#they're all characters I've really wanted to build but haven't gotten around to yet so

[nightmareonpeachstreet]

got my Alcryst up to +4 on the legendary remix today. he started at +1 so today I was very carefully mulling over who to give 3 sets of his skills to before merging him

happy to say that Kagero, Halloween Niles and Setsuna all got some very good skills

[whateversawesome]

I really hope this doesn't come off as hate, I just wanted someone else's input - I feel like the eden kids have become more of the main characters than the forgers have. I know we just finished an important arc with them but it feels as though every other chapter is centered around them. We haven't had a chapter with the forgers together since Anya got rescued and that wasn't even a whole chapter. it feels as though the manga's shifted from its core (a spy dad, assassin mom, esper child and a dog that can see the future). I guess this could just be because of the update schedule though making everything feel slow paced and some plotlines random at times. Again, I hope this doesn't come off as hate. I still love and enjoy the story, and was curious to hear the opinion of another.

Hi! Thank you for reaching out. Your question doesn't come as hate at all and it'll be my pleasure to answer it :)

Your feelings and frustration are totally valid. A lot of us got into Spy x family because of the Forgers (and some of us Twiyor specifically) and miss seeing them. So, let me tell you how I see things both as a writer and as a reader.

As a writer: I'm not worried about where sxf is going because I've written plenty of stories and I can see the seams (meaning the construction of the story). However, I know not everyone is a writer, so this illustration may be useful for everyone:

The beginning of sxf had a great exposition of the characters and the story. This is the part where the readers fall in love and get attached to the characters.

I know it's been going for 79 chapters, but in my opinion, we're barely leaving #2 (conflict) and entering #3 (rising action). Endo set the conflict and not quite started the action yet. So we're just entering the middle of the story.

In my experience (both as a reader and writer), when the middle of the story begins is not the most exciting part and, depending on the story and author, the middle can feel long.

In Spanish, the middle a story is called "nudo", which means "knot". This is where the story gets tangled and very complicated. In fact, the more complicated, the better, because it means that it'll be hard to resolve and the stakes will be high during the climax.

The purpose of the middle of a story is to point towards the climax. This is where the author has to build the tension to get there, where the conflict gets thicker and thicker.

Now, has Endo been doing this?

YES.

Evidence of this are the whole bus kidnapping arc: where he told us how the SSS and government behave towards its citizens (even when they're children). THIS will be key in the story. And the latest 78 doggie competition chapter: where Handler and Twilight literally talk about the main plot of the story.

This reminds us the main plot is still about Donovan Desmond and Project Apple. This doesn't seem random to me. And the fact that we've gotten so much Eden makes me think that Eden is key in the main plot too.

As a writer, his job is to point out to the main plot and head to the climax. If he's been doing that with Eden chapters, that means that's where we're going.

The way I see it, Twilight, Yor, and Anya (Spy, Assassin and Esper) are the main characters, but not the only characters. Because of its cuteness and wholesomeness, it's easy to think of Spy x Family is a simple story about a Spy who adopts a little girl and falls in love with an assassin.

It is not.

This is a monster of a story.

Think of it as a big tree. Stories like this have many branches (secondary characters and side stories) that are connected to the main plot and serve to lead the plot towards the climax. Examples: Lord of the Rings, Fruits Basket, Attack on Titan.

My point is that in these Monster Stories, the plot may not always focus on the main characters, but in the end, everything, every little branch and side story came together to let the main characters rule the story and get to that explosive climax.

And I believe that's what Endo is doing here.

Is it the most exciting thing in the world right now? No.

Sometimes development can feel like a total drag; especially if chapters come out every two weeks and we're all eager for more.

As a writer, I recommend patience. We'll get there, it's just going to take some time.

Now...

As a reader (and a fan): *Big sigh* Yes, I miss the Forgers (and Twiyor) so much and every time there's a new chapter I feel sad we didn't get any interaction.

Yes, I want to see the romance, the pinning, the angst, the first kiss. ALL of it!! At least give me the Forgers shenanigans...

But there is no point in getting upset about it.

Yes, we're kind of in a dry spot in the story, but personally I'm still enjoying it. I'm so grateful for all the good friends I've made thanks to Spy x family. On top of it, I've been having tons of fun writing fics analyzing, and discussing things with other fans.

There's so much talent in our fandom and during this dry season, it's the fans with their gorgeous fanarts and awesome stories what is keeping the fandom engaged and happy. There's no need to feel bored while we wait for the Forgers to come back (and Twiyor to kiss!), let's wait together. Let's have fun together!

One last thing worth mentioning...

I've said it before. It's okay to take a break. There is absolutely no hate in this advice: If the story is becoming too frustrating, if it's detrimental for mental health, if it's becoming more of a bother than a source of happiness, it's okay to take some time off. It's okay to get into other things, other stories and other fandoms. And it's okay to come back after a while to check up on any progress and it's okay to move on too.

Thank you so much for the ask. I wrote a long answer because, as you can see, I'm a big fan of stories and writing.

[xluciifer]

💖💖💖💖💖💖!!

send a 💖 and the mun will talk about a random mutual they love and appreciate!! || x ( I'm using a randomizer for urls. )

⸺ ( @spiderslvts ]

Jack! I've thoroughly enjoyed being their friend! I can see the love they hold for Angel Dust and I'm so in love with him! Their writing and portrayal is to die for and I admire it so so much. I cannot fathom how they can balance the different personality types of the muses they've adopted and just do so phenomenally well at all of them! ❤️

⸺ ( @perditicn ]

Hound! I've admired them since their Adam blog, every character they portray is just *chef kiss*, honestly. I remember back at the beginning of this blog, I wanted so badly to roleplay and be friends with them. After a while, they gave me a winning chance and now they're stuck with me but I'm also stuck with them and my punishment? Constantly bullying. I love them with all my heart and hope to roleplay with them more in the future. ❤️

⸺ ( @dvilborn ]

Kita! I haven't gotten a chance to really interact with them as I would like to. But I eat up their writing. It just paints a picture in my little Lucifer mind and I love seeing their writings any time they run into my dash. I hope soon I can get the chance at interacting with them more because they seem like such a joy. ❤️

⸺ ( @outforlve ]

Cottontail! They've been bouncing braincells between their other lovely muses but I love them. They're so funny and kind and I always look forward to an ask or meme from them and even if we don't interact much, I enjoy seeing them around interacting and having fun. ❤️

⸺ ( @clwngasm ]

Violet! Another wonderful soul I haven't spoken to too much yet, but make it a habit to bite them every week. Hehe. I've thoroughly enjoyed their portrayal of Fizz and hear his voice constantly in asks and answered things on the dash. We finally have a little interaction going and I'm super excited to see what kind of relationship we can build. ❤️

⸺ ( @gctchell ]

Red! You're such a joy to talk to and plot threads with! I'm sorry our only actual interactions have just been for fun and the laughs. But I love any time we do interact and I love the love you have for the girls you roleplay. Hopefully soon we can have our Stella and Lucifer interaction. ❤️

If you don't already, please follow these amazing people!!! ❤️👑🐍

[queseraone]

Do all the ones you haven't gotten yet 😂🥰❤️ ilysm

OMG YOU BRAT

1. Which of your fics would you keep the basic plot of but rewrite completely? Um, probably my Linstead multi-chapter (I think you're familiar hahahaha), mostly because I had no plan in place and it became a total mess. So I guess I would rewrite it by... not writing it at all? Oh! But seriously I kind of wish I could go back and re-write this one. It was my first foray into writing for Chenford, and I've been thinking about a bunch lately for some reason (I think because it's vaguely related to another idea I have). I wish I'd kept it entirely canon compliant.

3. How would you describe your writing style? Lately? Nonexistent.

4. Do you have any OCs? Do you have a story for them? Original characters are TERRIFYING to me. There's a reason I write fanfic and not original fiction, coming up with characters (especially well-rounded, relatable ones that people like) feels impossible. So I just... don't. (To the point that I researched the names of every single referenced member of Metro so I could use actual character names and not make any up. I have the list if anyone's interested 😜)

5. What's a tag you never want to use for your works even when it applies? I find this question confusing. I never want to use MCD, but it shouldn't ever apply since I have no intention to write it. What a cop out of an answer, but I don't understanddddd. OH! I sometimes wish I could exclude relevant tags for the surprise factor.

6. What's your ratio for rating your works? What does this mean? Oh wait, I think it means in terms of T vs M vs E? Sex brings it to M, and porn is E?

7. Your favourite ao3 tag. Lately? Established relationship or missing moment.

8. How slow is a slow burn? So slow that they spend most of the story dancing around their feelings and only get together near the very end.

12. If you write in more than one language, what's the difference? Strictly English over here.

13. Rate your worldbuilding skills from 1 to 10. Uh... 1 or 2? Because I don't build worlds, I play in existing ones created by the show?

16. Are one-shots really underrated? Wait are they underrated??? WHY?? I LOVE a one-shot. Whether it's 500, 2000, or 10K words, I love being able to sit down and enjoy and fully fleshed out story from start to finish.

17. Past or present tense? Why? I used to write in past tense, but I think reading more present tense influenced me to do the same, and now I prefer present.

19. Share a snippet from a wip without giving any context for it.

“No!” she practically shouts at him. She takes a moment to school herself, exhaling slowly. “I mean, Tim, I say this with love, but if you don’t give me some fucking space, I will kill you.”

20. Do you work on a single project or many at the same time? How does that work for you? Many. Though it usually bites me in the ass because I end up stuck on something, and then something else, etc. So clearly it doesn't work all that well. But I think (unless I was on a total roll, which sometimes happens) I'd be stifled if I focused on only one thing. Plus ideas tend to multiply.

21. Can you accurately predict how long your fics are going to be? If you can, what's your secret? No, not really. I don't typically write anything super long though.

22. What is it about watching the same two idiots falling in love over and over again? I DON'T KNOW BUT I LOVE MY IDIOTS!!!!

24. Thoughts on flashbacks/flashforwards. Not really a fan, especially if they're super long. A couple of lines here or there are a-okay with me, but when you're italicizing half a chapter? Pass.

25. Is writing the whole thing beforehand better or worse than writing it as you go? As in, with a multi-chapter? I clearly suck at that, so I think I'd only ever do another if I wrote the whole thing in advance (or at least had a VERY clear plan in place)

27. Do you agree that one shouldn't start a story with a piece of dialogue? Nope, strongly disagree. Sometimes it just works to jump right in without preamble.

28. Any writing advice that works for you and you feel like sharing? Not really, but I'll take any advice you want to throw at me, because I am soooooo stuck.

30. Describe a fic that almost happened, but then it didn't. Well right now, every single one. Because I CAN'T WRITE 😩. Oh, but my Contractor Jay fic counts I guess? *Sigh* 10K words of nothing. IT HAUNTS ME

32. Do you have a word/expression that you always use in your writing? Fuck. And murmur. I looooove murmur, it's my favourite.

33. Give your writing a compliment. 😩 I... can... idk dude, I can't right now. How do you compliment something that doesn't exist?!?!?!? I'm going with my fallback -- I'm decent(ish) with words themselves, but ideas are my struggle.

34. Do you write to improve? Or is that not a concern for you? Do I sound like an ass if I say no? 😬 I write as a creative outlet, that's all.

35. Thoughts on writing challenges/contests. Contests, no thanks, I don't like the idea of pitting writers against each other (assuming that's what that means???). I'm all about celebrating other writers. Challenges, like #chenfordweek? YES, I wrote more that week that I had in ages, I apparently do well when there's a fire under my ass.

36. How do you come up with fic titles? What's the one you're most proud of? I ask you? 😅 And when I try by myself, I follow your lead of Taylor Swift lyrics. Fave of the ones I've managed to do on my own? I like this one best I think?

38. "This never happened" fix-it fics or "this happened but" fix-it fics?

As long as you fix it, I'm happy! (Yes Suz, I mean you specifically here)

39. Wildest AU scenario you have written? I've only written one, so I guess that's it -- paging Dr. Jay Halstead. I don't think any of the AU ideas I've played around with are particularly wild.

40. Write a 9-word fic. What the fuck is this question?!!? Tim Bradford loves Lucy Chen forever and ever. Amen. Nine words does not a fic make.

Thanks-ish, I love you and I hate you for this 💖

[juggling-responsibilities]

A Written Let's Play? Plus: Creation!

Welcome, friends! I've decided to do something fun with my spare time, which is by writing a book report as I play through a videoed game. You know, like a normal person.

It's actually something I used to do here and there, just for fun. Some description of the scene, some screencaps, a nice interlude while I wax unpoetic about musical themes or narrative devices. It's something I miss doing, so I'm doing it. And, because I put it on a sideblog, you're only along for the ride if you choose to be. Which you have, so thank you.

So, before I start, a little bit of housekeeping under the cut - and, just for fun, I've started character creation a bit early. Those polls over on my main haven't quite finished yet, but they're wrapping up and there's a clear winner, so I've gone ahead and just done it.

Let's get a few things out of the way first, though.

What this will be:

A little bit of everything. I'm going to take the opportunity to just luxuriate in the space. Describe the story as I go? Absolutely. Take some opportunity to write from the perspective of my main character? Done and done. Play around with the Enhanced Edition's Photo Mode? Don't mind if I do.

Fun. I'm doing this for me, after all, so I'm going to make sure to amuse myself while doing it. Hopefully that also means I'll be amusing the rest of y'all in the process.

The chance for me to actually finish this game. I've started this several times and the farthest I've gotten is somewhere towards the end of Act 2? I think? It's a very big game, with lots of options, and I've been a bit spoiled for choice. Locking it down into a fun writing project will help me focus.

What this won't be:

An unspoiled run. As I mentioned above, I've played this before - albeit not completely. So I do know some of the story beats that are coming, and have seen further ahead in the game than I've actually played, so this won't be fresh reactions.

Spoiler-free. To that same point, since I'm writing about the game as I play it, I'm not going to hide things as they come up. I'm also not tagging for spoilers - this is a sideblog specifically for this, which means you have to actually follow and click through to see it, and at that point that's on you. I will put it behind a cut for reblogs, but that's about it.

Regularly-scheduled. Each post will be done when it's done, and I'm not setting a release schedule that I inevitably will fail to follow. Instead, to keep this fun, I'm just going to do it as and when I do it. We'll see how frequent that ends up being.

And now, with that out of the way: let's get to the real meat of the matter. Character creation.

Because I left the polls vague - choosing party roles, rather than classes - I left it open to choose something weird and fun for my playthrough. I also did not provide options for all the mythic paths, but rather the ones that I felt had some of the best story potential. Granted, they all have stories, but some of them are a bit wild and out there, and while fun to play, probably less fun trying to organize for a writing project - especially for a first playthrough. Aeon and Trickster are probably best for second or third times through the game, for example, since they both play with the actual medium of the storytelling as much as (if not moreso than) the base story of the game.

The choices being what they were, the poll resulted in a Ranged build, following the Legend path.

I have an archer on another save - going Slayer (Deliverer) full class route on an Angel path - so I didn't want to just copy that. I wanted to do something fun and new, so I looked up some other options - a lot of guides recommend a weird and fun ranged build for Wenduag, a potential party member, which focuses on throwing axes instead of a longbow, so I decided to cannibalize that. I also wanted to make it easier on myself and start with a pet - Wrath of the Righteous does some really great stuff with pets. Ranger gets a pet eventually, but there's one of the hybrid classes that starts with a pet at level 1, and that's Hunter.

Throwing axes, with an animal. Something weird and fun.

Maybe it was the fact that I've been looking through some second edition materials and had Extinction Curse on the brain, but that sounded like circus performer to me.

With a selection of a leopard companion (because circus), all that was left was to choose a name.

...fuck. I'm terrible at names. I usually ask my wife to give me good names for my character, she's very good at names. But I wanted to do this one for myself. Something that was true to the origins of the character, something that reflected the medium upon which this was posted.

What do you name a character who was built from a tumblr poll?

Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I'll post her stats elsewhere - I know y'all are horny for numbers - but for now I think that's where I'll leave this.

[radwolf76]

My Hero Forge 2.0 Creations — Inspired by Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition ... Edition

So, I'm only on the edges of Warhammer 40,000 as a hobby. The last time I actually played, was an era when you might have to break out a foot-shaped cardboard template to see who got stepped on. I have a small collection of the minis, nearly all of them unpainted (and the ones that aren't haven't gotten past the primer stage). Still, I'm a fan of the lore, and have been refining details on my own homebrew Space Marine Chapter since, oh say, the Clinton Administration.

One detail about the Chapter I've created, the Stormwolves, is that they're often deployed alongside various other Imperial Agents, and WH40K's newest edition's relaxed rules for Army Building make this a lot easier than it has been in the past. This prompted me to turn to Hero Forge to see if I couldn't make some custom miniatures that'd really fit the backstory I've come up with over the decades.

So I started with a unit of Imperial Navy Breachers, lead by a Sergeant-at-Arms with a Bolt Pistol and Power Sword:

The rest is going under a "Keep Reading", because this'll be a long post.

The bulk of the squad are armed with Shotguns:

This one will probably get her Shotgun swapped out for a Meltagun as a post-printing conversion, as Hero Forge doesn't have anything that comes close:

One Breacher has been upgraded with a Demolition Charge and Grenade Belt (I also put extra armor on the shoulders and reinforced her helmet):

This one gets to wield an Auto-Pistol and Power Axe (there's also an option for Auto-Pistol & Chainfist, but that would have to be another conversion opportunity):

And finishing out the Unit is a Breacher with a Heavy Shotgun and Shield:

These Breachers are actually the Bodyguard unit for some characters who figure prominently in the backstory I've made for my Space Marines, a Rogue Trader, and a Mechanicus Tech Priest Genator. I've posted an earlier iteration of my Rogue Trader mini in the past, but I've been able to make improvements as Hero Forge adds new options and I learn new tricks:

In past editions, there's been rules for taking a Rogue Trader and Rejuvent Adept together as a single slot on the Force Organization Chart, so I would just have the Rejuvent Adept "count as" the Tech Priest, who instead of doing in Hero Forge, I had decided to use a mini of Kristiana from the Warforge Miniatures line (mine isn't painted yet, but she looks like this):

However while 40K 10E has done away with the Force Organization Chart entirely, they also made it that if you want to field a Rogue Trader in your Army List, you're stuck with the full entourage of specialists that were boxed with the Rogue Trader in the Kill Team release, you could no longer pick and choose which ones you wanted. So I turned to Hero Forge to round out the retinue. I took an existing mini I had and modified it to fit the role of Lectro-Maester armed with Voltaic Pistol. As for her Close Combat Weapon, I may have gone a little fancy, giving her a knife made from what I'm calling "Nebula Obsidian":

… But it's not nearly as much Obsidian as on the other character I had to make, a Death Cult Assassin. Starting with a pose resource for a Macuahuitl that was made by redditor /u/Obvious-Gate9046 aka Windthin to represent the Death Cult Power Blade, I then came up with my own interpretation of this character's other weapon from their statline, a Dartmask. And because the backstory of my Marine Chapter already included gene-engineered abhumans as a plot element, this Death Cultist is also an anthro bunny:

Some day I might get around to having all these designs printed (although 3D Printing might just be more expensive than WH40K itself). One that I've already had printed was my Chapter's other associated character, a Ordo Sicarius Inquisitor embedded in the Officio Assassinorum's Vanus Temple as a Deep Cover Operative. For Army List building purposes, I just use the vanilla Inquisitor unit with bolt pistol and Inquisitorial Melee Weapon. I don't have any good photos of the printed mini, so here's the Hero Forge Render:

[sky-squido]

K, N, X, Z? ^u^

K: What’s the angstiest idea you’ve ever come up with?

i knew what K stood for before even opening the post. hi silver! hope you're doing well XD

almost perma-death'd hyrule once. it was gonna be a whole huge fic, like a full LU novelization that really convinced you it was going to be a whole big funtimes quest. but it was going to have the MCD tag from the very beginning and a boldface warning that "one of the 9 boys will die and he will not be coming back."

somewhere between the one-half and two-thirds mark i was gonna murk him. it was going to have all the story weight and be a gorgeous scene (on mount satori, blupees and fairies gathering around him, his malice-induced suffering finally relieved when the lord of the mountain takes his life with the touch of the forehead, i even did art of it, i was seriously planning on writing it). and he was gonna be DEAD. like not even a ghost or anything and never brought back. like he was just gonna be GONE.

i was gonna split up his triforce amongst the others, too, with i think sky getting power, legend getting courage, and wind getting wisdom (there would have been a reason they couldn't use it to bring him back and those three would have been the ones he was closest to. he would have given power to sky because he was so sure sky would have the emotional fortitude to handle his death the best and then be proven utterly wrong very shortly thereafter. i also remember legend would have gotten courage because courage was something hyrule knew he would need in the aftermath of his death. i also think two of his spells were tied to each triforce corner).

obviously i never wrote it, and i don't intend to anymore. it was part of a phase where i was like "nobody writes stories where one of the actual main characters (not like a mentor or a clearly death fodder best friend) dies like halfway through and the others have to continue on and finish the journey without them and don't get them back at the end because that's not how real life works." then i realized why. because they're SAD! like clearly i don't mind writing sad things, but the biggest factor that dissuaded me from doing it was the knowledge that i would have to finish the fic without being able to write hyrule. no more lines from him, no more playing with or experimenting with his character—and i couldn't kill any of them, not just hyrule, because i knew, somehow, deep down, that it wouldn't be doing their characters justice to cut them from the narrative. they all either have something vital to contribute or deserve more screentime to give their characters the depth and complexity they deserve. to quote myself in poltea's dms, "I'm grieving for someone I haven't even killed yet!"

without mentioning anything specific to avoid spoilers, i've written character fakeout deaths before and do you know how HARD it is? i've just taken a fully developed, nuanced, interesting character (if someone isn't those things, then it's not even worth pretending to kill them) and deleted my ability to write them! what?! why would i do that! bring them back i have stuff i want them to do and say! their story isn't over!

so yeah. that's the story of the gut-wrenching quasi-grimdark shameless hyrule MCD fic i didn't write.

and JEEZ i was going to spend so much time building up all these relationships at the beginning because i wanted his death to hurt as much as possible. not just a 1k oneshot where a character gets a pretty death scene and the fics ends, but you really become attached to this world and these people.

and that's why this fic doesn't exist. i literally don't think i could write it. i wouldn't be able to. it's so completely different than committing to keeping legend blind in what hyrule hadn't seen. i just. i can't do it. let the record state that i am too much of a softy to write permanent MCD.

N: Is there a fic you wish someone else would write (or finish) for you?

uh. see above? it would destroy me but if someone wrote a full novelization of LU where everyone was given depth and complexity and then legitimately, believably, murked one of the nine halfway through and then sat with that grief and forced the boys to deal with it in all their messy, terrible ways, and then ultimately rise above it and save the world, i would read that and sob a lot and hate you for it but i also think it would be something so incredibly powerful.

oh, yeah, another reason i never wrote permanent MCD hyrule fic is that i've been fortunate enough not to have lost anyone incredibly close to me that i was old enough to remember. i feel like it'd be so far out of my comfort zone trying to do justice to emotions i've never fully felt the weight of. maybe i'll re-evaluate if i ever do lose someone and need to work through it somehow, but for now, this fic idea is perma-benched.

X: A character you enjoy making suffer.

i also love bullying legend. specifically because i know he can take it. and he's so SASSY. my question is never if legend can overcome something, but just how he'll manage to pull it off and how brightly i can convincingly get him to smile at the end.

i also also... have a new punching bag. kind of? i'll be playing with him eventually and i really wanna see how much fun i can have shoving him around and seeing how he reacts >:3

Z: Major character death–do you ever write/read it? Is there a character whose death you can’t tolerate?

uh. see above 2: electric boogaloo? i actually... *leans forward* conspiratorially.

i like reading mcd fics. but long ones. where characters are actually given time to really deal with their grief. that's why i wanted to write the fic described above and why i've read as many mcu fics as i have.

the only deaths i can't tolerate are deaths of characters who didn't feel fully developed. you didn't kill a person, you killed a decorative wall hanging, calm down.

anyway, that's that. i should have (and 100% did) expect these from silver, the angst gremlin themself XD love ya, nerd.

[semi-sketchy]

Only made it to the second trial, but I am done for today and making soup. I seriously need it. No spoilers.

The writing so far is...okay? Like genuinely Amy feels so much more alive than base game. Knuckles is actually written quite well, Tails is there, I actually like the few lines Sage has gotten and Sonic even has a couple I like! I haven't done the side stories yet. For ease of recording, I'd like to have the island mapped so I can see where they all are and hit 'em in a row, but some of these challenges require other characters and I've only got Sonic right now.

The music is also pretty nice, Knuckles' music is especially good.

Now the bad...actually playing. All the characters control AWFUL. They're so slippery, it makes Heroes look tight. You legit let go of the control stick and it takes a full 2 seconds for them to slow to a stop. I've tried messing with sliders and nothing seems to affect this.

Amy has been the most tolerable because her hover can catch you. Tails is alright and Knuckles....Knuckles... I expected him to control similar to how he does in SA1/SA2, but this is wrong. To get his glide, it's 3 times you have to hit the A button and hold it on the last press, in the same way you'd drop dash. It feels so weird and his glide control shares the same slippiness as ground control. You wouldn't think gliding around a square pillar would be hard, but The End was easier than this.

Genuinely if there is SOMETHING that fixes this, let me know because it's ruining my experience. I started having fun again as soon as I got Sonic back and I don't want the game to take him from me again.

BUT Tails and Knuckles share a problem Amy doesn't have: their special moves have warmup animations. Meaning when you go to fly with Tails, he doesn't just go up like in SA1 or the classic games, he instead stays still for a moment THEN flies up. Knuckles has to do a twirl before he glides. It's so clunky and shocking after Amy just...floats. No warmup animation it just happens. Like y'all had SA1 and SA2 to build off and this is how you did it?

Also cyberspace has a few more interesting things going on? But being cyberspace I really can't bring myself to care about it.

I think the new stuff and the insane island challenges are fun, but only as Sonic. I just can't stand controlling the other characters.

[supershanaynay1]

For the “Get to know your fic writer” post. Can you answer the ones you most want to answer. And/ or these ones?

2, 7, 17 (I don’t want to go through all 77 again oh god. Plus I would ask you far too many questions. Love you! 💝)

2. Do you plan each chapter ahead or write as you go?

It really depends. Most of the time it is write as I go, but I usually have some sort of idea of what I need/want to happen in a chapter. For the current chapter of my current WIP TBPWYAD that needs to be worked on/published I ended up outlining everything because I know what I want to write I just have no idea how. So if I know I need something I'll sometimes outline it, but usually it's writing out of my ass.

7. How do you choose which POV you write from?

Lmao so when I first saw this question on the original post I thought it meant first person vs third person (answer: I never write first person for fics; and then for original fiction it really depends on the feel of the story for me) then I realized just now it might actually be referring to like character POV. So with my spn fics, especially TBPWYAD, I feel most comfortable writing in Dean's perspective because he is the character I relate to the most so that POV/flow comes the most naturally. But if you or anyone has read my current fic they know it's in third person omniscient and that I do explore many character's POVs, even if only for a sentence.

With that third person omniscient and deciding when to switch perspectives/whose head I want to be in, I often think about it through the lens of a TV show and what I want to show the audience/what I want the reader to see. So like even one sentence in a different character's head before switching back to whoever is currently carrying the thread is like that one shot on a character where we get to see what they're thinking/feeling even if no one else does.

And with TBPWYAD a lot of it has to do with story. Cas is in the Empty and Dean, Sam, and Jack are on earth. Even predominantly writing Dean POV we still have to switch to Cas if we want to know what's happening in the Empty. And sometimes I just want to slip in a little something a character is thinking/feeling so that comes out lol. And other times I use it to build tension (like in Chapter 6: Devil in Disguise) we know that Lucifer has just shown up at the Bunker about to fuck shit up, but we cut to Michael and Jack talking and then Michael prepping to face Lucifer when he's confronted by two beings and we know Michael has had some sort of talk with someone but everyone else doesn't and knowing how the 15x19 and 15x20 go, there is the question/tension of is Michael going to betray the gang or is he going to keep fighting Chuck to get back his love Adam (another fun thing with doing Michael's POV in this fic is me pushing the midam agenda lol)

And even with the Dean primary POV switching to the others' perspective goes into whose story do I want to tell and what knowledge/information do I want to reveal to the audience. (Sorry that was a big ramble one lmao)

17. What do you do when writing becomes difficult? (maybe a lack of inspiration or writers block

FUCK. Well considering my fic has been on hiatus and hasn't been updated in over a year my answer is: i don't know. Although a lot of that does have to do with busy life so let's see.

Hm. I usually have a writing playlist that helps get me in the mood/mindset so I try to see if that helps me. I will also go back and read my work of what I've already done to see if there's any loose threads or ideas I've laid the groundwork for but haven't gotten to explore as of yet. I'll try seeing if there's anything in the story that I want and am able to write and go there (which is why in a previous ask I answered I mentioned future chapters even though the current one isnt written lmao). If I have writer's block on a particular scene I'll try writing around it and see if that helps. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. Or I ever-so-helpfully just go on hiatus for a year and then fill with existential dread everytime I think about this block I need to conquer lmao

And link to original post here

Questions I most want to answer under the thing since I realized this is a long ass post already lmfao

39. Share a snippet from a WIP

So these asks have made me think about and also go back to TBPWYAD again and make me excited and want to talk about it (I think evidenced by my rambly answers lmao). So I really want to share a snippet from the current chapter I'm slowly but surely working on (The Famous Final Scene) <- and a little title easter egg as well

Meg glanced over her shoulder in the direction of the angels they’d just left behind. “That could’ve gone a lot better.”

“We weren’t immediately killed on sight, they heard me out despite the two demons at my side and my many sins on earth, and they let us leave unharmed. I would count that as a success,” Cas said, ignoring the tightness in his back from holding his wings still so long. They hurt if he moved them, they hurt if he kept them still, he’d long ago accepted there was nothing he could do to fix what he was: broken. “Whether they’ll actually go through the portal—”

“Oh they’ll go through the portal, Cassie,” Crowley interrupted, sulking at his side with his hands shoved in the pockets of his overcoat. “They’d be insane not to, especially after you had the Empty broadcast to everyone and their mother that they get to live again if they just get through the bloody thing. Even made sure they have to fight against God in the deal, cookie for you. Where that leaves humanity at the end of all of this, now that’s another question entirely.”

44. What mistakes do you keep making no matter how many times your beta corrects you?

LMAO. So I wanted to answer this one because I'm currently in a fiction workshop at my university and reading other people's stories is killing me slowly, but I also have been giving a comment that my betas WITHOUT FAIL give me everytime I send them a new chapter: "but how does a character feel about this?" and it's just personally hilarious to me. When writing I try to get down the plot and the happenings and think I've expressed how a character feels without actually giving time/space to do so, so my betas are very helpful in always pointing those moments out to me.

52. Do you respond to comments, why or why not?

So I'll round it off with this one because I'll otherwise probably answer way too many. I always respond to comments, usually if it doesn't happen right when I posted the chapter the fic was commented on, I wait until I'm getting ready to post the next chapter. So when I finally respond to the three unanswered comments on my fic that have been sitting in my inbox for the past year, it's a herald that I've probably sent the new chapter off to my betas and there'll be an update in the next couple weeks lol. But I respond because I love comments. They always fill me with joy to receive, especially since someone took time out of their day to write something nice about my writing (there is of course the trepidation of potentially getting a negative comment but knock on wood it hasn't happened yet). It's an opportunity to talk about my fic maybe a little more, or it's just appreciating the readers appreciating my fic. Their comments say they see my writing, and me responding is me letting them know I see them back.

[butt-watch]

Deltarune Chapter 2 Theory

DELTARUNE SPOILERS AHEAD

I'll put under a read more, but just in case it doesn't work. Here's your warning to block "#delatrune spoilers" or scroll really fast.

Spoilers for end game and bonus boss, and a long ass dump of all the ideas I have in my head before I forget them. So, sorry if I got anything wrong or it's a mess.

I've seen a lot of theories flying around, but haven't seen this one yet. (Sorry if it is already out there and I just haven't seen it, I'm sure somebody will already have put it together better than me.) This is just some funky ideas I've been throwing around, because I'll be honest here, I love the main 3 so much, and would be sad to see any of them turn out to be evil like so many theories are suggesting.

Maybe I'm just trying to be optimistic, maybe it's the weird nb kid deep inside me latching onto a kindred spirit, maybe I'm on to something.

So here's the thing. I don't believe Kris is the knight.

I know, I know, but stay with me here.

There's no denying that at the end of the chapter, Kris created a new fountain, and with it, likely a new dark world. But I'd like to argue, this is the first one they've created. My evidence is shaky, but I think there's something there that could blossom.

I'll start off with the simple fact that multiple characters who have met the knight, Spades King especially, didn't recognise Kris at all, and you would have thought they'd recognise the person who's been feeding them so much information. You do also have a couple of dialogue options with the king this time, and definitely with the Queen, so it seems strange that neither of them recognise the voice of their Knight in shining armour.

This is where stuff starts to get a bit flaky, but also, a lot more intriguing.

At the end of the chapter Kris opened a fountain, and the night before, we saw Kris remove the soul inside them and brandish their knife. Assuming that Kris spent that time without the soul creating a fountain is a fair assumption to make, and I think it's possible that was Kris's intention, perhaps they have some connection to the knight, and knew how the fountains could be opened. But, they were missing one important ingredient.

In Chapter 2 we get an explanation from the Queen about how dark fountains are created, and with it a word that has largely been missing from Deltarune.

That's right, good old Determination.

Fountains are created when a determined Lightner plunges a sharp object into the ground. And here's where the theory comes in. I believe prior to the end of chapter 2, Kris didn't have Determination. Throughout the game, they've been filled with various sources of power, from Fluffy Boys and Mean Girls, to Cat signs. But at every save point we've been missing the signature Determination.

The closest we get is at the end of Chapter 2, just before the fight against the queen, when "a certain power" is alluded to.

And that lack of Determination, would have made opening the fountain impossible for them, after all, Queen spent the whole game building Noelle's determination high enough to open a new fountain. A smidge of determination doesn't seem to cut it.

So how did Kris get the determination?

Through the good old power of Friendship. Through the trials with their new friends, Kris has gained determination, even without the soul inhabiting them. And even though that started as half a joke (only half), whilst writing this post and trying to find screencaps, for the next section, I realised it's actually more likely than I suspected.

And that brings me to everyone's new favourite:

Spamton. During his dialogue and initial boss fight he offers a deal, rewarding Kris with [[Hyperlink Blocked]] if they accept. As far as I'm aware you're forced to accept the deal. (If anyone else tolerated more than a few minutes of smashing no deal like I did and managed to get a different outcome, kudos to your perseverance.)

What is [[Hyperlink Blocked]]? Well I'm sure you can guess where I'm going with this. I believe it may well be Determination or something similar.

During the initial confrontation, Spamton refers to the players Soul as [[HeartShapedObject]].

But prior to the boss fight against Spamton NEO, he has no qualms about saying SOUL.

I've seen a lot of people theorising Spamton is being censored, and I agree that definitely seems to be the case. From a meta standpoint though I think it's interesting that the [[Hyperlink Blocked]] he mentioned so much in his first encounter doesn't seem to be mentioned at all, now the he has slightly more freedom of speech. I personally believe it's because revealing whatever Spamton was offering would have given too much away.

So how does this come back to the power of friendship? Well, upon defeating Spamton, whether through ACTing or beating the crap out of him, he realises the real treasure was the friends we made along the way.

He suggests that together, the three of them could "break their own strings"

Following the fight, there's a moment, where Susie notices that Kris is acting out of sorts. Whichever option you choose, it's obvious that Kris is shaken by the event, even going as far as to yell the answer if you let them admit how they're feeling.

The similarity to Kris's own situation, being puppeted by the player is a valid reason for the response. Whatever shook them did so with enough effect that the fear showed despite the players control. Either that, or Kris has something they didn't have, more control. More... Determination to overcome the soul.

That last part is reaching a little, which is saying something, given the amount of shaky evidence presented in this post, so I want to wrap this up mostly with something slightly unrelated, but still a Kris theory.

Why do they open the fountain?

There are a lot of theories, about being a pawn for Gaster, being an asshole, etc.

I'd like to think Kris is just a weird kid who's gotten caught up in a mess they don't really understand. They created a scenario where Susie would be forced to stay the night, and opened up a new dark world, that Susie, their friend, expressed a want for before they left the dark world.

A place where they could get away from their lives for a little while and have more adventures together. And I can understand the reasoning, opening a new fountain isn't bad, I mean, as long as they close it at the end, nobody gets hurt and they have more memories. Where's the harm in that? Right?

As much as Kris obviously wishes to be free of the soul's control, that very soul has helped them make real friends. It's taken them on adventures and well.

Somebody had to let it out before the morning.

So to summarise, the strongest power known to man is a group of lonely teenagers, if you run through a peaceful game murdering everything and then blame a video game character for the decision you made, I'll kick your ass, and I guess I'm a Kris stan now, oh god.

[batwhimpix]

An Interview with Former Takarazuka Top Star Asumi Rio: The Laidback Personality Behind the Handsome Face

(Translated by me 8/19/2021)

While still a member of the Takarazuka Revue, Asumi Rio was known for her sensitive acting which digs deep into the heart of each role, her crystal-clear vocals, and her captivating stage presence. As the top star of Flower Troupe, she gained an immense level of popularity. Now, it has been one year since her retirement from the company. She has expanded her repertoire from stage to screen, and continues to showcase new sides to her talent. In her first name-bearing variety program, the Hulu Original "Asumi Rio's Atelier," Asumi-san learns new tips and techniques to "step up" both her lifestyle and her design sense. Totally different from her intense onstage aura, this program offers a chance to get to know Asumi-san's soft and relaxed offstage persona.

It's been a year and a half since you left the Takarazuka Revue. How would you describe that period of time for you, Asumi-san?

When I was in the Revue, because I had managed to enter the world of Takarazuka, which was my absolute favorite place, I felt strongly that I didn't want to have any regrets. So I was very motivated to work as hard as I could to polish my craft. I was completely lost in it, but within that, I always had my fans cheering me on, and the guidance of so many around me. In the last year and a half, I've realized all over again just how precious a thing that was.

Until I left, my only experience was on the stage, so stepping into the world on screen for the first time, a lot of totally new forms of expression were expected from me, and I felt a lot of anxiety. Parting from Takarazuka and living as just one individual human, every day is full of challenges. But that said, every day now is also rich with new experiences and new possibilities, so I've come to face that with a lot of gratitude.

While you were in Takarazuka, there was a very clear image, that of a perfect "otokoyaku," to aspire to. Now that you don't have that anymore, what kind of actress are you aiming to become?

There are a lot of qualities I have now precisely because I was an otokoyaku, and I think it's probably okay for me to just embrace that. As top [abbrev. "top star", the starring otokoyaku actress in each troupe], I was in a position where I had to lead the troupe, watch over and guide all the other actresses, and shape each production as the lead actress. I think I've picked up a lot of grit through that experience, and even as a woman, I think having a bit of a masculine edge in your lifestyle and how you deal with things can be a positive, right?

Even when I was playing otokoyaku roles, moreso than aiming for a particular ideal, I came at each role separately, like, this time I'm playing this kind of man, next time I'm playing this kind of man. It was like a gradual broadening of my horizons. Now I'm simply adding female roles to that roster, so it's kind of like the scope of roles available to me has doubled. When it comes to my outward appearance, as my hair grows out and I transition toward a more feminine look, I've been having all kinds of new discoveries, like, "Oh, this kind of styling makes me feel like this." Within my drama roles as well, I like those discoveries like, if I do it like this, won't it be interesting, or if I do this, I can get viewers to say, "Oh!" I want to keep digging to find those little moments where I can really surprise people within each role.

Since your retirement from Takarazuka, what overall on-set experience sticks out the most in your memory?

I think that has to be the first show I had the opportunity to take part in, "Ochoyan" [NHK serialized telenovella]. Until I was on that set, I always thought that the stage was the most incredible place in the world. I would never find anywhere else where every member is so unified in their vision, where everyone has so much pride in their troupe and so much love for the production they're building together, as in Takarazuka. Even now, I still think Takarazuka is a very special place, and my love for it hasn't changed.

But on the set of "Ochoyan," like Takarazuka, there were so many staff working to create this thing, who truly loved the work and brought all kinds of skills to the table to bring it to life. Among the cast as well, the atmosphere during recording, where all of us in the Tsurugame Family Theater [the name of the theater company employing main character Takei Chiyo as well as Asumi-san's character Takamine Ruriko] really did feel like a family, wasn't that different from Takarazuka at all. On the contrary, because our time together was limited just to the recording of this show, it felt like everyone valued that time all the more. Being on a set like that was a huge experience for me.

In Takarazuka, you had a very hectic schedule. As soon as one production closed you were already thinking about the next. I'm sure your lifestyle has changed in a big way since then. What kind of feelings do you have about that?

I retired and moved here to Tokyo right around the start of the pandemic. During the lockdown, when I was in my house all day, I realized how long the day really is. Suddenly it was up to me to decide how to spend all this time in the day. I could use it to rest or, if I had some area I was struggling with, I could use it for training too. I had a renewed realization that depending on my own feelings, I could choose to change myself in any number of ways.

These days, how do you find yourself spending the majority of your time?

These days, I'm doing a lot of types of work I'm totally new to, and working on sets with people I've only just met, so I'm still in a place where I spend a lot of time nervous. When I'm on a set I haven't gotten used to yet, my antenna is going in all different directions, so after I get home I try to relax as much as possible. In order to fully refresh myself and go into work the next day in high spirits and ready to face whatever comes, I've been making a conscious effort to be kind to myself.

What activities allow you to refresh your batteries the most?

Zoning out, and eating delicious food.

On "Asumi Rio's Atelier," you gave steaming rice in a donabe [TN: earthenware pot traditionally used to steam rice, supposedly more delicious than steaming in a rice cooker] a try for the first time, but what kinds of things do you eat most often?

As long as it tastes good, I'll happily eat anything. I like vegetables, meat, fish, and I love carbs, too. Ideally, I want to eat a good balance of a lot of different things.

Speaking of that program, how were the topics for each episode decided? Were you able to make requests?

For "Atelier" we had the general framework that I would be trying different activities I was interested in from the onset, so basically they asked me, "What kind of things are you interested in? What do you want to try?" And then...Yeah, first I had about 30, then we added about 30 more, so in total about 60, ideas that we pitched. The program staff wanted to include as many of my requests as they could, so actually, within each episode there are probably three or four different ones. In addition to that, there's an interview in each episode that relates back to that episode's theme. I enjoyed the chance to reflect on my Takarazuka era and memories from my childhood.

On the topic of your Takarazuka era, in your first interview for us, you said, "I wasn't necessarily aiming to become top star." But within the system of Takarazuka, to climb all the way to top star, you must have been aware of something within yourself that made you want to aim higher?

Let's see...Ever since I was an underclassman, I had a strong drive to improve as an otokoyaku. I wanted people to find my performance interesting, and I wanted to be seen as a necessary part of the production. I wanted to act a lot, and I wanted to sing a lot of songs that I love. I wanted to bathe in the spotlight, and I was happy when I got to wear more gorgeous costumes. If I really think back on those feelings now, first in the shinjinkouen junior performances featuring only actresses who have been with the company seven years or less, and then in performances at the smaller Bow Hall theater next to the Takarazuka Grand Theater, inevitably I started aiming for the lead roles that would allow me to stand on stage for the longest every time.

Somewhere along that road, when I was told I was being transferred from the troupe I was first inducted into, Moon Troupe, to Flower Troupe, this feeling that I had wanted to be the Moon Troupe's successor welled to the surface. And since that's the same as saying, "I wanted to be the top star of Moon Troupe," that was the first time I became aware of that goal. Every troupe in Takarazuka has its own character, though, so after my transfer, I was desperate to hurry up and become an otokoyaku befitting Flower Troupe first...

So as you worked to further your artistic development, there at the zenith was top star.

If you were to ask my underclassman self, the Top-sans are unbelievably incredible performers, and the more shinjinkouens you experience, the more closely you come to understanding just how incredible they are. Then as you spend more years with the company and find yourself in a position where you're working directly under the Top-san, you realize how much work they're really doing, and...The more you know, the more you lose the ability to say something like "I want to be the top star" carelessly.

And yet, you bore the heavy responsibility of a top star for five-and-a-half years. It's hard to imagine from your usual laidback attitude, but when it comes to your art, you're incredibly diligent and strong-willed. That gap is captivating.

When it comes to theater, I'm very picky. I mean, I'm way too stubborn for one thing. Especially in productions where I'm playing the lead role, I always have really strong feelings about how I want to perform things, and I'm not in a position where I can hesitate to convey that. It's important to listen to the opinions of various other people too, but when it comes down to it, if I have a clear idea of the direction I want things to proceed and direct things with that in mind, it makes things easier for everyone else, so I always tried to communicate my thoughts clearly and directly. If I'm delivering consistently good work, there's a persuasive power to that. Not only do the underclassmen naturally follow along, but the staff listen and respond to my requests as well.

But when you're making this kind of production, you do have to be pretty strict. But then, the real me is more of a people pleaser. I want everyone to like me, or more like, I don't want to be disliked. I didn't want the younger underclassmen to feel like I was unapproachable or like they couldn't talk to me because I was the top star. I wanted them to think of me like family. So outside matters relating to work, I tried to give off as relaxed a vibe as possible. Definitely, I think there was quite a gap between "on" and "off" for me.

Are there a lot of differences between "Asumi Rio the otokoyaku" and "Asumi Rio the actress?" How about between your stage name persona and your private self under your birth name?

I've lived under my stage name for so much longer than my birth name that I feel like, at this point, the parts of myself that belong to my real name are few and far between. I do have the feeling that, in some respect, I've grown up together with my stage name. In essence, while I was in Takarazuka, I didn't worry too much about creating a separate persona. Thanks to the kindness of my fans and the environment I was in, I felt like I could leave my otokoyaku persona on the stage and stay pretty close to my natural self everywhere else. I guess the only thing is, when I'm alone in my house, I revert to goblin mode. (laughs wryly) Like I'll have trouble getting myself to go take a bath, or I really should clean but my back hurts, etc., etc.

By contrast, now that I've graduated from being an otokoyaku, a lot of the things I'm doing as an actress are total firsts for me, so I think I feel more discomfort with my presentation now than I did then. There are times when I get really nervous, and then I get disappointed in myself for feeling that way. Like, until just a little while ago, I was in a position where I was responsible for keeping everyone's morale up. I would get up on that stage like, "It's alright, just leave it to me," so what am I all anxious for now? I often think about how much I still have to learn, and how badly I want to hurry up and learn it so I can show the results of my efforts.

Is there a particular ideal you're currently pursuing? What kind of actress do you want to become, and what kind of woman?

Since leaving Takarazuka, I've had a lot more opportunity to meet all kinds of new people. On every set I've been on, each of the actresses I meet has their own unique aura, and seeing their acting up close, I'm blown away by each of them. Among the staff as well, there are so many different kinds of professionals of all ages, and I often find myself inspired by their work ethic and lifestyle. I'd like to continue to enrich my life by learning from the amazing people I meet and experiencing many new things, and work to become a more fully rounded human being.

*Bracketed notes not marked "TN" (Translator's Note) were present in the original article.

[tsp-freedomnarry]

So uh, apparently for many RP blogs they make a proper intro then what I have. I've been sitting on how to do that, especially with the rules being pinned. So I think I'll just link this inside the rules as not to clog it up or edit it too heavily.

So let's see what we can do for a proper introduction.

[Also, any art references for Narry that you need is below the cut too!]

[Slight rule update for clarifications on: 5/18/22]

Hello, my name is Brandon! To a lot of you, you might refer to me as Narrator, and I think I've heard the occasional person call me "Narry" for short? Eh, it's cute. "Nar" (like hair but n instead) also works. I'm not picky. Let's see... Some facts next?

I'm Pansexual and I use He/Him pronouns!

I'm 6'5 (yes, "the weather up here" is the same as yours, I assure you)

I'm an android. Uh... Don't ask. I don't wanna talk about Aperture. I was first powered on in 1983 making me 39 as of right now. (Though I feel like it would be more accurate if I was 60...)

I have diagnosed ADHD! ...and Anxiety issues and Depression -Though! Though. I *SWEAR* I'm getting better with the latter two! ...I am *still* on medication though. Nope you know what don't tell them that.

I adore all types of musicals! (Hamilton, Beetlejuice, Six, Phantom of the Opera, amongst others just to name a few you'd regonize.) Video games too (I have quite the library. Some here I haven't admittedly gotten around to yet, but hey Dota 2, Dungeons 2 and 3, Minecraft, Firewatch, and Rocket League just to name a few.)

I don't really have a favorite book genre, I'll basically read anything you give me to be perfectly honest.

I uh... Don't know how else to describe myself, so I guess that's it. Nice to meet everyone!

[And this is where mun takes over! Hi y'all! Sorry the introduction is so late for RPs, I've been trying to draw up a reference for Brandon/Narry, but finally here it is! ^^ (I should mention that the three digits I draw on my characters are a personal style choice bc it's just easier to draw that way for me)]

[Yes, there are some key facts about the office/the Parable you should know about. You do not NEED to read all of this to RP, but it will explain some decisions in any RPs I do within Brandon's AU world. I will highlight it in green so you know when I stop rambling about it.]

[First that isn't mentioned in the ref is I call it the Parable because that mindscape isn't limited to the office (Ex: The apartments, The Memory Zone etc.) So thus it all can be changed into pretty much anything Narrator wants, but it's usually limited to a couple of small rooms or one big room bc building it takes a FUCK TON of energy to model, texture it, and make it possibly interactive. Thus most things are either pre built (The office) or are built up over a long time (The Baby Game is a WIP for example.) Since the Memory Zone is connected to Narry's memories, (well mostly anyways) it's the exception, not the rule.]

[His Parable exists when him and at least one Test Subject is hooked up into a sort of subconscious test via long term relaxation sort of thing. So think that they share a dream/coma together. (Also when forth wall breaks happen, that's because he's SUPPOSE to either call it a video game or a story. It's what he was told to do. And the "player" is the actual Test Subject. He is NOT allowed to tell the Test Subject they're being tested. If one is to be hooked up and NOT be a Test Subject, however, he is free to tell them what's going on.)]

[Test Subjects can remain in the Parable even if for some reason Narry is unplugged from the Parable. (All the be right back things in game isn't related to that and he's doing something else in his Narration room, because him unplugging would be from the outside, like a scientist wanting to do maintenance on him.) HOWEVER Narrator does need at least one (1) Test Subject plugged in for him to access and/or stay inside the Parable.]

[While inside the Parable, Brandon can soft teleport in a sense. He can hop between going to his Narration room, (This is when you hear him in TSP and he's always overhead no matter where you are) where he can see the full testing grounds without being in the field as to not be in the way or break emersion and he generally narrates from there, or he could teleport to the Test Subjects' current location. Essentially he is either by your side/uses you as a way to pop down to the office, or he's narrating in the room with the story script. He cannot teleport anywhere he pleases.]

[OK AND WITH ALLLLLLL OF THAT OUT OF THE WAY, a few more tiny things.]

[If you start an RP and want this blogs' Narrator to interact; Please specify if it's Pre-Freedom!Narry or Freedom!Narry this is so I know if you are interacting with him inside the Parable or you want him as the Narrator or something else entirely.]

[This blog is non-selective and will roleplay with anyone, so long as any relations in the RP stay platonic. No romance.]

[Violence and hurting either versions of Narrator depend on the amount of intensity. Nothing graphic or violently gory, but if for some reason it makes sense RP wise for him to get punched, then you may deck him in the face. Is he gonna be happy with it? No, more than likely not, but you may if you feel it necessary. Emotionally is the same thing. If he needs to get knocked down a peg, go for it, but no mentally torturing him. (Ala Zen ending)]

[Much like the blogs rules, dark or existential themes, angst, suggestive jokes/language, and cursing are all allowed and the latter two are very common.]

[You may have to be the one to split up the posts. I'm on mobile and I don't know how to do it on here, otherwise I swear I'd do it myself.]

[If you want to RP on Discord instead of on Tumblr, please message me for the handle! ^^]

[And remember, no matter what, if ANYTHING that happens in an RP is accidentally uncomfortable to you, let me know in some way, and I will delete or edit it immediately.]

[possiamo-andare]

No More Divisions - Chapter Six: The Key

JJ x Original Character

you guys are really gonna like this one...

MASTERLIST

~

You've ever had that moment in life where you've forgotten something so important that you feel physical pain once you've remembered? If you have, you know exactly what I mean.

A couple months ago, Sarah and I were planning to hang out and I wanted to sleep over. I had packed everything the night before to make sure I didn't forget anything. I had made a list for the first time in forever and I double checked before I left. Yet, once I got to Sarah's house I remembered one thing I forgot. Something I didn't even think to put on the list. Pads. I had gotten my period that night and I had to go looking through Sarah's bathroom cabinet to find a pad like a raccoon. Once I realize I had forgotten it, this awful feeling of dread came over me because I knew I messed up.

I hate that feeling.

When we get to the dock, I got that same feeling. I realized we forgot something; the key. Like idiots, we forgot the thing that starts the damm boat. I swear to god sometimes I think we all share one brain cell.

Although I remember this key piece of information, I don't let them know until the boat is in the water. Once the boat is in the water, I finally decide to break the news to them.

"Wow, guys," Pope chuckled, looking at all of us. "With twenty minutes to spare."

JJ and Kiara are smiling with Pope and I'm expecting a group hug but I know I'm gonna have to rain on their parade.

"Um, guys," I clear my throat. They're all joking around and fist bumping each other and I'm just watching. I kinda feel bad. "There's one problem."

They all look to me, waiting for me to be a little more precise. They all move closer to me and I look to JJ, who is as clueless as a snail.

"What?" He asks me, clearly being able to see that I'm pissed.

"How the hell is John B. gonna be able to start the car without the key?"

I don't think I've seen Kiara get so mad at JJ so quickly. They always have their mini fights here and there but this time she's pissed. "You forgot the key?!"

JJ rolls his eyes. "Sorry Kie, I was a bit distracted by the crazy Kooks trying to kill us all day!"

I want to step in and try to mediate since the both have reasons to be upset but I look to Pope for reassurance and he looks to me and shakes his head. Apparently getting between Kiara and JJ was a bad idea. So, I stay silent along with Pope as Kiara and JJ battle it out.

"I gave you two small tasks. I even wrote them down!" Kiara raises her voice, her hands coming up to her face to rub her temples.

JJ smirks. "Chill Kie, I gotta plan."

Kiara rolls her eyes. "Great. You've got a plan. Ya hear that guys, JJ has a plan. Well, that makes me feel better." Kiara's voice is filled with sarcasm and JJ knows it.

JJ let's out a loud sigh before turning to me. "Callie, you're gonna help me."

I frown. "Why do you always pick me when we have to get in trouble?"

"Because he -" Pope begins to say before Kiara elbows him.

JJ glares at Pope for a second before looking back at me. "Who says we're doing anything dangerous?"

I roll my eyes. "Fine, then what are we doing?"

JJ scratches his head. "We're gonna..." He looks to his house for a moment then back to me.

Then, it clicks. "No." I glare at JJ. "I'm not gonna steal the key from your dad."

"Yeah. If he wakes up, he'll kill you guys." Kiara pipes in, patting my shoulder.

JJ shook his head quickly. "Callie." Once he says my name, my eyes instantly meet his. He grabs me by the shoulders and pulls me closer to him. "Nothing will happen to you. I promise."

He's so serious and calm as he says this I can't help but believe him. Last week I wouldn't have trusted JJ with anything, let alone my life but now it's different. I feel something for JJ. Something I don't have time to figure out just yet.

I nod. "Okay. What's the plan?"

~

"You're a psycho." I angrily whisper to JJ. I can't speak normally because I'm in his house and of I talk normally, his dad will wake up.

He's just told me his plan to get the key and now I'm sure we'll die. The key is on a chain hanging around his father's neck and the only way JJ can think of to get it off is to cut the chain. Not only is this a bad idea, it will get us killed. If either of us makes one wrong move, then JJ's dad will wake up and see what we're doing. Then I can only imagine the suffering I'll endure.

"My dad can sleep through a tornado. He won't even know we're here." JJ shrugs, totally nonchalant about the hibernating bear on his couch.

I take a deep breath. "Fine. Let's just do this."

I tiptoe behind JJ as we make our to the couch where his dad is sleeping. As I move around his cluttered house, I'm surprised. Of course, I never expected his living quarters to be four stars, but at least one would make me happy. No wonder JJ rarely goes home. Not the mention the mean man waiting for him each time he gets home.

The house is a complete mess and from what I can tell, it's mostly at the fault of his father, not JJ. There's empty beer bottles and spare parts. Two things JJ would never bring home, let alone scatter all over his house. It's obvious his dad has never cleaned up after himself which just angers me. Not only does he beat his son, he is beyond ok with letting his son live in these conditions. Maybe I do want him to wake up, so I can beat the shit out of him.

Once we get close enough to JJ's dad, JJ looks to me and extends his hand outward. I take the scissors that I found on the boat from my pocket and give them to JJ. He slowly reaches for them, careful not to even make a creak. I can't even tell if JJ and I are breathing because that's how quiet we are trying to be.

Once JJ grabs ahold of the scissors, he moves closer to his dad's face. This time I'm sure JJ and I aren't breathing. The only loud thing I can hear is my heartbeat which is beating so loud I'm sure it's gonna wake up JJ's dad any minute. I try to take small breaths through my nose and try to stay calm but that proves to be difficult because I watch JJ pick the chain with the key up with his index finger and slowly bring the scissors to the chain.

He slowly but surely slides the blades down on the chain and they make a small sound, definitely not loud enough for his dad to hear. JJ tries again. He reopens the blades and then closes them again, this time they sound even louder. Yet again, the scissors aren't strong enough to cut the chain.

JJ slowly places the chain back on his father's chest and turns to me, scissors still in hand. His brows are scrunched together and I know this means he has an idea. And if I know JJ, it's a stupid idea.

I raise my eyebrows at him. What is he planning. He shifts a little to the right and places the scissors on the table in front of the couch where his father sleeps. There's barely any room on the table with all the junk but he makes room. He then looks back to me and smirks.

I have no idea what he's about to do. Then, he turns back to his dad and does it. He grabs onto the chain with his entire hand and rips it off his dad's neck in a second, breaking the clasp.

I wanna scream at him. I'm wanna punch him. Although I want to, I can't because JJ's dad grumbles, waking up from his deep sleep.

JJ grabs my hand and quickly pushes me into his kitchen and under the table, away from his dad's eyeline. We're both so damn quiet, I'm sure we're not breathing again.

Since we're under the table, we can't see JJ's dad but we can hear him. He wakes up and gets up from the couch. He stretches and wakes closer to the kitchen.

JJ squeezes onto my hand. I forgot that we're still holding hands. I squeeze back and look at him. He gives me a half smile but I know he's terrified.

Just as I think JJ's dad is gonna walk into the kitchen, he passes it completely and makes his way to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

I let out a sigh. "Holy shit."

JJ let's go of my hand. "I thought we were dead."

I scowled. "Yeah we almost did, you ass. Why'd you do that?"

JJ shrugged, smiling at me in a way I can't explain. "I got the key, didn't I?"

I smirked, not being able to contain my happiness. "Sure. But seriously, next time I'm planning -"

I can't even reprimand JJ anymore because he's cuped my face in his hands and is kissing me. JJ is kissing me. It takes me a moment to realize what's going on and at first I'm not kissing him back. My body is limp because I'm in total shock.

I think he gets scared of my reaction because he let's me go and starts apologizing. "Callie, I'm so fucking sorry. I'm really -"

And now im kissing him. Both of my arms wrap around his neck and I dive forward to kiss him. These emotions have been building up since last night and now I'm finally expressing them. Once JJ reacts to me kissing him, he's kissing me back fiercely. His hands are my waist, pulling my upper body closer to him. We're crouched down under this stupid table but I'm having the time of my life. I've never kissed anyone like this.

He tastes like mint gum which I didn't think he would taste like, especially since I haven't seen him chew any gum since I met him. I wonder what I taste like to him.

We hear the toilet flush. This is what makes us pull apart. JJ's dad will be out any second and we haven't left yet.

We scurry out from under the table and JJ helps me up from the ground.

With his hand in mine, we run out of his dad's front door. We cut across the side of his house and run across his backyard. We pass the jacuzzi which is now drained. I can't believe that not even 24 hours ago I was having my first real conversation with JJ and now I'm running hand in hand with him. A lot can change in one day.

Once we make it to the dock, we see Kiara and Pope sitting on the ledge waiting for us. Once our steps are heard on the dock, Kiara looks up at us and smiles.

"You got it?"

Kiara and Pope both stand up once we get closer to them. JJ takes the key, still dangling on the chain, and holds it in front of Kiara and Pope.

"Told you I got it." He hands it to Kiara.

Kiara has the biggest grin on her face. "I always believed in you man."

"Bullshit." JJ laughs, looking to me.

That's when I realize our hands are still interlocked. Embarrassed, I let go and move slightly away from JJ, giving him space. He frowns at me and suppress a smile. Everything he does makes me laugh. If this is what liking someone feels like then I don't think I ever liked Rafe.

Once Kiara puts the key I'm her pocket, she extends her arms, ready for a group hug. We all extend our arms with her and all hug. We're yelling and screaming, joking about how crazy this day has been. I've never felt so appreciated, so loved by anyone in my entire life.

I understand why being a Pogue is so awesome. Being a Kook, there's not much room for community and family but here, I feel like we're our own little family. A week ago I would've never understood why Sarah loved hanging out with John B. and his friends but now I do.

Now I do.

I look up from our group hug and JJ is watching me. I smile at him and he winks at me.

I want to roll my eyes but I don't. I just watch him as he watches me. We're in the moment and I don't think I've ever felt as alive as I do now.

[kazablanka96]

Do you have any pwp stucky fic recs? I've been looking for some on ao3 for a while but I haven't been able to find any good pwp fics with good writing, good mature scenes and development, they're just so corny, like gimme some good plot man! x.x

Hi anon! ❤️

First of all, I wouldn’t describe a fic corny because no matter what, they are someone’s hard work and effort and there’s always something to love in everything. That being said, I understand different people have different tastes, so I searched in my stash of fic and my goal in the end was to find you ones that were more focused on the plot and character development than that on the smut part of the story. Almost all of them are E rated (and too long), so you know the good stuff are coming.

I am so sorry if these weren’t what you were asking for, but you can always send in another ask and I’d be more than happy to do another search with a different criteria in mind. And if anyone knows of a different fic the anon, or anyone really, can benefit from, please drop it in the notes!

 All the fics are under the cut because they are over 50 and that’s a long post.

These Streets ‘verse: The trials and tribulations of Police Officer Steve Rogers and his experiences with the locals in his precinct, as well as his involvement with the stupidly handsome roughneck from the ‘hood, Bucky Barnes.

The Firing Line:  When Steve’s dad is diagnosed with cancer, Steve returns to his childhood home to support his mom – a small town called Gold Cliff, Colorado. Ten years before, he left Gold Cliff behind him, left his no-longer-best-friend Bucky Barnes behind him, with the intention of never seeing him ever again. But Bucky Barnes crash-lands back into his life nonetheless, long-haired and one-armed and haunted, keeping secrets from day one.

Institutions of Love and Incarceration: The Winter Soldier has been sentenced to life without parol. His entire world had been condensed to a hot, cramped cell that he hasn’t seen the outside of in the four years since his apprehension. It’s hell. He has no means of escape, no means of terminating his suffering, and no means of distraction…that is, until he’s assigned a new guard. Steve Rogers is assigned the Winter Soldier as his singular charge.

There Is No Shortage of Blood: The long slow recovery of Bucky Barnes after his escape from HYDRA. (And the longer, slower recovery of his sex life.)

Choices We’re Given: Steve Rogers is a good man and a good agent. There’s really no excuse for the assassin in his bed.

Put It on Repeat, It Stays the Same: Steve and Bucky have a one night stand that turns into a friends with benefits situation. A weekend snowed in at Bucky’s apartment brings to light how much that really doesn’t suit either one of them.

What Gladiators Fight For: A new gladiator is brought to Ludus Stark. Steve Rogers is a disgraced soldier, who refused to fight for Rome.He doesn’t want his actions decided by others anymore, and accepts death until Bucky changes his mind. Steve fights to stop Bucky being sold back to his previous master, and Tony exploits the bond blossoming between them. He makes a bargain with Steve, if he fights and wins, Bucky will spend the night with Steve in his cell.Steve wins every fight, until the finale in the Colosseum. Hes not fighting for Bucky, but his Freedom, but is Freedom worth it without Bucky by his side.

If I Was There: Steve is lonely and the number on his phone-screen is unfamiliar. He’s not the social type, not even close, yet there’s something about the man on the other side that makes him interested. He doesn’t hang up until two hours later.-Wrong number AU in which phone sex is the answer and the question is irrelevant.

the Steve Rogers problem: Bucky doesn’t consider his Steve Rogers problem as a problem so much as the solution he hadn’t realized he was hoping for to help him through the transition from the Bucky Barnes he’d been before his accident to the new, shiny version of himself.No, the problem isn’t with Captain America and The Howling Commandos fandom.The problem is the amount of porn Bucky managed to write and draw about Captain America before finding out that he’s less than one degree of separation away from Steve Rogers. ‘Less than’ as in he’s sitting across the table from him.

Prince Charming: Bucky Barnes leads quite the charmed life. He has a thriving tattoo shop, a son he adores, the world’s best dogs, and a great group of friends — almost all of whom are in relationships. And maybe he’d been the one nudging them towards each other, but there’s nothing wrong with a little match-making. The world could use more romance.As for him personally, well, he doesn’t need anyone for the long haul. Not when every girl he meets is someone who he thinks would be perfect for someone else.But then Steve Rogers comes into his shop looking for some ink, and maybe that’s the problem right there. Maybe what he’s looking for in a relationship isn’t a girl at all.

Heaven and That Other Thing: Bucky Barnes is the owner of a cat sanctuary in Brooklyn, an ordinary guy by the Avengers’ low standards, and a growing problem for America’s favourite captain. Steve Rogers is publicly straight, endlessly bored, and has a habit of not fully thinking through his decisions when Bucky is around.

Keep Your Enemies Close: Pierce was an intelligent man. If the Asset was going to start remembering Rogers, it was best to give him an assignment other than the simple, point and shoot. The Asset’s Mission: Pretend he was James “Bucky” Barnes, best friend to Steve Rogers. He was to evaluate Rogers and see if Rogers could be used by HYDRA…or be put down if the Asset thought otherwise.The Asset now has to pretend to be Bucky Barnes, unknowing that he is in fact the man that Steve has been searching for all along. Pierce instructed the Asset to gain trust, observe, and report. How far is the Asset supposed to go to avoid his cover being blown? He guesses he’s just going to have to find out…

Of Broken Dreams and Mended Hearts: When the House of Barnes is left in massive debt after the death of George Barnes, their oldest son and heir, Bucky, is forced to sacrifice his own hopes and dreams by entering an arranged married to Steve Rogers. Steve seems kind enough, has a prominent job in the government, and was even voted Society’s Best Catch. But the House Rogers is significantly higher in status than Bucky’s family, which means Bucky is marrying up in Society, and marrying up doesn’t only come with rewards, it also comes with certain…expectations and losses–some of which Bucky might be willing to do anything to avoid. And those opportunities might come his way.Unless, of course, he actually starts falling in love with his new husband…

A Myriad of Misdecisions: “My parents thought I was working for an insurance company in New York when really I was joining the CIA so I just sort of never mentioned when I met you on an assassination-gone-wrong and now we’ve been married for five years and they still don’t know you exist, this has gotten wildly out of hand and you won’t stop laughing about it”

Catfish: Steve Rogers is a famous movie star, known for his role as Captain America. Bucky Barnes is a bored law student who drinks too much wine. Bucky gets on match.com to boost his confidence. What he doesn’t expect is a guy using Steve Rogers’ pictures on a dating profile. Bucky decides to mess with the guy. After all, what idiot uses Steve Rogers’ pictures on a dating site?Not like it’s really him, right?

Give ‘Em Hope: Dr. Steve Rogers likes to think that if his patients have hope- their chances of survival will increase. Bucky Barnes has a 20% chance of survival and a desperate yearning to experience life. Against Steve’s better judgment, he develops a relationship with his patient. It’s illegal. It’s wrong. But it’s giving Bucky the hope to keep going, so Steve’s going to keep giving it, because he wants Bucky to survive.He needs him to.

A Love I Never Had: Detective Steve Rogers is not a cop if he’s dead. A Modern Frankenstein AU; or, the Modern Prometheus

After Hours: Steve wishes Bucky wouldn’t look at him the way he does – a deliberate gaze, subtly digging his top teeth into that pouty bottom lip; following his every move like a lion watches a gazelle. It’s been going on for months, perhaps longer… Steve talks, and Bucky listens. Well, that’s the point – Bucky’s supposed to be listening. Steve’s just doing his job, after all… No harm in that.The problem is that it’s no innocent gesture, the way Bucky will have the top of his pen tracing the outline of his mouth… It’s also not innocent at all when Steve turns to look out at the sea of heads while he’s speaking and catches the quickest glimpse of the brunet sneaking a peek at his ass. And Bucky doesn’t even pretend to be bashful about it. He just meets Steve’s eyes and smirks – just the tiniest hint of a thing.

The Match Game: Steve meets and promptly falls for Bucky Barnes, new resident in his apartment building. The one who makes him feel like he only wants to be with one person, forever. He just doesn’t know how to make that happen. Lucky for him, he has friends who… tease him mercilessly. And then help. A lot. Steve gets a lot of opportunities to get to know his new neighbor and thinks everything is going great, until Bucky reveals to him his own long-term relationship ended badly, and he doesn’t want another…but he might be up for a friends-with-benefits deal. 

G.I. Joes and 2AM Diners: They look nothing like what they used to. Time and life have completely changed them. But as they sit there in silence, eating two halves of one cupcake, letting Brooklyn remind there where they came from, and enjoying a sky full of stars… They are those same little boys, somewhere deep down. For just a second, you’d be able to see them again.And Bucky thinks to himself that maybe it’s little moments like these – fleeting as they may be – that remind him why life is still worth living.

Screaming Words (Left Unspoken): Living as a fugitive is hard. Living as a man who has to wake the love of his life from cryo is harder. Why? The codes in Bucky’s brain don’t have a fix yet, but Steve has worse news to deliver. Bucky’s dying slowly from self-destruct protocols inside him. Now, it’s a race against time to save Bucky once and for all.And maybe finally tell Bucky that Steve’s been in love with him since he was a sixteen-year-old kid in Brooklyn. Oh and not get extradited by the UN from Wakanda. That’d also be great.

Winter Gorgon: For as long as Steve could remember, all he ever wanted to do was what was right. So when he hears about his father’s old regiment being held as POW’s by the Nazis, he’s determined to put what Doctor Erskine gave him to good use and goes AWOL to rescue them.But the 107th isn’t all he finds there. Deep in the labs is a very unusual prisoner; one with snakes in his hair and a mask nailed to his face. Despite the man’s monstrous visage, Steve can’t in good conscience leave him to the enemy. That one act of mercy will change his life, the course of the war, and even the future of the world.

That Would Be Enough: Bucky Barnes, a Columbia University graduate with a Masters Degree in Education, is in his fourth year of teaching AP US History at Shield Academy, a private school in the very heart of the Connecticut valley in the bucolic town of Barkstead. He also helps run the Russian Club with his colleague and best friend, Natasha Romanov. He’s got amazing friends, three nephews he adores, and a beautiful little apartment. The only thing Bucky would change about his life? His luck in love. It’s been two years since Bucky ended an emotionally abusive relationship and he’s just now starting to feel that his heart has healed enough to try dating again. Then, a new Art History and English teacher arrives with tattoos he doesn’t like talking about, a body like a Greek god, and some secrets of his own, and Bucky knows he’s done for. Cue pining, sass, and a ton of Hamilton references.

Heat of the Night: Steve is a cop. Bucky is the kept boyfriend of the super rich bad guy. Bucky doesn’t really have any information because his sole job is to look good when they go out. But he gets Steve’s card and he calls him and Steve meets him for lunch and coffee and dinner and Steve knows this could be a bad thing. He knows Bucky could be a trap. But the way he talks, how he smiles at Steve, laughs like it’s a sound he’s not used to making…Steve thinks he could be worth it. Steve thinks he could be worth everything

The North Star: “You got plans to retire, Cap? Find a nice little beach in the Indies and a good supply of rum? Couple of pretty girls in grass skirts to dance for you.”.“Sam,” Steve mumbles, covering his face with his hand.“I’m sorry, a couple of pretty boys?” Sam grins wickedly.“Sam!” Steve looks scandalised, which gets him nothing but laughter from his Quartermaster. “You’re fired. Go throw yourself overboard this instant.”

Lemon Meringue Lies: Being a server at a high-end restaurant is working out well for Steve. All he has to do now is convince Bucky he’s good enough to work as chef in the same restaurant. Meanwhile, Bucky has his own issues to deal with. Namely: trying his damndest to dig them out of poverty, make sure Steve’s health is on the up and up, and not acknowledging his very longstanding desire for his best friend that is slowly eating him up inside.

Steve Rogers. Cheerfully Slutty: Steve Rogers. Cheerfully Slutty. But not going to take your shit about it. Bucky Barnes. Voted most likely to fall in love first.

Sorry, Not Sorry: All Steve Rogers ever wanted was to do what’s right. So when he drops in to volunteer at the Brooklyn VA Outpatient Center, he’s surprised to learn some veterans actually resent Captain America and everything he represents. One veteran in particular is determined to make sure Steve understands just how much he dislikes him.

Lucky Seven: Captain America trashes his motorcycle a lot. Tony says he’ll fix it, then never gets around to it and just buys him a new one. Steve, the Depression-era kid, can’t stand the waste and goes looking for somewhere near him in Brooklyn where he can get his bike fixed. That’s how he finds Red Star Bike Repair, and the hot Russian-immigrant bike racer who runs it: all long hair and muscles and tattoos. And for the first time since he woke from the ice, Steve feels a connection to someone; a comfort in the other man’s silences and his space, an attraction in his sheer skill at racing. But James Barnes isn’t exactly who he seems…

Above the Rain and Roses: But tonight, Steve is visiting The Armory. An exclusive club where unattached Doms can go and enjoy themselves with a good sub for the night. Not exactly the place Steve expects to find his one true love.Then again, fate might have other plans, and one sub might get in way over his head making assumptions about this Dom.

A Marriage of Ice and Fire: Steve Rogers hates James Barnes. The feeling’s mutual; their families have been at war for longer than they’ve been alive. But King Odin has had enough. He orders the two of them wed to end the fighting.It’s not enough that they have to look at each other’s faces without spitting; the King has declared the year’s tournament in their honor. They’ll have to lead the events together. They’ll be wed in front of everyone.

The Commander’s Omega: Steve Rogers is struck by a persistent headache as the dawn rises over DC.So are—simultaneously—Natasha Romanov in the Muscovite night, James Barnes in the dull grey of a Berlin afternoon, Tony Stark stumbling out of his Afghan cave, Bruce Banner in the crushing heat of the Nevada desert, Clint Barton squinting up at the Vegas lights, Loki Laufeyson under the Scandinavian sun, and Prince T'Challa amidst the West African rainforest.Surely it’s nothing but an odd coincidence.

Oh Can’t You See, You Belong To Me: Bucky Barnes has recently moved to New York and things are looking up. He’s got a great new job working for Tony Stark, he has a nice apartment, and his boyfriend Peter is fun. He just needs some friends. Unfortunately Steve Rogers doesn’t seem to want to be just friends.

Echoes In Our Minds: Steve Rogers is struck by a persistent headache as the dawn rises over DC.So are—simultaneously—Natasha Romanov in the Muscovite night, James Barnes in the dull grey of a Berlin afternoon, Tony Stark stumbling out of his Afghan cave, Bruce Banner in the crushing heat of the Nevada desert, Clint Barton squinting up at the Vegas lights, Loki Laufeyson under the Scandinavian sun, and Prince T'Challa amidst the West African rainforest.Surely it’s nothing but an odd coincidence.

Leg Day: The one where Sam is Bucky’s long-suffering roommate, Bucky is a hot mess of a millennial, and Hot Steve spends far too much time on the Lat Pull-Down machine.

Give a Little, Take a Little: Bucky’s nearly thirty and has never been spanked. For most people, this wouldn’t be a pressing concern. Bucky is not most people.

Trained on You: Bucky Barnes is disabled veteran who’s trying to learn how to live his life now without his left arm. His best friend Natasha pushes him to build up the strength and confidence he’d lost along with his limb at the Rally Health and Wellness Center with the help of top notch trainer/physical therapist Sam Wilson.Bucky knew it’d be hard work. What he didn’t realize was just how difficult it’d be to concentrate on his own rehabilitation at the innocuous, easygoing gym. But after he first lays eyes on new trainer and walking wet dream Steve Rogers, it’s all he can do not to fall face first on the treadmill.Working out had never gotten Bucky so worked up before. Go hard or go home? Yeah, he’s definitely going home hard.

Where There’s Smoke: Steve is a Brooklyn firefighter who is about to be saddled with a new, rookie crewmate. James Barnes is that rookie, just looking for a fresh start at a new station. Steve’s friends think they know what’s best for him…start dating his new crewmate. Steve thinks they’re crazy…or possibly right. But events from James’s recent past may pose a threat to any designs they have on each other.

Under the Bridges of Fame: For better or for worse (usually worse), Steve Rogers has been the most famous guy in the room for a while. And though newsreels have given way to YouTube, people’s reactions haven’t changed much in seventy-some years. Steve’s become an expert at keeping his head down and getting on with his life.A head-on collision on a busy street sends books flying and sweeps Steve off his feet. The point of impact has a name: James. A charming mess of long hair, thick glasses, and a crooked, not-quite-smile. If he recognizes Steve, he chooses not to comment, placing him firmly in Steve’s good graces. As far as Steve can tell, they might be Bogie and Bacall all over again, save for the group of idiots with selfie sticks who surround them. But for once, the request isn’t for Steve.Which begs the question: if James is James, then who the hell is Bucky?

Keep Making Trouble ‘Till You Find What You Love:  “No no no, hear me out,” Bucky says. “You wanna get back at them, right? Imagine the following: We date, fall madly in love, then have the most horrendous breakup in history and make them deal with that. They’ll feel terrible because they set us up, and we get to eat free ice cream and see their faces when we eventually tell them we pulled one over them,” Bucky finishes with a smug grin. “That’s a terrible plan,” Steve says.

Trust Enough: So they exchange numbers, and then Steve says he should go, and Bucky agrees, and they kind of stare at each other for a bit more, then Steve actually does go, but not before taking Bucky’s hand and squeezing it warmly in a way that makes Bucky want to shiver all over. Then Steve is gone, and Bucky is standing alone in the alley, grinning to himself. Right up until the moment he remembers that Steve thinks Bucky is an escort he’s just hired. Well fuck.

Took my love, took it down: The problem, Bucky thinks now that he has most of his memories back, is that his whole entire world has always revolved around Steve Rogers. Steve has been always been half of Bucky’s identity. Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers’ best friend. Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers’ wingman. Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers’ teammate. And now, well, now Steve had other people to fill those positions.

These underdog hearts: It starts in October: the sun is shining, the leaves are falling, and Steve Rogers is Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Push It Real Good: The way Steve had to steel himself to ask the question made Bucky a little wary. “Will you be my partner for a Lamaze class?“For a few long moments, Bucky just blinked at him, not knowing which question to ask first. Finally he went with the biggest question on his mind. “What?”

I just met you (and this is crazy): After Steve gets outed by a grainy cell phone picture, it takes the media less than 24 hours to discover Captain America’s secret relationship with James Barnes: classical musician, teen heartthrob, and son of a former president.The only problem? Steve has never met James Barnes in his life.

We Never Had a Choice (But I Choose You): When Bucky Barnes is abducted by political activists, the circumstances are simple enough. Desperation breeds all sorts of terrible decisions, after all, and Bucky’s captor is clearly woefully out of his depth. Maybe, just maybe, he can talk his way to freedom, but the more Bucky learns about the circumstances of his capture, the more complicated things seem to get. On the run and forced to trust the man who abducted him, Bucky comes to realize that kidnapping is the least of his worries.

Someone To Watch Over Me: One cold, winter’s night, Steve Rogers, retired Special Forces operative, finds an unconscious young man in the woods surrounding his property. In the morning, the stranger wakes up and Steve is left with plenty of questions about the beautiful young man with guileless eyes and a sheepish smile, who speaks with self-deprecating humor as though there isn’t a bruise on his face and restraint marks on his wrist.

A Hatemance For The Ages: This is what happens when you find your soulmate… and instead of birds singing and roses blooming, you discover they’re an insufferable jerk. But an insufferable jerk that you low-key really want to bang, if nothing else because MAYBE THEN THEY WOULD SHUT UP.

Home Is Wherever I’m With You: This is what happens when you buy a house to flip having only seen the online images: you get more than you bargained for. Bucky Barnes brings all the tools to handle a dilapidated home, but he’s hardly prepared for a smart-mouthed child (with poor aim), a crying baby, and the hottest dad he’s ever seen in his life living right next door.

Sugar Sweet: College Student Bucky finds himself immediately attracted to Steve. He knows that Steve’s a bit older than him, and that Steve himself is put off by the age difference… But that doesn’t stop Bucky from wanting to climb him like a tree. AKA a Sugar Daddy AU that no one was asking for.

Parallels: At the end of “Captain America: Winter Soldier,” Steve fell from the helicarrier into the water. He wakes up, however, in an alternate universe where he and Bucky are dating.

Parallels 2: Bucky wakes up from cryo in a parallel universe - in which he works at a coffeeshop and Steve is his favorite customer.

… and I know the ask clearly asked for E rated fics, but those are some PG-13 ones with some solid plot and development, or at least for me, that I think worth mentioning:

It’s No Coincidence: The kids immediately scream, “Trick-or-Treat” before they see who opens the door.The strange resident looks between the two kids, then at the adults, and his eyes widen in horror.“It’s October already? “Okay, Bucky thinks.This guy is probably high.

A Working Romance: Eddie just wants to make a good documentary about good, normal people. Tony Stark just wants to manage his branch and make his dad proud. Bucky Barnes just wants to sell paper without pining over the receptionist. Steve Rogers just wants to draw superheroes and marry Peggy Carter. Sam Wilson just wants Bucky and Steve to get their act together.AKA The Office AU no one asked for.

Leave Me On The Mountain:  Bucky is certain that he’s about to die, cold and lost in this mountain forest. But just as he thinks that the wolves have him, someone finds him and takes him in.

Thawing: Heroin. It’s a helluva drug.

The Necrofloranomicon: Bucky didn’t want much. Just to keep his head down, to sell his scavenged flowers in peace, and to stay off Shield’s radar. His life would have been a lot easier if his flowers weren’t dead and if being a necromancer wasn’t illegal, but easy or not, he was getting by. Steve didn’t want much, either. He was happy working for Shield, he had good friends, and overall his life was going just about the way he wanted it. Problem was, being happy with your life was generally an invitation for fate to throw a spanner in the works—and in Steve’s specific case, it was going to be a spanner named Bucky.(A love story about flowers, trust, and magic and the choices we make about doing what’s right.)

… aaaand that’s it folks! Sorry for the long post, and again, if anyone has a fic or seven to rec, please write it in the notes for us all to enjoy! 

[bubaluv]

You know what? You know what? This is my blog. Its midnight on finals week I'm gonna blabber about the pokemon ocs I made based on my family. Deets under the cut!!

OKAY SO the hypothetical game these guys belong to is very much in that early pokemon phase where the gyms were actually cool and very heavily themed and like, getting through all the grunts is kinda part of the gym. (I haven't played the games since black and white idk if they do that anymore but that's the vibe). I just love the idea of all these characters (plus 2 more that fit into the lore) just existing in the game and if you ask them enough questions/pay attention enough you realise they're all related!

SO not in order but the first of the family you encounter is Big Jo (dad). He works in the lab that you start the game and pick your pokemon in with the professor, he's just a dude typing away on a computer (BUT he has a cute raichu that occasionally does a little spark to fix his computer!) And if you talk to him he gives you a couple revives. In the dialogue he asks you if you're going to challenge the normal type gym leader, and if you say yes he gets excited bc that's his daughter!! He let's you know it's not a very hard gym but she tries her best. A small detail that's important: He has a couple of knickknacks on his desk, a teddiursa doll, a few letters convered in ink, a poster for the elite 4, and a wooden statue of a mamoswine. Also workshopping this idea but he may talk about how much he wants to travel, and if you encourage him to you see him touring around throughout the game!

Next ofc you encounter Bedhead Bo! Her gym is very easygoing, the building looks like a gym on the outside but once you step in you realize it's a super elaborate pillow fort! Corridors and all. There are pokemon sleeping and walking about, snorlaxes you have to climb over, and a whole room full of beds you have to jump on. All of the grunts are either asleep (blocking your way) or just doing sleepover things. Once you finally get to her little chamber she slides down a big piles of pillows to greet you, and none of her pokemon are in pokeballs they're just vibing. She's the first gym so you beat her pretty easily, but she wishes you luck on your journey (and gives you a couple more revives).

About midway through the game you stumble across a dark and spooky town. This town is incredibly superstitious because unfortunate things happen there all the time, and people in the town warn you to watch out for "The Omen". Every once in a blue moon, on a dark stormy night, The Omen sneaks out of his manor. He wears a dark wool coat, squeaky black boots (who KNOWS what they're covered in!!) And is always wearing a plaguedoctor mask. Its said that the Murkrows that haunt every corner of the town all report back to him in the depths of the Manor. He's difficult to find, but if you battle him, he gives you the dark type gym badge. His gym is mostly exploring the manor, an old decrepit house filled with other trainers who want to find him. It's pretty hard to find your bearings in it, door lock behind you and the ceiling caves in at some point, eventually, you come across a nest of Murkrow, and as you walk toward it they disperse to reveal the door to the basement. You walk down the long dark staircase to find a PILE of Murkrows, who once again disperse to reveal! Some dingy nerd playing video games on a couch. He notices you came in and asks you if you're here for the badge, you say yes, and he points to a little table with a badge on it, guarded by a Murkrow in a party hat with a banner that says "congratulations!". He introduces himself as Po, and if you've gotten this far you can just have the badge, but if you want to battle him you can. He also explains that he's really just a lucky guy who inherited the old house, he's not some Omen of darkness. He's pretty sickly, so he tries to stay indoors when he can, and when he does go out he wears a fun mask. He only goes out at night because he's got a weird sleep schedule, and come on its ALWAYS stormy in this town. If you talk to him again, he asks you if this is your first badge, and if not he asks if you've gotten the normal type badge yet. When you say yes he comments they hey! That's my little sister!

Near the end of the game you battle the elite four. Now bare with me cause to be perfectly honest I've never gotten that far, so this might all be nonsense. The elite four in this region is heavily themed, a little bit like professional wrestling but more theatrey. It's also kind of a team sport, with support trainers for each core member. When you show up to the arena to apply for the league, the first Elite Four member you meet is Captian Moby and his crew. They're VERY pirate themed and VERY hammy. He's actually a super nice guy, and shows you the ropes of the league. If you ever get on the topic of gym badges, he'll tell you how proud he is that BOTH of his siblings are gym leaders! His name is actually a shortening of his real name, Mo Beonnie, or Mo B., or Captain Moby!

The last two arent pictured, but they revolve around the ice type gym, or just a general ice type area. The ice area is a natural history museum and research facility on a glacier, headed by Professor Vee. She's a super sweet lady who takes care of a lot of fossil type pokemon that are found in the glaciers! She rehabilitates pokemon who got messed up by poachers who recombined them improperly. She's takes extra special care of a mamoswine who's pretty much the mascot of the whole facility, but she insists she's just watching him for a friend. There's an area of the facility dedicated to courtyards themed to different periods of history, but the center courtyard has a statue of a women in full gear smiling with the mamoswine. If you read the plaque, the yard is dedicated to "SnowCap" Snow Beonnie, the former head researcher and rehabilitator of the museum.

So that's my self indulgent little pokemon lore! The whole idea of all of they're names being Bo, Po, Mo, Jo, and Snow is a little silly and obvious but I think if it were spread out throughout the game it would be a really cute little detail. I love making these hypothetical pokemon thingys and I have even more for my irl friends, so maybe I'll continue rambling about them someday. If you read the whole thing wow thanks!! Basing things off my family just makes me so happy I hope yall like it!