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rkvriki · 1 year

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things enha does for you !

hey guys!!! after tha one last fic im back to soft content lolz. i got this idea when i was in class so excuse me if its crappy tho! this one is a lil smoll :')

make sure to leave feedback. my requests are open and so is my talk box so let's talk!

WARNINGS ! undertones of being naked and sunoo watching its all sfw so dont worry!! might contain grammar errors!

word count: 1k

LEE HEESEUNG !

— makes you homemade gifts

heeseung is pretty good at everything, so once in his life decides to make good use of it outside of his job.

heeseung loves giving you gifts, most of them expensive pieces of clothing or even random plushies he wins when he goes to the arcade with the other boys, but is there anything more meaningful than a gift he made himself?

he makes so many handmade things but his favorite thing to do is scrap books. he tries to collect his favorite pics with you every month and he puts them in a scrapbook with cute and sweet handwritten messages.

he loves seeing your wide smile as you scan every picture he chose, remembering each day like it was yesterday.

PARK JONGSEONG !

— leaves you notes or flowers

he does this almost everyday or at least when he stays over at yours and he even has special cute and decorated post its just for you :’)

sometimes he will notice that you might be feeling a little more down or stressed with school/work so he waits for you to fall asleep before he leaves after writing a heartfelt note and sticking it somewhere he knows you’ll see it.

or sometimes jay just feels like treating you nicely so he sends your favorite flowers with a postcard to your house or office.

it all just makes you feel so giddy and soft on the inside, you love how much he shows affection to you in all kinds of ways.

SIM JAKE !

— is present in the most important moments

being from abroad is hard and jake knows that because he also came from a different country, so when knows his s/o isn’t from korea he tries to make up for the fact you don’t have anyone like family members around to supporto you.

when you have important presentations he will be in the audience cheering for you with the biggest smile on his face.

most of the times he does this are surprises, you never know when to expect seeing him there and you would bawl your eyes out if you weren’t in front of so many people.

when you have your first job interview he will take you to where it’s going to take place and he will wait outside and when you come out will tell you that you did good no matter what results are gonna be.

PARK SUNGHOON !

— writes you letters expressing himself

i feel like sunghoon is really shy when it comes to expressing his feelings, although it doesn’t stop him from telling you he loves you every day.

every week he writes you a letter in neat and pretty handwriting, sometimes just telling you how he is feeling lately, other times talking about how much he loves you and how afraid he is of losing you.

he puts every feeling there is in him in the paper, always writing you more than one sheet of paper. After you read all of them you alway call him and you both talk about it, which makes him shy and his ears turn red.

you keep every letter in a box in a place only you and him know and you always read them when you miss him when he’s away.

KIM SUNOO !

— prepares you a spa day/bath

we all know sunoo is all about self care with all the skin care he does and the vitamins he takes and now it’s also a habit of yours thanks to him.

he loves taking care of you when he feels like you aren’t doing it, unable to do it either from stress or just being busy with your life.

when those situations happen, he never fails to surprise you when you come home with a warm bubbly bath in your bathroom, now candle lit.

he asks you to get in the tub as he leaves to get you more things.

he comes back with a huge variety of skin care for you to choose and prepares you your favorite light drink.

when you come out of the shower he will have you laying in the bed and will give the best back massage you’ll ever get, breaking all the knots in you, finishing off with kisses all over your back and face making you giggle.

YANG JUNGWON !

— takes time to celebrate important dates

jungwon loves planning things for you, especially your birthday. even though it makes him wanna rip his hair off he makes all the efforts to make it the best birthday party you could ever have.

literally no one can talk to him during the weeks he is planning it because he is so stressed that he will snap at someone unintentionally (he apologizes later, poor won)

he will plan it almost a month earlier to make sure everything is perfect. he look for the best bakeries around and tries to find the best rooftop to have the party.

he contacts every single one of your friends trying not to forget to invite anyone.

then the worts part comes, the present to give you. jungwon knows so much about you, almost every little detail, but one thing he doesn’t know is what to give you in your birthday, even if you reassure him he is the best present >-<

all the stress his worthy when he sees your teary eyes smile at the big party.

NISHIMURA RIKI !

— spends quality time with you

being an idol takes a lot of someone’s time and niki tries to use every second he had of free time to be with you since he’s always in and out of the country and he knows you hate being alone.

niki takes you everywhere you possibly can go. you go hiking, you go to amusement parks, to the movies, trying out restaurants, just anywhere.

he’s always up to try new things with you and sometimes he might bring the other boys along or you bring your friends, but it’s very rare to happen.

he always takes his digital camera, taking pictures of you when you aren’t looking, which he ends up showing you making you complain of how bad you look and he just glares at you.

sometimes you just go to quiet places and enjoy each other presence, like going to parks in the middle of the nowhere, where it’s just the two of you being two fools in love.

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hisui-dreamer · 1 year

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through the endless daydream (part 2)

Pairing: Lilia Vanrouge x gn!reader

Synopsis: There is a rumour that there is a hidden advisor of the Draconia family, who has guided the ruler of all fae for years. They say he is the one responsible for the peace established between humans and fae. What they don’t know, is that he has been doing so for millennia, cursed by the gods to be immortal as punishment for his crime of killing a human who was beloved by the gods—his very own lover, for whom he must forever repent until he can be killed by his true love.

Tags: angst, character death, brief suicidal thoughts, loss, historical, war, bot proofread

Word count: 4.4k+

Notes: I am honestly in disbelief of how long this fic is getting, but hopefully my motivation doesnt fade and I can finish it. By the looks of it, it'll be one chapter? ehehe

Part 1 ✧Part 2 (you're here)✧Part 3✧Part 4 (coming soon!)

Lilia had hoped the two of them would stay at the orphanage together and live their lives caring for the children while secretly caring for each other as lovers. It was the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, one filled with love, trust, and a newfound sense of joy. But fate had other plans in store for him, which was made clear to him in the moment.

"Lilia, my dear general,” the Fae King greeted Lilia with a warm smile, but it quickly faded as he got straight to the point. “I'm afraid I have some grave news to share with you," he said.

The throne room was decorated in a gothic style, with black stone walls and ornate carvings that seemed to watch him as he walked. The room was filled with a solemn atmosphere, the only light came from the flickering candles with green flames scattered throughout the room. At the end of the room, on a raised dais, lay the Fae King's throne, carved from obsidian and adorned with sharp spikes and intricate, twisted patterns. Lilia had been in the room many times before, he remembered the times when he discussed war strategies with the Fae King, the times when he gave his all for his people, and the times when he made choices he wasn't proud of. This meeting would be different than any other he has had before, and the ominous atmosphere of the throne room only added to his apprehension.

Lilia had been washing bedsheets by the river when the guards of the Fae King approached him. His expression unreadable, he asked, "What brings you here?", trying to sound casual, but his voice was tense.

The guards relayed that the King summoned him to his court. Lilia could only accept, knowing that a summon from the Fae King was not to be taken lightly. After quickly casting a spell to teleport the laundry back to the orphanage, he closed his eyes and concentrated, the air around him shimmered and distorted. The trees and riverbank of the human world faded away, replaced by the familiar sights of his homeland. The sound of rushing water was replaced by the quiet hum of magical energy, and the air smelled of burning candles and fresh roses. He was in front of the King's castle when he opened his eyes once more.

Lilia knelt before the Fae King, his eyes fixed on the ground as he spoke. "What is this news you speak of, your majesty?" He sensed that the King's sudden seriousness might indicate that something was amiss.

The King replied in a low, menacing voice, "General Vanrouge, I have decided that we will wage war on the humans once again."

Lilia froze in shock as he heard the words. He had hoped that the days of war were behind them, that they could all live in peace now, and that he could continue enjoying his peaceful life with his beloved. He knew he couldn't bring himself to do it again, to face the devastating consequences of taking countless lives once again.

"Your Majesty, another war? Why must we continue this cycle of violence? Is there not a better way to coexist with the humans? We have already lost so much in the last war. Can we not find a peaceful solution?" Lilia pleaded.

"Peace? With those filthy humans? They will never stop until they have wiped us off the face of the earth. We must strike first, and strike hard," the King scorned in disgust.

"But your Majesty-"

"Silence, general," the King's face contorted in rage, his brows furrowing. His entire body tensed as he pounded his fist on the armrest of his throne, staring daggers into Lilia. You dare defy me? You forget your place as my general and my subject!", he hissed, resonating around the room with all the authority of a king.

Lilia kept his head low and continued to kneel. Knowing the King's temper well, he knew it would not be wise to provoke him further, but he knew he had to make a choice. Either he would obey the King's orders and risk losing everything he had grown to cherish, or he would defy him and face the consequences.

"Your Majesty," he replied steadily. "I cannot in good conscience wage another war on the humans. We have already caused them enough suffering. I will not take part in this war,"

The King's expression darkened. "Do not question my decisions, Lilia. You are a loyal subject of the Fae Kingdom and you will do as I command."

Lilia stood his ground, even in the face of the King's increasing wrath. "I am not just your subject, your majesty. I am a living being with my own conscience and beliefs."

The King’s eyes narrowed to slits as he glared ferociously, "What changed? What has caused this shift in your loyalty?"

Lilia hesitated for a moment before answering, "I have seen the good in humans, your Majesty. They are not all evil, and they do not deserve to suffer because of past grievances."

The King scoffed, "Is it the human you've gotten close to who has led you astray?"

Lilia was taken aback by his words, instinctively looking up, realising that the King had been keeping an eye on him in his travels. Quickly straightening his posture, he met the King's gaze head-on. "No, your Majesty. The human has only shown me kindness and compassion. They have nothing to do with my beliefs."

The King stood, his height towering over the general, step by step walking closer to him. "You have become soft, my general," he said with disdain. "You are a hypocrite. You have always despised humans, you were at the battlefronts annihilating the human forces, yet now you protect one of them. Have you no shame?"

Lilia looked directly into the King’s eyes as a shiver went through his body. "I have come to learn that my past actions were mistaken," he replied. "I no longer wish to continue down the path of destruction I once walked on."

The Fae King sneered. "Mistaken...", he spat. "Humans are nothing but weaklings. They are not fit to be with our kind. You have betrayed your people, Vanrouge. You have betrayed your King."

Lilia could tell from the force his boots hit the ground that he was furious as he continued walking closer, his eyes cold and calculating. "If you do not wage war on the humans, then there is only one other option," he said. "You must eliminate the source of your weakness. Kill the human."

Lilia's body shook with horror at the King's words. He felt sweat gather on his palms, his breath quickening. After a few moments of silence, he spoke up, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Please, my King," Lilia said, desperation creeping into his voice. "I cannot do what you ask of me. I cannot harm them."

The King's eyes narrowed, "You will do as I say, or you will suffer the consequences. You are my general, and you will not show weakness. If you fail to end their life, then rest assured my dear general, I shall finish the job myself. Your disgraceful actions shan't taint our reputation as Fae."

Lilia felt a tear escape his eye as he realised the gravity of his situation. His mind raced with conflicting thoughts; he wanted to stand up to the King, to tell him that he wouldn't kill the human, that he wouldn't wage another war on the humans. But he knew deep down that he was too weak, that he didn't have the strength or the power to take on the King and his army as he was.

"I understand, my King," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lilia felt a cold shiver run down his spine as he rose from his kneeling position and turned to leave the throne room, knowing that he had just sealed his own fate.

He had no choice but to obey. And he only had himself to blame.

The moon was full, casting an eerie glow on the buildings around Lilia as he trudged towards the orphanage, feeling the weight of his mission heavy on his shoulders. Pushing the door open, he quietly crept inside, making his way through the dark corridors, the only sound being the soft patter of his feet.

Finally, he arrived at the room of his beloved. Lilia took a deep breath and raised his hand to knock, his sword held tightly in his other hand. But when stood there, the reality of his task hit him like an immense wave, making his resolve waver as his mind raced with conflicting thoughts.

"I can't do this," he whispered to himself. "I can't... take their life."

Just as he was about to lower his hand and turn away, the door creaked open, and his beloved appeared, confusion etched onto their face. The moment they caught sight of his sword, fear flickered in their eyes.

"Lilia, what are you doing?" they asked, stepping back.

Tears welled up in Lilia's eyes, blurring his vision. His sword shook as he tried to steady himself. "I... I have to do this," he stammered.

His beloved's expression turned to one of horror and disbelief. "You can't be serious," they gasp. But as they look at Lilia, they see the turmoil in his eyes and the way his hand shakes. "Please, tell me what's going on."

Lilia closed his eyes in an attempt to blink away the tears. He tried to push the sword towards them, but his hand refused to move. "I can't do it, my love," he cried out. "I love you too much to hurt you."

As Lilia looked into their eyes, he knew he could no longer hide the truth from them. "Beastie," he whispered, "I have to leave. The Fae King wants you dead, and I've been ordered to kill you. I can't disobey him."

The human was stunned, their body trembling in shock. "You... you have to kill me?" they echoed, their voice unsteady as tear began to flow freely from their eyes.

Lilia nods, his tears of sorrow continued trickling down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Beastie," he sobbed, taking their hand into his. "I never meant to hurt you. Please forgive me, it's all my fault."

As Lilia stepped closer, trying to see their expression through his blurry eyesight, he was surprised to see acceptance in their eyes. "Lilia, it's okay," they said softly. "I understand."

Lilia stopped in his tracks, his grip on the sword tightening. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was the person he loved, and they were accepting their fate. "I can't do it, Beastie," he said, his voice breaking. "I love you too much to hurt you."

Their gentle smile, filled with care and affection as it always had only made Lilia's heart ache even more. "I know, Lilia," they said, their eyes filling with tears, their lashes wet and clumped together as the tears overflowed onto their cheeks. "I know... I love you too."

They stepped closer to him and wrapped their arms around his trembling form, forcefully leaning in and mashing their lips onto his. Lilia could only stand there frozen, eyes widened in surprise at their sudden actions. He felt as a warmth seeped onto his hands, and it is only then he realises what they have done.

He pulls back immediately, looking down at his hands coated in red, the scent of iron thick in the air. The sword is lodged deep into his beloved's chest.

"No, no, no," Lilia cried, his mind racing. "What... what have you done...? What have I done?"

All too soon, their strength began to leave their body, causing them to stumble forward. Lilia rushes to hold them in his arms, cradling them tenderly as he feels their life slipping away. Despite years of fighting on the battlefield, unwavering in the face of death, he now felt overwhelmed, the prickly sensation in his heart more intense than ever before.

"I did it for you," they whispered weakly, their breaths becoming shallower by the second. "I couldn't bear the thought of you having to choose between your duty and your love. This way, you don't have to."

Lilia's heart shattered as he heard their words. They had sacrificed themselves for him, and now he was left to face the repercussions alone.

"Why did you have to love me?" Lilia whispered, droplets of tears falling onto their face. "If only- If only I hadn’t gotten close to you..."

As Lilia turned towards them, he was met with a gaze filled with love and forgiveness. Their hand reached up and tenderly cupped his cheek, his tears leaving a moist trail on his skin as they wiped them away with the palm of their hand. "It's okay, Lilia," they whisper. "I forgive you."

Their words of comfort fail to bring him relief however, knowing that his actions have caused irreparable harm. If only he could turn back time, undo everything that led to this moment. Perhaps if he had not met them that fateful day, not stayed with them, not fallen in love with them, they would be living a peaceful life, never to be endangered by him. But it is too late for his regrets now.

"Lilia?" they murmured.

"Yes, Beastie?" he whispered, choked with emotion.

"I love you," they said softly, their arm lost its strength and began to fall to their side, but Lilia cupped his hand over theirs, holding it in place. "Will you… sing for me?" they whispered, eyes fluttering closed.

Lilia lifts his tear-streaked face to meet their gaze and nods solemnly, taking a deep breath. He holds them close and sings a lullaby, a melody that brings peace and comfort to even the most restless soul. The very song that he used to sing for them in the forest under the moonlight.

“Through the endless daydream,

I saw you on the way back.

There I walked with you in my arms.

Through the blurry darkness,

who's veiling on the twilight,

we've been far away from my fears...

Hush, now my angel,

I will always be with you.

In your pretty smile,

in a glow of tears,

out across the frosty night,

I'll be there with you...”

His voice is soft and choked with emotion, his heart breaking with each passing moment. But he continues to sing, pouring his love and sorrow into each note as the song echoes through the room, soothing and peaceful. It's as if time had stopped, and nothing else mattered in that moment.

As the song came to an end, his beloved took their final breath and passed away peacefully with a gentle smile, content in the arms of their lover. Lilia embraced them tightly, tears cascading down his face like rain, grieving the loss of his beloved. His hands trembled as he struggled to accept the reality of what had just happened. Despite his promise to protect them, he had taken their life. He had killed the person he loved most in the world, the one who had accepted his fate with open arms. He had failed them, failed himself, and failed everyone he had ever cared for. Lilia's heart felt as though it was being ripped from his chest as he let out a heart-wrenching cry filled with agony. He had never felt so alone in all his centuries of existence.

He had distinguished the only light in his life.

Nothing else mattered anymore.

For what reason could he live on, in a world of darkness without his dearest star?

In that moment, he made a decision. He couldn't live with himself anymore. He didn't want to live in a world without his dearest human. Eyes devoid of light, the same full red that stained his fingers, he pulled out the same sword that had taken his beloved's life and pointed it to his heart, ready to take his.

Suddenly, a gust of wind shook the entire room, and a bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree, splitting it in half with a deafening crack. A loud roar of thunder followed, halting Lilia in his actions. And then, he heard a voice—not from the Fae King, nor from his human, but from someone far more powerful.

The voice resounded throughout the sky, "You have taken the life of our beloved child. You have been bestowed the punishment of immortality. You will live forever, unable to die until you have atoned for your sin. You will wander the earth alone for centuries, seeking redemption for your actions. You will only be released from your curse when your true love ends you," it declared. With another roar of thunder, the gods disappeared, leaving Lilia alone.

Lilia felt a rush of power surge through his body. He closed his eyes, feeling the energy course through his veins, and he knew that he was no longer a mere mortal. His senses sharpened, and he could feel the world around him in a way that he never had before. The colours seemed brighter, the scents more potent, and the sounds clearer. At first, the sensation was overwhelming, and he clutched his head hoping for it to stop. But then, as he steadied himself, a sense of clarity washed over him. He would never be able to join his dearest in the afterlife, forever haunted by the memory of their death. He wondered how he would survive without them, how he would endure the weight of his guilt and the emptiness that now filled his heart. He wished with all of his being that he could turn back time and undo everything, but it could never be possible.

Lilia carried their lifeless body to the field where they first met, and with trembling hands, he dug a grave for them. As he placed them gently inside, he covered them with earth and flowers, whispering promises to them all the while.

"My love, I'm so sorry. I failed to protect you," Lilia said, his voice shaking with emotion. "But I promise to make it right. I'll honour your memory and ensure that your kindness lives on. Beastie, I'll love you for all eternity."

Lilia then made a vow to make amends for his past mistakes and to honour their memory by living a life of compassion and kindness towards humans. "I'll spend the rest of my immortal life working to make the world a better place and to make up for the pain I've caused, a place where innocent souls like yours wouldn’t be caught in war," he declared to the empty field.

And the first step he must take, is to stop the incoming war.

Once again, Lilia stepped foot into the King’s palace. This time, he had nothing to lose, nothing to fear. Lilia's heart was heavy as he approached the Fae King's palace, but he knew that he had to do what was right. He was determined to make things right, no matter the cost. He had to challenge the King and put an end to the cycle of suffering that had plagued their world for centuries.

At last, he arrived at the throne room, where the Fae King sat on his throne, surrounded by his courtiers. Lilia kneeled as was customary, his head nearly touching the ground, but his presence exuded power.

"Fae King," Lilia said, his voice steady and clear. "I implore you to cease your plans for another war."

"You dare challenge me, Vanrouge?" the King asked, his voice heavy with disdain. "It seems you have learned nothing from your lesson."

"I have learned that I cannot sit by and watch as you continue to put innocent lives at risk," Lilia replied, his voice steady despite the fear that threatened to overtake him. "I will not stand by while you inflict misery upon the humans," Lilia answered, unwavering as he rose to his feet. "For too long, we have lived in a world of violence and pain, of hatred and fear. It is time to put an end to it. I challenge you to a duel, Fae King. If I win, you will obey my orders as an advisor to the royal family. If I lose, I will serve as your general in this war as I had previously"

The King laughed, a cold, cruel sound that sent shivers down Lilia's spine. " A mere traitor and oath breaker challenging me? You are a fool, Vanrouge," he mocked. "But if you wish to die, then I will be happy to oblige."

With a wave of his hand, the King summoned his weapon, a sword of black iron that glinted with malevolent energy. The courtiers rushed to get away from the battle that would surely threaten their lives. Lilia drew his own sword, the same one that had been cursed with his immortality, and prepared himself for the fight of his life.

The two began to circle each other, their swords clanging against one another as they clashed. The battle was fierce and brutal, with both combatants fighting with all their might. Lilia was faster and more agile than the King, but the King's dark magic was a powerful force to be reckoned with. The clash of swords echoed through the throne room, and the air crackled with energy as the two opponents battled on, but the fate of the duel had been decided from the beginning. With his immortality, Lilia could continue to fight forever. Indeed, he would feel the excruciating pain of his injuries, but they could not end him. For hours they battled, until the fatigue finally weighed down the King, and Lilia saw his chance. The King had lowered his guard for just a moment, and Lilia seized the opportunity, his sword poised at the Fae King's throat. The King was defeated, and he knew he had no choice but to obey Lilia.

"Please, spare me," the King begged, panting for air. "I will do anything you ask."

"You have lost, Your Majesty," Lilia said, extending a hand to help the fallen King to his feet. In complete contrast, Lilia seemed completely unaffected by the long duel. "It's not too late to make things right. You can use your power for good, for the betterment of our people."

The King groaned. "Yes, yes, I will. Just spare me, please."

Lilia sheathed his sword. "The war ends today. And if you or any of your followers break your promise, I will be back to finish what I started."

The Fae King nodded, acknowledging his defeat, and Lilia walked away with a sense of victory, knowing that he had achieved what he had set out to do. From that day on, Lilia served as the royal family’s most trusted advisor. He would attend council meetings, offer wise counsel and guidance to the rulers, and utilise his expertise and knowledge to steer them in the right direction.

For centuries, Lilia dedicated himself to rebuilding the relationship between humans and the Fae. He worked towards negotiating peace treaties and fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the two groups. As time went by, Lilia's efforts bore fruit. Humans and Fae started to interact more and more, and the tensions began to ease. Lilia watched with satisfaction as the world he had known for so long began to transform for the better.

Over time, Lilia became a trusted advisor to many rulers, and he played a key role in shaping the destinies of countless Kingdoms and empires. He used his knowledge and experience to prevent wars and conflicts, and he worked tirelessly to promote peace and unity among the people.

As Lilia walked through the bustling streets of the human city, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him. The world had changed so much since 5000 years ago. Humans and fae now lived together in harmony, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. It was a far cry from the war-torn world he had known long ago. Humans and fae were no longer at each other's throats, but instead living side by side in peace and harmony.

He marvelled at the sight of humans casually using magic to go about their daily lives, the fae mingling freely with them. The once-gothic buildings of the fae had melded with human architecture to create a unique, vibrant landscape.

Yet, as he looked around, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness. Despite all the progress made, he was still an outsider, a being that had long outlived his kind. He had seen so many faces and places come and go, while he remained a constant presence.

It was then that he heard a delicate voice singing, a voice that he believed he would never be able to hear ever again. He turned around, scanning the crowded street, but couldn't see them anywhere. He wondered if he was imagining things or if it was just someone who sounded like them.

But then, he heard it again, and this time he recognized the tune.

"But if I know you, I know what you'll do

You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream..."

It was the song they used to sing to the children at the orphanage. His heart raced with excitement and anticipation as he followed the sound. Upon arriving at the source of the singing, Lilia discovered a small park where people were enjoying the sunny day. In the centre of the park, he saw you sitting on a bench surrounded by children who listened to your singing with rapt attention. Lilia's heart swelled with emotion as he watched you. Your appearance had changed, but your eyes were just as beautiful as ever, and your singing was as angelic as he remembered. He longed to run to you and embrace you, but he hesitated, not wanting to disrupt the moment.

Instead, Lilia stood back and watched you from a distance, basking in the joy of hearing your voice once again. He knew he could not approach you, lest he ruin your new life as he had done before. As the song came to an end, Lilia took one last look at you and the children and turned to walk away. Suddenly, a hand reached out and grasped his wrist, and Lilia halted in his steps.

"Wait! Sir!" you said, looking at him with a perplexed expression. "I've seen you before. In my dreams! Have we met before?"

Part 1✧Part 3✧Part 4 (coming soon!)

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #disney twisted wonderland #twst imagines #twst wonderland #lilia vanrouge x reader #lilia vanrouge #twst lilia #lilia vanrouge x mc #twst lilia x reader

232 notes · View notes

viktoriathewitch · 3 months

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⋆˖☽magical protection☾˖⋆

(se você fala portugues BR, sinta-se livre para enviar DM ou pedir tradução de um post. boa parte vai estar em inglês, para facilitar minha vida e atingir mais pesoas.)

(these tips are based on my experience and current knowledge, better read on desktop)

🕯️TIPS, DO'S AND DONT'S PART 2🕯️

⸸ WARDS. This is a big one, and I love it. Basically warding is done when you fill a space with angry energy and intention of what comes in said space. This one is really nice since all you need is your energy. You don't need any herbs or crystals, even though you can give them such energy to boost the ward (make sure the herbs/crystals are for protection), it's not necessary. However, you need to make sure the energy gets to each part of the room/place you've selected. So, warding isn't the best of the best options for big and ample spaces, since you'll need a lot of angry energy, much more. This goes especially for beginners or those who run low on energy. For better warding, I recommend cleaning the room (yes actual cleaning, mop the shit with intention), purification/cleansing of the space, banishing if necessary, and then warding. ⸸ Purification and energetic cleansing with herbs and crystals need to be done right. I won't get into big detail, especially for herbs, I might make a post just about working with herbs, but in general and making it simple, you have to make sure the herb/crystal you're using fits the criteria. Yet, it's important to remember that if you're dealing with a persistent spirit, like a tar spirit or obsessor, or even negative energy being sent by someone else intentionally, using herbs or crystals will probably not be enough. Thus, banishing is a better fit. ⸸ Like said before, banishing is a better option once you have a more powerful enemy. There are different ways to banish, imo, banishing methods are far more diverse than purification/cleansing ones. I personally use candles, but I have already used my own energy and will against beings I sensed were not safe. I have even yelled already to get them out lol. Of course, it's always best to investigate, especially when there is really weird shit happening, such as temperature drops, plants or animals dying/being sick, wounds appearing out of nowhere, things breaking, feeling really unwell, etc. Usually, such matters will be felt and noticed earlier by spiritually sensitive people, so, if nonsensitive spiritual people are feeling/noticing such matters, it's defo a red flag. ⸸ Learn about sigils and charms/amulets for protection. There are many, and both are really extensive so I won't be covering them here. However, these can be paired up together with 7 other methods for powerful protection. I highly recommend studying them. ⸸ Last but not least, energetic hygiene! A simple thing to do, but something that people only remember to do before performing something (and when they do remember to do it before). Basically, for example, before doing tarot readings, besides washing your hands and making sure the cards will be laid on a clean surface, you also cleanse yourself, the cards, and the space energetically before and after. It's fairly obvious why this needs to be done before the readings but after it? Why? Well, basically because after doing a reading, especially for another person, their energy will stick to us. It's great and all when it's good energy, but when it isn't, you need to get rid of asap. It's like bacteria and viruses, you don't wash it, it's gonna get everywhere you touch. This habit applies to other things such as rituals, spells, and even day-to-day matters such as taking a healing shower after a stressful day (just imagining the water and asking it to take the heavy energy with it)

🕯️CONCLUSION🕯️

So! I think this is it. It's a lot of information indeed, so take your time to learn all of it and make it a habit. In my sincere and humble opinion, these are the ingredients for having a great defense in terms of magickal matters. Of course, analyze your practice and see what's necessary. Regardless, energetic hygiene is a great way to start (also part of my humble opinion). Good luck!

part 2/2, part 1/2 here

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lady-wallace · 6 months

Text

Whumptober Day 29 (Buddy Daddies)

Final Buddy Daddies fic for @whumptober More Rei angst today with some headcanons about his mother and why he sleeps in a bathtub.

~~~~~~~

Prompts Used: Scented Candles, Troubled Past Resurfacing, 'What happened to me?' Fandom: Buddy Baddies Character: Rei

~~~~~~~

Read on Ao3

~~~~~~~

Kazuki was an enigma to Rei. He didn't understand his insistence on keeping the apartment clean, or on making three meals a day (and forcing Rei to eat them). Making sure Rei showered, cutting his hair, and buying furniture to fill up the empty spaces. Well, maybe that made a little sense to Rei because it meant there were more things to hide behind in the event of an attack.

But perhaps it was because Kazuki was so normal. Rei had never been around people like that. He'd watched them on the outside living their lives. It was that curiosity that had led him to heading off to live on his own before he realized that he wasn't good at fitting in with normal people.

Even now, Kazuki was humming happily to himself as he came back to the apartment after shopping, calling to Rei while he sat on the couch playing games.

"Hey, I'm back! Grabbed some stuff for dinner."

Rei didn't reply. He had figured out that Kazuki would talk no matter if he did or not. He seemed to have a need to fill a space and it was, a lot of time, a welcome distraction to Rei.

He glanced over toward the kitchen where Kazuki was putting stuff away and saw him setting out a couple expensive looking candles on the counter.

"Got some candles today—thought they might make the place smell better."

"Why?" Rei had to ask.

"Dude, it reeks in here," Kazuki replied as he rummaged around for a lighter. "Trust me, you'll be able to tell the difference."

Rei turned back to his games, not wanting to bother trying to figure out another weird—or perhaps normal?—thing his roommate was doing.

That was until he caught the scent of the candles wafting through the house, sugary, warm and—

Gentle hands caring for a scraped knee.

A smile hovering over him, surrounded by long black hair.

"Stay here, don't move!"

A bathroom, inside the tub—broken glass all around.

"I'll always love you."

"Stay here and cover your ears."

Two men carrying something under a blood-stained sheet.

A sharp sting on his cheek, falling to the floor. "Soft like your mother."

"I'll always love you."

Rei gasped aloud, staggering to his feet, his hand coming to his head, dizzy from the sudden assault of—what, memories? Definitely memories, but from where?

"Rei? Hey, you good, man?"

He had to stop this. He grabbed his pistol and shot the candle, exploding the glass and wax into a hundred pieces and leaving a bullet hole in the wall behind it as Kazuki dove away with a shriek.

"Wh-what the hell man?" Kazuki demanded. "The landlord's gonna kill us for that!"

Rei didn't reply, he couldn't. He had to get out of here, away from the scent.

He hurried out of the apartment, stopping once he was out of the street, breathing in fresh air and effectively clearing his head.

What happened to me? he wondered, looking down at his shaky hand. That kind of thing wasn't supposed to happen to him. His father had made sure he was trained better than that.

SLAP—Soft like your mother

"Mother," Rei whispered.

He didn't remember his mother…he thought. But, that must have been….

"Rei!"

He startled as Kazuki jogged up to him, slowing down as he realized Rei wasn't going to go anywhere.

"Hey, man, I hope I didn't offend you or anything," he said. "I just thought the candles would be nice. Are you allergic or something?"

Rei shook his head.

"Then why the hell did you shoot it, man—those are expensive, you know!"

"I don't know," Rei finally replied, hands clenching. "Can you shut up?!"

Kazuki looked like he had slapped him and Rei might as well have. He'd never addressed the other man like that before, barely paid him outward heed.

"Rei, are you all right?"

"Leave me alone," Rei replied as he pushed past the other man and headed back to the apartment, going directly to his room. He needed to clear his head. He sank onto the bed, trying to take deep breaths to steady himself.

The same images flashed through his mind: Soft hands, long black hair, warm sweet scent of sugar, bathtub, broken, shouting, broken glass…

Rei didn't realize he had been clenching his hands so hard until he looked down to see his nails had made red crescents in his palms. He let out a shuddering breath and loosened his hands, still finding dangerous tremors in them.

Why had this affected him so much? Why had he allowed it to? He couldn't understand why those memories he didn't even know he'd had just showed up all of a sudden, uninvited, just because he had smelled a damn candle.

He stretched out on the bed, lowering one arm over his eyes as he tried to clear his mind. But everything just felt like it was such a mess and he didn't know what he was going to do.

XXX

Rei slunk down the stairs later that evening when he heard Kazuki banging around in the kitchen. It wasn't a familiar feeling to him, but he felt somewhat awkward, almost…well, a little bad about yelling at Kazuki earlier. While it technically was his fault for buying the candle, he couldn't know what had happened in Rei's head because of it.

Rei took a seat at the counter, hunched slightly. He could see the candle that he hadn't shot sitting to one side and tried not to let it make him uncomfortable. He watched Kazuki cook for a few minutes. The man always seemed so sure of himself while he was in the kitchen, doing things Rei had never seen anyone do before. But then, he could barely make toast, so what did he know?

"You hungry?"

Kazuki's words startled him out of his strangely rambling mind. He shrugged.

Kazuki continued, moving on to crack eggs, tossing the shells over his shoulder into the sink.

One missed and spattered raw egg on the counter and Kazuki glanced back with a sheepish grin. "Aw, missed. Was sure I'd get it that time." He chuckled, then let out a sigh with a brief smile. "My wife always hated it when I would do that."

Rei watched him clean it up and toss the shells into the trash before going back to cooking.

"You know, the only reason I bought the candles is because they reminded me of my wife," Kazuki went on. "She always had a million of them around the house, I was afraid she'd light the place on fire." He smiled fondly. "

Rei furrowed his brow. Kazuki never talked about his wife. Rei knew she had died, that was all. He'd seen one picture of her before Kazuki had put it into a drawer, clearly stating that it was none of Rei's business. So it confused him that he was bringing her up now.

"That scent was her favorite," Kazuki added.

The memories flashed back through his mind again and he squeezed his eyes shut before another memory popped into his head.

"This one is my favorite, doesn't it smell good, Rei-chan?" Warm flame, lighting the dark room. A soft kiss on his forehead through a curtain of black hair. "Maybe it will help you sleep."

Something caught in his throat and before he knew it he said, "My mother's too."

It surprised him and apparently surprised Kazuki too because he paused briefly before resuming his work, pouring eggs into a pan.

Rei was still confused about why he had even spoken when Kazuki said, "Memories can hurt sometimes. I still get sad when I think of her. But, you know, I guess that's how you know someone had an impact on your life."

But what if you don't remember? Rei wondered.

XXX

Rei never usually slept well. He was too hyperaware of his surroundings to fall into more than a light sleep. Tonight was worse though, because on top of his usual trained anxiety, he could not stop the images flashing through his mind, a messy jumble that threatened to drive him mad.

Because he did vaguely remember his mother, and he knew that something bad had happened to her, so how the hell had he forgotten that? He wanted to remember, but he didn't know how…

Rei pushed himself up from the couch where he had been trying to sleep, and glanced to the corner of the kitchen counter where Kazuki had set the second candle.

Rei got up and padded over to grab it, staring at it warily. He hadn't liked the loss of control he'd felt earlier when it came to the memories, but…

He wanted to remember. Maybe if he could control the situation, it would help everything become clearer?

"Stay here, don't move"

The frantically whispered words echoed again and Rei suddenly started upstairs, slipping into the bathroom. The tub stood there like some kind of sanctuary, a promise of safety. Rei set the candle down on the side of it and pulled out his lighter.

Warm light emanated from the flame, and he eased himself down into the tub, sitting cross-legged with his hands clasped in front of him, head down. He closed his eyes as the sweet scent filtered in, setting off memories once more.

He took a deep breath and tried to stop the instant flow, plucking one out and trying to focus on it, breathing the scent in deeply:

"Can't sleep again?"

Rei lay curled under his blankets, shaking his head. He could hear the men in suits outside, slamming car doors and driving away. They scared him.

"Here, I have an idea."

His mother left the room for a moment before returning with a candle. She set it by his bedside and lit it silently. A comforting glow spread around the room, allowing Rei to breathe a little easier.

"This one is my favorite, doesn't it smell good, Rei-chan?" Her face was in shadows, but she leaned over the bed, silky black hair acting as a curtain for the world beyond as she bent to kiss his forehead. "Maybe it will help you sleep."

"But papa—"

"Your father doesn't need to know," his mother said softly, stroking his hair. "Everyone needs a little light in the dark. Now close your eyes, I'll stay with you until you fall asleep."

Rei blinked, inhaling sharply. He couldn't remember the last time he had thought of his mother with such clarity. He had completely forgotten being that young even. It seemed so long ago in more than just years.

He swallowed hard and tried to dig for the other memory, focusing on the bathtub.

A loud bang startled him awake, Rei had barely opened his eyes before his mother was scooping him out of bed, carrying him quickly out of the room, where the men in suits were rushing down the hall, guns in hand.

"Mama?"

"Shh, be quiet."

She threw open the bathroom door and placed Rei into the tub.

"Stay here, don't move," she said quickly, cupping his cheek. "Just stay here and cover your ears."

"What's happening?"

"Don't ask questions, darling," she pleaded. "Promise me you'll stay down and not come out until I come for you. You'll be safe here, I promise." She leaned in and kissed his forehead. "I'll always love you, Rei."

Then she was gone and Rei was torn on following her, but the loud bangs sounded out and he was too scared so he curled up as small as he could in the tub and slammed his hands over his ears.

He didn't know how long he waited. Noises crashed around him, shards of glass and plaster sprinkling down as things exploded in the room. But Rei stayed still, knowing his mother wouldn't lie. That as long as he did he would be okay.

He stayed that way a long time after the sounds stopped. Someone opened the door and Rei finally looked up, hoping it was Mama but it was just one of the men in suits.

"I found him," the man said speaking into a crackling radio. "He seems to be okay."

The man reached into the tub and picked Rei up, shoes crunching over the glass on the floor.

"Mama," Rei murmured.

The man didn't say anything, but Rei wriggled free as soon as they got out and started running as the man swore.

"Mama!" he shouted.

He ran until he hit his father, staggering back as the man made no move to help him, staring at the milling men in the entryway of the house. Two men were picking up stretchers covered in red-stained white sheets, carrying them out the front door.

Rei saw a curtain of dark hair spilling from under one of them and started forward.

"M-Mama!"

His father caught his shoulder tightly, hauling him back.

"She won't be coming back, boy. You'd best get used to that. It's time to grow up and begin learning the duties of the Suwa heir."

He left, leaving Rei standing there, alone.

Rei came out of the memory, hands shaking, breaths coming quick and sharp. He looked around, half expecting to see that destroyed bathroom from before, but it was just the same as it always was, with the addition of the candle.

He let out a long breath, slowly laying down in the tub to stare up at the ceiling, allowing the warm scent of the burning wax to lull him. When he closed his eyes he could almost feel the touch of a hand on his cheek, soft lips on his forehead.

"I'll always love you."

"Mama," he whispered. An odd feeling came over him, not necessarily sadness—it had been so long ago now. But he felt glad to have remembered. Perhaps Kazuki was right. Maybe memories were worth the hurt they caused.

He curled up in the bottom of the tub, feeling safe with the candle glow and closed his eyes. And for the first time in a long time, he was able to fall into a deep, peaceful sleep.

XXX

Kazuki got up to grab a drink of water, noticing that Rei's bedroom door was open. Not that he usually slept there anyway, but he was still feeling a little bad about the candle incident. He didn't know what the scent might have brought up, but he was sure it probably wasn't good considering Rei's reaction.

But his roommate wasn't on the couch either when Kazuki got downstairs, which was odd.

Frowning, Kazuki got his glass of water and returned upstairs.

That was when he saw a warm glow from under the bathroom door and caught the scent of brown sugar and vanilla.

"Rei?" he asked.

There was no reply, and, worried, Kazuki cautiously opened the door.

The first thing he saw was the candle sitting on the side of the tub, burning away with a warm glow.

Inside the tub was Rei, curled in the bottom, sleeping heavily, breathing even and slow. His face actually looked relaxed and Kazuki felt an almost brotherly affection toward the younger man at the sight.

He went to grab a blanket, draping it over the sleeping man, leaving the candle burning as he went to catch some sleep himself.

~~~~~~~

Check out my Whumptober Masterpost HERE for more stories!

If you want to follow me on other social media or ask about fic or art commissions, find my info on My Carrd

#whumptober2023 #no.29 #scented candle #troubled past resurfacing #what happened to me?#buddy daddies #fanfic #past death of a parent tw #returning memories #rei suwa #kazuki kurusu #pre-series #hurt/comfort #buddy daddies fanfic #rei's emotional support bathtub

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stylusmusings · 2 years

Text

Joseph Quinn NSFW ABC

As I'm trying to grow this account, I really do appreciate reblogs, follows and letting me know who else you guys want to see? A - After Sex

He likes to be taken care of after rough sex but after a quicker or normal vanilla stuff, he doesn’t mind just parting ways. A good cuddle never killed nobody though.

B - Bottom or Top

He is a bottom, through and through, with guys at least. He is a sub mainly but will be dominant from time to time if he feels like it.

C - Cum

He loves to be cummed in, not on. Whether you drop a load down his throat or his other hole, he doesn’t mind as long as you don’t do it on his back or something. He doesn’t hate it but it is a bit of a pain as it means less cuddling time.

D - Dress Up

Yes, he will wear the wig. No, he doesn’t enjoy it. However, he does enjoy the rest of the Eddie Munson costume and will wear the clothes if you want him to. He doesn’t appreciate being called Eddie all the time, but if you guys pre-plan it as a post-show or birthday thing, then he’s more than happy to fulfil your Eddie Munson fantasies.

E - Experience

He doesn’t have a huge amount of experience. Most of his experience comes from his fellow cast, Joe Keery, who will be found fucking Quinn to kingdom come in the dressing room.

F - Favourite Bodypart

He loves eyes, not in a creepy way but pretty eyes are essential and he always prefers sex where he can look in your eyes as you rail his ass.

G - Gag Reflex

He does have one, unfortunately. He can take up to six inches of man meat down his throat without a significant struggle.

H - Hair

He prefers to keep himself hairless waist up. It does get him more acting roles for some reason and it is just easier to maintain if he gets rid of all of it. In between jobs however, he might grow out his treasure trail for you.

I - Intimacy

Quinn likes intimacy. That intimacy can involve dates which have been planned ahead for months or it can be a rough and sensual fuck where he gets to stare deeply into your eyes.

J - Jerking

Not the horniest of guys, probably jerks off four times a week if he doesn’t have sex, and perhaps once if he does.

K - Kinks

Pretty vanilla, he does like romance though and while that’s not a kink, rose petals and candle lit rooms get him in the mood pretty quickly. He does like being chained to the bed every now and again.

L - Lube

As the person receiving, he does appreciate that lube has its place if he hasn’t received for a while but if he’s having constant sex then he doesn’t really see the need to remember to get some every time.

M - Massages

Not a big fan of receiving them but he does like giving his partner a massage, although his hands tend to wander around the waist and around the cock pretty quickly.

N - Nopes

Don’t get jealous of his sex with Joe Keery, that’s a dealbreaker. If you want to get in between them, that’s a different thing entirely but don’t mess with good sex.

O - Oral

Surprisingly, for a bottom, he likes receiving head far more than he likes giving it. Especially when he’s being dominant, he prefers lying back and letting his partner do all the work. He does know how to use his tongue rather well though.

P - Position/Place

He’s a bit basic with his preference for missionary and the bed but that’s just him. He doesn’t mind having sex in other places but he feels most comfortable there.

Q - Quickies

Sure, he’s happy for you to blow him or jerk him off but if the quickie involves just his partner getting off, then he’s less happy. Unless it is a preplanned thing to treat him as a cum-dump for the day or something, he doesn’t appreciate it.

R - Risky

Not the biggest risk taker. Sure, he’s had sex with Keery in the dressing room and you in another dressing room but other than those times, not really.

S - Sexts

Surprisingly, a big sexter, especially when he’s away from you. If you’re one of those people who really like his Eddie Munson character, he’ll get into costume and the wig, then get a photo of his cock out or mooning you.

T - Toys

Nope, those just get in the way of good ole sex. He doesn’t want there to be separate things that you guys have to use. The only exception is if his partner doesn’t have the anatomy to fuck him silly, then he doesn’t mind as long as it is the silicone kind.

U - Underwear

Thong, or commando - not really a fan of how boxers are so tight fitting. He hates being called a stereotypical bottom but it is what it is.

V - Volume

Not the loudest. Although, maybe that has to do with his experience coming from the Stranger Things dressing room with Joe Keery. He does like his partner making noise though, hell, he might fake a moan here and there just to try it out.

W - Wrecking Ball

Fuck him until the bed frame breaks, he can afford to buy a new one. Shove everything off the table if you want to fuck him on it - he doesn’t care.

X - XRay

A good 5 inches, fairly thick and cut. He does trim his pubes fairly short but so that they look aesthetically pleasing.

Y - Yeps

Rough, be rough in bed with him and leave lots of marks on him. He does enjoy when the make-up crew have to cover them up as it reminds him exactly what was done to him.

Z - Zest

Not overly sexual, he’s happy to fuck every day, but rarely twice a day unless he’s got a day off and nothing planned. This doesn’t mean a single fuck, but like, multiple fucks in one sitting.

#eddie munson smut #eddie munson #lgbt #joseph quinn #joesph quinn #jospeh quinn #joe quinn #eddie deserved better #joseph quinn smut #joseph quinn x reader #joseph quinn fluff #joseph quinn imagine #joseph quinn fanfiction #joseph quinn x you #joseph quinn x y/n #joseph quinn x oc

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reflections-in-a-critical-eye · 1 year

Note

hello bmt! since you shared that particolar pic of today jk's live, I have to ask you this...I've seen and heard everything and don't know who's right or wrong and since I have no knowledge on that...what do you think, it's a vape (as many are saying) the think next jk's elbow or a lighter for candles? he said yes that he disliked smoking but that was also years ago and people change; at the same time he seem to be in a rebel mode? something feels off, maybe it's me...thank you if you answerm and if you don't thank you the same, have a nice day 💜

Actually, I don't know. It could be. To be honest, the people I hang out with don't vape, they smoke cigarettes. I only know a few and the vape thing can look different, compared to the model. I saw this on twitter and it does looks similar.

Man, I don't get vapers (don't take this seriously, I'm merely joking). How can they inhale that stuff with strawberry or chocolate flavors? I either get the real deal (or some menthol version, but it's banned now) or nothing at all. Maybe my reluctance comes from a bad cherry flavored hookah in high school.

Anyway, JK might be into strawberry cream flavor 🤭 You do you, honey, lol. I don't know how the fandom has been reacting and I don't care to know. Yeah, he might have said he disliked smoking, but people change their mind. I personally know people who judged others for spending money on cigarettes and two years later they became a regular smoker. It happens. It's part of life. It may not be part of the culture for some people, while for others it's not that big of a deal. Like in SK. So yeah, he probably vapes. Nothing more to it.

Actually, I do remember reading some rumors back in 2020 that were about JK smoking. So it's always been on the table. Anyway, I never thought only 1 guy in 7 is smoking. I bet a lot more are than those who don't, but that's just my opinion.

#bmt asks #jungkook

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sunmoon-starfactory · 2 years

Note

Hello! Thank you for all your hard work. I was wondering if there are any resources for learning about how to make custom crafting stations in general, and I was also wondering how difficult it is in terms of modding abilities. Have my own sci fi setup that I wanna build crafting stations for, and I wan a know where to start learning. Thanks!

Hey there, long answer here, so I've divided it up into sub-sections. See below the cut

How to make crafting stations, a long explanation

Learning the basics

There are no tutorials for making crafting stations specifically. Honestly, the difficulty depends on your experience making custom objects, modding BHAV's, testing and the complexity of what you want to make.

The first thing you will want to start with is learning basic object creation, there are plenty of tutorials on every aspect of this. Remember: object creation is not just about SimPE! It also involves meshing and creating textures.

Then once you have a handle on that, you will want to learn BHAV modding. Resources for this type of modding are rarer, documentation can be spotty, but good places to start are Echo's BHAV tutorial @midgethetree's Resources page and @picknmixsims' Primitives page on his site.

Another good way to learn BHAV modding is to look at other people's code. See if others have made code that might be useful to you. Look at how they did it and try to understand why it was made this way. Screenshot a BHAV, label every node with what it does.

Seeing as you're interested in crafting stations in particular, you can take a look at custom crafting stations. A few you could look at are Nadira's Sculpture Manufactory at MTS or anything "descended" from Beck's crafting stations like @deedee-sims' Woodworking station, @nixedsims' Blacksmith Crafting station or @fireflowersims' Candle Crafting station. You could also look at our code for insights, though we do not support straight-up cloning.

The process

But, before you can get to actually making a station, it's important to get a good idea of what you intend to make. The planning stage is as important as the development. What will the station make? Will it require resources a la Sun&Moon? Money a la EAxis OFB stations? Or perhaps the only investment is time and motives? Each of these options are different in coding. And if it needs resources, you'll have to create those resources too. Can the action be interrupted? That'll add some complexity. Autonomy and/or trait options are other things to consider. We like to have the basics planned out before we begin coding in earnest. This gives us a good idea of whether we can do this with our current arsenal or if we need to develop some more parts.

What I've found useful in this stage is reducing the station down to its basic steps: sim goes to the station, does animation, x things get removed from their inventory, then y other thing gets added. This is a very basic example, most stations are more complex than that, but it can help you get a general idea of how to structure your code.

It's also good to remember that crafting stations are not just code... We put a significant amount of time into the visuals. Sourcing meshes and textures or creating them from scratch, mapping said meshes to look good with the textures, optimizing them so they perform well without sacrificing quality. It's an entire development process that takes time.

Testing is another important aspect. We test when developing new code, we test before we duplicate code, we test after we duplicated code. We have some amazing beta testers that help out a lot with this, but even then, things will probably slip past that'll require fixing later on. I cannot understate how important testing is.

Community aspects

When learning how to do any modding, especially BHAV modding, It's a good idea to find a Discord server with experienced modders to join up. @gayars' Sims Crafters is an excellent place for this, as is the PBK Discord. I have also heard good things about @lazyduchess' server.

The important thing is that you have a place where you can ask people for help; both with testing your stuff and figuring out how to resolve that stubborn bug. There is no shame in it, we've all been there. Do not expect people to fix all your issues for you - you'll still have to do the majority of the heavy lifting yourself - but they may just point you in the right direction. Just stay polite and be willing to learn.

So well, Crafting Stations involve quite a bit, but I highly encourage you to dive in and see what you can achieve. Remember: it's not a race, it's a journey. Enjoy the process, errors are your friends. Don't be discouraged if it takes months, so do some of our projects. Laundry took 1.5 years.

The best of luck!

#asks #answers #questions #long post #sun&moon #comments #ts2 modding #modding

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istumpysk · 2 years

Text

Operation Stumpy Re-Read

AFFC: Jaime I (Chapter 8)

Excuse me, where is Alayne?

"Allow me to stand tonight in your stead," Ser Loras offered. "He was not your father." You did not kill him. I did. Tyrion may have loosed the crossbow bolt that slew him, but I loosed Tyrion. "Leave me."

[...]

He never said he meant to kill our father. If he had, I would have stopped him. Then I would be the kinslayer, not him.

Bad news, you'll both slay kin, only in vastly different ways.

Remember when I didn't understand this?

The height of folly was reached when a plump fool came capering out in gold-painted tin with a cloth lion's head, and chased a dwarf around the tables, whacking him over the head with a bladder. Finally King Renly demanded to know why he was beating his brother. "Why, Your Grace, I'm the Kinslayer," the fool said.

"It's Kingslayer, fool of a fool," Renly said, and the hall rang with laughter. - Catelyn II, ACOK

How funny.

Anyway, at least he realizes he's partly responsible for Tywin's murder.

+.+.+

And then he was alone again with his lord father, amongst the candles and the crystals and the sickly sweet smell of death.

Do the Daenerys fans read these books with their eyes closed?

+.+.+

Unless my brother murdered Varys too, and left his corpse to rot beneath the castle. Down there, it might be years before his bones were found.

Hmmm. Hmmm. Hmmm.

Tyrion hung back a moment. Varys had already betrayed him once. Who knew what game the eunuch was playing? And what better place to murder a man than down in the darkness, in a place that no one knew existed? His body might never be found. - Tyrion XI, ASOS

I don't know if this is about Varys, or the twins.

+.+.+

Jaime had led a dozen guards below, with torches and ropes and lanterns. For hours they had groped through twisting passages, narrow crawl spaces, hidden doors, secret steps, and shafts that plunged down into utter blackness. Seldom had he felt so utterly a cripple. A man takes much for granted when he has two hands. Ladders, for an instance. Even crawling did not come easy; not for nought do they speak of hands and knees. Nor could he hold a torch and climb, as others could.

Jaime's not going to be able to escape the bowels. Got it.

+.+.+

And all for naught. They found only darkness, dust, and rats. And dragons, lurking down below.

+.+.+

He remembered the sullen orange glow of the coals in the iron dragon's mouth. The brazier warmed a chamber at the bottom of a shaft where half a dozen tunnels met. On the floor he'd found a scuffed mosaic of the three-headed dragon of House Targaryen done in tiles of black and red. I know you, Kingslayer, the beast seemed to be saying. I have been here all the time, waiting for you to come to me. And it seemed to Jaime that he knew that voice, the iron tones that had once belonged to Rhaegar, Prince of Dragonstone.

A dragon waiting for Jaime at the bottom of the Red Keep is not helping my confusion regarding the location.

+.+.+

The day had been windy when he said farewell to Rhaegar, in the yard of the Red Keep. The prince had donned his night-black armor, with the three-headed dragon picked out in rubies on his breastplate. "Your Grace," Jaime had pleaded, "let Darry stay to guard the king this once, or Ser Barristan. Their cloaks are as white as mine."

Prince Rhaegar shook his head. "My royal sire fears your father more than he does our cousin Robert. He wants you close, so Lord Tywin cannot harm him. I dare not take that crutch away from him at such an hour."

Is that another Targaryen talent? Ensuring you're surrounded by people (Lannisters) who will betray you?

+.+.+

Rhaegar had put his hand on Jaime's shoulder. "When this battle's done I mean to call a council. Changes will be made. I meant to do it long ago, but . . . well, it does no good to speak of roads not taken. We shall talk when I return."

Those were the last words Rhaegar Targaryen ever spoke to him.

Then what happened? Hahahahaha.

A council! He means to call a council.

+.+.+

It was queer, but he felt no grief. Where are my tears? Where is my rage? Jaime Lannister had never lacked for rage. "Father," he told the corpse, "it was you who told me that tears were a mark of weakness in a man, so you cannot expect that I should cry for you."

If he's feeling no anger or grief, why is he so insistent on standing vigil for seven days, and seven nights?

Because Jaime Lannister cares a lot about appearance.

+.+.+

Without his beard, Pycelle looked not only old, but feeble. Shaving him was the cruelest thing Tyrion could have done, thought Jaime, who knew what it was to lose a part of yourself, the part that made you who you were.

That right there might be more missing tongue foreshadowing.

I'm still not a believer, but I'll continue to include it.

+.+.+

"Ser Jaime, I have seen terrible things in my time," the old man said. "Wars, battles, murders most foul . . . I was a boy in Oldtown when the grey plague took half the city and three-quarters of the Citadel. Lord Hightower burned every ship in port, closed the gates, and commanded his guards to slay all those who tried to flee, be they men, women, or babes in arms. They killed him when the plague had run its course. On the very day he reopened the port, they dragged him from his horse and slit his throat, and his young son's as well. To this day the ignorant in Oldtown will spit at the sound of his name, but Quenton Hightower did what was needed. Your father was that sort of man as well. A man who did what was needed."

Well, I know one thing, we're not reading this random story for no reason.

A part of me believes Aegon won't engage with King's Landing, instead he'll go to Dorne + the Reach after the stormlands.

Jon Connington and his greyscale being near Oldtown fits with what the show tried to do with Jorah Mormont.

+.+.+

It was my work, not his, Jaime almost told her. Instead he had promised to find what answers he could from the chief undergaoler, a bentback old man named Rennifer Longwaters.

"I see you wonder, what sort of name is that?" the man had cackled when Jaime went to question him. "It is an old name, 'tis true. I am not one to boast, but there is royal blood in my veins. I am descended from a princess. My father told me the tale when I was a tad of a lad." Longwaters had not been a tad of a lad for many a year, to judge from his spotted head and the white hairs growing from his chin. "She was the fairest treasure of the Maidenvault. Lord Oakenfist the great admiral lost his heart to her, though he was married to another. She gave their son the bastard name of 'Waters' in honor of his father, and he grew to be a great knight, as did his own son, who put the 'Long' before the 'Waters' so men might know that he was not basely born himself. So I have a little dragon in me."

The mystery is solved! Daenerys, Rennifer Longwaters, and Brown Ben Plumm are the three heads of the dragon.

I understand this story gets more developed in the side books (and I am unfamiliar with it), but if you only read the above, it would be hard to not see hints of Rhaegar, Lyanna, and Jon Snow.

+.+.+

Mention that royal blood once more and I may spill some of it, thought Jaime. "Who saw these reports?"

"Certain of them went to the master of coin, others to the master of whisperers. All to the chief gaoler and the King's Justice. It has always been so in the dungeons." Longwaters scratched his nose. "Rugen was here when need be, my lord. That must be said. The black cells are little used. Before your lordship's little brother was sent down, we had Grand Maester Pycelle for a time, and before him Lord Stark the traitor. There were three others, common men, but Lord Stark gave them to the Night's Watch. I did not think it good to free those three, but the papers were in proper order. I made note of that in a report as well, you may be certain of it."

The previous master of coin is subtly mentioned, but don't think for one second that will help Jaime.

Ned sent Rorge, Biter, and Jaqen to the Night's Watch. I bet he wishes he could take that one back, hahaha.

+.+.+

"Tell me of the two gaolers who went to sleep."

"Gaolers?" Longwaters sniffed. "Those were no gaolers. They were merely turnkeys. The crown pays wages for twenty turnkeys, my lord, a full score, but during my time we have never had more than twelve. We are supposed to have six undergaolers as well, two on each level, but there are only the three."

[...]

Six prisoners, Jaime thought sourly, while we pay wages for twenty turnkeys, six undergaolers, a chief undergaoler, a gaoler, and a King's Justice.

Is Jaime going to ask himself who's collecting those wages if the positions aren't filled?

No, of course not, every dumb Lannister must have a Littlefinger blind spot. It's a prerequisite.

+.+.+

"I want to question these two turnkeys."

[...]

But, ser, if I may be so bold, I do not think them like to answer. They are dead, my lord."

Jaime frees Tyrion, and four people die for it, including his father. That's what a redemption arc looks like, right?

The three children continue to honour Tywin's legacy by always making everything worse.

+.+.+

Ser Osmund shrugged. "They won't be missed. I'll wager they was part of it, along with the one who's gone missing."

No, Jaime could have told him. Varys dosed their wine to make them sleep.

[...]

"If I had a suspicious nature I might wonder why you were in such haste to make certain these two were never put to the question. Did you need to silence them to conceal your own part in this?"

"Us?" Kettleblack choked on that. "All we done was what the queen commanded. On my word as your Sworn Brother."

The gall to accuse others of being involved. Lol

Never change, Jaime Lannister.

+.+.+

The sun had set for good and all. The stench of death was growing stronger, despite the scented candles. The smell reminded Jaime Lannister of the pass below the Golden Tooth, where he had won a glorious victory in the first days of the war. On the morning after the battle, the crows had feasted on victors and vanquished alike, as once they had feasted on Rhaegar Targaryen after the Trident. How much can a crown be worth, when a crow can dine upon a king?

Everyone sit back and enjoy the thought of birds eating Rhaegar Targaryen.

A crow dining upon a king, eh? Is that Castle Black mutiny foreshadowing or Bloodraven vs. Bran foreshadowing?

+.+.+

There were crows circling the seven towers and great dome of Baelor's Sept even now, Jaime suspected, their black wings beating against the night air as they searched for a way inside. Every crow in the Seven Kingdoms should pay homage to you, Father. From Castamere to the Blackwater, you fed them well.

Are you sure they're not eagles?

+.+.+

A woman stood before him.

It is raining again, he thought when he saw how wet she was. The water was trickling down her cloak to puddle round her feet. How did she get here? I never heard her enter. She was dressed like a tavern wench in a heavy roughspun cloak, badly dyed in mottled browns and fraying at the hem. A hood concealed her face, but he could see the candles dancing in the green pools of her eyes, and when she moved he knew her.

"Cersei." He spoke slowly, like a man waking from a dream, still wondering where he was. "What hour is it?"

"The hour of the wolf." His sister lowered her hood, and made a face. "The drowned wolf, perhaps." She smiled for him, so sweetly.

Look, a hooded drowned wolf is visiting Jaime!

Run, bitch.

+.+.+

"Jaime, Kevan has refused me. He will not serve as Hand, he . . . he knows about us. He said as much."

"Refused?" That surprised him. "How could he know? He will have read what Stannis wrote, but there is no . . ."

HOW COULD HE NOT?

+.+.+

She wants something of me. "Why are you here, at this hour? What would you have of me?" His last word echoed up and down the sept, mememememememememememe, fading to a whisper. For a moment he dared to hope that all she wanted was the comfort of his arms.

[...]

"Be my Hand," she pleaded, "and we'll rule the Seven Kingdoms together, like a king and his queen."

"You were Robert's queen. And yet you won't be mine."

"I would, if I dared. But our son—"

Couldn't help but notice you both want something from the other.

+.+.+

Jaime could smell the fear on her, even through the rank stench of the corpse. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her, to bury his face in her golden curls and promise her that no one would ever hurt her . . . not here, he thought, not here in front of the gods, and Father. "No," he said. "I cannot. Will not."

Yeah, who would ever have sex in a church in front of a dead family member?

+.+.+

Dawn caught Jaime almost unawares. As the glass in the dome began to lighten, suddenly there were rainbows shimmering off the walls and floors and pillars, bathing Lord Tywin's corpse in a haze of many-colored light. The King's Hand was rotting visibly. His face had taken on a greenish tinge, and his eyes were deeply sunken, two black pits. Fissures had opened in his cheeks, and a foul white fluid was seeping through the joints of his splendid gold-and-crimson armor to pool beneath his body.

Aww, Tywin got his rainbow!

+.+.+

Shortly after, a flock of novices came swinging censers, and the air grew so thick with incense that the bier seemed cloaked in smoke. All the rainbows vanished in that perfumed mist, yet the stench persisted, a sweet rotten smell that made Jaime want to gag.

Do the Daenerys fans read these books with their eyes closed?

+.+.+

". . . she's been fucking Lancel and Osmund Kettleblack and Moon Boy for all I know . . ."

Jaime had seen Kettleblack naked in the bathhouse, had seen the black hair on his chest, and the coarser thatch between his legs. He pictured that chest pressed against his sister's, that hair scratching the soft skin of her breasts. She would not do that. The Imp lied. Spun gold and black wire tangled, sweaty. Kettleblack's narrow cheeks clenching each time he thrust. Jaime could hear his sister moan. No. A lie.

Listen, I love when the twins torture each other, but I genuinely feel bad for him on this one.

+.+.+

Red-eyed and pale, Cersei climbed the steps to kneel above their father, drawing Tommen down beside her. The boy recoiled at the sight, but his mother seized his wrist before he could pull away. "Pray," she whispered, and Tommen tried. But he was only eight and Lord Tywin was a horror. One desperate breath of air, then the king began to sob. "Stop that!" Cersei said. Tommen turned his head and doubled over, retching. His crown fell off and rolled across the marble floor. His mother pulled back in disgust, and all at once the king was running for the doors, as fast as his eight-year-old legs could carry him.

Did we need two chapters dedicated to Tywin's funeral? Absolutely not, but I still enjoyed every word.

+.+.+

"I wasn't scared," the boy insisted. "The smell made me sick. Didn't it make you sick? How could you bear it, Uncle, ser?"

[...]

"The world is full of horrors, Tommen. You can fight them, or laugh at them, or look without seeing . . . go away inside."

Tommen considered that. "I . . . I used to go away inside sometimes," he confessed, "when Joffy . . ."

"Joffrey." Cersei stood over them, the wind whipping her skirts around her legs. "Your brother's name was Joffrey. He would never have shamed me so."

You don't want to be reading that so close to the introduction of Aeron Dam-phair's rusted iron hinges.

+.+.+

The queen drew Tommen to her side. Mace Tyrell bowed before them. "His Grace is not unwell, I hope?"

"The king was overwhelmed by grief," said Cersei.

"As are we all. If there is aught that I can do . . ."

High above, a crow screamed loudly. He was perched on the statue of King Baelor, shitting on his holy head. "There is much and more you can do for Tommen, my lord," Jaime said. "Perhaps you would do Her Grace the honor of supping with her, after the evening services?"

[...]

But when Tyrell had taken his leave and Tommen had been sent off with Ser Addam Marbrand, she turned on Jaime angrily. "Are you drunk or dreaming, ser? Pray tell, why am I having supper with that grasping fool and his puerile wife?" A gust of wind stirred her golden hair. "I will not name him Hand, if that's what—"

Is. . . is someone watching? Is. . . is Mace Tyrell full of shit?

+.+.+

"You need Tyrell," Jaime broke in, "but not here. Ask him to capture Storm's End for Tommen. Flatter him, and tell him you need him in the field, to replace Father. Mace fancies himself a mighty warrior. Either he will deliver Storm's End to you, or he will muck it up and look a fool. Either way, you win."

"Storm's End?" Cersei looked thoughtful. "Yes, but . . . Lord Tyrell has made it tediously plain that he will not leave King's Landing till Tommen marries Margaery."

Jaime sighed. "Then let them wed. It will be years before Tommen is old enough to consummate the marriage. And until he does, the union can always be set aside. Give Tyrell his wedding and send him off to play at war."

The union can always be set aside? Hmmm.

I was blown away to find people in this fandom applauding Jaime for this clever suggestion. I thought we all understood everything this family does badly backfires? I guess not.

Mace Tyrell will leave for Storm's End, but he'll bring Mathis Rowan with him, who has just been removed from the small council by Cersei. Mace will then return to King's Landing once Margaery is imprisoned, leaving Rowan and his forces at Storm's End to lay siege. Aegon VI and the Golden Company now approach.

Mathis Rowan.

"Prince Doran comes at my son's invitation," Lord Tywin said calmly, "not only to join in our celebration, but to claim his seat on this council, and the justice Robert denied him for the murder of his sister Elia and her children."

Tyrion watched the faces of the Lords Tyrell, Redwyne, and Rowan, wondering if any of the three would be bold enough to say, "But Lord Tywin, wasn't it you who presented the bodies to Robert, all wrapped up in Lannister cloaks?" None of them did, but it was there on their faces all the same. Redwyne does not give a fig, he thought, but Rowan looks fit to gag. - Tyrion III, ASOS

That Mathis Rowan.

I will not pretend to know what's going to happen in the story (ha, lies), but I will say, I would not want a spurned Mathis Rowan anywhere near King Aegon Targaryen while a Cersei of House Lannister targets Tyrells in King's Landing, and Tommen patiently waits for his death.

Good idea in theory Jaime, but the chess pieces (Friends in the Reach) are not placed where you want them.

+.+.+

A wary smile crept across his sister's face. "Even sieges have their dangers," she murmured. "Why, our Lord of Highgarden might even lose his life in such a venture."

"There is that risk," conceded Jaime. "Especially if his patience runs thin this time, and he elects to storm the gate."

Cersei gave him a lingering look. "You know," she said, "for a moment you sounded quite like Father."

Is that supposed to a compliment?

It's like when someone compares Daenerys to Rhaegar.

Final thoughts:

Do you have any idea how hard it would be to manage a ranking of the dumbest Lannisters?

Poor Kevan.

-> return to menu <-

#operation stumpy re-read #affc #jaime i

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mercurygray · 11 months

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More regency AU for @kmk1701d, who prompted "Could we get more Regency AU? I’d love to see Dick and Joan at the first event after launching their scheme. 😍"

These were not his people at all.

Dick could remember the last time he had been at a party like this - in honor of the regiment, at his colonel's house. A chance to show off to the neighborhood, as it were - he remembered dancing with every single girl there, including the colonel's niece, who actually asked him twice. It had all been rather splendid, with the candles and a preponderance of gold braid, and far too much punch. He remembered feeling caught out, unsure of what to say, or to whom, too afraid that the wrong thing would land him in trouble with a young lady's father - or, possibly worse, with the colonel himself.

He survived the night and lived to tell the tale (though Lewis loved to laugh about it afterwards, in the right company) and here he was, back again for more. And he was already attracting some long looks - these families all knew each other and here was an unknown quantity, a figure in their mathematics that they could not solve, just yet. Let them wonder a while, Lewis had counseled, as they arranged to arrive separately so no one could connect them together. It will add to the fun.

But tonight would be different, from the Colonel's party - tonight, he would be in disguise. He had a new suit, superfine broadcloth in such a deep black as to resemble jet, bringing out his shirt and stock in fine, creamy white. The dancing shoes also were new, and the stockings, showing off what the shopkeeper had nearly crowed to the entire shop were extremely fashionable legs. A gentleman of quality, that was what they would say. But who?

He would let them wonder - that was part of the game. He kept to the side of the festivities, quite content (or something similar) to remain an object of speculation until he could hear Joan being announced at the door.

The room turned. This was her first appearance out, she'd said, since the news of her 'engagement' had been circulated, and people were anxious for news, confirmation, denial or both. And she looked the part, for certain.

Joan was radiant in a warm, pale blue, a modest coronet of precious stones perched in her dark hair and sapphires at her throat, and for a bare moment, he forgot who she was to him, or he to her, caught up, just like everyone else, in merely seeing her.

He was almost as startled as everyone else when she came to a stop just in front of him, holding out her hand for him to kiss, and greet her. "Captain."

And how could he not smile, when she looked at him with those eyes, and that expression on her face, the suggestion on her lips of a just-barely-kept secret that pleased her to no end. (She was, he was appreciating very quickly, a much better liar than he.)

"Your Grace." He raised her hand to his lips, and realized, in the moment, that the eyes of the entire room were on them, waiting to have confirmed what they had previously only read - that this was the mysterious suitor who had ensnared a Duchess. "People are looking," he murmured, just for her.

"They are welcome to look," she replied, still smiling as she withdrew her hand. "We shall take a turn about the room, I think."

"And then a dance," he confirmed, holding out his arm so that she might take it.

"My thoughts exactly."

Lewis had warned him about this. People will have three thoughts, when they see you together. The first was that you were a fiction. The second will be that you are a fortune-hunter, who has only ensnared the Duchess with pretty words and your fine face. The third - and this is what they find dangerous - will be that she knows something about you that they do not. We cannot stop the first, or the second - that has been in everyone's mind since the gossip started- but the third is something we can use. Her arm was warm on his own, and the closeness of her body to his was…strange, and unnerving. She was nothing to him, and yet- something, here, with the eyes of everyone upon her. Much is expected of her, as her uncle's heir. They are merely waiting for her to fall. But she has not fallen yet, Lewis had said. Nor do I think she ever will.

His hand came to rest, almost of its own accord, on her arm, already linked with his own, and her face turned towards his, to smile. And certainly not while I am here, he added in his head.

#i have written a thing #mercurygraypresents #regency au #fun with dick and joan #joan warren

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goodguynickachievement · 5 months

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Favorite PN1 camper storyline? E.g. Elton and Mills’s relationship, Maloof and Mikhail becoming mobsters, that kinda stuff! ^.^

Clem and Crystal

I wish there were opportunities to appreciate Clem and Crystal's positivity. I had a feeling something was off regarding their sunshine demeanor. They're just kids! I don't remember saving Clem's brain but I remember the dialogue had with Crystal.

CONTENT WARNING: SUICIDE

It was something along the lines of Crystal attempting to jump off the roof because the poison didn't work. I was surprised as the sudden insert of that subplot, but not surprised that it's a very realistic reaction if this world does it best to snuff out others' candle.

So many questions about them: Why are they extremely happy? Did they have a background in which they were forced to be super positive? Were they usually this happy, when did those thought start? Who do I have to punt so they don't have to worry about being overly happy??

My heart was broken in finding out that they both actually attempted. I've known people who has attempted/had thoughts and thankfully lived.

Suddenly inserting it in a 2000s game, I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be written as a joke or something to make the player think twice.

In older cartoon gags, this would pass as it was a different time. Now in the modern age, this is something that caused me to pause and reflect more on their backstories, and if they actually survived when they're outside of their camp.

Did Raz think about them outside of camp, regretting telling them to shut up and such? Makes you really think.

To tell you the truth, I actually missed hearing them cheering for Raz during the second half of the story. They seemed like they'd be willing to help if someone asked them, and they were always participating in every activity.

From the perspective of one who's completed Psychonauts 2, I think they'd be good reinforcements at the Psychoisolation chamber with a little discipline on how to use indoor voices. Compton Boole could use some friendly agents!

Or even better, assistants for Coach Oleander! It seemed weird that the interns were assigned to mentors who had different interests than they did, so if the Psychonauts 1 campers became interns - It'd honestly be a mess. I think Oleander would be interested in recruiting them both as cheerleaders and happy sidekicks for his agent missions.

Maloof and Mikhail

The dynamic duo! I didn't see a lot of interactions with them except when during the near climaxing of the story. I REALLY hope they got to punt Bobby, and find the bear Mikhail was after.

I admire that Mikhail was always there for Maloof, and thought of him throughout the story. I liked how Maloof started out as afraid but was written to be brave in the end. They're very sweet children who didn't mind sticking around Raz despite his inner conflict. Mikhail remained the least unchanging but I'm glad to see that it was a consistent factor that didn't drastically change the storyline.

Other campers

I currently have no other thoughts on the other campers because I didn't interact with them as much.

Using the Dowsing Rod became a primary concern over wanting to read into everyone else's storyline. My opinions might change over time when I replay the game, we'll see!

My least favorite campers are currently Nils, Bobby, Elka, and the two girls that were making the friendship bracelets. Raz as a good spirit for being able to tolerate these people without yeeting them off the cliffs.

#psychonauts #psychonauts 1 #asks

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bad-mixed-lib-dyke · 5 months

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Small Update on the "Marriage" Thing

This is an update to this post

I've been busy and this week is finals so I can't get into as much as I wish but did wanna make an update while I'm fairly close to things. Not a super horny update, that will likely cum later~

Everything went/is going really well.

Better than I ever could have imagined.

The courtship week went pretty well. There was one night where things were pushed a little too far. But it was ok.

There was one night where I found out something really upsetting that was being actively hidden from me and it triggered a bunch of flashbacks and I thought he was in on it but I guess he really didn't know. That actually lead to a lot of good things for us. Though it's fucked up both of our trust in the friend I took the trip with here, forever in my case.

But that lead to him giving me the passcode to his phone and computer to try to establish trust. Also discussions about radical honesty (which my autistic ass already does, but it's nice to have it reciprocated)

We also went over some times from our past where I held trauma which was super healing and has made us closer than ever :3

We were able to find everything we were looking for thrifting. A dress and veil for me, the perfect champagne flutes, I got stuff to make a flower crown. The perfect ring for me.

The ceremony was just us, I put candles all over and we read our vows to each other. These are the ones I wrote if anyone cares.

I was worried I wouldn't be able to hold up my end of the "free use" deal, but we had a lot of conversation about boundaries and stuff (my ring position would imply different levels of consent :3) But I wound up not having to worry. I've had no issues in submitting whatsoever.

Some people seem to have the impression I'm gold star? I'm not. This wasn't my first time sleeping with a man. This wasn't even my first time sleeping with this man (though I have had my first time being sober/remembering it XD)

I'm sure I'll write more on that later :3

I started cleaning around his room while he's at work and after the first day, where I was super careful not to move things too far or make any major adjustments, he sat me down and told me to do whatever I wanted. He really emphasized that he trusts me and wants me to feel comfortable in the space too. It was really sweet.

I wound up spending 2 and a half weeks at his place, and the drop we both had when I came home was intense.

I was only supposed to be there for a week, but the night I was supposed to come home I got a fever. He took care of me and caught it from me(we're pretty sure I got it from his roommate), I cared for him while also dying cause I got my period right as I was recovering XDD

I'm so glad I'm doing this with someone I know so well and can have so much trust and love with. Honestly, for a fake relationship, it's probably the best one I've ever been in.

It was supposed to be a scene we did sometimes, but we sort of just slipped into it being 24/7

Our Song is House of Asmodeus from HelluvaBoss

His nickname for me is "My Little Imp Wife"

The things I get in trouble for are for thinking and saying "sorry" (He will let me know if I need to apologize and otherwise I'm thinking for myself again)

I made the account @mrsroswell for him so a lot of my more housewifey submissive stuff might wind up over there for those who like that kind of thing.

Alright, this is long enough and I have homework. Thanks to anyone who read this far XD

If anyone has any questions about the arrangement, feel free to ask them~

#personal

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13meigo · 1 year

Text

A snakes plaything | Fifth year || Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 18 | Imperio

!Ominis Content!

It was driving her mad.

First Sebastian and now those visions. Violetta was on the brink of insanity. Day after day she tried to figure out who Ruth Sallow was. She went to the picture when she had her night in Slytherin and there was the picture but Ruth wasn't in it. Instead, it was a sleeping snake that she accidentally woke up. It hissed at her and Violetta made sure to get very quickly very far away from the painting. Also, Violetta went through old school documents after she sneaked into the library at night. Nothing!

The only things that she found were records of Anne's and Sebastian's father and their uncle when they went to school. It was like their aunt never existed. But in the picture Violetta saw she was definitely older, maybe 18 or 19. Maybe Ruth Sallow never went to Hogwarts?

Violetta doubted that tho. The whole Sallow family went to Hogwarts, so why not her too?

Maybe someone removed all traces of her.

But why would someone do something like that?

Of course to hide something.

Violetta sat in the pile of papers. The only light source was an almost burned-down candle sitting on the desk next to her. Violetta stood up. With the wave of her wand, the papers and pictures began flying around and back into their places.

'There must be another way.' Violetta whispered desperately and leaned on the table. Her thoughts were a mess and her gaze wandered over to the restricted section. No, that was too dangerous. She sighed and looked up to the ceiling.

A shiver ran down her spine and she felt the dark ancient magic again. A spark of red flared up in her eyes. Darkness ran in the veins of her neck.

One of the three unforgivable curses might come in handy.

Oh no, there was this voice again.

Don't pretend like you haven't thought about this too.

What did it mean?

Violetta, which curse allows you to manipulate people?

Imperio.

Good, who has experience with curses next to Sebastian?

'Ominis.' Violetta said and lowered her gaze. 'Ominis must know it for sure. But how do I get him to teach me? He is absolutely against curses.'

Just let me handle it, also he seemed to be quite fond of you don't you think?

Violetta's eyes widened. Maybe the voice was right.

Of course, I am. Do you remember the small gifts, his subtle touches, the way he answers you? You start to make him fall head over heels for you. Take advantage of it.

'But I don't want to hurt him!' Violetta said horrified at the voice's words. 'He is my friend.'

Dont worry. I won't hurt him. I promise.

This time the words felt honest. The way it talked about Ominis was way different than when it spoke about Sebastian. Violetta swallowed hard and she balled her fists. Was she really going to take this path? Well, what other choice did she have?

Violetta decided that she would do it as the voice said.

Violetta looked at the old grandfather clock at the base of the stairs by the classroom from defense against the dark arts. Again it was the middle of the night. Somehow her half-stuttered excuse to meet up with Ominis was apparently believable enough for him to agree to meet up at the undercroft. Still, with his vague way distractions, she managed to find a way. Violetta was nervous since it was her first real meetup with him. Also, she was stressed when she remembered that the voice said that it'll handle the situation. Violetta fumbled with the hem of her blazer. What if Ominis won't show her how the curse is cast?

Violetta took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She needed to be braver one day she told herself. Violetta opened her dark eyes again and waved her wand at the clock.

The mechanism started to spin and click quietly and the clock opened to reveal a dimly light passage with stairs leading down.

With stiff legs, she stepped into the passage and down the stairs. Violetta heard the door behind her close and she knew that there was no going back now. The butterflies in her stomach were making her nauseous. Again those damn butterflies.

With every step, Violetta realized more that she might have found herself now in an absolute chaos of feeling. Was she really going to be between two options?

Violetta reached the end of the stairs and found herself in a type of crypt with barrels and boxes. Pillars made from sandstone held the ceiling and touches lit the room.

'You really took your sweet time didn't you?' A voice echoed in the room. Ominis leaned against a pillar to her left. His pale eyes looked right through her. His Slytherin uniform fitted him so perfectly, well he was an heir of Slytherin so what did she expect?

'Sorry I had a bit of trouble finding here.' She lied with a trembling voice while she walked over to him. Ominis huffed and smiled.

Oh, she knew damn well that he could tell that this was a lie.

'Tell me, why did you want to talk with me privately?' Ominis said softly. Violetta's hands sweated. How could she put the words right to not make him mad?

A sensation built in her.

Oh no, the ancient magic was back. This wasn't the right moment at all!

Violetta watched in horror how the veins of her hands turned black. Violetta's eyes turned red. Thank god Ominis was blind.

'I would like you to teach me how to cast 'Imperio'.' Violetta felt the words spill out of her mouth. Violetta watched Ominis's face turn from a sweet smile to an expression of disbelief. Ominis shook his head.

'You gotta be kidding me.' He sounded so offended it hurt Violetta. 'Why don't you go and ask Sebastian, he is the type of person who would love to teach you that.'

'The problem is, that I need to learn it because of him, well more because of his family.' Violetta spoke calmly.

'You want to use it on who? Anne? Sebastian?' Ominis started to get angry. 'You should listen to yourself! You sound like Sebastian all over.'

'I need to cast it on his uncle.' Ominis didn't expect this answer.

'Why?' He asked baffled.

'It has something to do with Sebastian's aunt Ruth Sallow.'

'Why don't you ask Sebastian or his uncle yourself?' Ominis crossed his arms.

'I already asked his uncle but his answers were quite vague.' Violetta explained, well more the ancient magic did. 'I can't ask Sebastian since he is treating me like shit. I don't even know why. So, I will not bow down to him if I have no insurance that he will know something about his aunt.'

'Why do you want to know things about his aunt so desperately? It makes no sense to me!' Ominis said rubbing his forehead. Violetta thought. Should she answer him truly or lie?

He deserves the truth.

'I started to have visions and dreams about her even before I learned who she was. I began seeing her after I... ' Violetta stopped in her sentence. '... I agreed to a deal with the ancient magic.'

A silence set in the room. Ominis looked at her with a mixture of sadness and surprise.

'So Sebastian told the truth.' Ominis said and sighed. 'Why did you agree to it?'

'I agreed to protect. I know it wasn't a smart decision.' Violetta stepped closer to him. 'I have the feeling that Ruth Sallow is related to ancient magic too. So this brings us here.'

'I understand but I have so many questions...' Ominis said softly and his face and his body relaxed.

'I know that you have and I will answer them later.' Violetta said and stepped closer again. 'I beg you again if you could show me how to cast 'Imperio'.' Ominis looked at her with a view she didn't know how to interpret.

'I will show you.' He said and pushed himself off the pillar. Violetta felt that he went against his morals.

'Thank you, Ominis.' Violetta said with a smile.

'Don't thank me. You haven't cast it yet.'Ominis said and his lips curled into a soft smile. 'Imperio is only working for a certain amount of time. You can see how in the eyes of the cursed person how much time you still have left before the curse dissolves. The person will not remember what happened. You must be clear with the intention, you have to mean it.' Violetta listened to his words silently nodding. Ominis walked behind her and stopped.

'Pull your wand, Violetta.' He spoke quietly. Violetta pulled her wand from the waistband of her skirt and pointed it at the wall opposite her.

Without any warning, Ominis stepped closer and his chest hit her back. Violetta felt her heartbeat spike. Ominis laid his hands on her shoulders. With his right hand, he traveled across her arm towards her hand. His fingers wrapped around her hand. Violetta was so close to him, too close. Her body began trembling. Maybe it was herself or maybe the ancient magic controlling her. Violetta leaned back into Ominis and she felt her ass rub against his crotch. This earned a sharp exhale from Ominis.

'Sorry.' Violetta mumbled quickly and her face turned red. What was happening to her?

'It's okay.' Ominis said quickly. She could tell that he was caught off guard.

Somehow it was funny to watch him being so stunned by this small thing.

'This is the movement for the curse.' Ominis said with a trembling voice. He moved Violetta's hand in a certain way and she tried to remember. The hold from Ominis on her was harder than expected.

'Then you need to say the curse clearly.' Ominis spoke and let Violetta go. He took a step back and breath out. Violetta turned to him.

'What now?' She said with a shaking voice.

'You need to cast it.' Ominis said neutrally. The realization hit Violetta like a ton of bricks. Her eyes widened in horror at the meaning of his sentence.

'No, no. I won't cast that on you.' Violetta said mortified.

'No, you need to. You need to learn to not have it backfire when you use it on Solomon.' Ominis said. His eyes looked so sad. It broke Violetta's heart but she positioned herself across from him in front of some boxes.

'Are you ready?' Violetta asked and pointed her wand with a shaking hand at her friend.

'I am, do it.' He spoke. Violetta swallowed hard.

'Imperio!' Violetta said and a flash of green magic shot out of her wand tip, hitting Ominis. His eyes glowed a soft green.

What should she demand from him now?

She hasn't even thought about that!

Violetta felt the panic rise in her.

'Kiss me like you wanted to do it the whole time, Ominis.' Violetta's eyes widened in terror. She didn't say that! It wasn't her!

It was ancient magic!

Violetta dropped her wand in shock and Ominis stepped towards her. Violetta walked backward until her back hit the boxes. She really should have positioned herself better.

Ominis got closer, only some steps more. Violetta wanted to make him stop but the words just didn't exit her mouth.

He nearly reached her. Violetta parted her lips and pressed her back into the boxes more. Her legs were shaking.

Ominis stood in front of her and looked with his eyes down at her. His chest heaved up and down. His hand found her cheek and when his fingertips touched her blushing skin, he got one more step closer, trapping her between him and the boxes behind her.

Violetta watched his lips tremble and his face got closer and closer to hers. Violetta closer her eyes.

His lips met hers and this simple touch escalated into a wild kiss. His lips were so hungry for her and Violetta let him devour her. Ominis tongue entered her mouth fighting for domination. His hand wandered from her cheek to the back of her head. His fingers got tangled in her dark hair. Ominis's other hand sneaked on her back lower back pushing her into him. Violetta felt that he got more and more worked up.

This kiss, this touches. How long was he yearning for her to let it become this bad?

Ominis released the kiss and yanked her hair to the side exposing her sensitive neck. Violetta opened her eyes slightly. His lips were red like hers. His eyes still glowed green.

The curse was still working.

Ominis's lips came crashing down on her neck and he kissed her skin until he opened his mouth and began sucking at her soft skin in a very obvious place. Violetta felt the pressure rise. Her skin felt like it was on fire. Her desire flared up. What was he doing to her?

the noises of him sucking at her skin weren't making it better until they stopped suddenly. Violetta opened her eyes completely and Ominis pulled his head back. His eyes were back to normal. He was still breathing so heavily and some strands of his light hair fell onto his forehead. Ominis let her go silently.

Violetta knew that he quickly put two and two together.

'From all things, you wanted to see that from me?' Ominis asked betrayed. The ancient magic left Violetta's body. What should she do now?

Violetta stepped forwards and pushed her lips into his. Quickly she released, grabbed her wand, and ran out of the undercroft as fast as she could leaving Ominis behind stunned.

Why did she do that?

Why was she giving him hope?

Was it maybe because she began falling for him too?

If you enjoy the content please leave a vote, add it to your library, and follow to not miss any updates! xx Meigo

#hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow fanfiction #sebastian sallow x mc #sebastian sallow x reader #hogwarts oc #hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry #ominis gaunt #ominis gaunt x mc #ominis gaunt x reader

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ladykissingfish · 2 years

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Hi! I love your quirky headcanons, especially the ones you do for the Akatsuki. I was wondering if you could do one where you talk about how each member celebrates their birthday? Thanks!

Konan: February 20

Very quiet and low key. The most she’ll want to do is go out for a nice dinner at a sit-down restaurant. She’d also be perfectly content with just staying home and relaxing with those closest to her, maybe make some desserts together ((she keeps herself on a really strict no-sugar diet, her birthday is one of the few days she’ll break her own rules)) and watch some of her favorite movies. She’ll dress very pretty on the day (nice dress, maybe fix her hair in a different way, etc). However she’s not one of those people that will be upset if nobody remembers that it’s her special day; not that Pein aka Nagato would let the others forget. In reality her day always tends to make her a bit sad, because she shares it with her long-lost lover and friend, Yahiko.

Pein (Nagato): September 19

The leader of the Akatsuki doesn’t really care for his own birthday. Konan is the only one who knows when it is, and she’ll always prepare him an extra-special meal and spend more time with him on that day, but that’s about it. In truth Nagato is much more concerned with celebrating Konan’s birthday, because her day was once shared with his best, dearly departed friend, Yahiko. Every year on a Konan’s birthday he and Konan will sit in a circle and place a picture of Yahiko, surrounded by candles, and Yahiko’s favorite treats, on a chair. They’ll spend quite a while talking to their friend, telling him of things going on in their lives, laughing and joking and just generally trying to honor his memory.

Obito: February 10

Obito does not acknowledge, care about, or “celebrate” his birthday in any capacity. It’s unknown whether or not he had any liking for it as a young kid, but as a teenager, his time spent in the cave with Madara significantly altered whatever feelings he may have had towards the day. Obito happened to share a birthday with Madara’s precious little brother Izuna, and every year on that day, Madara would talk Obito’s ear off about the lost Uchiha. How intelligent he was, what a brave warrior he was, how strong, how handsome, how absolutely perfect. All the while giving Obito subtle (and not so subtle) “hints” that Obito wasn’t really “worthy” of sharing the day with this illustrious ancestor. The closest anyone in the Akatsuki comes to knowing the truth about Obito’s day is Deidara, after much pestering and prompting. The normally-goofy Tobi snapped at the blonde for the first time, and Deidara, startled, decided to leave the topic alone. “Tobi” apologized later, and explained more fully that his birthday wasn’t something he cared to think about. Deidara, in a rare instance of maturity, conveyed that he understood, and the topic wasn’t ever brought up again.

Zetsu: ???

… birthday? What the hell is a “birthday”? Zetsu feels themselves to be eternal, around much longer than the other so-called “immortals” of the group. Things that are forever have no beginning and no end, they just are. Therefore a “birthday”, whatever that was, has no significance for them.

Kakuzu: August 15

Every birthday that finds Kakuzu alive and well is significant because, as the saying goes, “Any birthday past 80 without a Headstone, is a Milestone”. And the old guy, well into his 90’s and going stronger than ever, certainly believes this. He’s the kind of person that won’t make a fusss about it being his birthday, and will grunt about being wished a happy birthday, but secretly, if nobody said anything at all he’d be really, really hurt. Makes sure to use all store and restaurant coupons/promotions that pertain to his day/month. MIGHT treat himself to a nice meal and some “decent” sake; or else drop “subtle” hints for the others to do so. Also makes the request that he doesn’t have to go on any missions or, if it’s unavoidable, to be assigned a different partner than Hidan so he can at least enjoy some peace and quiet on his day.

Hidan: April 2

Without his most revered Lord Jashin, Hidan wouldn’t have survived as long as he’s managed to. And he knows this. And he makes sure to show his appreciation via means of sacrifice. Each year on his birthday, depending on how old he’s turning, that’s how many victims Hidan tries to claim in the name of his lord. This is difficult, as each victim requires an extensive prayer ritual following the killing, and each person must get their OWN ritual, even if multiple people were killed at the same time. It’s very time consuming and a bit tedious, but it’s something Hidan manages to accomplish each year. If he manages to make it back to the hideout by the end of the day, he’ll humbly request that Konan make him something good to eat, to which she’ll happily comply … AFTER he’s taken a long, hot shower, that is.

Sasori: November 8

Sasori isn’t really one for flash and flare, and celebrating anything really isn’t his style. However, every year on his birthday, he goes into whatever passes for a kitchen, and makes himself a cake. This is a ritual that he’s carried with him since he turned into an adult, even after becoming a puppet. Sasori’s grandmother was never one for “celebrating” any kind of occasion, birthday or not. But his parents were a different story. Every year they’d go all out for their only child’s birthday, lavishing him with handmade gifts, and his mother would call him into their kitchen, and together they’d make his cake. Sasori loved this special time with his mother, standing on a chair by her side at the counter. Laughing, tasting batter, making elaborate designs in the frosting. Although Sasori has never come close to replicating the deliciousness his mother once created, he still gives it his all, and in doing so creates for himself a temporary peace. He always invites the others to have a piece, although Hidan refuses to because he believes the redhead is trying to poison them.

Deidara: May 5

Deidara celebrates his big day with a bang. Quite literally. He spends no less than a week beforehand creating all sorts of fantastical explosives, and on the day of, he gathers them together (along with Hidan and sometimes Tobi) and sets out to unleash his creations. It’s a ton of fun for him, although not so much for the people whose properties he wrecks. When he comes back to the hideout, Sasori and Konan will have a cake and some kind of meal waiting for him, and he’ll end the night spending time with the others.

Kisame: March 18

Big shark man has a big appetite, and on his birthday he likes to indulge. This will be one of the very few and very rare times Kakuzu turns a blind eye towards the food budget, and let’s Kisame get whatever he wants to have Konan prepare for them. Kisame is a good friend to him and unproblematic the rest of the year, so Kakuzu figures that him not complaining about money is a decent enough “gift” for the half-shark. When not eating, Kisame rather prefers to spend his down time much like any other day; reading, talking to the others, or quietly sharing a cup of tea with his partner Itachi. The latter always has some sort of gift for him, usually a hand-woven item like a threaded bracelet, or some small trinket for Samehada, which Kisame always appreciates.

Itachi: June 9

The calm one. The quiet one. The gentle, soft-spoken sweet one. The one who misses his family, and especially his beloved little brother, more than anything. Because of the life he’s lived and the things he’s done, Itachi doesn’t ever feel like he deserves to have any good things, and a birthday celebration of any kind is no different. But the others in the house, don’t quite see it that way. They know that Itachi would balk at a huge affair, but each of them, in their own ways, does something special for the pale brunette. Early in the morning he, Zetsu and Tobi take a walk, one where “Tobi” removes his mask and the three talk freely, away from the eyes and ears of the others. Zetsu listens as the two sharingan users chat over old times in the Uchiha compound, their families, and plans for the future (or as much of a “future” as Itachi can make it to). The rest of Itachi’s morning will be spent with Konan and Nagato, who will help him make a variety of sweet treats to share with the others later. No matter the occasion, Itachi never lets a day go by without doing some form of training and meditation, and on this day he will be joined by, surprisingly, Hidan and Deidara. Usually abrasive and impatient, the two will take the time to learn the different training methods Itachi practices, and they’ll hold calm, respectful conversations with him. Sasori will give him a small, carefully crafted puppet that’s been made to look just like him, which Itachi is enchanted by. Kakuzu is very gruff and usually doesn’t take the time to exchange pleasantries with the others, but for Itachi, he’ll go the extra mile and HUG the kid, which Itachi appreciates One thing that Itachi misses the most from his early life with his family was having dinner together every night, so on his birthday, the entire group makes sure to come together to share a meal in his honor. Itachi’s birthday will draw to a close with Kisame, where they’ll share a cup of fragrant tea and talk over the latest books they’ve read. Small gestures, really, but they mean the world to Itachi Uchiha.

#HAPPY BIRTHDAY ITACHI!!!#the akatsuki #ask #birthday celebration #itachi uchiha #obito uchiha #sasori #deidara #hidan #kakuzu #kisame #nagato #konan #zetsu

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somedayonbroadway · 1 year

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You’ve already done something similar but “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”

I’ll Be Home For Christmas is quite possibly the only Christmas song that makes me cry and I was getting a bit emotional while I wrote this. Let me know if you wanna see a bit more of this story! I had fun writing it.

Once upon a time, Christmas Eve was Jack’s favorite night of the year. He’d be the first to admit that his childhood hadn’t exactly been something to brag about. Addicted mother, abusive stepdad, dead brother, the whole nine yards. But Christmas Eve had always washed that all away when he was young. His mother would pretend that they were a whole, normal, loving family. She would tell Jack to open up one gift on Christmas Eve and then they would decorate cookies for Santa Claus, hoping that this would be the year he might come.

It didn’t matter that deep down, Jack had always known there would be no more gifts for him beneath the sad, dead Christmas tree. He could at least dream that night that things could turn out different.

When he held his child in his arms for the first time at fifteen years old, he vowed he’d never disappoint the kid on that Christmas morning. He’d spoil the boy rotten, he didn’t care if he had to hold down three jobs to do just that.

And now here he was, looking down over a city that he hated, on Christmas Eve, wondering where everything had gone so wrong. Maybe it started when he’d knocked up some girl he hadn’t even known the name of at first. Maybe it was when he’d promised to marry her even though they made each other miserable. Maybe it was when he’d told his son that he would never ever lie to him. Maybe it was when he had started kissing other people behind their apartment building. Maybe it was when he’d decided he wasn’t happy and quit his job without telling his wife or maybe it was when his ten year old son found him with a lawyer he’d met at a coffee shop.

The divorce had been brutal. Jack lost just about everything he had. None of it would’ve hurt so much. Things were just things. But his son… his son was too much for him to lose.

When the judge made his final decision, they’d gone out to find him, but Tyler James Kelly was nowhere to be found. Eleven years old and gone in New York.

Just thinking about it made Jack shed a few more tears for his baby boy. His little Racer. He remembered setting Tyler on his lap while he opened up a new set of pajamas every Christmas Eve. He remembered dressing the boy for bed and watching him fall asleep before he set out gifts beneath the tree. He remembered watching the wonder in the boy’s eyes as he rushed towards those gifts and he remembered holding the boy tightly as they danced around to cheesy Christmas music.

Jack used to go all out for Christmas. He used to get a tree and lights and pillows. Now he was in an empty apartment, up on the tenth floor. The ceiling was leaking and the lights didn’t turn on. Jack had a few candles lit but he was sitting in a crummy chair, watching the snowfall outside. He could see some families through the windows, eating Christmas Eve dinner and laughing, dancing, and listening to music. He bit his lip as his mind involuntarily thought about the possibilities.

The police told Jack four years ago that the probability of Tyler surviving out on the streets alone wasn’t high. He wondered if his baby was already gone. He could picture him in his head, curled up, purple and blue with no one to hold him. He wondered if he was still out there, all alone, scared, wondering if someone would come to find him. He went over it in his head every night. His therapist told him to let go, to come to terms with the fact that Tyler James was gone.

It was the most ludicrous thing Jack had ever heard. He’d stormed out of that session faster than he’d left anything else before. Sometimes he tried to imagine that his son had found a new place to stay, somewhere warm with lots of food and a bed for him to sleep in. Sometimes he wished that if he couldn’t look after his son, that someone else would.

The boy would be fifteen now. Just as old as Jack had been when he’d held him for the very first time.

When Jack’s phone rang, he was snapped out of his thoughts. He needed a distraction, anything to make these images in his head stop. “Hello?” he answered in a hushed voice. He was sure if he talked any louder, his voice would break. Not that it mattered, as he was expecting a machine.

What he got instead, was a young voice. “H-hi,” the voice said. “I-I’m with… um… I’m with the news. I’m calling to take a survey if you have a few minutes?”

With a small scoff. “You’re with ‘the news’?” Jack challenged. “You sure?” His Brooklyn accent was thick. He cleared his throat to try and get rid of it.

“N-no— listen, will you take the survey or not?” the kid asked.

With a small sigh, Jack nodded. “Sure, I will take a survey. What do you want first? My bank information or my social security number?” he teased.

A small laugh came through the speaker. “I mean, your bank information would be wonderful, but we can start easier maybe? Like… like, do you celebrate Christmas?”

Once again, looking over the city, Jack bit his lip. “I did…” he admitted.

“Okay, and when do you start celebrating during the year?” the person asked.

Swallowing hard, Jack answered, “Normally the day after Thanksgiving.”

The boy hummed in response. “Oh, me too! What a coincidence!” It sounded sarcastic, so Jack squinted a bit. “What is your favorite Christmas tradition?”

Jack shook his head. This wasn’t helping. “Look, kid, I don’t have time for prank calls, okay—?”

“Wait! Wait, just one more question! One more question,” the boy insisted quickly. Jack sniffled and waited. “C-can I come home?”

The whole world seemed to stop spinning at that question because Jack didn’t understand what was happening. He stood up and looked around, wondering if he was dreaming. “What?” he whispered.

The person on the other end of the line sniffled and let out a shaky breath like he was trying not to cry. “Daddy… Can I come home?”

Jack stopped breathing for a long moment because he knew he had to be dreaming. He shook his head, trying to snap out of it but he couldn’t quite get over the shock. “T-Tyler?” he whispered. Something in his chest pinged with pain when he thought about this being some random trick, some prank where the people on the other end didn’t know any better. But he couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down his face at the mere idea that any of this was real.

A knock came at his door and Jack jumped at the noise, dropping his phone out of instinct. He looked out the window and then back to the door, hesitantly opening it.

There stood a beautiful blond boy outside the door with these crystal blue eyes that tore Jack’s heart in half. He was wearing sweatpants and a few sweaters, his gloves torn through at the fingers. “H-hi, Dad,” the boy breathed.

Jack’s mouth hung open in terror and relief. He took a small step to the boy and shakily brought his hands up to the child’s hair, grasping it in his hands and running thumbs over the kid's face to make sure he was real. “Tyler?” he breathed again. The boy grabbed one of Jack’s wrists and held it gently, moving it so he could kiss Jack’s palm. His nose was freezing. Jack shook his head. “I-I d-don’t care if I’m dreamin’, just don’ lemme wake up,” he begged. “Tyler James?”

The boy finally looked up at him. “A-actually… I go by Anthony now. Anthony Higgins…” There was no doubt in Jack’s head. This was his child. This was his Tyler James. It only took a moment for Race to slouch forward a bit and rush into his dad’s chest, hugging him tightly, not only to reassure him, but for warmth. Jack almost lost his footing at the impact, but he gripped at the child, closing his eyes and letting this happen, letting himself believe that this could be real. “Y-you still give the best hugs,” Race whimpered. “I tell everyone that my dad gives the best hugs, ya know?”

Jack didn’t even think of letting go. Anger tried to build up inside of him but the worry shoved it aside, the astonishment subdued it and the love that he held for this boy killed it completely. “Is this real?”

The boy in his arms sniffled and pulled away enough to look up at Jack. “I really hope so,” he muttered. “I can’t keep doin’ this… it’s so stupid—!”

Jack shook his head, taking his son’s cheeks between his hands. “Hey, monkey,” he whispered. “What? What happened? Where did you go?” he nearly sobbed. “Why didn’t you come back? Why didn’t you call me to come get you sooner? Why did you leave me like that?”

The boy sniffled. “Can you please just hold me?” he whispered.

The request was so small that Jack had no choice but to abide. He hugged his son tightly in his arms. The boy was freezing. “Daddy’s got you,” he promised quietly. “I’m right here…”

The boy all but clung to him. Jack just closed the door behind him and scooped the boy up, carrying him to the couch and rocking him back and forth, letting tears stream down his face as he wrapped a blanket around the child’s shoulders. The kid was freezing. So Jack cuddled up close to him, trying to warm him up. Race giggled a little bit, but they were watery laughs.

He was terrified to ask where Race had been for these past few years. So he didn’t. He just held him, not understanding what had just happened.

And Race just closed his eyes and fell asleep in his dad’s arms, like everything was normal. Nothing was. Nothing was normal, nothing was familiar anymore. But Jack wouldn’t give up this moment. Not for anything.

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