#YES i fish in stardew valley. YES it's annoying sometimes YES i still do it and i love it literally fight me for real

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

How about the towns people reacting to the farmer who despises joja. Like, think about it. The farmer left their soul sucking office job at joja behind only to see them again right across the bridge. I bet they would support the community centre out of spite.

They are normally a friendly and sweet person but the moment joja comes into the conversation they snap a little. Morris talks to them and their left eye twitches rapidly cuz this guy reminds them way too much of their old boss. They have dark dreams about the blinking lights of the work and rest lights and the bosses looming over them through the glass in their office.

Locals swear they see the light disappear from their eyes whenever they accidentally fish up a joja can.

Oh man, That's just about a perfect description of my OC Farmer. He is by nature a very kind and patient man, but every time he sees JojaMart, catching more trash with that logo on it, or sees people who use every means, even mean ones (remember that scene with Morris), to destroy the competition and become monopolists, he gets very sarcastic. Sometimes, it can be just pure rage.

But let's not talk about my OC, because the question here is about a neutral farmer 😅 So enjoy, dear anon!

SDV townies react to the Farmer who despises Joja:

Marlon's mind is more on protecting the Valley from monsters than on boycotting some store. He wouldn't have known about this until one day Farmer came in with a bunch of soda cans with the Joja logo on them, while swearing about the same logo. They told to the one-eyed adventurer that they had fished this cans of the mine waters at level 100. How these soda cans managed to end up in literal lava without burning or even deforming from the lava's temperature was a mystery to Marlon.

Stardew Valley has its own zest that makes the place unique, and according to Penny, JojaMart is ruining that uniqueness. Plus they constantly put promotions on the beer and ales they sell, which Pam just can't refuse. So Penny isn't too thrilled about Joja.co appearance in Pelican Town either.

How Willy understands them! There is already so much garbage floating in the sea from Joja's products that has endangered fish and other marine life. And the mart that was built here has only made the problem worse. So the old sailor will support the Farmer if they want to kick this corporation out of Pelican Town.

Not that George would care much where his wife bought the leek: from the farmers or from that huge store. After all, a leek is a leek no matter how you cooked it. Still, though, memories of his grandfather and his farm bring back fond memories of things that used to be both simpler and better. He's also annoyed by the loud music coming from the speakers in that supermarket, which is "supposed to attract customers" but distracts him from his nostalgic thoughts. Can't he have some quiet time in his own home anymore! If the Farmer wants to stage a boycott, then George will be the first of the participants!

Oh, this is so much fun! Abigail feel bad that she provokes Farmer on purpose, but it's not her fault that her friend gives such a funny reaction at any mention of Joja. "Look, Sam bought me a Joja cola, you want some?" *Possum hissing*

Haley thinks the Farmer is a fool. The only civilized supermarket in town, and Farmer looks at it as an insult to all humanity. Yes, the quality of the clothes leaves a lot to be desired, but there are a variety of sweets to choose from! And there's plenty goods for farming, too. The girl doesn't understand what Farmer's problem is.

Whoa whoa, easy, why the outburst of rage? What? Yeah, Alex bought a dozen eggs at JojaMart. After all, he needs protein. Hey! What's the Farmer doing? Give it back, why did they take the eggs?! If they wanted some egg, they could just ask! Wha?... Oh, the Farmer gave him three dozen eggs. These are from their farm? Uh, thank you. So big, and much better quality than he bought from Joja..... So, how's he gonna explain to Grandma that Alex now have three dozen eggs?

Gus sincerely hopes the Farmer doesn't vandalize his Saloon, at least as a sign of respect for the very owner of the establishment and his property. Because they've been looking at that Joja soda machine for too long. It's like they're trying to desiteng this poor vending machine. He may also have to take Joja Coke off the menu.

*Gasp* Hee-hee. Oh, Marnie can't stop laughing. To be honest, at first the young Farmer's angry stare and scolding caught her off guard and frightened her a little. But later, she can't stop giggling after every barbed comment towards Joja.co, their old boss and "colleagues".

Sheesh, wow. Sam would never have thought that a person could cringe like that at the mention of Joja. The young guitarist should think twice before opening a can of Joja Coke with Farmer standing next to him, because they will vaporize that very can with a look.

Jas already knows what natural resources are and has often heard from Miss Penny that many huge corporations often abuse and deplete these same resources. And this thought makes her sad. But she does not want to quarrel with anyone, so Jas will offer the Farmer to draw a poster together so that Joja will respect nature and makes products that do not harm animals and plants (spoiler: it won't work, but the Farmer was very touched by the girls’ idea).

Bad food? Bad store? But Mr/Mrs Farmer, why do you say that? Vincent doesn't really understand why they hate that store so much, where he often goes with his mother to visit his older brother and buy groceries. His mom even also buys him ice cream in the form of a dinosaur! Because dinosaur is so cool. What? Do they have a living dinosaur?! In a coop? Can he take a look please??? The farm is much cooler than this "Jodja'! Mom look, Mr/Mrs Farmer has a pet dinosaurs!

Oh, that whole blue trash things makes Leo and his bird family very sad. So he understands why the Farmer is so upset too. But the boy is not discouraged and wants to make a clean-up day together with Farmer, Linus and the parrots. Maybe the Joja people will see the beauty of nature and stop littering!

Oh, no, Farmer. You don't need to show so much negative emotion! Emily herself is not fond of Joja and their constant pollution of the environment with their waste, but absorbing so much anger and spreading it to others is not the best way to go about it. She does worry about the Farmer's mental state and will offer them meditation classes to get rid of the bad thoughts associated with the old job and Joja in general.

Shane would probably be the second person who truly hates Joja. Stupid, energy-sucking job, stupid boss who makes him work overtime, stupid uniforms that don't fit him and that make him itch. Can the occasional theft of beer and frozen pizza from Joja's warehouse be considered a form of protest?

Caroline nearly dropped her tea cup when Farmer literally hissed at the mention of Joja and Morris. The two of them were sitting alone in her sunny room drinking tea and Caroline was a little sad that her husband's business had gotten tougher since JojaMart had come to town. She had heard from the Mayor the reason for the Farmer leaving their old job and truly understands their decision (after all, life in the big city can be very tiring). Though the young Farmer's reaction to the mention of Joja.co has her a bit amused.

But when Pierre walked into the sun room (to pick up his gardening tools) where his wife and Farmer were sitting, and heard the conversation about his store and Joja, he started wailing and whining about the desperate situation. And the shopkeeper would wholeheartedly support Farmer in the idea that everyone would be much better off without blasted Joja! However, when the Farmers were about to leave, they thanked Caroline for the tea, and finally, with a sly smile, said that "Joja will not stay here for long". What this meant, neither Pierre nor his wife understood.

"Fuck! Fucking bitch ass Joja with their fucking cans and CDs! I want fish, not that dog ass shit plastic! Rot in hell, you goddamn corporation, bunch of bastards and rats!" Sebastian is used to Farmer's tirade by now, and watches from the kitchen window, sipping his coffee, as his poor friend has been trying to fish the mountain lake for the past two hours. Judging by their profanity, fishing was not going well.

But poor Maru, who almost dropped the wrench on her foot, heard the Farmer's profanity for the first time and thought something was wrong. When she went out to inquire after their fortunes, they were already sitting on the shore crying... and surrounded by the garbage from Joja.co. The young inventor invites Farmer into the kitchen for a cup of coffee with her and her half-brother.

While the brother and sister consoled Farmer with words and caffeine, Demetrius, seeing that there was now a lot of plastic lying nearby, offered to the Farmer take his recycling machine and scheme if they wanted more machines. Recycling would help to bring the environment back to its former state, also the recycled garbage would become useful products for the farm! Demetrius thinks it's unlikely that they'll be able to boycott the huge company in any way, so it's better to help the ecology like that at least.

Robin almost died laughing. "Holy macaroni, you swear like an old sailor!" She really didn't expect such profanity from such a quiet and kind person, but her son and daughter were not the only ones who heard the poor youth's tirade after a bad fishing trip. But Robin doesn't want to tease the poor Farmer, so she goes along with her husband's offer to take their recycling machine.

Oh dear, don't be so furious, you get a headache! Evelyn can understand why the poor Farmer is upset, but she would hate to see such a kind and sweet youth in a constantly bad mood because of Joja. Maybe they'll drop by for tea? She just baked cookies, and didn't use Joja products, granny promises! *wink*

Linus can feel Mother Nature weeping and choking on all this garbage and waste. And how her crying has gotten stronger since Joja their big store in town. The wise man stays calm though and tries to comfort the Farmer, because anger clouds his thoughts and it's impossible to think of ways to help nature.

Hmmm, dear, but Joja is full of good gardening supplies and farming seeds, and at a low price. Jodi thinks they should look in there and get something for.... Oh, okay, fine. Jodi won't mention Joja again, or she gets the impression that nice Farmer is transforming into a beast before her eyes.

Now, now... There's no need to get so angry or you'll get high blood pressure, Harvey knows what he's talking about. Anger is inherent in everyone, but he is well aware of how mental problems later affect a person's physical health. So if Farmer doesn't learn to control their anger, then it will be Dr. Harvey himself who gets angry. And take his word for it, Farmer, he will scold you severely.

For all his desire to help Farmer, Rasmodius feels he should not interfere in people's lives, much less use magic for it. Plus, he feels that there's no point in looking for an answer to solve a problem when the answer is right in front of them. Hmm? What is he talking about? Ah, young adept, the forest spirits will show you the way, you just have to learn to listen to them carefully.

Leah knows what it's like to live in a big city at an energy-sucking job, under the all-seeing eye of a mega-corporation (also with her ex who mumbling everyday about more profitable professions). And when Leah sees JojaMart, her mind involuntarily returns to that unpleasant part of her life. To be honest, she would also start snarling and hissing like a Farmer because of Joja or any other company that is trying to greedily take Stardew Valley for itself.

Elliott bows before Farmer: to reach such a peak of eloquence, masterfully masking sarcasm in conversation with the help of barbs and epithets - such a level was not even reached by Elliott himself, even with his rich vocabulary. The writer doesn't know why this manager from Joja.co angered the always good-natured Farmer, but Elliott made a note to himself to never get on the Farmer's bad side.

All right, kiddo! Don't bark at the store like a guard dog! Do Pam a favor and move your bum away from the main JojaMart entrance, she has to get a dark ale on special, plus a 15% off coupon. Huh, don't like Joja? Then don't look at them and problem solved! Like a piece of cake.

The tired father had to put his hands over Vincent's ears more than once to keep the youngest of his sons from hearing the endless stream of profanity from their new Farmer about the greedy megacorporation. Though Kent would be lying if he said the whole rant didn't make him laugh. Still, he tries to hide a smile under his wife's stern gaze.

All right, enough! Why don't you stop swearing, there's little kids walking around! Lewis can understand anything, but not useless swearing. The town mayor really does miss the days when they were all at the old Community Center, but yelling at Joja won't do anything. What do you mean the "Community Center will soon be alive again"? Farmer? Where are they going? Yoba, they're just like their Grandfather. Sigh, what a daredevil...bless your soul, my old friend.

Satisfied with his work and how quickly the number of visitors to JojaMart was growing, Morris didn't even notice how, when talking to a new resident of the Valley (aka "potential customer"), the poor "listener" had a twitch in his eye and a cringing their face. Well, one gets a tic, he doesn't really care. Although when Morris was at the restored Community Center where people started boycotting Joja, now his eye started twitching.

#stardew valley #sdv #sdv headcanons #sdv shane #sdv emily #sdv alex #sdv sebastian #sdv elliott #sdv harvey #sdv penny #sdv maru #sdv abigail #sdv leah #sdv haley #sdv demetrius #sdv robin #sdv linus #sdv wizard #sdv marlon #sdv willy #sdv gus #sdv leo #sdv jas #sdv vincent #sdv jodi #sdv caroline #sdv pierre #sdv george #sdv community #sdv joja

[vraska-theunseen]

saw a tiktok where someone said "y'all need to choose one fishing mechanic in video games bc i can't do this anymore" and in the comments there was a comment liked by the creator that said "who is asking for fishing?? who is the target demographic??" and i got so mad that i blocked both people on the spot. im the target demographic. i love video game fishing so much

#fishing is my favorite part of any video game #when i learned there was fishing in hades and the sweet way it was implemented i was so happy it's unreal #like you're fighting out of hell but!! you're playing a polite gay british boy and you can stop to catch some hell fish!!! that's incredible #YES i fish in stardew valley. YES it's annoying sometimes YES i still do it and i love it literally fight me for real #i discard better weapons in breath of the wild so i can get fishing spears and pretend im fishing. that's how much i love it #all i do in minecraft and animal crossing is fish. literally #alex talks

[texanredrose]

Hey there ! Apparently you like video-games (or at least Smash), so what's your favourite one ?

Hookay, so… I know this is going to get long, so adding a Read More, but the short answer is: I don’t have a clear cut favorite, but some of my favorites include such well known properties as Mass Effect and lesser known ones like Sudeki. I’m not some gaming guru but I definitely have some Opinions™ about video games.

Favorite First Person Shooter: Halo: Reach. Generally, I don’t ask for much in my FPS; let me kill shit and the less I have to reload, the better. However, Halo: Reach, being at the time the 4th game in the franchise that served as the prequel to the entire series, provided an excellent story with great characters and an underlying message about the indomitable human soul.

Favorite Real Time Strategy: Halo Wars. Okay, yes, another entry from the same franchise, but!!! This one also has some fantastic characters and a great storyline, even if it’s… somewhat confusing when considering the bigger narrative (Halo in general is just messy af and retconned-but-not all to hell anyway). Still, it’s a fun, mostly intuitive RTS, which is notoriously difficult on consoles.

Favorite Horror Game: Resident Evil. Listen, this game came out when I was seven, and my Uncle let me play it to fuck with me. Nothing will be scary than those early PS1 graphics, the loading screen a constant tease of ‘what’s behind this door? Is it death? It’s probably death!’ that got me good. Fear Factor comes a close second, as though it wasn’t much of a horror game, the game mechanic of your character’s rising stress level kept me on the fucking edge.

Favorite Final Fantasy: Final Fantasy X. Listen. I don’t care how awkward Tidus’ laugh was. I don’t even mind how passive Yuna was. Blitzball was amazing and I have forgiven all sins. No, seriously, I loved the cast in FFX, much like other FF games, and Seymour was a villain I enjoyed hating with every fiber of my being, and even some of the mini games were fun, too. But Blitzball could’ve been a standalone game and I would’ve bought it. Still would.

Favorite JRPG: Sudeki. If you didn’t get a chance to play this on the original XBOX, you missed out. The characters were fun, if a bit goofy, and the high fantasy mixed with science fiction was a nice touch. What really sold me, though, was the AI. Not only could you switch between different available characters in the middle of a fight- very easily and very intuitively- but the AI actually behaved very well, saving my ass more than a time or two. In most games, AI are either cannon fodder, immortal, or require close attention/precise manipulation of their preset actions. Not in Sudeki; some fights, I could actually stand back and let my party do their work, and that was immensely gratifying. Yeah, the ending was a bit of a let down, but it didn’t erase how much fun I had with the rest of the game.

Favorite Super Smash Brothers: Super Smash Brothers Melee. Don’t get me wrong, I love a lot of the elements in the sequels but SSBM was the version I played most heavily with friends, so I have the most fond memories of it. Plus, it was before they changed Link’s moveset, which I’m still high key upset about. (I don’t like the new bombs or his new down attack.)

Favorite Series: Mass Effect. Now, one might expect Halo to be my favorite series, seeing as two of the games are some of my all time favorites, but… nah. When you take out the multiplayer element, the Halo games didn’t have much left. Yes, they had a galaxy spanning conflict with twists and turns but, honestly, Mass Effect did it better, with better world building and exploration, and a lot of interactive features that I enjoyed. From what I played of Andromeda, (long after it released, so no weird bugs yet), it continued to build on the foundation of the original trilogy, though I would’ve preferred to stay in the Milky Way, and Ryder can’t hold a candle to Shepard. Still, even what issues I have with the series (LET ME ROMANCE KROGANS, DAMNIT) don’t detract from the excellent story, fun gameplay, and intriguing mystery.

Favorite Elder Scrolls: … okay, I actually don’t like any of them, tbh. And??? I’m not sure why??? I actively can’t stand Skyrim.

Favorite Soulsborne: There is only Dark Souls, and it’s the pinnacle of ‘I don’t need my brain for this’ for me. It’s just… run around and kill things. Nothing matters. I think the main difference between this and Skyrim is the way the player character moves. ES games look so… silly. At least Dark Souls looks silly for a reason.

Favorite Sports Game: NCAA 2007. I’d rather play as a college team than a professional one. Although, NFL Blitz comes a very close second, purely because it gave no fucks and only barely qualifies as a sports game.

Favorite ‘Oh Fuck’ Game: It’s a tie between Minecraft and ARK: Survival Evolved. And you’re asking ‘how are those two in the same category’ and the answer is ‘because the only difference between the two for me is, which is going to kill me, lava or a raptor?’ and don’t ask how I die to these two things with equal frequency. More to the point, I usually play these games with friends, and thus my ‘oh fuck’ moments are witnessed by others, or I witness their ‘oh fuck’ moments. Sometimes they’re funny, sometimes they’re sad, but they leave an impact and, hey, that’s fucking impressive.

Favorite Pokemon Game: Blue Version. Yeah, it’s a bit of a cop out, but the original game I got back when Pokemon first came over to the States actually taught me a life lesson: that it is possible to play a game wrong, which is what I was doing. So, I started over, and I was much happier for it! No matter what features are added to the franchise, I don’t think I’ll ever gain such an important life lesson from one again, so it’s gonna stay at the top of the list.

Favorite Chill Game: Any Harvest Moon. Let me tend my farm. (I haven’t had a chance to play Stardew Valley, which is basically Harvest Moon but gay, so that’ll probably take the top spot once I get a chance to play it.)

Favorite Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Although there are some aspects of Majora’s Mask I liked better, OoT had fishing. Yes, that’s honestly my favorite part of the game. I love fishing in video games. Don’t judge me.

Favorite Team Game: Overwatch. Love the character designs and gameplay. Witch!Mercy still owns my soul.

Favorite Battle Royale: Apex Legends. For some reason, one of the few ‘competitive’ games that doesn’t spark my frustration when I lose. Dunno why, it’s just fun. Lightning rounds are great, too!

Favorite Hack-n-Slash: Brutal Legends. Heavy metal, axes, and guitars- everything from the aesthetic to the gameplay is fun and the story is interesting as well. The RTS portion can get a bit annoying but, other than that, no complaints here.

Favorite Fable: Fable III. I endorse any game that allows me to woo as many people as I can find who are attracted to me. Let me have as many spouses as I want, one in each city. I will marry half the kingdom, damnit, just watch me. 

Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I know I’m missing some but I’ve sunk perhaps hundreds of hours into the games listed, so, yeah.

#TRR asks #me playing video games

[sirens-gemberry]

You’ve Unlocked a Cutscene from “Soren Ren-egade Sharp”!

Continue?

>Yes

No

Warning! This cutscene contains blood, emetophobia, alcoholism, and mentions of surgery! Read at your own risk, Farmers, and stay safe!

Each morning is pretty normal.

Get up, argue with my sister, tend to the crops and animals, fish or mine, then head to bed. Repeat. Cycle, and repeat.

I guess that’s what makes routine, well, routine. But quite frankly, routine was what made my life not worth much to begin with. That’s partially why, even though I had moved to a ‘new life’...I still kept making some form of effort at my own demise. Slowly poisoning myself, one bottle and can at a time.

In a way, I should’ve expected what happened that morning when I woke up.

Even before my eyes opened, I felt groggy, even sitting up taking too much amount of effort. I groaned as I eventually fell back into my pillow, my head throbbing with pain.

“Fucking ‘ell.” I mutter to myself, putting a hand over my face. I couldn't even bring myself to move much, let alone do any of the chores for the day. But I knew I had to, for the sake of not worrying my sister anymore than she usually is about me. I close my eyes, drawing a small breath.

“It's times like these I really wish…” I trailed off after a moment, mostly unsure of where that sentence was headed, as I eventually drag myself off the bed to get dressed for the day.

It was around the end of fall, and soon it would be a whole year since I had moved to Stardew Valley. Thus it was getting a bit more cooler outside. Shuffling through the cabinets, I eventually took out a pair of red and white overalls- since my usual ones were currently being washed off due to a… specific muddy incident involving an awful prank, and the river. All of which was a day prior.  

Changing out of my old sleepwear- basically a thin strapped nightgown- I had issues even keeping focus of everything around me, having to constantly shake my head and blink through a haze. I couldn't help but wonder if I was starting to get seriously sick…

“...Just make it through until your chores are done… Just make it through.” I told myself as I pushed my hair away from my face, a constant tic I had growing up that I never really broke away from.

Taking another steadying breath, in which I nearly stumbled just standing still for more than a moments notice.

“Yoba sh-” I trip when trying to regain my balance, my head smacking into the corner of the doorway, “Ow FUCK!”

I swore to myself as I leaned against that doorway, rubbing the side of my head as the pain from earlier only increased by the tenfolds.

Once I managed to stop cursing long enough to slowly draw myself back to a standing position, I sighed and headed out into the farmland ahead of me.

It was about when I was halfway done with tending to the farm animals, getting ready to head to the coop to be precise, when my sister huffed and leaned against the fence post.

“Do you even remember what happened last night?!” She asked, her back to me, tilting her head back just enough so I can see the frustration in her hazel eyes.

“...I..” Shit, DID I remember last night? I pause, in thought, before I shook my head. I didn’t recall much from the night prior, besides that another argument had occured with Yasmine. Something about home…? About our parents…? It was fuzzy. I remember the warmth of my tears, though, as I had stormed out that night for just a walk.

Just a walk...what happened?

Well, the throbbing headache that broke me from my thoughts a second after gave me the only answer I needed. Damnit, stupid habits, stupid thoughts, stupid, stupid-

“Don’t you have anything to say for yourself?” My head jerked up, tears I didn’t know were in my eyes beginning to trickle down the sides of my cheeks. Shit. I rubbed the tear away with my arm, inhaling and slowly easing the tension in my chest before I could respond. “No, I know I don’t.” I responded quietly, with a soft laugh, “I guess that’s…” I trailed off again, shaking my head. She shouldn’t know how awful I’ve been feeling- physically that is- today.

“...That’s?” Shit, she was onto me. I nervously scratch the back of my neck.

“That’s…that’s jus’ my fault.” I quickly pieced together a formidable response, “I know I need to really stop I just…” I pause, unsure what excuse to give. She knows that other side of me, one I never even spoke about to anyone else. But she didn’t know just how bad, and how deep that ran through me.

“I dunno.” I deadpan before a weak laugh, still offering an embarrassed smile nonetheless. I just needed to keep this up, just for long enough. Just...long enough.

Yasmine stared at me for a few moments, as if trying to piece together whether it was worth arguing about more. Eventually, she decided against it, shaking her head and turning back away.

“Look, I’m heading out for a while alright? I promise I’ll be back in a little while and we can head down to the riverside like you wanted today.” She said after a moment, and I nodded, watching her swing a pickaxe over her shoulder with a small hum. Every other week or so, we worked at fishing by the riverside- occasionally even going down to the beach and fishing there. Unfortunately, with fall crops popping out of everywhere and us scrambling to keep up before winter would rear its cold head, we’ve been unable to do so for quite some time.

“Alright.” I responded with, as I knew it’d give me enough of an out to see Harvey. I was worried, especially if I got sick again. But something just felt off. A sense of anxiety that just sat in my chest, that something was genuinely wrong.

Boy, was I right about that.

As I continued to finish up my chores, I kept getting these surges of pain, throbbing through my stomach. These were pretty common, in general. My abdomen tended to dislike whatever I did in terms of eating, and retaliated as a result. It sucked, yes, but I knew how to deal with it. I kept putting it off as just that, and that it’d pass. That didn’t stop me from pausing in my work to take a few breaths, or even whine as the pain became increasingly worse.

‘Just be patient.’

I peer out from the coop once I finish up, noting the lack of presence on the farm. I sigh, taking out the walkie-talkie my sister had given me- if only to keep track of her while she was in the mines since cell service was just friggin’ awful down there.

“Yasmine?” I asked, my hands nearly breaking the device as another surge of pain caused my grip to tighten.

“Yeah?” Her voice crackled through the radio, I was hardly able to hear her.

“Are you down there already?! I wasn’t in there that long…” I added the last part to myself, eyebrows furrowing. However, she laughed a moment later.

“No, no. I just got in the elevator.” Yasmine said with a soft snicker, “Did you need anything?”

I could tell, that despite her laughter, she was still a bit annoyed. I shook my head briefly, before recalling that- ‘Oh yeah she can’t see you, you idiot.’

“Ah, no. I was just finishing up the chores. I’ll be out on the town until around...4? Yeah, that sounds about right.” I explained, checking the time. It was just over noon right then. All I had to do was make it to town, and get checked up on by Harvey. He wasn’t usually too busy, so I’m sure the business would be appreciated.

I just had to make sure I did this without Yasmine finding out.

“...Well, alright. I should be out by 6-7, so feel free to have some fun for once, alright? You always work yourself to near death anyways.” Speaking of, she spoke up. This broke me from my thoughts, and I sigh.

“Yeah, alright. I’ll try.” She’s saying this as if she doesn’t do the same, except that work being “working” on fixing up the mines. I felt a twinge of annoyance, and it must’ve shown in my tone.

“I’m being serious, Ren.”

“...I’ll talk to you later.” Was the only response I could conjure that wouldn’t set me off on yet another tirade. Stubborn she was, and I didn’t feel like getting into yet another argument. It made me wonder sometimes if I was just better off back at Joja corp, then feeling insignificant compared to my strong-willed, career-driven sister.

I turned off the radio-line, right before I rubbed away at my eyes as if it’d stop the sudden streak of warmth going down my face. ‘Be stronger than this, damnit. You had to go out onto the town without anyone realizing who you were!’

After recollecting myself for a moment, I tucked the walkie talkie into my pocket, heading back to the cabin so I could grab my bag of various items.

It wasn’t long after, I found myself walking the trail that would lead into town. It wasn’t too far- about half a mile out. I liked it for that reason, in a sense. It left both me and my sister alone, and not in the routinely noise of the town. It wasn’t that much that it was chaotic, but...well, people weren’t my strong suit.

Today, in particular though, I found myself swearing about how long the walk was- as I found this pain becoming unbearable. At some points, even, I found myself clutching at my side as my breathing staggered- me trying to keep myself calm when I found myself suddenly scared of what was happening. It was only then I was coming to realize this wasn’t anything I experienced before- this pain was something entirely new. That I was alone.

I needed to get into town, fast.

I inhale sharply when I force myself to stand straight, holding my side the whole while before taking a breath, jetting forward to get into town. I had to keep moving, if I was going to get there before this pain just became too much for me.

As I ran, I just tried to focus on the way my feet hit the ground and not the searing throb in my side, or the way my breath was becoming ragged from overexerting myself once again. This time, at least I had a good reason to. I had to keep going. I had to keep going. But the more I pushed myself, the more this oncoming feeling of nausea began taking over my senses.

Once I managed to get within the stone pathways of Pelican Town, my legs instantly gave out from underneath me. I toppled onto my knees, a hand over my mouth for only a moment before my stomach just forcefully heaved. I tried my best to keep control over my body's actions but at that point it just was not having it for even a moment.

I choked momentarily, warmth seeping into my hand moments later. Honestly, if it hadn't been for the fact that I felt like I was literally dying, I’d likely be more embarrassed about throwing up in public. All the same, I quickly pulled my hand away before it could make more of a mess. My eyes widened however at the crimson shade that had stained my hand instead. ‘Shit, this really was bad.’

I looked up, briefly scanning for anyone who could be watching- but no one was outside at the time. Or at the very least, within immediate vicinity. I had to look down once again before I hurled once again, trying to get myself up to my feet after. But it seemed like an impossible challenge, my vision swimming as my legs shook with the attempted effort.

By now, I couldn't even focus on the way my body was acting, as this pain in my side was just turning into searing, blinding heat. It was unbearable, and I honestly just wanted to pass out- if only to escape this feeling.

As if my body had read my mind, the sudden dizziness that had taken hold of me on the way here, amplified itself to a painful extent. Tears stained the warmth on my cheeks, as I struggled to form a whimper.

As I looked back up- my vision was spotting by then, It wouldn't be long before unconsciousness took its hold on me- I could see Harvey walking someone out of the clinic. He was talking about something or other that I couldn't quite place. To me, it didn't much matter- I just had to get his attention. I might die there, otherwise. I pushed myself into a slightly more upright position, taking a steadying breath despite the urges of yet another heave of likely blood coming way.

“HARVEY!!”

My voice trembled as I forced an attempt of getting his attention through my exhausted system. It's times like those though, that I'm glad I'm a naturally loud person. Given that I yelled that as loud as I could manage in my state, the doctor whipped his head my way and gasped in shock.

I'm lucky I did that when I did do them, though, because as my vision spotted and darkened out, he quickly ran my way to check on how I was.

But no amount of shaking would draw me from my unconscious state…

The first thought that came to mind, once I was able to think clearly again, was a wonder as to what the hell happened. Something bad, I knew that, as the entirety of my upper body hurt like absolute hell.

All the same, I didn't open my eyes even for a few moments, scared by some thought I couldn't quite get a full grasp on. Even when I tried to recall why I was nervous, it slipped from my conscious like my dignity. Always just a little ways away…

Self deprecation aside, I force my eyes to open after what felt like a few minutes, sitting up just slightly.

Ah, fuck, that's right… I put a hand to my forehead, it still aching just a slight bit from the effort of movement. I look back to my other hand, the blood that I had thrown up earlier having been cleaned from it. As likely the rest of my face was.

‘I really oughta thank Harvey later…’

I look around at the white room of the various clinic sections, finding I was the only one there.

Well, that's one good thing, I supposed, considering I didn't want anyone else to really… well, know.

The more my senses and general thought process started to come back to me, the more I realized that while I was alone in the room, I wasn't alone in general. There were voices just outside the door, harsh and soft mutterings that I could almost instantly identify.

Yasmine.

Ah, Fuck.

I quickly scramble to grab my glasses, checking the time on the wall’s clock. 8:45. Fuck. Had I really been out that long…?

As if on cue, the door started to open.

‘Shit, shit, shit!’

I practically chucked my glasses off my face, hiding them under the pillow before laying back down almost as quickly as humanly possible. While I was down though, I could make out the conversation going on as they both came in.

“I don't get it, Harvey, do you even understand why she’s like this?” Yasmine said, the harshness having dropped from her tone as the firm taps of her boots meandered around the room.

“I don't, unfortunately. Only she knows her motives behind all this. Something I personally doubt she'd say.” Harvey responded, a pen tapping nervously on a clipboard. I force myself not to cringe at the pronouns, instead focusing on the sudden drop of mood my sister had gone through…

So, now we’re caught up to MY current situation. Good? Good. Let's continue.

So I have to currently steady my breathing. I knew I had to, as my sister taught me that whenever we were up late. So we wouldn't get caught by our parents. But I was so nervous, I couldn't even get myself to breathe normally, let alone slower enough to pass off as still asleep.

Sure enough, Yasmine went to say something but paused. Slowly, the sound of her footsteps rang in my ears until it was right next to my ear.

Fuck.

She drew back the blankets- my reaction instantly being to flinch away a bit.

“Well, good evening Ms. Dumbass.” Yasmine greeted in a tart manner. To be fair, I deserve that. For a moment, I don’t open my eyes, not wanting to face the scolding I was in for. I’m not awake, Nope, not at all-

“... I know you're awake.” Of course you do.

I open an eye, giving a sheepish grin.

“....Hhhheeyyyy……~” I mutter, trying to hide my panic through a smile. It wasn't working very well, though, that I knew for certain. I wouldn't even believe it. If my sister saw through my facade though, she didn't say anything.

“So what's this I hear about you having to basically get your stomach pumped?” Fuck, seriously?, “AND about being this close to having to send you to get your liver transplanted??” FUCK, SERIOUSLY?!

Considering my luck, that made a stupid amount of sense. I groan, hiding my head in my hands.

“S’rry…” I mutter between my fingers, muffled slightly by the skin. I tried focusing more on the scent of the sanitizer Harvey had likely cleaned my hands off with, and less on the budding feeling of fear making my heart pound.

Yeah, not quite working that way.

I peer out from my hands after a moment, to look at my sister. Her arms were crossed, and she looked pissed.

Again, I kinda deserve that.

“Sorry isn’t going to cut it, Ren!”

“I know.”

“You’ve been like this for years, and now it’s starting to actually affect you!”

“I know…”

“Just...Why!? You’ve never been like this before you went to Joja!”

I suck in a sharp breath at the mention of the toxic corporation, as my head echos with several memories. Voices, commanding and not so kind.

‘Don’t tell anyone about this...you know what’ll happen.’

‘You’re just another dime a dozen.’

‘You should feel lucky I do this to you. No one else would do this to someone like you.’

‘You’re so cute when you cry like that. Lets see you cry some more.’

‘Stop moving so much, you’ll only hurt yourself more.’

‘Unless you show yourself off, you’ll never be worth anything.’

I couldn’t think straight for a moment, instinctively bunching the blankets and covering most of myself up with them. Each memory surged through my conscious, a reminder of what I didn’t do- and what has been done to me in turn. I couldn’t forget, I’d never forget or forgive what that company has done to me. I squeezed my eyes shut to try and block the voices out for a little while, but it didn’t work. It didn’t work, and I couldn’t do anything about it.

“I’ll..you two...things out…”

Harvey’s voice was muffled in my ears, and I couldn’t quite hear through the harsh pounding of my heart in my throat, unable to force my eyes away from my sister as tears began to brim in my eyes. If she knew why, she’d probably call me a baby. That I wasn’t strong enough to say something, that I deserved what happened… And by all aspects, she was right.

I snap myself out of it long enough to wipe my eyes away on the inside of my arm, a slight choke in my breathing causing me to nearly sob. Still, I swallowed the lump in my throat to clear most of the fog in my head, and to speak.

“...You don’t know what I’ve been through.” I said firmly, despite my voice shaking from the effort to contain everything I’ve felt, “And I’m not risking being called a goddamn idiot again by telling you.”

The words may hurt, true, but when it came to these kind of things, Yasmine always told me I was just overreacting, or that she told me so, or that I was being stupid. I couldn’t deal with that, not today, and I couldn’t trust her with what went on beyond those doors. Some things were better off forgotten, but how can I forget? How can I turn a blind nose to all of it, knowing that everything they’ve said was true?

“...” Yasmine sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, “Look, stop crying, okay? I’m sorry I said anything but…”

“But nothing.” I reaffirmed, hands tightening into balls in my lap, “I didn’t ask to be like this, I didn’t ask to be a goddamn disaster, I didn’t- I didn’t ASK to be treated the way I do by everyone around me!”

I don’t know why exactly I said that, no matter how true it was. I force myself to bite back the tears in my eyes- both from the seams of my mind attempting to come undone, and from the pain surging through my body at the stress I was putting on it.

“...I didn’t...I didn’t ask to be treated like the goddamn weakass I am, okay? So just...just stop.” I manage after a moment, my voice edged with an ice I’ve kept on my person for years- and Yasmine knew this. She didn’t know where it came from, but it must have been a sister thing; she’s the same way. Just… ALL the time.

I heard my sister sigh further, anger ebbing away just a slight bit from her expression before nodding, arms falling back down to her sides.

“Yeah...Alright. Look, Ren, can you just promise me one thing?” She asked, sitting on the edge of the bed. I nod, quietly, looking to my hands still firmly gripped into the sheets, knuckles white with the tension.

“...Just...try not to drink anymore, okay? That’s all I ask. It’s starting to fucking hurt you and it won’t take much more before it gets worse.”

I nod a bit, keeping myself out of focus long enough to keep myself from crying further. It might’ve just been exhaustion though. I manage a laugh after a moment, though, smirking to her.

“Well would ya look at that, the emotionless bastard actually does have a heart for her sibling.”

I saw Yasmine scoff a bit, though a twinkle of amusement glinted in her eyes.

“Oh, fuck off. It’s good to have the extra help, but I can damn well manage on my own just fine too!” She exclaimed, sending us both into a quiet fit of snickers.

After a few moments of this, a quiet settled in, as I look up to the ceiling. It wasn’t often we just...joked around, and had fun as siblings. It felt needed though, as my sister sighed and got up, an amused smile on her face.

“Look, I know you’ve got this. It’s just going to take that first step, yeah?”

“...Yeah, okay.” I felt a bit more confident, at least, in my ability to be able to at least do that much. For her.

“I’ve gotta go head back to the farm now, alright? I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

“Okay, sis.” I chuckle, “You sound like you did when you’d come pick me up from high school.”

She snorts as well, looking away, before rolling her eyes.

“Oh shut up. I’ll cya later.”

“Cya~” I utter with a small wave as she headed out, talking to Harvey who stood out in the hallway. Their voices were hushed, and silenced as the door gently closed behind her.

Still, I couldn’t help but feel this sudden emptiness as she left the room. Especially about having her have to deal with who I am, still, after so many years. It was just a bother for her, something I knew was true. I wasn’t anything special, besides a special case of fucking suicidal idiot. Plus, she said it herself- she could’ve always managed the farm just as well without me. Nothing I do leaves a permanent mark on anyone. I’m forgettable, and replaceable. I knew this. I’ve KNOWN this for years now. So why? Why did it still hurt?

A few tears fall from my cheeks before I can even think about it, to which I snap from my thoughts and quickly wipe them away. I sigh, quietly, closing my eyes. Dealing with this was going to definitely be harder than I thought, especially if that meant keeping others safe. From making sure they didn’t know how much everything hurt.

I have to do this though, I didn’t have a choice… One or two more incidents like this could kill me if I’m not careful. Hell, if I wasn’t lucky enough today, I might not have…

“Augh…” I shake my head again, rubbing my eyes again which were blurry with tears. I just needed sleep, yeah, that’ll work.

I lay down with some flinching as my body protested the sudden movement, but eventually I gave a shaky exhale and hid my face into the pillow.

Sometimes, it sucked being the biggest disappointment of the family. But I’d prove my worth to her- to everyone- one day.

...But first, I needed to get some rest.

#;;Pidge's Things #;;Ren Sharp #;;Yas Sharp #;;storyline #;;save file: 1 #IM SORRY BUT HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE <3