#forgive me it's still incomplete lol

[cinnabon-sweetroll-tiramisu]

The story of how Mordred called Merlin mom and then proceeded to call Arthur dad and now he's adopted into the family

Author: Me aka @dalazygamerneko

Inspired by @tongjaitongjai merthur idea, check out it out here: 🐓x🐦=🐣

♤•°•♡•°•♤•°•♡•°•♤•°•♡•°•♤•°•♡•°•♤

It was ordinary day. Birds were singing, training went well and the maids were busy but happily chatting.

Nothing could go wrong Mordred thought as he made his way to the afternoon roundtable meeting when he came across Merlin or Emrys as he is known amongst druids, quickly he hid into an alcove and gazed in envy at Lord Emrys, no, Merlin smiling and holding a little boy in his arms.

It's moments like these that he wished he knew his mother longer but he could barely remember her. He watched quietly at the soft look in Merlin's eyes and utter joy upon the little boy's face as they hugged each other, Mordred wondered if his mother would've looked at him the same way Merlin did.

He sighed, leaning back against the stone walls Mordred couldn't help but want to revert back into being a child again just so Merlin wouldn't gaze coldly at him, albeit he probably deserved it for the words of hatred he said in his youth. He knew now Merlin never meant to lead those knights towards his camp. That the warlock was only trying to help Morgana.

"What can I do to earn your trust?"

Mordred shook his head, he'd think of something maybe ask one of the knights for help? He's noticed that Sir Lancelot and Sir Gwaine are closer to Merlin than the other knights.

'They're also the most protective of him' Mordred thought dryly, a crease upon his brow as multiple ideas popped into his mind and many he shot down knowing it won't work.

"Well, I'll just have to hope the triple Goddess guides me." Mordred mumbled, he looked out into the hallway, Merlin was gone, most likely doing chores for the King.

Mordred chuckled as he continued walking, he would never understand the relationship Emrys and the once and future King had with each other. There were times they seem like close comrades begrudging in their respect for one another and then other times they would argue fondly like any old married couple.

Not surprising when plenty of townsfolk as well as even the nobles have speculated in the past if Merlin was being courted by Prince Arthur, to any outsider it certainly looked that way therefore Merlin was given the "mistress" treatment.

Now everyone are wondering(more like waiting impatiently) when will the King announce his engagement to Merlin.

"If I remember correctly, doesn't Sir Gwaine have a bet going on?"

Mordred pondered. 'Yeah, I'll definitely join in. There's no way they're NOT together. I mean, I've seen the lingering stares they give each other as if there is no one around them.'

Soon he was at the doors leading to the roundtable meeting, nodding at the vigilant guards they let him through. His eyes slowly moved over the knights, nobles and some commoners before landing on Merlin who was standing behind the King's chair.

An unassuming figure, most often underestimated but to those who know magic deeply or follow the old religion, Emrys entire being is a vast ocean of wild magic swirling in such a magnitude that no mere mortal could ever understand or harness the power Emrys wields.

Then he locked eyes with Merlin, there is no icy stare thankfully, yet he can still see a hint of wariness in his Lord's gaze.

He bowed his head in acknowledgement before finding a seat next to the gossiping pair Sir Percival and Sir Gwaine.

"I could be at a tavern right now, drinking and charming the barmaid Stella instead I'm stuck here." Gwaine said with a miffed face, his hand gripping the air imagining he was holding a mug of ale.

Elyan who sat across from Gwaine raised an eyebrow, "Isn't Stella old enough to be your grandmother?"

Gwaine smirked whilst shrugging. "Just like wine the older one gets the finer they become, besides she has experience, I'm sure there's a thing or two she could still teach mmph—"

Leon had reached over to clamp Gwaine's mouth shut.

The ginger haired knight had just about enough of hearing Gwaine's tavern tales of debauchery to which he thought was an inappropriate topic to be discussed or heard at the roundtable meeting.

"Sir Gwaine, leave your nightly talks at the tavern only, please."

Gwaine pulled Leon's hand away and smiled cheekily at the older knight.

"Oh, but wouldn't you like to know? Stella has mentioned she likes ginger haired men with beards and I bet she could show you—"

"I am going to strangle you—"

Gwaine leaned back avoiding Leon's hands from trying to keep him quiet again.

"Sir Leon I never knew you were this kinky, I think dear old Stella would like to feel your big strong hands—ack!"

Leon finally got him, unfortunately the meeting was starting, so Gwaine was safe from being throttled by him. However, tomorrow morning during training he'll get his chance.

Mordred along with the rest of the knights chuckled at Sir Gwaine's antics and Sir Leon's annoyed expression.

♤To be continued♤

#forgive me it's still incomplete lol #merlin #merthur #arthur pendragon #bbc merlin #arthur x merlin #merlin x arthur #bbc arthur #bbc mordred #mordred #the knights of the round table #the knights of camelot #fanfic #cinnabon sweetroll tiramisu #canon au #sir gwaine #sir leon the long suffering #sir percival #sir elyan #sir lancelot #mom!merlin #dad!arthur #son!mordred

[danses-with-dogmeat]

Q/U/X is for -- Ulysses

Writing for Ulysses always seems to transport me to another world, I swear, he just-- His way of speaking, and the general air about the man is all just... ethereal, in a way? I don't know, but he makes me feel like more of a poet than I've ever been, lol.

And the dialogue prompt he got had me on the floor, it's just SO accurate and perfect for him and Six. Ugh.

Anywho, I hope you guys like it!

And here is the 2k event masterlist, for your browsing pleasure!

--

Pair: Ulysses x g/n! Six

Dialogue: “It’s you. It’s always been you.”

Word: Unite

Rating: SFW

Category: Fluff

Word Count: 1.1k

“Um, well, I suppose I should be leaving, then. Ulysses.” Six stepped away from the pair’s close proximity slowly, backing up while still facing him. 

To hold our eye contact, or to make sure I don't stab them in the back?

“You’re not leaving.” 

Though the words commanded Six's attention, the way he voiced it was more of a question than an order. 

Ulysses couldn’t tell if that put them at ease or not.

“Well, I… Why you’d want to be around me at all, after everything I’ve learned about myself... I don’t blame you for wanting me dead, is all. Figure I should leave before you act on it though, right?” 

Six’s voice was nervous, but there was a sadness that Ulysses detected there as well. A shame, even. 

They should feel ashamed for what they’ve done… But then, is the shame enough of a consequence on its own? Does it absolve them of their wrongdoings, if they are pained by it this way, even without memory of the action itself? 

“What about my behavior has told you that I plan on acting on what I spoke about in our first meeting?” 

Ulysses was closer to them now, looking down the point of his mask to their large eyes, wide with… was it fear? 

Still?

“I don’t know, I just… I understand why you were so furious, why you sought me out, I couldn’t imagine… If I had a home, and someone took it from me, well, I’d like to think I would’ve done the same as you did. Only, maybe less honorably.” 

A soft snort escaped the mask, and Six could see some semblance of sympathy shining within the dark depths of Ulysses’ intense eyes. 

“That, in itself, is honorable to say.” They couldn’t pull their gaze from his, and as his compliment met their ears, a smooth tingle of relief wove up their spine. Ulysses could see it, from his perspective, the way they sought his forgiveness. 

That too, was honorable. 

He couldn’t help but admire the courier then. Then… and now. Now, as he shared his tent with them. A temporary home, but still some fragment of the place of belonging that they both craved so wholly. 

And how could he blame them? With their memories, as shoddy and incomplete as the crude camps he’d often made himself to stifle that wound in his chest that the Divide was meant to fill.  

They didn’t even know who they were, what they’d done, or why. It was a struggle he himself could not quite imagine. 

“I can’t believe I’m here…” 

Ulysses heard them say, perhaps to themself, as they turned and dropped their pack back to its place near to his sleeping mat. 

“I mean, I thought you hated me… That you would never forgive me, never stop… trying to kill me.” 

“Hate and love are but cousins;” Ulysses told them, stepping closer as they rounded to face him again, “Passion drawn from deep within and showcasing itself in the most intense forms available to us. The difference is but one instant.” 

And that instant is now. 

Ulysses’ impassioned gaze told them, near amber in color, with the emotion blazing within them. The simple look itself sent an overwhelming shiver down the courier’s spine. 

“But, hold on.” They said, before his stare had a chance to hold them prisoner for eternity, “Everything I’ve done, I mean… Your second chance, your home, a place away from the Legion, a new start, it was all yours, until me. How... how could you look past that?" 

Ulysses could easily see the struggle within them from the outside, just as much as he heard it in their words. 

Is it so hard for them to detect my own inner thoughts? 

After the nights they’d shared, they’d had to share during the massive dust storm that could’ve claimed both their lives, had they not had each other; how could they not see the way his view of them has changed? 

Six had seen him all those nights. His perseverance, his will, yes, that they knew of before the pair had properly even met. No, but those nights, they’d seen a glimpse of his vulnerability. The man behind the mask, the one who longs for a place to call his own, a place to belong, after a lifetime of feeling wrong. 

Wrong for turning his back on the Twisted Hairs with the illusion of not having a choice, wrong for being a part of the Legion, the very same faction that murdered and enslaved his people, that eradicated them from the map and from memory. Then, maybe wrongly too, he’d turned his back on the Legion as well. 

Had he no honor? Had he not a decisive mind? No allegiance? No loyalty? 

Who was Ulysses, if not a Twisted Hair, if not a Frumentarius, if not a courier? 

So wholeheartedly he had always formed his identity around that which he was forced to follow, to be a part of, even against his own wishes. 

His wishes, that now he had the freedom to consider. 

And Ulysses did. 

Even now, he was considering Six. The courier who’d seen him, a blank slate, with not even themself for Ulysses to obsess over. No, now all was out in the open. No holotapes, no hiding, no mystery, and yet, Six accepted him, forgave him, allied themself with him... 

It was true. Ulysses had made up his mind now, and he’d done it on his own, wholly. 

“My new start?” He said, his voice rumbling so softly from within his mask, that Six had to lean in close to catch his words. “It’s you. It’s always been you. I merely had to reflect to see it. To look back on my past, and on yours. The way that you’ve shaped me, without even knowing it.”

Six blinked at him, and their mouth fell slightly agape in their shock. 

 “Our stories are comparable, Six. Both alone, with a rich past, but no idea who we truly are. Not when your memory was taken from you, and my individuality. Together though, I see a change in both of us. I see what I thought was stolen forever from me, by you.”

Ulysses took another step forward, his chest just barely brushing Six’s as he took a deep breath in, his eyes locked to theirs, dark hair curtaining an intense, but pleading expression. 

And there it was again, that vulnerability that the ex-soldier, ex-spy, had never been able to show another living soul, and it was showing plain in his expression, sounding so clearly in his voice, that it was effortless. 

Six made it effortless for him to be genuine with them. 

It was something he could find himself getting used to, he thought. 

“With you,” He continued, raising one hand to brush the roughened tips of his fingers to Six’s chin. Affectionate, but subtle. “I see a future for us both.”

#2k event #2k celebration #secret event #fallout #fallout companions #fallout npc #fallout new vegas #fallout new vegas dlcs #fallout nv #new vegas #fnv #courier six #ulysses fnv #ulysses #ulysses x six

[kydrogendragon]

Last Line Tag Game

Lol, well, I think I've been tagged in this multiple times in the past two weeks xD But I've finally had some writing done, so I can actually play them now!

Thanks to @tj-dragonblade @zzoomacroom @embroiderling @im-not-corrupted @the-apocrypha @amielot and anyone else I missed that's tagged me in this!

So to make up for so many tags, have an extra long snippet from the next (and final chapter) of A Waking Nightmare! Some of these are just dialogue, some are more fleshed out.

Despair!

“Hello sweet Morpheus.” “Sister… I did not call for you.” “Oh, but you did. You always do. You’ve been one foot in my realm for a long time now.” She reaches out, trailing the tips of her fingers across his cheek. He closes his eyes. “You always suffer so deliciously, my brother, but you never truly let yourself feel it, do you?” “I cannot. I have my duties to attend. I cannot hurt the Dreamers.” “So much duty. So much honor. And all of it pressing you ever closer to me.” There’s a sharp sting on his cheek and a rush of warmth spilling over his skin. “Perhaps it’s time you take that final step into my realm.” Despair drags her hook across his cheek and disappears as the emotions crest through him.

Delirium!

“Is that how you think yours will end?” “I—” “I think you deserve a better one than that. I think you’re just in that bad middle part right now. What’s it called?” Her eyes flicker in color until one turns green again. “The murky and intense part of a story where people bite their fingers and shake their heads and scream and curse and shout?” “The climax?” “That’s right! You’re in your climax. Or the little bits after? But not your end. You can’t break a story in the middle. No body likes that. It needs a happy ending! There’s lots and lots and lots of sad endings right now. And incomplete endings. And endings that don’t end. And stories never started. But you should make yours a happy one.”

And the much awaited reunion!

“I am sorry, Hob. They should have never done such things. And I... I should never have treated you as I had. I will not ask for you forgiveness, nor do I believe I deserve it. But I would not leave you thinking I held such hatred for you still. I shall take my leave.”  Hob’s eyes widen. He wheels his chair back from his desk and stumbles out of it, uneasy on his feet. He steps forward and his legs give out underneath him as he falls into Dream. Dream catches him, hands firm under Hob’s arms.  Hob pulls himself up better, into a proper hug, and pulls Dream close, one hand on his neck. “You and I are having fucking words on how to communicate. And you're giving me a reliable way to reach you that won’t piss you off after all this mess. Especially if we're to be friends,“ Hob whispers, angrily in Dream’s ear.

No pressure tags! @seiya-starsniper @bazzybelle and @tryan-a-bex

#tag game #a waking nightmare

[zephrunsimperium]

is Knowing Me, Knowing You a romantic billford story? what kind of story is it, actually? it looks interesting but I’m afraid to read any type of billford in fear of it being… not the best. what do you think of the ship, actually, since you’re such a fidduathor fan? also, does it end okay, even when incomplete? I have a lot of questions about the fic tbh. too scared to read it tho lol

Whooooo boy do I have a lot to say about this... I highly encourage everyone to read this entire post.

So, my thoughts on BillFord are extremely complicated. I am, first and foremost, a FiddAuthor shipper. That is the ship I consider canon and I even headcanon Bill to be aroace and actively encourage Ford and Fidds to get together because Ford needs to get over stupid societal homophobia plus it's fun to wear down the human's moral compass about hitting on a married man.

BillFord is a FASCINATING concept and it's not hard to see why the ship is as popular as it is despite the (well-deserved) stigma; a lot of things between them that can be read as fuel to the shipping fire. (ie the hair ruffles, the nose flick, the nicknames, the gold statue, the piano serenade, Ford being attracted to the strange, Bill offering to make Ford "one of us," even the possibly kinky undertones of glowy blue chains and bodily possession)

But the problem is that the ship can get very nasty very fast. Make no mistake, what Bill does to Ford is abuse. He is manipulative and violent and cruel. "Mystery bruises?" Literally torturing Ford on screen? Driving a wedge between Ford and his support system to the point that he has extreme trouble trusting people? Preying upon Ford's insecurities about being a freak? That is horrifying stuff, in particular because of how clear the parallels are to real world abuse.

With that in mind, let me talk about KMKY. I loved this fic to pieces. It’s written and organized incredibly well with a good mix of humor, sentiment, tragedy, and villainy without ever feeling off-balance tonally. The best thing about this fic, however, is the mature and nuanced themes about abuse: how hard it is to still love your abuser even when you start realizing that they're as bad as they are, accepting that you're a victim and have no reason to apologize, how an abuser's own trauma isn't an excuse for their actions. I really appreciate that the author has sympathy for Bill while still clearly acknowledging that "hey, what Bill did to Ford was abuse and Ford doesn't have to forgive him, much less take him back." A lesser writer would force Bill and Ford together, but that's not what happens because it's not what should happen.

So, for anyone who is interested in reading it... The gist of it is that instead of inviting Fiddleford to work on the portal, Ford makes a body for Bill to assist in person. The first 33 chapters develop their relationship (ft. Fiddleford being confused and stressed) and then Ford finds out Bill has been lying and eventually goes through the portal. It is very much a romance but the writing is so good that there are times when it's genuinely heartbreaking that the two of them won't work out.

I would definitely say that Bill is the main character (even though Ford has a significant amount of viewpoint time and he's the one you're supposed to root for) because he's the one who changes throughout the story. It's not a positive change, but it is an extremely compelling character arc. The characterization of Bill in this fic is particularly cool to me because he’s definitely a complete person, but he’s very clearly inhuman.

A little preview/incentive to read it: all of Bill’s underlings have individual personalities, Jheselbraum is a super important character and her characterization is... really cool (that's not a good description, but I was in love with it), the worldbuilding of all the places Ford visits in the multiverse was really cool and fun, there are great OCs like Wendy's mom, this mob boss guy that is a delight to hate, and a sarcastic kick-ass alien lady, Bill's backstory is really impactful, Pyronica is a bad bitch, Bill and Ford fight zombies while We Go Together from Grease plays in the background, there are cool themes about enjoying the mundane things in life and how society treats the Strange, and well-written humor that had me laughing out loud constantly. For as long as it is, all of it was extremely memorable and hardly any of it felt like filler. (I will warn you if you choose to read it, there is some serious steam.)

As for the ending... I totally understand why the author stopped writing it. They were trying to make it canon-compliant, but by the time it caught up to the show it was very clear that adhering to the canon material was holding them back. They did their best, but I could tell they weren't enjoying writing it and if you're not enjoying your art, then I don't think it's worth doing.

Wow that was a long post. Thanks so much for the ask, Anon! I hope this was a satisfying response!

#billford #fic rec #gravity falls #bill cipher #stanford pines #shipping #ask #gravity falls meta #long post #knowing me knowing you

[ataleofcrowns]

hello! I'm sorry if this isn't the type of question to send here (not game related) but I recently got really into Interactive Fiction games such as yours and was wondering how did you get exposure since I think it must've been really difficult without the support of like the CoG forum since you developed the game on twine (idk if you moved it to twine and were on there before oops) I'm asking because I too want to kind of start writing and I like the way twine games look but it would discourage me if no one knew about it? Anyway, love your game can't wait for the next update and have a wonderful day!

This isn't an exact answer to your question but I think this post can help a lot in terms of wanting to build a larger following for IF writers who are just starting out.

Especially considering how many IFs are being released - when I first released AToC 3 years ago there weren't even half as many Twine IFs active on Tumblr, so it was easier for me to grow an audience compared to someone starting out in the current climate. True, I don't have the exposure from something as large/established as the CoG forum, which can help a lot, but there weren't as many Twine IFs out to keep track of either. Hell, a lot of new people now who get into playing AToC through itch.io have never even heard of CoG lol.

Overall I would say: be consistent with posting content on the blog with use of tags, and have a regular release schedule planned for chapter or scene updates. It doesn't have to be perfectly polished or completely finished either. Remember that it's still a WIP! The most important part is for readers to know you're still working on the story, even if you put out small or incomplete updates. Be patient and forgiving to yourself, especially if this is a hobby that you want to do for fun and not a job aspiration.

Once you have a certain amount of content already out there, let's say 3-5 chapters, I think readers are a lot more forgiving with waiting for updates because you've built a solid foundation. They'll have some security that you're working on the story/won't abandon it in the future, so it'll be easier going from there. Plus, there's already content out there for them to return to/evaluate.

Hope this helped, and much luck with your future writing endeavors!!

#ask #advice #cordisnoir #interactive fiction

[paradoxcase]

@1spoopyjerk:

you pointed out something interesting about John (at least, something i believe) - for all his presentation as a chill academic, it feels a bit like he does not approach necromancy in the same scientific/theoretical way that all other necromancers do. i can very much imagine ianthe presenting a drawn-out theory regarding necromancy's applications and john just going "yeah that sounds probably about right". his understanding seems primarily vibes-based

Yeah, it does seem sort of like that, especially with his incredibly scientific cure for Harrow's incomplete Lyctor issues, which was just "try to kill her until she's fixed, lol". I guess to him, starting life in a world where necromancy didn't exist and being raised with the idea that such stuff was fantasy, maybe it didn't occur to him, or never really sunk in that it can be scientifically studied in the same way?

@wellhappybirthdaytomeiguess

I think Augustine and Mercy explictly mention that the war seems pointless, and Augustine begs John to give up his vendetta. At which point John tells him that if 'the man you used to be heard you say that he'd be furious' or something like that...so it really does seem all about a war of vengeance.

Yeah, Augustine asking him to quit the war didn't really seem relevant to me back then, but I guess this is maybe something that they'd be tired of for a long time now and he thought that maybe if John was really going to beg for forgiveness, he could at least give them that given that the cavaliers are long gone at this point?

My theory: a few thousand years after the Resurrection, John discovered the descendents of the trillionaires, or the trillionaires themselves (FTL travel seems iffy in outcome) and could at last get his rage out.

Ah, so BOE are the descendants of the trillionaires who wouldn't fund his cryostasis project and that's his whole damage about them for 10,000 years? Ok, this reminds me of how some dumb white people oppose antiracism stuff by saying like, "but I never owned any slaves, why are you punishing me for something my ancestors did?" and totally miss the point that slavery was not that long ago and the whole institution is still having an effect on society even though it's not actually around anymore, and maybe John is seeing this that way, too, but... in this case (based on the first chapter of Nona) BOE definitely isn't populated by trillionaires, or people who benefited from their long-gone ancestors being trillionaires, and I'm sure that all that money probably lost its meaning when everyone died and it's been 10,000 years since then

#the locked tomb #1spoopyjerk #wellhappybirthdaytomeiguess

[alastairstom]

i can't think properly or i'd do it all myself but

taylor swift (debut) album as tlh characters. welcome to do it incompletely and i'll collab i got stuck at tim mcgraw so

also yes or no is cold as you thomas when he's mad at alastair, a mix of that cog-coi gap and academy conflicted emotions? and teardrops on my guitar is his admiration from a distance while alastair's with charles. the outside is alastair's pov

iomwiwy is gracetopher. mary's song is jordelia. and invisible is cordelia @ james and grace in cog.

agree or disagree i don't mind just keen to hear what you think!

OKAY SO here are my takes:

Tim McGraw: Matthew to Cordelia at the end of the series, ngl. Like, yeah, the love is lost now, but it was something and he hopes she thinks of him sometimes and what they shared in Paris.

Picture to Burn: Thomas at Alastair after Chain of Gold. "Coming back around here would be bad for your health" has the same vibes as "I'll chuck you in the Thames if you talk to me again."

Teardrops on My Guitar: Academy Thomas to Academy Alastair for SURE but yes, also Thomas to Alastair when he's with Charles. Like, "he's the song in the car I keep singing? don't know why I do?" Yes. Yes yes yes. Also, THE ONLY THING THAT KEEPS ME WISHIN' ON A WISHING STAR? Kill me dead you're so right

A Place in This World: This might be controversial but lowkey Ari? She feels a little lost and is trying to find her place in the world and I love her.

Cold as You: Yes, once again, Thomas to Alastair after Chain of Gold. Filled with conflicted emotions, you're so incredibly right.

The Outside: Has been on my Alastair playlist since Day One for obvious reasons. I absolutely adore this song for him like "how can I ever try to be better? Nobody ever lets me in" literally something he says in period-typical terms in Chain of Iron. Also in the Letter Game. And he's right! He's the best!

Tied Together With a Smile: Matthew. I don't even feel like I need to explain this. He cries but doesn't tell anyone that he might not be the golden one? He's tied together with a smile but he's coming undone? Yes. That's all there is

Stay Beautiful: Thomas to Alastair. Like he thinks he is so beautiful and hopes that life leads him back to his front door! He is waxing poetic about his eyes (like petals of a flower, not the jungle, but still!) Idk 100% see this, but also could be Alastair to Thomas too he also finds him beautiful I wish we got more of his PoVs :')

Should've Said No: I'm going to say maybe Cordelia @ both James and Matthew after Paris, lol. They should both indeed be begging for forgiveness at her feet. (I'm kidding, mostly).

Mary's Song: Yeah, unfortunately Jordelia. But, since I love this song, Thomastair too. "Said you'd beat me up you were bigger than me, you never did." Kind of a stretch but I don't want to think about James/Jordelia every time I hear it LOL

Our Song: OKAY LOWKEY GHOSTWRITER Because like. They're sneaking out and tapping on each other's window? They're in that little glow of first love? Idk I really like this association and am down with it LOL

A Perfectly Good Heart: Alastair to Charles please. A precursor to him going all-out and singing "I'll Bet You Think About Me" from Red TV at Charles because Charles sucks. I love the idea of Alastair blasting Taylor's angry country bops at Charles. It cleanses my soul.

Invisible: I actually want to go with Matthew to Cordelia here ngl

I'm Only Me When I'm With You: Yes I fully agree that it's either Grace to Christopher OR Alastair to Thomas also really works for it.

#thank you for this ask #im more than happy to do other albums too #send me the albums you want lmfao #taylor swift #debut #alastair carstairs #thomas lightwood #thomastair #matthew fairchild #cordelia carstairs #grace blackthorn #christopher lightwood #gracetopher #ari bridgestock

[tiredassmage]

15 hugging each other for your choice!

I had so many options for this one, so this took me a minute, lol. But Tyr is finally free of KOTET and that meant best boy returned, and I didn't think there was nearly enough hugs in that reunion, sO. It has been amended, lol.

[touch prompts]

Vector’s eyes opened as the approaching footsteps became noticeable in the tall halls, but it was not directly them that brought the beginnings of a smile to his lips.

The familiar stride was as measured and composed as it had been many a time before as it faced ice and fire, wrath and ruin, shadow and now almost blinding light. He almost hadn’t noticed the way his breath barely ghosted through his nose.

“After so many years, we didn’t know if your aura would remain the same.” Subtle notes were different, but it was still-

Vector turned in his chair and rose to meet the Commander of the Eternal Alliance with a warm smile. “We could still recognize you anywhere, agent.”

The trials that had whispered to them through the nest, that they had seen crash against them on every front line had made… alterations wasn’t quite the right word. New verses had joined his song, etching new layers and pathways across the steadfast Cipher they recalled from so long ago.

“When they told me a Killik herald wanted to meet on Alderaan.” There was that rare, brilliant light of entire galaxies ignited in pale gray eyes he had so often sought. “Vector Hyllus!”

His smile warmed further. “How good it is to hear your song once more, my friend.”

Tyr readily clasped the hand the Dawn Herald proffered, but only for a moment before he pulled him in closer and two strong arms wrapped around him. Vector could not help but melt into the embrace almost instantly, even if it was a touch tight at first.

“You’re alive…” Nine’s warm breath brushed faintly against their ear as his fingers twisted into the collar of his jacket. “Stars, Vector… It’s really you!”

Vector merely closed his eyes for a moment and patted a hand gently against the agent’s shoulder. Tucked in against his neck, his song could speak of the battles held over the last several years and the hum beneath his skin gave life and breath to the relief words could never properly convey.

They had always been difficult and incomplete for their agent. It had been too long since they had last shared a night in silence upon the bridge watching stars drift by them or soaked in the quiet darkness of his quarters aboard the Phantom.

“Forgive us,” he said quietly, “We did not mean to worry you with our silence. Much has happened.”

Tyr slowly released him, taking half a step back as he untangled limbs somewhat reluctantly from his old friend. Echoes of twisted steel and the heat of plasma whispered in the way the Commander’s features fell briefly darker - a smile replaced by a quiet, heavy sigh. “You can say that again.”

Vector’s next smile was mildly strained, but he squeezed Tyr’s shoulder softly nonetheless. “We are… pleased your resilience saw you through.” It had always been something they admired in him.

Tyr shook his head. “I think I’ve had my share of mourning lately." He cleared his throat. “It’s good to see you. How have you been?”

Vector stepped back and motioned to the chairs. As good as it was to reunite with his old friend, he still owed duties as Dawn Herald to the nest.

Nine followed as he settled in. “It has not been easy,” he said. “Our arrangement with the Empire…” He frowned as his gaze drifted back to his hands folded in his lap over his knees. “The nest has lost much in the battles.” As had many, they were sure and they had seen, but…

He could feel Nine’s gaze cool and caution without even looking up. “Vector, what happened?” His voice was quiet like a faint breeze over the ice fields of Ilum before the snows fell - a storm warning.

It was not what he wished for this reunion, but it had driven them to reach out to the Alliance. “Many Killiks were enlisted as part of our arrangement with the Empire."

That hadn't exactly been unexpected.

But he well-remembered Nine’s unspoken questions he had never voiced - the careful drop of guarded eyes when they spoke of the benefits and costs of forging an alliance between the nest and the Empire or the hard set of his jaw when he had stood at their side defending every step of the way in unwavering faith.

Nine’s own relationship had grown… complex, they knew and well before they had been separated for more than five years. He was not proud nor pleased to bring news that history had, in essence, repeated.

Vector’s hands toyed faintly in his lap. “Many were sent to some of the harshest battles. We… still remember every light flickering out, how it… twisted and cut our song.” He shook his head. “It was not respect, Commander. That is what drove us to seek the Alliance at last.”

He finally looked up and met the recognizably tightened jaw, the twisted fist at the agent’s side. “We… I… will not let them continue to use us. We wish to return to your side, agent. And the nest will follow. We will fight for the Alliance.”

Tyr's gaze refocused as if pulled back from mired speculation. A frown settled across his lips carefully as he sat back and flexed out his tightened hands. "Vector…"

He shook his head and puffed out a breath. "You know I'll always welcome you, no questions. But… just because we won on Zakuul… It doesn't get any easier."

Vector inhaled slowly. "It never has, agent," he conceded quietly. "But I am quite sure it has already been said that the Alliance has achieved much that seemed impossible not all that long ago. Imperial and Republic forces striving together as one. We value that unity, Commander. And we value you."

A half-smile returned to flicker weakly across Tyr's lips. "You give me too much credit, Vector."

"Nonsense," he admonished. It was their turn to smile. "We see you are still too modest."

Nine huffed and shook his head as he stood. "Now you're just flattering me," he muttered, though his smile had widened all the same.

He offered out a hand to pull Vector up that was taken gladly and led him into yet another embrace. Tyr clapped an arm against his back.

"I missed you, old friend. I'll be proud to have you back."

"It will be good to be back, agent." He stepped back after a moment, pleased to find the same warmth of their embrace in steady gray eyes. "We must make final arrangements with the nest, but… perhaps we may join you for your return to Odessen?"

"Of course," Tyr said, giving his arm another squeeze. "If there's anything I can do, just say the word. You'll have it." His smile widened a touch. "Besides, I could use the time off. I'm sure they can manage without me for a few days."

Vector's smile turned slightly amused. "Perhaps we could arrange a visit then. The nest would be eager to see you again, agent."

Tyr chuckled. "If they are favorable, I'll be glad to attend."

"Good," Vector said with a nod. "We should make preparations then. Shall we?"

#answered #touch prompts #dot words #swtor fanfic #swtor fanfiction #ch: tyr #vector hyllus #give me my hugs with the bestest mvp ever #also i've not lost these i promise <3 #just in the final month of the college semester and it is OOf. hitting.

[izacore]

I know you’re not that active anymore but have you done some readings for hl recently? I randomly got sad cause no one is sure about them actually being together anymore and everything they did in the past seems so pointless now. But I totally get it if you stayed away from all this!

hi! i finally got down to it today because i was curious myself and i have to say sooo many cards keep falling out while shuffling as it was so much to tell me lmao, anyway i asked about hl and their relationship currently etc. and here's what eventually showed up:

Eight of Pentacles reversed - lack of quality, rushed job, bad reputation, lack of motivation, mediocrity, laziness, low skill, dead-end job, little motivation, tedious job, low quality work, not putting effort into love, neglecting relationship. The job part made me think about Harry just focusing on finishing LOT finally and going through the motions to get till the end, lol, and with them both on tour at the same time on different continents, of course their relationship is getting affected somehow, I guess? Maybe feeling like they have too little time for each other, which, duh.

The world reversed - false measure of success, missing piece in career, close to completing financial goal, unfulfilled despite financial comfort, missing something in love life, taking partner for granted, lack of closure, lack of achievement, feeling incomplete, emptiness. Again, it feels to be clouded a lot by things that make me think about Harry and his tour - is he contemplating the last 3 years and how exactly they made him feel? Is he not feeling as accomplished or fulfilled as he would have in the end? Do they still feel like something is lacking in their lives despite the success of the last years? (🤣)

King of Cups reversed - overwhelmed, anxious, cold, repressed, withdrawn, manipulative, selfish, selfishness at work, staying at job despite lack of emotional fulfillment, manipulation, deceit and selfishness in love, being lead on or used, not putting in effort, The reversed king of cups can signify dealing with a boss or a manager who has become a bit of a tyrant. Sometimes, this card can indicate that you are at your position solely for the money, and you may be feeling unfulfilled. Even if you began at this position with excitement and passion, it may be slowly disappearing...... I mean, the conclusion writes itself, doesn't it? I'm side eyeing this card so much, especially in the presence of the other two. Unfulfillment and burn out seem to be a theme for this reading.

Back of the deck: Five of Swords reversed - reconciliation, resolution, compromise, revenge, regret, remorse, cutting losses. The Five of Swords reversal meaning shows you that all you want is for that particular period to be over so that you can forget and forgive. Because you are beginning to understand that winning is not everything, you will be capable of focusing your energy on something a lot more constructive and positive.

Another interpretation of this card in reverse is that the conflict you are experiencing is actually going to become more upsetting as you realize that there can only be losers. These are terms that you need to come to grips with. 💁🏼‍♀️💁🏼‍♀️💁🏼‍♀️

I decided to try to find out more and asked what it's all about, if it’s Harry feeling tired of tour or what his feelings are. Two of Cups (mutually beneficial relationship, working together as a team, strong pair is indicated here, the joy of two becoming one, partnership that is built on the union of forces, a strong connection and a balanced and equal partnership) and Five of Wands (competition between colleagues, competitive work environment, conflict, there is form of conflict in one’s life, competition between suitors, conflict between lovers, playful banter, conflict, competition, arguments, aggression, tension, rivals, clashes of ego) upright fell out, which makes me wonder if he is simply saying longing back to the times of working with Louis as a team and spending a lot of time in each other’s presence? That the way their lives are now is affecting their relationship and he wants it to stop? He also may feel tired and bored of the constant competition and being at the top of his game and would like to chill for a second (hmmm personally I'm not sure about that).

As for Louis however, I got Seven of Pentacles reversed (Doesn't surprise me to see pentacles here lol, no results in work efforts, stagnant career, losses, little financial compensation, Are you putting way too much effort at work? Or are you not putting in enough? The reversed 7 of Pentacles can signal some kind of imbalance when it comes to your career. It seems that regardless of the answer, nothing you do (or don’t do) seems to change anything. Results are minimal.). I guess it makes me think of what he's been saying about slipping back into bad habits, him overthinking everything. I'm certain they also expected a bigger turnout for this tour and we all know how's the ticket sales situation. On the other hand, I also got Three of Wands (momentum, confidence, expansion, growth, foresight, looking ahead, next stage in relationship, romantic momentum, creating lasting foundation, new horizons in career, expanding your career options) so to me he still is set on his goals lol just everything is underlayed with his internal struggle with confidence and overthinking. He should keep his mind open to potential new opportunities that can arise, as they may be much better for him.

#✨️ #grain of salt as always! #ask #anonymous

[magnoliawaltz]

I wish we had more Kazuki in TBY

Me too, anon. He was cool in a somewhat dangerous way, but also looked like he was going to disappear at any moment, as if only a mere vestige of his existence remained there.

But to be honest, following TBY's line of thought, if they showed more scenes of Kazuki just to have him be a scumbag father figure to KoSoushi I don't think I could take it lol. Do you realize he left the island without saying sorry to him once? Now that I think about, I don't remember him apologizing even to Soushi in DA. He only said he wanted to do that, but then there was nothing to forgive because Soushi was actually grateful.

Hohoh... Is that also part of Makabe Kazuki's hubris...

TBY was trying to remove itself from the shadow of Kazuki and Soushi's story, right. That's fine (it's not but let's pretend it is), but it also refused to give us relief by presenting his conclusion. It feels incomplete. Purposefully so (eternal return...), but still.

More than that, it feels like they intentionally omitted some vital scenes here and there to leave us speculating. The fact I keep seeing wildly different interpretations about his behavior in the last two episodes in the Japanese side is a good indicative of that. It's like the tabula rasa in that way. It could go either towards a positive development or a negative one, it is only full of potential.

And I am a pessimistic person, so I can only imagine somewhat gloomy scenarios after that ending lol. Because what I want most is to Kazuki to come to reject that island's way of thinking too. KoSoushi did a lot but it wasn't nearly enough, and he too embraced militaristic power with real zeal, otherwise he would have no voice there. Even the meaning of a blessing has been re-contextualized, so they've all supposedly been freed from any restrictions imposed by the Mir, right? Stop being a soldier, Kazuki. Stop.

Well, he already left that place anyway, maybe that's enough for now. I think it was meaningful to end TBY by having two characters who had to fight since childhood, to the point they stopped being human, leave with their deadly machines. They finally earned the opportunity to see the world with their own eyes and reevaluate their experiences.

#thank you for the asks. I may take some time to answer because I'm still gathering my thoughts #it's scary how militaristic these characters have become. they even did the salute while leaving the island. sigh... that's japan now 4 u #wow while I was writing this I realized that kosoushi may have developed a fathercon with this turn of events. soushi had a mothercon right #hm now that I think about it soushi was also fathercon huh. he thought he could command better than his dad and emulated his behavior #maya too as she really hated her dad and couldn't understand him. I guess that's part of why she felt a strong dislike towards soushi #kazuki is... a bit different right? he was a kid who was like a mom who then became a dad #turning into something other than themselves by understanding and loving it - that's agape #hahah... #yuuya answers #spoilers #fafner #the beyond #ywtext #anon ask

[gayspock]

okdok (how my mam spells okie dokie; need to give her credit) some more bsg thoughts

okie btw i never properly said. i DO rlly love the themes of religion in the show. i have seen glimpses (i go through threads, bc im nosy, despite trying not 2 spoil myself) of ppl rlly rejecting it but sorryyyyy its just... yknow like- i loathe how patronising scifi can be of it sometimes, AND how bad fanbases can get. coming off of trek, well, youknow....

also completely . disavowing it .. is always soo silly 2 me bc... like im not religious myself, even, but i always find it one of the most interesting things to explore within fiction ^_^ esp esp with more scifi stuff, like... thats one of the best places to challenge and to play with it. smile. both with its relationdship between science but also how with its relationship between Humanity and how that might differ for different cultues.... and again its so disappointing the way its hanled so much of the time in many works, and by many Scifi enthusiasts. -_- bc its sooo reductive.

anyways i still sometimes feel like theres something missing from the show and i think thats just me im not sure why. like in terms of like... a certain incompleteness thats not JUST them pacing it out, or leaving things up for interpretation... but i cant uqite put my finger on it. its like i feel like maybe its just bc s1 was SO short for what it was and s2 has been very plot heavy. i think the show would have benefitted a bit more from some more establishing "filler" eps in terms of, like, worldbuilding, yknow? again- i really want to see more of the civillian side of things. i hope we get more of that ^_^ its deffo not like THE WORSTTT problem the show oculd have

BC LIKE OTHERWISE im rllyyyy loving the direction they took EVERYTHING in in season 2. omg. they set it all up so well and OUGHGHGHGG. i love how its testing everything theyve built from s1, wrt the command. absolutely crazy moves...

i was absolutely ITCHING for a presence like admiral cain and she delivered. part of me wishes it went a bit longer? just a bit. i dont think it was like... RUSHED... partially bc i do agree her takeover would have just been immediate, like it was, and i dont know what her role really could have been after they called off the assassinations. but idk- i wish we got to see a bit more of her, i guess! maybe even just an ep or so.

nonetheless she was still a really good contrast. her and the pegasus and how its run, versus galactica. and i do think.... i think i tlked before abt how sometimes i was unsatisfied with how, like, bsg kind of handled its own politics sometimes? like- specifically the roslin and zarek. i think thats moreso an issue with the latter, and again how... kind of lacking i find him, for what could be a really good and interesting opportunity to challenge roslin, who does have issues, unchecked, rather than just be kind of a minor antagonist ... & THATS EVEN MOREE the case with his presence back on kobol. like he was literally there just to cause conflict and idk like its FUNCTIONAL but its also like comeee on you can be more interesting with him! come on!

BUT here i do think with both cain and tigh's brief stint in command they did well to rlly explore it a bit more so im forgiving it. its not like that fixes that mess but this stuff was good enough for me to be like 👍uh huh, yaknow? b c it was soo good and argh im- SPEAKING OF, i am glad they did "remember" incidents like the gideon massacre, even after adama came back. again i do wanna see MORE of the civillians- but i think we're going to getthat soon, i hope? i feel it more in the air, with the introduction of that new number 6 and the cylon apologists which im rlly excited for... both bc theyre things i rlly wanted to see more from the show ^_^

anyway i feel like noneof this is that mad i just wanted to ramble in bc i haventttt properly eek and squeak i feel like i acc dont have much to say ^_6 despite rlly enjoying myself and the show LOL

sharon is still my favourite btw teehee smile

#Egg.txt #bsg liveblog

[maeglinthebold]

AO3 Wrapped

From this ask game.

How many words have you written this year?

438,169 posted to AO3, and though this is artificially inflated by a good portion of it being RP and continued works from 2021, I also wrote way more than that besides (isolated scenes, pure wank material, stuff that will never see the light of day, etc.)

I’d like to thank a new fandom getting its hooks in me (OFMD) and the ending of Roswell New Mexico being so inspiringly bad for those high numbers, up from 166k in 2021 and getting me almost up to my 2020 levels (514k). 

2. How many works did you publish this year?

69 - LMAO that was NOT on purpose.

(That's an average of 6.3k per fic.)

3. What work are you most proud of (regardless of kudos/hits)?

I really enjoyed writing Hell of a Night: it was angsty and dramatic, but I liked making Stede and Ed fight a literal Kraken before they could get back together.

4. What work of yours has the most hits?

World Enough and Time - OFMD, rated E, published at a sweet spot for people interested in reading Stede/Ed. I was proud of the use of contemporary poetry, though, and very proud of the goofy sex those old men got up to in that. 

5. What work of yours got more feedback than you expected?

Start Where You Are (and Change the Ending) had some great conversations in the comments I feel like, mostly about Izzy. I wanted to get the antagonist thing right and not make him cartoonish. I feel I did that, but it’s way more work than I want to put into his character in the future, as I just don't care for him personally. Anyway, good conversations were had in the comments here, and that’s what I consider to be good feedback.

6. Favorite title you used

How the Mighty Fall (They Fall in Love) I suppose!

7. If you use song lyrics, which artist's songs did you pull from the most?

I think I saved myself from being a Fall Out Boy bitch by being a Halsey bitch first and foremost. Am I mad I used “The Lighthouse” lyrics for RNM fics before I started writing OFMD fics? Yes. Still mad. 

8. Pairing you wrote the most for this year?

Malexa with 28, followed by Blackbonnet at 16

9. Favorite pairing you wrote for this year?

Definitely those two, Malexa and Blackbonnet. I not only can't choose between them but I'll add Kyle/Max/Liz, Michael & Liz, and Maria/Kyle as honorable mentions. 

10. What work was the quickest to write?

That’s not an entirely fair question because I have so many short works that I banged out in one sitting. Also I usually have no problem getting words down once I have an idea and I have the time: it’s why I love prompts. 

11. What work took you the longest to write?

What We've Built probably took the longest by word count ratio because I kept crying during the writing of it. 

12. How many WIP's do you have in your docs for next year?

Shhhhhh. If I don’t promise anything I don’t disappoint anyone (including myself).

13. What's your longest work of the year?

With @haloud, and also continued from 2020: I Was Just An Only Child of the Universe (And Then I Found You) (117,908 words)  

With @singerofsongs: Ask for forgiveness, never permission (41,989 words)

Solo, but also a continuation from 2021: Never Let You Go (40,800 words)

14. What's your shortest work of the year?

I had quite a few double-drabbles all coming in at 200 words (by Google Doc’s count, if not AO3’s): 

Deep

Hautdesert

Watching

Adrenaline

Aftermath

Reading

15. What WIP are you taking into next year with you?

All of them. I have 17 works marked as incomplete and I will always consider them on my to-do list. Updates could happen at any time. You don’t know.

16. What's your most common "Additional Tags" tag?

Established relationship, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, and Humor. 

I made an effort to add “Humor” to my tags this year because it’s something I consider myself good at and thought I should advertise. 

17. Your favorite character to write this year?

By the numbers, Maria DeLuca, and that’s as it should be lol.

As far as an interesting new challenge, I’d say Stede Bonnet: it’s hard to reconcile him sounding fancy half the time and using scientific names for moths and yet also coming up with “Mr. Wavy-Blade.”  

18. The character that gave you the most trouble writing this year?

Alex Manes. Missing from most of season 4. Missing in our hearts since season 1. The version in my head is cool, it just kept getting harder and harder to reconcile him with canon. 

Also Izzy Hands, for reasons mentioned above. 

19. What's one pairing you want to explore next year?

I don’t know what new ones will grab me, otherwise more of the same! 

20. Which work of yours have you reread the most?

Probably How the Mighty Fall (They Fall in Love)

21. How many kudos in total did you get this year?

5,792

22. Which work has the most comments?

I Was Just An Only Child of the Universe (And Then I Found You) but again, that one’s been going since 2020!

23. Did you do any collaborative works this year?

Yes, loads! It’s the best part about writing fic! Thanks to my rp partners: 

@haloud: Without Question, foolish men have tried, but only you have shown me how to love being alive, stranger in a strange land, Even If It's Just in Your Wildest Dreams, love and life lines, I Was Just An Only Child of the Universe (And Then I Found You), there is a lighthouse in the middle of the deep end, You Make Me a Believer, From Roswell with Love, Kiss Me Like Your Ex Is in the Room, 

@a-singer-of-songs: Ask for forgiveness, never permission, Tell me all your thoughts on God / Cause I'm on my way to see her

@lizzy-leo: Sinking in your Eyes, Chasing Golden Nights

24. Did you write any gifts this year?

Yes! In addition to my birthday ficlet gifts (Maeg's Hobbit Birthday Gift Ficlets 2022), I wrote a few other fics I gifted to people this year: 

The E-Word for @dr-lemurr

Embedded for @haloud

Oh, she's sweet but a psycho for @primalmusic

If You Really Loved Me You Would Share Him for @haloud

Drawn for @haloud

25. Did you receive any gifts this year?

Yes! I got some lovely ones this year: 

You Bring Me Hope by @tasyfa

ours by @infp-obsessing-over-everything

i sleep to dream (the trail beneath your feet) by @haloud

26. What's your most common category?

“Multi” (the tag I use to indicate a poly ship) is my top category! 

27. What do you listen to while writing?

I like to watch video game playthroughs actually. Shoutout to @nyssaismyrealname for endless hours of HZD, HFW, AND GOW:R to have on in the background while I write.

28. Favorite work you wrote this year?

Though it’s still a WIP, I’m really loving Dangerous. Miluca Witch/Werewolf who have caught Hunter Alex and will probably fall in love with him knowing me. Turned Alex into a bunny rabbit so what’s not to love?

29. Favorite line/passage you wrote this year?

“And a stake to the heart kills you?” [Michael asked.]

“Doesn’t it kill everybody?” Alex chuckled. 

“Yes,” Maria said. “Though I don’t know about—what the limits are of blood healing us? Haven't had much opportunity to test it, luckily. But I’ve definitely killed a vampire with wood through the heart.” 

“Any kind of wood?” 

“Heh,” Alex interjected. 

“This isn’t Supernatural, Michael. It doesn’t need to be a holly branch or something.” 

“Wow, you…” Michael grinned. “You had that right there, didn’t you? For someone who claims her life is nothing like hit CW series Supernatural.” 

“Shut up.” 

Michael grinned. “Okay. Okay, how about garlic?” 

“No worse than any other human food.” 

Michael nodded thoughtfully. He would really miss eating if he became a vampire. Not like these Civil War vets who could only miss hard tack and gruel. “If I drop a bag of marbles…”

“I would be pissed that you dropped a tripping hazard in front of a disabled veteran,” Alex said sternly, but Maria laughed before Michael had a chance to worry he was serious. Alex smiled. “No counting compulsion.”

(From “Drawn.” It made me laugh.)

30. Biggest surprise while writing this year?

I had no idea I wrote quite that much! 🙃 Probably a cry for help.

#me #fanfic #ao3 wrapped #stuff i write

[shenashygans]

[photo is irr🐘]

THE SUNDAY CURRENTLY -29- (2nd time)

why 2nd time? the first one did not post. and it was not saved, too. ugh. it's Sunday! so i have to do this. it's not that i don't want to do it.. it's just that, i keep in forgetting hehe. another TSC from yours truly~

CURRENTLY

Reading

8/13 and I'm still on a reading slump. womp womp womp~

Writing

TSC 29.. again *sigh*

Listening

to lobby music. it makes you feel sleepy, but it's too loud to keep you awake

Thinking

about what my roomie said to me the other day. she poured her thoughts out about me moving, and she felt I'm leaving her behind. i am not. I'm just leaving...first? that's all. she said she doesn't get it why I'm doing this. maybe she doesn't get me at all? she's just not used to being alone that's why. and besides, she's going to leave me eventually? I'm just getting a head start. I'm not going to pause my life or happiness for some selfish reason. i know we've been friends for 9 years, and it's really hard for her to accept the fact that i really am happy.

Smelling

nothing:( i miss my perfume :((

Wishing

for better days ahead. smooth transition. i wish for my roomie's peace of mind. i wish she'd understand my situation, she's been here before. i wish she could just be happy for me. i wish she won't miss me that much or be sad when I'm gone. i wish, well I know, she can make it on her own. i wish she won't get sick, too.

Hoping

i hope my roomie is not contradicting me. i hope she's not wishing for me to fail just for her to say, "i told u so" :( i hope she would trust me to make my own grown up decisions. if i fail or get hurt, it's up to me. i hope that in time she'll forgive me.

Wearing

always incomplete uniform

Wanting

to move out fast. i want to move to Dubai. like, rn? but i cannot. i still have 2 weeks left, i think? i want to pack all my stuff already. i want to move to our new home, stay in our new room, sleep in our new bed. sigh. few more days 'til i sleep & wake up next to the loml üwü

Needing

an 8-hour nap? lol. i need to catch up on my Zzz's. been sleeping late & waking up too early. i need a vacation from work. oh, wait. soon! hahahaha

Loving

the fan i borrowed from the jowa. saved me from having heatstrokes in my own reception. loving the fact that I'm just counting the days 'til we move in together. can't wait!

Feeling

sick? idk. my head hurts rn so I'm feeling sick. i drank 2 Panadols already. gahd. i feel sleepy, too. but I can't sleep. idk.

Manifesting

NEW JOB. HIGH SALARY. FINANCIAL ABUNDANCE. GOOD HEALTH. HAPPY LOVE & SEX LIFE ✨

that's all folks! ;)

[retphienix]

I just became incredibly giddy over nothing major lol

So basically I really like this old Xbox 360 arcade title by Double Fine, Iron Brigade.

I could talk.... far too long about it- I involved myself heavily in the community around it and have a lot of nostalgia.

So!

A fun memory I have is getting outside of the map on some campaign missions and exploring as best I could before the base would inevitably be destroyed and I have a distinct memory of getting out of one stage and seeing what looked like assets of another stage out of bounds- along with an area that appeared to be the layout of a stage but incomplete and unfamiliar- like a beta idea that never became a real stage.

I was ASTOUNDED to find this because this was a game I put hundreds of hours into and was obsessed with- remnants of what could have been were RIGHT THERE- loaded in whenever you booted up this random single player mission no one plays since everyone plays survival instead!?!

Anyways, today I was digging around the PC version trying, and utterly failing because I have no experience with this, to figure out how modders create modding tools. Like making a mod in a game that has tools either created by the community or by the devs themselves is a breeze- I have No Idea where to begin on a game that has no documentation for such a thing- and no real hope because- since I have only a rudimentary and decades old education of programming and no experience with This Specifically- I'm just toying around- that's all.

Anyways.

While digging around I found what appeared to be a dev code left easily accessible. So I did what anyone would do and toggled it on, sure enough it did what it said and a touch more.

So it grants a hyper sprint option and, as it turns out because I didn't know until it happened, also makes it so you can't fail missions.

I got to figuring that since you get out of the map via sprinting (and abusing turret collision boxes) that I could maybe see even more with the hyper sprint.

I can!!!!

AND I VINDICATED MY CHILDHOOD MEMORY OF THE OUT OF BOUNDS STUFF!!

As implied, you can get out of the maps just fine without the hyper sprint- but you often come up to cliff sides and obstacles that limit what you can actually do out of bounds.

Also you're tied to the timer of the enemies blowing up the base / you winning / you needing allies to defend for you.

So this adjustment removed those limits and I found MUCH MORE than I expected :D

All of these above pics are from Hospital.

What?

Doesn't look like it? (the one person who played IB before is saying)

Correct! What you see above are entirely different maps!... Or so you'd think!

Turns out a lot of maps are all loaded on the same larger map. And, forgive me if I'm inaccurate as I'm replaying the game for the first time in a decade, I believe the 4th photo is a beta build of a map as the surrounding area looks "similar" but "different" from a few maps- like this was a test version that isn't selectable- or it's just hard to recognize without a few things loaded like the tube spawner! Not sure, still cool :D

Anyways I just got WAY too hype to see how the sausage is made on one of my favorite games. I discovered that some stuff existed out of bounds many years ago- but I had NO IDEA that ENTIRE LEVELS were hidden out of bounds or that the map was THIS BIG- exciting day for me :)

I initially recorded some of the sprinting but had audio issues and deleted- if I think it's interesting enough I'll record more because the sprint is neat.

Oh, and since I mentioned this was all done with basic config options because I am inexperienced, all you need to do is add

WorldBuilderMode = true

to the Buddha.cfg file found in the Iron Brigade data folder (easily found through your steam -> browse local files)

I spent a long while fumbling with the cutscenes, looking through the lua available because again- I know some stuff- I don't know shit about how a game is normally exported and provided to us so I was just messing with stuff I recognized- and then I realized what this file was and went "Oooh" and here we are.

Edit: Turns out the toggle doesn't make it so you can't fail- being too far out of the map does that as it makes the base intangible and deactivates most AI/spawns.

#Iron Brigade #Trenched #RetPlays

[fluffallamaful]

Lore Discussion Incoming — Soup

c!Wilbur is the character on the DSMP that I would probably be most likely to punch in the face, lol. Hell, if I were to choose a True Villain of the story, it would almost certainly be him.

A list of what he’s done, canonically (likely incomplete):

Drew lines in the sand with L’Manberg so that he could gain power (basically the exact thing that he accused Dream of doing)

Manipulated people into supporting L’Manberg using every propaganda tool in the book (including writing Dream into the role of one-note villain, a role that he would later don himself)

Waged a years long harassment campaign against Eret after she had the gall to be the only one to not fall into the roles he slot out for everyone (The Control Room) that resulted in her being completely obsessed with her image and with the idea of her being redeemed in the eyes of others (count how many times c!Eret has tried to “redeem” herself in the eyes of those characters) (it’s more than once)

Tried to rig an election and then went into a total spiral when it failed that led to him blowing the whole thing up. (The election itself also explicitly paralleled the American 2016 election, if I remember correctly, so. There’s no way to make that situation sound anything but morally bankrupt.)

So much of his “searching for forgiveness” thing that he did post-revival was so performative that it often felt like he did more harm than good (forcing Tommy to confront Dream in prison in a twisted, puppeteer-like show, for example — make no mistake, that was a show, whether he consciously realized it or not) (it didn’t even help Tommy, in the long run, because he was still completely paranoid — it legitimately only served to retraumatize him)

Was an abusive and neglectful father to c!Fundy, canonically, at least in Fundy’s later years (and maybe before that, depending on who you ask, but that can kind of be debatable) (“You made me eat off the floor!”)

Hell, his whole deal with Tommy is a fucked up mess and a half. As his right hand man, Tommy was often the main subject of his manipulation to the point where he was completely submerged in it. Hell — there’s a real reason that Tommy was often directly paralleled with Wilbur by the narrative The only way that Tommy was finally able to see past Wilbur’s rhetoric about Dream being a Pure Evil Monster is because cc!Wilbur literally took him out of the story. (Did you notice that the Finale lore streams — the only ones post-c!Wilbur — were also the only ones to portray c!Tommy’s fucked up black-and-white worldview as destructive?)

Also L’Manberg’s influence has almost always been framed as explicitly negative. Fundy renounced the country as having been horrible to him during Doomsday, Niki burned down the L’Mantree entirely of her on volition, Tubbo was turned into a tyrant due to being forced into the role of Boy President, Philza was put under house arrest for “preventative measures,” Techno was tracked down for an execution (also part of said preventative measures), Tommy was constantly put under duress by Wilbur ESPECIALLY during the Pogtopia arc as he was forced to defend walls that never did the same for him in return (and its really sad actually that he seeks refuge in those walls post Dream’s escape from prison by building them around his base, I mean talk about the parallels of characters seeking solace in the places of their abuse and mistreatment), and probably a whole lot more that I’m forgetting rn.

Honestly in a lot of ways, canon!Wilbur is basically fanon!Dream. c!Dream sucks at manipulating people. Like, he’s terrible at it. He’s an amazing actor, but his lies themselves hardly ever hold up under scrutiny and his misjudgements of people so often end up biting him in the ass that it’s practically a comedy of errors at this point. (Hell, his whole plan to catch Vikk and Lazarbeam relied on him and Punz literally chasing them down! Half of the other characters could have manipulated them into following them, brought them into a trap, whatever, but Dream could not.) The only way any of this act held up is because he was able to convince both the audience and the characters that he was insane enough to believe every word. c!Wilbur, on the other hand, is amazing at it. He’s a true empath in a lot of ways, and he knows how to get the pick turning in just the right way to open the lock.

yessssss i feckin love the dsmp because all the characters have flaws it’s honestly awesome.

i actually was never on lmanberg’s side. i understood dream’s logic of finding it dumb that they were preaching for freedom whilst creating laws and fencing off an area.

and ahhhh you’re analysis of c!wilbur is so cooolllll!! *clap clap* i think also the fact that cwilbur was american this whole time was also such a crazy part to his character. he really did just come onto dream’s server, created a country, blow it up, convince tommy of black and white thinking, then left lmao. i love him and yes i hope he chokes on his soup a couple times 😂

#llama asks #how dare he come in and ruin beautiful celery sticks simplicity and then leave 😭 #soup the destroyer #lore with llama

[lemony-snickers]

since your requests are opened and i've spent hours finishing your kakashi masterpieces, can you write about how kakashi would react when he sees reader after her faked death that he didn't know about?

maybe about a year after reader 'died' to let the trauma fully sink in the copy ninja before he sees her again and crumbles and- you know what to do 😸☝️ angst cascading to smut (because of how repressed he was since he hadn't been getting off properly ever since reader's death)

i had two fake death requests before tumblr ate one in the Great Purge of Lemony’s Ask Box.  and then i got a third one sometime after that.  couldn’t hit all the right notes for each of them, so this is a bit of an amalgam.  hope you like it well enough, my three anons, if you’re still hanging around, i know it’s been forever.  i hope you can forgive me for the delay.  <3

Title:  Resurrection Summary:  Kakashi feels lost as his students go their separate ways, and then a ghost from his past threatens to unravel everything. Word Count:  7,126 (lol, sorry.  i can’t stfu apparently) Warnings:  18+ only, NSFW, fem!reader, tw pregnancy, tw death (temporary, obvs), one f-word, sappy ending, no proofreading .

Kakashi is no stranger to loneliness.  But as he watches Naruto depart Konoha with Jiraiya, he can’t help but feel like it’s different this time.  Like the hollowness is deeper, more final.

He knows he will have plenty of missions to fill his time, but today is a day of rest and the lack of anything to do makes him antsy.  Restless.

His feet take a familiar path to the Konoha Cemetery, and he knows at least here he will be able to pass plenty of time because he has so many lost people to visit.  He starts with his father and mother this time, standing solemnly at their graves—separated because of his father’s final disgrace—in turn, silently catching them up on his life.  His losses.

Kakashi can’t help but think they would be disappointed their son has grown to be a man who feels so incomplete.  No students, few friends, no home life—just the work of a shinobi and the corresponding blood on his hands.

Next is Rin, who exemplifies that last bit so well.  He still wakes sometimes, seeing his palms spattered with her blood and viscera. Still hears her voice in his ears as her final sounds bubbled forth from her mouth.

He doesn’t stay there as long as he should, but he doesn’t have the stamina for it today; the guilt clawing its way into his brain is too strong and he’s afraid if he doesn’t leave now, he never will.

The Memorial Stone he saves for last, paying his respects to Obito and Minato-sensei and a third name etched further down, more recent.

Your name.

(Read More on AO3)

#lemony smutters #kakashi hatake #kakashi smut #kakashi x you #kakashi x reader #fem!reader #tw pregnancy #tw death