest Star", in spite of the blood on his hands, is because he's just honestly happy - relieved, for once in his life - to have at least saved Adeleine. He was already consigned to hell, doomed from a simple mistake born from the desire to do good; to protect. (*) But Adeleine doesn't have to carry either his mistakes or his sins.

His was a character who took everyone onto himself. And he succeeded at that. His and Adeleine's past and their traumas will be buried underneath the unending snowfall of Shiver Star...

...Adeleine departs and Noir dies, his human body dissolved into Dark Matter, rising up into the aether right as the first flakes of snow began their long task of erasing all that has happened...

-

Rest now, Noir...

...it's The Swordsman's turn.

-

-

-

-

(*) I consider Dark Matter Swordsman be in a very small group with Joronia and Max Haltmann as the only sympathetic characters to be permanently dead In Kirby canon. Which is another reason why I crafted Noir's story explicitly to resemble theirs. We had a pair of (potential) lovers whose story ends in tragedy and a father and daughter tragedy but no siblings whose story has ended tragically. By fanon, that's arguably Swordsman and Gooey, but that just made him more fit to be this story's tragic brother figure...

In which case, Noir basically HAD to be someone who had a simple wish (to keep his only family safe) ran afoul of an ancient artifact almost by accident in the midst of trying to do good and suffers an inevitable, horrifying physical and mental transformation that would end with his only option for salvation to be put out of his misery...

Curse you, Dream Land 2! :cries:

[Apologies AU]  “Apologies”  “One Sneeze”  “Summer”  “A Walk in the Snow”  “The Swordsman” “Wonderful Gift” "Damnation" "Salvation" "Unstoppable" "Brightest Star"

[Bonus Illust] “Ugly Scarf”  [Bonus Illust] "That's...Funny..." [Bonus Illust] "Full Regalia" (DMS "Gijinka") [Bonus Illust] "Was I A Good Brother?" [You Are Here] [Bonus Illust] "You Won't Win..." [Relevant] “Vestige” (script-only)

[Bonus Text] Noir Facts!

[Dark Matter Painter AU] "It wasn't supposed to go this way...!" "You're a good knight!" "The Body Remembers"

[janmisali]

in my experience of "the game" (losing variant), it has always been categorized in my mind as a cultural reference in the same category as rickrolling. it doesn't make any sense without setup, being to point. just being like "the game. oh, we lost, dang" is equivalent to talking about rick astley's hit song never gonna give you up and being like "oh man i've just been rickropped!" like, you follow some cypher and reveal a hidden message which says "you lost the game" and then you go "aw shucks" or whatever. i've never thought about it much outside of that kind of context, but i suppose i've always found it to be probably the least interesting way to do that without flat out saying "haha gotcha, made you look!" rickrolling is indisputably more entertaining because the song is fun, and individualized references for the situation are best (like, if i set up some joke to decieve jan misali fans, then i would maybe have the hidden punchline be related to votgil or something). i have not, to my knowledge, encountered someone IRL that was sincerely upset by "the game" (losing), and while it is possible i have seen someone on the internet be genuinely mad about it, it would be in a context where any annoyance is better explained by just having been deceived in a lighthearted manner.

i mention all this because it is interesting how much people's experiences can vary, not to invalidate anyone else's experiences. i found your original post about "the game" (winning) very compelling, given your account of your experience with "the game" (losing), and i hope people stop being weird and rude about it to you at some point.

this comparison doesn't work.

the joke with rickrolling isn't just that whenever you hear the song never gonna give you up in any context "you lose". the joke is that someone sends you a link to something, and then instead of the thing they said it was it's never gonna give you up instead. it's like, an actual prank. you were tricked, with tangible consequences. it's all in good fun of course, but like, it's still a real prank.

The Game is nothing like that. if you get rickrolled but don't like the joke, you've still been tricked, but if you don't like the joke with The Game, someone is just. asking you to be performatively angry, and then you have to decide if you want to play along or not

[memberment]

Genesis

I am back from work. My internet is down. However, thanks to the gods, I have hotspot. Updates are here tn. I'm working on a redraw of Marj and Bebe. ALSO.

Abt to start writing Clyde and Kenny going on a date (THERE HAS TO BE SOME FLUFF IN THIS OTHERWISE WHERE'S THE FUN, RIGHT?)

(I totally lied I am not about to work on either of those things right now I'm about to concept my cypher for Trinitarianism. And I'm only directly saying it on this acc because there are like six people here. But there is a cypher and it is in relation to the art. I am HOPING someone picks up on HOW bc I will not be stating that. Unless I say fuck it we ball and I do. But I probably won't.)

1:43 update I got nothing done so far bc I got distracted for two whole hours explaining the plot of this entire fic to my brother god bless. BUT. The prologue art on trinitarianism has been reposted. There doesn't appear to be anything different about it though.

It is 4:58 and I've been testing shit for an hour and I keep accidentally posting and I'm GONNA SCREAM

HOW DO I GET IMAGES TO ACTUALLY UPLOAD LIKE I AM TRYNA POST A CHAPTER ON SUNDAYYYYY

It's 6:27 and I'm still lost I am calling god himself to give me an explanation because I WANT TO START POSTING THIS. ON SUNDAY. I DO NOT WANT TO WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT LINE UP. BUT I CANNOT GET IMAGES TO WORK AND THERE ARE SPECIFIC IN FIC IMAGES I NEED. I ALREADY MADE THEM. AHHH.

But anyways I'm working on the Marj/Bebe redraw in hopes that I can actually get everything done for Sunday and I got to a point with the line art where I just started coloring and I'm leaving everything up to god lmao

Anyways, send ur thoughts and prayers that one of my ao3 pals can make these pics fucking work bc I will actually scream if I can't get them to work LMAO

6:35 update NEVER FUCKING MIND I GOT IT SOMEONE QUE UP THE WAR IS OVER PART OF THAT CHRISTMAS SONG I'M LOSING MY SHIT

HOLY SHIT Y'ALL I JUST FIGURED OUT THE BEST THING FOR HEIDI'S INTRO CHAPTER I AM LOSING MY FUCKING MIND

Also I am SO sorry if any of you have post notifs on and your email is blowing up from me I kept accidentally posting the same fucking thing while trying to test stuff

I promise I will stfu soon LMAO

Yeah okay I just figured everything out. I'm losing my shit. Screaming. Crying. Throwing up. Anyways, expect MAD SHIT to be hidden within the walls of this fic. Like. They are gonna be HIDING. IN. PLAIN. SIGHT.

anyways first real chapter is going up Sunday because I! FIGURED! IT! OUT! (It's literally 8 in the morning I've been fucking with this for basically three hours (I took an hour break to draw bc ao3 got me mad) and I am running off diet Dr Pepper and vibes alone, excuse my insanity.)

[elkkiel]

okay so i listened to the summoning and take me back to eden (it autoplayed so i figured i might as well listen it to it) and. wow. not what i expected at all! i'm a big fan of songs shifting genres and it looks like they do that for all of their songs so thats really cool!!

i would love to listen to any more reccomendations you have, since typically i enjoy music that's faster paced. i really really liked the summoning though, and the lyrics for take me back to eden. wow. like. WOW. i did research into their lore and it bangs so damn hard

thanks for the rec :)

(also, sorry about the a/b/o stuff with other fandoms :( i love talking about it for pwp reasons and socioeconomic theorizing reasons so my blog is a safe place for that stuff if you want :))

I am absolutely elated that you like what you've heard so far!!!! And also so so sorry for the rabbit hole you're going to fall down with these guys

I would honestly recommend the whole Take Me Back to Eden album as a new listener—I looped it for practically a month straight when I first found them haha. It's a great sampler of their range and by far the most refined, cohesive release of their main 3 LPs.  

Beyond just getting you to listen to a whole album in one sitting, here's some of their popular songs/singles:

(Btw, there's a TON of good live recordings for some of these as well; they sound just as good, if not better, on stage as they do in-studio)

Alkaline

This is the one with the sexy banner/mic stand stroking lol. It's a sensual, synth-y intro leading into a hell of a headbanger with chuggy guitars

The Summoning

Mentioning this for the live performances in particular. Vessel goes CRAZY with his live vocals, there's a huge drum solo in that atmospheric part, and a LOT of on-stage shenanigans to be had. It's the song that made them blow up HARD, and for a good reason.

Rain (ty @tonguetyd for the rec lol, here's a last-minute addition)

This is another great sample of Vessel's vocals, especially in the intro. It starts slower with the solo piano but gets really powerful in the second half. A personal and fan-favourite for sure!

Hypnosis

If you vibe with Alkaline, you'll vibe with Hypnosis. It's like ultra-concentrated, pathetic sopping wet paper towel levels of yearning with groovy, heavy breakdowns

The Offering

A setlist staple that'll make you want to dive headfirst into the nearest mosh pit. This is a good example of the music tying into the lore/story behind the band as well, if you're interested in that kind of lore analysis

Jaws

An oldie but a fan favourite! It might just be me but it kinda gives me Bring Me the Horizon vibes, so if you like them then you'll probably like Jaws as well

Vore

Yes, it's called Vore. Welcome to Sleep Token lol. It's one of their heaviest songs with lots of harsh vocals (Vessel really shows off his higher range here) and super groovy, dynamic instrumentals. Personal fave tbh, it's at the top of my Spotify repeats playlist

And finally, the lore 🥰🥰 I've only been here a short time and still have yet to discover a lot of their story, but here's an overview of the band history and lore, as well as an in-depth interview with Vessel from 2017. They like to add a lot of Easter eggs to their releases (they created a whole ass alphabet/cypher to go along with Take Me Back to Eden), and the fans go WILD with theories and analysis!

Anyways I'm gonna cut off the infodump there haha. Please let me know what you think and if you run across anything else (songs, lore, etc.) that you liked!!

(Also ty for the omega solidarity 😌 the sleep token fandom is so much fun and still exists in the same weirdo-freak realm as dtblr omegaverse-enthusiasts lol. There's just far less *actual* omegaverse here.

I've been spoiled by the sheer amount of a/b/o content and normalization in the dteam fandom that normal amounts of fandom a/b/o feel like total deprivation. If you ever feel like sharing I'm always down for theories and headcanons too btw. It's such a fun, complex trope and I love to see what others think)

[aweirdoandhisfanfics]

The things that The Flow can do

I'm kinda of a newcomer to the JD comunity, but I reunited all the possible things that The Flow can do, welp, here it goes:

-Create portals and just teleporting (Used by The Traveler, Si'Ha Nova, Wanderlust and Night Swan)

-Cloning yourself (Used by The Traveler and Wanderlust)

-Break/Fix things (Sweet but Psycho and I Am My Own Muse)

-Transforming people in your personal minions

-Root (The power of remaining in the same spot regardless of the circumstances. As seen in Dragostea Din Tei)

-Give life to objects (Probably used to create Discoball)

-Air/earth manipulation(?) (Used by Agent D in Toxic to ooof the agents who were against her and in Gimme More by the same reason)

-Change clothes REALLY FAST (Ok, you CANNOT convince me that Agent D in that scene in Toxic, she didn't used The Flow to change her clothes realy fast, also, I Wanna Dance With Somebody used that same power at the ending of the song)

-Metal/Electrical manipulation (Bellis from "Daisy" uses her powers to manipulate the factory functions)

-"Animagus" (used by Felicia in 'Bloody Mary')

-Influence other people (I think that's the "base" power of The Flow, that is, being able to influence other people to do what you want/what you doing, maybe Night Swan powers is a EXTREME evolution of this power)

-Water manipulation

-Dream powers (Cthylla)

-Fire powers (Derkes, goddess of fire, and Luke Cypher)

-Firearms (Diego in Livin La Vida Loca)

-Giving powers to objects (Hairman hairdryer, Phone Girl phones)

-Telekinectic powers (revealed by the lore master that HTE, has those)

-Plant/fungus powers/manipulation (Amanita and Rosaria)

-Glass manipulation(?) (Icona Shard avatar)

-Rubik cubes manipulation (Rubika)

-Power to create ANYTHING (Selios)

-Shadow Manipulation (Shadow Rider in 'Judas')

-Screen manipulation (?) (Talia and Sandy)

-Butterfly manipulation (?) (Giulia and Mothingan)

-Ilusion (Iluquim)

If I forgot anything, please let me know.

Ok, ok, all this Flow thingi is quite interesting, but *how* does it work?

Well, I have a theory/headcanon, that, it's The Flow that choses its user, it's stated that everyone on the Danceverse, but only a few can use it, so my theory/hc is basicaly:

There's this person, this person has *mad* moves, The Flow looks at the person and thinks "damn, this person has mad moves!" then The Flow permits this person to utilize them, but here's the catch!

The Flow always gives the person the powers to manipulate what The Flow finds suitable for that person.

Example: Diego flowbend involves firearms, he has this power because The Flow saw that he would be the best suitable to have this power, Diego *could* have the power to create portals or air manipulation, but The Flow wouldn't let him because it doesn't find suitable for him, and even if he gets those powers, The Flow will try to resist on him trying to use.

Thanks for coming to my TED-talk.

[hurricaneonanesthesia]

Hellooo! Can I request a Chamber, Sova, Yoru, and Cypher reacting to an agent s/o who can play an instrument and they would make songs for them? Tysm in advance!! ^^

Warnings: slight angst in cypher, but only a little bit

Genre: fluff

Pairing(s): Chamber x GN!Reader, Sova x GN!Reader, Yoru x GN!Reader, Cypher x GN!Reader

Authors Notes: AAAA YOU GUYS IM SO SORRY IM TAKING FOREVER WITH MY REQUESTS, I SWEAR IM NOT DEAD 😭

_______________

Chamber

Chamber is also a man of many talents. Honestly I feel like he’d also be able to play the piano, but he’s probably never tried to compose any songs himself.

He’s touched by the thought that you’d dedicate your free time to creating original songs for him, and asks that you sing it for him if he just came back from a particularly stressful mission or if he’s really tired.

He’ll lay his head in your lap as he listens to you, a smile on his face. It’s not like the typical cocky one he usually has on when he lets out a snarky remark, but a smile that he reserves just for you. One that you know that he’s being genuine. 

If you want to, he’ll even accompany you on the piano, playing matching chords that he feels is fitting. 

Sova

This man is ridiculously soft for you, like he has this sappy grin on his face while he watches you work your magic.

He especially likes comparing how meticulous you are with any stringed instruments that you play to him with his bow. Sova is impressed by just how dedicated you are to what you do.

He loves the songs that you make for him. He doesn’t really understand it but he kind of gets the feeling that he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be, which is by your side.

He’ll record your music for you, so then the two of you can just dance to it together, even if you’re a little embarrassed.

Yoru

He’s the type of person to try and play it off as if he’s not that impressed but in actuality, he has all your music saved and he added it to his playlists.

If you ask him if he was listening to the songs you made for him, he’ll deny it, but the faint blush on his face says otherwise.

You weren’t by any means an expert in music like JPop, but you certainly wanted to try your best to add some electro pop and a little bit of RnB into your music to suit his music tastes a bit better.

Sometimes if you sneak in on him working out and you catch him with his headphones on, you can hear him humming the melody of your most recently composed song cause he probably has it on loop. 

Cypher

He used to spend a lot of time with Nora and his little girl, so hearing you sing for him brings back fond memories but also the painful clenching in his heart.

He holds you close, as he listens to you hum in his ear. It’s been so long since he’s been able to open up so vulnerably to someone like this, so it feels nice. 

Cypher has such a nice voice, I’m sure he’s a fantastic singer. Sometimes, he’ll duet with you because he enjoys bonding with you.

If he ever has difficulty sleeping when you force him to, he’ll ask you to sing your song for him

_______________

Reminder that my requests are open! Be sure to send something my way if you’re interested! Requesting Rules are here!

Want more of my writing? Be sure to check out my masterlist. Wanna know what else I’ll write for? Here you go!

Thanks for reading and have a lovely day!

[druidx]

Her Countenance was Light - Chapter 26

CW: Alcohol AO3 ; Chapters: 01. 10. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. Tag list (ask for +/-): @aquadestinyswriting, @hannah-heartstrings, @jacqueswriteblrlibrary, @babyblueetbaemonster @mr-orion

By the time Elo arrives at City Hall and the Triumverate's office level, she knows she's later than usual and will be interrupting a meeting if she tries to find Thazar or King Storri. So instead she heads to Strucker's office to check in with Evans. Plus, it's a good way to stagger out bollockings 3-6. Except, luck is not with her today, because Evans sends her straight to the Magister's office.

Elo takes a steadying breath as she knocks on the office door, disappointed her plan is about to go swirling down the drain. She lets herself in and quietly regards the scene painted in front of her. Thazar is supporting himself on the corner of his desk, elbow rising and falling in time with the mournful tune he's eking out of his violin. Johan and Storri are sitting on opposite sofas, reading something. Merri is silhouetted, gazing out of a tall window, with Yoruk reclining against the wall next to her, eyes on his king. Storri has some minor lacerations on the side of his face she can see, probably from where she shoved him to the ground. But he seems relaxed enough, given the apparent attempt on his life. That he was not the target is something that no one in this room, nor the wider City for that matter, need know about. Elo can do without having another ubiquitous black suit attached to her. Likewise, Merri's stance and Yoruk's indolent slump read as relaxed, even though Elo knows they must be anything but. Johan is markedly less relaxed, however. Hunched over at the edge of the sofa, his shoulders are scrunched up and his frown is deep as he reads from a red file folder. So deep is his concentration, that it takes his grasping hand several tries before it finds the handle of his coffee cup. Of them all, Thazar is the most tense. The tune he's playing is a Romanian folk song, about a woman scorned by her lover; it comes to a climax as the woman decides to take her own life, only for the tune to repeat. Elo knows he only plays it when he's deeply upset, such as when Aunt Selene announced her departure to Europe and his instatement as Acting Magister. To hear him play it now is concerning. Despite the radiation of worry and upset, with the light from the tall windows and the music, it's a delightfully domestic scene. For a moment, Elo considers leaving them to it and slipping out – but that will only defer the bollockings, and potentially make them worse.

So she closes the door with a touch more force than is required and gives a little cough. "Sirs, Agents." Meredith's spine stiffens. Yoruk gives her a sideways look. Thazar doesn't stop playing, only shifts his stance to look at her over his violin. Johan's head inches up, his shoulders inch down. Storri doesn't look up. "Kindly put the tray up on the concessions table." Elo gives the back of his head a small smile. "I'm afraid, Your Majesty, I've not come with any victuals. Only an update on my current case for Magister Clayrmantle and General Strucker." King Storri's head shoots up, but she ignores him and instead walks to place one of the reports on Thazar's desk. Thazar does not stop bowing, only tips his whole body as a nod of thanks. Elo nods back. She walks back to Strucker. "Sir." He eyes her expectantly. Elo hands him the report with the footnotes. "This is the latest update I have from my team regarding your daughter's murder. They've requested I ask if you have any knowledge regarding the cypher she encoded her notes with. There's an example at the bottom of the report." "Thank you, Lieutenant," he says. Elo stands to attention as he scans the document. Then his eyes flick to the bottom of the page. A flare of recognition graces his expression. "Huh," he says, "so that's where Bubbles got to…" "I wasn't referring to the cat, sir. Do you recognise the sigils?" Johan quirks a smile. "I'm aware, Lieutenant. Yes – or at least, ones very similar. I'm surprised you don't recognise them yourself." "Sir?" Elo asks, tilting her head. Johan leans back, looking at her over the report. "Don't you remember the secret code you and she used to pass messages in class? That was how I met your Aunt Selene, I believe, before I took over from Elmwood. A teacher caught you passing coded messages. When neither of you would reveal the cypher, he had you sent to the Principal, who called us. If memory serves, she thought it was rather humorous, but you and Evie were quite incensed about the whole thing." Thazar finally stops playing, the tune coming to a natural finish. "Oh," Elo says into the silence. She frowns – she doesn't recall the incident at all. "I must have a key somewhere, then. Or maybe I can remember it…? It's been a long time." She presses a hand to her forehead. "I should go and find it. Your Majesty, I'll see you at one." Elo turns away, gets all of five feet before– "I commend your dedication, Lieutenant, but you are not dismissed," Thazar says cooly from behind her.

Elo turns, watching as he carefully places his violin down. He crosses his arms, glaring. "There are a few matters yet to discuss." In Elo's periphery, Merri turns around and steps away from the window. "Rule number one," Agent-in-Charge Ironforge says, "Always remain with the Principal. It is your duty to ensure they are protected at all points." Right, then, Elo thinks. We're going to do this here and now. It is, of course, the lead agent's prerogative to debrief, assess, and challenge assumptions in the wake of an incident. This isn't the format she was expecting, but Elo will respond as is fitting and professional. Elo faces Merri and brings herself to attention before answering. "Yes, Agent Ironforge." "Explain to me why you did not." Elo isn't sure this is the time and place to point out that the night of the dinner her orders had changed. That night, she was not supposed to be part of the King's protection detail but his companion and the Triumvirate's political decoration. But perhaps, by tackling him as she did, she put herself back on protection detail. "I had every intention of remaining with His Majesty. But that was before I was waylaid by Schriber, the Master of Commerce. His Majesty was by then in the care of Agent Forhoksson, and I believed there were adequate protection personnel present such that I could deal with Schreiber and any other guests remaining on the terrace. It was fully my intent to follow on once everyone was safe." Agent-in-Charge Ironforge is glowering at Elo. "Your police training does do you credit there," she grudgingly admits. "However. Rule two: Do not engage a threat without adequate force or backup. That means you are to retreat and raise the alarm, not tackle the threat by yourself." "And I would have, had the threat not decided to engage me first. I was alone in the garden with no radio and no way to call for backup." "You stated at the time that you fell from the terrace. Why were you over there in the first place?" Elo ducks her head. "I was reaching for my sidearm. I dropped it when Schriber started hurranging me. I was helping one of the guests up, and thought since I was so close, I'd just quickly grab it." "It could have been replaced. There was no need for you to linger on the terrace." "Had I not been reaching for it and fallen into the flowerbed, you would be attending a funeral now, instead of getting the chance to yell at me." In her periphery, Elo sees Johan pale and Thazar shifts uncomfortably. She takes a breath, reminding herself to stick to facts and not indulge in flippancy. "Explain." "The sniper took two further shots – one I narrowly avoided by falling, the second forcing me to flee towards the wooded border. I was then cornered and forced to defend myself." "It was still foolish to go back for your sidearm." "Yes." And Elo can see tension flowing from Meredith's shoulders, as the redhead stops being Agent Ironforge and instead becomes her friend, Merri, who worries. "In future, you will remain with His Majesty's retinue no matter what. Is this understood?" "Yes, Agent," Elo says, and pauses, knowing she is about to be unprofessional. "I'm sorry, Meredith." The glower she receives is practically something out of legend. "Oh, aye. You're sorry now. That's fine and dandy now all is well, eh?" Merri growls. "Next time, do things in the correct manner and you won't find yourself having to apologise to all and sundry for almost getting yourself killed." "Yes, Agent," Elo says again, allowing herself a small smile. Merri gives her a curt nod, but Elo has caught the flicker of a smile on her old friend's face. As Merri steps back to her place at the window, Elo catches the briefest of an approving nod from Yoruk.

"Acting Magister," Elo says with a short bow towards him, "Is there anything you wish to add to Special Agent Ironforge's reprimand?" Thazar regards her for a long while, stern lines creasing his forehead and thinning his lips. "No," he says at length. "Only to say I am glad you took the suggestion on your attire for the evening. Perhaps," he adds with an aggrieved sigh, "a suit might be allowable for the next event." "Understood, sir," Elo says, giving him a quiet smile, internally crowing at the small victory. "You will be taking His Majesty out again for lunch at 1300h," Thazar continues. "Somewhere respectable this time, please, and with double the security. We feel, despite the incident, it is important we show no cowardice in the face of this attack. Until then, you are free to deal with whatever duties are required by your new position." He gives her a slight smirk then. "Congratulations, by the way, on your promotion. The red looks good on your collar." "Thank you, sir," she says graciously. "You are dismissed," Thazar says, and Elo gives him another bow. "We shall speak more at lunch then," King Storri says, his tone carrying the threat of another bollocking. "Yes, Your Majesty," she says and turns to go.

In the corridor outside, Johan calls out for her to wait, so she does. "Before I forget, here." He stands behind the open door to the office, and throws something at her. Elo catches it, and it's the keys to her dragon. "You were right," he says, "the spark plugs were shot. I added a spare to the tool kit under the saddle." "Thank you."

Elo takes herself off to Strucker's office and, with a nod to Evans, slips into the smaller office to ring up Cobbleskater's desk. "Constable Cobbleskater, Special Cases, how can I help?" "Hey, Irvine. It's Elo." "Lieutenant! What can I help you with?" "I got a bead on the cryptography of the victim's notes." "Oh?" "Turns out, it's something we made up in school, which means there should be a key in one of my old notebooks. I think I still have those at my Mom's house." "Your Mom kept the stuff from when you were a kid?" "Um, I seem to remember pitching a fit when she suggested getting rid of them, so they got shoved into storage. But that's not the point. I've got my wheels back, so why don't you and Farren meet me over there. I'll give you the address–" "Um. Lieutenant, I don't think that's wise. You're still injured." Cobbleskater's anxiety radiates down the line. "I promise I'll ride slow and careful." "Ma'am, I–" Cobbleskater cuts himself off. She can hear muffled voices through the hand he's plastered over the receiver. There's an echoing, scratching sound as if the receiver is being manhandled. "Bug, no." "Brek… Hi," she says in the most innocent tone she can muster. "Do not ride anywhere. You will pop your stitches. You might be back at work, but you're still not to do anything stupid. I will call Ironforge and ask if Agent Hembo can come sit on you." "Give me a ride then." "Can't. I'm catching Yates and Monday up on the case." "Send Cobbleskater," she says, frustrated. "His ride's in the shop." "Godsdamnit, Brek! This is urgent." "No, Bug. It ain't. Look." Farren takes a breath. She can hear his chair creak. "The vic was your friend and you're close to her Dad, so I get it. This case feels like the most important thing to you right now, and everything about uncovering her murderer is urgent. But for once, we don't have any other related bodies, so there's no press on to catch the guy before he strikes again. Plus, she ain't getting any deader, but you might. And every time you rush into something while you're still injured, you take that one step closer. So just – take an admin day. Show the King the city, and I'll see you for dinner. Got it?" Elo sighs, because, damn him, he's right. "Yeah. I got it." "Stay outta trouble." There's a hard, demanding edge to their usual light-hearted farewell. Elo huffs. "I will if you will." Farren hangs up, and Elo glares at a painting of a boat on the wall. Then she swears in her mother tongue and sets about collating the past few days into a set of written reports.

Evans, angel that she is, reminds Elo at 12:50 she's supposed to be taking the King out for lunch. Elo panics because she was supposed to get a reservation somewhere, but Evans just smiles and says to give her name at The Naughty Fork and laughs as Elo professes her undying love as she's legging it out the door.

So they go to the Naughty Fork, a place filled with decadent dishes and yuppies. Elo finds Evans has briefed the bistro about the security detachment and arranged for them to be in a private room. Elo will need to get her something to say thank you. While they eat, Storri gives an impromptu lecture on how to allow oneself to be bodyguarded, pointing out what she should have done differently that night and the day after with Hembo. It's a difficult thing, he commiserates, for someone as action-focused as her to put one's trust in what are essentially strangers. Elo finally gives voice to her divided orders on this subject – Clayrmantle telling her to be a guest, Merri thinking she was there as extra protection, Farren assuming she was on duty, her police training overriding everything. So bollocking #6 turns into less of a bollocking and more of a teaching experience, which Elo is grateful for; she's had more than enough people shout at her today. Before they leave, they discuss dinner plans. Elo tells him Farren wants her to come by, so is he okay with a home-cooked meal of questionable quality in Farren's condo? Storri is delighted by this prospect, and Anderssen doesn't think it will be a problem for them, so Elo excuses herself to use the restaurant payphone. "Breakwood's desk, Monday speaking, what can I do you for?" "Sargent Monday," Elo says, surprised. "It's O'Toreguarde. Is Breakwood not around?" "Hi LT. He's just gone to the little detective's room. Anything I can help with?" "Just a message, thanks. Can you tell him I said I'm bringing company for dinner tonight? Only one, so he'll be cooking for three." "One extra body for dinner. Got it." "He catch you up with the case yet?" "Sure did. Yates and I are gonna head down to Tattham docks, see if we can't dig anything out of the office there. Breakwood wants us to run down the ownership details. Cobbleskater's up to his arse in copy paper ready for when you get that key to the vic's notes, and your boy is being pissy about having to file his reports." Monday chuckles. "But, hey, what's good for the goose is good for the gander, right?" Elo huffs out a laugh. "Tell him he gets no sympathy from me." "Roger that, LT. See you tomorrow. And hey – watch your six." "You too."

That dealt with, Elo takes the King et al on a lazy punt ride down the south canal trunk and weaves east to Sœyler Blar. Though normally she would just hire a boat and punt herself, Agent Hembo and his threat of sitting upon her for stupidity are both in attendance, so she pays someone to take them. On one of the quieter stretches, His Nibs and Anderssen have a go at punting; miraculously no one ends up in the water. They moor up at the public dock, and Elo leads the merry procession down to the Sœyler Blar Brewing Company, explaining that as His Nibs enjoyed those craft beers so much, she thought he might enjoy a tour of the brewery where some were made. They wind up on a private tour, which ends with a lot of sampling and a lot of money changing hands for a lot of beer. Then they're being punted back to the Council landing, and driven in the Official Limo, calling past a wine shop on their way to Farren's and Elo didn't even know that wine could be that expensive. And finally, they are at her partner's condo unit.

[mywifeleftme]

338: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly // Inspiration

Inspiration Maze featuring Frankie Beverly 1979, Capitol

Back in 2012, Maze (always) featuring Frankie Beverly were honoured with a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, which is sort of like a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for a universe where New Edition were practically the Beatles. (With the death of strictly regimented radio programming, this phenomenon doesn’t really exist anymore—the Babyface/R. Kelly era of R&B was probably the last of it.) I was an avid Grantland reader at the time, and I remember Rembert Browne doing a funny breakdown of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly’s performance that piqued my curiosity:

“This was Maze featuring Frankie Beverly’s first nationally televised performance, ever. To some, that will make sense because you’ve never heard of them until just now, but to many that will come as a shock, because they were (and still are) one of the most popular Black acts ever. I often hesitate to throw around the possessive pronouns ‘we’ and ‘our’ as recklessly as BET does, but using those terms to describe this act seems pretty appropriate, seeing as they have widely been this Black hidden treasure for more than 40 years. If you need proof of this, go to a concert, or just watch this performance.”

I can’t link you to that performance because BET were notoriously averse to posting the shit you’d want to see on YouTube (see also: BET Awards cyphers), but you can simply throw one of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly’s hits on, close your eyes, and imagine like 2 Chainz, Omarion, and Taraji P. Henson grooving happily in loud formal wear. Maze featuring Frankie Beverly are so dope. At first, I thought their blazingly psychedelic/New Age sleeves (and that incredible seven-fingered, double-palmed hand logo) were kind of a mismatch for their laidback, romantic sound, but after I let them roll over me for a while, following the bass and keyboard licks around started to put me in mind of an endless, colourful labyrinth.

Inspiration isn’t their best album, and contains none of their most recognizable songs, but it’s the one I have and is a Perfectly Good Maze featuring Frankie Beverly record. None of the songs are in any hurry to get where they’re going (all of them top the five-minute mark), and none of them deviate from their core sound—no disco strings here, no lame rock covers, just good musicians putting in work. If you like your soul raw, this isn’t gonna do it for you, but if the notion of a less crossover-oriented Earth, Wind & Fire or Commodores appeals to you, keep a look out for buddy with the extra digits.

338/365

[lucienballard]

Shane MacGowan remembered by Nick Cave ............

Ifirst met Shane in 1989 when the music paper NME thought it would be a good idea to bring us two together alongside Mark E Smith from the Fall for a so-called “summit meeting”. I was excited because I was a fan, completely in awe of Shane’s songwriting. Unfortunately, it was my first day out of rehab, and it probably wasn’t the greatest idea to spend the day with two people who were not known for their moderation. It was pure mayhem from the outset. Not the most auspicious start to a friendship, but Shane and I did become close friends soon afterwards. When we initially started to hang out, we often went out to bars and clubs. It was a little difficult, because I’d temporarily stopped taking drugs and drinking, but we liked each other’s company. I don’t think he was used to being around someone who didn’t drink. He essentially didn’t trust anyone who wasn’t completely shit-faced. At some point, when I eventually started drinking again, we met in a bar and he asked me what I wanted. I ordered a double vodka and his eyes just lit up. It was like he was a little kid and it was Christmas Day. And that was that. We spent the next years going out, fucking around, getting wasted. Sometimes I’d call round his flat in King’s Cross and he’d be watching Scarface or one of those violent Kitano cop thrillers. I remember being concerned that he wasn’t writing songs. Once, when I asked him about it, he crawled across the floor and started rooting in the pile of rubbish until he found a scrap of paper. It was the lyrics to a song called St John of Gods. A beautiful title. Beautiful words. To me, his songs were such precious things, deep works of art, really, but he didn’t treat them like that. While I laboured away at my desk, day after day, to produce what I could, Shane’s words were delivered to him on a beer tray with a whiskey chaser.

Shane saw it as a solemn duty to be permanently fucked up and, for most of his life, he was happy to be the way he was

What I really envied about Shane’s lyric writing was that he was doing something extraordinary with the classic songwriting form. His way of writing was steeped in the tradition of Irish balladry. It was in no way modern, whereas my songs, back then, were more of their time: darker and fractured and experimental. There was little compassion in them. No true understanding of the “ordinary”. I don’t think I could have written a lyric like “The wind goes right through you/ It’s no place for the old” [from Fairytale of New York]. It speaks volumes. You can feel the wind and the ice in the air but also the sense of learned empathy and deep compassion Shane had for people.

I loved his voice, too. It was the perfect vehicle for his chaotic, poetic soul. And I loved the way he comported himself when he was singing live. There was a nonchalance about it. I remember watching the Pogues do a soundcheck somewhere at a festival in France. He just walked up to the mic and sang A Pair of Brown Eyes with his hands shoved in his pockets, this gorgeous, racked voice coming out of him like he was a cypher for the angels. It was a rare privilege to witness something like that.

At the end of the day, though, it is his genius we should remember rather than all the other stuff. He wrote a bunch of songs that are truly great. That’s a hell of a lot more than most songwriters manage. His best lyrics have a truly lived-in nature to them. His beautiful soul is baked in to every word, every phrase of A Rainy Night in Soho or The Old Main Drag. They are rooted in earned experience. Those profoundly beautiful words coming out of such a broken soul. He had something that we lesser writers have to work hard to even get close to. An effortless, God-given talent.

When my friendship with him began, it was based on a deep admiration for his songwriting. I was a fan, pure and simple, and I will always be that. But the enduring nature of our relationship grew out of a great love for the man himself. Shane was not like other people. Regardless of what condition he was in, he had a goodness about him and a depth of feeling about the poetic nature of our human condition that was immeasurable. There was a truth to him, a clarity of soul that was of the purest kind. You can’t hide something like that. The whole world could see it, which is why he was so deeply loved by so many.

source

[monin1ca]

Hello~ hope youre having a wonderful day!

Can you make a Yoru ff where fem reader, Yoru and some other agents were playing truth or dare, and reader dared Yoru to sing, but he refused. So later Yoru came into readers room to sing "Shinunoga E-Wa" and reader knows the meaning of the song, so they realize that the riftwalker likes them :D

Word count:740  Warnings: Nothing Just fluff :’) WOOOHOOOOOO I ENJOYED WRITING THIS

Why was he here again?

Yoru asks himself; it was a quiet night at the protocol. Well, aside from the fact the younglings were playing truth or dare at full volume. So many secrets were revealed during this game, and lots of stupid things were done. Cypher was having so much fun listening to and watching them. Though- this night wasn't a bad one; the attention turned to Yoru. It was his turn to be asked the question, “Truth or Dare?” Y/N excitedly asks, but he hesitates. “Dare?...” The other agents weren’t used to this Yoru, his voice that was usually heard with arrogance. Is now soft and meek; was he perhaps hiding something? 

“Ya know, Yoru,” Y/N began, “I’ve never heard you sing before!” The crowd begins to chatter and murmur in agreement and excitement, “So I dare you to sing!” Y/N smirks at the rift walker, but he wasn’t having any of it “W-what? You idiot, I never wanted to be here anyway.” He stands up, clearly in a rush to leave. “C’mon now, fam! That’s no fun!” Phoenix interjects; Yoru doesn't care and just flips off the latter. The others were left hanging, the anticipation killing them. ‘Was he good at singing and was just shy?’ or ‘Does he suck at singing? Even so, they probably won't judge’

The duelist rushes off to his room, loudly shutting the door behind him. He scavenges his room for his cigarettes and lighter; once found, he walks to the balcony and begins smoking. Whilst smoking, he thinks about his actions. He was a… mediocre singer; he didn’t sound bad at all! He had a chance to show off to his friends and, most especially, Y/N!  He blows out the smoke with so much frustration. Why did he walk out? Whatever, it doesn't matter; he plans on making it up to her.

Sometime later, after rehearsing what he wants to sing to you. Yoru gains the courage to walk to Y/N’s door. He softly knocks on her door, the tension in his body so strong it could kill him. He hears sluggish footsteps approaching the door; Yoru inhales and brings out his usual demeanor; Y/N opens the door, “Oh? Yoru? Whatcha doing here?” She drawls; it was clear she was kinda sleepy. “I’m here to make it up to you, idiot.” Though confused, she let Yoru into her room. She pats her bed, motioning for him to sit beside her.  He sits down and begins speaking, “Im here to make it up to you by... singing,” The rift walker says begrudgingly, Y/N squeals; surprised at his change of heart. “Well? Go on then!”

The male inhales slowly, “指切りげんまん ホラでも吹いたら 針でもなんでも 飲ませていただき (Pinky swear if I do tell a lie I'm willing to swallow needles or anything on) Monday, It doesn’t matter if it's Sunday.”  Ah, Y/N knew this song very well. Mostly because of TikTok but at some point, she was very fixated on this song ever since it became popular, she knew the English lyrics by heart at this point even the meaning. “鏡よ鏡よ この世で1番 変わることのない 愛をくれるのは だれ (Mirror, Mirror on the wall, Who would give me the most fairest love of them all) No need to ask cause it's my darling.” 

His voice was so different from his usual speaking voice. It was so mellow, soft and so enchanting. She could tell the man in front of her was pouring his heart out into this song. “わたしの最後はあなたがいい  (いい) あなたとこのままおサラバするより 死ぬのがいいわ 死ぬのがいいわ 三度の飯よりあんたがいいのよ (いい) あんたとこのままおサラバするよか 死ぬのがいいわ 死ぬのがいいわ (I want you to be my last If I had to keep being separated from you like this, I’d rather die, I'd rather die, I choose you over three meals a day, If I had to keep being separated from you like this, I'd rather die, I'd rather die,)”

Y/N was stunned, did he.. Really like her? Yoru stops singing, noticing the realization on her face. She pulls the duelist into a warm and loving hug, “I think I fell in love with you, even more, Yoru.” Yoru smiles, something he never did often. “Is this a yes?” He asks, just to make sure- “Yeah, I like you too Yoru.”

Author’s Note - HELLO I DUNNO IF I NAILED THIS DOWN CAUSE I FELT THE FORMAT WAS WEIRD, NONETHELESS I HOPE YOU ENJOYEDDDDD

[5and3nevermind]

get to know me game tagged by @yoon-dowoon! (Thank you!)

Name: 5and3 😉

Pronouns: she/her

Fun fact about me: Let’s see…I love where I live! It’s probably the most interesting thing about me, so it pains me that I can’t talk about it more.

Pets: One very elderly dog. Poor guy. He’s still in fairly good health although he has completely lost his hearing. 🥺

Fandoms: Army. Yoonminer.

Favorite color: green

Favorite song: too many to choose just one! Love Maze, Dimple, Cypher 3, Like Crazy, Set Me Free pt 2, Amygdala, People, Promise, 134340, On, Still Life, Yun, Trivia: Love, Huh?! are some of my favorites.

Favorite author: don’t have one at the moment

Hobbies: writing, traveling, hiking, watching sports, taking care of my plants, eating good food

I won’t tag anyone, but if you’re reading this, consider it an invitation to participate! 🪴

[spoctertech]

Warmth of the Soul-A Cyphmen Fic

CHAPTER 1

Cold

All life needs temperature regulation, though mammals can usually self-regulate their body heat internally. … well… Omen can’t do that. Heat is a very important part of Omen's life, he needs it to survive. That’s why he bathes in the sun, the glorious sun.

Omen shared this characteristic with reptiles, and right now, he is missing the beautiful sun. He yearned for the radiating ball of burning gas in the sky. So warm.

Omen sighed with a frown. He missed the heat. This is terrible.

Why should Omen be the one in this accursed world to be infected with this? Winter is the worst. Omen hates to bunker down for 3 months every year. His blood basically freezes if he tries to do anything outside. Do you know how terrible that is? It's so hard to move, and even after you heat up your basically out the whole day! Not fun. Just to be able to walk out of his house he has to wear more layers than an onion. Omen has to wear multiple sweatpants, 3 long-sleeved shorts, and 2 hoodies just to be able to not collapse.

Not only does this season almost put him in a coma it also brings more little children singing silly songs. Omen crossed his arms and let out an exasperated humph.

Omen wonders why Cypher decided to such a cold area. Or why he even agreed to live here. He knew what would happen every winter.

But his train of thought was interrupted by the rustling of sheets behind him.

But then he felt a wave of heat come over him. A surprising but not unwelcome development for the wraith. He felt his face get pricked with heat, the man behind him leaning him and putting his head behind Omens neck. He embraced the gloved black hands around his lower waist. Heat radiating from every spot he was making contact. It felt good, like coming into a hot room after spending the day in the cold. He felt the warm breaths press up on his cold next sending ripples of warmth through every nerve in his body.

But as quickly as he felt these ripples the faster they were ripped from his grasp. He normally wakes up before his love but due to the cold, he was restless. Omen would never admit this to anyone but Cypher but he loved being wrapped in the arms of his lover. He loves feeling connected to Cypher in body temperature.

But what he didn't like was the snow in his state. The evil icy snow, poaching his precious mobility. However, Cypher on the other hand LOVES winter, like loves loves. Sometimes he wonders if Cypher likes the winter more than him. Every year he will put up silly little lights and break out all of the toy snowmen to put in the front. Omen doesn't understand how, winter- at least for him- is horrible in every way.

Omen feels a shift behind him, and then, a barrage of kisses. The arms around him squeezing tight.

“Good morning, Omen,” Cypher said, Omen being able to hear the grin in his voice.

“How did you know I was awake?” Omen replied, in his raspy morning voice.

“You were restless” Cypher chuckled.

Shit. He must not have noticed, he has a bad habit of doing that. Omen just hopes it didn't wake up Cypher. But he was probably ready to frolic in the winter atmosphere.

One last kiss to his wheel and the arms around him disappear.

Stealing his cold once again.

Omen let out a sigh, watching as Cypher got out of bed and made his way towards the window. He pulled back the curtains and peered outside, his face lighting up at the sight of the snow-covered ground.

“Look, Omen! It snowed even more last night!” Cypher exclaimed, turning to face him with a huge grin.

Omen just shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He couldn't help but feel a little jealous of Cypher's love for the cold season.

“I'll be in the kitchen making breakfast, want me to make your favorite?” Cypher asked, already starting to pull on some pants.

Omen nodded, grateful for the offer. He watched as Cypher made his way out of his sight feeling the cold settle back in once again

With a warm feeling spreading in his chest, Omen put on his clothes and made his way to the kitchen. The smell of coffee and pancakes filled the air, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of Cypher cooking away in his apron.

"Morning," Omen said, perching his head on Cypher’s shoulder

"Morning, love," Cypher replied, planting a kiss on his cheek. Sending warmth through him. Only letting out a sluggish “mmn”.

Omen craved the couch, the frosty air cripling him. He took a few steps and ended up plopping himself on the couch, buried in blankets. And a few minutes later Cypher walked over and handed Omen a cup.

Heat.

The cup felt so warm in the wraith's hands. almost as warm as the coffee residing inside. Omen held the cup with both hands, holding it close in an attempt to heat up himself. He wished he could suck the heat out of the cup he was holding. That would be nice. Though it still felt nice to hold.

At the moment, Omen was concerned. VERY concerned, for his boyfriend of course. The aforementioned was currently making breakfast with a large smile on his face as Omen sat at the table. The very troubling part being that he was shirtless.

Omen knew that Cypher enjoyed the cold. He basically thrived in it. But surely he has to be SOMEWHAT cold, right?

Meanwhile he felt covered from head to toe.

Just to get out of bed this morning, Omen was wearing a hoodie, with the hood up and closed as much as it could of course, a long sleeved shirt, and sweatpants. As well as two pairs of thick underwear. Which was uncomfortable but, the last thing he needed was his dick contracting frostbite.

He took a sip of his hot cocoa, letting the warmth sliver down his throat and spread throughout the rest of his body. He mentally shivered and tingles flew through his spine.

Omen glanced over at Cypher who was swaying his hips ever so slightly while cooking. A soft hum escaped from his mouth as the grease sizzled and popped. Cypher's grin was wide, and he bobbed his head to an inaudible rhythm while tapping his right foot.

Omen couldn't help but admire the man, he was a beam of light in any situation. Even on the gloomiest of days, or frosty winter mornings, he radiated joy. It seemed almost unfathomable to be down in his presence. However, Omen could sure try.

Winter is horrible.

A hand placed a plate before him, interrupting his detestation of anything chilly. As he glanced at it, a faint steam emanated from the contents, filling the atmosphere with the coziness the man craved. His stomach growled as he picked up a fork.

Cypher sat next to Omen. Putting a hand on his back and rubbing it.

“Omen, Are you ok? you're tense,” he said in a caring tone.

He directed a sharp look at the watchdog before realizing his own glare and softening his expression. Unbeknownst to himself, he looked and felt upset but Cypher could sense his mood before he even realized it himself.

Instead of responding verbally he crashed his head into the other’s shoulder. Letting it rest there as he soaked in his bodyheat.

Cypher hummed and pulled him closer, trapping him comfortably in his arm and continued to eat silently. Omen wasn’t even hungry, he just wanted to feel the mans signature warmth against himself. Cypher’s rough hand was massaging his upper-arm, and Omen was certain he was in heaven.

He felt himself start to relax, peace flooding his body as the hand worked circles on his shoulder. Such a tiny action, but the tiny actions are always the ones that hit home runs.

He didn't even realize it, but he was practically clinging onto the man. His arms snaked themselves around Cypher and tried to pull him even closer. His mind was calm and swimming with only one thought, “I love him.”

(I hope you liked it everyone!! You can follow my a03 acc[same name] Also sorry for the strange formatting, the a03 to Tumblr is strange.

CHAPTER 2

Cold.

Omen was scowling and crossing his arms.

Him and Cypher went out for the day to meet up with a few of the other agents. The ghost was wearing too many layers, he looked like shit. It was cold, blistering cold. Everything was covered in white.

Viper had the wonderful idea to meet up at a café and enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee with everyone. This would be a perfect idea…

IF THEY DIDN’T ALL DECIDE TO SIT ON THE PATIO!

It would be the worst day of his entire life, but luckily they had a large heat lamp on the patio. Omen respected that. That was awesome.

“What's up with him?” a snarky voice asked, joined by a finger jutting out straight at him.

Cypher stopped his conversation with the other three and glanced at the two of them.

Chamber was right across from Omen, both seated at the far left of the table. Just as the watchdogs mouth opened to answer, he was stopped.

“Why don’t you ask me yourself?”

“... Alright. What’s up with you? You look like a cartoon character.” Chamber’s expression could’ve been made out of stone, it was unreadable.

“Fuck you.” “You wish you could.” “Snarky bitch.” “Budget casper.”

Omen uncrossed his arms, and his hands slammed on the table. “TAKE IT BACK!” Omen was leaning forward, in a display of aggression. Meanwhile, Chamber was completely unbothered, maybe even slightly satisfied.

“Make me.” Omen was now the one who was pointing at the other. “I FUCKING WILL!” Omen began to get out of his seat but a large and very firm in its intent to keep the other down sat on his shoulder. The hand squeezed and Omen began to sit back down.

Reyna got up and walked to their edge of the table. She leaned over it, in between the two of them. Her voice hushed but frustrated, “You two shut the fuck up , you’re causing a scene. Now is not the time.” The ghost and sniper collectively huffed as she sat besides Viper again.

Cypher started, “Omen has a rough time around the winter season, due to being cold blooded.” Another squeeze to his shoulder. Being a seasoned engineer, the man really knew his way around his hands. Omen’s heart fluttered. ‘He’d much rather be home currently.”

Chamber tsk’d and Omen’s heart stopped fluttering. “Ah, so that’s why he ditches every meet up and training session when it's cold outside. Always thought it was suspicious how you always got sick every single winter without fail. Allergies my fat ass.”

“Actually i was sick, i get-” Omen noticed the sniper mocking him, making a stupid and punchable face while mimicking his speech. “...” Chamber stopped and stared at him, smirking.

One last squeeze and then the beloved hand that he loved so much returned to its owner’s side. Damn you, Chamber. Damn you.

CHAPTER 3

Heat.

Omen could feel himself blush and his insides squirmed. A hand that felt rough and hot was rubbing tantalizing horizontal lines on his lower back, as a pinky followed the motion slightly below his jogging pants. Lazy and slow. Omen was laying on him whilst being held by him.

Him and Cypher were attempting to watch a movie, snuggling on the couch under a blanket. Or at least, he is. Cypher is attempting something else entirely. Though his eyes were glued to the screen; Omen knew the watchdog was focusing much more on him.

Having been boyfriends for years and fiancès for months, Omen knew exactly what his man was attempting to do. Rile him up. Cheeky bastard.

They were watching a horror flick, which is how Omen knew there was no way in hell Cypher was possibly paying attention, Cypher couldn't handle being alone in a dark room. Omen side eyed him to get a good look at his face, it was as stoic as ever. He definitely had other things on his mind.

A woman on the tv screamed and was getting hacked to bits by a large man with a machete. Suddenly, Cypher’s hand felt lower than before and Omen felt his joggers shift slightly. The man's pinky was no longer just above his ass.

He felt red hot, his blood felt well past boiling but he was the opposite of angry. Which was highly unusual for him. He must resist the man’s temptations! The seducer beneath him had strong tactics, but Omen was sure he could last the night without succumbing!

The same pinky belonging to the man brushed past something. Instinct took over the ghost and he snapped his head to look down at the watchdog staring at him with his eyes wide. Cypher, who took his leisure slowly turning his head and craning his neck a little to meet his lover's gaze. Simply said…

“What?” His voice was soft and teasing and there was a smirk on his snout. Although tiny, it was immediately noticed by the man on top of him. “This is making you feel warm, is it not?”

Suddenly, all desire to speak was drained out of him. He slowly lowered his head back to the watchdog’s neck and averted his attention back to the movie. Sure, there was now a man being dumped into an acid barrel while still alive. But, Omen couldn’t focus on all the cool effects and budget gore. His mind was swimming with naughty thoughts.

He felt a longer finger push and prod around almost as soon as they both turned their attention back to the screen. Oh yeah, this is where it gets good. Now this was some real warmth!

He bit the inside of his cheek and waited for an intrusion.

Just then a phone rang, and not just the finger, but the entire hand disappeared. Omen almost whined. Yes, he almost WHINED . That same hand was now wrapped around a phone.

Omen heard a small “shit.” come under the other man’s breath. “It's brimstone-” Cyphers eyes met his and sent him a soft apology.

Omen almost saw red. Those- those- those COCKBLOCKS! What is it they want now? This is ridiculous. They’re always calling his cypher, HIS MAN, out of the BLUE to pressure him to work. This is ludicrous. Awful. BLASPHEMY. He should go down there, and give the snooty higher ups a piece of his fuckin mind! Maybe a broken nose too-

“-make it up to you later.” And then the watchdog kissed his forehead. Suddenly, Omen no longer had any desire to yell at people in positions of power. The tall wormed his way out from beneath his ghost. Omen’s hand quickly shot up and turned Cypher’s head back towards him. The man’s thumb was milliseconds away from hitting that answer button. His fiancè’s face looked so handsome in his hand.

“You better.” The watchdog smiled, hit the answer button and then walked away. An annoyance in his tone.

Though frustrated, the promise of later was enough for the wraith. The other wasn’t one to disappoint. He could settle for later, that’s fine.

But then again… there goes warmth.

Oh well. It’ll be back soon anyways.

(Christmas chapter 4 coming soon hopefully! Please follow for more if you enjoyed this!)

[oziizborn]

My turn.

Usually, I would want to introduse myself. Name, age, hobbies and whatnot. Just like one of those friendship books from the early 90's and 00's. (This might kinda spoil my age). However, over the past few years I somewhat changed - not so much my character, what I enjoy and who I am but mostly how I treat and protect myself. I do believe that keeping personal information to myself is a good start.

A few things I will not be able to keep a secret is my never dying love for BTS since Oct '18, my love for art, sunflowers & @chikooritajjk I am really happy that my precious friend reintroduced me to tumblr. For the past few months, I have been sitting here, wondering where I could release my brain diarrhea. I asked myself "what about a diary?" but that wasn't really it. No judgement here, but to me it would feel like listening to your own voice - you know how that makes you cringe? Yeah, I didn't want that.

Tumblr on the other side feels better, mostly because its accessible for other people as well. Which doesn't mean I want 100 people to read this, but its the thought that I don't write stuff only for myself. If that makes sense. Well, probably not.

BTS

One thing I always loved reading was how Armys discovered BTS, or how some of us say, how BTS found us. I don't want to go too much into my emotional experience and how they indeed found me, but I will always be grateful. Not only because they helped me, and many others through difficult times, but also because of the friends I have made along the way. Whether it was on twitter, in front of the stadium while waiting in line, or when spotting an Army in the wild with a bt21 bag-charm. There is nothing reasonable about NOT being an army. I mean we get the whole thing. Fun, looks (not as important but you get me), friends, music that holds your hand in all possible circumstances. Tough day? listen to Magic Shop, feeling sad? Spring day. Feeling lonely? Mikrokosmos. You wanna feel badass? Blast cypher or we are bulletproof pt.2. We might have planners, scheduled appointments and routines throughout our day. But shit, nothing is guaranteed. Not our good mood, not a good day nor a perfect good nights sleep. Before BTS, these things gave me anxiety and scared the shit out of me. You know what? Sometimes they still do but things got easier. I have an escape. Something we all need. Before BTS it wasnt impossible but also not easy to lift my mood if a minor nuisance affected me. Sure, I did have other favorite songs or things I could do but did those things feel like a warm hug by your best friend? Did they feel as comfortabnle as taking your outside clothes off and wearing your sweatpants and hoodie after a long day? Did they feel like smelling your freshly lit candle that you inhale and it creates a smile on your face without you even noticing? The only thing that gave me the same amount as comfort as these things were things that involved BTS. So when some of us say "they saved me", there's a reason behind it. To some it might be a day that BTS saved, to some it might be something bigger.

With BTS and Army, I went through all kind of emotions. Sadness, happiness, diappointment, anger, fear, pride, exhaustion, excitement, joy, anticipation & most importantly love. (the negative feelings only because of western media) F*** JKLMNOPQRST

This takes me to why @chikooritajjk and I (or Armys in general) are so protective. Who would allow people you conider family/friends to be used, treated badly or negatively in any way. No one. I have no shame in calling them my family or friends. They might not know what I look like or who I am - but to them I'm Army and that's all that counts. What else would you call giving and receiving love, comfort and protection from another human? I'm not going to lie, I also had a shitton of fun pressing people's faces in their own shit they let out their moufssss.

Talk shit, get hit.

Last but not least

I dedicate this part to @chikooritajjk God knows the amount of gratitude I have to him for making me cross paths with BTS and letting you come in my life. You've been the greatest gift to me, ever. You helped me in so many ways. The most important thing that you helped me see is that I am more than just that person that is there for others.. You helped me understand that I am also me, a person with desires, dreams, a battery that can be drained and with wishes and beliefs. I can't thank you enough for that. From the day I wished you were my friend to this day, we made so many good, sad, teaching, beautiful and precious memories. We truly had it all. You know what makes me happier than talking to you? Hearing the positive things I have contributed to your life. Maybe it will make me sound selfish but I promise it's not about me, or what I did but its about the fact that YOU allow me to be there for you, to talk to you, to spend time with you and to be your friend. Man, I am going to sound super fangirl-y but what I mean is I accomplished being good enough to be your friend. Remember when you said you are obsessed with me? I think I am the obsessed one. If someone I liked, friend or not just sits in front of me and tells me "hey I like your bracelet" I will be like TAKE IT, IT'S YOURS! (unless its from @chikooritajjk.) I love sharing, I love putting a smile on people's faces. When it comes to you though, nah. You are nobody's but my best friend. I love you so much and trust me, I will knock anyone out for you, ANYTIME. Verbally and/or physically.

Joonie "I wish there was a better word than love. but i really, truly love you."

Hobi is my bias. So here.